Health

How Pemmican Became a Staple Food in Early Canadian History

Pemmican is a traditional food that has a rich history in Canada. It is a high-energy, high-protein food made from dried meat, fat, and sometimes berries. It was an important food for Indigenous peoples and early settlers, and played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of Canada.

The word “pemmican” comes from the Cree word “pimikan”, which means “manufactured grease”. The process of making pemmican involves drying and pounding meat, typically bison or deer, into a fine powder. The meat powder is then mixed with melted fat, usually from the same animal, and sometimes with dried berries. The mixture is then packed into bags or containers, and can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration.

Indigenous peoples used pemmican as a primary food source for hunting and fishing expeditions, as well as for winter storage. Pemmican was easy to carry, provided a high amount of energy, and was resistant to spoilage. It was also used as a form of trade, and was highly valued by Europeans as a source of sustenance during long journeys.

In the early 18th century, fur traders began using pemmican as a staple food for their journeys across the Canadian wilderness. The high energy content and long shelf life made it an ideal food for long expeditions, and it became a key component of the fur trade economy. In fact, by the mid-19th century, pemmican was being produced in large quantities for export to Europe.

Pemmican also played a significant role in Canadian history during the exploration and settlement of the West. The Canadian Pacific Railway used pemmican to feed its workers during the construction of the railway, and it was a key component of the provisions used by the North West Mounted Police during their march to the West in the 1870s.

Today, pemmican is still produced and consumed in Canada, particularly by Indigenous peoples. It is also gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers, due to its high protein content, low carbohydrate content, and long shelf life.

In conclusion, pemmican became a staple food in early Canadian history due to its nutritional value, long shelf life, and ease of transport. It played an important role in the fur trade economy and the exploration and settlement of Canada, and continues to be an important part of Indigenous culture and Canadian culinary traditions.

The Most Popular Medical Spa Treatments for Men

Medical spas, also known as med spas or medical aesthetic clinics, offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments that are designed to enhance and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin and body. While these treatments were once exclusively associated with women, the popularity of medical spa treatments for men has grown in recent years.

Men are increasingly turning to medical spas to address concerns like wrinkles, excess body fat, and unwanted body hair. Here are some of the most popular medical spa treatments for men:

Botox Injections

Botox injections are a popular treatment for men who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on their face. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that is injected into the muscles of the face. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Common areas for Botox treatment include the forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Benefits for men include a more youthful appearance, improved self-confidence, and a competitive edge in the workplace.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical body contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells. This treatment is ideal for men who have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

CoolSculpting can be used on many areas of the body, including the abdomen, love handles, and double chin. Benefits for men include a more defined, masculine physique and improved self-esteem.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted body hair. This treatment uses laser energy to destroy hair follicles, preventing hair growth in the treated area.

Common areas for laser hair removal in men include the back, chest, and shoulders. Benefits for men include smoother skin, reduced irritation and ingrown hairs, and improved body confidence.

Facials

Facials are a popular treatment for men who want to improve the health and appearance of their skin. There are many different types of facials available, including hydrating, anti-aging, and deep-cleansing treatments.

Facials can address a wide range of skin concerns, such as acne, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Benefits for men include a more youthful, radiant complexion and improved self-confidence.

Conclusion

Medical spa treatments offer a range of benefits for men, from reducing the appearance of wrinkles and excess body fat to improving skin health and reducing unwanted hair. In today’s society, self-care is increasingly important, and medical spa treatments offer men an opportunity to invest in themselves and their appearance.

Milk and Lavender Spa Collection

This bath collection is for mother and child.  Though lavender is said to be safe for small babies by most sources, I would not use this soap on children under one.  Both the soap and the salt should be used in the evening as they can be very relaxing.  Give your child their evening bath as you normally would, using this soap all over the body.  The milk in the soap will provide a little extra moisture for your child’s skin while the lavender will help to relax them into a smoother goodnight time.

