Author:Vancouver Health Coach

Where do Parasites Live?

Guess what is living in your intestines? Parasites.  You may now be wondering what these freaky little creatures are and why are they choosing to set up camp in your body?  You also may have only heard of parasites in infected animals or in foreign countries. However, parasites are around us everyday no matter the conditions.  These microscopic creatures are on the rise due to an increase in international travel, contamination of water and food supply, overuse of chemicals, mercury and prescription antibiotics. Parasites can negatively effect our health, it's that simple.  However, getting rid of them is not so easy. ...

Fitness Goop’s June Giveaway is from Tonic Lifestyle Apparel

Fitness Goop’s June Monthly Giveaway has begun! June's Fitness Goop Giveaway is over $150 of Eco Friendly Yoga Clothes from Tonic Lifestyle Apparel! Tonic Lifestyle Apparel: TONIC is a Canadian designed and manufactured yoga/active wear company which began in March 2004 to create a lifestyle line for today's modern women. The line was inspired by the west coast lifestyle, which supports healthy and active living. Originally designed to meet the needs of yoga, TONIC's line of workout wear is no longer tied to any one discipline. The clothing is fashionable and functional. Its look is simple and clean, making it easy for women to wear...

Your Trainer Possibly Hates Working With You Because Of These Things

In my last post I gave 5 reasons why your current trainer might not be the one to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. This time I want to talk about why it might not actually be your trainer that’s the problem. It might actually be you! As a trainer I can tell you that over the years I’ve worked with a ton of amazing people. I’ve also worked with quite a few clients who I could barely stand to train. Below is a pretty common list of trainer pet peeves. Lets make sure you aren’t guilty of these...

Five Ayruvedic Ways to Fight the Cold and Flu Season

Well, it’s that time of year, and people are dropping like flies from the cold and flu. Why is it that almost everyone succumbs to sickness during that fall, and how can we prevent it? From the perspective of medical science, a cold or flu is caused by one of over 200 different viruses, most commonly one of the rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses or the adenoviruses. Typical symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and fever, and while most people get better in about seven to ten days, some symptoms can last up to three weeks or longer. While...

Natural Solutions for Stress Relief

In today’s modern world, many things can cause people to become stressed. Family situations, problems at work, personal finances and more can create anxiety, which may lead to depression if not addressed. People need to find ways to stop stress before it gets to unreasonable levels. Thankfully, there are numerous natural ways to stop stress in its tracks. Many of these options can be done in the privacy and comfort of one’s own home. Most are also budget-friendly. However, a few stress relief techniques may require the expertise of a trained professional. Massage Massage can be done at many spas and at...

Relieve Pain With Contrast Hydrotherapy

What is it?  Contrast hydrotherapy is a gentle, do-it-yourself, cost-effective approach to include in your pain management plan. Switching from hot and cold temperatures quickly requires tissues to adapt, increases metabolic activity in the tissue, and induces a pumping mechanism in your blood vessels. When heat is applied, your vessels dilate, allowing more blood flow into the area. When cold is applied, your vessels constrict, and blood flow is restricted. This pumping mechanism is very beneficial to the injured tissue as it brings nutrients, white blood cells, and inflammatory mediators to the area. What is it used for? Used for osteoarthritis, muscle...

Could You Be Iron Deficient?

Being iron deficient is not unheard of and may be more common than we realize. Iron is a super important mineral needed to form hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout each part of our bodies starting from the lungs. This mechanism is essential for our survival. We need sufficient amounts of iron for many functions in the body which include circulation, energy production, immune system function, digestion, utilization of nutrients (especially fatty acids) and cognitive function.. just to name a few. Iron is a mineral needed most in women (especially during pregnancy, breast feeding and menstruation)...

5 Minute Breakfast: Goji Berry Oatmeal

You have heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Indeed it is, but it's what you have for breakfast that really counts. Having breakfast with a good source of protein and a complex carb is important for many reasons. Protein (such as nuts and seeds, eggs or greek yogurt) and complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain oatmeal or quinoa) help balance blood sugar which you need for energy, brain function, a happy mood and craving control. A latte will not suffice! I also understand that being on a time crunch is one of the most common...

Stretching Offers More than Flexibility

We have all heard that stretching is one of the essential components of fitness. But many of us continue to avoid the flexibility part of our workouts. Not only does stretching reduce risks of injury during physical activity, but it helps prevents post-exercise muscle soreness, otherwise known as DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness). A recent study done at Louisiana State University showed that stretching could possibly make people stronger as well as help to increase their endurance. Researchers believe that stretching works muscles in a method very similar to strength training, but on a very smaller level. It is also being suggested...

10 Reasons that Exercise is Not Just About Losing Weight

You can lose weight by eating healthy and watching your portion and calories but you can lose more weight faster and get fit by adding exercise to the picture. Let’s be realistic, exercising can be hard, it’s a matter of time or lack thereof. Between work, kids, making dinner and going to bed, when are you supposed to fit in that hour of exercise? The answer is, you’re just going to have to make it happen—no one else can do it for you, because exercise is not an option. If losing weight and looking good weren’t enough… Here are 10 reasons to...