Community News
Your Attitude Can Change Your Life

How we look and take in the world impacts every aspect of our lives. Our attitude is the foundation from which life springs off of. We can’t always control what comes our way, but we do have control over how we choose to take it in and use it. There is no secret recipe for happiness and contentment. Those who choose to move through life joyously have not been blessed wth more abundance, love, success or prosperity than another, instead they take the circumstances they’ve been handed and make it into something worthwhile and life giving. Our delight and despair comes from within. A subtle shift in attitude, can uncover so many hidden gifts that can change our lives. By choosing to love life no matter what crosses your path…you create an energy that allows every aspect of ourselves to grow and thrive!

D’Arcy Bruning-Haid, Masters in Counselling Psychology, www.souls-journey.com

Pet Separation Anxiety 

Separation anxiety is a common and difficult situation that many households are faced with. It can be dangerous to animals as well as other family members. Though separation anxiety is a deep-rooted psychological disorder, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to ease the symptoms in animals. The first is to be absolutely sure that the issue is separation anxiety. It can often be confused with boredom, malnutrition or chronic pain. Once certain, here are a few tips to minimize symptoms: 1) Use a lavender oil diffuser- lavender is known to soothe nerves. DO NOT ever put oil directly on an animal as some oils are toxic.  2) Play classical music on low volume while your animal is alone. 3) Crate training- place the animal in a crate while alone to minimize destructive behaviour to him/herself and the house. Mental health is important for every member of the family!

Jill Saifer, https://soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

What is TMD? 

Do you have jaw pain or chronic headaches? Do you clench or grind your teeth? These problems can be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain with jaw restriction and locking. Making an accurate diagnosis of your TMD is essential so an effective treatment regime can be implemented. Physiotherapists can assess the muscles impacting on your jaw, your neck and your posture. A dentist should be involved to assess your bite and any unusual or excessive wearing of your teeth. A physiotherapy approach will be different for each patient depending on the source of their symptoms. Some treatments that are used are myofacial release, massage, acupuncture, joint mobilization and dry needling. The focus is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and muscle spasm, increase posture strength and restore jaw movement and alignment. Treatment is also directed towards associated neck pain, headaches and a good strengthening program for long term self-management.

Gina Imbrogno, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

An incredibly efficient fat burning ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia has received much media attention for it’s effect on weight loss and food consumption control. This pure ingredient is 100% natural; it is sometimes referred to as Tamarind, and it grows primarily in the lush green mountains of India, southeast Asia as well as in Central Africa. Its primary ingredient is the dietary super supplement known as HCA, which is proven in scientific studies to stop hunger in its tracks. The tamarind fruit has traditionally been used in soups as appetizers before meals, because of the smaller portion sizes due to limited amount of food. It’s appetite suppression qualities helped make villagers feel more full (satiety) and the fruit would increase the workers’ fat burning skills (thermogenesis) providing an increase in energy and productivity.

Greg and Bridget Doll, www.myvalentus.com/lakewinnipeg

Micro-Breaks: Why do we Need Them?

Micro breaks are short breaks (typically 2 minutes) that allow your body to recover from the stress and strain of continuously sitting in a chair and looking at a computer screen. It is recommended to take a micro-break every 15-30 minutes that includes some form of movement: the human body is not made to sit still for 6-8 hours a day! They can range from going for a short walk, doing some stretches, or changing the repetitive demands of a task. For example, you could switch from responding to emails to walking to the fax machine. Micro-breaks may help to reduce stress, decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries and physical discomfort, as well as increase blood flow, energy and productivity at work. Although taking micro-breaks appears to be a small change, making it part of your day can have large physical and emotional benefits.

