Family Fitness

September 29, 2014 In Family Fitness, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Avoiding Choking Hazards: Family-First Fitness

Schedules are packed and parents are trying to do the best they can for their children and themselves while facing severe economic restraints. But some choices pertaining to fitness and healthy living are nonsensical; and by making smarter choices for themselves, parents will also be making safer choices for their children. Health Canada recently put out an advisory to parents regarding the Fisher Price “Little People” toys, as some of the figures produced prior to 1991 present a choking hazard.  While it’s great we have a government that tests and monitors consumer products for our protection, shedding light on the choking...

September 20, 2014 In Ask The Expert: Health & Fitness Advice, Family Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Ask The Expert: Exploring Naturopathic Medicine for Fertility Treatments

Ask The Expert is a health & fitness advice column. If you have a question for one of our Fitness Goop experts, please email [email protected]. This question was asked on the topic of naturopathic medicine and fertility. My husband and I want to explore naturopathic medicine (we don't want to try IVF) as a way to help with our infertility issues. Can naturopathy help?" Naturopathic medicine offers fertility treatments as alternatives to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility medications.  Before starting treatment, it is important that both you and your husband be assessed for causes that may be contributing to why you...

September 9, 2014 In Family Fitness, News, Pet Health By Vancouver Health Coach

Obesity in Pets

Just like in people, obesity has become a significant health problem in our pets. Obesity in pets is associated with diabetes, respiratory issues, arthritis, and decreased life span. Unfortunately people have equated loving their pets to feeding them excessive amounts of food and treats. Keeping our pets at an ideal body condition is a much better way to love them and to help them have a long, healthy life. Food for thought: When trying to manage your pets weight start with the guidelines on the food package, remember they are just guidelines and adjustments will be made based on your pets...

September 4, 2014 In Family Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Asthma, Allergies and Th-2 Dominance

Asthma and allergies are caused by dysregulation and hyperactivity of the immune system. The part of the immune system that becomes overactive is a subset of T cells known as thymus helper 2 lymphocytes, or Th-2 cells. What are T cells? T cells are a type of white blood cell that carry out the functions of the immune system. T helper 1 cells identify pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and stimulate the activity of macrophages, another type of white blood cell, to digest the pathogenic material and cellular debris. In this way, Th-1 cells, when functioning optimally, help us from contracting infections and getting...

September 3, 2014 In Eliminating Toxins, Family Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, News By Vancouver Health Coach

H20 bottles and the Gym

Are you still bringing plastic water bottle to the gym every day? Worse, are you throwing it away in the trash on the way out? It's time to move to a reusable bottle. Preferably one that is not plastic to avoid toxic BPA chemicals leaching into your H2O. Bottled water has become the indispensable prop in our lives and our culture. It starts the day in lunch boxes; it goes to every meeting, it's in our cubicles at work; in the cup holder of the treadmill at the gym or beside our yoga mat during a hot yoga class. How can...

August 10, 2014 In Family Fitness, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Staying Fit During Pregnancy

Your entire body changes when you’re pregnant. But one thing that doesn’t have to change is your commitment to staying fit. Exercise is great for expectant mothers who are having low-risk pregnancies. Exercising can improve your energy level, elevate your mood, boost your self-esteem and create a higher sense of well-being for an easier pregnancy while reducing recovery time after your baby is born. It is recommended that moms-to-be always consult with their doctors before beginning any fitness program. Exercising before and during pregnancy can also help your delivery go more smoothly, says Dr. John Wichert, OB/GYN. Cardiovascular training prepares your body...

April 30, 2012 In Family Fitness, News, Spotlight, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

Yoga After Pregnancy: Get in Shape with Peaceful Postnatal Practice

Starting a physical activity program after pregnancy provides numerous physical and mental benefits to new mothers, and yoga is an excellent form of exercise for this special time in life. In general, new mothers should wait six weeks after giving birth before starting a fitness program. It is important to get approval from a physician before starting a new program of physical activity, particularly if the baby was delivered by c-section, or if there were complications with the birth. Pregnancy has profound health effects on a woman’s body and mind, and practicing yoga helps her regain physical strength and fitness...

November 16, 2011 In Family Fitness, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Benefits of coconut oil for pregnant mothers

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a powerful anti-microbial fatty acid that protects the immune system of the fetus and newborn. Pregnant and nursing mothers should eat coconut oil to increase the quality of the womb environment and breast milk. There has been a lot of research lately discussing how the environment of the womb can affect the long term health of the baby with respect to autism, allergies, asthma, food sensitivities and other chronic conditions. In past blogs we have talked about the health benefits of coconut oil but not specifically its protective properties for pregnant and nursing mothers. A healthy diet...

October 12, 2011 In Family Fitness, Food and Recipes, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Is your child at risk for Celiac Disease?

Below is a 15 question screening tool to help identify if your child is at high risk for celiac disease. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete and score but can make a lifetime of difference in the health of your child and your family’s quality of life. How accurate is the screening questionnaire? Research has concluded that the questionnaire is 87% effective in identifying children at high risk for celiac disease. However, the questionnaire results are not a medical diagnosis and the screening program does not replace a comprehensive exam by a trained physician. Does the questionnaire recommend treatment? No, the celiac...