Lavender and Milk Soap

Shea Butter Soap Base

Lavender Flowers

Powdered Milk

For this very simple recipe you must first determine how much you want to make.  I used about one and a half pounds of soap base, 1/8th of an ounce of lavender flowers and, around three tablespoons of powdered milk.  Next find a mold and prepare with mold release. (I use petroleum jelly.)  I use old plastic storage containers for molding my soap.  To melt the soap you will need a double boiler or the like.  A thick glass bowl in a pan of water will do.  Melt the soap.  When the soap is completely melted take off the heat and add the milk and lavender flowers.  I personally like to get clumps of milk that will rise to the top of the soap with the flowers, if you don’t want this to happen add the milk slowly.  Pour the soap into your prepared mold and allow to cool for several hours.  After your soap is cool take it out of the mold wipe off the mold release and cut.  

After you have managed to get the kids to bed and do all of the other motherly and household duties on your evening schedule, draw a nice hot bath.  Add a couple of tablespoons of this salt mixture to your tub and let it cool to a tolerable heat.  Jump in and lay there until the water gets cold if you wish.  I would suggest total emersion for at least 15 minutes.

Milk and Lavender Bath Salt

1Part Finely Ground Sea Salt

1Part Powdered Milk

2 Parts Epsom Salt

Lavender Flowers

Figure out the amount of bath salt you wish to make, and find a sealable container.  Mix all ingredients together and shake daily for one week before using.

Source: Barrington Back and Body

The Unique Benefits of Facial Acupuncture

It is only human to dream about looking beautiful inside and out, and we all want to achieve that. Our body is subjected to stress every now and then, so we need to take care of it. A lot of people have turned to some techniques and procedures to achieve overall wellness but little do they know that they have a few negative side effects. With facial acupuncture, you can surely achieve all these through the use of painless mini needles.

People wonder how facial acupuncture can help improve the wellness of the body. It actually involves a painless method that renews and revitalizes the skin of the face and the whole body. It also makes you look a few years younger by removing unwanted lines and eye bags. Facial acupuncture is also your choice to a pimple-free, soft, and smooth face.

To achieve all these results, tiny needles are placed in areas around the eyes, the face and the neck. These areas are called the acupuncture areas, and they stimulate your body’s natural energies. Once this is done, the results are visible along with an even facial color.

Facial acupuncture has a few contraindications that need to be followed. Pregnant women are not allowed to undergo this procedure as well as people who are suffering from cold or flu. People with acute herpes and allergic reactions should also avoid facial acupuncture.

Before you can undergo facial acupuncture, you need to be examined and evaluated by a professional acupuncturist. This includes asking a few questions about your age, lifestyle, and diet. If everything is alright, you are then allowed to undergo the process. Your first treatment usually consists of 12 to 15 treatments. If your skin still sags or your eyes still droop after a few treatments, you can request for more.

Facial acupuncture needs to be done for two consecutive weeks for about 45 minutes to an hour per session. If you are really busy and your schedule does not allow you to have two sessions in a week, you may talk to your acupuncturist and request for a once a week treatment that lasts for 90 minutes per session.

Follow-up treatments should be done every two weeks for the next two months after the regular sessions. After that, once-a-month sessions are done.

Most acupuncturists also use masks, poultices, and moisturizers to achieve the same results. Before using any of these, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure you have no allergic reactions to any of them.

Effects are usually seen after your first treatment. These are usually seen as a beautiful glow to the skin which most Chinese people refer to as “Qi”. The blood flow to the face increases and the pores open and the skin becomes more toned. The effects become more evident on the 7th treatment. You will now notice the improvements in your skin and the relaxed skin on your face.

After your first set of treatments, the results are complete, making you feel revitalized and younger. Your skin becomes free of wrinkles and becomes smooth and even toned.

Facial acupuncture can benefit you in a lot of ways. Find a professional acupuncturist who is experienced and who knows exactly what to do with your skin. You will soon notice the effects that will help you achieve your goal of becoming beautiful inside and out.

Is Personal Counseling for You? Are There Times it Won’t Work?

