Most of the people who read this will have suffered a headache. The most common type of headache and one that generally responds well to physiotherapy treatment is called a cervicogenic headache. Physiotherapists can help address some of the key causes of cervicogenic headaches. The major contributing factors include poor posture, stiffness of the joints in the neck and upper back, muscle imbalances (muscle tightness and weakness), and previous neck trauma (whiplash, sports injury). Treatment methods include neck mobilizations, modalities, soft tissue/trigger point release, acupuncture, and home exercises. So, if you suffer from headaches, see a physiotherapist!
Community News
Stay Young at Heart
CardioFlex Q10™ is a proprietary collagen precursor formula designed to promote the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and repair connective tissues to support cardiovascular health. Each serving contains 2000 mg Vitamin C, amino acids and other nutrients that help build structural elastin and structural collagen, maintain cardiovascular health, reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex virus/shingles, maintain proper muscle function and generally maintain good health. Excellent for supplementing vegan diets and made in Canada by Innotech Nutrition, a family company.
Alcohol Free Elixirs
Ancient wisdom describes an elixir as a magical or medicinal potion designed to cure. Solbrü has redefined a modern elixir as a liquid infusion of herbs that serves a function in the body. They have soulfully infused a blend of balancing herbs and adaptogenic mushrooms, to raise vibes and ground souls. Their Brü replaces alcoholic spirits in a sophisticated way, with its own unique flavours and novel functionality, delivering a bold authentic bite without the hangover. Drink it as a shot, sip it on the rocks; or enjoy it in an AF (alcohol-free) cocktail. Pour over a glass of nut or oat milk or mix it with orange or grapefruit juice for an extra Vitamin C punch.
Words to Live By
Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” Anne Wilson Schaef
Book Club: Beyond the Label
Beyond the Label offers a unique perspective on mental health: it shares the author’s own recovery from four major mental health conditions: anxiety, depression (attempted suicide), bulimia, and bipolar disorder type 1. The book outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan for how others can achieve optimal mental health. A combination of practical clinical experience and years of lived experience, the book shares insight into how diet, exercise, and sleep can be optimized for improved mental wellbeing, as well as strategies for coping with negative thoughts and emotions, and building self-love and compassion, among other skills.
Dry January? Try Solbrü
The “sober curious” or “sober sometimes” movement started as a challenge for those who felt they’d partied a little too hard over New Year’s weekend. A 2016 British study of about 850 men and women who volunteered to abstain from alcohol during Dry January found that participants reported a range of benefits. For instance, 82 percent said they felt a sense of achievement. “Better sleep” was cited by 62 percent, and 49 percent said they lost some weight. They had improvements in insulin sensitivity, their blood pressure numbers improved, and their livers looked a little healthier.
With a New Year Comes New Energy
A new year brings new energy and possibility. Releasing the old that no longer works, makes room for the new. A story comes to mind about a monk who goes out on the lake to meditate in his boat. He cherishes his solitude and quiet. While deep in meditation, eyes closed he feels a sudden smash. He flies into a rage and begins to blame. How could anybody be so insensitive and careless. When he opened his eyes, he saw the boat was empty and had drifted off from shore. It was then he realized all feelings and reactions came from within. The “boats and people” are just who we project them on. This freed him to own and choose his thoughts and ways of being.
Coldest Night of the Year
Samaritan House Ministries has been working to reach those in need in and around Brandon for nearly three decades. Thousands of people are assisted every month through our food bank and resource centre, safe and warm shelter, literacy and employment programs, second-stage housing, and food sustainability programs. We are grateful for the ongoing contributions of individuals, churches, government and non-government organizations, and for the businesses who support Samaritan House Ministries in its efforts, through donations of food, money and time. Samaritan House Programs: Manitoba’s 2nd largest Food Bank. Safe & Warm Shelter. Hoarding Support Program. Community Garden Network. Age as an Asset Employment Training. Literacy and GED Programs. Employment Resources. Mary’s House Second-stage Housing. Volunteering Opportunities. Winter is a tough time for homeless and hurting people in Brandon. Coldest Night of the Year is a terrific way for support Samaritan House and the community it serves.
Immune System & Your Gut
Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health.
Cannabis for Arthritis Pain
Did you know that cannabis is gaining popularity as a treatment for arthritis? Cannabis can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling related to arthritis. It can also be a far less harmful and less addictive way to treat those suffering from chronic pain associated with arthritis. This can be done without getting “stoned” or feeling “high”. Products that are CBD-based (cannabidiol) can help manage pain and relieve symptoms without any “high”, while THC-based products (tetrahydrocannabinol) can cause a more intoxicated feeling. Some products offer a balance of both CBD and THC for another effective option for pain relief.
Banana Quinoa Breakfast Bars
1 cup steel cut oats, 1 cup quinoa, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt, 3 large ripe bananas, mashed, 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed, 3 Tbsp natural nut butter, 1 Tbsp coconut oil, 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup. Optional: 1/4-1/2 cup add-ins coconut, chopped dried fruit. Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 9 baking dish with coconut oil. Combine in a large bowl. Let sit for 10 mins to let flax absorb some liquid. Add batter to baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake 25 mins or until edges are crisp and center is cooked through. Enjoy!
