Author:Vancouver Health Coach

October 27, 2014 In Emotional Health, Family Fitness, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Got Stress? Alpha-Lactalbumin to the Rescue

Most people these days will tell you that they are stressed! Chronic stress has been linked to North America's five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents and cirrhosis of the liver, butÂ there is alsoÂ much evidence that also implicates stress in the number one cause of disease (and death) these days--obesity. Author and stress researcher Kenneth Pelletier has contended that, in America, between 80-90% of all illness is linked to stress and that 75-90% of all visits to the doctor are for stress and anxiety-related concerns. Many people realize how detrimental the effects of excess stress can...

October 27, 2014 In Eliminating Toxins, Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight, Uncategorized By Vancouver Health Coach

Back To School Food Ideas for Avoiding the Flu

Back to school season is around the corner, which for many of us means an increased exposure to colds and flu. Viruses can spread very easily, so it’s important to boost your immune system to guard against these common diseases. The first signs of a virus sends many people reaching for the nearest over-the-counter medications that merely treat the symptoms without ever addressing the cause of the illness. A healthier option to potentially harmful medications can be found in a number of immune-boosting foods that will help you avoiding the flu and stay healthy through the fall and winter months. Chicken soup It appears...

October 26, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

GMO Crops, Safe or Evil?

If you haven't heard of GMO, I really encourage you to just stop what you are doing and google GMO because if you haven't noticed it's kind of a problem. It is a world-wide issue that has caused a lot of up-roar, controversy and frustration between the government and big corporations and the people and little guys who are just trying to do the right thing. GMO= are genetically modified organisms that have been created using new techniques of recombinant DNA technology. GMO are viewed with concern because of public debate over the safety of the products and the fear that GMO foods...

October 26, 2014 In News, Spotlight, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

A Man’s Introduction to Yoga: Man Up! Yoga for Men

Do you find yourself reluctant to try an effective way to relax, relieve stress, and stay healthy because there is less hype about yoga for men? This is understandable because in society, men are expected to take on all types of stress without a blink of the eye. Each limit is pushed further away in terms of school, work, family, and friends. Without a healthy way to re-energize, a burnout is likely coming sometime in the near future. Yoga for men can be just as beneficial as it is for women. From strengthening the body to training and refocusing the...

October 24, 2014 In Emotional Health, News, Spotlight, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

Finding My Voice Through Yoga

How can a simple, unassuming four letter word change your life? I found that answer the day I unrolled a yoga mat, had a comfortable seat and took my first conscious deep breaths. Inhale….. Exhale….. It was the spring of 2010. At that time I was completely unaware of the miracle that was about to unfold. My mat has become my mirror. As my yoga practice has begun to evolve, the past eleven years of my life are slowly being reflected back at me. On December 13th, 1999, working as a Radiation Therapist at the BC Cancer Agency, I suffered a...

October 24, 2014 In Ask The Expert: Health & Fitness Advice, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Prevention of Insomnia with Natural Treatment Options

Insomnia is a general term used to describe the patient’s perception that the amount or quality of sleep he or she experiences is inadequate, despite that the fact that the opportunity for adequate sleep exists. The problems can range from having difficulty falling asleep, being too easily disrupted with multiple awakenings, or early morning awakenings with an inability to fall back asleep. It is important to note which particular symptom the patient expresses, as this may not only indicate the cause but also the possible treatment. As such insomnia isn’t really a disease at all, but a symptom that can...

October 23, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Recipes for Health: Caribbean Pumpkin Soup

Here is a sunny, pantry-friendly soup to get you through the cold winter season, or any time you start longing for a little tropical spice. Our Caribbean Pumpkin Soup is a richly-flavored, vegan, antioxidant-dense meal in a bowl that you can savor for lunch or dinner. Pair it with our chewy, crusty bread-sticks for a delicious vegetarian meal that will nourish you and those around your table (see Gluten-Free Baking column on this website). Serves 4-6 Recipe can be doubled Ingredients: 1 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped green pepper 1 tablespoon...

October 23, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Using Metaphors to Improve Your Health

There is no escaping the presence of metaphors. From advertising to poetry, they exist all around us in almost every facet of our lives. The reason for this is that metaphors are far more successful at painting clearer pictures of the world around us than simple description. They help us to convey meaning by creating interesting and compelling comparisons that enable us to effectively share our experiences. Understanding the metaphors we use The metaphors we choose to embrace can have a tremendous influence on how we think, act, and feel, which can ultimately impact our health. Therefore, it makes sense to try...

October 22, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Socialize at the gym: Your body releases hormones that contribute to good health

When you go to the gym, are you all business with earphones in, avoiding eye contact? Or are you the social butterfly who never breaks a sweat because it takes an hour just to get out of the locker room? It you’re in the first category, you’ve likely rolled your eyes a few times when someone in the second category is leaning against the machine you want to use. But don’t rush to be so judgemental - the chatterer might be onto something. People are social creatures, and we need to interact with others for our mental well-being. Communication and human relations...

October 22, 2014 In Fitness, News, Spotlight, Workouts By Vancouver Health Coach

Top Five Misconceptions About Body Fat

Body fat has been long demonized in modern culture. Just the mere words can make people squirm. For years we have tried to burn it, shred it, lose it, trim it and tone it. Yet many of us don't really understand what it is and why it's necessary. The media has played a major role in shaping our misperception of body fat. Many myths and a ton of misguided information have arisen because of this. Here's our list of the top five misconceptions about this much misunderstood tissue. Muscle Turns To Fat A classic and one of my personal favorites: The idea that...