With the world at our fingertips, trends seem to rise and fall like a kid on a pogostick. One minute everyone’s saying skinny jeans are out, and the next minute they’re back. This can be especially confusing when it comes to health trends. The rise of ‘health influencers’ and the sparkling carrot of viral fame has led to claims circling around that promise to be the ultimate secret to perfect health… but what is the truth? Let’s sift through some of the top health trends we’ve seen so far in 2024 and I’ll weigh in on whether they’re worth your time, or just another passing trend.
Read MoreWith August, comes the dog days of Summer. You know, after what seems like endless hot days laying about. Cold drinks and popsicles by the pool starts to feel kind of ho hum, maybe the laziness and lack of motivation the summer heat can bring has set in. Time for some fresh infusions of ideas, whether you try these on your own, with a partner, a friend, or use these to make the last bit of Summer active and fun with the kids before they head back to school!
Read MoreYou want to get healthy. You want to live your best life. You are overwhelmed with all of the information floating around on the internet about fancy bio hacks, supplements, diets, meal plans, workout routines, blah blah blah. You find yourself paralyzed with indecision and just wish someone would tell you what to do and make it easy because you just don’t have the time or energy to spend hours and hours researching and planning. Never fear, Dr. Marita is here.
Read MoreHow good are you at staying hydrated? For a lot of people, getting enough water can be a struggle. Maybe you feel like you're drinking and drinking water and all it's gotten you is a lot of extra trips to the bathroom. True deep hydration goes beyond just chugging water throughout the day. There are key aspects that allow your cells to truly absorb the hydration that you are providing, and we are going to cover them today.
Read MoreEver wonder why it’s so hard to get motivated with New Years resolutions in January, and why come spring you feel that gust of motivation to deep clean your whole house, try a bunch of new activities, or start crushing your goals? Well, that might have something to do with the calendar not aligning with nature in terms of when the ‘new year’ begins. So– in honour of the true ‘New Year’ let’s talk Spring cleaning and not just the house. It’s time to overhaul your life to align with the fresh energies of this cycle.
Read MoreWhile Vancouver Island is still under the shadow of winter, the allure of pending spring can leave us itching to get out and work our green thumbs. However, winter gardening takes on a new dimension when brought indoors. Indoor gardening isn't just a remedy for winter blues; it's a therapeutic journey that nurtures your well-being, ensuring a continuous harvest of nutrient-rich, healing delights while also laying the foundation for your summer and fall bounty.
Read MoreIn today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves spending hours at a desk, whether for work or study. While desk jobs have their advantages, they can also take a toll on our health if we're not mindful. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I've seen the impact of desk work on physical and mental well-being. Here are eight tips to help you maintain your health while working at a desk.
Read MoreAs the vibrant colors of summer start to fade and the crisp breeze of autumn fills the air, it's time to adapt our exercise and lifestyle routines to embrace the changing season. Transitioning into fall can be a smooth and enjoyable process, allowing us to stay active, maintain our well-being, and make the most of this beautiful time of year. Link in bio for my guide to transitioning into fall where we'll explore how to adjust your exercise routines, daily habits, and overall lifestyle to stay healthy and happy during the fall season.
Read MoreWe've all been there – that nagging pain that starts as a mild discomfort and turns into a full-blown headache, disrupting your day. But before you reach for over-the-counter pain relievers, let's explore a realm of natural remedies and prevention strategies that can help you tackle headaches head-on.
Can you smell your way into better health? Aromatherapy, the art and science of using essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical and emotional well-being, has been practiced for centuries across various cultures. Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic compounds that contain the essence of a plant's fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Read MorePicture this: you're surrounded by lush greenery, the gentle rustling of leaves providing a soothing symphony, and the fresh, earthy scent of the forest filling the air. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's time to turn that dream into reality with the enchanting practice of forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku. So, kick off your shoes, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let's explore the therapeutic wonders that nature has in store for us!
Read MoreWith all of the horror stories about the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, we can sometimes lose sight of the life-giving qualities of the sun, and the profound impact that sun exposure has on good health.
As with anything, it ultimately comes down to balance. So let's dive into why getting some rays is important for good health, in addition to touching base on the cornerstones to enjoying the sun safely.
In older generations, the ‘cure all' of fresh air was a popular focus. While it may not be a cure all, getting fresh air everyday is of key importance to good health. As is the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Link in bio for the benefits, as well as indoor air purification recommendations.
‘Cold Therapy’ is becoming a bit of a buzz these days, but it is certainly nothing new. The Egyptians were using cold ocean swims for healing properties as far back as 2500 BC! The reason this enduring practice has lasted and is resurfacing in the wellness world, is it’s incredibly powerful!
Not only can a scale be a toxic way to measure progress on a health journey, but it also doesn’t really give you any information about your actual health. As we continue to smash the patriarchy and all of the shame and weight that is put on women’s bodies and appearance, I wanted to offer some alternative ways to measure your health that have NOTHING to do with your weight or size.
Read MoreTaking care of ourselves is the most important thing we can do because it sets us up to be able to take care of those we love, and make an impact out in the world. Without it, we crumble, or at best, don’t reach our full potential. When many of us hear the term self-care, we think of something like a bubble bath or a spa day, but self-care is so much more than that. Learn about the six pillars of self-care.
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