Community News
3 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

It’s officially cold and flu season. Here are five simple things you can do to improve your body’s natural immunity: 1. Drink a TON of Water: Ensuring you are hydrated is an important part of keeping your immune system strong. Try to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day to keep your body in tiptop shape and ready to fight cold and flu bugs. 2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: The body regenerates and repairs itself while you sleep. Getting a proper night’s rest – between six and eight hours – is important for keeping your body’s natural defenses at optimum efficiency. 3. Take a Hot/Cold Shower: The next time you take a shower try alternating hot and cold water. Research shows the body’s immune system is stimulated when it tries to warm itself up in between the extreme temperature changes. White blood cell production is increased and endorphins are released that help you relax and relieve pain.

Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcredit.webs.com

Fall back in love with food!

Most Canadians suffer from some sort of digestive complaint on a regular basis. These digestive issues include gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn and tiredness after eating. These symptoms can all be related to other health issues however if they occur after eating, then chances are they are digestion related and enzymes can help! Renew Life offers 3 main digestive enzyme formulas for varying degrees of digestive distress. •          DigestMORE is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a daily digestive enzyme to manage occasional digestive issues. •   DigestMORE ULTRA is the ideal choice for anyone who has chronic digestive problems that may include gas, bloating, regurgitation, and tiredness after eating. • DigestMORE HCl is the ideal choice to help combat heartburn and acid reflux caused by low stomach acid. Taking digestive enzymes is one of the most effective ways to change the way your body responds to the foods you eat. Whether you take them every day or just when you need them, digestive enzymes should be part of your digestive care toolkit! Cory Calverley, Hedley’s Health Hut,  www.healthfirstnetwork.ca/hedleyshealthhut

 

Nature’s Defense: Using Essential Oils During Flu Season

Nature’s Defense: Using Essential Oils During Flu Season

As winter approaches we all gather indoors which makes it easier for germs to be spread from person to person. Rather than waiting until I have the flu or a cold and then treating the symptoms I prefer to support my body’s natural defences to reduce the chance of getting sick. In addition to staying hydrated, getting a good sleep, eating well and exercising, I also use some natural flu remedies such as essential oils to boost my immune system, and if I do get sick, to speed my recovery and decrease my symptoms. Modern medicine should not be discounted, but I like to integrate more natural remedies with modern medicine when I can.

It is a common misconception that antibiotics will cure all. Antibiotics don’t work against infections caused by viruses. Influenza or what we commonly call “the flu” is a virus and not bacterial so antibiotics won’t work to get rid of it. In my experience when I have gone to the clinic to get relief from my flu symptoms the doctor has sent me home saying I have influenza and there isn’t anything to do but get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

So what are some ways we can support our health NATURALLY to help us through this flu season, or to relieve the symptoms if we get the flu?

There are many naturally occurring essential oils derived from plants such as Clove, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Bark/leaf, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint and Thyme that have the ability to fight unwanted germs.

There is a story about four thieves or grave robbers who lived in Europe around the 15th century when the bubonic plague was at its worst. They would rob the bodies of all their possessions, yet never contracted this deadly illness!

It was said that when they were finally caught the magistrate offered them a deal. If they shared their secret he would give them a reduced sentence. They took the deal and explained that through their knowledge of herbal medicine and essential oils they were able to create a powerful combination that was highly effective in preventing them from becoming ill. The herbs they were said to have used were: Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary.

I like to make my own immune support blend using the same oils to what the thieves used, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary as well as Lemon and Oregano. Lemon is a great supporter of the immune system and Oregano has natural anti-viral properties, which is important when faced with viral infections like the flu.

Please note that some oils like clove and cinnamon are considered ‘hot’ oils. Using them without a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive, or almond oil may cause a slight burning sensation and rash. When using hot oils on the skin, always test a small area on your arm first. Be sure to dilute the essential oil with carrier oil. If you have no reaction within 30 minutes you can apply to other areas of the body.

So what to do if the dreaded ‘bug’ has already hit your house?

I recommend diffusing the oils mentioned above. You can diffuse a combination of oils or one at a time, just add a few drops of your favourite essential oil in an average size diffuser for a small room and up to 10 drops for a larger room.

I like to apply my essential oils immediately when I feel something coming on. It typically starts in my throat. So I rub the immune support blend around my neck (heavily diluted) before I go to bed and often I wake up feeling great with no more sore throat! I also like to supplement this by applying Oregano (diluted) to the soles of my feet, especially when I’m already sick. At night, just before bed, I rub the oil on the soles my feet and then put socks over top.

