Wellnessnews, Author at Wellnessnews

Yoga – Where Do I Begin?

Starting anything new may take a leap of courage. Thankfully, if it’s yoga, most studios have offers in place to make the path of the beginner an easier one. It’s not uncommon to find some sort of introductory offer that gives you a chance to try a number of classes at a reduced rate. Over the course of this offer you can get a feel for what’s working for your body and in your schedule. If you’re feeling self-conscious and not ready to jump right in to group classes you might be more comfortable with a different approach. Look for an intro series or classes geared specifically to absolute beginners, or consider booking a private session with a teacher to show you how to move safely in and out of poses. However you begin, you can start right where you are and feel supported in this new exploration of self.

Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

What is Flower Essence Therapy?

Flower and Tree Essences have been around for over 85 years but most people aren’t familiar with them. Dr. Bach was the first to work with essences and now there are hundreds of essence makers and companies such as FES, Alaskan, Pacific, Canadian Forest, Australian Bush, Healing Herb to name a few. The essences are taken orally from a dropper bottle or with water several times a day. The essences are a support system and help us move through our emotions like anger, anxiety, depression, fears, over-thinking, grief, life changes, resentment and so on. The essences are vibrational energy medicine and with most of us dealing with stress and changes in our lives, it is an alternative therapy that is worth looking into to help us move through situations when we get stuck emotionally.

Rositha Jeanson, www.rositha.ca

Muscle Maintenace Needs Breakfast

March is National Nutrition Month. For the mornings that you’re running a little late and can’t sit down to eat, you might be tempted to pick up something at a fast-food drive-thru. A high-carb start to the morning might deliver a rush of energy, but within a couple of hours, you’ll come crashing down along with your blood sugar levels. Adding protein to your meal slows the release of glucose for steady energy, mental focus, and satiety. Protein helps keep you satisfied so you don’t devour the donuts during your break. You’ll be better able to control your cravings and your weight. A protein-packed meal is the true breakfast of champions as your body is busy all day long repairing and building muscle, especially if you are active. By including protein in every meal throughout the day, you supply your body with the material it needs for optimal muscle maintenance.

Reprinted with permission by Curves Interenational, 2015, www.curves.com

Muscadine Grape Seeds

Do you want to improve your immune system? Do you suffer from frequent illness or a high level of stress? Muscadine grape seeds are rich sources of polyphenols and other nutrients studied for their potential health benefits. The reason for this is the ‘genetic makeup’ of this special fruit. Muscadine grapes have an extra set of chromosomes, containing genes that allow them to produce a unique and powerful balance of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Greater protection from physical, mental, and environmental stressors mean less damage to tissue, less chronic illness and degenerative diseases, and a longer symptom-free life. This ability to survive the elements can be passed on to us! These grape seeds provide support for a healthy immune system. In a day where environmental toxins, contaminants, and stress have caused growing concerns to health and the aging process, the Muscadine grape seeds provide the perfect health partner to help shield us from harm’s way.

Darlene Savage, www.peopleswaylc.com

The Importance of Alkalizing

To be at its absolute healthiest, your body needs to be in an alkaline state. Your cells and immune system all work better in a slightly alkaline environment. In an acidic state, your systems do not work as efficiently as they should. To prevent disease, including cancer, you want to aim at maintaining a PH balance of 7.365. To avoid becoming acidic make sure you are getting enough sleep, reducing your stress levels, being conscious of taking deep breaths rather than shallow short breaths, and avoid chemicals and toxins in your foods and products. Choose 100% Organic and chemical free alternatives wherever possible, and look at supplementing your nutrition with Alkalized products. Be sure to test yourself and your family regularly to keep your immune system functioning at its best!

Angel Balichowski, www.theorganicmommy.com

Clean Eating: Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Cauliflower is a great low-carb substitute for crusts, breads, and more! Here’s the cauliflower pizza crust recipe everyone is buzzing about!

