health Tag

October 20, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Health Care Reforms: How Would you Change Health Care for the Better?

This is a big question, and could easily form the subject of several books. But since I don't have the time to do this, I am only going to highlight a couple points and keep the discussion brief, and welcome input from others The first issue when it comes to health is one of personal responsibility. None of us are born with an instruction manual, and so it is very important to provide people with a model of health and personal health care that is easy to understand and practice, including both diet and lifestyle. I believe that medical science is...

October 18, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Lisa Virtue

Is Soy Really Bad for Your Health?

There we North Americans go again, enjoying too much of a good thing. I’m talking about soy products. But the Japanese have been eating soy for centuries, and they seem so lean and old, and healthy. This is true. However, upon further examination, we notice that the soy consumed in Japan is often fermented, in the form of tempeh, miso, natto, and soy sauce. Fermented soy is better for us, because the nice bacteria break down all the hard to digest phytic acid coating the beans. These troublesome phytates also block mineral absorption, leading to osteoporosis. But more good news:...

October 14, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

When Does Alcohol Become Bad For Your Health?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used stimulants.  Even with economic stress, bars were and have continued to run smoothly.  People can’t wait to have that post-work beverage after a long and challenging day.  I definitely don't disagree with this - I think moderate consumption of alcohol is fine.  But I am talking 2 glasses a week.  Why?  Don't be foolish - alcohol consumption has many, many short and long-term side effects in the body.  Yet people find it therapeutic at times.  This is because alcohol releases GABA, a neurotransmitter which has a calming affect.  Are there any foods...

October 8, 2014 In Food and Recipes, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Spring Cleaning Means Clean Eating

As you may know, our diet should rotate with the season.  Summer is the the time for light, refreshing food, while Autumn is the time for nourishing root vegetables.  Winter becomes the best time for hearty stews, meats and breads.  We are now in full swing of Spring, the best time for  cleaning and clean eating.  How can we clean up our diet?  What are some foods we should be consuming more often during these warming months?  I will discuss in detail a few important changes that are necessary for this time of year. Hydration:  We should always be drinking enough...

October 2, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Spotlight By Crystal Di Domizio

Health Benefits of Eating Local

Have you ever taken a bite out of a big red strawberry, only to find that the inside is white and it lacks the rich and juicy flavour that you remember as a child? Chances are this strawberry was grown thousands of kilometers from your home. The main reason for this flavourless phenomenon is that the fruits and vegetables that are shipped from other parts of the world are usually harvested prematurely in order to sustain the long journey around the globe, from farm to plate. When produce is picked before it’s had a chance to fully mature, the nutritional value...

September 30, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Is Natural Choice Always the Best Choice When it Comes to Health?

My dog has fleas. Creepy crawlies are getting me in the night! Despite my best efforts to deter fleas from my dog, she got them. I can’t SEE them, but she has bites and is scratching. And I have bites! I recently got back from a trip to California, during which time I stayed at a not-so-swanky hotel, so my initial fear was that I brought bed bugs home with me. But no – thank God – we’re just dealing with fleas. That said – Still very gross! Upon moving to the Lower Mainland, I did everything a yogi dog owner...

September 16, 2014 In Green & Healthy Living, Holistic Health, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Is Candida Affecting Your Health?

Candida albicans is a yeast that is normally found colonizing the digestive tract and other mucous membranes of the body.  After antibiotic use or periods of immune suppression, this yeast can proliferate, causing a yeast infection in the digestive tract, on the tongue (“thrush”), in the nasal sinuses, vagina, urinary tract and in the folds of the skin.  In addition to causing symptoms ranging from nagging to severe, chronic Candida infection can derange your immune system leading to allergies, frequent infections, and autoimmune conditions. Symptoms of Candida Infection: Bloating, gas, difficulty digesting many foods, heartburn, chronic indigestion, irregular bowel movements Sugar cravings, alcohol...

September 9, 2014 In Emotional Health, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Setting Boundries in Our Daily Lives

Setting boundaries is a term that has been floating through the pop-psychology circuit for some time now. As much as it appears like a sophisticated technique to adopt and practice within our relationships, quite simply it is the art of saying no, or setting limits on what you are willing to handle. Unfortunately, there are plenty of folks in the world who are either people-pleasers or afraid of disappointing and hurting others. Being a people-pleaser or worrying about how you affect others means you put yourself last. There’s nothing wrong with being a giving, selfless person, yet how can you bring...

August 30, 2014 In Emotional Health, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Make Your Health a Priority During Menopause

For many women, menopause can be trying on the nerves, marriage, and the waistline. When your hormones start driving you batty, take the opportunity to make a commitment to your health and well-being. Embrace Exercise If you lead a sedentary life or if you have long been considering a lifestyle of increased physical activity, make the “change of life” your excuse to embrace exercise. If you suffer from hot flashes and night sweats, two of the most common menopause symptoms, evidence shows exercise may help reduce the frequency of these symptoms. In addition, exercise can help you get a better night’s sleep, shed...

August 21, 2014 In Fitness, Green & Healthy Living, News By Vancouver Health Coach

Fitting in Health & Fitness When Your Life is Jam-Packed: Part 1

Another evening of mottled sleep leaves you wandering around like a strained zombie? Deadlines at work are looming, yet more keeps piling on your plate? When these are your primary experiences, it’s a challenge to make time for exercise and healthy eating. Does your work life stretch you thin and leave no time for extras? Or perhaps your children and busy life consume most of your waking hours and leave you exhausted, with hardly any energy left at the end of the day for more than a glass of wine and some primetime TV viewing. If you find yourself way too...