Category: Your Healthy Nature
The Green Family – Making Cleaning The Fridge Nutritious
The chill of winter is duking it out with the warming sunshine of spring right now. It even looks that way in our refrigerators. All of that winter veg that we have been whipping up cozy meals with for the last few months is starting to give way to a few more spring-like items. But, [...]
A Good Nights Rest – Bust Out The Lavender
Summertime sunshine, excitement and energy has made the regular bedtime routine at our house something right out of crazy town lately. It doesn’t seem to matter whether I start the routine at 6 or 7:55 p.m., it’s always well past 9 p.m. before sleep sets in and Ken and I can break from very long [...]
The Scoop On Sun Exposure, Sunscreens & Summer
Vancouver Island may be a bit wet and chilly right now. But, as soon as the Canada Day parade is over, you know it will be 30 and sunny in less than 10 minutes.:) On the other side of the country in Nova Scotia, the heat and sun have already got us out hitting the [...]
Animal Encounters – What To Do When Nature & Family Collide
When it comes to getting outside this summer, one of the big things that most parents worry about with their kids is what to do if everyone is on the trail and along comes a large animal of the wild kind. It’s not common. But, on Vancouver Island, the opportunity to run into a cougar [...]
5 Easy Yoga Poses for Moms
Editor’s Note: Moms have a pretty sound reputation for being last on their own list. But, what if you could take 10 or 15 minutes out of your day, even when the kids are around, to do a little something for your own zen. Danielle Mika Nagel is the studio director for the world’s first [...]
Don’t Let The Bedbugs Bite
Editor’s Note: While just the mere mention of them makes just about anyone’s skin crawl, bedbugs are one of those health concerns that we as parents should be very aware of. Today, Dr. Dianne Saxe and Jackie Campbell of Canada’s Envirolaw are here to breech this touchy topic and give us all the scoop on [...]
Thinking Fitness? Personal Tips to Keep On Track
Editor’s Note: Good morning. I am not exactly on the fitness train this year. I keep thinking it’s a good idea. But, getting motivated and, mostly, finding the time in already jam-packed days have set my vision of fit me back a bit. Thankfully, there are inspiring women such as Kaylee Norton out there. Kaylee [...]
New Year's Resolutions Women Really Should Keep
It’s 2012 and most momma types are on the hunt for ways to make sure this year gets started on the best possible note, makes for some great memories and fill itself with positivity whether it be getting into shape, less arguing, healthier food, whatever we personally take stock in. We also know that making [...]
Ease Holiday Stress, Naturally
As the holiday season revs up, most of us feel excitement and anticipation as we prepare for gatherings, feasts and gift giving. We all have a vision of how we’d like the holiday to play out, whether it is coordinating the parents and in-laws for a big “Griswold Family Christmas”, or watching your children opening [...]
Top 10 Signs That You've Eaten Too Much of Your Kids Halloween Candy
The sugar hangover from Halloween is causing major damage. Parents are flying through the streets trying to get their small children to school on time. Everywhere you look, adults are sugar crashing – passed out on the side of the road, on the couch, over the computer at 4 p.m. It’s all our kids fault. [...]
DIY Projects to Keep Back to School Organized
Editor’s Note: Good Morning, I’m still working hard on getting organized for school. So, when the lovely and talented Katherine Wadden from Partselect.com offered to write a great piece on DIY ways to get things in order I jumped at it. Partselect.com is a cool business, an online retailer of Maytag parts and a great [...]
The Back to School Mom's Shape Up
Let’s admit it. School is as much for the parents as it is for the kids. We love our children. But, sending them on their merry way to run around with their friends, learn a thing or two, is a bit of a sanity saver. Much like our partners, their comes a point in life [...]
On Canada Day Weekend, Becoming Canadian
Ken and I took a brief moment out of an incredibly busy day yesterday to celebrate. It marked our fifth year back in Canada after arriving on Canada Day 2006 with so many hopes for our young family and no idea of everything that would come. Personally, that day five years ago brought me to [...]
Time to Double Check the Car Seats
Yesterday, the kids and I were out running errands and, as we stopped for a coffee and a snack, we wondered why the Courtenay Fire Department had a truck at the gas station nearby, lights flashing. We talked a bit about hoping everyone was OK. The firefighters seemed to be digging around in the backseat [...]
