Surviving the Holiday Season
Julia Pillar, CPT
There are three ways people can approach the holiday season: They may Give-In to stress and over-indulgence; Succumb to Guilt; or Go with the Flow.
The GIVE-IN group surrender to over-eating, over-stressing, and throw out their healthy routines and exercise schedules - stating that there is ‘no time’ to be active with all that needs to be done. These types are left feeling exhausted, unwell, and in need of a New Year’s resolution to ‘get back on track’ with healthy eating and appropriate physical activity.
Others try to avoid all temptations of delicious desserts and stick to a strict (and sometimes more intense than usual) exercise routine to counter extra holiday calories. These people feel GUILTY after indulgence or if an exercise session is missed. They burn-out during the holidays and often find little enjoyment, feeling thankful when this time of year is over.
The third and healthiest approach to the holidays is taken by those who simply TAKE IT IN STRIDE, accepting that the holidays are a time when extra treats abound and stress levels may rise. Regular activity remains an important part of most days (as it always is), but it serves no purpose to feel guilty if an exercise session is missed. Holiday goodies may be enjoyed in moderation, with an understanding that there are more than usual at this time of the year; it is ok to enjoy indulgences occasionally. People who can take this approach get the most enjoyment out of the holiday season and experience the lowest levels of stress, which is ultimately the key to good health.
To make the most of your holiday season this year, take time to think about what brings you enjoyment. Whether it is spending time with friends and family, engaging in a favourite sport or activity (including deep breathing, or stretching and flexibility exercises), ensure to include it in your daily routine.
Remember that wellness is a combination of mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. An adequate balance of stimulation and relaxation in all of these areas is essential to keep stress levels low and well-being high.
Monday, December 13, 2010
SPROUTING: Getting your GREENS in Wintertime
Sarah Dobec, Holistic Nutritionist
Sprouting is an easy way to get fresh greens into your diet during the winter. Quite simply any seed, grain or bean will sprout. They are all full of life and need only water to release their nutritional value. Most seeds will sprout in a jar, sunflower seeds and wheatgrass need a bit of soil in a tray.
Start with alfalfa seeds or lentils. Soak them in a jar of water for 6-8 hours. Drain the water and simply rinse and drain twice a day until the grains have sprouted, depending on the grain 3-5 days. It is a great activity for kids. Sprouts are full of vitamins, minerals, protein, phyto-nutrients and fibre.
You can add them to salads, sandwiches, smoothies or eat them right out of the jar.
Sarah Dobec, Holistic Nutritionist
Sprouting is an easy way to get fresh greens into your diet during the winter. Quite simply any seed, grain or bean will sprout. They are all full of life and need only water to release their nutritional value. Most seeds will sprout in a jar, sunflower seeds and wheatgrass need a bit of soil in a tray.
Start with alfalfa seeds or lentils. Soak them in a jar of water for 6-8 hours. Drain the water and simply rinse and drain twice a day until the grains have sprouted, depending on the grain 3-5 days. It is a great activity for kids. Sprouts are full of vitamins, minerals, protein, phyto-nutrients and fibre.
You can add them to salads, sandwiches, smoothies or eat them right out of the jar.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Lifewise Health and Wellness Newsletter - October 2010
Lifewise Health and Wellness Newsletter - October 2010
I was recently shown a disturbing article from a back issue of the Toronto Star (Sept 27, 2002) that discusses the questionable albeit sophisticated marketing tactics taken by some drug companies. Although this article, Disorders made to order; Drug firm’s new selling strategy: Dig up and market a new illness, then peddle a cure, is dated, the topic remains relevant. Instead of directly selling the medication, many pharmaceutical companies mount disease awareness campaigns, both to the public and to medical doctors. These campaigns market new uses for older drugs just as their patent protection expires. What’s the take home message? Beware of medications of all kinds - while some have merit,
others can do more harm than good.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
I was recently shown a disturbing article from a back issue of the Toronto Star (Sept 27, 2002) that discusses the questionable albeit sophisticated marketing tactics taken by some drug companies. Although this article, Disorders made to order; Drug firm’s new selling strategy: Dig up and market a new illness, then peddle a cure, is dated, the topic remains relevant. Instead of directly selling the medication, many pharmaceutical companies mount disease awareness campaigns, both to the public and to medical doctors. These campaigns market new uses for older drugs just as their patent protection expires. What’s the take home message? Beware of medications of all kinds - while some have merit,
others can do more harm than good.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Lifewise Welcomes Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry
Lifewise Welcomes Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry
Lifewise is joining forces with Mt. Pleasant Chiropractic.
