Jennifer Fookes, RPh., BSc. Pharm, owns Mortar & Pesto, an independent pharmacy that bridges modern medicine and traditional healing. She is an integrative pharmacist with special skills in compounding, bioidentical hormones and nutritional approaches to health. One of the first pharmacists in Alberta to create a consultation-based practice and incorporating natural supplementation in conjunction with medications. Her unique pharmacy is filled with natural product supplements that you would find in a health food store. Jen has taken additional training in functional medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Uniquely, she uses quality of life indicators such
Community News
We are Here to Help!
Your family doctor and Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) are here to support your health and wellness. We can help with whatever ails you, not just COVID-19. RDPCN group classes for help with anxiety, healthy lifestyle, grief, happiness, pain, diabetes, and relationships are available through a live online format. Call 403.343.9100 to register. To connect with your family doctor, call their office. Visit reddeerpcn.com for a list of doctors accepting new patients and for information on RDPCN programs.
Community Spotlight: Robert Lee Martial Arts
At Robert Lee Martial Arts Centre, the professionally trained and highly qualified instructors provide a range of martial arts classes for all ages, incorporating the teaching of strong character, leadership, good citizenship, and good values into each class. Robert Lee will enable an individual to focus and concentrate on achieving worthwhile goals and greatly enhance their ability to meet life’s challenges with confidence and perseverance. Along with martial arts classes, they offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Kickboxing and Bootcamp fitness classes, specializing in getting results and reaching fitness goals.
Trust your Gut
Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health.
Avoid the Winter Blues
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.
30 Minutes for a Fitter You
If you’re looking for a high-intensity, action-packed workout, the 30 Minute Hit is for you! Designed just for women, the circuit will challenge you to improve your fitness and reward you with amazing results. Each 2-minute round is based on boxing, kickboxing, general self-defense, and core stability training delivered in a friendly, non-intimidating environment that’s great for all fitness levels. Safety is the top priority at the 30 Minute Hit, and a trainer is always present to help. Now included in all memberships is a HIT@home workout that members can use if they feel more comfortable training at home!
Natural Product Spotlight:
Innotech Nutrition Fasting Days™ – Research shows some of the main benefits of intermittent fasting include: safe weight loss of 3-5 lbs per week, more energy, improved cardio wellness, relief from aches and pains, rebuilding of liver, normalization of insulin sensitivity, and immune system optimization. Innotech Fasting Days™ is doctor-formulated to help support your goals with a balanced nutrient powder that’s very low in calories, keto-friendly, vegan, non-GMO, non-dairy, and free of sugar, gluten, artificial sweeteners/flavours and colours. It has 42 nutrients balanced for easy and SUCCESSFUL intermittent fasting, and helps with optimized energy, glucose metabolism, hydration and electrolyte balance, bone density and muscle mass, collagen formation, and hunger suppression. InnotechNutrition.com
Nurture Your Four Aspects
Our four aspects – mind, body, spirit, and soul – require nurturing and attention throughout the day. Our mind and body are self-explanatory – both require nurturance in their own way. Our soul is our connection to our higher self, or whatever aspect you pray to. This connection is as unique as you are! Our spirit is what makes us truly unique – who we are day to day, and this above all requires our individual attention and connection to be whole. It’s possible that depression results when we lose the vital connection to these aspects. What will you do today to nurture them?
How Much of Your Health Depends on Emotions?
The chances of developing a physical condition for somebody who is constantly angry and dissatisfied,
are greater than those who manage positive emotions and thoughts. The immune system of someone
who is neutral to positive on their thoughts or emotions is much stronger than those of the negative
mindset. The constant triggers of neurotransmitters and hormones in a balanced way, promotes healthy
physical processes and maintenance. When we are constantly angry or worried, we develop an
addiction to the release of adrenaline and cortisol, causing negative effects in the body. Be aware of
your thoughts and adjust accordingly. Awareness heals.
Chair Exercises for Older Adults
Physical activity in older adults leads to less risk of chronic disease and preserves functional abilities. Improved strength, mobility and balance can all be achieved from a comfortable sturdy chair. Improved circulation can be achieved from simply rolling wrists and ankle in a circular motion. 20 rotations clockwise and counterclockwise. Seated leg calf raises help with lower leg strength and assists with swollen ankles and feet. Lift your heels from the ground as high as you can while staying on your tip toes. Perform 10 times. For further chair exercises contact your local physiotherapist. Stay well!
Stay Fit & Healthy This Winter
Winter is upon us! This is not the time to hibernate and pack on extra weight or overindulge, it’s a time to stay focused and committed to taking care of our bodies during a harsh northern season. Now is the perfect time to start a challenging and effective exercise program that you can do all while in the warmth and comfort of your own home! Once you get in the groove of an effective exercise program at home, you’ll have the right tools and mindset to get (and stay) in peak shape over the cold winter months. After all, a ‘summer body’ is made in the winter!
