April is Cancer Awareness Month

2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime and about 1 in 4 Canadians will die of cancer.[1]

In 2014, it is estimated that 191,300 Canadians will develop cancer and 76,600 will die of cancer. [2] April is Daffodil Month. The daffodil is considered a symbol of strength and courage by the Canadian Cancer Society. Funds raised during Daffodil Month are used to lend a helping hand for families and those receiving treatment for cancer, fund lifesaving clinical trials, advocate for cancer patients and provide access to services in your community.

For more information on Daffodil Month, please visit: http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/events-and-participation/find-an-event-near-you/daffodil-month/?region=mb

Prevention

There are a number of factors that contribute to whether you are susceptible to cancer. You can help minimize your risk by[3]:

1. Quitting smoking and limiting your exposure to second hand smoke.
2. Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruit and fibre with little fat and sugar.
3. Keeping physical activity as an important part of your day with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day.
4. Be aware of your family genetics.
5. Reducing your alcohol intake.
6. Being safe in the sun by covering up, wearing sunglasses, using sunscreen and staying hydrated.
7. Getting the right amount of Vitamin D.
8. Monitoring environmental factors such as what household cleaners are being used and what residues are left behind especially if you have young infants and toddlers who spend an ample amount of time on the floor.

Screening

You know your body better than any one else as you will know what is normal for you. When cancer is found early, it is often easier to treat. Having regular checkups with your doctor will help reduce the risk of a health problem being ignored. Screening tests help find some types of cancer before you have any symptoms. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your risk of cancer and what screening tests you should have. Be sure to mention any family history of cancer.

Benefits and risks of screening[4]:

Benefits:

• Better survival rates
• Better quality of life

Risks:

• False positive results
• False negative results
• Over-diagnosis
• Increased exposure to harmful procedures

Upcoming Events

There are a number of events throughout the year all over Manitoba in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.

Relay for Life – numerous dates based on location from May to July across the province

River City Dragon Boat Festival – June 5 & 6 at the Manitoba Water Ski Park

Walk Because You Can – June 13 at Assiniboine Park

Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival – September 11 – 13 at The Forks

If you enjoy the intrinsic benefits of being a volunteer, consider supporting the Canadian Cancer Society and volunteering your time and skills to a wonderful cause. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available.

For more information about fundraising events and to access the volunteer application form, please visit www.cancer.ca.

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to help you and your family. You even have access to seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

This month the recommended seminar is ‘A Personal Guide to Managing Change’. Learn how to thrive through change throughout your life!

Did You Know?

STRATA Select Blackline Safety (a division of Blackline GPS) offers the highest technology in worldwide personal safety devices.

The safety device will send an alarm when:

1. There is a fall or collision sensed by the device.
2. There is no motion sensed by the device (e.g. person is unconscious).
3. The user activates the silent Alert.
4. The user activates the audible alarm (used if there may be people near your vicinity to help).

Once the alarm is triggered:

1. A text and email are instantly sent to the people that have been identified or to 3rd party monitoring personnel.
2. An email will also be sent identifying the exact location the incident occurred and what triggered the alarm.

These safety devices can provide improved safety for:

• Outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, quading, cross-country skiing, etc.)
• Seniors living at home
• Anytime someone is alone

Log on to your STRATA Select website for more information.

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[1] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014. www.cancer.ca/statistics. 2014.

[2] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014. www.cancer.ca/statistics. 2014.

[3] Canadian Cancer Society. Prevention & Screening. www.cancer.ca. 2014

[4] Canadian Cancer Society. Prevention & Screening. www.cancer.ca. 2014

It may sound simple, but one way to help maintain a balanced mood is to eat healthy. Just as there is a relationship between food and our bodies, there is a connection between food and our minds.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is always good for us, but there are also other foods containing important vitamins and minerals that contribute to our overall mental health. Here are some to be sure to grab the next time you’re out grocery shopping!

• Beans, peas and lentils 


Folic acid is one of the B vitamins that’s linked to the “feel good” chemicals in the brain — serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This is why people with a folate-deficiency have been found to experience symptoms such as irritability, fatigue and depression.
B vitamins including folate are destroyed by substances such as alcohol, refined sugars and nicotine and are not stored in the body long-term so you have to make sure to consumer them regularly.

