WINNIPEG
November, 2011
FREE! Take a clean copy with you.
Winter Cycling? It’s no problem. M
any people convert their how to ride in the city we tell commute to cycling every them ‘Drive like a car and if you summer but come winter, they need to stay safe, take the lane.” park their bike until the next Unless you are comfortable in turn of season. Winter riding the higher traffic areas, stick to is just too dangerous, not to a bike or multi-use path. More mention cold, right? Absolutely of them are being cleared each not! Or so say a growing number year. The issue is not the cyclist of winter cyclists. Significant losing control or sliding under snowfalls may not arrive until a vehicle – extremely unlikely well into December or longer, – but motorists not as used to and with the exception of a seeing cyclists on the road as few days here and there, you they are in summer. Visibility may find your ride not much is key so fluorescent vests different than in the summer. and lights become even more Currie Gillespie, an active important. Just as you wouldn’t member of just about every want to blend into the dark, cycling related association make sure you wear colours that in Winnipeg including the also stand out in bright daylight. Manitoba Cycling Association The second but no less has a few suggestions on how to important factor is staying warm. weather winter cycling. As any winter rider will tell you, dress right and you’ll arrive at Stay visible and warm your destination sweating even “The Highway Traffic Act in a moderate wind-chill! That stipulates that cyclists not swing moisture is what you want to in and out between parked cars. avoid at all costs though. Find a line to follow and stick invest in a skin-tight base layer to it. The act also says that you made of nylon or lycra that must ride as far to the right as wicks sweat away from your practicable,” says Gillespie. body, then layer with fleece “This is a grey area term leaving or wool and a wind and water lots of room to argue safety. resistant outer shell. When we try to teach someone
wear a hat under your helmet gloves must be wind-resistant with another fleece or wool layer for warmth, same as clothing. Most bike shops carry a variety of the better gloves and claw-style mittens called lobsters that allow better grip and responsiveness to breaks and gears. bulky boots are OK provided pedals are larger and provide for good grip. Many winter riders will change their pedal for the season. goggles are good to have for added protection but as anyone who wears glasses will tell you, fogging can be a problem. “I love my goggles because they have a tiny battery-powered fan that last forever,” says Gillespie.
Thick nubby tires He declined making recommendations of one type of bike over another, but suggests cyclists new to the winter ride go with thick, nubby tires. The studs definitely have to go on the front because that’s where you’ll need the control, plus the front brake is what gives you 70% of your stopping power.
Borowski’s Health Shop and Day Spa Telephone: 257-7667 437 St. Anne’s Rd.
Day Spa $89
As for bike maintenance, Gillespie says “a brilliant bike mechanic told me that once your bike is cold, keep it that way. Don’t ride it then take it into a nice warm garage where snow and ice will melt, giving moisture giving a chance for rust to attack the chain or other steel parts like the rear hub.” ■
PACKAGE
/person
www.winnipegwellnews.ca
PHOTO: GREEN ACTION CENTRE WINNIPEG
WINNIPEG
Quiet your Monkey Get Back in Motion Clearing snow is inevitable but there is plenty you can do to keep the muscle aches of moderate exercise from turning into serious strain and pain. Shoveling on a regular basis is best but not always possible so using both the right tools and techniques are important. Having a plan that includes where to put it all will save you having to pile it higher than you should or climbing over hills to make more room. Take time to STRETCH before heading outside. Use a shovel or scoop that allows you to PUSH the snow rather than lift it as much as possible. If you do need to lift snow out of the way, keep loads reasonably light and NEVER TWIST & Throw. Rest as often as you need. If despite all caution you still find yourself suffering more than mild muscle strain do not seek the comfort of a heat pad. The cruel irony is that inflammation responds better with ICE to start! For more detailed information about this topic see the full article posted by Dr. Gerald Tole, D.C. on www.winnipegwellnews.ca SPONSORED BY
Dr. Gerald Tole D.C.
Reach him through www.winnipegdc.com or on Facebook. Search “Creating Health with Dr. Tole”
I
n these busy times when worry feels constant and relaxation increasingly elusive, maybe the problem isn’t a monkey on our back, but in our head. “Our minds are constantly assaulted by stimulation during every waking moment and even restful times,” says Bahram Moterassed, MMFT, a Winnipeg psychotherapist who has practiced meditation for over 16 years. “It’s a like a monkey mind; constantly jumping from one thing to the next, agitated, without focus and never at rest.”
