Spotlight

October 21, 2013 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight, Uncategorized, Yoga By Vancouver Health Coach

Yoga off the Mat: 5 Yoga Poses for Better Balance

Taking your yoga poses and practice off the mat to develop balance and awareness in all areas of life. Living a balanced life has become quite the buzz term these days, but what does living a balanced life really mean? In a culture that maintains such a hectic pace and has a hard time being still for even a short period of time, many of us often only become aware that our bodies and lives are not working because we have been literally stopped by illness or injury. Life has a wise way of resetting that which is not sustainable. So how...

October 16, 2013 In Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Neck and Back Pain: Avoiding Forward Head Syndrome

Forward head posture can be the root cause of all kinds of problems in the body, including headaches, jaw pain, neck pain and shoulder pain, and back pain. It makes good sense that the body works best if all the blocks are stacked up properly. Pelvis right over the legs instead of in front or behind, ribs over the pelvis instead of tilting backwards, and head over the ribs so the ear is lined up over the shoulder. Seems obvious, but most of us don’t seem to live there regularly. Our professions often mean that we are spending a lot of...

August 26, 2013 In Fitness, News, Running, Spotlight, Uncategorized By Vancouver Health Coach

Dynamic Stretching for Recreational Runners

Alright folks, the running season is coming up.  With your local 10km charity runs, full or half marathons and recreational running clubs quickly approaching, it's time to hit the pavement and lace up those running shoes! I am a strong believer in having both a pre and post exercise stretching routine.  Stretching prepares the body for physical exertion and sports performance. There are two styles of stretching: Dynamic Stretching or Static Stretching. Dynamic Stretching increases range of movement, blood and oxygen flow to soft tissues prior to exertion and has been proven to reduce the risk of injury. Static Stretching used to be...

August 21, 2013 In Editor's Picks: Must Haves for Staying Healthy, Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Vega Chlorella: Superfood for A Healthier Generation

What is Chlorella? One of the oldest forms of plant life on earth, chlorella is a unicellular, microscopic, fresh-water green algae, power-packed with nutrition. Chlorella is 68% complete protein, and contains rich stores of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). Chlorella has been extensively researched in Japan in connection with many of today’s key health concerns. As one of the most popular nutritional supplements in Japan, chlorella has earned its reputation as the ultimate green superfood. Boasting the highest concentration of chlorophyll of any known plant (3 times more per serving than spinach)2, chlorella contains many components essential...

August 14, 2013 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Some people are thrilled by the prospect of winter on the horizon. Snow sports, bundling up, and crisp, white days with sunshine reflecting everywhere. Yet others feel a familiar sense of dread as the days become shorter. Do you feel blue during the winter months? If you're someone who dreads winter because you've felt sad and low for the past few winters, you may be naturally susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder. Symptoms include decreased energy, increased carbohydrate cravings, hopelessness, apathy and a low, blue outlook on life. Some researchers believe that the mood variations occur due to a lack of light. Anthropological...

August 12, 2013 In Eliminating Toxins, Food and Recipes, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Which Hormone Is the Culprit for Fat Distribution?

Contrary to popular belief, hormones play a greater role in weight control than calories do. If you are trying to lose weight, it would make sense to focus your efforts on controlling the hormone responsible for your excess weight. Most people that decide they want to lose weight try the "eat less, exercise more" approach, and a few people get results. Many others just feel hungry and tired, not to mention frustrated. Eating less calories than one burns might work for some, but if the diet is not sufficient in protein, vitamins and minerals, the body will reallocate its resources eating up...

August 7, 2013 In News, Product Reviews, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Bellabaci Cups Product Review

Cellulite.  The very word sends shivers of loathing through my entire being.  Stubborn, unsightly and truthfully – incurable, cellulite plagues most people on some area of their body.  It can be discouraging as a fitness, health and wellness devotee to still struggle with this cosmetic condition, even when adhering to a healthy diet and exercise program. Although it is not completely remediable, the look of cellulite can be improved with topical treatments – and I’ve personally tried a lot of them!  I was recently sent the Bellabaci Massage System for the face and body.  Based on Chinese Cupping Therapy, Bellabaci utilizes...

July 8, 2013 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Chiropractic Techniques Help to Lower Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is one of the many symptoms stemming from nerve interference in the neck. Chiropractic patients can experience a significant drop in blood pressure – even after just one adjustment! The University of Chicago’s Hypertension Centre’s Dr. George Bakris reported back in 2007 that he and his team were astonished by the effects of chiropractic care on patients with high blood pressure. This followed a study, during which Dr. Bakris and his team monitored 25 patients in the early stages of hypertension who received an upper cervical (upper neck) adjustment from a Doctor of Chiropractic, against 25 patients who...

June 25, 2013 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Rich Ralph

Is Canola Oil Making You Sick?

I’ve become so familiar with my local grocery stores that I’ve reached a point where I almost don’t even notice the unhealthy products staring at me from the shelf. It has almost become habitual for me to stroll down the aisles and quickly grab the products I know and love. The other day I paused for a moment and took at glance over my shoulder towards the shelves of various cooking oils. I had almost forgotten how overwhelming this section can be! Olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, canola oil, unrefined, first pressed, cold pressed, virgin, extra...

June 21, 2013 In News, Product Reviews, Spotlight, Uncategorized By Vancouver Health Coach

No More Shaving, No More Waxing: Me Smooth Product Review

What if you never had to buy another package of razors again?  Never had to experience the ouch factor of a shaving cut?  Could go camping for an indefinite period of time and never feel like a grizzly bear? Now, what if I told you getting hair-free didn’t have to involve thousands of dollars or multiple, painful office visits slathered in lubricating gel, submitting to the terrifying pulse of professional laser hair removal? Well, that’s precisely what the “me smooth” at-home professional hair device offers. This FDA-cleared device is virtually painless, can be used in the privacy of your home, is suitable for...