"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 ...

MCC Thrift Store Supports Local Organizations

Please take a moment to read this amazing story from the Eden Foundation.

MCC Thrift Store board chair Gord Kornelson, presented five charitable agencies with cheques. Each of the agencies received a portion of funds available from the proceeds of sales at the Steinbach MCC Thrift Store. Mr. Kornelson pointed out that not only does MCC support efforts overseas but also supports efforts locally.

Recipients of that generosity were South-east Helping Hands, Soup’s On, Anna’s House, Today House and our own Debra Stockwell on behalf of Segue Career Options and Eden Foundation. Ms. Stockwell was most pleased not only to receive support from neighbours across the street from MCC but equally as important has been the fact that the Segue Career Options program was recognized by MCC Steinbach as a service of significance to the community of Steinbach along with other local helping organizations.

On hand to receive cheques were Hank Klassen representing South-east Helping Hands, Joy Barkman representing Soup’s On, Vicki Olatundun representing Anna’s House, Simone Penner representing Today House and Debra Stockwell representing Segue Career Options.

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.

Nova Scotia's New Mental Health Initiatives

New initiatives in Eastern Canada mean that more support is coming for individuals, especially young people, who suffer from mental illness. A article released yesterday by the Free Press outlined Nova Scotia's new plan to help reach people, who are exhibiting signs of mental illness, earlier in life.

With over 60 recommendations for improving the current provincial mental health strategy in Nova Scotia, and over $5 million dollars to kick start the initiatives, it is very encouraging to see government providing more resources to helping people in need. Imagine - Mental Health Matters is very pleased and wishes the best for this new program.

See part of the article below:

Nova Scotia unveils mental health plan to identify and address issues early. By Allison Auld, The Canadian Press, Posted 05/16/2012

HALIFAX - The Nova Scotia government will place more clinicians in schools and assess children as young as 18 months old as part of a broad mental health strategy aimed at intervening early and reducing wait times for care.

Health Minister Maureen MacDonald laid out the province's first mental health strategy Wednesday, saying it will provide $5.2 million for various initiatives in the first year.

MacDonald said the focus of the five-year plan will be on identifying potential mental health conditions early and trying to deliver care to people outside of hospital settings, if possible.

"We need a system that's more community based, we need faster access sooner and we need to intervene earlier," she told reporters. "These are all things that will provide us with much different results so that people don't end up in crisis."

The province plans to increase the number of schools with psychologists, nurses or social workers to about 80 as part of an ongoing program to detect mental health concerns, start treatment or refer young people to specialists.

MacDonald said early detection is critical since 70 per cent of mental illnesses begin before the age of 25.

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See the full Free Press article here: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/nova-scotia-unveils-mental-health-plan-to-identify-and-address-issues-early-151716245.html