Too Short – Too Tall – Do Clothes Make the Girl?
When I was a kid, my mother had one rule when it came to buying clothes – if I couldn’t wear them to church they weren’t getting purchased. Period. Yeah, she let me go through a phase of bleached jeans that my friends wrote all over and a mildly, well-covered-up neon green punk phase. But, [...]
Crush of the Month – Live Clean Baby Wash
I‘m always in the market for great Canadian-made products, especially when it comes to products I put on my kids skin. It’s not to say that Canadian products are necessarily better. But, I have a soft spot in my heart for supporting Canadian companies and am often pleasantly impressed by the quality and value of [...]
First Rule of Parenthood – Nothing Planned Goes That Way
When I first found out I was pregnant with our oldest daughter – like so many moms – I spent every waking moment (and a few sleepy ones too) learning everything I could about becoming the best possible parent in the universe. I was determined to make that tiny person’s life as amazing as possible. [...]
Getting Positive About Post-Partum Depression
Editor’s Note: Having coped with a wicked bout of post-partum depression myself, I am honored to have Esther Kane here today to talk about this important topic that hits so many new moms hard. Thanks to Esther for your perspective and helping hand. Motherhood is wonderful and magical…and sometimes none of the above. It’s great [...]
Keeping Haiti In Our Hearts
I‘m always amazed and awed by the incredible hearts of so many people in the Comox Valley. There is an overwhelming sense of love and compassion that people who live here have for folks all over the world. When I recently had the honor of meeting Seanna McLeod, her work and dedication to helping the [...]
Bed Wetting. Helping Our Kids Overcome
For some kids, potty training is a matter of just getting the hang of things. Moms of 4 year olds celebrate kids being out of diapers forever and we cheer for the night that a dry bed is permanent. But, for many kids the diapers and bed wetting linger well beyond the preschool years and [...]
Help the People of Japan with Acts of Compassion
After the unbelievable tragedy that struck Japan and its people last month, a warm and caring group of Comox Valley musicians have joined together to entertain local folks and raise money for Japanese disaster relief through the Canadian Red Cross with Acts of Compassion. This gathering of song and spirit will be held from Noon [...]
Loving Jenn
There are times in life that just leave us speechless. We stand, hand in hand with each other, and simply let the tears run down our faces, unable to express what has come to pass. Last night, our friend Jenn Zahavich passed away after a passionate battle with breast cancer. Today, many of us are [...]
How To Love Your Post-Baby Body
Some days I look around and see nothing but women who didn’t seem to gain a pound while they were pregnant. As soon as they gave birth the baby weight seemed to just vanish. Me, not so much. Three pregnancies later my body is so very different than when I started. I’ve become incredibly self-conscious [...]
Saying Grace – Cultivating Rhythms at Meal Time
Editor’s Note: Today we begin our first installment of Saying Grace, a series created by moms who are cultivating grace in their lives. Today, Nicole Benjamin of GardenMama is here to share with us how she cultivates grace at meal times (the craziest time in our house for sure). Her photos and stories are absolutely [...]
The Woman’s Room – Boys Need to Be Boys
My son is upstairs killing zombies. And I’m OK with that. But many Moms wouldn’t be. I remember an incident back when my son was about eight. He was part of a group of boys playing a shoot ’em up game among the trees near the playground. I watched as another mother pulled her boy [...]
The Woman's Room – Boys Need to Be Boys
My son is upstairs killing zombies. And I’m OK with that. But many Moms wouldn’t be. I remember an incident back when my son was about eight. He was part of a group of boys playing a shoot ’em up game among the trees near the playground. I watched as another mother pulled her boy [...]
Family Health – What Do Parents Think?
I read an article years ago that has stayed with me. It said that we unconsciously choose friends who are on the same attractiveness level as we see ourselves. If that’s true, I must be smokin’ hot! My day is definitely looking up. And, if that’s true for attractiveness, I’m guessing that it’s also true [...]
The Wealthy Family – Put Heart Into Family Fun $$
When the economy is in a slump and times get tough, families want to start “cutting back” on their spending, and it’s usually the entertainment budget that gets chopped first. Does it really have to be that way? No way! Not if you have your money management system in place and you have a list [...]