• Nuts and seeds

People with low levels of selenium, an important mineral for overall brain functioning, tend to feel more anxious, depressed and tired. Brazil nuts as well as pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a great source of selenium, so head out to Bulk Barn this week and stock up! Your mood will thank you.

• Whole grains


Zinc plays a role in modulating the brain and body’s response to stress and a zinc-deficiency can lead to symptoms of depression. Whole grains such as whole wheat bread and pasta, wild rice and quinoa contain high levels of zinc.

Whole grains are also naturally rich in an amino acid called tryptophan, which your body needs to produce serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin, the “feel-good hormone,” improves mood and relaxes brain and body, while melatonin helps establish and maintain steady sleep cycles. All in all, whole grains are pretty awesome so make sure you’re getting your three to five servings per day!

• Salmon and tuna


Studies suggest that Omega-3 Fatty Acids have a mood-stabilizing effect and may protect against depression and other mood disorders. Other sources of omega-3 Fatty Acids include canola, flax seed or walnuts.

Click here for more information on the relationship between food and mental health.

Thanks to Kathleen McClinton, registered dietician, for sharing information and insight that helped to create this blog post.

Red River College Athletics and Recreation Services offers Group Fitness Programs suited to all interests and fitness levels. Our highly trained and enthusiastic instructors will lead you through a fun and challenging workout suited to you.

Registered Programs For 2015 Spring Term

Boot Camps with Cameron on Mondays from 12:05pm to 12:50pm

Yoga with Amanda on Mondays from 4:15pm to 5:15pm and Thursdays from 4:15pm to 5:15pm

20/20 Stack Training with Lesley on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:05pm to 11:50pm

Dynamic Core with Lesley on Tuesdays from 12:05pm to 12:50pm and Thursdays from 12:05pm to 12:50pm.

Cardio Fusion with Ming on Tuesdays from 11:05am to 11:50am

Regular classes will start May 4th and run until June 25th.

Drop in cards for 5 or 10 classes per term can also be purchased.

NEW*** for this Term: Spring Fling Workout!!!

Join Lesley for a quick 3 week session that bridges the Winter to Spring Term. This 3 class session combines exercises from her Dynamic Core and Stack Training classes along with some Spin Cycling. At the discount price of $15.00, it’s a great and affordable way to stay fit.

Register

Registration Starts on Monday March 23rd. To register for a class download the attached form, fill it out and take it to the Student Service Centre to make a payment. 2015 Spring Fitness Classes Registration Form

Rebels Athletics and Recreation Services are excited to bring the Lunch and Learn series to the college this school year. Come participate and interact with fitness, exercise, and wellness professionals as they present on wide array of active living topics.

2015 Spring Session

First Session – Nutrition Myths Busted

Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Green Lecture Theatre
Host: Janelle Vincent

Whole grain bread or rye bread? Butter or margarine? Gluten or no gluten? If you’ve asked yourself these questions, come and join us for this exciting Lunch and Learn, where we will discuss healthy eating and bust nutrition myths!

About the Host

Janelle is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for sport! She completed a Kinesiology degree prior to her Human Nutritional Sciences degree and recently completed the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition. She was a Bison athlete in Cross-Country and Track and Field and is also a Competition Development (Level 3) trained coach in Athletics. She currently works with various athletes and teams representative of various levels of competition, from endurance to strength/power to precision/skill sports.

Her goals in sport nutrition are to combine both university degrees and her sporting background to help high performance athletes achieve their athletic goals by guiding them in properly fuelling their bodies.

Second Session –
Running Efficiency: How to Train: Best practices!

Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Location: North Gym
Host: Sheldon Reynolds

Whether you are training for soccer, ultimate Frisbee or a marathon there are basic similarities in running strides. Participants should wear running attire. Dress in layers. Shorts, t-short, sweats or tights and a sweatshirt or light jacket. You will learn, technique, training, and nutrition in preparation for competition. If you have any specific questions regarding specific training for a 10km, ½ marathon….bring them!

About the Host

Sheldon Reynolds, a lifelong runner will facilitate this active session. He has coached learn to train athletes as well as adult instructors in the Athletics Canada Run, jump and Throw program. Sheldon is an endurance athlete in the Active for life stage that has competed in races from 1,500 meters to the marathons and completed Ironman Wisconsin in 2010.

