HEARTHELD MAGAZINE
5 MUST HAVES WHEN DESIGNING A SPACE
RECIPE: CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA NUT BREAD
MASTERING GARAGE ORGANIZATION: YOUR STEP-BYSTEP GUIDE TO EFFECTIVELY ORGANIZING YOUR GARAGE
UNDERSTANDING AND CELEBRATING CHILDREN WHO ARE NEURODIVERGENT
GUESTSOFHEARTHELD
JasmineJenne
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief HeartheldMoments
JessicaSchultz
BalancingBusiness ExecutiveEditor G Fill dB i
RyderJenne DirectorofOperations HeartheldHealth
AlbertaPress&Paper EmpoweringYoungMinds
ShantelleJammazz SortandSimple
AroundtheNook
Balance Psychological Services
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hi,I’mJasmine,CreativeEditorialPhotographerforHeartheldMagazine Ilovebringing magictolifethroughboldcolour,creativeset-ups,andcollaborativeideas Alwayslookingto travelandexplore-let’sdreambigandthenbringittolife
NicoleZeePhotography
Hi,I’mNicole! I’maSpruceGrovephotographerwhoisdrawntobeautifulnatural light,calmingtones,simpleitems,andlovingconnection WhenI’mnottaking pictures,Ilovepaintingandworkinginmygarden Ifyoulovelightandairy,true-tocolourphotos,I’dlovetoworkwithyou! wwwnicolezeephotographycom
Myfirstpassionismyfamily!Ihaveawonderfulhusband,plus3greatkidswhoareall grown!MyhusbandandIaredefinitely“home-bodies” Welovespendingtime entertainingfriendsandfamilyorjuststayinghomebyourselvessnuggledupwitha goodmovieandsomehomemadepizza!Andofcourseabeerorglassofwine! Iamsohappytohavetheopportunitytosharemyrecipes,bakingandcookingtipson mysiteAroundTheNook!Ihopeyoucanpoponandfindinspirationfromsomeofmy ideas wwwaroundthenookcom AroundtheNook
CONTACTUS||MailingAddress:c/oJasmineJenne,511554Avenue,StonyPlain,ABT7Z1B8Email:heartheldmagazine@gmailcom
ChrisNeumann
KaytlynBeakhouse
Donnalea
We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place and traveling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Metis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux
It belongs to those who came before us We are learning to listen, to remember, to be grateful and to allow voices previously silenced to be heard
We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us
As a media publication we recognize our responsibilities and roles in sharing these stories and our contributions within narratives. We hold ourselves and Heartheld accountable for these, and pledge to embrace the heart of the treaty with love.
FIND SELF-CARE STELLA
Hidden between pages 3 - 48 of Heartheld Magazine is our very own Self-Care Stella.
When you find her, send heartheldmagazine@gmail.com an email with a photo of your magazine and the page number you found her on to be entered to win
A $25 gift certificate to Romantic Notions.
Dear Heartheld Community,
August holds a special place in my heart as it marks our family's cherished tradition of "Kindness Days." This month, we come together to create moments of genuine kindness It’s crucial to understand that kindness has a profound ripple effect that extends far beyond a single gesture
Kindness is a force that can change the world, one small act at a time. When we allow ourselves the space to grow, to embrace and practice kindness, we not only transform our own lives but also touch the lives of others in ways we might never fully see. It starts simply - with a smile, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement - and from there, it spreads
I believe in magic, the magic that comes from these simple acts of kindness We believe in its power to bring about change, to inspire others, and to create a better world This August, I invite you to join us in this tradition Allow yourself the space to grow and experience the transformative power of kindness
Believe in magic. Believe in the power of kindness Together, we can make the world a gentler, better place
In love and kindness, Jasmine Jenne
Editor-in-Chief || Heartheld Magazine
Grace-Filled Business
Effective, Grace-Filled Business Advice For A Digital Age
Ask A Digital Expert...
Q: IS IT HARD TO SET UP A CUSTOM EMAIL ADDRESS FOR MY BUSINESS? IS IT EXPENSIVE? IS IT WORTH IT?
A: NO, NO, AND YES!
Having a custom email address is an easy way to create a sense of legitimacy and professionalism in your business.
Many website hosting companies offer custom email addresses, or you can set up a custom email address for your business through Google! This is especially helpful if you already use Gmail.
The cost is approx $9/ email address/ month and there are step-by-step tutorials available online to assist you with set-up.
You can scan the QR code below to head to Google’s website and learn more about the benefits of setting up a professional email with them
Not sure how to use a QR code? Open up the camera on your phone Point it at the QR code and a yellow button should pop up Click that and it will take you right to the website!
TRUE OR FALSE?