Hunting for the Light – Fighting off Seasonal Affective Disorder
Editor’s Note: Registered Clinical Counselor Esther Kane wrote a column for OBE several years ago on how to help fight off those Winter blues that hit so many people hard this time of year. As those super gray days settle in, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at it [...]
Happy New Year
May 2011 bring you and your family warmth, good fortune, an abundance of laughter and a dearth of regrets. From our family to yours, welcome 2011 and happiness throughout the year.
2010 – the Year of Gratitude
It is easy to look back after a year’s worth of living and marvel that you even survived. These past couple of years have been ones of great loss, upheaval, changes and rebirth. They’ve taken the wind out of our sails and sent us adventuring to places we never imagined being able to go. The [...]
Esther Kane – Take a Mental Health Break with Yoga
In this article, I wanted to share with you one of my greatest passions and recommendations for all of my clients to help them de-stress, find balance, and get in shape- yoga. I have been practicing this ancient form of fitness, meditation, and relaxation for over half my life already. I was introduced to Kundalini [...]
Esther Kane – Putting The Past Where it Belongs, Finding Closure
In my therapy practice, the work lately seems to be about helping clients release and let go of ‘unfinished business’ from the past; whether it’s an old romance that still niggles away at their psyche, healing from a past trauma, or coming to terms with one’s family-of-origin and learning to reposition oneself in our families [...]
Time to Give Your Kids Immune System A Boost
Editor’s Note: While we are gearing our kids up for getting back to school, one thing that’s easy to overlook is getting their insides ready to go as well. The school year is what we refer to as the “Goo Season” around our house where the kiddo brings home everything that the classroom can hand [...]
Back-to-School 2010 – Back Care Begins with the Backpack
Editor’s Note: Good morning. When it comes to back-to-school health, there are some basics that every parent needs to know. One of the most important is how to help kids take care of their backs – especially as they lug their gear to school on their shoulders each morning. Cumberland chiropractor Dr. Colin Wilson is [...]
Top 10 Herbal Remedies for Kids
Editor’s Note: It’s nearly the middle of August and one thing that I have heard resonating throughout parenting circles this year is how tough summer has been on our kids (and our own) immune systems. During a season when we’re all supposed to be spending lazy days on the beach or at backyard picnics, many [...]
Foods For Optimal Brain Function And Mood
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Naturopath Amy Wells is on site with a look at foods that boost brain function and mood, along with foods that hinder health and wellness. Here she is: The other day, I had a food meltdown. It wasn’t on purpose, it just sort of happened as a result of circumstance. It [...]
Calvin Sandborn on Becoming The Kind Father
I recently had the chance to catch up with Registered Clinical Counselors Monika Grunberg and Serena Patterson who run Grünberg Patterson Counselling and Psychological Services in Comox as they shared the news about an exciting, inspirational parenting speaker who will be talking about fatherhood tomorrow evening at North Island College. Author, journalist, and environmental lawyer [...]
Coping Skills for When Kids are Mean
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday. This morning, local mom Marcie Dumais is on site with a look at how we can address unkind behavior amongst children and teach them how to manage themselves socially. Definitely a tricky and awkward situation at times. Here she is: I had no idea the words ‘toe punt’ would trigger such [...]
Calcium And Magnesium Go Beyond Building Bones
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Naturopath Amy Wells is with us this morning with an in-depth look at calcium and magnesium supplements. Here she is: After the birth of my first son, the excitement of being a new mom kept me going. I can honestly say that I never felt sleep deprived. Four years and a second son [...]
A Balanced Approach To Healthy Weight Loss
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. Esther Kane is on site sharing her personal experience with healthy weight loss. Truly inspiring. Here she is: Normally, I try to avoid talking about weight loss. Being an eating disorders therapist, it can be a touchy subject indeed. But lately, I’ve come to realize that there is, what I believe [...]
Battling Hay Fever And Seasonal Allergies With Natural Remedies
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Naturopath Amy Wells is here discussing seasonal allergies and gives us some natural suggestions on how to tame the severity. Here she is: Spring is such a catch 22 for me. What’s not to love about longer days, sunshine, warmer temperatures and blooming buds? When you suffer from seasonal allergies, there’s [...]
Esther Kane – Finding Happiness In Yourself
Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot of stories from clients about how unhappy they are in their present circumstances, and if only they could have more money, land a better job, move somewhere more exciting, find the right partner,__________(fill in the blank), life would be oh-so-much-better. I am really good at this form of wishful [...]