Stacey Bulat, BKin-AT CAT(C) Certified Athletic Therapist, www.vitallifeclinic.ca

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety

1. Meditate – Practicing just a few minutes a day helps reduce anxiety.
2. Breathe Deep – breathing by contracting the diaphragm, a horizontal muscle in the chest located just above the stomach, helps reduce your heart rate and induces relaxation.
3. Exercise – Long workouts or running a marathon are not necessary. Yoga or walking is all that is needed to ease anxiety and depression.  Stand up straight and tall.  Don’t forget to breathe.
4. Get More Sleep – Emotional upset, such as anger, stress and exhaustion, is commonly found in those who have lost even a few hours of sleep.
5. Reflexology – Taking time in a quiet environment with complete control of your surroundings and making eye contact with your practitioner can help bring the body back in balance. Reflexology sessions that include deep breathing practice are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Trenna Reid, RCRT, www.discoverreflexology.ca

The Magic Bean Sprout

Did you know that Mung Bean Sprouts contain EVERY vitamin known to man? These delicious home-grown sprouts are packed so full of nutrients that they can actually be considered natural supplements. Kids love watching them grow, and even more, they love the fresh garden taste. Mung beans produce an edible sprout that’s crisp and nutty tasting. These sprouts are substantial enough to stand-up to stir-frying, but they’re often used raw in salads and on sandwiches. Because of their high nutrient density, mung bean sprouts are useful in defending against several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. While mung beans may be new to some people in Canada, they’ve been a part of traditional Ayurvedic diets in India for thousands of years. Mung beans are considered one of the most cherished foods in the ancient Indian practice. Don’t just take our word for it – try sprouting today!

Rick, www.scoopandsave.com

Behavioral Help for Your Dog 

Close your eyes and imagine this scenario. You call your dog to go for a walk. Your dog walks over to you and waits patiently for you to put their leash on. You exit the door and the dog happily walks behind you. You begin your walk. And as you round the corner of your house you see your neighbor. “Hi Mr. Rogers”. Your dog naturally wags their tail with their tongue out smiling at the neighbor. You continue on your walk. You get to a stoplight and your dog naturally sits while you check to make sure the coast is clear. “All Clear” and you begin your walk with your dog beside you. You get home after a lengthy walk and your dog sits and waits for you to take the leash off. Now open your eyes. Are you more relaxed? Here is a secret. This scenario is possible.

Shalin Hustad, www.grassrootscanine.com

Save Smarter – RRSP vs TFSA 

RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) and TFSAs (Tax-Free Savings Accounts) have a lot in common. You can hold a variety of investments in either one, including savings accounts, GICs, mutual funds and stocks. Both avoid taxation of investment income in the year it’s earned and they both have limits on how much you’re allowed to save. When it comes to the RRSP, every dollar you save in a year earns you a tax deduction for the same amount. When the money comes out of an RRSP, barring any special government programs, you will include the amount withdrawn in your taxable income for the year. A TFSA works opposite to an RRSP in these regards. You don’t get an immediate tax deduction for saving inside a TFSA but you don’t have to pay any taxes when you withdraw the money. So which is better? It truly depends on you and your unique situation. This is where your investment advisor can help determine the best course of action to keep your tax bill as low as possible.

Thomas Johnson, www.cascadefinancialgroup.com

Natural Wholy Detox Tea

Are you feeling bloated, constipated or just run down? Did you know that there could be toxic matter stuck in your intestinal wall and colon causing numerous health conditions? Wholy tea can help regulate your bowel movements to keep the waste flowing and not accumulate in your digestive system. The human body is naturally able to expel unwanted material on its own, but due to our bodies being exposed to chemicals and toxins – we become unable to flush. Dr. Millers Holy Tea is an herbal beverage that helps remove these toxins and waste from your digestive tract, which, in turn, reduces bowel irritation, encourages weight-loss and boosts energy levels. The formula is a special blend holy thistle, persimmon leaves, blessed thistle, malva and marshmallow leaves. The tea may also help improve the clarity of your skin. You simply consume one cup in the morning, and one cup in the evening. Good-bye bloat!

World of Water, www.worldofwater.ca

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage and combined decongestive therapy are specialized massage treatments used to increase the flow of fluid through the body’s lymphatic system. Lymphedema is a congestion in the lymphatic system that can be caused by allergies, tinnitus, or sprains and strains. Manual lymphatic treatments help improve mobility, reduce pain due to swelling, promote lymph flow where circulation is compromised, aid in recovery of acute injuries by reducing swelling and inducing overall relaxation of the body by decreasing pain and discomfort. Treatments focus on the affected area using compression and gentle massage-like movements to increase fluid movement.  Assessment of your specific treatment needs will determine the duration and number of appointments that will be required to be bring you the relief you deserve.

Amanda Wallis, RMT, CDT, www.sundragonstudios.ca