YOU SHOULD KEEP OLD REELS ON INSTAGRAM EVEN IF THEY AREN'T PERFORMING WELL.
Verdict? This is TRUE!
Reels have a decidedly longer lifespan than other content on Instagram Even if a reel flopped right after sharing it, it still has the potential to gain more attention later on (if another one of your posts performs well, if the audio starts trending, etc.)
WORRY IS A WASTE
Writer: Jess Schultz
Worry is the misuse of imagination. ~ Dan Zadra
I'm a worrier There, I said it I'm not proud of it, but worry has been part of my daily life for as long as I can remember.
To be clear, I don't mean that all "worry" is bad. In my mind, I split these kinds of thoughts into two categories – caution and worry.
Caution is something in the realm of possibility that I can act on to prevent/correct.
Worry is everything else
Things I feel cautious about might include a legitimate concern that my vehicle may need maintenance or repair or it will break down on my. This is in the realm of possibility, and there may be actions I can take to lessen the chances of that happening to me.
Things I feel worried about might include something like whether or not that conversation I had with a random stranger last week made me look silly. While this could technically be in the realm of possibility, it’s not something I have any control over or could take any action on and doesn’t deserve my attention.
This fall, I have made it my mission to worry less
Why? Because worry is such a waste of energy When I imagine what I could accomplish if I channeled all of that energy into visualizing positive outcomes and making tangible action plans, it feels like a no-brainer
Of course, breaking a life-long habit is easier said than done The first step I'm taking is to do more regular “brain dumps” and check in with myself, mentally, to see if the things troubling my mind are things I am cautious about or things I am worried about I’ll be putting my worries in the dismiss category of my brain dumps and the cautious items in the accept or take action category Honestly, even the simple act of writing all of my thoughts can lessen my worries Sometimes putting things down on paper makes them feel less scary and helps my mind to let them go (Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out last month’s edition of Heartheld or check out my blog).
What will you do to reduce the "worry" in your life this year?
EASY CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA NUT
BREAD RECIPE
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Cool completely! Always allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing in the fridge or freezer because it will sweat and may become soggy in spots
I like to cool my bread on the counter, covered with a tea towel It retains a bit of moisture, but can still breathe
HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA NUT BREAD RECIPE
It really is super quick!
1
Mash bananas Blend in eggs, mayo, brown sugar, vanilla and butter
Add dry ingredients, chocolate chips and nuts
Combine but do not over mix
2 Add to a parchment lined loaf pan that has been lightly greased or sprayed with oil.
3. Bake at 350˚F for 45-50 minutes depending on your oven. 4.
Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap and then cover with tin foil This will keep in the freezer for about 3 months
Alternatively you can cut the loaf into two sections and wrap with plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a zippered bag for long term storage It’s the perfect size to pop out when it’s coffee time or when company comes over.
Lastly, you could choose to slice the bread and place pieces of parchment paper in between each slice before wrapping. This makes it easy to grab a piece out of the freezer for a quick snack or breakfast.
Ingredients
3 medium mashed bananas
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup mayo
1 egg
¼ cup butter melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
½ cup cocoa
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup chocolate chips
⅓ cup pecans or walnuts
DIRECTIONS
this delicious bread! However sometimes I like to spread a bit of butter on top. Or why not use a peanut butter spread to make a Chocolate Chip Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich, and cut into quarters to share! Chocolate and raspberry are a tasty combination, so break out the raspberry jam and give it a try!
You can serve it for breakfast, as a midmorning snack or even an after school pick me up Or top this bread with frosting and serve post dinner as dessert!
Any time of day is perfect for this easy chocolate chip banana nut bread recipe!
Preheat oven to 350˚F Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray
Mash ripe bananas Add brown sugar, mayonnaise, eggs, melted butter and vanilla Blend together well You can use a mixer for this
Add flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, baking soda, chocolate chips and nuts to wet ingredients Mix with a rubber scraper until moistened Pour into prepared pan
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before removing from pan
We had the opportunity to chat with Michaela Conway, owner and founder of MNR Beauty Boutique, and ask some questions about her beautiful shop and her journey to where she is today It has been an adventure, and we are honoured that she shared her story with us
Michaela,MNRissuchagorgeousspacefilledwith positivity.Didyoualwaysknowthatyouwantedtoowna clothingandbeautyboutique?
No, actually! This journey started when I was just about to go into my second year of university for my Bachelor of Kinesiology It was the summer of 2018 and I had just faced the most horrific experience of my life My dad had passed away in a tragic car accident It was all very sudden I was 20 years old and I had no clue how to do anything in my life because my dad had always taken care of everything for me I had to return to school in September and I began panicking about how I would pay the tuition (my dad covered the cost of my education up to that point)
We'resosorryforyourloss. HowdidMNRplayintothestoryofyoufinishingyourKinesiologydegree?