Third Session – Biking 101-Part 1

Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Green Lecture Theatre
Host: Dave Elmore

Biking basics: Sizing and purchasing advise on where to get a bike and as well where to purchase bikes from. Basic maintenance and preparing for your bike ride also discussed.

About the Host

Dave Elmore is a certified CAN-Bike Master Instructor and was a founding member of Bike Winnipeg. He served as the Director of Safety and Education for over 6 years and remains active serving on several committees. CAN-Bike is a national program run by Cycling Canada offering a variety of courses on all aspects of cycling safety and skills. An avid road and commuter cyclist, Dave has been commuting by bike from Charleswood to downtown for over 25 years. He is also the project manager for Bike Week Winnipeg and the former project manager of Bike to School Winnipeg (now coordinated by Green Action Centre). A regular volunteer at The WRENCH, Dave enjoys building and repairing bikes of all kinds.

Fourth Session – Biking 101-Part 2

Date: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Location: PH Staff Parking
Host: Dave Elmore

Taking it on the road: ABC Quick Check – how to quickly check that your bike is safe to ride. Skill component: learn some basic and often overlooked skills that can help you be more confident and safe on your bike. (straight line riding (w/shoulder checks and signals), rock dodge, quick turns, panic stops). Please bring your own bike to this session. Rec services has a limited amount of bikes that can be used.

Everyone experiences guilt at one time or another during their life. While some guilt can induce positive change, it can also become self-destructive, wasting energy and adding unnecessary stress to your life.

Read on for some tips on processing these feelings so that you can eliminate, or at least minimize, your guilt.

• Choose not to rehearse guilt. 
Do you find yourself repeating the same guilty thoughts over and over again? They won’t go away on their own. You must choose to make them stop. 

To do so, make an effort to catch yourself when you find yourself wandering down that painful mental path. Put up a mental stop sign. You can also choose a physical action, such as snapping your fingers, to remind yourself to change direction. Then, deliberately focus on something else, such as your plans for tomorrow. Focusing on something positive in the future is a conscious reminder that there is more to your life than negatives from the past.
  
• Choose to accept what cannot be changed. 
Chances are you’ve already changed anything that needed to be changed about the situation so a self-imposed “penance” for past mistakes accomplishes nothing. It doesn’t change or make up for the past, it simply ruins your future. The proactive thing you can do now is accept that the only thing you can change is your future.
• Choose balance. Guilt keeps us focused on the times we imagine we failed. It blinds us to all the other times when we were successful. So the next time your mind drifts into unhappy, guilty thoughts, choose to refocus. Actively remind yourself of times where you made good decisions, were responsible or did something you were proud of. Write down a list of the things you did. Force yourself to remember what went right. Recognize that there is, and always has been, a balance between your failures and your successes.
  
• Choose forgiveness. 
Forgiveness is a necessity in any relationship, including the one you have with yourself. Treat yourself with the same degree of love and acceptance that others give you and that you give others. Only then will you be able to heal.

The world benefits from individuals who choose to learn from their mistakes and move on to make a difference. Don’t let guilt keep you locked in a lifetime of misery. Choose to forgive, to love, and to move forward.

Sam Chisick is the director of Yoga Public and a yoga instructor. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with an honours B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences.

If you’ve never done yoga, Sam Chisick may just convince you to give it a try.

The director of Yoga Public not only runs the studio but is passionate about teaching classes and practicing yoga herself. She also happens to have a background in nutrition. So basically, if you want to know about health, Sam is a pretty solid bet.

She can also relate to being a student since she was one herself not that long ago.

“I first started going to yoga daily to get away from the stress of school. It made me feel so good..I never stopped!” says Sam. “Eventually, I ended up starting to teach yoga and then helped to open a yoga studio.”

So what’s so good about regularly standing in tree pose or bending over in downward dog? Sam says there are too many benefits to list them all but the most important physical and psychological benefits include:

Psychological

• better mood
• greater attention span
• improved concentration and memory
• decreased anxiety, depression and stress

Physical

• muscular strength
• flexibility
• decreased pain
• increased energy levels and endurance
• normalized blood pressure

She says many people will also gain greater self-acceptance and awareness from practicing yoga. This can be especially beneficial for people with depression who may at times feel disconnected from themselves and others.

