Just like a flu bug or cold, “emotional congestion” can drain your body of energy, kill creativity, and make you feel paralyzed. High-level emotional health allows you to make effective decisions, live with lower stress levels, and improve your relationships. Symptoms of emotional congestion can include anger, confusion, sadness, anxiety, frustration, and depression. Getting healthy and clear usually requires us to “let go” of our emotional baggage. Consider talking to a friend or professional to gain clarity without delay so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic
8 ounces artichoke hearts
8 ounces cream cheese
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Combine all of the ingredients, except ¼ cup parmesan, in a large bowl. Mix well to combine evenly.
3. Transfer the dip to a large baking dish and top with the remaining parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly (about 30 minutes).
4. Serve with pita or corn chips.

However you cut it, thinning or receding hair is a common problem for both men and women. Most people have approximately 150,000 hair follicles on their scalp, which go through growing, shedding, and resting cycles that change with age and might be affected by diet, illness, stress, or medications. Common non-surgical treatments include topical minoxidil, oral propecia, or application of the patient’s own platelet rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp. These treatments are often combined to get the maximum benefit. PRP, for instance, can improve hair growth by lengthening the growing phase and shortening the resting phase.

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