Well, I needed to figure out how I could cover the costs of university while still managing to study and have a life That's when my first business started - it was called MNR Lash Studio and I ran it out of my home I worked doing lash extensions when I wasn’t in school, and it gave me the freedom to pay for my tuition while also choosing not work as much when during busy school times (like exam season)
After a while, I began bringing in beauty products that would complement my lash services Things like lip balms, lotions, hair care products, etc In March of 2020 I decided to launch MNR Beauty Boutique I had an online store and still primarily focused of beauty and body care
I continued to work out of my house until November 2020; that's when my husband and I moved out of Edmonton and built a house in Spruce Grove I decided it was time to look for a little store front I was able to find a space that would accommodate lash appointments but allow me to expand my selection of products for sale, too
We'resogladyoudecidedtomovetoSpruceGrove!Isthiswhen MNRmadetheshifttobecomingmoreofaclothingstore?
Yes! This is when clothes came in I feel like this is when my business really started to blossom and my passion grew I still did lash appointments, but I had more of a focus on the boutique aspect of my business
Fast forward a couple years, I had moved MNR Beauty Boutique to a few different store fronts before I figured out what direction I wanted to go in I am happy to say I have finally settled into a location that is perfect for me and the growing boutique
I hope that when people read about my story it shows them that even in moments of great difficulty and struggle, good things can be created Isthereanythingelseyou'dliketosharewithour readers?
Anywordsofwisdomforthepeoplewhohavea businessdreamtheyarehesitanttobringtolife?
Never look around and say “there are so many other things that are similar to what I want to do ” Yes, there may be similar places offering similar services, but they aren’t you
People are attracted to people who are honest, kind, and caring Be a genuine person and your business will go places
Phone: 780 914 0549
A B O U T M I C H A E L A
I feel like one of my best traits is my ability to care about people and REMEMBER My memory is killer
Someone will come into the store for the first time and I’ll chat with them, and the next time they come in I can remember their name, what we chatted about and 90% of the time I’ll even remember what they purchased/what their size is
People are always so happy about that. So many people are like “Wow you remember my name! I've only been in here once ”
The secret? I can do this because I actually take an interest in their life. I care about every customer who visits the boutique, and I love getting to know them
MASTERING GARAGE ORGANIZATION sort + simpleprofessional organizing
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Effectively Organizing Your Garage
Isyourgaragemoreofastoragedungeonthanafunctionalspace?Do youdreamofeffortlesslyparkingyourvehicleswithoutmaneuvering throughamazeofboxesandbikes?Fearnot,becausewe'vegotyour back!Let'sdiveintotheartofgaragedeclutteringandorganization, Sort&Simplestyle.
Creating a Vision for A Functional Garage
Beforedivingheadfirstintothechaos,takeamomenttodefineyour objective.Areyouaimingtoreclaimspaceforyourvehicles?Or perhapsyou'repreparingforamoveandneedtoclearouttheclutter first Maybeyouwanttostartanewhobbyandneedamplespace! Identifyingyourgoalwillguideyourdeclutteringdecisions
Ah,theclutterculprit,oftenlurkinginourhomesand manifestinginourgarages Butfearnot,forwehaveabattle plan-err,Imeandeclutteringplan:
Free the Car:Ifyourcarresidesinthegarage,giveyourself somebreathingroom Parkitoutsidetemporarilytocreate spaceforyourdeclutteringadventure.
Embrace the Elements:Chooseasunnydaytotacklethe task.Utilizeyourdrivewayasastagingarea,spreadingout itemsandcategorizingthemforeasierdecision-making.
Strength in Numbers:Enlistthehelpofafamilymemberor friend.Garagesharborheavyitems,soit’simportanttoliftand carrytogether
Set the Stage:Borrowapop-uptabletoserveasyoursorting center It'stheperfectspotforsortingthroughyour belongingsandwillsaveyourback!
Immediate Action:Asyoufinisheachdeclutteringsession, takeawayyourdonationsandrefuserightaway Thiswillhelp youavoidsecondguessingANDcreatevisibleprogress
Organize Your Garage Like a Pro
Withclutternowundercontrol,you’rereadytosetupyourgarageformaximumfunctionality.Startbytaking inventoryoftheitemsyou’vekeptandtheircategories.Establishdistinctzonestailoredtothedifferent categoriesofitems,whetheritbetools,sportsequipment,orseasonaldecorations.