“Sometimes its just a matter of taking time for yourself, working with your breath and clearing your mind through silence and movement,” says Sam. “As you re-enter the world after class, you’ll feel more clear, aware and comfortable. I’ve experienced an increase in self-acceptance through yoga first-hand.”

Another great thing about yoga? Anyone can do it.

“There is a suitable class for every type of person — regardless of your age, gender or ability level,” says Sam. “Some classes use yoga as a workout and other classes help you increase flexibility by stretching and then there’s classes that just help you relax and let go. It’s just a matter of finding the class that works for you.”

What benefits have you experienced from doing yoga? Tell us below!

By Mario De Negri

Fitness Coordinator, Rebels Athletics and Recreation Services

It’s come to that time of year where most of us have not only given up on our New Years resolutions but more importantly just recalled we had some. What’s so fascinating about this is that now that we have brought it back to the forefront of our thoughts, most, and I’m saying close to all of us will still not do anything about it.

So I ask what is it that would stop me from implementing an action towards that resolution I had. I would like to think its distraction. When I am focused and I know what I want I usually do what is necessary to get it.

For example the fact I haven’t eaten anything for breakfast today, and not really a lunch that when I get home I all I can do is focus on a way to eat or better yet the urgency to have to go to the bathroom keeps me pretty focused.

I think distraction is the cause of non focus. Next time you have to go to the bathroom really bad try to get angry at something in your life that at other times makes you really angry and try to hold off on going to the bathroom. What will happen is that you might start to get the rise of anger but shortly following is the call of nature. So you can persist and keep focusing on getting angry but just around the corner is the sound of the tap being turned on. Eventually you will give in and accept and in that moment your focus won’t be of anger but of relief.

So does this work when not being forced? Try this; Start to pay attention to yourself. Watch to see how you react to things. You see something and it’s making you angry. That anger has taken over your whole body. Stop! Look at the anger. Say to yourself “I choose not to be angry” over and over and over again until one, you’ll say to yourself how stupid this is and that it doesn’t work which will keep enforcing the anger or two, you treat this mantra like the urgency of having to use the loo and you will experience change.

Anger cannot exist if the focus is on not being anger. Just as darkness cannot exist when light is focused on it. If we agree that focus will only exists if there is no distraction then we must continue to keep watching to see if we stay on track to what we want. When distractions arise like I have no time, it’s too late, I don’t know how to do it or whatever the distraction is you accept to yourself we must stop, see it for what it is, and go back to focus.

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Tessa Blaikie has her bachelors degree in sociology from the University of Winnipeg and a masters degree in Political Economy from Carleton University. She is a youth mental health promotion worker at the Canadian Mental Health Association Winnipeg and was Winnipeg’s official champion of the Clara Hughes events in Winnipeg during Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk.

Many of you probably took first aid or CPR training through school, summer camp or work, so you know what to do if someone sprains their ankle, starts choking or experiencing chest pains. But what if you came across someone having a mental health crisis? Would you know what to do?

Why Mental Health First Aid?

Unlike physical injuries, mental health issues aren’t always obvious, which can mean they get overlooked. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches us how to recognize when others are struggling with a mental health problem and equips us with tools and information so we can help. At the same time, MHFA also helps reduce mental health stigma as accurate information is shared about people with mental health issues including risk factors, symptoms and more.

MHFA is important because mental health issues are so prevalent in our society. One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. Professional help is not always on hand so even if we want to help someone in crisis, we may not know how. MHFA teaches us how.

Helping a friend

Here’s an example of how MHFA training can be useful. You notice one of your friends has been irritable lately. Then they confide in you that they’ve been drinking a lot of coffee to stay up and study and then drinking alcohol to fall asleep. From your MHFA training, you recognize that what they’re doing is not safe or sustainable. You’re training has also taught you how best to approach them with your concerns and make suggestions for how they might go about changing their behaviour. You talk to them about the different stages of change that you learned about through MHFA and direct them to the right resources.

This is the kind of aid MHFA will teach you how to provide until appropriate professional connections are made for the person in crisis or until the crisis resolved. MHFA will also give you the knowledge and skills to be able to assess the person’s safety to determine if he/she is at risk for suicide.