Beginning November 1st, Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry will be moving her practice into our office. Dr. J (as she is affectionately known to her patients) will be available for chiropractic care on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays.
Welcome Dr. J - we’re happy to have you join the team!
Lifewise is joining forces with Mt. Pleasant Chiropractic.
Beginning November 1st, Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry will be moving her practice into our office. Dr. J (as she is affectionately known to her patients) will be available for chiropractic care on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays.
Welcome Dr. J - we’re happy to have you join the team!
Quick & Healthy Fall Recipes
Quick & Healthy Fall Recipes
From Sarah Dobec, Certified Holistic Nutritionist
Roasted Fall Veggies
o 2 large potatoes washed and cubed
o 3-4 medium beets washed, peeled and cubed
o 2 large carrots washed and cut into large coins
o 5-6 cloves of garlic cut in half
o 1 large cooking onion cut into large chunks
Place all the veggies in a roasting dish. Mix together ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup toasted sesame oil, 2 tsp grated ginger, salt and pepper. Mix with veggies and bake at 350 until beets are tender.
White Bean Dip
o 1 can white beans
o 3 tbsp flax oil
o 1 clove garlic
o 1/2 tsp sea salt
o 1 tsp dill
o Pepper to taste
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and add filtered water until you reach the desired consistency.
Easy Hummus
o 1 can of chick peas (rinsed)
o Juice of one lemon
o 1 large clove of garlic
o ¼ cup of tahini
o ½ tsp sea salt
o Pepper to taste
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and add filtered water until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add: Basil, Cumin, Cayenne, Curry - BE CREATIVE!
From Sarah Dobec, Certified Holistic Nutritionist
Roasted Fall Veggies
o 2 large potatoes washed and cubed
o 3-4 medium beets washed, peeled and cubed
o 2 large carrots washed and cut into large coins
o 5-6 cloves of garlic cut in half
o 1 large cooking onion cut into large chunks
Place all the veggies in a roasting dish. Mix together ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup toasted sesame oil, 2 tsp grated ginger, salt and pepper. Mix with veggies and bake at 350 until beets are tender.
White Bean Dip
o 1 can white beans
o 3 tbsp flax oil
o 1 clove garlic
o 1/2 tsp sea salt
o 1 tsp dill
o Pepper to taste
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and add filtered water until you reach the desired consistency.
Easy Hummus
o 1 can of chick peas (rinsed)
o Juice of one lemon
o 1 large clove of garlic
o ¼ cup of tahini
o ½ tsp sea salt
o Pepper to taste
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and add filtered water until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add: Basil, Cumin, Cayenne, Curry - BE CREATIVE!
Fiver Fridays
FIVER FRIDAYS:
For just $5 join for our rotating schedule of drop-in
classes and workshops on Friday evenings at 5pm. Our instructors
volunteer their time, this year all proceeds will be donated to
FoodShare.
October 15th – Benefits of Orthotics (Dr. Joy Simon)
October 22nd – Intro to Tai Chi (Paul Lara)
October 29th – Healthy Immunity (Sarah Dobec)
For just $5 join for our rotating schedule of drop-in
classes and workshops on Friday evenings at 5pm. Our instructors
volunteer their time, this year all proceeds will be donated to
FoodShare.
October 15th – Benefits of Orthotics (Dr. Joy Simon)
October 22nd – Intro to Tai Chi (Paul Lara)
October 29th – Healthy Immunity (Sarah Dobec)
Enlightening Facts about Sleep!
Enlightening Facts about Sleep!
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Having trouble sleeping lately? The real problem could be light and your exposure to it at the proper times of day to ensure a full restful night’s sleep.
The body’s biological clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, is strongly affected by light, especially bright light such as sunlight.
Many shift workers have problems sleeping because their work schedules conflict with their bodies’ natural sleep-wake cycle cues. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, affects both our desire to sleep and the quality of our sleep. Darkness enhances melatonin production, while light inhibits it. Therefore, shift workers may experience extreme drowsiness at work and suffer from insomnia when they actually settle down to get some sleep during daylight hours.
The same is true for many elderly people who do not get outdoors much and therefore, lack an adequate amount of light each day. One of the major health complaints for the over 65 population is difficulty sleeping. Brightening the level of light in their homes during the day and early evening hours may alleviate the major cause of their sleep distress!
Because bright lights can disturb the normal production of melatonin, and interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is completely dark. Use light-blocking shades, lined curtains or even an eye mask to block out all light, including a night light and bright clock radio lights, because even a dime-sized area of light shining anywhere on the body can affect the production of melatonin and interfere with restful sleep!
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Having trouble sleeping lately? The real problem could be light and your exposure to it at the proper times of day to ensure a full restful night’s sleep.