Prioritizefunctionalplacement,strategicallypositioningfrequentlyuseditemswithinarm'sreach.Considerthe needsofeveryhouseholdmember,ensuringbottlerecyclingstationsneartheinnerdoorandchildren'stoysat theireyelevelforeasyaccess Andremember,thepoweroflabelinginthegaragecannotbeoverstated clearly labeltotesandshelvestostreamlineidentificationandmaintainorganizationalharmonyforallhousehold members
When Selecting Garage Storage Solutions Consider:
Brave the Elements: Optfordurable, weather-resistantstoragesolutions.Closed toteskeepdustandcrittersatbay,andkeep preciousitemsprotectedfromwaterdamage.
Reach for the Stars: Utilizeverticalspaceto thefullest.Hangbikesandkayaksfromthe ceiling,andinstallshelvesthatstretchtothe roof
Hooksareyourbestfriendsforkeepingthings offthefloor!
Weight Distribution:Storeheavieritemson lowershelves,reservinghighershelvesfor lighterbelongingstosaveyourback!
Sustaining Order in your Garage
Maintaining a tidy garage is an ongoing process:
Ready to park your car in the garage with ease? We offer complimentary consultation calls.
Regular Resets: Conduct a Spring and Fall reset to adapt to your evolving needs. Kids grow and hobbies change –it's essential to reassess periodically.
Sweep Away: Show your garage some love by sweeping it out during your resets A clean space sets the stage for continued organization
With these tips in your arsenal, you're well-equipped to conquer your garage clutter and transform it into a functional, organized oasis Say goodbye to chaos and hello to the simplicity of a well-organized garage!
Wehaveahugeselectionofitems including:
Flowers:Wehaveawideselectionofartificial flowerstobrightenupyourspaceortogiftto someonespecial.Whetheryouneedasmall bouquetforyourdeskoralargerarrangement foranevent,wecanhelpyouselecttheperfect blooms.
Crafts:Lookingforacreativeoutlet?Wecan provideallthecraftsupplies andmaterialsyou needtomakesomethingbeautiful.From paintingtoknittingtoDIYhomedécor,letus knowyourinterests,andwecanevenorder thingsinforyou!
SpecialBalloonOrders:Balloonscanadda whimsicaltouchtoanyoccasion.Whether you'recelebratingabirthday,anniversary,or justwanttobringsomejoyintoyourday,we cancreateballoonarches,pillars,helium bouquetsandmore.
“Such friendly people who have recently taken over, always a friendly smile and lots to choose from. I like variety and they’ve got some cool stuff most dollar stores don’t. My new go to place.”
Balancing Business
for work - life balance |
Writer: Chris Neumann
Understanding is crucial in every aspect of life It allows us to connect with others, reduce conflicts, and foster cooperation By truly grasping someone else's perspective, we can build stronger relationships and create a more harmonious environment
Understanding is more than just hearing words; it's about truly comprehending the feelings, intentions, and perspectives behind them. It's the secret sauce that turns a simple conversation into a meaningful connection. Let's dive into why understanding is so important and how we can sprinkle it more generously in our lives.
The Power of Understanding: Bridging Gaps and Building Connections
Inspirations
Understanding matters for several reasons First, it helps build strong relationships Think of understanding as the glue that holds relationships together. Whether it's with family, friends, or colleagues, being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes helps build trust and empathy.
Misunderstandings are often the root of conflicts. By making an effort to understand where the other person is coming from, we can prevent small disagreements from turning into big blowouts
In any team, whether at work or in sports, understanding each other's strengths, weaknesses, and motivations leads to better cooperation and success It's like having a secret playbook that everyone can follow When we understand others, we also learn more about ourselves It challenges our assumptions and broadens our perspectives, helping us grow as individuals.
In the business world, understanding is equally vital. Truly listening to what customers want and need is the cornerstone of excellent service Sometimes, businesses fail to connect with their customers because they don't take the time to understand their perspectives
This is why we see surveys and reviews all around us – they're tools to help businesses better grasp their customers' experiences and expectations By genuinely listening and responding to customer feedback, businesses can build stronger relationships and foster loyalty.
Cultivating understanding involves several steps. Listen actively – don't just hear, but truly listen. Pay attention to what the other person is saying without planning your response while they're still talking. Nod, make eye contact, and show that you're engaged. If something isn't clear, ask questions. Questions show that you're interested and willing to learn more. It's like adding more pieces to your puzzle until the picture becomes clear
Show empathy by trying to feel what the other person is feeling Empathy is about connecting emotionally, not just intellectually It's like sharing an umbrella in a rainstorm – it makes the other person feel less alone Be patient, as understanding takes time, especially when dealing with complex emotions or situations Give the conversation the time it needs to unfold Respecting differences is key to understanding We all come from different backgrounds and experiences It's like appreciating different shades of a rainbow – each one adds to the beauty
When we practice understanding, we create a ripple effect. Our actions inspire others to do the same, leading to a more compassionate and connected world. It's like planting a seed that grows into a tree, providing shade and shelter for everyone around.