In this example, your friend may want to connect with a counsellor in Counselling and Accessibility Services to get help with gradually slowing down their caffeine and alcohol consumption. Or they may want to take a study skills workshop to learn how to better manage their school workload and stress.

Want more information?

If you think you might be interested in taking MHFA training or just want to learn more, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association Winnipeg for upcoming courses including basic MHFA and MHFA for adults who interact with youth. Check out www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca for MHFA courses offered by other organizations throughout Canada.

We have not yet reached our World Health Organization goal to be measles free and with measles outbreaks being in the news, below are a few important points to remember.

The illness begins with the following, which lasts for 2 to 4 days: high fever, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis or “pink eye”) .The virus can live in your nose, mouth, eyes and on your skin. It is highly contagious, meaning it spreads very easily. The measles virus spreads:                                                                                         ■through direct contact                                                                                                               ■through the air—such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes                               ■on objects that were recently exposed to infected mucus or saliva—such as shared utensils, cups and tissues

Key points to remember about measles

• measles is a potentially serious disease caused by a virus
• measles can be prevented with vaccine
• it’s very infectious – measles spreads very easily and quickly from one person to another
• it usually takes 10 – 12 days from contact with someone with measles to the first symptom
• babies,  children and young adults along with those who may be immuno-compromised are at risk for serious complications.
• if your child has measles, keep your child resting at home until they are well again
• isolate the ill person and do not allow visitors as much as possible
• your health provider will advise you about the safest time for your child to return to school or childcare
• children and adults with measles often develop complications like pneumonia, deafness or swelling of the brain
• immunization is the only way to prevent measles. Adult or child, we need two (2) doses of the MMR vaccine. (measles, mumps, rubella)

A contact is defined as any individual who has:

• spent any length of time in a room or enclosed space with a confirmed measles case during that case’s infectious period (i.e. approximately 4 days before rash onset to 4 days after rash onset);or
• spent time in a room previously occupied by a measles case, during that case’s infectious period, within 2 hours after that individual left the room/space

If you or someone at home becomes ill, contact Health Links at (204) 788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257, or your health provider as some may require hospitalization.It you think you have or have been exposed to measles, because it is highly contagious, call before going to any clinic.

If you have measles. There is no cure, so symptom control such as pain relievers (never give aspirin to a child), eating well and drinking lots of fluids, along with staying home at least 4 days after the rash appears and isolating yourself is the best plan. Call your health provider if you have any concerns.

From Health Services

Upcoming Submission Deadline!

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you to submit your 2014 claims to your Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) by March 31, 2015.

2014 claims must be received by Great-West Life prior to March 31^st, 2015 to be claimed against your 2014 HCSA dollars. Any unused 2014 benefit dollars remaining after this period will be forfeited.

The HCSA can be used to cover a range of benefits not normally covered under other types of group benefits plans or by provincial medical plans.

What are covered expenses?

You are covered for 100% of eligible expenses that you incur while you and your dependents are covered, up to the total amount of dollars in your HCSA.

The Income Tax Act governs the types of expenses that can be reimbursed under the HCSA. This includes medical or dental services provided by a:

• Licensed medical practitioner;
• Dentist; or
• Public or licensed private hospital.

Please visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca and search on medical expenses for a complete list.

On January 1^st, 2015 your HCSA refreshed based on the Flex Option you have chosen and part-time/full-time status where applicable. Please visit www.greatwestlife.com to review your claims history and obtain your HCSA statement including balance.

Under the HCSA, you can carry forward claims up to 12 months from the date of service. This means if you had more 2014 expenses than you had 2014 HCS A dollars, you can carry forward those claims for reimbursement against your 2015 HCSA balance.

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to help you and your family prepare for winter. You even have access to seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

This month the recommended seminar is ‘Bouncing Back: How to Stay Resilient During Life’s Challenges’. Build resilience, overcome obstacles and achieve your New Year’s goals!

Did You Know?

Through the Voluntary STRATA Select Program, you are eligible for discounts on new security systems or monitoring of existing systems through AAA Alarms?    AAA Alarms has three incentives depending on customer needs. Check it out!

• Save 15% off all equipment with the first 3 months of Basic Monitoring.*
• Get an upgraded system and a $50 credit on your account just for signing up.*
• Eligible for current market promotions when you sign up!

*based on a 3 year contract

Log on to your STRATA Select website for more information.

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