How Your Environment Effects Your Family Health
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday, readers! This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells discussing environmental medicine – how things in your environment from off-gassing plastics to shampoo and polyester blankets – can effect your health. Here she is: Environmental medicine is a personal interest of mine. I was first introduced to the concept in naturopathic medical [...]
Aromatherapy Makes Motherhood Sweeter
Editor’s Note: Good morning. The lovely Rhonda Parker is here with the scoop on aromatherapy and what it can do for you. Enjoy. As moms, we are constantly reading labels and trying to find healthy choices for our families. When kids are sick or unhappy, finding healthy and natural ways to help them feel better [...]
Women's Health – Mid-Life Eating Disorders
I am seeing more and more women ages 30+ in my practice who are struggling with disordered eating. Many people think that eating disorders are only for teens and women in their twenties, but research shows this is absolutely false. In fact, the following statistics will most likely shock you. I was lucky enough to [...]
Sick of Dust? Maybe More Than You Think
Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s morning post on ways to eat local this spring, you can read it HERE. Now, here’s Sharon Daly from ecoLife Solutions with the dish on dust. Very informative info that may just have you breaking out the mop and dust clothes today! Enjoy. Many of us wait until spring [...]
Traditional Chinese Medicine In Pregnancy
Editor’s Note: Good morning readers. Registered Acupuncturist and Herbalist Michelle Hughes is here discussing the use of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine during pregnancy. Here she is: Treating women during pregnancy is an area of Traditional Chinese medicine that is continuing to grow, as more and more women realize the benefits of including acupuncture and Chinese [...]
Naturopathy & Autism Spectrum Disorder
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Dr. Amy Wells is here with a naturopathic view of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Have a great day. Here she is: This month, I thought I’d shed some naturopathic perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a disorder affecting many families, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. ASD is defined by the Autism Society of [...]
Enjoy Home Cooked Meals, Don't Fret About Calories
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Esther Kane is here with ten great tips for healthy, happy eating and entertaining. Here she is: I recently had the pleasure of visiting my grandmother Ruth in London, England, which I am lucky enough to do once a year. Although it’s quite the schlep to get there and the jet-lag [...]
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Dr. Amy Wells is here helping us learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and the benefits of treatments. Here she is: Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, is a 5000-year-old eastern medical system that includes a method for diagnosis and treatment. This medical model emphasizes a lifestyle that promotes health as [...]
Taking Care of Local Families – YANA's Annual Dinner & Auction
It’s that time of year again when we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hearts of families throughout the region through one very special Comox Valley organization that takes care of those families in their darkest times and when the need is the greatest – You Are Not Alone, better known as YANA. If [...]
The Fit Family – Building In A Routine for All of Us
I have to admit that working out these days is like pulling teeth – for a couple of reasons. Still trying to figure it all out, it looks like I have a combination of adrenal fatigue and thyroid issues wreaking havoc on both my energy and my stamina. I’ve given up on the regular doctors and [...]
Esther Kane – More Men Than Ever Struggle with Food
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Registered Clinical Counselor Esther Kane is here discussing the growing struggles that men and boys face with eating disorders. Here she is: In this article, I’ve decided to tackle the topic of males with eating disorders for a couple of reasons. I’m working with more men with this problem than ever [...]
Sunshine in a Bottle – Why We Need a Daily Dose of Vitamin D
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! This morning Dr. Amy Wells is on site discussing the benefits of Vitamin D. Bring on the sunshine! Here she is: After the craziness of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations died down, I made the mistake of saying to my toddler one morning “Okay, I’m ready for Summer now!” Every morning [...]
Fit Family – A Forced Reset of Family Priorities
I never find it a good thing when you head to the doctor, get some blood work done, and they call you for a follow up that starts with “Come on in today.” That’s what happened to me in mid-December. I knew I wasn’t feeling good. I thought it was general malaise, some un-checked emotional [...]
Year In Review – Family Health in 2009
Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s post, check out Assistant Editor Bevin Clempson’s tips for reducing holiday waste HERE. Now, it’s time for a trip in the way back machine to check out 365 days of preventative health care with Dr. Amy Wells: If there is one thing that has dominated family life this [...]