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower

½ cup shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup grated parmesan

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp garlic powder

2 eggs lightly beaten

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Break cauliflower into florets and pulse in food processor until fine. Steam cauliflower and drain well. In a bowl, combine with all ingredients. Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Add your favorite pizza toppings and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Family Endorsement

Care At Home Pharmacy is the epitome of what is needed today to help seniors remain in the comfort of their home and have quality care come to them. My parents have greatly benefited from “visiting pharmacist” Yolanda Yeung’s involvement. She initially developed a medical profile for each of them and made recommendations to their doctor regarding medication changes. She pays weekly visits to my parents’ home to monitor their progress and well-being and readily provides their prescriptions and any other pharmaceutical needs as recommended by their doctor. I am my parents’ primary caregiver but do not live in the city so Yolanda and I communicate by email. She also regularly communicates and collaborates with the doctor and nursing service involved with my parents’ care. It just doesn’t get any better than that in my view!

Daughter – Lorna, www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Finally the Perfect Pair!

Perfect Pairs features Ultra Premium Olive oils. The UP standard is reserved for the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world, as such, the UP grade exceeds all existing European, Italian, Spanish, Greek, North American, Californian, or any other standard for the grade known as extra virgin olive oil. In order to qualify for the UP grade, the extra virgin olive oil must meet or exceed a comprehensive set of Production, Storage, Transportation, Testing, Chemistry, and Organoleptic requirements as set forth in the following document. Instead of placing an overemphasis on what is less important to the detriment of the most critical factors (Chemistry and Freshness), the UP program is intended to reward farmers for producing high quality oil.

Giselle Riegel, www.perfectpairs.ca

Financial Fitness

Financial difficulties can harm our emotional well-being. How can you tell that you are actually in financial trouble? There are certain indicators of financial difficulties such as receiving frequent calls or letters from creditors or collection agencies, having no savings, spending all of your money before payday, stalling one creditor to pay another, buying things impulsively, using your credit cards or other loans to pay for everyday expenses, failing to budget or make a financial plan, having trouble making the minimum payments on your credit cards and not knowing what your real monthly expenses are. If you’re in financial trouble, you may believe bankruptcy is your only option. However, there are many options to help you solve your money problems such as consolidating your loans or making a consumer proposal. All of your options can be explored during a free initial consultation with a Trustee in Bankruptcy.

Deloitte Restructuring Inc., Trustee in Bankruptcy, www.debtsolutions.deloitte.ca

Your Child’s Eyes

Did you know that 1 in 4 school-age children have a vision problem? If these problems are left untreated, they can affect learning ability, personality, and adjustment in school. Vision difficulties can manifest socially, in school and in play. Your child’s vision is essential to his success in school. When his vision suffers, chances are his schoolwork does, too. School-age children also spend a lot of time in recreational activities that require good vision. After-school team sports or playing in the backyard aren’t as fun if you can’t see well. It is recommended that children have their first exam by the age of three and yearly exams once they are in school, which Manitoba health will cover until the age of 19. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist today!

Dr Ashley Britton, www.lreyecare.ca

Are your Supplements Working?

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of nutritional supplements over the last several years, and for good reason! Vitamins and supplements offer great benefits – but be careful! Some commercial products actually really lack in potency. There is a common belief that all supplements are created equal. This has led some to seek the best value, not the best quality. A consumer should know that the grade, form, purity, bioavailability and third party verification all contribute to the effectiveness of the product they’re ingesting. Nutritional supplements are typically available in four different categories: pharmaceutical grade, medical grade, cosmetic or nutritional grade, and feed or agricultural grade. Pharmaceutical grade is the highest quality grade of vitamins, meaning the purity, dissolution and absorption meet the highest regulatory standard. Pharmaceutical grade vitamins and supplements may be available without a prescription, but they are typically only sold by licensed health care practitioners.

Arthur Traitelovich, www.goherbalife.com/ath24