Community News
Gluteus Maximus

The gluteus maximus muscle is located in the buttocks and is regarded as one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is an important muscle because it is a prime mover of the leg bone into extension (moving the leg backwards) or propelling the body forward as when walking and running. By strengthening your gluteus muscles, your spine will have more support and your pelvis will automatically begin to stabilize. Both of which are essential to improved posture. Having strong gluteus muscles can prevent injuries to your knees, lower back and hamstrings, all of which are essential to simple daily activities. Strengthening your gluteus muscles can help improve low back pain, as well as make sitting down, standing, picking up heavy objects and climbing stairs easier. The gluteus maximus is one of the primary muscle groups that help us rise from a chair. See your physiotherapist for a specific gluteus strengthening program.

Bust Stress and Boost Your Health

Chronic stress takes a high toll on mental and physical health. Some may not even recognize the symptoms, which can range from insomnia, irritability, mental fog, headaches, and fatigue, to more serious physical health problems including weight gain, osteoporosis, digestive problems, hormone imbalances, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Access BARS are a relaxing way to deal with stress, and all of the thoughts that do not serve you. Lightly touching 32 points on your head, this healing modality has been known to reduce stress, and improve sleep, focus, and physical and mental health.

Product Review: Avena Original’s Superfood

Hand-harvested and sun-dried, Avena’s Original’s Super Foods choose deliver outstanding nutrition. They combine dense greens and herbs with the nutrition your body needs to thrive. A scoop of Superfood contains 100% RAW living foods such as Cellulase Enzymes, Alpha-Amylase Enzymes, Beta Carotene, Pineapple Fruit, Celery Seed, Kelp, Beet Root, Broccoli Stem/Flower, Kale Leaf, Irish Moss, Artichoke, Echinacea Root, Siberian Ginseng, Horsetail, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Barley Grass, Catalase, Whole Mushroom, Acerola Cherry Fruit, Maltase, Alfalfa Herb Top, Dulse Whole Plant, Pea Protein, Protease Enzymes, Milk Thistle, Tomato Fruit, Spinach, Dandelion Root, Lipase, Wheat Grass, & Phytase Enzymes. Every serving is the equivalent of eating a fresh salad or green smoothie!

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

• 1-1/2 cups black beans (drained and rinsed well) • 2 tbsp. cocoa powder • 1/2 cup oats • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey • pinch stevia or sweetener • 1/4 cup coconut oil • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 2/3 cup chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips, and then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Cook 15-18 minutes, and then let cool at least 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Community Event

March 16-18; Mar 23-25; Apr 13-15 Navina® Principal Certification Thai Massage Training. Classes run Friday – Sunday, over three weekends. (204) 729-8596. Robinchant.com

Book Club: The Natural Makeover Diet

We all want to look our best, feel attractive and be healthy. Energy and appearance are important at any age. And now achieving these results is possible without unsafe quick-fix diets, risky surgical procedures or other invasive measures. Whether you want to increase your energy levels; improve your skin, hair or nails; or lose weight, your true beauty will shine through when you achieve optimal wellness from the inside out. By following Dr. Joey’s four steps to inner health and outer beauty, you will quickly see and feel long-lasting results.

The Mind-Body Connection

Your body responds to the way you think, feel, and act. When you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts in a way that might tell you that something isn’t right. The mind and body are mirrors for each other and this connection can be a valuable way to discover underlying issues or blocks that are preventing healing. If you are having pain, discomfort, and/or tension in the body, then there is also some sort of pain, discomfort, and tension in the mind and emotions. The body is also communicating with you at all times.

Got Vitamin D?

One of the best sources of vitamin D occurs naturally from sunlight. However, those of us living in Winnipeg are in short supply of this natural resource in the winter months. Some symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include depression, reduced wound healing capacity, fatigue, or becoming sick often. During the winter months, consider asking your physician about taking a vitamin D supplement, or eating foods that are high in vitamin D, such as fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon, and cod liver oil), egg yolks, beef liver, cheese, and mushrooms. When summer arrives again, go outside for some fun in the sun!

Product Review: Avena Original’s E-Fusion

This powerful Vitamin E and amino acid complex is formulated to promote energy, health, healing and longevity complete with perfectly-balanced ratios of protein, carbohydrates and fat. This great-tasting, plant-based, 100% RAW whole food provides a variety of naturally-occurring essential nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, pro-oxidant nutrients, phytonutrients, and tocotrienols. E-Fusion helps your body heal muscles after intense workouts, injury, trauma, and boosts the vitality of your internal organs.
Avena Originals, AvenaOriginals.com

Fitness and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and includes conditions such as angina, heart attack, and stroke. Specific cardiac rehabilitation programs prescribed by a physiotherapist can improve overall cardiac health, thus reducing the risk of subsequent heart attacks or strokes. It is critical to monitor your blood pressure and have your cholesterol routinely checked. Maintain an appropriate weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise, as extra weight places strain on the heart. If you start a fitness program, seek the advice of a professional (physician or physiotherapist). Begin all exercise programs at low intensity and gradually progress as your cardiac fitness improves.

Clean Eating Recipe: Hot Chocolate

Store bought hot chocolate “packets” contain massive amounts of sugar and even hydrogenated oils (an unexpected, undesirable ingredient). You can serve this with whipped cream made of organic heavy cream with a little bit of stevia.
1/3 c full fat coconut milk (unsweetened)
2/3 c boiling water
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
15 drops liquid stevia
(optional) 1-2 drops peppermint oil, whipped cream, or cocoa nibs
Boil water on the stove. Add in all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Let cool a little bit, serve and enjoy!