So, next time you find yourself in a conversation, remember the power of understanding It's not just about getting the message across; it's about connecting hearts and minds And who knows? You might just find that completing the puzzle together is a lot more fun than doing it alone
SIMPLE SELF-CARE
Discovering self-care is a journey of seeking out the gentle melodies that soothe our souls, where each moment of tenderness and reflection becomes a cherished step towards embracing our truest selves
M Y C O R E values
From the list below, circle the values that resonate with you. Do not overthink your selections. If you think of a value you possess that is not on the list, be sure to write it down as well.
Abundance
Daring
Intuition
Acceptance
Decisiveness
Joy
Proactivity
Achievement
Dedication
Kindness
Professionalism
Advancement
Dependability
Knowledge
Punctuality
Adventure
Diversity
Leadership
Recognition
Advocacy
Empathy
Learning
Relationships
Ambition
Encouragement
Love
Reliability
Appreciation
Enthusiasm
Loyalty
Resilience
Attractiveness
Ethics
Making a Difference
Resourcefulness
Autonomy
Excellence
Teamwork
Mindfulness
Responsibility
Balance
Expressiveness
Motivation
Enthusiasm
Preparedness
Responsiveness
Being the Best
Ethics
Optimism
Security
Benevolence
Excellence
Open-Mindedness
Self-Control
Boldness
Expressiveness
Originality
Selflessness
Brilliance
Fairness
Passion
Simplicity
Calmness
Family
Performance
Passion
Simplicity
Calmness
Family
Performance
Stability
Caring
Friendships
Personal
Development
Success
Challenge
Flexibility
Proactive
Charity
Freedom
Cleverness
Generosity
Risk Taking
Trustworthiness
Commitment
Growth
S E L F I D E N
worksheet
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle
What is my biggest strength?
What is my biggest achievement? What is my biggest goal currently?
What is my biggest weakness? How am I trying to get better?
What am I interested in trying? Who/what inspires me the most?
What makes me the happiest and why?
What hurts me the most and why?
What do I believe in the most?
1 0 P L A N T S Y O U ’ L L L O V E H A V I N G
ZZ Plant
ZZplantsrequirelesswaterthanalotof plants.Ifyoutendtoneglectyours(rather thanoverwaterthem),you'lldowellwith thisone It'llthriveinbright,indirectlight butitcanalsotoleratelowlightifyouhave aless-than-sunnyspotyouwanttokeepit in
Thiswaxyplantwillgrowtrailingvinesof whiteandgreen(andsometimespink!) leaves.Petfriendlyandnontoxic,it thrivesinbright,indirectlightwitha wateringeveryonetotwoweeks
Forlarge-scalegreenerythat'sthe indisputablefocalpointofanyroomit's in,tryamonstera Thewaxyleaves benefitfromhumidity(considerit anotherperkofyourbelovedhumidifier), butbeyondthat,theirwateringneedsare low-maintenance
Notonlyaresnakeplantsextremelylowmaintenance(youcanforgettowater themforuptothreeweekswithout consequences)butthey'realsonaturalair purifiers Theyabsorbcarbondioxideand releaseoxygenatnight,sotryplacing oneinyourbedroomforhealthiersleep
Thisfoolproofplantcanhandlemissed wateringsandwillfunctionbestin medium-tobright-lightconditions, thoughit'sdefinitelynotfinicky Theheartshapedleavesareknowntogrowquickly Pothosisatrailingvineandlooksgreaton highersurfaces!
Ferns lovelowlightandhumidity,the bathroomisanidealenvironment.Hang itinacorner,allowingitsdarkgreen frondstodrapedown Makesureto wateritregularly butonlyoncethesoil hascompletelydriedout.
Succulentsonlyrequireasmall amountofwater,sothissetoffour succulentsissuretospruceupyour homewithoutrequiringmuch maintenance
Africanvioletsflourishindoorsunder brightandindirectlight,makingthem easytocarefor Plus,they'lladdapopof colourtoanyroomyoudisplaythemin.
You'llquicklyhavelengthystrandsof pearlsbyleavingthisplantinbright, indirectlightwithenoughwatertokeep thesoilsteadilymoist Putyoursina hangingpotthatallowsthesucculent's vinestocascadeoverthesides
Thisplantrequiresmediumtolowlight andonlyneedstobewateredwhen thetopofthesoilisdry
Monstera
Snake Plant
Pothos
Boston Fern
Hoya Carnosa Tricolour
Succulents
African Violet
String of Pearls
Peace Lily
F I N D I N G
Media Anxiety: How to Cut Back Your Doomscrolling and Manage Your Headline Anxiety
We are all familiar with the idiom “if it bleeds it leads” as it relates to media outlets choosing what stories to promote and which to put on the back page of the newspaper (yes, I did just date myself there!).
