One of the SIMPLEST ways to boost your immune system during cold and flu season is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! When dehydrated, your cells become less efficient at removing toxins AND the cells that form your skin, gut tract lining, and mucus membranes (e.g., lips and mouth) form tiny “micro-cracks”, which can allow even more water loss. These tiny openings can be points of entry for viruses and bacteria and are the easiest way for them to hijack your system. So, drink more water in the winter – don’t wait until you’re thirsty, make it a habit.

When the temperature drops, our Canadian winters can sometimes feel never-ending. While it’s tempting to hibernate with cozy blankets and books for weeks on end, Canadian winters shouldn’t deter you from regular outdoor activity. The key is to prepare, and know what to watch for to stay warm and safe. This is especially true for small children, as they get cold faster than adults do. Google terms like frost bite prevention, hypothermia, wind chill, and winter dressing for ideas on how to stay safe while playing outdoors.

Autumn Dyck’s passion for health and nutrition began as she tried to navigate the world of nutrition herself. Finding it to be confusing and complex, Autumn decided to embark on her own nutrition education journey. She completed her B.Sc. with a major in nutrition and integrated dietetic internship at the University of Alberta. She is a registered member of the Alberta College of Dietitians and proud member of Dietitians of Canada. Autumn launched RD Nutrition Inc. in 2015, and today she enjoys talking about nutrition and teaching people how fun and easy it can be.

The Red Deer Doula Association (RDDA) is a non-profit organization formed to provide information to the public and expectant parents in central Alberta about their labour and postpartum support doula options, while operating as a network and support group for fellow doulas. RDDA doulas are trained and committed to helping couples have the type of birth they desire. They provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, and encouragement during labour, delivery, and beyond. RDDA doulas are a wealth of information, education, and understanding, plus mentoring, peer support, and personal growth.

If you have crooked or gapped teeth, you may be tempted to try DIY orthodontics using videos on YouTube or at-home kits that are advertised on TV. These options are said to save people money by avoiding appointments with dental professionals. The truth is, DIY orthodontics are unsafe and could end up costing you more money later on. Complications can arise from placing DIY or mail-order dental appliances over decayed teeth or infected gums. Only a professional can determine the presence of these problems and ensure they are fixed correctly. Options like Invisalign 5 offer people with mildly crooked or gapped teeth a way to straighten them with clear aligners instead of braces, in as little as six to eight weeks, at a cost comparable to those mail-order products. Bower Dental Centre, Invisalign5atCost.com

Studies show that there are numerous benefits for connecting children with nature at an early age. It supports creativity and problem solving; enhances cognitive abilities; improves academic performance; reduces Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms; increases physical activity; improves nutrition, eyesight, social relations, self-discipline and reduces stress. Kerry Wood Nature Centre, WaskasooPark.ca/nature-nursery

The perfect balance of backcountry wilderness with the luxuries of modern life, Corner Mountain Inn and Wellness Centre not only offers spacious rooms and healthy, delicious breakfasts but also therapeutic-grade essential oils, spa treatments and wet cedar sauna, nutrition consulting, pesticide-free or organic foods, and the peace and quiet to help you reclaim your health. Plan a visit to the Inn, break the cycle of busyness and rediscover the value of simple things. Janet Casey, RN, Wellness Coach, Owner/Operator, Corner Mountain Inn & Wellness Centre, CornerMountainInn.ca

Have you ever found yourself horse-trading in your relationships? “I’ll give you what you want, if I get what I want.” Horse-trading is common and can cause relationships to suffer. People barter to meet their emotional, physical, or psychological needs, and relationships are often compromised. So how can you meet your needs and maintain a strong and healthy relationship? Working with a coach to learn about the different levels of relationships, and ways to engage at a higher level, can improve your relationship and address your needs, and help you leave those horse-trading days behind. John Harty, Insight Life Coach Services, MeetMe.so/JohnHarty

It’s surprising, but everyone can LEARN to be happier. Like mastering other skills, it takes practice and like other aspects of health, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Try this and see how you feel. People who completed 5 Acts of Kindness in 24 hours reported feeling happy for days afterwards. Stop to hold the door open for someone, or compliment a friend or a stranger, but do 5 deliberately nice things today. And then repeat, for practice makes perfect!

The Red Deer Primary Care Network, RedDeerPcn.com

• 6 cups chicken stock
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2/3 cup favourite Buffalo Sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1 rotisserie style chicken, meat chopped
• 1/3-1/2 cup chopped celery
• Cilantro, as desired
• Ranch or bleu cheese dressing
• Shredded cheese, if desired
1. Combine stock, cream cheese, Buffalo Sauce, milk, cream, and butter in blender. Pulse until smooth.
2. Pour into stock pot and heat over medium low until simmering. Do not boil. Add seasonings, chicken, and celery. Allow to cool an additional 3-5 minutes. Top with cilantro, dressing, and cheese, if desired. Dawn Volmer, Big Bend Market, BigBendMarket.ca