Special Features - 2016 Spring Health and Wellness

Health & Wellness Directory Spring Edition

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION BY:

2016 SYLVAN LAKE

Health & Wellness Directory

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SYLVAN LAKE AND AREA URGENT CARE CENTRE Sylvan Lake and area is a growing and thriving community with an overall service area population of 22,316, and a tourist industry that results in an estimated 775,000 visitors a year.

Sylvan Lake currently has no hospital, urgent care or ambulatory care centre. There is a basic AHS Community Health Centre providing limited access to Lab and DI, mental health services, public health and home care.

The Sylvan Lake Area is inclusive of the following health agencies and municipalities; Wolf Creek PCN, AHS Central Zone, Town of Sylvan Lake, Town of Eckville, Town of Bentley, Village of Benalto, Lacombe County, Red Deer County, and the 5 Summer Villages at Sylvan Lake. (Birchcliff, Half Moon Bay, Jarvis Bay, Norglenwold, Sunbreaker Cove).

The Urgent Care Committee, formed in 2011, consists of 17 members who are local mayors, councillors, RCMP, doctors, pharmacists, medical professionals, local service club members and community members.

Currently the majority of health care delivery is provided by three respective private medical clinics staffed by 15 dedicated family physicians. Health services are provided from the clinics with regularly scheduled visits, expanded evening hours and a creative after hours on-call system.

The current on-call system was manageable 10 years ago, but with the increased demand

it is at risk of collapsing.

Other emergency, urgent and non-urgent visits, which cannot be handled locally, are seen by the Emergency Departments in area hospitals.

Our proposed solution to this gap in medical services for the area is to provide, under one roof in Sylvan Lake an Ambulatory Care Clinic for the medical treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The vision is this clinic would be open 7 days a week from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm and have access to laboratory (Lab) and diagnostic imaging (DI). It would be staffed by doctors and nurses. It would provide additional supports for Mental Health and seniors.

This proposed clinic would be a partnership between all health services in the area. It would provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time by the right people.

We in vision that in this clinic we can: -reduce trips to the emergency departments -reduce patient admission to hospitals -reduce inpatient stays at hospitals -increase patient and family satisfaction -improve medical access in the Sylvan Lake area We also believe that this clinic can: -reduce rmergency department visits at a substantial cost savings -reduce total inpatient bed days at RDRHC

from the Sylvan Lake and area residents -retain and recruit committed and collaborative doctors -provide integrated care utilizing doctors, PCN and community and social agencies -improved access for mental health patients -provide a continuum of health care services in a sustainable, affordable model -lower per capita costs for services delivered -province wide learning on this accountable model with trackable outcomes.

We met with Health Minister Sarah Hoffman on Dec 14, 2015 and presented the problems and the possible solutions. We have asked for support including a partnership between health services agencies in the area. To provide financial support to further develop this unique health service delivery model. To provide a commitment to ongoing operational funding once the plan is reviewed and accepted.

We will continue to keep you informed of our progress and to fundraise. We look forward to seeing our supporters at our 2nd Annual Golf tournament on August 12, 2016.

For further information or to get involved, contact: Susan Samson - Chair Urgent Care Committee Sylvan Lake and Area

Health & Wellness

in the Workplace

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2016 SYLVAN LAKE

"the greatest

wealth is

health."

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Yoga provides benefits to mind and body At first thought yoga may seem like something meant just for relaxation.

However, yoga provides many more benefits than just unwinding and letting your cares slip away.

Carol Foy, yoga instructor and owner of Studio Upstairs Yoga and Wellness said yoga creates balance and provides health benefits for your body and mind.

Being flexible is not a necessity for yoga, a common misconception Foy said.

Flexibility is a minor part.

She said it is more about strength and a healthy range of mobility.

Practicing yoga on a consistent basis improves digestion, circulation, creates healthier sleeping patterns and provides better stress management abilities.

“It’s not like yoga can take away stressful situations in our life by any means but it can help with how our bodies and minds react to those stressful situations and how we are able to recognize and process things,” Foy said.

Yoga offers a healthy sense of muscle tone and creates meaningful connections between the body and mind.

“The more you connect with yourself, the more you get to know yourself,” Foy said. “The more you can connect with yourself the better the connections you can make with the world around you.”

Yoga reveals what the mind and body may need.

It also provides great exer-

HAPPY YOGIS - Carol Foy, yoga instructor and owner of Studio Upstairs Yoga and Wellness, leads a recent class.

