"Brain Food" by Eden and Brian Prockert

 Foods that aid in the development of functions within the brain are considered “Brain Foods

A good example of this is fish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Blood vessels of the brain are able to stay healthy and fluid. Allowing cells to function at their highest, fish provides nerve cells within the brain, improving mental health and cognitive function.  It may help relieve or prevent such mental illnesses as depression, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s. Being high in protein and low in calories and saturated fats, salmon is one of the most nutritious fish out there. Having a mild, tender taste, salmon lends itself to a variety of recipes and spice combinations.

There’s more to salmon than just omega-3 fatty acids. Protecting your body from damaging effects of free radicals, which can damage cells and leave them vulnerable to cancer, infection or other diseases, a trace mineral known as selenium, serving as a powerful antioxidant, is found in salmon. High levels of B vitamins, particularly B3 (niacin) and B12 (cobalamin) are also contained in salmon, which are vital for a healthy metabolism and good mental health.

Check out these great recipes from Eden and Brian Prockert ...

Lace Up: Why We Run.

Though one of the top priorities of our walk/run is to fundraise for Eden Mental Health, another important goal is to help fight the stigma often associated with mental illness.

The stigma associated with mental health prompts many people to avoid working, and socializing with people who have a mental disorder. To move forward as a community, improve care and encourage knowledge the stigma must be stopped. 

Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Depression, and  Anxiety are conditions that some people deal with on a daily basis. It is these same people that most would not recognize in a crowd full of the mentally stable.  These people are mothers, sisters, athletes, businessmen, doctors, and husbands living lives full of much more than just their mental disorder.


To get ourselves ready for this Saturday's Imagine run we wanted to bring you back to why we do what we do. You are the most powerful proof of the belief in our cause.

We want to prove that mental illness is just as worthy of attention as heart disease and cancer. Knowledge is  half the battle when fighting stigma. Eden Mental Health provides resources to better educate people on the presence and definition of mental illness, along with ways to eliminate the stigmas often associated with it. 

Whether you're a runner or a walker, lace up this weekend and show that you are not ashamed to say that you care for your own mental health. 


More on Eden Mental Health Centre's services:

• Psychiatric assessment and treatment for persons dealing with acute mental health issues.
• In-patient treatment for persons requiring hospitalization.
• Out-patient psychiatric services

Eden's psychiatric specialists team provides recovery based treatment utilizing best practices.

Head for the Hills - Eden's Bike Ride

Need something to prepare you for Imagine's September 22nd Run? Your in luck, Eden's Head for the Hills Bike Ride is scheduled is Saturday,September 8th.  This year will mark the event's 10th anniversary ride. 

The Head for the Hills Bike Ride has become one of Eden's most important fund-raising events of the year, with the last two years having raised in excess of $62,000 each year.  The goal for the 10th anniversary ride is to raise $80,000 and if that goal can be achieved, the bike ride can accurately claim to have raised $500,000 in ten years.

James Friesen the CEO of Eden Health Care Services combined his passion for riding with his compassion for those who deal with mental health issues and the Head for the Hills Bike Ride became a reality.

Over these past nine years, riders from all over have come to ride in the hills.  The ride is scenic and roughly follows the Trans Canada Trail from Colert Beach near Morden, MB meandering southward for some 36 kilometers to a destination along the edge of the Pembina Escarpment not far from the US border.  As in previous years, two routes are planned, one which takes the rider along a groomed trail through wooded areas as well as road ways and the second route taking the rider along a road course and equally as scenic as the first.

The cost of registration is low so that as many people as possible can have the experience of riding in an organized event.  Funds are fully tax-deductible and will be used to support the efforts and programs that the community has called Eden Health Care Services to provide on its behalf.

Riders can register online and those who are willing to sponsor a rider can also access the list of riders and donate in support.

Welcoming Eden To Our Team

We at Imagine are proud to announce that we have teamed up with Eden Health Care Services, a cause that is just as devoted to being a resource for people we mental illness. 
Eden Health Care Services, is Winkler-based organization that encompasses an acute care mental health treatment facility, residential care services and supported housing, counselling services, as well as vocational assessment and training for individuals with employment barriers.

The programs of Eden Health Care Services provide a wide range of services and resources that support individuals and families in recovery from mental illness, primarily in South Central Manitoba, South Eastman and Winnipeg.

This year all proceeds from our 10k run and 5k walk will be donated to  Eden Health Care Services to further assist them to do what they do best!

And here at Imagine, we will continue to do what we have promised: raising public awareness & erasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Imagine a world where we could personally talk about schizophrenia, depression, addictions, suicide or phobias in an atmosphere as relaxed as talking about hip-replacements or tennis elbow.

To donate today visit our website and consider running in this September's 5k walk / 10k run (see more information below)

IMAGINE PRESENTS

THE 2012 HALF MARATHON & 5K/10K Run/Walk
Welcome all Runners & Walkers to the 2012 Imagine Run.
Location: Hespler Park - Niverville
Date: Saturday, September 22,2012, 9:00am.

To register visit: http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7746