The evidence is all around us throughout the developed world. The rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes in our populations, – once a problem of middle age is now epidemic among children. These are preventable diseases that stem from inactivity and poor nutrition. Science is now able to determine that inactivity is physically shriveling our brains. Our culture treats the mind and body as if they are separate entities. What neuroscientists have discovered in the past five years is a riveting picture of the biological relationship between the body, the brain and the mind.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LACK OF EXERCISE AND THE BRAIN: Exercise increases the level of Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine – neurotransmitters that impact our thoughts and emotions. However, it is not well known that toxic levels of stress erode the connections between billions of nerve cells in the brain. Chronic depression also shrinks certain areas of the brain. Conversely, exercise can unleash neurochemicals and growth factors that can reverse this process. Moving our muscles produces proteins that travel through the bloodstream and into the brain. The brain responds like muscles do – by growing with use, and enhancing brain function.
CONNECTION BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND EXERCISE: According to the World Health Organization depression is the leading cause of disability in Canada, ahead of coronary heart disease, any given cancer and AIDS. Research has shown that depression is caused by a deficit in three neurotransmitters – Serotonin, Norepinephrine. Current research is centered in trying to reverse that deficit with medication and/or exercise. Pain is related to depression. Endorphins, stress hormones calm the brain and relieve muscle pain. In Britain, doctors now use exercise as a first-line treatment for depression. In addition to elevating your mood when you exercise, you feel good about yourself.

EXERCISE THE BRAIN AND ADDICTION: Eighty percent of Individuals suffering from substance abuse also have a secondary diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder. Individuals describe themselves as “feeling numb”. Natural forms of stimulation are “boring” against the vivid experience of the drug. As tolerance develops, it takes more and more of the drug to have the same initial intense “feeling.” Exercise increases the release of dopamine and endorphins produced by the body, and can have the same effect of a drug, producing a “natural high.” Many treatment centres now include exercise as an integral part of their programs.
GENDER DIFFERENCES ON EXERCICES EFFECT ON THE BRAIN: After adolescence, hormone levels remain relatively stable in men. However, for women they fluctuate like clockwork. Exercise is particularly important for woman as it tones down the negative consequences of hormonal changes, and for others enhances the positive. During pregnancy, exercise has been found to reduce nausea fatigue and joint and muscle pain. Studies suggest mothers who are fit have a lower incidence of post-partum depression. Overall exercise balances the system on a monthly basis as well as each stage of life, including pregnancy and menopause.

We are programmed to be movers. Our physical movements can directly influence our ability to learn, think, and remember. Our physical movements call upon some of the same neurons used for reading, writing and math. The relationship between food, physical activity, and learning is hardwired into the brain’s circuitry. The full impact of our lack of movement is just becoming known. We may have literally programmed movement out of our lives with today’s technology-driven society. The sedentary character of our lives is a disruption of our nature, and one of the biggest threats to our continued survival.

“In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection”. PLATO

Breastfeeding is an ideal choice for infants, but if the mother is using marijuana – risks outweigh the benefits. THC is a fat soluble liquid, which goes through the mother’s bloodstream, and stored in body fat, resulting in high concentrations in the brain and body. THC accumulates in the mother’s breast milk and may produce severe cognitive and behavioural consequences. Infant may also show signs of sedation, reduced muscle tone, poor sucking response and digestive issues. Other effects include; irritability, excitability, exaggerated startle responses, and diminished crying in newborns. Some studies have found decreased motor development at 1 year of age.

Nature Coaching is an approach developed in connection with nature. Coaching sessions are carried out in the natural environment. This generates relaxation and enjoyment for the Coachee through sounds, scents, and visuals. Research shows that nature positively impacts our well-being. It helps you feel centered and aligned with your needs, values, objectives, and actions. It strengthens your decision-making skills and self-esteem. You feel more yourself and discover your uniqueness. The role of the Coach is to unite you with the natural elements around you, either created indoors or outdoors, to facilitate expanded awareness, observation, listening, and general connection to nature.

May 2-8, 2022 marks the 71st CMHA Mental Health Week and this year’s theme is all about empathy. The pandemic has had a significant effect on our mental well-being leading to reduced overall civility and respect at work. Empathy has now been touted as the most important skill we can have to support each other. Ways we can practice empathy to support ourselves and others are by listening to understand, not replying, only offering help if asked, and not putting a silver lining on things. For more organizational well-being resources visit.

Health Canada reports that suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds and 16% among 25 to 44-year-olds. Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Studies have suggested that acupuncture might help with symptoms of anxiety and depression as part of a multi-faceted wellness plan. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is thought to allow life energy (qi) to flow, which is often explained in modern medicine as a possible release of endorphins. This can potentially help with underlying issues that may cause anxiety and depression, including grief or pain.

MARIJUANA (Cannabis) Although Marijuana was one of the most widely used illegal drugs in Canada, there was only limited research on the prevalence of Marijuana use, and its effects before it became legalized in Canada. The legalization of Marijuana served to reinforce the belief that there was no health risks associated with using Marijuana. Although medical research has now identified a number of health risks with the use of Cannabis, knowledge about the potential risks of use during pregnancy remain largely unknown by the general public. This article addresses the effects of Marijuana on the fetus, infants, and childhood development.
PREVELANCE OF USE: Marijuana is the most common psychoactive substance used by women of child-bearing age, and the most commonly used drug among pregnant women. On average THC levels are 7 times higher, than in the past, increasing the harmful effects of Marijuana.
MYTH: It is a commonly held belief that the Placenta which provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus through the mother’s bloodstream does not cross the placenta.
FACT: THC rapidly crosses the placenta. Also Marijuana can stay in the mother’s body for weeks, depending on the strength, how often it is used, and the mother’s metabolism.