Jenna Swan/Sylvan Lake News cise for a number of different health problems such as back issues. Many women also start doing yoga for prenatal care. Foy said yoga will also help with circulation and digestion. Circulation improves with the twisting and folding positions in yoga.

“The idea would be that it massages your internal organs, which will help improve your digestion,” Foy said.

Breathing is a main focus.

Foy said typically during the day most people will use the top 20 or 30 percent of their lungs, with the remaining air at the bottom being stagnant.

“Once we get into yoga our focus is deep balanced breathing,” Foy said. “You’re breathing more deeply, creating strength in even the diaphragm which is so supportive to your core health. It’s more oxygen into your blood and into your muscles.”

Breathing practices are done for energizing and calming. Trying yoga once won’t give the ultimate benefits. Yoga is a process and must be practiced regularly before all the benefits are appreciated.

“It’s like anything new – chances are the first time feels awkward,” Foy said. “Give it a few shots. You don’t go to

the gym once and get fit.”

Feeling all the benefits can take weeks, but the process is well worth it. Tense muscles and body parts start to loosen up and people feel stronger.

Even though yoga has to be practiced to gain the benefits, Foy said her clients still feel good after class.

“You feel good after a class. Everyone calls it the after class glow,” she said.

Yoga comes in a variety of different types to serve a variety of different purposes.

Finding the right type of yoga can be challenging, which is why Foy suggests people talk with an instructor on what type of yoga is right for them.

“I always recommend to people if you go and try a class and you don’t like it go to a different class,” Foy said.

“There could be something for everybody, it’s a matter of finding out what.”

- Jasmine O’Halloran-Han

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Juicing can be great alternative to cooking Juicing has become a popular way of preparing a drinkable and nutritious meal. It can be a time saver and a fun way to make your own juice at home.

Simply eating a well balanced diet can some times seem time consuming, which is why juicing is amazing as it provides a fast and drinkable meal.

There are several benefits to juicing besides it being a time saver. These benefits can include being all around healthier and having healthier glowing skin.

Some people may juice as a way to help them lose weight. Others will juice because they want to know exactly what they are drinking without all the additives.

Fruit and vegetables can be juiced together to make a nutritious and delicious drink. It can allow you to consume more vitamins your body needs.

“Most people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables,” said Wendy Graham, owner and manager of Booster Juice in Sylvan Lake. “When people think about juicing they think about fruit, but you can throw anything in there and it totally changes the taste.”

Many health professionals agree that people should be consuming raw vegetables to enjoy optimal health and abundant energy.

“Juicing can reverse body degeneration which accompanies long term illness,” she said.

Juicing at home means you know exactly what you are drinking in comparison to what may be found in the stores with the juices readily available.

The juice you make is fresh.

“It’s fresh. It’s not sitting waiting like a lot of the juices you buy in the stores,” Graham said.

So why don’t people juice their fruits and vegetables more? Graham suspects that it might be how some people get turned off by the messes juicing can make.

“It takes a little while,” Graham said. “Some people just don’t feel like they have the time to do that but it really doesn’t take very much time.”

Juicing can be very advantageous especially to those who constantly watch their clocks and always seem to be on the move.

Juicing provides a great alternative for people who just don’t seem to have the time to cook or eat properly.

“Juicing is an alternative and it is a good start, it is surprising how little time and effort it really does take,” Graham said. “You can put anything in a juice.”

Graham cautions people not to include orange or grapefruit skins in a juice because they contain toxic substances that should not be consumed in large quantities. Most other skins are okay to juice. Pits should be removed as well.

Fresh juices are potent. When fruits and vegetables are mixed together the juice is highly

potent and can taste great.

If people were to try freshly squeezed juices more often they just might be surprised as to how good they taste and how little it costs.

“They are not that expensive and they are very filling,” Graham said.

She said if you drink a juice in the morning it is a major help to your digestive system. It moves things all day long.

A concern people may have with juicing is it can seem like it takes out all the fibre, but it doesn’t have too.

“I think people should try some fresh juices and make up their mind after trying them,” Graham said. “They will be pleasantly surprised at how they feel. It can even change emotionally how they feel. If you work on your body from the inside out, the change that it will make in your whole life.”

She said most people have never tasted freshly squeezed apple juice.

She said it tastes way different than the juice sold in the carton in the stores.

“Most people when they are juicing are going to buy nice healthy vegetables. You have no control over the juices that your buying in the store what that fruit looked like, what those vegetables looked like, how many additives have been put in there, you really have no idea,” Graham said.

