MUSIC is the most accessible and most researched medium of art, healing, and wellness. There has been a principal emphasis on the soothing capacity of music and its ability to offset overly technological approaches to care. I n particular, music therapy has been shown to decrease anxiety, increase healthy well-being, and over all calmness. The pleasure shared by participants in the healing process through a music therapy program, whether the music is played or heard, can help to restore emotional balance as well. There is also evidence of the effectiveness of auditory stimulation along with a strong indication that such stimulation abolishes pain. Music can be a powerful strategy for achieving control over pain. Music engagement encourages positivity, well-being, awareness, and over all happiness.
Cassandra Milcharek, www.steinbachartscouncil.ca

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has recently been integrated within our western culture. It is an inner spiritual practice that aims to strengthen and balance the body and mind. Another one of these ancient practices that has been newly introduced to western society is Aryuveda, an alternative form of medicine. It teaches that when all is balanced, an individual is healthy. Its key focuses are balance, prevention, and selfcare practice to treat a variety of issues. These components are easily paralleled to and satisfied with the practice of yoga. Aligning the body, concentrating the mind, and working for a healthier self fall directly under the umbrella of Aryuveda. Just as yoga is a practice for all, Aryuveda can be practiced by anyone as well, to achieve good health and longevity. It creates a foundation for self-realization, and self -healing.
Celine Sartoris, www.shineyourlight.ca

When a person needs a partial denture, it is crucial to have one that fits properly. Metal partial frames are the preferred choice because they are strong and thin. They are more comfortable and enable clearer speech. A good fitting partial will balance your bite to help you chew better and have a healthier jaw joint (TMJ) plus provide support for lips and cheeks. If a partial is not fitting tight around the natural teeth, it will cause damage to the roots of the teeth. Think of it this way, if you take a fence post and rock it back and forth you will eventually loosen it and it will come out easily. The same applies to natural teeth. The chewing motions can rock a partial denture creating stress on the root and causing damage. On average, partial dentures should be replaced every 7 years to preserve the health of the remaining natural teeth.
Timo Gerzen, granddentureclinic.com

How do you define creativity and why does it matter? Most of us probably think of the arts, music, or making something when we consider creativity. True creativity, however, may encompass much more, all the way from how we think to how we move. Any time we try something new or allow a shift in our perspective we are being creative. Creativity is a way to get out of our busy minds and be in a space with less demands. Feeling stressed and stuck? Be creative. Consider yoga as a new way of moving and connecting with your body. While exploring the poses we’re encouraged to ask ourselves what we’re feeling and where small shifts; freedom in our own shape of it, might be needed. Yoga gives us the opportunity to move in all directions, to find our edges, and to be guided from within. Do yoga, and build creativity! Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

When it comes to fitness, balance and variety is key. A combination of cardio, strength, and flexibility training are required to achieve overall fitness. Cardio sessions of varying intensity will give you a strong and healthy cardiovascular system. Strength training with weights and resistance builds strong bones and muscles. Working out with weights is especially important for women to help defend against osteoporosis. Weight workouts should include a functional component as a gym weight machine can mimic few of the day-to-day stresses we put on our body. Stretching, both passive (stretches held in one position) and dynamic (stretching while moving), needs to part of your fitness regime. This will help with injury prevention, ease of movement and mobility, and strengthening tendons and ligaments. Finding a yoga class is a great way to get in your stretching. It will help to ease the physical and mental stress that our daily lives put on our bodies. Keeping that balanced approach to your fitness will help keep you feeling and looking great for a long time to come.
Todd Dennis, www.northstrongfitness.com

In Reflexology all the reflexes are worked in the feet that correspond to every gland, organ, and part of the body so all the body systems become balanced. The lymphatic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous system reflexes are located throughout the feet. The endocrine system and nervous system are worked on the feet as these systems maintain homeostasis (balance). The adrenal glands modify stress and inflammation and the solar plexus promotes relaxation. When you receive a reflexology session, the entire body is worked through the feet. Autumn is a time when people are affected by allergies, colds, and flu. The respiratory system, including sinuses, throat, bronchi, lungs, and diaphragm are worked on the feet. This work helps alleviate symptoms of allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, and sinus congestion. The immune and lymphatic systems, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, help with allergies, infections, and autoimmune disorders. Reflexology is a great way to maintain balance in the body.

Rositha Jeanson, www.rositha.ca