Health & Wellness – May 2024

Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness. Despite the prevalence of illnesses and increasing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being, stigma remains a significant barrier to receiving treatment and support. The fear of judgment and discrimination often prevents individuals from seeking help.

It’s imperative to raise awareness and educate others about mental health to combat stigma and create a more compassionate and supportive society. Here are some tips for reducing the stigma associated with mental health:

  • Educate yourself and others. Understanding the complexity of mental illness, including substance use disorders, can help dispel misconceptions. Take the time to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments.
  • Talk openly. Break the silence surrounding mental health by initiating open and honest conversations with friends, family and colleagues. By sharing personal experiences or listening without judgment, you can create a safe space for others.
  • Choose your words carefully. Avoid stigmatizing words and use person-first language emphasizing the individual, not their condition.
  • Encourage equality between physical and mental health conditions. Mental illness is a medical condition, so it should be treated just like a physical ailment.
  • Speak up. If you suspect someone is struggling with their mental health, send them messages of support or help them get on the path to treatment.

By taking proactive steps to reduce mental health stigma, you can help create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help. Together, we can break down the barriers that stand in the way of healing and acceptance.

The Benefits of Active Recovery

A complete fitness routine includes training and strategic recovery. Unlike passive recovery, which involves rest, sitting or inactivity, active recovery keeps you moving and engaged in low-intensity exercises. Active exercises can facilitate faster muscle recovery and enhance performance. Think of it as an add-on to your fitness routine—recovering for 10 to 15 minutes after a strenuous workout or taking it easy the following day. Consider these benefits of active recovery activities:

  • Reduced lactic acid buildup in muscles
  • Decreased muscle soreness
  • Improved circulation
  • Flexibility maintenance
  • Injury prevention

Active recovery exercises are generally considered safe. However, avoiding active recovery is recommended if you’re injured or in pain, and your doctor should immediately evaluate you.

Types of Active Recovery

  • Yoga or stretching
  • Light resistance training
  • Self-myofascial release
  • Walking or hiking

Seasonal Eating Health Benefits

It’s normal to see the same produce available year-round in today’s market. However, that doesn’t mean the quality is the same throughout the seasons. Eating seasonally helps you take advantage of the harvest schedule. Fortunately, May is peak spring mode and offers a variety of produce. Spring vegetables include asparagus, artichokes, radishes, rhubarb and peas, as well as fruit like strawberries.

Not only is spring produce vibrant and fresh tasting, but it also offers health benefits. Picked at the peak of their freshness and nutritional value, spring produce is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, providing a natural boost to your immune system and overall well-being. Eating seasonally also means you’re adding variety to your diet, along with diverse vitamins and minerals. Seasonality depends on where you live, so let nature be your guide at your local farmers market or grocery store.

Spring Vegetable Saute

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

   1 tsp. olive oil
½ cup sweet onion (sliced)
1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
3 tiny new potatoes (quartered)
¾ cup carrot (sliced)
¾ cup asparagus pieces
¾ cup sugar snap peas or green beans
½ cup radishes (quartered)
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. dried dill

Preparations

1. Heat the oil in a skillet. Cook the onion for two minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Stir in the potatoes and carrots. Cover, turn the heat to low, and cook until almost tender, about four minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the vegetables start to brown.

3. Add the asparagus, peas, radishes, salt, black pepper and dill. Cook, stirring often, until just tender, about four minutes more.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Total calories      138

Total fat             1 g

Protein              4 g

Sodium              177 mg

Carbohydrate      29 g

Dietary fiber       5 g

Saturated fat       0 g

Total sugars        4 g

Source: MyPlate

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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