As a mom of two and a physiotherapist, I know how stressful back-to-school can be. We go from summer mornings to packing lunches, following a school calendar, signing forms, and getting everyone where they need to be. A few weeks in, many parents come in tired, tense, and run down. The good news is that a lot of it’s predictable, so you can get ahead of it. Start with one thing: a week or two before school starts, set up one shared family calendar and a short weekly planning time, so you can get it out of your head.
Community News
Helping Children and Teens Manage Emotions
Children and teens experience a wide range of emotions, yet they may not always have the skills to express them effectively. Frustration, disappointment, worry, and anger can sometimes appear as withdrawal, defiance, or emotional outbursts. Parents play an important role in helping young people identify and manage their feelings in healthy ways. Listening without judgment, validating emotions, and teaching coping strategies can build emotional intelligence and resilience. Cynthia Brummelhuis, author of Raising Happy Successful Kids and an ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), helps children, teens, and families develop the tools needed to navigate challenges with greater confidence and stronger connections. Visit cabpsychology.ca to learn more.
Autoimmune Disease and Menopause
August is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to recognize the connection between autoimmune diseases and menopause. Women with conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus may notice worsening fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, sleep problems, or mood changes as estrogen declines. Because menopause and autoimmune diseases share many symptoms, it can be difficult to know what’s causing them. Understanding the overlap can help you make informed decisions about your health. Nancy Thorp, RN, MPH, with The Mama Coach, provides evidence-based menopause education and personalized support to help women navigate this transition with confidence.
Supporting Youth Mental Wellness
August 12 marks International Youth Day, a time to recognize the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges of young people. As summer continues, it is also an opportunity to think about how we can support youth mental wellness through something that remains important at every age: play and connection.
When we think about play, we often picture young children building forts, exploring playgrounds, or playing make-believe. Yet play remains an important part of life during the teenage years and beyond. It helps reduce stress, build relationships, create opportunities for learning, and support mental wellbeing.
The challenge is that play simply looks different as children grow. As parents and caregivers, we may no longer be invited to join every activity, but one of the most powerful ways we can support young people is by responding when they reach out to connect.
For a teenager, play might be swimming at the pool, shooting hoops in the driveway, going for a bike ride, playing video games, creating music, skateboarding, watching a movie together, playing cards, tossing a football, or laughing over funny videos. While these activities may not always look productive to adults, they provide opportunities for enjoyment, social connection, and stress relief.
Relationship experts Drs. John and Julie Gottman describe these moments as “bids for connection” small attempts to gain attention, share an experience, or connect with someone they care about. A teenager who wants to show you a video, share a meme, talk about a video game, or tell you a story about their day is often making a bid for connection.
Even when the topic doesn’t interest us, the relationship does.
Watching the short video they bring you, listening to them explain their favourite game, taking a walk together, going for ice cream, playing catch, or simply sitting together while they talk can strengthen your connection and remind them that they matter.
As August progresses, some youth may also begin thinking about the return to school. Excitement about seeing friends may come alongside worries about classes, sports, social pressures, or major milestones like starting high school or entering Grade 12. These mixed feelings are normal.
One of the best ways to support youth during times of transition is to stay connected. We don’t need to have all the answers or fix every worry. Sometimes being present, having fun together, and responding to those everyday bids for connection is enough.
This summer, don’t underestimate the value of a shared laugh, a walk around the block, or a conversation sparked by a meme. For teenagers, play and connection still matter—and the relationships built through those simple moments can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.
Quiet the Mind Naturally
Access Bars is a gentle, hands on relaxation technique that may help calm a busy mind and reduce the effects of everyday stress. If you often feel overwhelmed, anxious, mentally exhausted, or find yourself reacting more than you would like, taking time to reset can make a meaningful difference. During an Access Bars session, light touch is applied to specific points on the head to encourage deep relaxation and help quiet mental chatter. Many people report feeling calmer, more focused, and better able to navigate daily challenges. Discover how creating space for peace of mind can support your overall well being this summer.
A New Educational Webinar Series
How does the brain develop from birth, and what helps it remain resilient throughout life? Join Dr. Dayan Goodenowe for The Resilient Brain, a six-part educational webinar series exploring brain development, function, and healthy aging. From early-life development to cognition, adaptation, and longevity, each session examines how nutrition, metabolism, and environment influence lifelong brain health. Register today at DrGoodenowe.com to join this educational series. Educational information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for care from a licensed healthcare professional. No outcomes guaranteed.
Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You
Many people dismiss symptoms such as fatigue, digestive discomfort, headaches, or poor sleep as a normal part of a busy life. However, these can be important signals that the body needs attention and support. Naturopathic medicine focuses on uncovering the root causes of health concerns rather than simply managing symptoms. Through personalized nutrition, lifestyle guidance, and evidence-informed natural therapies, it is possible to support the body’s ability to heal and function optimally. As summer winds down, take time to check in with your health. Addressing concerns early can help prevent larger issues down the road.
Don’t Ignore Persistent Foot Pain
Many people assume sore feet are simply part of aging or an active lifestyle, but persistent foot pain is often a sign that something needs attention. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, or biomechanical imbalances can place extra stress on the body and affect overall mobility. Custom orthotics are designed to address your unique foot structure and walking pattern, helping to improve alignment and reduce discomfort. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic problems. Investing in proper foot support today can help you stay comfortable, active, and independent for years to come.
Care That Meets Your Needs
Health and wellness needs evolve throughout every stage of life, and having the right support can make all the difference. From infants and children to teens, adults, and older adults, our team is here to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing pain, supporting your mental health, improving nutrition, preparing for a new baby, staying active, or enhancing your overall well-being, we’re here for you. With physiotherapy, massage therapy, counselling, nutrition, and exercise services all under one roof, our collaborative team provides personalized, evidence-informed care to support you and your family every step of the way!
Festival of Trees: Midnight North
Great healthcare begins with a community that cares. On Saturday, October 17, the Moose Jaw Health Foundation celebrates the 35th Anniversary Festival of Trees with Midnight North – An Elegant Evening Beneath the Northern Lights. This unforgettable gala will feature inspiring entertainment, exciting auctions, and an elevated Canadian inspired dining experience, all in support of A Place to Heal, raising funds for new hospital beds at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. Every ticket, donation, and sponsorship helps improve comfort, safety, and recovery for local patients. Tickets go on sale in mid August through SaskTix, with sponsorship opportunities available now.
Make Every Gym Minute Count
Fitness results are not just about showing up. They also depend on how you spend your time. Long conversations, repeating the same routine for weeks, using poor exercise form, taking extended rest breaks, and avoiding free weights can all limit your progress. Challenge your body by changing your workouts every four to six weeks, focus on proper technique, keep rest periods to about a minute, and include strength training alongside cardio. Small adjustments can improve your results, boost your energy, and help you reach your goals more efficiently. Ready to get started? Call 306-693-5239 to book your free trial today.