- Jasmine O’Halloran-Han

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Using supplements to help you reach your fitness goal Reaching your fitness goals takes time. It requires healthy eating – including portion control and ensuring proper nutrition as well as maintained physical activity.

Without these two key components in living a healthy lifestyle you will never reach your fitness goals. That being said if you’ve locked healthy eating and hitting the gym down, it could be time to consider adding a supplement to your daily routine to help you hit your personal targets.

Supplements are a way of providing the body with nutrients than can be difficult to come by in today’s fast paced world.

TJ Sheehan, personal trainer and owner of Jacked Fitness in Sylvan Lake, explained people take supplements for a number of reasons.

For body builders, supplements are a necessary part of their end goal. Others just wanted to make the most out of their workouts and some people just want to be as healthy as possible.

Supplements are a great way to improve your immunity and keep your body functioning at peak performance.

“Everyone’s body is different and everyone has different end goals but supplements can give you the calories, the carbs, the vitamins, and the minerals you need to be as healthy as possible,” said Sheehan.

“What you put into your body you are going to get out of it. If you put cheap fuel in your race car – you’re not going to win the race.”

Pre-workout nutrition is important and supplements can give you an added kick to get going and get at your goals while at the gym. Pre-workout supplements aren’t known for building muscle but rather for giving you extra energy to make the most out of your time. Many contain ingredients such as caffeine or creatine to give you an energy boost.

Post-workout nutrition is equally as important and supplements can help to build and repair muscle following your workout. From protein powders to nitric oxide boosters, what you take determines

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Supplements can be an important part of your fitness routine. TJ Sheehan, personal trainer and owner of Jacked Fitness showcases a popular lean protein option. how much your muscles develop. Whey protein is high in vitamins and minerals, which is exactly what your muscles need after a tough day of hitting the weights Sheehan explained.

Meal replacement supplements are the best friend of any athlete or gym-lover who is short on time. Packed full of multi-vitamins and minerals, meal replacements can help you get through the day and ensure proper nutrition.

Antioxidants also play an important role in supplements and act as the ‘defenders’ of our bodies. They can help fight off free radicals, infection, diseases and muscle inflammation for quicker recovery. Many athletes will also take antioxidant supplements to help reduce their stress levels and muscle inflammation for increased performance and recovery time.

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) are a supplement essential in improving your body’s ability to perform and recover. BCAA’s work to provide you with added energy and enhanced protein synthesis to help prevent the breakdown muscle during your training.

“It minimizes your fatigue and will also help you digest your food better,” said Sheehan.

When taking supplements it is important to remember that you will not see immediate results. Supplements are not a magic wand that can be waved before a workout that will automatically make you drop or gain ten pounds. Sheehan insisted individuals should try out a few different supplements to see what’s right for them.

Be sure to consult with a health care professional before using supplements if you have existing health serious health conditions as some supplements can contain caffeine.

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Using all natural options to ease health issues Natural herbs and essential oils can be the key to common health issues in day to day life.

The remedies found in nature are endless, with the ability to help solve many health issues.

Dawn Wickberg, owner of Natural Solutions Health Store said many of her customers are in search of a natural product to help alleviate issues like stress, digestive problems, trouble sleeping, low energy, poor nutrition, muscle cramping or spasming, gluten intolerance, diabetic and bowel issues.

The benefits of using more natural options is that the supplements can be tailored to an individual’s needs.

“People come in with certain issues or certain requests,” Wickberg said.

“We talk about it and we suggest stuff to them and they take it from there as to which avenue they want to go with what products.”

Wickberg really enjoys being able to suggest natural solutions for different issues.

“There are many more options out there than what people really know,” she said. “It’s great when they come in and they have their ‘a ha’ moments when they didn’t

realize that this product can help them. I just think it’s one of the best ways to go – nature knows best.”

Out of the many issues people are facing Wickberg said sleeping issues is a simple fix.

She said many times people have problems sleeping is because of a fast paced life style, food choices and the fact that people drink a pot of coffee a day.

She said many times it can be a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is a mineral that is heavily used in our bodies.

“With coffee you’re basically peeing all your minerals out because it a diuretic,” Wickberg said. “So if you’re not replacing them you’re body starts giving you little signs.”

These signs can be eye twitching, muscle spasming, trouble using the washroom, headaches or migraines.

She said many times it is low magnesium, although it isn’t always, but many times people can remedy their sleeping issues with magnesium.

She also said it is suggested that people drink an average of eight glasses of water a day, but said it also depends on the size of the person and how athletic they are.

