Community News
This Autumn, Organize!

So, you’ve been putting off that job… you know, going through that junk drawer (or is it that junk closet, or junk room?). It can be tough to get started, but the results can be so very rewarding. A garage that could actually house your car; an organized office rather than a room that acts as a paper wasteland; the spare room full of stuff that could serve as a guest room once again. And how about the overflowing kitchen cupboards, the boxes in the basement? By organizing your space, you can fall in love with your home all over again. Autumn is the perfect time to tackle this job. However this isn’t always an easy task to accompany alone, and you may find it beneficial to reach out to a professional organizer, or team of organizers to help to get this job done.

www.doneanddone.ca

Yoga Increases Ability 

The word yoga means union. The physical practice of yoga (asana) unites the systems of the body to create balance, strength, flexibility, stress reduction and mental clarity. Many people think that flexibility is required to participate in yoga; this is not the case. Anyone can practice yoga. With the correct modifications and the use of props to aide with the poses, even the least flexible can begin to grow their yoga practice. The addition of yoga to any current physical activity (or lack thereof) can increase stamina, strength, endurance and prevent potential injuries from occurring. Yoga poses are also very beneficial when added to reconditioning programs or injury rehabilitation. A Physiotherapist can assess the injury and level of deconditioning and formulate the best program to maximize your ability.

www.actionphysio.net

When Animals Speak

“I love you.” “I’m hungry.” “Take me for a walk?” These are all phrases that you can relate to when it comes to what your animals communicate to you. But what about the phrases and feelings you can’t pick up on? Animals can be hard to read, especially when their behaviour suddenly changes for no apparent reason. Maybe your animal isn’t exhibiting clear signs or symptoms, but is acting differently because of illness or discomfort. Maybe your animal is behaving differently due to environmental changes such as a new home or new animals in the home and just needs some reassurance. Did you know that it’s possible to train yourself to communicate in depth with your animal? Though they may understand some of our native language, it is second nature to them. They do communicate in their own, primary language and you can learn what they’re saying.

www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com 

Oils for Colds and Flu

Have you considered using essential oils during cold and flu season? For many centuries, herbs and medical plants have been used to ward off viruses, the plague and general bacterial infections. Today through various distillation methods we are fortunate to now obtain essential oils. These highly potent substances are very complex in their molecular structure and can still aid us in combating colds and flues. Some of the most anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-septic essential oils are: Tea Tree, Lemon, Rosemary, Lavender and Oregano. Oregano by itself has gained popularity over the years as a cold and flu virus fighter and has been proven to kill over 30 different types of germs. When properly blended, different essential oils can help to ward off this year’s cold and flu season.

www.aromaticearth.ca

New Business Showcase

It is often very difficult and overwhelming to effectively manage multiple medications. This can lead to improper use of medications, which can result in extra doctor visits, emergency room visits and hospital stays. The high cost of prescription medication is a major concern for many patients; therefore we prepare a customized monthly budget for each of our clients. This, along with our visiting pharmacist service, will give you and your care-givers peace of mind. Our ultimate goal is to ensure all medications are taken as prescribed and that you have a full understanding of each medication including its interactions and side-effects. As well, we want to ensure that cost does not become a stress factor and/or road-block. Better Health & Wellness may be achieved through medication management; talk to our pharmacist to arrange a home visit.

www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Smartphones and Health

Smartphones are incredibly powerful devices. Increasingly we rely on them to run our life. One of the latest trends is toward mobile health or mhealth. Many applications have been designed to help you live healthier and manage your chronic illnesses. Here are some our favorites: Misfit wearables is a great low price entry to fitness trackers starting at $25. Askthedoctor.com will get your health questions answered in a jiffy, and glooko.com has an amazing platform for people dealing with diabetes. One of the biggest issues faced by patients today surrounds management of medications. 55% of Canadians above 45-65 are on at least one prescription medication. Using a smartphone to manage and track your meds has been proven to improve adherence, keeping patients healthy. If you are on multiple medications this may be the best and quickest thing you can do for your health today.

www.poprx.ca

Control your Anxiety

Anxiety is considered a negative mood disturbance that results from failure to predict, control, and obtain desired goals and is associated with dysfunctional cognition, behavior, and physiologic over-activity. Anxiety further impairs health by motivating increased use of tobacco and alcohol and predisposes the individual to chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease. A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found the Transcendental Meditation technique has a large effect on reducing trait anxiety for people with high anxiety. Trait anxiety is a measure of how anxious a person usually is, as opposed to state anxiety, which refers to how anxious we are at the moment. Studies on high stress groups, such as veterans suffering from PTSD and prison inmates, showed dramatic reductions in anxiety from TM practice, whereas studies of groups with only moderately elevated anxiety levels, such as normal adults and college students, showed more modest changes.

Lilian Lontra – Certified Teacher, Transcendental Meditation
[email protected]

Book Club: Healing and Transformation

Healing and Transformation through Transcendental Meditation (TM) by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal. Learn the basics about this ancient technique, and for seasoned meditators, broaden your knowledge and deepen your understanding. Rosenthal’s central point emphasis on TM changes the brain, and can help a vast array of different people to live longer and better lives, and achieve lifelong success.

www.normanrosenthal.com

Clean Eating: Thai Carrot Coconut Soup

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups water
1 ½ cups carrots cut into 1” pieces
1 green onion
5 tbsp. shredded, unsweetened coconut
1 tsp. turmeric
½ tsp. sea salt
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 date
2 tbsp. fresh lemongrass (finely chop the heart of 2 stalks)
1 tbsp. freshly chopped ginger
1 avocado –half to blend and half cut into ½” – ¾” pieces for topping
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro (to mince for topping)

Directions:

Blend all ingredients, except avocado and cilantro, until smooth.
Add half avocado and blend.
Pour into bowls.
Sprinkle top with avocado pieces and minced cilantro.

From Uncooking with RawRose by Rose Vasile
www.rawrose.com

Compassionate Beauty Care

There are many thoughts that go through a person’s mind once a cancer diagnosis is received. What does the future look like and how will my life be changed. What common activities that I do now, will be affected by treatment and subsequent side-effects?

One thing that does not need to change is pampering yourself.  You may think that a trip to the spa is not something you want to experience while being in treatment. Not only is there the possibility of increased infection because your immune system is low, there is the discussion that you will need to have with the esthetician, that may make you uncomfortable.

Perhaps, going to a place that provides safe and hygienic manicures and pedicures is something you would consider. Where the treatments are non-invasive, no cutting of cuticles, no razors used on feet, just simply therapeutic services that are focused on the individual going through any cancer. Having a facial with no extractions, just comforting and customized for your skin. Using all natural products that contain no carcinogens or any toxins. Products with ingredients listings you can pronounce and recognize. The best part – not having to explain what you are going through because we know.

The Unexpected Gift
www.theunexpectedgift.ca 

Reduce Your Stress

If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace. Anyone can practice meditation. It’s simple, effortless, natural, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. You can practice meditation wherever you are. Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. It produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, we go beyond the sphere of thoughts and experience pure consciousness, our own reservoir of inner piece, creativity and energy, enlivening our whole physiology. It can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. These benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may even improve certain medical conditions.

Lilian Lontra, Transcendental Meditation
[email protected]