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.

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.

Explore the city of Red Deer one pathway at a time! The Run Red Deer Race Series consists of three events – April 21, June 30, and October 27 – open to all ages and abilities. Chip timing and low fees, a great way to stay motivated all year long. Register for one or get all three with a series package and save! Run Red Deer Race Series, Series.RunRedDeer.com

Exciting NEW weekend program starting March 3! Day 1 – craft and interactive show and tell, Day 2 – guided outdoor activity. Games, walk n’ talks, critters, rock hounding, snowshoes, space science, and more! All ages welcome. Suggested $2/person/day. Drop-in program from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, some exceptions (e.g., Easter Sunday event). Call 403-346-2010, ext. 111 for more info.

School-aged children can join an interpreter for a week of nature-based fun, both indoors and out! Monday, March 29 to Thursday, March 29, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost: $45/day/child or $160 for the week. Early drop off/late pick up available for an extra $5/day. Call 403-346-2010 or visit www.WaskasooPark.ca to register or for more info.

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.

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.

Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that applies pressure and massage to areas on your feet and hands to promote the body’s powerful self-healing capabilities and optimize physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Reflexology of the feet is the most common, and according to reflexologists, you have reflex areas in your feet that match or correspond with every part of your body. Done either sitting up or lying down, depending on preference, most who get reflexology treatment comment on how it feels soothing and relaxing, and helps you unwind, de-stress, reduce anxiety, and recharge.

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

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

Do you experience an increase in aches and pains at night? Repetitive strain and overuse injuries affect tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the arms, hands, shoulders, neck, upper and lower back, and the legs and can range from being mild discomfort to excruciating pain. If your symptoms persist more than 3 months, or are not responding to physiotherapy or other conservative treatments, your problem may have become chronic and would benefit from regenerative treatments such as injections with platelet rich plasma, prolotherapy or stem cells. Dr. Comeau, BMSc, MC, CCFP, Horizon Medicine Centres, HorizonMedicine.ca