Don’t worry, nutritionists are not the “food police”, but rather they too have days when they eat healthy, and other days not so much. A nutrition assessment is the opportunity to get to know you, what your schedule looks like, and the time you have to meal plan, prep, cook, grocery shop, etc. It’s a chance to learn about your medical history, what supplements you may be taking, and most importantly, discuss your NUTRITION GOAL(S). Each day is a new chance to make healthy food choices, and nutritionists are there to help.

This is an area of focus where lawyers work with community agencies and resources within the community to help ensure that the legal needs of vulnerable seniors and those who care about them are met. This focus can include navigating issues that may arise while in care or taking actions to prevent and resolve estate disputes. Concerns about financial circumstances and estate planning can also be addressed. As the population ages, there will be an increasing need to ensure that those who have become vulnerable because of frailty (physical and mental) are protected.

Whether you run for fun or competition, what you eat and drink before, during, and after makes a difference. Night before: eat a large carb-loaded supper like spaghetti and salad. Day of: eat a medium-sized meal, like porridge, no later than 2 hours before the event. After: drink a cup of water for every 30 minutes you spent in the run. Consider a natural electrolyte replacement drink such as coconut water, if you run for longer than 90 minutes. Finally, a whole food source of protein and carbohydrate within 20 minutes of finishing will help restore your energy.

Did you know there are 11 outdoor gyms located across the city? They include machines that use a person’s own body weight to create resistance and allow for a wide variety of flexibility, mobility, range-of-motion, cardio, and strengthening moves. Providing a well-rounded workout that is accessible to all ages (of adults), skill levels, and body types, outdoor gym workouts are free, convenient, and build community by interacting with neighbours. Machines are equipped with easy-to-follow instructions and a training video is available on the RDPCN website. Training by PCN staff is also offered to public groups that request it.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends children start their education with healthy smiles by visiting a dentist to check for tooth decay, gum/brushing problems, and any orthodontic concerns. Treatment alternatives, including some needle-free anti-cavity developments, are discussed. Children who have extensive problems or who would find treatment difficult without deep sedation may be referred to a pediatric specialist.

The Beam™ by Nimbleback is a simple self-care tool used for exercise that may have some benefits when used with yoga stretching and breathing exercises. The Beam™ is based on yoga stretching theory and uses the breath to focus on releasing tension. It allows you to take 10 minutes a day to relax and focus on your breath with yoga stretching that will help to release tension and relax the mind and body. Release, relax, and restore your core.

On the days when the sun is shining and warm breezes blow – take advantage of that time to freshen your home. Throw open the windows. If you can, wash your comforter/duvet. Let it tumble dry for a bit then finish it off outside in the sunshine. The same for your pillows, mattress covers, bed skirts and such. Your senses, sinuses, skin and lungs will thank you! Make up some herb infused vinegar to clean those surfaces that are harbouring the closed-up-house-nasties, or polish up the windows and let that beautiful sun shine in. Jennifer Fookes, RPh., BSc. Pharm, Mortar & Pesto, MortarAndPesto.com

Fridays and Saturdays – FREE Dental Check-up & X-ray Program for children ages 5 and 6 years (see our ad). Call Bower Dental (general dentists) today at 403-347-8008 and mention the ‘FREE Kids’ Check-up Promotion’ to help keep your child smiling.

Could you benefit from creating a “Game Plan” to reclaim your health, get a new job, embrace becoming a new parent, deal with a separation, or get into a new relationship? Perhaps you feel like your life needs an overhaul? Life Coaches use various methods and approaches, such as Open-Ended Questions, Thought Refocusing, and Strategic Intervention, to bring understanding and clarity to you in any life stage by developing the very thing that matters most…YOU! Since everyone is unique, and has different challenges, seeking the aid of a coach can improve whatever life stage you might be in. John Harty, Insight Life Coach Services http://MeetMe.so/JohnHarty

With the aging population, there will be an increasing need to ensure that those who have become vulnerable because of frailty (physical and mental) are protected. Well-meaning friends and relatives may disagree with one another or with the aging person about where they should live and who will care for them. There may also be concerns about financial circumstances and estate planning. We work with several excellent resources within the community to help ensure that the legal needs of these vulnerable people and those who care about them are met.

Sweating serves an important function, but for some it causes personal embarrassment and worry. There are options, such as FDA-approved BOTOX® Medical, to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and help resolve concerns. The Canadian Association of Medical Spas and Aesthetic Surgeons recommends that BOTOX® Medical should only be given by or under the direction of “a licensed and authorized health-care professional who is trained and qualified to provide Botox education and treatment.” Treatments can last up to 6 months and the cost often covered by private health care plans. Visit www.camacs.ca to learn more. Dr. Raymond Comeau, BMSc, MD, CCFP, Horizon Medicine Centres, HorizonMedicine.ca