The Impact of Information Overload
With the dawn of the internet, ong immediate access to worldwide ev increased significantly With the cl the touch of a fingertip, all of us ca violence, conflict, or tragedies on a Current examples include but are limited to: geopolitical conflict, rac war in the Ukraine, climate change shootings, political corruption, and impacts of the pandemic
This “clickbait” overload can negat mental health - and at times those consuming it may not even realize exposures are impacting them – b bothered by what they are reading repeatedly
Understanding the Effects o Doomscrolling and Headline Anxiety
Let’s face it, people have a fascination with dramatics – the action, anticipation, obsession, and excitement of the media can have an intoxicating effect. However, when this constant flood of headlines becomes invasive, they can result in pervasive mental health concerns.
Many terms have been coined to describe this phenomenon – “doomscrolling”, “headline stress” and “headline anxiety” to name a few For some, the symptoms of this condition can become overwhelming and can range from anxiety, helplessness, fear, and intrusive thoughts, to increased depression and worsened PTSD symptom presentation.
For example, Hwang et al., (2021) conducted a study that demonstrated that of the 2,251 adults surveyed in 2020 who sought out information in the preliminary stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across various media outlets – television, social media, and newspapers - reported increased rates of emotional distress Interestingly, what was also discovered in this study was that those who sought out more information via these media outlets were doing so to alleviate their distress and anxiety, yet it resulted in an increase in their anxiety instead. So…. the relationship is inverse in nature. One seeks to self-soothe by seeking out more information, and instead the exposure increases/ exacerbates their symptoms.
That’s a major backfire!
B A L A N C E
8 Tips to Manage Headline Anxiety
So what do we do about this? How do we manage our headline anxiety?
Here are a few tips:
1
Know your triggers: Awareness is key We all have a history, and we all have things that this history will influence If you know certain topics will impact you, do your best to avoid watching or reading about these topics
2 Limit Apps: Ask yourself, do you need that app? Consider giving yourself a break from some social media/media sites You can always add it again later, but making the news less accessible across various apps can help you cut back
Limit How Often You Access the News: given the news alerts and Apps on our smartphones, accessing current news events is as easy as the flick of a fingertip This can lead to impulse control issues and obsessions While it is important to remain aware of current events, ensure that you are thoughtful about how much time you are spending reading or watching the news Put a time limit on it if you must Thoughtful consumption will help you avoid endless hours of scrolling
3 Counterbalance: Try and find some positive news as well It’s out there! Some find it helpful to make a ratio rule. For example: find 2 good stories for every 1 negative story. Podcasts, news outlets, and social media sites focused upon positivity can assist in decreasing your stress and help you shift to a more positive mindset and worldview.
4 Practice Self-Care: Distractions and time away from negative media influences can really help – go for a walk, spend time with friends, pet the cat, play with the kids, do some yoga, be present, walk the dog, breathe, go for a bike ride, mediate – whatever works for you! Put the phone down and turn the TV off. You will thank yourself for it!
5. Show Yourself Compassion: It’s important to understand that the world can be scary and full of unknowns – and that can be stressful! You can honor those feelings 6.
Talk It Out: Find a friend, family member or someone that you trust –they can offer comfort and perhaps a different perspective Importantly – you are not alone 7
Develop Tools Through Therapy: Find a therapist who you can share your concerns with and who can provide you with some tools for how to cope with your symptoms 8
Find Support for Anxiety, Depression and Other Mental Health Concerns
A trained therapist can support you in dealing with emotional and mental concerns like these
heartheld health
Written by Vickie Boechler
What Are the Social Determinants of Health/Things That Affect Our Health?
“Does
education determine the health and wealth of a country?”
H. Hennerich
Have you ever wondered what affects our health?
Although there is no single definition of what makes us healthy, all governments and health organizations share common uses of the determinants of health - in other words, ‘things that determine our health’
Within the broader determinants of health there are specific social determinants of health (social factors that affect our health) As a former public health nurse in Stony Plain and Spruce Grove, I considered these things in my practice that affected peoples’ health everyday I think the public should be aware of these and the fact that health programs are designed around these determinants
Social determinants are ‘the non-medical determinants or factors that influence our health’ They are conditions in which people are born, grow, age, live, work, and play, and things that affect our daily life (WHO 2022). These relate to a persons place in society, such as income, education, or employment including social determinants for certain groups such as Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ and Canadians who also experience discrimination, racism, and historical intergenerational trauma (Canada, 2024.). Social determinants can be more important than lifestyle choices or health care in influencing health (WHO, 2022).