Alright, you read article after article about getting counseling or “therapy” as it is sometimes referred to. Most of us get a mental image of a couch and the ghost of Sigmund Freud with a notepad prying open our innermost thoughts. Further, many people think if you go to counseling ultimately it is bound to work.

The reason for this article is to tell you about the several times I was in therapy and why it didn’t work in hopes that if you choose therapy you can avoid certain pitfalls that I encountered.

I have manic depression. That is a chemical imbalance I have that was diagnosed at age 35. I am now 60-years-old.

It took a bit of time to get it under control and throughout that time I saw different counselors.

Following are some reasons why I had a problem with counseling:

Fear was the first problem I had. The counselor was actually good. He was about my age and he had a doctorate. He knew how to ask questions. He was friendly and non-threatening. As we moved through therapy the questions became more and more personal.

One evening while we were in a session he asked me a question and I suddenly felt as though I were at the precipice of a deep canyon. I felt if I answered the question “something bad” was going to happen.

I quit.

The next counselor I had started every sentence after one of my comments with “Well I would just do…” I was not interested in what he would do.

When people are having mental or emotional problems they throw up all kinds of roadblocks. I was no different. I lied.

If the counselor is not smart or savvy enough to catch on, then the therapy will fail.

However I believe the most frequent cause of failure in counseling is a basic difference in belief systems between the patient and the counselor. I know this was the situation in my case.

If you read my bio you will see that I am a Bible student. It will not shock you to find that I believe people should take responsibility for their behaviors and that certain things like adultery are wrong.

I had a counselor who kept telling me to “let myself off the hook” (not for adultery) rather than helping me find ways to improve unacceptable behaviors.

Having said all of this I think counseling is a good thing. Frankly I think talking to people you love and respect will do the most good for you. It has been proven that when we talk we actually learn from ourselves.

If you’re having a problem good luck. Don’t try to “go it alone.” You’d be surprised at how many people in your life if they knew you needed someone to talk to would love to help.

Too Much Intake of Fiber is Unhealthy

Many are being said about the benefits of fiber in our daily diet and although few are being discuss about the distressing adverse reactions that is actually the effect of consuming too much of it. Fiber also called roughage or bulk is found in vegetables, grass, grains and fruits. It is usually advised for irregular bowel motions to help regulate bowels. Though bulk is known for its advantages for aiding in lowering cholesterol, good for losing weight and managing glucose levels, it’s still possible to give health hazards when in taking too much or misusing it.

When we are not cautious of how much bulk we are taking in, we may probably experience the side effects such as:

Diarrhea

One of the greatest gains of bulk is enhancing the pace of the food that goes throughout the intestinal system. On the other hand, boosting your roughage consumption too quickly, when your body system has not been given enough time to adapt, if too much water is consumed alongside with the additional amount of the said element, tendency will be the slimming of fluids in the intestinal system which can lead to diarrhea. The situation can turn into a serious issue if it lasts over a number of days, as useful liquids and nutritional value are being wasted and can no longer be absorbed by the body.

Stomach and Intestinal Pain

Suffering from distinct discomfort in the abdomen and intestine can be very unpleasant. It’s either due to water deficiency which slows the movement of food in the stomach, trapping gas with it. Same thing goes to intestinal cramping when it’s having a hard time breaking down fibers due to its quantity. The opposite of lack in water intake is over drinking with the added bulk resulting to diarrhea.

Constipation

Another case of consuming roughage with lack of water can lead to constipation. The digestive system requires liquids for it to work properly. Same goes with roughage, it needs enough water to absorb to be able to speed up digestion. Not enough liquid can slow things up for your intestines as well as going to the toilet.

Abdominal Blockage

Worst thing that can happen when consuming large quantity of fiber without drinking the right amount of water can build up to a blockage in the intestine enabling food to pass through. This is a serious case that needs surgical operation.

Always remember that increasing roughage in your daily diet takes time for your body to adjust. The normal intake should be 20g to 30g a day and 50g is considered a lot. So be careful and be smarter when it comes to these things, it’s better to know how to use things to your advantage.

Source: Acupuncture Arlington