Martensville Messenger January 12, 2017 | Page 6

Page 6 - JANUARY 12 , 2017 - martensville messenger

Shovelling Snow : The Silent Killer

Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger
Every year , shovelling snow causes the death of over one-hundred people and sends roughly 11,000 people to the Emergency Room . According to Nationwide Children ’ s Hospital in Ohio , the majority of those hospital visits involved strains , bone fractures and other injuries from slips and falls . However , seven percent were due to cardiac related problems , mainly heart attacks . In Canada , the people of our country are at greater risk of death and injury due to the amounts of snow tended to receive in the winter season . Studies show that residents clearing snow over the age of sixty are at higher risk for heart attacks than their younger counterparts .
That is not to say that the younger generation is not also at risk . Studies show that when a team of healthy young men shovelled snow , their heart-rate and blood pressure increased more than when they exercised on a treadmill . If one was to combine this increase with cold air , arteries would begin to constrict and decrease blood supply - which is the perfect recipe for a heart-attack . Health officials say that blood vessels are tighter in the cold weather , which makes it more difficult for blood to pass through them . Combine that with the stress of physical activity , and it can prove disastrous for some unsuspecting shovelers .
Who is specifically at risk ? According to MetroHealth , those who have high blood pressure , have a known heart disease condition , high cholesterol and / or are smokers are at the highest risk for a heart attack while shoveling snow . The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends that anyone who has ever had a heart attack , stroke , or heart surgery should have someone else do the shovelling or should speak to their doctor before taking on such a task .
SHOVELLING DO ’ S AND DON ' TS :
• Be sure to talk to your doctor before tackling the snow .
• Avoid shoveling immediately after just waking up in the morning as most heart attacks occur early in the morning when blood is more prone to clotting . Wait for at least 30 minutes and warm up .
• Do not eat a heavy meal before shoveling : blood gets diverted from the heart to the stomach .
• Warm up your muscles before starting by walking for a few minutes or marching in place .
• Do not drink coffee or smoke for at least one hour before or one hour after shovelling or during breaks . ( These are stimulants and elevate your blood pressure and heart rate .)
PLAN ACCORDINGLY :
• Use a small shovel : shovel many small loads instead of heavy ones .
• Begin slowly and take frequent , 15 minute breaks .
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Dress in layers , to avoid hypothermia ( low body temperature ) or overheating .
• Cover your head and neck ( 50 % body heat lost through head and neck ).
• Cover your mouth ( breathing cold air can cause angina or trigger breathing problems ). In Saskatchewan , shovelling snow is a way of life , so be sure to use the proper techniques and shovel smart this winter .
Martensville / Langham Knights of Columbus council 9690 would like to thank Dwayne Funk from Warman Supervalu for his contribution to the annual Christmas Grocery Hamper that was drawn on Dec 17 , 2016 . The lucky winner of the $ 300 Grocery Hamper from Supervalu was Carol Conrad from Martensville . ABOVE : Dwayne Funk does the draw with Grand Knight Roger Prevost assisting .
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Using Essential Oils to

Benefit Your Skin Submitted by Shauna Welter

For centuries many cultures have looked to essential oils to enhance their daily lives , perform religious rites , support wellness , and wear as perfumes . Not only are Young Living essential oils extremely versatile but many also contain naturally occurring constituents that are practically made for one particular usage : beautifying the skin .
Unlike skin care products that rely on harsh and synthetic ingredients , essential oils use their natural properties to brighten , smooth , and moisturize the appearance of skin in a way that leaves you feeling perfectly pampered .
The best part ? You can easily add Young Living essential oil goodness to your skin care regimen .
Here are a few ideas for using these and other skincare favorites to get your glow on ! From Young Living Essential Oils :
1 . Lavender - Lavender essential oil is the perfect place to start and a must-have in every home . This popular essential oil soothes and nourishes all skin types and is easy to incorporate into your skin care regimen every day . Add a drop to your hand , mix with facial moisturizer , and treat your skin to a mini facial massage . Make a basic homemade body scrub by combining coconut oil , sugar , and Lavender essential oil . Start with 3 – 4 drops and gradually add more as desired . Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops Lavender and adding to a hot bath .
2 . Frankincense - Frankincense essential oil has been sought after since ancient times for its many benefits , including its rejuvenating and beautifying properties . Great for all skin types — but especially beneficial for mature complexions — this luxurious oil helps moisturize and smooth the skin . Boost your skin ’ s radiance by massaging a drop of Frankincense into facial skin after cleansing , followed by applying your regular moisturizers . Add a few drops to your face cream or body lotion and rub directly into skin . Massage into the skin on hands and feet after a long day to restore skin ’ s texture .
3 . Cedarwood - Great for smoothing and nourishing all skin types , Cedarwood essential oil is a very versatile oil with a rich , woodsy aroma . Because this oil also benefits hair , it ’ s a great choice for nourishing skin on the scalp . Smooth skin on the face or body by adding a few drops Cedarwood to your favorite lotions . Add 3 – 4 drops to a bowl of hot water . Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe deeply and slowly for several minutes to open pores and enjoy the calming aroma . Follow up with a facial massage that includes 1 drop of Cedarwood oil . Mix 5 – 6 drops of Cedarwood with a small amount of coconut or argan oil . Massage into your scalp 30 – 60 minutes before showering , then wash and rinse hair as normal . 4 . Tea Tree - Traditionally used in skin care products for its cleansing properties , Tea Tree essential oil is great for all skin types but is especially suited for use on oily skin . Use as a spot treatment by placing a drop on the end of a cotton swab and dabbing lightly onto targeted areas of the face . Add 1 – 2 drops to your daily application of shampoo to nourish your scalp . Lather shampoo into hair and scalp , let sit a few minutes while enjoying its cool , tingly sensation , and then rinse .
5 . Geranium - Geranium essential oil is a popular choice to help smooth and tone skin . This essential oil is great for all skin types , but it ’ s especially beneficial for skin that ’ s either oily or dry . Add a few drops of this essential oil to a DIY face mask or use it during a stress-reducing facial massage . Add 4 – 5 drops to a water bottle with 2 ounces of water . Spritz lightly over skin for a refreshing , revitalizing effect .
6 . Ylang Ylang - Known for its sweet floral fragrance , Ylang Ylang essential oil also helps moisturize and revitalize skin . This uplifting essential oil is great for all skin types , but it especially benefits dry or mature complexions . Add several drops into a carrier oil , such as V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex , and incorporate into a relaxing massage at the end of the day . Add 2 – 3 drops to your bathwater . Add a few drops to your face cream or body lotion and rub directly into skin .
If you would like more information or would like to try these products , please contact Shauna Welter - Young Living Silver Leader at The Oil Tree 306- 955-6457 or email theoiltree @ sasktel . net