Warmth & Joy from Our Home to Yours
May your Christmas be merry and bright. Wishing you all the Happiest of Holidays, Robin, Ken and the Our Big Earth crew
Esther Kane – Winter Doesn't Have to Be Blue
Editor’s Note: Good morning. We have Esther Kane with us discussing what ails many people during these months of darkness – Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here she is: As a psychotherapist, this is my busiest time of year. Why? Because a lot of people are really bummed out and don’t understand why. They come to me [...]
Hand Sanitizer – Not Every Germ Killer is Equal
While I was in Vancouver last week, one of the pervasive concerns amongst the crew – none of whom were Canadian except for me – was not getting sick. This was especially true for the moms in the group who, even though they were in professional mode and sans kids, found themselves seriously concerned about [...]
Monday Morning Moms – Holiday Sanity Savers
Oh my holy no, no, no… it cannot be a month until Christmas. Seriously, how is it possible that I reach this day every year and shudder at the reality that I am so far behind and there is no turning back? Now, it’s all just about getting it done as fast as possible, with as [...]
Is It A Cold or the Flu? Symptom Checker
Editor’s Note: If you missed the morning post by Marcie Dumais on helping kiddos learn the value of generosity, you can check it out HERE. This afternoon, we have some great information on the topic of cold Vs. flu. With the news this week that St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox is asking people who have [...]
Helping Kids Learn the Value of Generosity
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Marcie Dumais is here discussing ways in which her family implements giving, generosity and gratitude. She also shares ways in which people can get involved in the community throughout the holiday season. Here she is: With the newest holiday mumbo-jumbo at the front-line of most stores, it’s not surprising that Christmas is already [...]
The Fit Family – In The Groove…Getting Motivated to Move
Editor’s Note: Whoa is it ever wet out there! This late Fall rain is absolutely crazy, definitely time for hats. If you missed it, be sure to check out our piece from this morning on scoring the coolest hats in town HERE. Now, it’s time for our fitness update. Stay dry! Getting fit is an [...]
Eye Checkups are Key for Preschoolers
Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday. This morning we have local Optometrist Dr. Elaine Kerr on site educating us about the importance of preventative eye care. Here she is: Imagine you are about five years old and your parents take you to a new and interesting place. There’s a kids’ play area where you entertain yourself for awhile, [...]
How and When to Introduce Babes to Solid Food
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday the 13th! This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells on the subject of solid food introduction – a big step in the life of our tiny people. Here she is: As my newest little man is watching my every mouthful of food, I’m wondering how he’s going to hold out for solids for [...]
The Fit Family – Creaky Bones & The Death of Procrastination
Editor’s Note: Happy Monday. If you missed our early post, check out our review of Roylco’s fossil rubbing plates HERE. Meanwhile, we are slugging through finding our workout groove: Oh how uninspiring we find ourselves these days. Ken and I both agree that we have mental blocks when it comes to long term fitness. But, [...]
Halloween Safety Tips for Families
The trick-or-treat festivities are just about upon us… and so is the weekend. Fright night or a Monday or a Wednesday, well, pretty chill. Saturday’s frightful activities might be a bit less tame than usual. So, in the name of good, clean, spooky fun, here are some hot tips from the Comox Valley’s own Street Smart [...]
What to Do About The Flu
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! There is some serious goo going around town right now. So, we thought we’d pass along some resources and info this afternoon. If you missed this morning’s story, Bevin gave us some great advice on some DIY ways to conserve heat this season. Check it out HERE. There’s a wild wave [...]
The Fit Family – The Flu, Frustration & Funk
Editor’s Note: This is the second installment in The Fit Family – the OBE year-long adventure from flab to fit. Robin and Ken are here today in diary style talking a bit about how the process is taking shape. They need a boost. You may want to send some love their way today. It’s ugly [...]
Top 10 Immunity Boosters for Kids
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells serving up ten of her favorite immunity builders for children. With cold and flu season ready to strike, she certainly got me thinking about the state of my family’s immune system, especially the small person of the house. Here she is: While autumn signifies the end of summer [...]
The Fit Family – Week 1, The Harsh Reality
Editor’s Note: During the week here at OBE, you’ll now be getting a morning AND an afternoon post with some fun new features and timely coverage of community events in which Our Big Earth is involved. Our morning post today was a product review on gorgeous wooden Waldorf rainbow stackers. Check out the review HERE. [...]