Using natural products is the route more and more people are taking before going to the pharmacist.

Wickberg has noticed that people have been to the pharmacist and are not finding relief sometimes.

Therefore they look towards finding a natural solution.

There are doctors who will send their patients to a natural solutions store.

This is great as Wickberg says you can’t deny what nature has to offer.

“It’s wonderful. You can’t deny the power of natural products because they work,” she said. “I’m glad that everyone is starting to see that and having a more informed public is great.”

Another big seller is the Young Living Essential Oils.

Wickberg said these oils are a hit and work well when they are used appropriately.

She said lavender is good for stress and eucalyptus is good for colds.

These oils can be more expensive than what may be found in other stores, but their value is well worth the dollars spent.

“People can see the value because it works for them or worked for

someone they know, so they are willing to give it a try and spend the money to do it,” Wickberg said.

The most popular oils are thieves, lavender and the citrus oils.

What is popular is the thieves line of cleaning products.

“It’s non toxic, your pet can come on the floor after you’ve washed your floor with thieves cleaner and lick the floor and not keel over and die,” Wickberg said. “It is very safe for children. If a baby is walking on the floor after you’ve cleaned it with thieves you don’t have to worry about it harming them.”

When finding a natural remedy people have to be mindful of what other pharmaceutical medications they are on.

Wickberg said people have to remember that even with herbs they still have to watch what they are mixing.

She always tells people to check with their pharmacist on whether they can use a product with a medication they have been prescribed.

“I always make sure that people are very well informed,” Wickberg said. “I like the fact that people can check with their pharmacists.”

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Health & Wellness Directory

The many benefits of eating local organic food Over the past decade and as the demand grows eating organic foods has organic food is becoming continuously gained popuincreasingly affordable.” larity. Navigating the world In their own store, they’ve of organic food can often watched as their organic proleave one wandering the duce section has nearly triaisles of grocery stores unpled with product availabilsure of what to buy. ity. A number of years ago Others find themselves the pair said most grocery wondering how much stores including their own healthier organic foods really would have a few organic are and what exactly organic products spread out across means. the store, however with inThe term organic refers to creased demand stores now the way agricultural products have entire organic sections are grown and processed. within their produce, meat How foods are grown or and dry stock departments. raised can impact both your “Consumers are getting health and the environment. smarter – we want to know Organic crops must be how it being made, processgrown in safe soil, have no EXPANDING ORGANICS - Organic food aisles are es, grown and being raised,” modifications and must resaid Andrea. popping up in grocery stores around the world. Brad main separate from convenBrad added within their tional products. Farmers are and Andrea Bromley, owners of Sobey’s Sylvan Lake, own organic department, not allowed to use synthetic showcase their ever expanding organic produce only a few weeks ago they pesticides, bio-engineered section. had a handful of fresh organgenes, genetically modified ic produce on their shelves organisms (GMO’s), petroand within the coming leum based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. month they will have well over 100.

GMO foods are plants or an animal whose DNA has When it comes to free range and humane meat products, been altered in a way that cannot occur in nature or in Brad said their beef, pork and chicken options have been traditional crossbreeding. The science is often used to hard to keep on the shelf. In conventionally raised meat create strains of produce resistant to pesticides or to have and dairy, animals can be given growth hormones for faster the plant produce their own form of insecticide. growth and given antibiotics when sick which can lead to Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and tolerances for antibiotics in humans who eat the products. be given organic feed. They may not be given antibiotics, “It’s important to note all of these free range and humane growth hormones or any animal by-products. meats in our store come from western Canadian farms Organic foods provide a variety of benefits with some also,” explained Brad. “It’s important to not only eat good studies showing organic foods have a wider range of nu- organic products but also to support local producers.” trients and higher levels of antioxidants. Many non-organic Some of the organic products found in the Bromley’s produce items can contain residue of harmful pesticides store are grown right here in Central Alberta, including and traces of these pesticides can be found in our bodies produce from Pik-n-Pak, Scholing’s Produce and Bles World after long-term exposure or years of eating non-organic Yogurt – all out of Lacombe. As well as fresh honey from produce.

Nixon Honey located in Red Deer County.

Not only is organic food better for our bodies, often time - Jenna Swan it tastes better. Organic food is typically fresher because it does not contain preservatives to make them last longer.

Andrea and Brad Bromley, owners of Sobey’s in Sylvan Lake, who have been in the retail grocery business for Don MacIntyre, MLA a number of years, say the demand from consumers for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake organic food is increasing dramatically.

