In the complex world of healthcare, ensuring you receive the right care can be challenging. By prioritizing personal care, responding promptly to emergencies, scheduling regular check-ups, choosing wisely for hospital treatment, planning ahead for medical care abroad, and managing chronic conditions effectively, you can take control of your health journey. Empower yourself with knowledge to advocate for your needs and achieve optimal health outcomes.
Read MoreAs the days shorten and the temperature drops, many of us enter winter with mixed feelings. While the season brings cozy vibes, comfy sweaters and hot cocoa, for many, it’s also a period of low energy, mood swings and challenges like the “winter blues.” However, winter doesn’t have to bring you down. Following the mood-supporting strategies in this week’s blog can prepare your body and mind to thrive so you can confidently embrace the season and make the most of this unique time of year.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again! Time to trade the flip-flops and tank tops in for sneakers and backpacks.
As we send our little ones back to school for another year, we arm them with all the school supplies they need, neatly tucked into that new backpack. We make a special event out of back-to-school clothes shopping and be sure to fit those growing feet with larger shoes.
But have you ever wondered if there was anything else you could do to support your child’s needs?
What about their nutrition? What healthy foods should you fill their lunch kit with that will not only taste great but also support the needs of their growing brain?
Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy brain function - regardless of whether we’re 8 or 88. So if you’ve ever wondered how best to keep your child’s mind sharp or improve their cognitive function, you’ll want to read this week’s blog as we explore how to feed your child’s brain.
Read MoreAre you ready to improve your brain health?
Have you ever considered intermittent fasting?
First, let me say that making a healthy lifestyle change isn’t about dieting - diets are not sustainable and don’t work in the long run. Instead, creating healthier new habits is about choosing to eat well for your lifestyle and body.
There are many ways to do this, and fasting is just one of them. But suppose fasting doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in. In that case, you may be surprised to learn some of the mental and physical benefits it can provide. And if fasting is something you’ve been meaning to try, be sure to read this week’s blog to discover if this form of brain-based nutrition is suitable for you.
Read MoreAs winter approaches, have you started thinking about how to maintain your mental health and keep your mood up?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the “winter blues,” its milder cousin, are growing concerns for about 15% of Canadians. Plus, many more people deal with various mood disorders regularly. Read on to discover how serotonin affects us, what may happen if we don’t have enough, and what natural things we can try to keep our levels up.
Read MoreDo you know that we have natural brain chemicals that affect our mood?
In our last blog, we discussed three common neurotransmitters involved in mental health: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine as well as how they work.
This week, let’s take a closer look at natural foods and supplements that can support each of these key neurotransmitters.
Read MoreDo you know that we have natural brain chemicals that affect our mood?
They are called neurotransmitters. Two common ones you’ve most likely heard of are serotonin and dopamine. But do you know what these neurotransmitters are and how they work?
In honour of mental health awareness month and our continual quest to shed additional light on the topic of mental health, this week we’d like to take a closer look at a few key neurotransmitters and their effects on mood.
Keep reading to discover which neurotransmitters are related to mental health.
Read MoreWhat is the state of your mental health?
Do you have a mental illness? Does someone you love?
We throw the words mental illness and mental health around a lot. The terms are often used interchangeably. But what do they really mean? And what’s the difference?
Read this week’s post to discover what constitutes a mental illness, the prevalence of mental illness today, and actionable steps you can take to improve your mental health.
Read MoreMay is Mental Health Awareness month.
As people become increasingly concerned about their mental health, education surrounding the topic becomes more crucial.
With this in mind, each blog this month will contain educational information and offer up ideas, tips, suggestions, or foods designed to support one’s mental health.
So let’s kick-start the month by diving deeper into anxiety and considering various smart ways to deal with it.
And yes - you do embody the power to improve your mental health!
Do you choose suffering? Or do you choose to take action? The choice is yours.
Read MoreDo you suffer from anxiety or depression?
If so, you’re not alone. Current rates are at an all-time high - in part due to the very stressful last year we have all been faced with.
Much like any other health issue, research into anxiety and depression all too often focuses on treatments and managing symptoms while ignoring the underlying problem.
In many cases, as with my husband following his TBI, this leads to people suffering unduly while they search fruitlessly for solutions - often feeling alone and let down by the allopathic medical system.
If you can relate, especially in terms of your mental health and wellbeing, then please read this week’s blog. You’ll discover 9 tips on how managing your depression and anxiety naturally are possible.
Read MoreIs your child a finicky eater?
Have you ever wondered if there was something you could to do to help your child learn and function better?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! This week, I’d like to share an article with you that I wrote for Nature’s Fare Markets. It appeared in the September/October edition of their magazine - The Good Life. Packed with important information about child’s brain health and development, I also wanted to share the article with you.
So keep reading to discover how you can help support your child’s brain health with the right supplements.
Read MoreDid you know those bad moods can lead to bad eating habits, and that bad eating habits can also lead to bad moods? Are you in need of a mood boost? Many of us are! Read this week’s blog to discover how food impacts our mood and what you can do about it.
Read MoreProbiotics are getting more and more well-known for their health-promoting benefits. And the research showing the importance of our gut microbes is growing every day.
Did you know that what you eat feeds not only you, but your probiotics, too?
It’s true!
Those little “gut bugs” need to eat a healthful diet, just like you do. The good news is that the foods that are healthy for you are also healthy for them. And, because they’re microbes, they can digest foods that we can’t, like dietary fibre.
The foods that feed probiotics are called “prebiotics.” And this post is the 101 on what you need to know about both probiotics and prebiotics.
Read MoreStress? Did someone say stress?
Are you a stress eater?
When you’re surrounded by insurmountable stress and worry, do you find yourself reaching for sugar? (Insert hand raise here!) Have you ever wondered why that may be?
Read this week’s post to discover why your sugar cravings may be out of control right now and, more importantly, what you can do about it!
Read MoreThe start of every new year is a great time to set positive intentions focused on our overall wellness. Part of that includes something we often disregard or forget about; our mental wellness. And what better time to do this than during mental wellness month? Yes, January is mental wellness month and we’d all do well to focus a little (or a lot!) more on our own personal mental wellness. Many of us focus on the wellness of others and too often neglect the person that matters most - us! After all, we’re no good to anyone else if our own health, either physical or mental, suffers. If this resonates with you, I urge you to read on to discover some practical tips to help you improve your mental health and wellness.
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