Mindful Eating Roadblocks (Part 3)
Editor’s Note: The lovely and knowledgeable Esther Kane is with us today sharing tips from her latest book on practicing Mindful Eating. This is the third part of her Mindful Eating Roadblocks series. You can find the first two parts here – Part One & Part Two. Here’s Esther: For this article, I will share with [...]
Motivating the Motivationally Challenged
Editor’s Note: This morning we have Marcie Dumais coming clean about exercise and sharing ten tips on getting motivated. Check them out: September will always be a start-up month for me. I’m not sure if it is because of the twenty-one years of being a student, or the fact that I am a teacher and I come [...]
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Every year, the ninth day of the ninth month is a time to acknowledge and educate about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This disorder is a very real and irreversible imbalance for many children and adults. Often under diagnosed and mistaken for other behavior disorders, such as Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD/ADD), FASD has a [...]
Five Tools for Overcoming Anxiety
Editor’s Note: Good morning, the insightful and lovely Esther Kane is here on OBE this morning to share with us a bit of her personal story about dealing with anxiety. This topic is one that is close to my heart, as anxiety has stopped me from moving in a positive direction so many times in [...]
The Good & Bad About Fluoride
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Dr. Amy Wells is here today talking shop about teeth and the ongoing debate about the use of fluoride. As usual, I learned a ton of interesting information. Enjoy your Friday. The topic of teeth seems to keep popping up in our household this month. My sister was horrified to report [...]
Seafood to Avoid During Pregnancy
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday (I am sooooo happy). It’s date night at the 30-day Food Challenge HQ and we are off for an evening of adult conversation and some good food. The Great Escape, Bisque, Locals and Anderton Bistro-Pub are all hosting a great Friday night of local delights. So, make a reservation, round up [...]
Dr. Amy Wells – Pesticides Effect on Kids
Editor’s Note: Good Morning! Today is the last day to get yourself registered for the 30-Day Challenge. Whether you make it to one or all of the events, registering means you get cool bonus material AND get a chance at all kinds of prizes. We are registering people live at Brambles from Noon to 6 [...]
Using Anti-Depression Meds in Pregnancy
I know the last few cool days of rain in the Valley are lovely, but the continuous sunshine just seems to be infecting us all with joy. It is the start of the season of moist plums, laughter at the water park, sandy toes, breezy fragrant endless evenings, and picking out corn kernels from your [...]
Parent Wellness – Facing Fear
I had no choice. I had to write this article about the fears that accompany motherhood. I apologize in advance for the heaviness of the topic. I realize it is a contrast from the usual sweet spirit of most Our Big Earth posts, but like I said, I had no choice. Let me explain. It [...]
Dr. Amy Wells – Overcoming Male Infertility
Good morning, OBE readers. I thought I’d begin my column today by addressing some of the comments regarding my last article on female fertility. I must admit I’m (pleasantly) surprised with all the attention Natural Fertility Management received. I agree – it is a shame that we aren’t taught more about this in school, as [...]
Esther Kane – Mindful Eating Roadblocks (Part 2)
Editor’s Note: Speaking of mindful eating, get yourselves on over to the Today Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Karen McKinnon’s studio, 4th Street and Cliffe Avenue (enter in the parking lot behind Brambles). There will be cupcakes to decorate and take to someone special, not to mention a few to nosh [...]
Overcome Infertility with Chinese Medicine
Infertility rates have increased dramatically in the last decade with one in six North American couples experiencing difficulties conceiving. This is an extremely difficult time for most couples, a roller coaster of emotions, frustration, anger, sadness and regret. Traditional Chinese medicine has been treating infertility for over two thousand years and has recently been gaining [...]
Dr. Amy Wells – Taking Charge of Our Fertility
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Dr. Amy Wells is here this morning talking about a hot topic in our house right now – fertility. Plugging in to your body cues is an amazing way to feel empowered when working on getting pregnant. On a couple of other notes, I posed the question over on our Facebook [...]
Esther Kane – Mindful Eating Road Blocks (Part 1)
Editor’s Note: Good Morning! We are here today hanging out with Esther Kane. But, if you are out and about, be sure to come on over to Simms Park and hang in the Our Big Earth Family & Kids Zone at the 2009 Earth Day Family Festival. It’ll be packed with projects like a community [...]