Constituency The pair add one misconception many people can have is in thinking organic products are often more expensive.

While this may be true, they note consumers can control #2, 160 Hewlett Park Landing the prices of products in the future by where they choose Phone 403-887-9575 to spend their money today.

“When it comes to organics and certified humane meats innisfail.sylvanlake@assembly.ab.ca people often think it is expensive, but if you look in our Sylvan Lake, AB flyers it is generally only a dollar more per pound so it’s T4S 2J3 really not that much more,” said Brad with Andrea adding, “The gap in prices between organic and conventional food is narrowing with each day as the demand for it grows

2016 SYLVAN LAKE

Health & Wellness Directory

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Town of Sylvan Lake offering options to keep kids active Spring and summer programs are available through the Town of Sylvan Lake for children and include fun activities such as art, dance, cooking, sports and drama.

The Town’s recreation and culture department offers these different programs in April and May. The most popular programs are the sports and cooking programs said Michelle Morrison, special events and program coordinator for the recreation and culture department for the Town of Sylvan Lake.

The programs are geared towards children in different age brackets, serving children as young as two years old.

The other programs have been popular as well. The programs get busier each year.

“These programs have proven to be successful in the past,” Morrison said. “We’ve had really good response from the community.”

A full description of the programs can be accessed at www.sylvanlake.ca Registration can be done at the Recreation and Culture Office in person or over the phone by calling 403-887-2199.

“We’re really excited about everything that we’re running, the community seems to like all these programs,” Morrison said.

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) offers day camps to children during the summer for seven weeks as well.

These camps offer children the opportunity to have fun during July and August.

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For teenagers 12 and older desiring to build their leadership skills, they can participate in the Summer Leadership Camp.

Those interested in learning how to be a leader have to apply for the camp.

Teenagers aged 12 and 13 can apply for the level 1, 14 and 15 year olds can apply for the level 2 and 16-17 year olds can apply for the level 3.

These leaders come for the Summer Leadership Camp July 4-8 where they learn communication, team building and how to facilitate activities with the younger children.

Afterwards they have the opportunity to help out with the summer day camp programs held for the younger children.

If the leaders complete a certain amount of hours they receive an honourarium.

Each week is themed, including lego, adventure, jump around, the magical world of Disney, lights, camera, action, blast off, weird science, under the big top, time warp, express yourself, art attack and move it.

These camps are for children ages six to 12 years of age and are split into two groups age accordingly.

Parents register their children for the camp and their children attend every day, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for the full seven weeks.

FCSS youth services supervisor Krista Carlson said the camps are always popular and there are 20 children per group.

“We have lots of fun activities planned,”

2016 SYLVAN LAKE

Carlson said. “They get to go on one field trip every week.”

These programs provide children with learning and social opportunities.

Many of them will be able to spend time with other children from other schools and make friends.

The children will also be led by good role models.

“They get to spend time with really amazing adult role models who truly care about the kids and want to make a difference in their lives,” Carlson said. “They are doing positive activities throughout the summer, learning and challenging themselves in doing new things that maybe they didn’t think they would ever get a chance to do.”

With there being several different camps activities, there will be something for each child to enjoy.

If some children aren’t into sports it might not mean they won’t enjoy it as the camps are more about the social aspect than learning the rules of a game.

“It’s about the team work involved and building your social skills,” Carlson said.

There is a fee for the summer day camp programs although Carlson said there is funding available.

To register for these programs contact Krista Carlson at 403-887-1137 ext. 223.

- Jasmine O’Halloran/Han

Health & Wellness Directory

The importance of local pharmacists in the health care system Community pharmacists are commonly the health professionals most accessible to the public. Many are available by the push of a few buttons on your phone and ready to answer any questions you may have.

Since changes in legislation back in 2007, Alberta’s pharmacist’s roles have changed along with their abilities to prescribe initial access medications, renew prescriptions and administer drugs by injection.

“If you look at prescriptions renewals, let’s say you have high blood pressure for instance,” explained Todd Prochnua, pharmacist and owner of Shoppers Drug Mart in Sylvan Lake.

“You run out of your pills, we complete a renewal review and can refill your prescription rather than going to an emergency room or a walk in clinic.”

“Family physicians are busy and it’s not always easy to see them on the day you need the refill, so pharmacists are there to help ease the health system.”

Often pharmacists will go above and beyond with their customers offering what Prochnau refers to as care plans.

“When we do a care plan for some one we look at the medications they are on, lifestyle, diet, exercise – it’s more than just medication,” he explained.

