Vitality for Life Women's Retreat!

Vitality for Life Women’s Retreat

Date: Saturday November 14, 1pm – 6pm

Location: Moksha Yoga Studio, 411 Huronia Road

We invite you to join us on this special day of pampering, learning, fitness and connecting! Your day will include a private hot yoga class, meal planning workshop, a delicious nutritious lunch, and a Guided Meditation from our special guest, Kelly Benoit, that will reconnect you with your Inner

Goddess!

You will also choose 2 of the following packages (these will be filled on a first come first served basis, so your choices may not be guaranteed):

1.      1. A) Kyla Hookey, RMT, is pleased to offer eight lucky ladies a special service - Enjoy 15 minutes of traditional East Indian Head Massage blended with Swedish Massage to bring you one of the most relaxing and therapeutic treatments possible.  Expect to lay back, relax and let Kyla ease the tension from your neck and shoulders, relieve sinus congestion and tension from your face and release tightness from the muscles of your scalp, all while having luxurious warm coconut oil rubbed into your hair (or we can do it without the use of oil).  Why not treat yourself to this indulgent experience?  After all, you're worth it!

     B) Join Dr. Jennifer Brazeau, DC as she takes you through the MOST effective exercise routine to target your BAC (Booty, Arms & Core) – in the comfort of your own home! During this 15 min. session you will be given a simple program and shown proper technique with moves that require no advanced equipment!

2.      Feeding the Skin, with Jodi Fraser RHN (Registered Holistic Nutritionist & Skin Care Specialist)

To keep skin looking healthy, youthful and vibrant you have to nourish it from the inside out.  In this session we will learn what the best anti-aging foods are for firmer, more radiant skin, what your skin’s enemies are and how to avoid them.  In this 30 min. session we will take a look at the active ingredients in skin care products that help fight the signs of aging, what to look for, how best to apply them and how to make some at-home anti-aging products! You will go home with an anti-aging meal recipes and recipes for homemade skin care products, plus Stemulation anti-aging product samples!

3      3. Join Denise Sutherland, certified Aromatherapist for a 30 minute mini perfume session.  Learn what some of your favourite essential oils are and create your own "Signature Scent" mini perfume sample with Denise's guidance. Denise will also tell you the benefits of the essential oils that you chose for your personalized perfume. You will take home your "Signature Scent" to enjoy.

Loot Bags: Surprise samples for all participants!

Draw Prizes:

2 One Hour Massages with Kyla Hookey RMT

2 Nutritional Assessments with Jodi Fraser, RHN

Chiropractic Assessment with Dr. Jennifer Brazeau, DC

Olive Baby Gift Basket

Lotus Natural Skin Care Basket

To Reserve your spot TODAY: https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/VFLCLK/workshops

*Please call the clinic with your payment within 3 days of reserving your spot to ensure you are enrolled!

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

Registered Holistic Nutritionist in Barrie - Jodi Fraser, RHN!

I am very honored to introduce you to this lovely lady , who will be offering her Holistic Nutrition services at our clinic - Jodi Fraser RHN! The addition of Jodi's services has been a year in the making, so this is a very exciting time for us! 
As many of you know, Nutrition is a key foundation for what I do as a Naturopathic Doctor, and I make many recommendations in terms of dietary modifications. Some patients can feel overwhelmed or 'lost' when a dietary and lifestyle change is recommended (by myself or other health practitioners), but Jodi is here to help make sense of it all and give you very specific advice on HOW you can make these necessary changes! I'm so happy that

she'll be here to help you with the details (not to mention, you may be able to use your health benefits for her services! Please look into your plan to ensure you have coverage to see a Registered Holistic Nutritionist - she has the NNCP designation which makes a difference!)

Jodi is not only passionate about educating people about all things Nutrition, she lives the lifestyle herself, and can share with you her vast knowledge of incorporating healthy foods and meal plans into even the most hectic lifestyle! 

As a mother of three children Jodi knows first hand the struggle many Moms and families face when it comes to trying to make changes to daily routine. She can help you navigate these challenges by customizing a meal plan specific to the needs of your family.
Jodi also treats a variety of conditions using Nutrition and healthy lifestyle, including hormone imbalances, food allergies, headaches, irritable bowel, indigestion and chronic fatigue. Whether you are seeking weight-loss, improved energy or glowing, healthy skin, Jodi can help! Holistic Nutrition services are wonderful for women wanting a healthy pregnancy, for nursing moms, and during the post-partum period when hormones can wreak havoc on your body and mood!
Jodi's warmth and caring nature will make you feel safe and supported at your visits. You may also want to know that Jodi has 20 years of experience as a Skin Care Specialist, and she is excited to incorporate her knowledge of anti-aging and skin issues to her practice! She is offering FREE Meet & Greets to help you determine whether her approach is a good fit for you! You can book these ONLINE here.

