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Learn the do’s and don’ts of safe camping
A camping getaway puts nature on your doorstep.  The chance to escape a
busy lifestyle and spend time with family is worth risking inevitable
rainstorms and mosquito bites, but it may not be worth risking your
safety in the great outdoors.
St. John Ambulance suggests you follow some simple do’s and don’ts to
ensure your camping trip remains the relaxing, enjoyable experience you
intended:
1) Do pack plenty of food and water.
2) Do pack clothing and footwear suited for the terrain and weather.
3) Do bring a fully stocked First Aid kit, insect repellent and
sunscreen.
4) Don’t forget extra flashlight batteries and a spare bulb.
5) Do store lighters, matches and other sources of ignition in a sturdy,
dry container.
6) Do set up camp in a safe, organized manner; make sure tents and tarps
will be a safe distance from open flames and sparks, and avoid pitching
your tent under broken tree branches that could fall.
7) Don’t leave food out where it can attract insects and animals.
8) Do keep your campsite clean by disposing of food in a responsible
manner; you’ll help the environment and reduce the risk of attracting
scavenger animals such as bears.
9) Do be cautious using sharp tools such as hatchets and axes; always
cut wood in a safe manner, and never consume alcohol beforehand.
10) Do supervise your campfire; never leave a fire unattended, and
properly extinguish it before going to bed.
11) Do play safe in unknown water; understand the hazards hidden under
the surface of lakes and rivers.
12) Do let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to
return; this includes short outings away from the campsite.
13) Do stay in a group so help is available if something goes wrong.
14) Don’t take safety for granted;
You can reduce suffering, prevent injury or save a life by knowing what
to do in an emergency.  St. John Ambulance can teach you First Aid and
CPR skills and provide you with First Aid kits you can depend on.  For
125 years, St. John has been ensuring the health, safety and quality of
life of Canadians.  Visit www.sja.ca/ab for more summer safety tips and
information about our training programs, products and community service.

Learn the do’s and don’ts of safe camping

A camping getaway puts nature on your doorstep.  The chance to escape a busy lifestyle and spend time with family is worth risking inevitable rainstorms and mosquito bites, but it may not be worth risking your safety in the great outdoors.

Me Being Eaten by Camp Kandahar

St. John Ambulance suggests you follow some simple do’s and don’ts to ensure your camping trip remains the relaxing, enjoyable experience you intended: more…

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Steps to avoiding obesity in children may seem obvious. But considering the rise in childhood obesity and the risks associated a few small steps can go a long way.

Over the past 25 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents has risen, with the most substantial increases observed in economically developed countries…  In 1978/79, 12% of 2- to 17-year-olds were overweight, and 3% were obese—a combined overweight/obesity rate of 15%. By 2004, the overweight rate for this age group was 18% (an estimated 1.1 million), and 8% were obese (about half a million)—a combined rate of 26%
- StatsCan

n 1978/79, 12% of 2- to 17-year-olds were overweight, and 3% were obese—a combined overweight/obesity rate of 15%. By 2004, the overweight rate for this age group was 18% (an estimated 1.1 million), and 8% were obese (about half a million)—a combined rate of 26%

So what can you do to start making a difference in your child’s life?

  • Set a good example. If your children observe you being physically active, they are more likely to be active.
  • Be active together as a family. Plan active outings such as a walking trip to a city attraction, hiking or biking through the river valley, playing sports with a friend’s family.
  • Encourage your children to walk or bike to school. Go with your children to teach safety tips en route. Active physical programs are a fun option to keep them moving and motivated.
  • Set limits on the amount of time your family spends watching TV and playing video games. Help your children discover fun physical activities that they will enjoy. Encourage your children to join a FUN and non-competitive sport or activity.
  • Eat healthy avoid the “junk food” temptations. Children and adults need nutritionally rich food to provide the energy required to be active. Eating habits are learned, so teach your children healthy eating while they are young.

So what do you do to keep your kids healthy and active? Leave us a comment below.

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"Sweep, sweep, sweep" - by Live Bohemian on FlickrFirst and foremost, accept that some degree of clutter with a child is inevitable

  • Start with messes and clutter you see every day. So work on organizing your kitchen or family room before your hallway closet.
  • Assign everything in your house a home. This way everyone in your family knows where to find what they need, and more importantly, they know where to put it away.You use this principle to organize your silverware, with clearly defined places for forks and knives, or drawers for socks or, underwear. Bring this thinking to the broader aspects of your home to save many hours of searching for things. It dramatically cuts down on the clutter of items left out “for now” or “until I find a place for it.” more…
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Vegtables At The MarketThe Canada Food Guide recommends we eat 4-8 serving of fruits and vegtables everyday. There is no denying the fact that vegetables and fruits are not only nutritious but also an inevitable part of any healthy diet.

Eating these will improve your health besides helping you fight various other health problems. But did you know that your fruits and vegtables could be up to one year old?

This article from the Daily Telegraph bring to light a problem that may effect the quality of your food. more…

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SpineChiropractic care is the health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without drugs or surgery. It involves the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body, especially of the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress and therefore promotes health throughout the body.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is a routine treatment for most chiropractors.

Chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen.

A chiropractor who is versed in the needs of women who are pregnant will also provide you with exercises and stretches that are safe to use during pregnancy and compliment any adjustments made to your spine.
Why should I have chiropractic care during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. The following changes could result in a misaligned spine or joint:

  • Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
  • Pelvic changes
  • Postural adaptations

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery.

The nervous system is the master communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy may provide benefits for women who are pregnant. Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:

  • Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
  • Controlling symptoms of nausea
  • Reducing the time of labor and delivery
  • Relieving back, neck or joint pain
  • Prevent a potential cesarean section

Talk to Your Health Care Provider:
As more women are seeking the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, more health care providers are seeking trained doctors of chiropractic in their communities to refer their pregnant patients to. Discuss these options with your health care provider. If they are not yet familiar with chiropractic care in pregnancy, ask them to find out more about its many benefits. Most importantly, seek options that support your body’s natural abilities to function and find a team of providers who are respectful of your choices. Dr. David Lasner – Heritage Village Chiropractic: 2025-111th Street, Edmonton. Tel: 780.433.9920

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