In addition to prescribing and renewals Prochnau said pharmacists also play a role in preventing future strains on the health care system by helping customers to quit smoking as well as providing travel consultations.

“When we help someone quit smoking it saves costs on the medical system years down the line,” he said, adding his pharmacy also provided strep throat testing at both locations throughout the winter allowing individuals to be tested on site and receive a prescription within as little as ten minutes after the testing. “Again that’s huge because it means they can save the time of the people at the walk in clinics and emergency rooms.”

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Pharmacists play an important role in our local healthcare system. Visit your local pharmacist to ask about your options.

He explained pharmacists must use their judgment and only prescribe within their scope of knowledge but are always happy to refer customers to their best available options.

“Education is a big part of our role in the community and what we do as a profession, whether it is on drug therapy or different conditions you are facing,” said Prochnau. “Although we are often referred to as ‘the drug experts’ we are often the people who are trying to help you to know all of your options before going down that path. For example when it comes to high blood pressure, diet and exercise are key and education is always something we are trying to provide.”

- Jenna Swan

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A worry-free season with three essential vitamins Spring has sprung and it’s time to get outdoors. Before you rush to get some much-needed sunshine and fresh air, consider the obstacles that might be preventing you from having fun and staying safe this season. The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has some tips to ensure you enjoy a worry-free spring, and it’s as simple as remembering your ABCs. Continue to protect your skin with vitamin A It’s essential to ensure your skin is healthy year-round.

So just because you’ve gotten through the dry winter air doesn’t mean that you can stop taking care of your skin. One way to keep your skin looking and feeling great is to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin A. Did you know that vitamin A is a vital nutrient which promotes skin repair and maintenance? In fact, people with vitamin A deficiencies are more prone to dry, flaky skin. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin A in your diet from foods such as sweet potatoes, spinach and fish oils.

Stay active with vitamin B Spring is the time for adventures and exploring nature.

But this means you’ll need enough energy to keep up.

“B vitamins” is a term that actually includes eight different vitamins, some of which you may recognize, such as riboflavin and folic acid. They help your body convert the carbohydrates you eat into glucose, fuel for your body.

They can be found in a variety of foods, such as almonds, pork, poultry and whole cereals, but because of the variety of different types of B vitamins, it may be difficult to get them all from a few sources. Try a B-complex vitamin to

make sure you’re getting the support you need to stay active from sunrise to beyond sunset.

Keep allergy symptoms at bay with vitamin C Vitamin C should stand for vitamin “Classic” because every season, vitamin C proves to be a jack-ofall-trades nutrient. You’ve probably been taking it the past few months to lessen the severity of your cold symptoms, but vitamin C is also a natural antihistamine. Histamines are what our body creates when something triggers our allergies, an unfortunate side effect of spring. Vitamin C can decrease your allergy symptoms by minimizing the formation of histamines. Try adding some vitamin C-enriched foods to your picnic basket, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes and leafy greens.

When making changes to your diet, remember to keep track of your intake of calories, fats, sodium and other vitamins. If you’re struggling to find a balance, CHFA recommends consulting your health-care practitioner and visiting your local CHFA Member health food store to explore your options. www.newscanada.com

ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU. EVEN ON SUNDAYS! • Pharmacy • Vitamins & Supplements • Health & Beauty • Cosmetics • Fragrances • Food & Home • Cards • Books • Lottery • Post Office • Pet Food, Toys, Treats, and Accessories

SENIORS’ DAY Every Thursday

Todd Prochnau and his Pharmacy Team are here to answer your questions and help you and your family achieve the best health possible. Come in and discover an array of services that can help make managing your health easier.

Visit us at one of our two Sylvan Lake locations: Bay 8-13, 5043 50A Street 403-887-4200 Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm Sunday 11am – 6pm 3715 47th Avenue, Bldg 800 403-887-5392

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Health & Wellness Directory

Three ways to grocery shop sustainably

Whether it’s recycling, switching to public transit or using energy-efficient lightbulbs, there are always ways to reduce your carbon footprint. But have you ever thought about making your grocery shopping more sustainable? The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) shares how shopping just a little differently can help.

SHOP ORGANIC Organic farming methods are developed proactively with ecological balance in mind, without pesticides that harm the environment, including the soil, our water supply and your health. It’s easy to identify foods that meet Canada’s high organic standards. Simply look for the Canada Organic logo to ensure that what you bring home to your kitchen contains more than 95 per cent organic ingredients.

SHOP LOCAL Shopping local has great benefits for you, your community and the environment.