The key to success with oils is ‘early and often’. It takes very little time for oils to move through every cell in the body, so if you are determined to rid your body of a bug, apply oils topically several times per day until the illness passes.

To help tackle specific symptoms here are a few other ideas for some natural alternatives:

Feeling Hot?

For older children (10+) and adults, apply oils like Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint (diluted with a carrier oil) to back of the neck and feet every 10-20 minutes for a cooling sensation until you feel better.

* Be very careful that you do not get any Peppermint in your eyes. If you do get it in your eyes dilute it with a drop of carrier oil.

Vegetable oils will dilute essential oils if the essential oil causes discomfort or irritation.

Stuffy Nose?

For older children/adults

Essential Oils: 5 drops Lavender, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Peppermint, 2 drops Myrtle and 2 drops Pine. Add these to 2 Tablespoons or 30 ml of carrier oil and put into an empty roller-ball bottle to rub on outside of nostrils throughout the day. *Do not apply the oils close to your eyes.

Need a quick fix? Put 2-3 drops of your chosen oil in the palm of your hands, rub them together, cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply. You can easily repeat this throughout the day.

 

Coughing?

DIY Chest Rub

5 TB coconut oil

2 TB shea butter

1 1/2 TB beeswax pellets (or grated from a bar)

30 drops Eucalyptus. I like to use either Radiata or Globulus. NOTE: for children use Eucalyptus Radiata or Citriodora)

10 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint and Rosemary.

5   drops Tea Tree,

 

For older children and adults:

Mix coconut oil and shea butter and beeswax in double boiler or in a glass measuring cup placed in boiled water. Stir until melted. Remove from heat, let sit 3-5 min to cool slightly and then add the essential oils. Mix and pour into a small glass Mason jar with lid. Store in a cool dark place.This recipe will make one 4 oz. jar.

When needed, I apply the mix to the chest and back. Then place a hot, wet cloth over top with a dry towel over top that. Let it sit for 20 min. Do this twice per day, especially before bed, for respiratory support and to relieve a cough.

Don’t have a diffuser? You can easily make a small diffuser with a cup of boiling water and a couple of drops of essential oil!

Always follow the recommended amount on the bottle and always keep oils out of the reach of small children.

For more DIY essential oil recipes and information on using essential oils with children under 2 years go to my website: www.CanadianMoms.ca

Sylvia Provenski

204-720-5348

Young Living Member #1740823

Fall Is a Great Time to Retreat

Fall’s a season of relaxation and change, the leaves turn red and the rhythm of nature slows down. It’s a time of preparation for winter. As humans, the rhythm of our bodies coincides with the one of nature, following its grooves throughout the year. Like a bear in its den, we must prepare ourselves for upcoming changes. A proven way to emerge your body into its natural flow is nourishing it according to seasons. Applying techniques such as yoga and meditation eases the mind and soul during this transition. An easy way to begin this life giving process is to take part in a retreat hosted by your local holistic practitioner. The practitioner will teach you methods to nurture your mind, body, and soul so that you are attuned to and flowing alongside nature. Fall’s a sloped season of transition for all living beings. Allow your soul to be nourished at a retreat near you.

Celine Sartoris, www.shineyourlight.ca

The Gift of Time

“The best things in life, aren’t things.” With Christmas approaching and thoughts of what gifts to buy it’s an opportunity to be mindful about what sort of ‘things’ we really value these days. Most of us have enough stuff but are lacking in time and energy. That makes gifts of time a wonderful, caring gift that we can be happy to give. Time away from the daily demands of work and family, time for experiences that promote self-care, health, and wellness. Whether it’s a weekly class or a one-time workshop, time for yoga is time for self and time for caring for our body and our mind. How do you give this? It’s easy! Most studios sell gift cards that can then be used towards services and/ or products. Available in any denomination, your gift becomes just the right ‘thing’ because the receiver gets to choose how they use it!

Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

Beware of Crash Diets!

