It's all about moderation!

During the holiday season there seems to be an over-abundance of baked goodies everywhere I go. Yes, even naturopaths indulge on occassion. During this time of year I try to be even more diligent with the majority of my meals, knowing that my sugar intake is a little higher at the moment. I use lunch as a great opportunity to get my veggies - I make a yummy salad to bring to work daily, and throw some lean protein on there for added energy (usually in the form of beans or raw nuts/seeds). I also have a high fiber, whole grain cereal for breakfast (with soy milk) which keeps my insulin steady until lunch. As a naturopath, I believe that giving my body what it needs 90% of the time takes the guilt out of the holiday indulgences!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Homeopathic Flu Shot!

Homeopathic Flu Shot is now available at Vitality for Life!
Protect you and your family this winter season with this naturopathic alternative in a safe and non-invasive way. This homeopathic therapy is gentle enough for babies, seniors and people of all ages. The homeopathic flu shot contains a specific mix of two well studied homeopathic combinations, shown to improve the killer activity of white blood cells by 41% (thus boosting the immune system). This blend helps fight cold and flu symptoms and flu-like infections, and also helps shorten the duration and intensity of any flu symptoms.
source: www.heel.ca

Vitality for Life is now offering the homeopathic flu shot, and for those afraid of needles (or for young children), a 30 second immune mouthwash is also available!

As a naturopathic doctor I recommend three injections or gargles during cold and flu season. Call the clinic today to reserve a time to drop in! I've already injected my husband, and have given both boys the gargle (my sons are 10 months and 3 years old)...I'm really excited that we have this natural alternative available.

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Change it up! (Exercise that is...)

Yesterday I was reminded why it is important to change up your exercise routine once in a while. I only had time for a quick 30 min workout (between my sons naps), and was unsure how to maximize my time. My husband Carlos suggested I go to our basement and do a bike-ride on his road bike (Carlos does triathlons and sets his bike up on a wind-trainer over the winter so that he can continue biking). I'm not much of a biker, but decided to take him up on his offer. He challenged me to do 10 km, so off I went. By the third kilometer I didn't know if I'd make it! my neck was not used to holding my head up at that angle, my back was not used to being bent forward, and my quads were not used to pedalling against such resistance! I was sweating to say the least. It took me 25 min to complete the 10km, and boy did I feel like I got a workout! Running my usual 5km would not have left me so tired. Today, I am feeling all the muscles I haven't felt in a LONG time. I feel great. As a naturopathic doctor I always tell patients to get out the rut of their usual exercise routine, but I usually say it so they don't get bored. Today I'm reminded that it's also great for the body to try new things, so it doesn't 'plateau' and stop reaping the benefits of the exercise. Switching up your workout will often give you more bang for the same amount of time you normally put in. Challenge yourself today!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

The 'All or Nothing' mentality

In my years of practice as a naturopathic doctorI have come to realize that Fall is a very unique time of year at the clinic. I notice that my patients are usually in one of two groups - the first group is those patients that are coming in for their regular Fall detox (because they have come to realize the benefits to their health during such a chaotic time of year); and the second is the group of patients that cancel their appointments because they feel guilty that they haven't done their treatment recommendations perfectly and therefore they have 'failed'. I really would love to see people not being so hard on themselves - this is a busy time of year, and sometimes we can't 'fit it all in'. This is OK. We can't expect perfection, we should just strive to keep our goals in the fore-front, and this means re-connecting with your health team (naturopath, chiropractor, massage therapist etc), even if it means saying 'I haven't done any of the things you recommended'. I hope to re-motivate you, and I hope to help you set (or re-create) your health goals. Keep your health in mind during this busy time of year, even if it means scaling down your efforts to a more manageable level! Aim for little goals like:
'today I will include veggies with my lunch'
'today I will drink 8 glasses of water'
'today I will drink some green tea'
'today I will take time to breathe'
Don't be discouraged, it's all about the big picture, and not the little details!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!

Welcome to our Redesigned website!

I'm very excited to welcome you to our new website. I have been wanting to create a place where I can easily add the latest naturopathic information, breaking news, tasty recipes, and helpful hints to keep you healthy. We have finally done it! I'm pretty fortunate to be married to my web-designer:)
The biggest change would be the addition of the Blog, which will enable me to take a more active role in posting new information for our clients. Check back frequently, as I'll be adding to the Blog on a regular basis!


Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!