Walking to your neighbourhood health food store versus driving to the nearest big-box retailer can be considered an investment in your own community.

When you put your dollars back in your own neighbourhood, you’re supporting jobs of those around you. Also, frequenting a local health food store will help you become more familiar with your grocers. As they learn more about what you and your neighbours are looking for, you’re more likely to find the products you want on their shelves.

SHOP ETHICALLY By buying sustainable foods, you’re also supporting organic farmers who work in safer conditions and receive fairer wages.

Organic farms avoid the use of pesticides, insecticides and other harmful chemicals which workers can ingest while on the job. Many of these farms are

also family owned. By shopping organic and local, you’re contributing to the success of independent farmers who are as passionate about clean food as you are.

With over 1,000 members across Canada, chances are you’re closer to a CHFA Member health food store than you think. Check out chfa.ca to find the closest one so you can make the step toward fostering a sustainable community.

Healthy eating without the artificial ingredients From fine Canadian rye to specialty teas and coffees, the process of blending is integral for creating many Canadian favourites. In fact, did you know that soft non-hydrogenated margarine is crafted from a blend of plant and seed oils, like canola and sunflower oil?

It starts by pressing the plants and seeds into oils. Each oil has its own unique qualities, and by blending these oils to help create margarine, you get the best of both worlds – a delicious taste and a source of essential omega 3 unsaturated fat.

Canadians today want foods that are free from artificial preservatives, with a simple and recognizable ingredient list.

Th margarine you love with simpler ingredients starts with canola grown by Canadian farmers and has been carefully crafted to help meet these preferences. Starting with a simple blend of plant and seed oils, along with other ingredients like buttermilk powder and a pinch of salt, margarine is perfect for cooking and baking.

“As a cook I love the versatility of margarine with simpler ingredients. The plant and seed oils are blended to create the finest margarine, so it’s my go-to ingredient for cooking, baking, roasting, sautéing, and grilling,” says Rose Reisman, leading Canadian healthy lifestyle and food expert, and spokesperson. “We often think of using margarine instead of butter for spreading, but it’s important to remember that margarine can replace butter 1:1 in any recipe, providing irresistible flavour, with 80 per cent

2016 SYLVAN LAKE

less saturated fat than butter.”

Because Becel margarine is made from a blend of plant and seed oils, it is a source of omega 3 polyunsaturated fat

which our bodies need, making margarine a simple way to help make good fats part of any diet.

Try this delicious gluten free recipe idea.

GLUTEN FREE BLUEBERRY BUTTERMILK MUFFINS

Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cooking Time: 25 minutes Makes: 12 muffins INGREDIENTS • 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) gluten-free pancake and baking mix • 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) salt • 2 cups (500 mL) fresh blueberries • 1/2 cup (125 mL) margarine • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) firmly packed light brown sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 cup (250 mL) low-fat buttermilk • 1 tsp. (5 mL) vanilla extract • 1 tsp. (5 mL) finely grated lemon peel PREPARATION Step 1: Preheat oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners; set aside.

Step 2: Combine gluten free pancake and baking mix with salt in medium bowl; gently toss in blueberries.

Step 3: Beat margarine with brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and lemon peel. Gently stir in pancake and baking mixture with wooden spoon. Evenly spoon into prepared muffin pan.

Step 4: Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes on wire rack; remove from pan and cool completely.

Recipe Tip: If using a pancake and baking mix or a flour blend without baking powder and baking soda, add 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) baking powder and 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) baking soda to pancake and baking mixture.

Sylvan Lake Barber Shop Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm

SPECIALIZING IN: Men/Boy’s Cuts ‘n Styles Ladies Cuts too!

403.887.4112 • Sherry Thomas (Owner) 5008-50 Street, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1M5

Health & Wellness Directory

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The importance of friends in fitness

BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

I can’t stress this one enough - your friends are important in more ways than you think.

Here’s a favorite fact, ‘You are #6’. Take the five friends you hang around with most. You are the sixth one and you are the average of your friends. You probably make a similar wage, have a similar bodyfat percentage, do the same sports, watch the same movies, etc. That’s life, that’s community. Yes, of course, there are exceptions, but as a rule this tends to be true.

Before I was in triathlon, I didn’t know anyone in that sport. Now that I have been in it for nearly 12 years, almost all of my best friends have done a triathlon, many of them have done Ironman. I have new friends, and some of my original friends joined me in my passion.

It’s one of my favorite things about Ultraman - I have a crew of friends with me the whole weekend. It is a solo event, but really, it is a team event.

