Never underestimate the value of taking a deep breath, chewing each bite of food 20 times, going for a walk in nature, or getting 8 hours of good sleep. If you can be consistent 80% of the time with these simple little habits, then you can maintain your health. When “busyness,” skipping meals, or just wolfing the food down regularly occurs in your life, revisit these simple little habits, start anew and get back on track. Janet Casey, RN, Wellness Coach, Owner/Operator, Corner Mountain Inn & Wellness Centre, CornerMountainInn.ca

One of the best motivators for regular walking is to walk with others. Walking regularly has benefits, including healthy weight; chronic disease prevention; better strength, balance, and fitness; as well as better overall happiness. Walking in a group in your community allows you to familiarize yourself with community resources, make new friends, and build a safer community. Getting fresh air and enjoying nature are inspiring bonuses. Look for the numerous resources and supports that exist, such as the Red Deer Primary Care Network.

Interested in leading a walking group in your community or know of any current walking group accepting new members, perhaps organized through a workplace, physical community, or faith-based organization? Contact Jonah or Lynsey at 403-343-9100 or [email protected].

Chiropractic is a science that focuses on the relationship between structure and function. Chiropractors make small, focused adjustments to the joints of the spine and extremities to improve the function of these joints and influence the functioning of the nervous system, which controls just about every cell in your body. Chiropractors rely on the body’s natural ability to heal itself, and work to facilitate and improve this power by bettering the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Chiropractic care is used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions.

If you have crooked or gapped teeth, you may be tempted to try DIY orthodontics using videos on YouTube or at-home kits that are advertised on TV. These options are said to save people money by avoiding appointments with dental professionals. The truth is, DIY orthodontics are unsafe and could end up costing you more money later on. Complications can arise from placing DIY or mail-order dental appliances over decayed teeth or infected gums. Only a professional can determine the presence of these problems and ensure they are fixed correctly. Options like Invisalign 5 offer people with mildly crooked or gapped teeth a way to straighten them with clear aligners instead of braces, in as little as six to eight weeks, at a cost comparable to those mail-order products. Bower Dental Centre, Invisalign5atCost.com

Studies show that there are numerous benefits for connecting children with nature at an early age. It supports creativity and problem solving; enhances cognitive abilities; improves academic performance; reduces Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms; increases physical activity; improves nutrition, eyesight, social relations, self-discipline and reduces stress. Kerry Wood Nature Centre, WaskasooPark.ca/nature-nursery

The perfect balance of backcountry wilderness with the luxuries of modern life, Corner Mountain Inn and Wellness Centre not only offers spacious rooms and healthy, delicious breakfasts but also therapeutic-grade essential oils, spa treatments and wet cedar sauna, nutrition consulting, pesticide-free or organic foods, and the peace and quiet to help you reclaim your health. Plan a visit to the Inn, break the cycle of busyness and rediscover the value of simple things. Janet Casey, RN, Wellness Coach, Owner/Operator, Corner Mountain Inn & Wellness Centre, CornerMountainInn.ca

Have you ever found yourself horse-trading in your relationships? “I’ll give you what you want, if I get what I want.” Horse-trading is common and can cause relationships to suffer. People barter to meet their emotional, physical, or psychological needs, and relationships are often compromised. So how can you meet your needs and maintain a strong and healthy relationship? Working with a coach to learn about the different levels of relationships, and ways to engage at a higher level, can improve your relationship and address your needs, and help you leave those horse-trading days behind. John Harty, Insight Life Coach Services, MeetMe.so/JohnHarty

• 6 cups chicken stock
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2/3 cup favourite Buffalo Sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1 rotisserie style chicken, meat chopped
• 1/3-1/2 cup chopped celery
• Cilantro, as desired
• Ranch or bleu cheese dressing
• Shredded cheese, if desired
1. Combine stock, cream cheese, Buffalo Sauce, milk, cream, and butter in blender. Pulse until smooth.
2. Pour into stock pot and heat over medium low until simmering. Do not boil. Add seasonings, chicken, and celery. Allow to cool an additional 3-5 minutes. Top with cilantro, dressing, and cheese, if desired. Dawn Volmer, Big Bend Market, BigBendMarket.ca

Most commonly this occurs when a woman passes into menopause and also in women experiencing induced menopause. While many painful symptoms are experienced by as many as 50% of postmenopausal women, many women who experience these symptoms feel that it is just a normal part of the aging process and nothing can be done about it. These issues affect a women’s quality of life both physically and psychologically. There are new treatments available for this very common disorder such as the MonaLisa Touch® – a simple treatment that provides lasting results. Women Imaging Center, WomenImagingCenter.ca

Various dates and times: Red Deer Primary Care Network offers FREE group Happiness Basics workshops for anyone wanting to learn these skills. Four and 7-week long options available. Call 403.343.9100 for more details. RedDeerPcn.com