Meditation has been widely practiced around the world since ancient times and rather than being considered something best left to those willing to dedicate years seeking enlightenment in utter tranquility, the exact opposite is true in our modern, harried life. Never has the need been so great for us to learn how to quiet the constant chatter within. We’ve all heard about the importance of stress reduction and the perils of not doing so – higher blood pressure, outbursts of anger that can impact our jobs and personal lives, but if you balk at the thought of adding ever more pressure on yourself to learn greater control and selfdiscipline you’ve got the wrong idea. Moterassed explains, “When someone asks me, ‘what will I gain by meditating’, I say, ‘Nothing. Actually you are coming to learn how to lose.’ It’s as though the sun is shining, but you have a heavy curtain in your window. Meditation is not about creating the sun but learning to push the curtain aside to let the light pour in. You are letting go of yourself, your emotions. It’s about awakening. Only then can you really see what is around you.” Although it can be, don’t assume meditation need be connected to a religious practice or even a spiritual one. “My approach to meditation is watchfulness,
TACHÉ THERAPEUTIC CENTRE THÉRAPEUTIQUE
ROBERT PASTERNAK
190 AV. TACHÉ AVE. WINNIPEG MB R2H 1Z6
Meditation
Our professional and caring collective offers a wide range of services. • therapeutic massage • cranio sacral • diabetes education • myo fascial release • hypno therapy/ Ideal Protein Weight Loss • reflexology/ thai foot massage • The Way of the Heart
is not about creating the sun but learning
PHONE (204) 231 49 59
to push the Brainwave Optimization with RTB™
curtain aside
REDUCES:
to let the light
Anxiety / Depression / PTSD / Stress
pour in.
ENHANCES:
Focus / Joy / Memory / Self-regulation / Sleep Phone: 204-612-1579 E-mail: jlcmmg@mts.net www.brainstatetech.com
Services La Loba Services 308 Morley Avenue WINNIPEG, MB R3L 0Y5
Trauma release options for balanced soulful living
Winnipeg Total Health Solutions Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission via diode arrays which are placed on the skin. The light causes a biochemical reaction within cells which enhances the body's natural healing processes. The first noticeable effect is the production and release of beta-endorphins, substances in the body that inhibit the sensation of pain. Inflammation is also reduced which is often directly related to the pain we are feeling. Injured tissue literally gets a boost at the cellular level which speeds up the healing process 10 to 50 times faster.
Tel: 204-255-7779 wths@shaw.ca www.winnipegtotalhealth.com
Odell Willis Winnipeg Blue Bomber, “Low Intensity Laser Therapy Works”
Mind witnessing and awareness,” he says. Meditation is not sitting like a monk, closing the door and looking to find complete silence. It can be as simple as being in the moment; experiencing whatever you are doing whether it is eating, brushing your teeth, doing the dishes, or taking a shower.” Of course, slowing the whirl of thoughts is not so simple. “200 years ago meditation was easier to achieve because there wasn’t the non-stop stimulation we have now, so we turn to active meditation techniques: power shaking helps release physical energy, emptying the mind through gibberish or alternately focusing on one and only one thing such as a candle, a repetitive gesture or chant are just a few,” says Moterassed.
Although meditation is a very individual pursuit, it doesn’t have to be practised in solitude...
For the beginner, a guide or teacher can be extremely helpful in suggesting various techniques, identifying areas where we seem to be having difficulty, offering encouragement and even pointing out progress we’ve made when it isn’t as readily apparent to ourselves. Although meditation is a very individual pursuit, it doesn’t have to be practiced in solitude and many prefer a group setting.
I want you to lose like I did.
91 lbs in just 7 months with the Ideal Protein weight loss plan
As the owner of Zealous Medi Spa, I needed to find a program I knew worked and could confidently offer my clients. I found it with Ideal Protein, a system that provides a great variety of delicious meals and snacks that deliver balanced nutrition without leaving you starved. Jessica LoRusso, Owner Zealous Medi Spa • effective • affordable • start and end date • one –on-one coaching • nutritionally and scientifically based
BEFORE
AFTER 5 MO.
Don’t waste another day. Call 415-3159 to book your consultation.
AFTER
390K Provencher Blvd. • 204-415.3159 • zealousmedispa.com
Rona Lynne Fitzpatrick has offered “Gong Bath Meditation” in small groups of no more than six or so for the last three years. It is an active meditation using singing or Tibetan bowls where the sound is used to assist in clearing the mind. As the name implies, the waves of sound wash over you and immerse you in the experience that is at times is anything but a ‘quiet’ meditation. There is a marked difference in using a recording as opposed to feeling the vibrations.
Maykadeh Active Therapy and Meditation Centre www.maykadeh.org Gong Bath Meditations www.gongbathmeditations.com
%
email: info@solberry.ca
This is an abridged version of a longer article that is posted on www. winnipegwellnews.ca. I have listed just a few other resources under the News and Events section on the back page, but encourage readers to add comments online about how and where they practice meditation, either free of charge in a community setting or through paid sessions.
