More women over 40 are seeking help for brain fog, forgetfulness, anxiety, and poor focus—often assuming it’s “just menopause.” While hormonal changes in perimenopause and postmenopause can impact memory and mood, there’s growing recognition that undiagnosed ADHD may also be at play. Declining estrogen, particularly estradiol, affects dopamine and serotonin—key neurotransmitters involved in attention and emotional regulation. For some women, this hormonal shift unmasks previously manageable attention challenges, tipping them into full-blown symptoms of ADHD. The overlap is striking: poor focus, emotional reactivity, insomnia, disorganization, and memory issues can be signs of either menopause or ADHD—or both. At Uptown Integrative Health, our team of Naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioner and therapist take a comprehensive approach: offering support in assessing hormonal health, lifestyle, and cognitive patterns.
Community News
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a brain-based therapy used for helping clients to process traumatic memories, experiences, or emotions. It is a “bottom-up” therapy, meaning it focuses on processing information stored in the mid-brain (emotional center), as opposed to talk therapy, which is a “top-down” therapy focused on processing information stored in the cerebral cortex (logical center). BSP often helps clients experience unique breakthroughs by reducing reactivity, unlocking creativity, processing trauma, and generally working toward significant progress in their healing journey. You may find that you experience fewer intrusive thoughts, less emotional activation, and an increased sense of freedom, fulfillment, or peace in various areas of life.
Lightening the Load
Aging happens to everyone – no matter how young at heart. What’s reassuring is that we can take proactive steps to age well, stay active, and live independently for as long as possible. But when should you start thinking about home care? If you’ve noticed signs that a senior needs help at home, it’s likely time to start the conversation. Contrary to common belief, a senior doesn’t need to be frail or ill to benefit from professional home care. These services are designed not just for medical needs, but also to lighten the workload around the home, ensuring that daily tasks are manageable and stress-free. Early intervention with home care can help maintain a higher quality of life, enabling seniors to continue enjoying the activities they love in the comfort of their own homes.
Improve Your Focus & Concentration
Very often the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHS-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. The key to turning these conditions around is to give the body what it needs to strengthen specific areas of the brain and nervous system. This can be achieved naturally with specialized nutritional formulations, which will replenish the body and alleviate symptoms.
Balancing Your Blood Sugar Levels
Balancing blood sugar levels through diet is essential for overall health and managing conditions like diabetes. Here are some dietary tips to help achieve optimal blood sugar balance: 1. Choose complex carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, which provide fiber and slow down glucose absorption. 2. Include lean proteins: Incorporate sources like poultry, fish, tofu, and beans, as they promote satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels. 3. Eat healthy fats: Incorporate sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil to help slow digestion and prevent spikes in blood sugar. 4. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake. 5. Limit sugary foods and beverages: Minimize consumption of sugary snacks, desserts, and sugary drinks. 6. Regular meal timings: Stick to regular meal timings to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. 7. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Did You Know?
Laughter has been shown to increase blood flow by 20%, which can be beneficial for your heart health.
Affordable Supportive Therapy Services
Wellness Through Connection offers low-cost therapy services provided by graduate practicum students, with sessions starting at $70 and sliding scale options available upon request. Services are available virtually, by phone, or in person, and all sessions are confidential, supportive, and supervised by a registered social worker. Book directly with Shadé Hamilton, MACP candidate, at (431) 302-3678 or [email protected] or Jessica Dangerfield, MACP candidate, at (431) 446-9445 or [email protected] Wellness Through Connection is located at 1020 Lorimer Blvd, 5th Fl.
Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer
Did you know that heat stroke can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and death? Let’s keep your pets safe, healthy & happy. Don’t let them play hard on hot days and make sure they have access to fresh water. Before walking your pets, test the temperature of the pavement. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pets’ pads. Never leave your pet in a vehicle, even for “just a minute” while you run errands. Studies have shown that, even with the windows partially open, interior temperatures can rise to over 38 C in about 7 minutes at 31 C.
Red River Adventure Awaits
Set out on a guided Splash Dash boat tour along the scenic Red River for a memorable mix of adventure, history, and riverfront charm. Departing from The Pony Corral aboard Transport Canada–certified vessels, each ride showcases the beautiful views of Winnipeg’s shorelines, accompanied by engaging stories from a spirited captain. Before or after your tour, enjoy food, drinks, and patio vibes at The Pony Corral—making it the perfect outing for family and friends.
Prioritizing Self-Care for Seniors
July 24 marks International Self-Care Day — a gentle reminder that taking care of yourself is essential at every stage of life. For seniors, self-care can be as simple as staying hydrated, getting quality sleep, enjoying gentle movement like stretching or walking, or spending time with loved ones. Engaging in hobbies, staying socially connected, and setting aside quiet time for relaxation all support emotional well-being. Even small acts of self-kindness can boost mood, energy, and independence. Celebrate yourself this month and remember — caring for your body, mind, and spirit is never selfish.
Visit www.hsewinnipeg.com for more self-care ideas.
Boosting your Immune System with Reiki
Did you know that Reiki can help improve immune function? Reiki offers a powerful, yet often overlooked, way to strengthen the immune system. It works by stimulating energy flow throughout the body, enhancing vitality and resilience. Reiki shifts energies in key areas—the gut, heart, and nervous system—to restore feelings of balance, improve immune function, and encourage faster recovery from illness. By clearing energetic blockages in a gentle and non-invasive way, Reiki ensures the body’s natural defenses are primed and effective. Whether used alongside conventional medicine or as a preventive wellness practice, Reiki supports your well-being at its core.
