Natural approaches to gardening!

I have asked Julie (our office manager) to write a segment in our upcoming newsletters on the topic of eco-friendly gardening. Julie has a background in Horticulture and a love of plants, and she has shared with me various tips on a more naturopathic approach to growing healthy gardens and lawns. Be sure to read her segment through the spring and summer months!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Spring Fever anyone??

We have had some nice weather in the last few weeks, intermingled with some snow, but I think we're all getting a taste of what's to come. I certainly noticed people's moods were much improved (including my own), and there has been a revived sense of optimism and motivation. People are slowly coming out of their hibernation. At my house, spring means planting our seedlings for the garden! Carlos and Jordi (my three year old) enjoyed planting some seeds while I was at work (Jordi requested that Cayenne peppers be grown in a pot in his room). I enjoy seeing my son learning about food and where it comes from, so anything to keep him interested! We have decided to enlarge and expand our garden this year, so I'm very excited about this. Our neighbours have a rather large garden so we try to grow different things and then swap the harvest. It seems that every year is a learning experience and I'm enjoying it more than I ever imagined. Growing a portion of what you eat just feels right, and brings you closer to nature, and the seasons!

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

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

Olive baby 'skin-saver' now available!

I just wanted to let everyone know that the first product in the 'Olive baby' line is now available at the clinic! It is our olive-oil based balm that is a wonderful skin nourisher and moisturizer, ideal for even the most sensitive skin. No fragrances (not even essential oils), chemicals, preservatives, nut oils or dyes. 100% natural. An ideal naturopathic solution for maintaining healthy skin (in baby and the entire family!). Stay tuned for our other products, to be released this April!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic doctor and Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Easy and tasty Curried Lentil soup!!

Terri Ann and I had a little play date last week and she shared with me her delicious curried lentil soup. It was a hit for both adults and kids! This is a great way to get loads of fiber and protein (vegetarian source!!). I tweaked it a touch. Here is my naturopathic version!

Saute one large onion and 2 cloves of garlic with 1-2 TBSP curry powder
add about 2 cups of red lentils
add 1 cup brown rice
add enough water to cover plus an extra inch or so (keep watching, you may need to add more as it is soaked up.
Bring to boil then simmer on low until rice is soft. Puree if you like it smooth.
Season with Bragg's liquid seasoning to taste.

Serve with a dallop of plain yogurt and/or fresh chopped cilanto (optional)

Enjoy!

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

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

Pregnancy and New Parents Survival Guide!!

I'm excited to let you know about a booklet that has been put together by myself, our chiropractor and massage therapist. We are all mothers and felt it would be wonderful to share our many tips and tricks with our pregnant patients and those that have little ones. It is full of helpful ideas to ease your transition into parenthood in a natural and healthy way! I'm pleased to say that the Vitality for Life 'Pregnancy and New Parents Survival Guide' is ready for printing, and will be available for our patients this week!
Stop by and check it out!

Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

New Baby Products...very exciting!

As a Naturopath and mom, i'm always on the look-out for natural baby products that are safe to use on my children's (and patients) skin. One of the general complaints that I (and many other naturopaths I have spoken to) have is that even the gentlest of products are fragranced with essential oils (usually lavender, if not several other ones). These are not suitable for infants, nor children with sensitivities. Several months ago my good friend Terri-Ann started making her own moisturizer for her baby Rachel, whom she adopted from South Africa. I had been commenting on how great Rachel's skin always looks - well nourished, free from eczema, and glowing! Rachel is able to swimming in chlorinated pools, as the moisturizer protects her sensitive skin from the harsh, drying effects of the chorine (most black-skinned babies are not able to regularly visit a public pool as it damages their skin in a relatively short time). Terri-Ann made me a jar of the product and I used it faithfully on not only my kids, but on my own dry hands and feet. It worked fabulously! I quickly realized that this was something I needed to share with my patients. Knowing how natural and gentle this moisturizer was re-ignited my own passion for botanical medicine and the preparation of ointments and salves (which we learned during my years of schooling). I have been working the last few weeks on creating a product that we could properly package and distribute at the clinic, and online. This has been such an exciting endeavour, and one that I've extremely passionate about. We are very close to launching the product at Vitality for Life, so stay tuned!

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

Another tasty and healthy lunch idea!

So this morning I had to get my naturopathic juices flowing once again when there were no leftovers to take for lunch. I quickly cooked some Rye pasta spirals. Once done, i added 1/2 can of black beans, chopped up brocolli/red pepper/carrot/celery, and added olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. I'm eating it as a cold pasta salad, and it's delicious! What a wonderful naturopathic meal...I left some for my husband and kids - hopefully they feel the same!

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!