Several agencies (WHO, 2022; StatCan 2023) have reported the social determinants of health to be the following:
Education determines health. Education is the most important modifiable social determinant of health and is strongly associated with health behaviours, life expectancy, morbidity and shapes opportunities in employment and income (Editorial, 2020)
Education is becoming more technological leaving large numbers of the world’s population out of teaching and learning because they either do not have the technology or cannot keep up with the changes in technology. (GEM, 2023).
Income determines health so, in other words, unemployment and job security determines health. Lower-income households are more likely to be food insecure (WHO, 2022; StatsCan, 2023)
Food security determines health. What does “food insecure” mean? It is the lack of access to a reliable, sufficient quantity of nutritious food Based on a survey done by Statistics Canada for 2022, 178% of households in the ten provinces were food insecure That is equivalent to 69 million Canadians and of that 18 million were children (Li, Farfard St-Germain & Tarasuk 2023) ) In all countries at any level of income, health and sickness follow a slope upward or downward: the lower the level of income, the lower the slope, the poorer the health of the people (WHO 2022).
Sex at birth, gender, and sexual orientation determines health. Women earn less and are more likely to be poor (Chelak & Chakole 2023); women get paid less for the same job as their male counterparts Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination are factors experienced by those who do not identify as cisgender (a person whose personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex) or heterosexual and have been found to affect health status (StatCan 2023). Women over 65 years of age who were able to stay home and raise their family and have never been employed outside the home do not collect a pension from employment. Their sex in this case definitely determines their health; the elderly widow can sometimes live in poverty under these conditions
sability determines health because disability can d to poverty and poverty can lead to disability ronically poor people are often at risk of ill health d injuries, which may lead to disability (StatsCan, 23) A disabled individual who cannot work, cannot ve money, or pay into an employer’s pension plan is risk for poorer health
ceiving social assistance in their younger years ects their senior years where there are more ronic illnesses and more health care is downloaded the individual or family Being disabled with a ronic health condition like multiple sclerosis, for ample, affects access to care in a timely manner pecially when there is a shortage of doctors and rses and wait times in emergency departments are unacceptably long.
One’s immigrant status determines health. Did you know that immigrants to Canada have better health for the first 3 years than the average Canadian (Statcan, 2023) and after that their health starts to decline over time This is probably because of the selection process as they are screened for medical status, favoured skills, and economic class
Being a First Nations Canadian determines health. The health of Indigenous peoples has been negatively affected by colonization, intergenerational trauma, discrimination, and structural inequalities (Statcan, 2023) such as living on a reserve
Ethnicity & racism , social inclusion and non-discrimination determines health. Visible minorities are defined as, “persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour” Racism is being increasingly recognized as an important driver of inequitable health outcomes (StatCan, 2023)
Environment, housin to affordable health determines health. W big affect on our hea compared to less fort quality health care in health of a nation
People who cannot f disadvantaged and fo health care where im through the cracks T new, original solution that create debate an across silos in govern Governments that cr create more gatekee people they serve, th
replacethehealthadviceofaphysicianoranyotherhealthcareprofessional
References Canada (2024) Socialdeterminantsofhealthandhealthinequalities;Socialdeterminantsofhealthandhealthinequalities-Canadaca;accessedonline13May2024 Editorial (2020) Education:aneglectedsocialdeterminantofhealth mainpdf(nihgov);accessedonline13May2024 Hennerich,H (2021)Health,WealthandEducation:IsThereaLinkforCountries?|St LouisFed(stlouisfedorg);accessedonline14May2024 LiT,FafardSt-GermainAA,TarasukV (2023) HouseholdfoodinsecurityinCanada,2022 Toronto:Researchtoidentifypolicyoptionstoreducefoodinsecurity(PROOF) Retrievedfrom https://proofutorontoca/May10 2024 Statcan(2023) HealthofCanadiansdeterminantsofhealth;Determinantsofhealth(statcangcca);accessedonline10May2024 WorldHealthOrganization (2022)Socialdeterminantsofhealth WHO,Geneva,Socialdeterminantsofhealth(whoint);accessedonlineMay10,2024
THAT DECOR STUDIO PRESENTS
HEART Spaceswith
Top Design Must Haves
Understanding and Celebrating Children Who Are Neurodivergent R
When celebrating diversity and advocating for littles, it's important for me, as a mother, to recognize the unique strengths and perspective of every child, including children who are neurodivergent I’d like to note that, as a worke have worked closely with neurodivergent kiddos but as a parent, I have not My perspective is so based on the desire to spread awareness and to help empathize with the importance of having a inclusive community and to help create an open space for everyone
Neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological differences, such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Giftedness, Down Syndrome, Mental Health Conditions, and many more. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, I’d like to try and advocate for the perspective shift that allows us to appreciate the diverse ways in which, not only children, but all humans experience the world - so we can continue celebrating these kiddos for their remarkable gifts and shifting our approaches when caring for their needs
When working with a strengths-based and open approach, here are a number of important things to understand about children who are neurodivergent:
"If you've met one individual with autism, you've met one individual with autism."
