Stress, Women, and Heart Health
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women globally, but its connection to stress and mental health is often overlooked.
Heart-Health Takeaways from Alex’s Spring Conference Tour
In the space of 6 days, I had presented 4 times at 3 different conferences. Here at my takeaways!
Menopause and Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
As people navigate perimenopause, they start to become familiar with those common menopausal experiences. What is often a surprise is being told that their cholesterol or blood pressure has changed as well.
What is a Safe Amount of Alcohol?
Canada’s Proposed New Alcohol Guidelines Having a partner who doesn’t drink alcohol has been a blessing. Before we met, I was a proud drinker, attributing my robust alcohol tolerance to
Evidence-based comfort measures for labour
Are you considering an epidural for your birth? How did you come to that decision? Have you thought about other options or alternatives? Here are some things to consider that can help you feel more informed...
Hair Loss Help – Common Causes and Next Steps
Hair loss is not what typically prompts people to book an appointment at our clinic, but it is a common secondary concern. This has been particularly true over the last
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): it’s not “just in your head”
PMDD is similar to PMS, but much more severe and often debilitating. It involves mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms caused by the normal variations in estrogen and progesterone levels during
Is Homebirth for me?
There are many decisions that you need to make when it comes to planning your birth. But, choosing your birthing environment is one of the two most important decisions, the other is choosing a care provider that shares the same views on birth as you do. Both can influence many choices and decisions that you may encounter during your birth.
May is Mediterranean Diet Month
Established in 2009 by Oldways, a non-profit organization teaching people about various traditional diets, Med Diet Month actually celebrates the Mediterranean Lifestyle which involves more than just eating certain foods.
Iron and Mental Health
Did you know that iron levels affect your mood? Not only can low iron cause fatigue because it’s responsible for transporting oxygen to your tissues, but it is also involved in the function and synthesis of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Infant Colic
Is it normal for your baby to cry? Well probably, and there is usually a good reason for it, like when your baby is hungry, has a dirty diaper, or is over tired. But, when you have tried fixing all of those things and the crying continues, then you might be dealing with something else...
Four Heart Disease Risk Factors You May Not Know About
Given that heart disease affects millions of Canadians, it’s somewhat mystifying to me that we (health professionals) only seem to highlight the broad strokes of risk. I think it’s fair
Is it burnout if you can still do things?
Even before 2020, many of us were flirting with burnout. Pile on the five million ways the last two years have been extra challenging, and I suspect many of us are not just flirting with it, we’re full-on setting up house. Here's a reflection on things that have resonated in my world, to soften burnout’s edges with the hope that you find them useful too.
Tips for Adult Acne
Growing numbers of people are dismayed to discover they didn’t leave acne behind when they finished high school. Yes, it might seem like a cruel joke, but it’s possible to
5 Natural Ways to Improve Cognitive Health
Should you be concerned about your cognitive health? Consider these facts: Currently, dementia affects between five and eight percent of adults over 60. As the average age of the population
Top 10 Tips for Healthy Holidays
Are you enjoying the final stretch of 2018? For many this is a fantastic and fun time of the year. Unfortunately, it can also a difficult period for maintaining healthy
Is Your Food Making You Sick?
You’re careful about your health. You do your best to eat well, and you pay attention to the ways that your diet affects your energy levels. But something seems off.
Low Libido? What Went Wrong and How to Fix it!
You love your partner(s), but your libido is low. Between late nights, early mornings, work stress, family obligations, and a million other balls in the air, there is little time
Ready to Stop your Headaches?
What gives you a headache? I’m sure any number of factors come to mind. The most common type of headaches are tension headaches which are often brought on by stress.
Is Fasting Healthy For You or Just Another Fad?
Fasting is one of the oldest therapies in medicine, recognized for its ability to help heal and prevent disease. When done under the proper guidance of a healthcare professional, intermittent
How your thoughts affect your health
Our mind-body connection is far more powerful than most of us realize. Our thoughts influence our emotions by the way we experience the world around us. Even when we imagine
What is SIBO and Do You Have It?
Despite its name, the small intestine is actually a whopping 20 feet of very important business. Working alongside your stomach and large intestine, the small intestine has the important job
Sitting is the New Smoking
(but Smoking is Still Smoking) On average, how many hours a day do you spend sitting, uninterrupted? One hour? Two? Three hours…or more? Our ancestors spent much of their time
Dealing with Depression
Have you ever suffered from depression? If so, you’re far from alone. The World Health Organization estimates that 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide and that it is a
January Intentions
January 1, that first day of the New Year full of hope and potential, is almost here. Although I’ve never really been a Resolution sort of person, I’ve decided to
Summer Driving
It is summer time and the cottage awaits, the beach awaits, the campgrounds await, the backcountry awaits for us all to make the long and nerve racking trip up the
Tattoos!
So one of the unexpected perks of being a massage therapist is getting to have an up close look at people’s tattoos. I have to say the best part is
Fruits and Veggies are back!
Lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, garlic scapes and herbs; oh my! And so it begins – the local farms are starting to return to markets and CSA pick up sites to
It Is All About The Gear!
Probably the most common statement I am hearing made these days is “I can’t wait for this winter to be over!” As a lover of all that each season has
Goal Setting in 2015
As February rolls around, I am starting to have many a conversation about the varying success rates of New Year’s resolutions. One story I found most interesting starts out in
Summer is Great! Except for the sunburns and the bugs …
Summer seems finally here to stay! And you can tell people are happier for it. This is a good time of year. And yet, we often gloss over the irritations
For kids, is there such a thing as Easter without chocolate?
Holiday seasons like Easter can be a real challenge if you’re new to a healthier way of eating and trying to avoid things like additives, allergens or lots of refined
The Lacto-Fermentation Learning Curve
I’ve always loved sauerkraut although it wasn’t a family staple growing up. I have memories of being fascinated by the enormous and mysterious kraut crock our neighbours had in their
Sugar bad for your (sweet) heart?
Last week in JAMA Internal Medicine, a study (summarized here by the Globe and Mail) came out linking a high intake of “added” sugar (over 25% of total daily calories)
Guelph’s J.O.E. Team
I’ll admit it, I love the library. Mostly because I Iove books. But this week I found another reason to go. J.O.E. J.O.E. is Jobs. Opportunity. Employment. J.O.E. is families and
The Best Version of your Fruits and Vegetables!
My sister introduced me to this great book just before Christmas. As someone who both enjoys and encourages generous fruit and vegetable intake, I was thrilled to learn more about