Colours of clothing reflect our mood and mindset. They also affect the way people react to and interact with us. When shopping for Adaptive Clothing for a relative, try to remember what colours and patterns they leaned towards while they were active. You can also make the choice that will complement their personality at their present stage of life. Pastels and soft hues provide comfort and soothe the soul, and are especially beneficial for agitated and confused individuals. Expressive tones of burgundies, royal blues, oranges, and other bright shades stimulate the mind and promote social behaviour. Whatever shade you pick, choose with care for your loved one.
Adaptive Clothing, www.adaptiveclothingstore.ca
Community News
Do Sit-Ups Cause Pain?
There has been recent discussion that sit-ups are harmful to your back. Sit-ups engage hip flexor muscles, which are attached to the lumbar spine and lumbar discs. In theory, this movement and contraction can potentially cause irritation. However, this is all based on biomechanical theory and not real scientific evidence. The sit-up is a core exercise designed to activate our rectus abdominus, which is the muscle that shows off a wonderful six-pack of abs. The sit-up alone will not achieve this, as what is required is a well-designed and well-rounded exercise program, along with a sound nutritional plan.
Dan Girardin, MPT, BESS Physiotherapist, PrairieTrailPhysio.ca
Let it Snow!
Shovelling snow improperly can lead to muscle and joint injuries. Before shovelling, perform a short warm-up. Use an ergonomic shovel (with a curved handle) that is the proper length for you. Bend your knees and hips, not your back, and keep abdominal and gluteal muscles engaged. Take several small steps to relocate the snow instead of twisting. Move small loads and push, rather than lift. Go slowly with snow blowers so they are easier to handle and can process the snow. Take breaks as needed and if you experience any prolonged shortness of breath or chest pains, seek medical attention.
Melissa Wishart, M.P.T., Physio First Clinic, PhysioFirstClinic.ca
Alkalizing Your Body
Having an overly acidic diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Here are six ways to alkalize your body! 1. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon! 2. Trade coffee for green tea. 3. Use stevia, coconut sugar, or small amounts of honey in place of sugar. 4. Eat more greens. 5. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body, and to avoid stagnation. 6. Reduce stress by meditating, practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, and getting plenty of sleep.
Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca
Considering a Pet Sitter?
Planning a winter vacation? Arranging for pet care while you’re away can feel like an overwhelming decision. It’s important to look for caregivers who will not only provide for basic needs like food and water, but also companionship, reassurance, and playtime while you’re away. If you can find someone to come to your home, your pet gets to stay in his familiar surroundings, which is less stressful than taking him to a new location. You and your pet should feel comfortable about the care arrangements, so you can enjoy your vacation without worry! Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Services
Take a Load Off
Maintaining workplace mental health is vitally important. Stats show that most people spend the majority of their waking hours at work. Using break times is one effective way to improve overall mental health and boost productivity! Oftentimes, busy schedules and looming deadlines prevent us from taking breaks when we need them most. A short time away, doing something we enjoy, helps to reduce stress and emotional exhaustion, while providing a fresh focus and the necessary energy to accomplish tasks. Stretching, walking, listening to music, and reading or watching something funny are all ways to help lighten the load.
Stacey Shule Krueger, CMHA MB & Wpg, mbwpg.cmha.ca
Product Review: Venus Freeze
Are you tired of sagging skin, excess fat, and cellulite that won’t seem to fade with even the most expensive creams? Venus Freeze is exclusive to Rejuvenate Zone and is revolutionary in the beauty industry. Venus Freeze is a non-surgical and non-invasive body contouring and skin tightening treatment for the face, neck and body. The blood flow in the treated area is improved, enhancing texture and skin tone. Get rid of fat and cellulite, lose inches, and tone your WHOLE face & body. Venus Freeze is supported by plastic surgeons across the world as a safe, pain-free alternative to liposuction. RejuvenateZone.ca
70 is the new 50
Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. This has implications on personal finances and retirement savings. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. Two hundred years ago, a 60-year-old was a very old person. Someone who is 60 years old today could be argued as middle aged. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. This means people can work longer if they so desire. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity. DisabilityTaxCreditWinnipeg.cm
Pilates—How it Works
These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. The moves may look simple, but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Pilates targets core areas and legs, with a focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight, but it is not a cardio workout.
Marita Dowsett, B.P.T. Physio4U, Physio4U.net
3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies
These flour-less almond butter cookies are SO good, and made with only 3 ingredients (1 cup almond butter, 6 Tbsp raw sugar, and 1 large egg)! Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray two nonstick baking sheets lightly with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix the almond butter, sugar, and egg until well combined. Spoon 1 level tablespoon of the mixture about 1 inch apart onto baking sheets. Flatten the mounds with the tines of a fork, making a crosshatch pattern on the cookies. Bake until golden around the edges, about 10 minutes.
SkinnyTaste.com
Time for Change
Access Bars – A simple body process that is changing the world. There are two things that will change anything in your life; choice, and Access Bars. The Access Bars are the very core and foundation of Access Consciousness. It can be the starting point of a great adventure, and it can be something you add to your life that will assist you in creating a greater ease with everything. Access Bars has assisted thousands of people to change many aspects of their body and their life including sleep, health and weight, money, love making and relationships, anxiety, stress, and so much more. During a Bars session, a practitioner lightly touches 32 points on your head over the course of an hour to an hour and a half. Touching the bars allows for the electromagnetic charge that holds thoughts, feelings, and emotions in place to dissipate, allowing you to perceive your life, body, and relationships with more clarity and ease. Wendy Omilanow
