Did you know that knitting has mental health benefits? Knitting involves the movement of the hands and fingers. This active finger and wrist movement, dexterity, and fine motor coordination can facilitate improvements in other functional skills. Recent studies show that knitting can help with: ▪Lowering blood pressure, ▪Reducing depression and anxiety, ▪Slowing onset of dementia, ▪Distracting from chronic pain, ▪Increasing sense of wellbeing, ▪Reducing loneliness and isolation. Knitting is one of many activities offered and encouraged at Sherwood House.
Community News
Endocrine Massage Testimonial
“Recently, I experienced my first endocrine massage and the repairing touch of a healer’s hands. This was a gentle stretch to balance my emotions, a soft awakening to bring about calmness. The massage began with my feet and Davana essential oil, which prepares the body like a primer, setting the scene for the gathering that follows. Jen has found a way to gather your emotions and bring balance back into the ‘crazy hormones’ that have been running amuck within. An amazing scalp and back massage followed. Afterwards, I felt calm. I felt peaceful. I felt balance.” Tamara Mize
Welcome 2024!
Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to concentrate on health and wellness? The WellnessHub, our local, online Health and Wellness resource has great information to help you with your health and wellness journey. It features hundreds of health tips and articles on a variety of health and wellness topics along with a directory of hundreds of local businesses and practitioners offering services and products. It is easy to search, access and share information. While you are checking out the WellnessHub, don’t forget to enter the January Contest. The draw date is January 31, 2024. Happy New Year!
Support is a Game Changer
2024 Post-holiday debt can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. The stress of overdue bills can tempt us to use gambling as a quick fix. Gambling can cost us everything—not only our money but our mental and physical health, especially when we are seeking financial or emotional relief. Free tools and confidential supports are available, including voluntary self-exclusions, gambling-blocking apps (GamBan, GamBlock), a 24/7 toll-free phone line, credit counsellors, financial advisors, ministers, pastors, podcasts (Fold ’Em), or connect with us. Support is a game-changer!
Supporting Our Communities
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2024 takes place on February 24th, 2024, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 180 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.
Remedy for Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is the development of calcium crystals in the body. It is especially painful when it develops in the joints. Contrary to common belief, it is not a normal part of aging. Crystals will develop if a body has been inactive for as little as two to three weeks. You can get rid of the calcium crystals in your body and, therefore, the symptoms of arthritis, by using movement. There are massage techniques that can be done by a practitioner, or you can learn how to perform these movements on yourself. Contact me for more information on massage services and self-massage classes.
Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice, offers holistic wellness benefits. By stimulating specific points in the body, it promotes energy flow, aiding in pain relief, stress reduction and improved circulation. This technique, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, can alleviate migraines and back pain, and even aid in managing chronic conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Acupuncture also supports mental health by reducing anxiety and enhancing relaxation. Incorporating acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside modern medicine fosters a balanced approach to health. Boost the effectiveness of an acupuncture session by being well-hydrated. Acupuncture is covered by Extended Health Care Plans.
Smoking Cessation Action Plan
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking? Your pharmacist can provide advice and guide you through this journey. Here’s an action plan: *Choose a starting point—pick a date, tell your friends and family, and ask them for support. *Meet your pharmacist to help determine how dependent you are on nicotine. *Follow a personalized treatment plan; your pharmacist can prescribe a tailored solution, including nicotine replacement products. *Reward yourself when you’re progressing. Many benefits of a smoke-free life can be felt in the long term, and some benefits are almost instant, so keep on going!
Danger of Negative Thoughts
Do you find yourself having negative thoughts? Negative thinking can be very harmful to our mental and physical health and make us weak. If we think, “I can’t do this” or “I am worthless,” we start to believe that it’s true. It is up to us to dismiss them. Thoughts are like clouds floating in the sky. We have the choice to latch onto them or to let them float by. What we latch onto most, whether positive or negative, becomes the trend. Positive thoughts make us strong. Make 2024 the year to be strong in mind and body.
Experience Healing and Stress Relief
Feeling stressed or tired after the holidays? The Energy Enhancement System (EESystemTM) can help. It generates life-enhancing energy fields that can promote healing. The possible health benefits include improved immune function, pain and stress relief, detoxification of the body, elevated moods and increased energy levels. It combines body, mind, spirit and science to help you achieve peak performance and reach higher states of health, consciousness and self-actualization. The future is here. Experience the EESystemTM while relaxing in a recliner, where your body will reach a meditative state. Be sure to enter the January contest for a chance to win two free sessions.
What Does Health Mean to You?
What is your definition of health? It can be different depending on your goals, ability, current health status, and other aspects of your life. Health incorporates mental, physical, and social health, just to name a few areas that impact our overall health and what we consider health to be, look like and feel like. Before you make your next health goal, define what health means to you. Research, reflection, and coaching can all help set goals, formulate plans, and the all-important maintenance phase of all changes that come with goal setting. I can help.