Prevention to Keep Kids Asthma at Bay
As I chase my toddler around the backyard on these Spring afternoons, I breathe deeply the fresh newness of this season. I watch as my little guy gets out of breath from running, takes a quick five-second rest and recovers enough to continue playtime. I take a minute to be thankful for his gift of [...]
Kids Health – The Pros of Probiotics
Nature provides us with a bundle of resources that help heal our bodies. There are definitely a handful that I couldn’t operate my practice without, one of which is probiotics. Probiotics, also known as good gut bacteria or acidophilus, are receiving more attention for their impact on health. The literal translation is “for life” as [...]
Moms in Need Seek Affordable Fitness Trainer
As parents, we will do almost anything to ensure that our children are healthy and well cared for. We do whatever it takes to get them to eat their veggies, give them creative/ play time, and make sure they get adequate sleep and exercise each day. Our priority is to give them the best possible [...]
Healing Childhood Eczema Naturally
Our skin is an amazing thing. The largest detoxifying organ of our body, our skin functions as a protective barrier from the outside world while providing a route of elimination for waste products within. As kids, our skin takes a beating. Learning to walk results in tumbles and bruises. Bike riding spills end up with [...]
Winter Nutrition From The Grocery “Garden”
Another new year! But with the remnants of snow it is hardly a time to be gardening. So I thought we’d take a look at a few common foods available at the grocery “garden!” Typically the new year ushers in new year’s resolutions, and eating healthier is a common goals after the onslaught of Christmas [...]
Kid's Mental Health Effected By Heavy Metal Toxicity
During this time of environmental uncertainty, we’re all doing our part as parents to protect our kids against pesticides, hormones in our food, plastic by-products and heavy metals from various sources. Because our children’s bodies are smaller and made up of fewer cells, equal amounts of pollutants and chemicals are exponentially more toxic to our [...]
Sir Ken Robinson – Creativity, Crux of Education
A few weeks ago, as he often does, Ken slipped me a link to a www.ted.com talk on creativity in education. Ted, Ken and I have developed a long-standing mutual affection. So when I saw the link wasn’t a Saturday Night Live skit from Youtube (Ken likes to send those along too), I snuggled up [...]
Mommy Talk – Cure Post-Holiday Blues
It hit me about 9 a.m. yesterday morning – Christmas is over. All the wind up, the preparation, the crazies (which I could have totally lived without) and sugar rushes are now just a memory and, whew – I feel a little low. While we kept it all pretty darn modest this year – no [...]
Milk…Does It Really Do A Child's Body Good?
As an adult, I have fond childhood memories of evening dinners with my family that included good conversation, a home cooked meal and a tall glass of ice cold milk to wash it all down. Milk was a staple in our house, as it was in many others. I remember a neighbor telling mom one [...]
Love The Skin You're In – Say No to Dieting
Editor’s Note: Local clinical counselor Esther Kane joins us today for the first of many a guest column about self-esteem and healthy body image for women and girls. I have most definitely struggled with my weight and a pretty warped out body image since I was a young girl going through a terribly awkward chunky [...]
Diet Is Key to Keep Children's Ear Infections Away
Editor’s Note: With the Comox Valley nearly on the eve of the municipal election, we received a timely letter (now posted in our Letters section) about school trustee races from Valley parent and educator Brent Reid offering his perspective on critical races that are in voters hands. Brent’s is one opinion on a very heated [...]
Stress-free Holidays – Tips for Getting Organized
Editor’s Note: If you are anything like me, it generally dawns on me somewhere around Dec. 10 that Christmas is two weeks away. In the mommy universe, that very late recollection of time and, well, time, is a not-so-happy moment. Now that we have a baby on the way (holy cow, yes, it’s true, we [...]
Building Immunity for Children, Naturally
A week ago, my little guy and I were walking by Thrifty’s and I was showing him how the leaves on the two big trees out front where changing from green to yellow, and how when we walked over the leaves on the sidewalk, they made this beautiful crispy, crackling noise. Yesterday, as we walked [...]
Natural Remedies for Hyperactive Kids
Ahhh, September! The time of the year for new beginnings and fresh starts. As our children head back to the classrooms, meet new friends, and adjust to new teachers, we expect this transition to go smoothly and quietly. Frustration can soon set in when Johnny can’t seem to get out the door in the mornings [...]