Barrie Holistic Nutrition Services:

-Nutritional Counselling

-Customized meal plans

-Manage food allergies and sensitivities

-Anti-aging food plans

-Pantry clean-out/re-stock suggestions

-Grocery list suggestions

-Weight-loss support

-Meal plan reviews and recommendations

-Nutrition for anti-aging and Healthy Skin

*Your Health Benefits may cover Holistic Nutrition!

Now Accepting NEW Patients & Saturday Appointments Available!

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

Hospital Food & the road to Healing!

Last week my father had a motorcycle accident. It happened out of the blue, on a seemingly 'normal' day, and completely rocked my world upside down. I won't go into the details other than to tell you that the driver of the car was charged, and witnesses were certain my father wouldn't make it based on what they saw. I'm very happy to say that he's with us today, and although he has some months of recovery ahead, he's doing amazing. REALLY amazing.
The reason I wanted to write this blog is because I believe that if you don't take negative experiences and turn them into something positive, then  you've missed an opportunity for growth. So if I can help even ONE other person reading this as they care for their loved one, then i've used this horrible experience for good. Writing this is also quite therapeutic for me, to be able to share my experience with you.
I want to start by saying that I'm extremely thankful for our medical system and after this event I am proud to be Canadian and have the services that we have covered for us. It's not a perfect system but it's a very good system. From the EMS drivers first on scene, to the doctors at the Alliston hospital who made the decision to move my dad to St. Michael's hospital in Toronto, to the doctors and nurses who cared for my dad over the next few days, I'm deeply thankful.
Now I want come to the part of the story that will hopefully help one of you. Some of you may have a loved one in hospital, in hospice, in homecare OR it may come at any point in your future. As a bystander or family member you will feel somewhat helpless, as I felt. I couldn't fix broken bones or take CT scans or run IV lines, but I can (and YOU can too) help in a BIG way in the days after the trauma team has done 'their thing'. Aside from the healing effect of just 'being there' and the support you will provide, I want to talk about nutrition, because this is the one area that we have still not improved upon in the hospital setting.

My dad hadn't eaten in over 24 hrs (understandably). He was kept hydrated with a saline drip, so we didn't have to worry about that, but eventually when food was brought to him, it was the powdered, cold and processed food that we would expect from a hospital. This is not the kind of food that promotes healing, in fact the oils used in these foods CAUSE inflammation, and don't provide the nutrients needed for the body to heal itself. I'm sorry but it's the naturopath in me - this is my viewpoint and perspective, and it's my only way to have any control of the situation:)

My dad is also in his 60's, so muscle-wasting is a huge concern. After our 30's it gets harder for our bodies to maintain muscle mass (that's why we push resistance training in this age group), and with every decade we lose a substantial amount. When you take an older person that becomes bed-ridden (even for a few days) or requires a cast, the muscles waste away even quicker AND will be harder to get back after the fact. So in light of the inflammation in the body post-accident and the muscle wasting there's a few things that I wanted my dad to have for his healing.
Protein is essential. It's what will keep his energy up, immune system strong, and will provide the amino acids required for hormones, anti-inflammatory mediators made by the body, and will keep his muscles from being eaten for energy. Next is healthy fats - they will repair the damaged cell linings, help with hormone communication, decrease inflammation and heal the adrenals (the stress organs).
 Next comes the rainbow of colors you get from veggies and fruits - all the bio-flavonoids that fight free-radical damage and decrease inflammation in the tissues, not to mention the vitamins that will help with the healing process. So on my way to the hospital I put together a quick comfort package (this is for both my dad and my mother, who wouldn't leave his side and was also feeling the effects of stress and fatigue after the accident). Keep in mind these foods are not 'ideal' because some of them are just quick packaged foods that are convenient to bring and won't spoil during their stay, however they are a step up from what is currently provided by the hospital. This is a picture I quickly snapped before throwing it all into a cooler bag.
Here is what I brought - 2 tupperwares, one with cut up veggies (cherry tomatoes, carrots, peas, celery, brocolli) and one with fruit (blueberries, strawberries, peaches); packets of protein powders (my parents mixed these at breakfast with some water); packets of powdered greens, protein bars, Lara bars (fruit & nuts), trail mix (raw almonds, walnuts, dried cherries, apricots), mini-tuna cans, sardines, gluten-free crackers, Vector granola (protein-rich granola), individual yogurt, Emergen-C (vitamin C drink mix), coconut water, gluten-free lemon snaps. Please note vitamin C or greens should not be given to anyone who is bleeding or in need of blood thinners until they are stable!
 My dad is normally a healthy eater and therefore these foods would provide some comfort to him and also to my mom. If your loved one does not normally eat this way you could tailor it to meet their likes while still ensuring you are providing a healthier option for them then what they receive in hospital. My parents greatly appreciated their comfort package and it made me feel great to be able to do something to speed my dads healing (I also brought my homeopathic remedies and traumeel cream for the bruising and aching tissues!). My dad has been making leaps and bounds over the last few days, and as I write this, we were able to celebrate his Birthday as a family at home (Aug. 16). I also want to say a big thank you for the many friends and neighbours who helped us through a very stressful time - it was a reminder that community and support is such an important component of good health. I feel blessed to have you all in my life!