A tabloid reads, “Grapefruit diet’s key to losing 20 lbs. quick!” Sure, eat only grapefruit and your body weight will likely drop. The decrease you see on your scale compromises lean muscle, smooth muscle, water, bone, and body fat. The muscle you lose is one of the best tools you have for burning body fat. When you get sick of the grapefruit and return to normal eating, your body weight will likely rebound higher because your energy requirements have lowered by decreased muscle mass. Crash diets don’t work. Beware of “lose weight quick” scams. The best way to decrease your body fat is with a combination of exercise and a balanced diet. Incorporate lean protein in your diet to maintain your muscle mass while decreasing body fat. Body composition is comprised of 75% from what you eat and 25% from your exercise regimen. You cannot out exercise a bad diet.

Todd Dennis, www.northstrongfitness.com

Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology

Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology

Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology is a treatment for lower legs and feet that originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. This therapy utilizes stretching, massage, thumb-walking, and the use of a wooden stick to stimulate reflex points. Thai foot massage restores balance to the body/mind through reflexes of the feet and lower legs that are linked to the body’s 72,000 energy meridians (sen). Reported benefits include: improved circulation in legs, lymphatic drainage, removal of toxins, elevated functioning of the immune system, and reduced stiffness. Additional outcomes are: improved flexibility, relief from stress, and improved sleep. Thai foot massage doesn’t cure illnesses, but it promotes good health. Thai Foot Massage is intended to stimulate reflex points of the feet, the internal organs, and encourage free flow of energy throughout the body. If you would like to balance and harmonize the flow of energy throughout your body and stimulate the internal organs, then Thai Foot Massage/Reflexology is for you!

Rositha Jeanson, www.rositha.ca

What’s Your Third Option?

Making choices can be stressful. We weigh the pros and cons of both options and analyze them from all angles, waiting for clarity to emerge. Only, sometimes, it doesn’t. The only thing that emerges is a gnawing feeling of frustration from our inability to choose. This frustration is our sign that neither choice is the right one. They either don’t completely align with our values, or they make us feel like we are settling or taking an unnecessary risk. Unfortunately, we become so emotionally invested in our initial process that we fail to realize we always have a third option. This third option requires a fresh perspective, so take a step back, and get in touch with your core values to determine which one has been keeping you from moving forward. Your choice will soon become clear.

Brent Tocher, chooseauthenticity.ca

Knitting for Prevention of Alzheimer’s

A recent study at the Mayo Clinic found that learning to knit or crochet later in life as a cognitive exercise can reduce or delay the symptoms of Alzheimer’s by 30-50%. Learning new techniques together with hand-eye coordination builds neural networks that are very important in the prevention of Alzheimer’s. For those recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, learning to knit and crochet can be very helpful because of the repetitive motion so that the individual can remember how to create the stitches as the cognitive memory begins to fail. Learning to knit or crochet with a parent that has symptoms of this disease can also provide a way to communicate and connect as symptoms worsen. Keeping the hands busy while knitting or crocheting can help calm those experiencing Alzheimer’s and also give them a sense of purpose as they create projects.

Connie Harvey, www.theknit2scrap2store.com

Leave Your Stress Behind

Stress has a profound effect on the body and its ability to heal and function at an optimal level. When an individual experiences ongoing stress, it can overload the energetic circuits of the body, causing them to fail or be severely compromised. This is just like plugging in too many appliances into an outlet and tripping a circuit breaker in your home. The blown fuse must be reset. Often times the body cannot reset these blown circuits on its own, so the body then must continue to function in a less than ideal state. This ultimately leads to degeneration, illness, and pain in the body. This is a sign that your body is simply falling behind in the healing process. Stress-related illnesses include, but are not limited to: high blood pressure and heart rate, digestive disorders, hormone and endocrine imbalances, fatigue, infertility issues, and all manner of immune system disorders.

Robin Chant, www.robinchant.com

What’s Not Normal?

Have you ever wondered what is “normal” for your body after you’ve given birth? Here is an extensive list of symptoms to watch for post-partum: ongoing back, pelvis, groin, or abdominal pain. Leaking urine and gas or stool from laughing, coughing, jumping, sneezing, lifting, walking, or running is also problematic. Leaking urine or stool when you feel a strong urge to go and pressure or bulging in your vagina or rectum are indicators of abnormal healing. Bulging of your abdomen during any exercise is a red flag. Difficulty doing any of your everyday activities because of pain, leakage, pressure, or any other symptom that concerns you needs to be taken seriously. What you should do if you have any of these symptoms: if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should get advice and help from a pelvic floor physiotherapist. These symptoms usually do not go away on their own!

Marita Dowsett B.P.T., Physio 4U