I’m not saying that a team is essential for your fitness goals, but it sure does make life a great deal easier. If you decide to get in shape and change the way you eat, but your spouse or partner isn’t on board to support you or join you - that’s a tough journey. If your friends are trying to sabotage your efforts or you don’t involve your kids - things just got harder.

Have you ever tried to drop some weight or get in shape and have everyone at work and at home trying to convince you to ‘relax’, ‘take a day off’, or say things like; ‘don’t be so serious’, ‘it’s just one donut, what difference will it make?’,’Don’t be so selfish, or rude….. join us and have a [whatever]’.

The trouble is, it does make a difference and it does matter. If it is not your cheat day, or not on your plan, one donut means extra calories. Okay fine, but more powerfully - it means you broke your word. You broke your word with yourself and that is a tragedy that will haunt you. It makes you weaker instead of stronger.

Each time you say ‘no’ to a donut or refuse to skip a workout on your journey you get stronger! Every time you cave in to the pressure of those around you to indulge or relax or take a break - you get weaker.

One of the easiest ways around this is to build your crew around you. Get your friends and family on your side. Have a serious talk with them, let them know that this is important for your health and that you have a goal you really want to achieve.

When I first started my fitness journey, I struggled

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with office workers and friends attacking me and making fun of what I was doing but I saw through it. I knew that they were really just upset with themselves for not doing what I was doing and their guilt was having them try to bring me back down so they would be comfortable. But something changed after a while.

People began to expect that I would say no to treats and junk food. They began to know that I was going to the gym after work or that I was drinking water instead of iced tea. Then they began to support me and some even joined me.

Going to the gym, I began to meet people that were up to the same thing as me, I joined classes, I made new friends, and soon new habits were forming.

My new friends would get together and go for a bike ride instead of sitting around. My new lifestyle began to support my goals instead of try to destroy them.

Part of Ultraman is that I get to pick out a support crew and with all of my fitness friends I have plenty of choices - people who are active like me and who know what they are getting into. Friends who support me and sacrifice sleep, a long weekend and their own comfort to ensure that I can race to my potential.

My friends and I have shared the most amazing experiences together and some incredible moments of celebration. November last year, I nearly died in the World Championships and without my friends around me I actually would have. I stopped breathing and my friends were there to save me.

We see it every day in our classes at the gym - one of the biggest things people love is meeting up with their friends and their instructor to get fit, have fun and support each other. Friends do that.

Set your goals, and build your team. Your potential for success just went up way up!

Happy Training, Scott

Health & Wellness Directory

it’s not just

FITNESS it’s LIFE.

Discover the Sylvan Lake Fitness Center that has everything you could possibly need to GET YOU FIT while having FUN and meeting amazing people!

Best Body Fitness in Sylvan Lake is a results driven FULL SERVICE facility. The Boot Camps are full of energy and fun, constantly changing and guaranteed to get you results!

Our facility features a massive open area full of cardio & strength equipment and literally tons of free weights.

OUR EXPERT CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINERS: • Guide you through Meal Planning • Help set Goals • Provide Challenging Workouts to help get you in the Best Shape of Your Life!

WE HAVE: • Legendary Boot Camp Classes • A huge Child Care room • Warrior Strength (taught by Crossfit Instructors) • Indoor Tanning

www.bestbodyfitness.com 403.887.7667 | #5 BEJU INDUSTRIAL DRIVE | SYLVAN LAKE 2016 SYLVAN LAKE

Health & Wellness Directory

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SYLVAN LAKE 900, 3715 - 47 Avenue Sylvan Lake, AB 403-887-3982

“Locally Owned & Operated” HOURS 8am - 10pm Everyday

REWARDS are ar re here.

Shop for better ‘organic anic choices’ at you our local loc l S Sobeys b

ORGANIC CHOICES

Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution.

Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don’t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease.

Tips on when to consider organic shopping. Whether you’re already a fan of organic foods or you just want to shop wisely and handle your food safely, here are some useful ways to decide when and why to consider organic choices: Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality. Also, try to buy your produce the day it’s delivered to market to ensure that you’re buying the freshest food possible. Ask your grocer what day new produce arrives.

Always A lways Fresh: Fresh: P Produce, Meat, roducSeafoo e, M Meat ead, t &Produce, D Deli, eli, S Seafoo eaFlor food, dal, , Baked BBaker aked & y& FFlor lor Deli al al

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2016 SYLVAN LAKE

Health & Wellness Directory