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

The Happiness Advantage!

I don't get a chance to read a lot during the other seasons, but Summer is a time I like to curl up with a good book. This book was recommended to me by someone I highly respect, so I took it on vacation and read it cover to cover over two days.

 In summary, as a society we have been lead to believe that if we reach 'success', then we will be happy. However when you look at the studies in the field of positive psychology, it's actually the other way around - happy people generally reach a higher level of success because of how they are able to re-wire their brains to seek opportunity and see the positive side of things. This is a simplification, but the book gives 7 basic principles that anyone can incorporate to become a happier person, and thereby increasing their chances for success (at work, at sports, at home etc). It resonated with me very much - as an entrepreneur who is entirely responsible for my own well-being I realize that although I have lived these principles in many ways, there are things I can still improve upon. It was an affirmation of my management style (treating people kindly, with respect and positive reinforcement) and how I have built my team of wonderful associates, colleagues and friends.
I also found myself teaching the principles to my children - how wonderful to encourage their happiness vs. focusing on 'results'. They were really interested in the book as I was reading it, and were asking many questions. I really believe this book can change your parenting style.
If you are a person that feels down on their luck, or generally feels that negative things happen to them (whether financially, health, relationships etc). READ THIS BOOK!! With some simple tweaks you'll be turning it around for yourself and living with more gratitude on a daily basis.

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

Aromatherapy NOW at Vitality for Life!

As a Naturopathic doctor I appreciate a variety of 'alternative' treatments and Aromatherapy is certainly one that I'm pleased to offer as an adjunct treatment to our patients. 

Aromatherapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils (essential oils) for the purpose of improving one's physical, psychological, cognitive and overall well-being.

Aromatherapy can be offered alongside standard treatments, and a skilled Aromatherapist will know the contraindications for using specific oils with certain conditions or medications.

Aromatherapists utilize blends of therapeutic essential oils that can be administered through topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate a desired response.

On a personal note, I not only love Aromatherapy, but I also have known our Aromatherapist, Denise, for over a decade! She has successfully launched her own fantastic product line, and she is one of the warmest,friendliest and caring women that I have known. I feel lucky to call her my friend, and also to say that she's part of our team!

At Vitality for Life we currently offer the following Aromatherapy experiences by our skilled Aromatherapist, Denise Sutherland: 

1.   CUSTOM PERFUME CONSULT – A private journey to create a CUSTOM perfume blend just for you!

Denise will create a custom blend perfume during a ONE HOUR session dedicated specifically to you - a blend of essential oils that suits your body chemistry will be selected. Made with pure essential oils and your choice of jojoba oil or an alcohol base, your signature scent will be kept on file so you may purchase your personalized perfume again and again. 

You will take home a 1oz beautiful bottle adorned with a special saying in a velvet pouch.

*Additional products with your special blend will be available for purchase as well.

2.   AROMATHERAPY SESSION

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that helps to treat the body on several levels such as emotional, physical, mental and spiritual.  It can help with overall well-being and can benefit many conditions.  As a certified Aromatherapist, Denise will speak with you about present concerns and create a blend based on your needs. 

Initial consultation (aromatherapy blend and treatment plan) 1hr and 30 min

Follow up visit with aromatherapy blend:      30 minutes

*Additional products with your special blend will be available for purchase as well.

3.   ESSENTIAL OIL CONSULT

A chance to speak to Denise about how you can use Essential Oils in a safe and effective way around the house, in your beauty products & for your health. You will be given ideas on how you can incorporate the use of Essential oils into your daily routine as well as how to replace existing toxic products around your home.

                                                                                                          

 To BOOK AN APPOINTMENT please click herehttps://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/VFLCLK!

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