Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive disorders and can also be one of the most confusing. Common triggers for IBS symptoms include stress, reduced gut biome diversity, food sensitivities or intolerances, and hormonal changes. The condition is often diagnosed by ruling out other digestive diseases and is frequently treated with pharmaceutical medications. A naturopathic approach focuses on supporting the whole digestive system by addressing underlying factors. Strategies may include dietary changes, stress management, digestive enzymes, and targeted botanicals. Formulas such as Choice Nutrition’s Pro Choice Herbals Intest-Aid contain ingredients like L glutamine, marshmallow, slippery elm, and white oak bark to help soothe and support the intestinal lining and digestive health.
Community News
Organic Wild Rice for Gut Health
Organic wild rice is more than a hearty, flavorful grain – it’s a digestive ally, especially for those managing IBS. Packed with soluble fiber, wild rice helps regulate bowel movements and supports a healthy gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria. Its nutrient-rich profile includes magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Unlike some grains that trigger bloating or discomfort, wild rice is gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it an excellent choice for balancing gut health. Incorporate it into soups, salads, or as a side dish to promote smoother digestion naturally.
Staying Social with Hearing Loss
For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally & don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
Good Posture Can Prevent Pain & Injuries
Having good posture makes you look strong and healthy and it’s also a critical factor in preventing pain and injuries. For recreational activities like golf, skating, yoga or running, posture actually plays an important role in performance. Posture is critical in preventing workplace injuries that come from repetitive stress or sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day. Physiotherapists can help you discover how to improve your posture by demonstrating positions and stretches for when you start to feel the tension in your body. Make the move to see a physiotherapist!
Compassionate Counselling and Mediation
Angie Howlett is the owner and operator of White Dove Counselling & Mediation and a registered social worker and qualified mediator. She supports individuals living with a range of mental health diagnoses with a focus on codependency, communication challenges, and conflict resolution. Angie works with individuals, couples, families, and groups, providing a supportive space to strengthen relationships, build healthier communication skills, and navigate difficult situations with clarity. She was recently named the #1 marriage counselor in Saskatoon by the Quality Business Awards. Her practice offers evening, weekend, virtual, and in person appointments to provide flexibility and accessibility for clients.
Take Care of Seasonal Allergies
Spring is the worst season for allergies, according to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is the biggest trigger, causing allergic reactions when inhaled or contacting the eyes. To reduce exposure, keep windows and doors closed and wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors. If pollen affects you, ask our pharmacists about the best allergy medications to manage symptoms while avoiding side effects like drowsiness and confusion. With the right precautions and treatment, you can enjoy spring with fewer allergy disruptions. Visit us today for expert advice on effective allergy relief.
Compassionate Counselling and Mediation
Angie Howlett is the owner and operator of White Dove Counselling & Mediation and a registered social worker and qualified mediator. She supports individuals living with a range of mental health diagnoses with a focus on codependency, communication challenges, and conflict resolution. Angie works with individuals, couples, families, and groups, providing a supportive space to strengthen relationships, build healthier communication skills, and navigate difficult situations with clarity. She was recently named the #1 marriage counselor in Saskatoon by the Quality Business Awards. Her practice offers evening, weekend, virtual, and in person appointments to provide flexibility and accessibility for clients.
Staying Social with Hearing Loss
For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally & don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
Meet Your Practitioner:
RMT Chelsea Mertelik of Chelsea’s Healing Hands in Martensville, SK offers a thoughtful, multi modality approach to bodywork designed to support the body’s natural ability to heal. A graduate of the McKay Massage and Hydrotherapy program in Saskatoon in 2003, Chelsea brings decades of experience to her practice. Her treatments may include massage therapy, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and Reiki to help release tension and restore balance within the body. Chelsea believes many physical and emotional concerns stem from patterns the body holds onto. Through gentle, supportive care, she works to guide clients back into balance, flow, and improved overall wellbeing.
Reiki – Release Stress and Tension
Reiki offers deep relaxation and helps the body release stress and tension. A reiki treatment gives you time to yourself where you are ‘being’ instead of ‘doing’. Clients report feeling more clear, peaceful, relaxed, and lighter in themselves. Reiki provides a space where you can be more aware of what is going on inside your body and mind. You can learn to listen to your own body and make wise decisions about your wellbeing. Being more present in your body helps you to access the inner knowing and wisdom that we all have!
Understanding Love Languages:
A Simple Way to Strengthen Relationships
Have you ever felt like you were trying hard to show someone you care, but they still didn’t quite feel loved? Sometimes the challenge isn’t how much love we show, rather it’s how we show it.
The idea of “love languages,” first popularized by Gary Chapman, suggests that people tend to express and receive love in different ways. The five commonly identified love languages are Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, and Gifts. While most of us appreciate all of these at times, many people develop a stronger preference for one or two that help them to feel most valued and understood.
When children are very young, they often respond positively to all expressions of love. Hugs, encouragement, playtime, and small surprises can all make them feel secure and cared for. As children grow, however, their preferences often begin to emerge more clearly. The same is true for adults. Over time, we tend to gravitate toward certain expressions of love that resonate more deeply with us.
Learning to recognize our own love language—and the love languages of our partners and children—can be a powerful tool for strengthening relationships. When we understand how someone naturally receives love, we can be more intentional about meeting their emotional needs.
For example, a child who thrives on quality time may feel especially connected when a parent sets aside uninterrupted time to play or talk. A partner who values acts of service may feel deeply supported when everyday tasks are shared or taken off their plate.
Understanding love languages can also help us avoid accidental hurts. For someone who values words of affirmation, harsh criticism or yelling can be especially painful. For someone who values quality time, repeated distractions during conversations may feel like rejection, even if that wasn’t the intention. Recognizing these differences helps us communicate more thoughtfully and respond with greater empathy.
This article is the first in a short series exploring how love languages can help strengthen family relationships. In the coming editions, we’ll look more closely at how to identify love languages in children, how they show up in adult relationships, ways to care for our own emotional needs, and practical examples of love language behaviours in everyday life.
Want to Learn More?
Curious about your own love language? You can take a free assessment at The 5 Love Languages Official Website (5lovelanguages.com).
You can also follow Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. on Facebook, where we are currently exploring love languages and sharing simple tips families can try at home.