~ Stephen Shore
If you’ve ever encountered a child, you instantly know just how unique they are, and this is especially true for neurodivergent kiddos. They have their own strengths, interests, challenges, anxieties, goals, triggers, and ways of processing information. They have their own stories, journey and, not to mention, their own family dynamics. recognizing the layers to their individuality, we can begin to create an environment that nurture their talents and gifts and supports their growth in a positive and well-adapted way
Different, Not Less
Neurodivergent children may learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them in ways that differ from “neurotypical” children The important thing to remember is that these differences do not make them "less than" or inferior Each neurodivergent kiddo has valuable contributions to make, and it's key to appreciate their strengths and abilities just as you would any other child.
The Beauty Of A Unique Mind
Neurodivergent kids have some incredible and unique perspectives and their ways of thinking can offer such valuable insights and creativity to our world Their divergent thinking can lead to innovative solutions and approaches to problemsolving that are just out of reach for us I mean, have you ever had a conversation with a gifted child? It can literally open your eyes to a whole different level of reality. By embracing their perspectives, we can better understand our world and really begin to shift our thoughts and ideas on so many different things
Strengths-Based Approach
I think I heard this phrase five thousand times in university, and only now am I really appreciating its importance and power. Instead of focusing solely on challenges and deficits, it's so important to adopt a strengths-based approach when working with or raising neurodivergent children. This means identifying and building upon their strengths, interests, and passions noticing their strengths and allowing that to be your primary focus By highlighting what they excel at, we can boost their confidence, self-esteem, and discover how exceptional these kids really are Truly, their potential can be limitless, but only if we allow them to discover it
Inclusion. Inclusion. Inclusion.
Empathy and Understanding
My two favourite words But really, it’s vital to approach neurodivergent children with empathy, patience, and understanding Recognizing their challenges and offering support without judgment can make a significant difference in their lives. By listening to their needs and experiences, we can create inclusive environments where they feel valued and accepted. To every parent of a neurodivergent child, I can’t possibly applaud you loud enough
As parents, educators, and community members, we play a crucial role in promoting acceptance and inclusion for neurodivergent children, especially when raising children who aren’t neurodivergent. This involves fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and appreciation for neurodiversity in schools, workplaces, and society at large This involves buying books that celebrate diversity for your kiddos, not shying away from answering questions, teaching them how all minds are unique and important This involves putting in the work so that others don’t have to suffer the consequences of not feeling as valued as they should be.
Advocacy and Support
Neurodivergent kiddos and their families may face challenges in navigating social, educational, and healthcare systems, specifically when looking at specific demographics Advocating for their needs and providing access to appropriate programming and services is essential for their well-being and the wellbeing of an entire family. Creating a more equitable society and world should always remain a main focus when advocating for all children.
If I had one wish? It would be for a new, magical world where every child can thrive finding peace within themselves and unlocking their incredible potentials without any barriers in place
I guess it’s our job to keep building that world.
Alberta Press and Paper: Shantelle Jammaz
KIDS’ CORNER
How to bees get to school? On the school buzzzz!
Why did the tree take a vacation? It needed to leaf!
What do you call a bear in the rain? A drizzly bear!
What did the ocean say to the beach?
Nothing, it just waved!
Kindness Writing
How can you show kindness to yourself, family, friends, or others? Write about it, then draw a picture to match.
Name:
Date:
Kindness Jar
Inthejarbelow,writearandomactofkindnessyou havedonethisweek.
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ABOUTUS
For over a decade, the Edmonton and surrounding communities have been our pillars of streng evolving needs of our cherished clients in m broadened our horizon, introducing a spectr personal health alternative services such as nutrition planning, acupuncture, and IV Vitam therapy To mirror our progress and the holi offerings, we ’ re thrilled to introduce our new name: Bliss MediSpa & Integrated Wellness
Bliss MediSpa
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Homegrown Foods
Our in-house bakery serves organic hot and cold beverages, soup combos, soft serve ice cream, and baked goods.
Our coffee is locally-sourced from High Horse coffee roasters in Edmonton.
Come visit us at 10 - 19 Granite Dr in Stony Plain, Alberta
Bakery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sundays + Holidays: Closed
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carrying fine antiques and a splash of original curiosities
Loganberry’s