The body’s biological clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, is strongly affected by light, especially bright light such as sunlight.
Many shift workers have problems sleeping because their work schedules conflict with their bodies’ natural sleep-wake cycle cues. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, affects both our desire to sleep and the quality of our sleep. Darkness enhances melatonin production, while light inhibits it. Therefore, shift workers may experience extreme drowsiness at work and suffer from insomnia when they actually settle down to get some sleep during daylight hours.
The same is true for many elderly people who do not get outdoors much and therefore, lack an adequate amount of light each day. One of the major health complaints for the over 65 population is difficulty sleeping. Brightening the level of light in their homes during the day and early evening hours may alleviate the major cause of their sleep distress!
Because bright lights can disturb the normal production of melatonin, and interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is completely dark. Use light-blocking shades, lined curtains or even an eye mask to block out all light, including a night light and bright clock radio lights, because even a dime-sized area of light shining anywhere on the body can affect the production of melatonin and interfere with restful sleep!
Why Children Need Outdoor Playtime
Why Children Need Outdoor Playtime
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Children and adolescents spend far fewer hours playing outside
than they did in past decades. Free time, which was once filled
with hours of unstructured play in the backyard or park, is now
consumed by structured sports and inside sedentary activities
such as TV, video games, computers and the Internet.
Think that unstructured outdoor play is just all fun and games or
a waste of time? Think again! Scientists are discovering that
outside free play offers immense benefits for a child’s growing
mind and body. And Dr. Baker wants patients to know about
these advantages. Benefits include decreased risks of cancer,
heart disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
obesity and depression. Outdoor free time also appears to slash
incidences of colds and flu.
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn., stress
the importance of encouraging young children, especially
preschoolers, to engage in ‘active, unstructured, outdoor play.’
Parents and daycare providers should use language and words
that engage children in physically active outdoor play involving
movement. To this end, experts suggest using the word ‘play’
with preschoolers to encourage movement and exercise.
Outdoor play should be encouraged not only for its effects on
physical health, but also for its benefit to a child’s well-being
(Archi Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005; 159:46).
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Children and adolescents spend far fewer hours playing outside
than they did in past decades. Free time, which was once filled
with hours of unstructured play in the backyard or park, is now
consumed by structured sports and inside sedentary activities
such as TV, video games, computers and the Internet.
Think that unstructured outdoor play is just all fun and games or
a waste of time? Think again! Scientists are discovering that
outside free play offers immense benefits for a child’s growing
mind and body. And Dr. Baker wants patients to know about
these advantages. Benefits include decreased risks of cancer,
heart disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
obesity and depression. Outdoor free time also appears to slash
incidences of colds and flu.
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn., stress
the importance of encouraging young children, especially
preschoolers, to engage in ‘active, unstructured, outdoor play.’
Parents and daycare providers should use language and words
that engage children in physically active outdoor play involving
movement. To this end, experts suggest using the word ‘play’
with preschoolers to encourage movement and exercise.
Outdoor play should be encouraged not only for its effects on
physical health, but also for its benefit to a child’s well-being
(Archi Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005; 159:46).
Lecture & Book Signing
Lecture & Book Signing :
Dr. B. Raven LeeEmbodying Sacred Feminine
and the Magdalene WisdomSaturday,
Nov 6th 3-5pm at Lifewise Health and Wellness
Dr. Lee’s article on the sacred feminine makes up one of
forty-three inspiring chapters in Goddess Shift: Women
Leading For A Change, an anthology of powerful
women’s voices along with Maya Angelou, Jane
Fonda,Angelina Jolie, Shirley MacLaine,Michelle Obama and
many more. Goddess Shiftdescribes the shape of the new
human family that is emerging from the leadership of these
remarkable women, and the very different future they
envision for the world we share. All royalties from this book
go to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the
lives of young women around the world. For more
information, please visit: www.goddessshift.com.
Dr. B. Raven LeeEmbodying Sacred Feminine
and the Magdalene WisdomSaturday,
Nov 6th 3-5pm at Lifewise Health and Wellness
Dr. Lee’s article on the sacred feminine makes up one of
forty-three inspiring chapters in Goddess Shift: Women
Leading For A Change, an anthology of powerful
women’s voices along with Maya Angelou, Jane
Fonda,Angelina Jolie, Shirley MacLaine,Michelle Obama and
many more. Goddess Shiftdescribes the shape of the new
human family that is emerging from the leadership of these
remarkable women, and the very different future they
envision for the world we share. All royalties from this book
go to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the
lives of young women around the world. For more
information, please visit: www.goddessshift.com.
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