100 www.solberry.ca
Fitzpatrick reinforces the idea of meditation being about learning to let go of control. “That can be downright disturbing to some people.” she says. “There is a change in our brain activity and when we become aware of a change it is common for defense mechanisms to kick into gear – fidgeting, resisting and even a feeling of heightened anxiety for some initially. There are plenty of books on the subject helpful in understanding the concepts and providing examples but handing over the task of leading the way may help much in the final relaxation needed, at least to start. ■
pure.
100
%
local.
Look for the burst of Manitoba sunshine and “Manitoba Made” logo on every bottle of Solberry and you'll know it's 100% locally grown Sea Buckthorn puree with no added water. Let food be your medicine. Add a tablespoon to juice or water for a natural non-citrus source of Vitamins C, E and A. Seabuckthorn is a natural whole food, combining antioxidants, Omega 3,6,9 and rare Omega 7 needed for collagen with Phytosterols and Polyphenols, plant sterols proven to help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Ask for SOLBERRY at your local retailer!
Winnipeg Convention Center 375 York St. For ticket information, full exhibitor list, and programming details visit
is pleased to sponsor
January 13 -15, 2012
www.wellnessexpo.com
WINNIPEG
News & Events Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses offered through the CMHA, Winnipeg Region office: www. cmhawpg.mb.ca/mbsr.htm MBSR is an approach to self-care that can assist in managing stress, pain and illness. Cost (8 week course) $75.00 for non CMHA Winnipeg Members/ $50.00 for Members of CMHA Winnipeg. Subsidy possible. The Centre Renaissance Centre located at 844 Autumnwood Drive 256-6750 offers a “Twin Hearts” meditation session every 2nd Tuesday at 2:00 pm and/ or every 4th Wednesday at 7:00pm. $5 suggested love donation. www.centrerenaissance.ca Sri Chinmoy Centre of Winnipeg. For information about free classes, call 944-1041 or visit .ca.srichinmoycentre. org/centres/winnipeg The Art of Living - Winnipeg Art of Meditation Course Location: Manitoba Hindu Seniors 834 Ellice Avenue, Manitoba, Winnipeg Nov. 11 - 13, 2011 Weekday : 6:00:PM-8:30:PM Weekend timings : 2:00:PM-4:00:PM Cost : $100.00 Phone : 204-275-8674 or Email : winnipeg@artofliving.ca or visit www.artofliving.ca
Spirometry Awareness: It’s a simple breath out and it could tell you a lot about your lungs FREE testing Oct 17 - Nov 30, 2011 Spirometry is a simple breathing test that measures how much and how fast a person can move air in and out of the lungs. It is a critical test for lung health - not unlike the relationship between blood pressure checks for heart health - and it is an early detection tool for lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An individual blows into a tube and the spirometer measures volume and flow of air, determining a rating for the lungs. For further information visit www.mb.lung.ca Winnipeg Area River East Access Centre - 975 Henderson Hwy 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. November 7th and 28th Reh-Fit Fitness Centre 1390 Taylor Avenue 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon November 9th, 14th, 21st and 28th
staffordstreethotyoga 677-E Stafford St. at Pembina Hwy. info@staffordstreethotyoga.com (204) 452.7412
Bikram Certified
The World’s Original Hot Yoga! Accessible to everyone – Bold Beginners to Vibrant Vets Full body renovations • heal • strengthen • tone • de-stress “Never too late, never too old, never too bad, never too sick to start from scratch again.”
Pain management
AAHC - Ankhang Acupuncture Healing Centre
Weight loss
Dr. Guojian Huang
Addressing your health concerns • Professionally • Safely • Naturally
(ask about results with cupping therapy!) Coverage available under most private insurance plans
www.acupuncturewinnipeg.ca
Advanced TCM and Acupuncture Specialist 689 St. Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg MB Tel: 775-2266 or 294-6226
Intro Offer! First month only
$50
Tea Store now open • Always fresh & healthy • Dozens of varieties
WINNIPEG
CONTACT US! You can reach the Publisher — Mireille Theriault — at mireille@winnipegwellnews.ca, by calling 887-2999, or leaving your comments and questions on our discussion board at www.winnipegpwellnews.ca The information in this publication is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We encourage our readers to always conduct their own research into any treatments or programs and to consult with a medical professional prior to the start of same. Winnipeg WellNews is published monthly with 2,000 print copies per zone distributed through waiting rooms at most walk-in medical centers, dentists, chiropractors, alternative health practitioners, natural food and nutritional supplement stores as well as fitness and exercise facilities...wherever health and wellness matters.