NEW Online Dispensary!

                               

NEW Online Dispensary at Vitality for Life!

We are excited to give our patients another convenient option for purchasing and/or refilling their prescriptions. Simply go to our website and click the ‘Visit our Online Store’ button to enter. Select your product and it will be shipped to you within 2-3 business days at a flat rate of $5! Our online dispensary also carries a greater array of products than are available in the clinic, giving us greater options for product recommendations and/or alternative to your existing products!

The Search option makes it easy for you to find what you are looking for and the checkout process is easy and convenient! Check back regularly for sales on your favorite products.

We hope this feature takes the stress out of supplement shopping!

Please note: Vitanica and Thorne products are currently not offered in the online dispensary but we're hopeful they will be in the near future - please speak to Dr. Anna about an alternative product that may be substituted for one you are currently taking if this is the case.

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

Birthday Cake alternative!

We celebrated my father's birthday this past week, and I wanted to surprise him with something tasty and healthy (he is one of the healthiest eaters  I know). So I made one cake entirely out of fruit (the 3 tiers are cut out of watermelon, and then decorated with fruit inserted onto toothpicks, and several skewers of fruit stuck into the top tier). It turned out beautifully. This is true clean eating, and would pass the 'naturopathic' stamp of approval!

I also made another 'real' cake, but I made it egg-free because my dad has a sensitivity to egg. I decorated it with dark chocolate and chocolate covered strawberries, which is still decent in terms of health concerns yet fairly indulgent!

They were both yummy, and it was interesting how the kids loved picking apart the fruit cake!

I think this type of cake makes a nice gift for any occasion, and is nice to bring to BBQ's!

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

NEW! Green Beaver SPRAY Sunscreen

Just in time for the last month of summer, VFL now carries the Green Beaver SPRAY Sunscreen SPF 27! This is an awesome formula that is all natural and organic, easy to apply and safe for small children as well as adults! This sunscreen is:

Certified Organic
Non-whitening
Non-greasy
Non-nano
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic
Biodegradable
Vegan
Gluten Free

Pick one up today at the clinic!

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

Zucchini...healthy, yummy, affordable!

I was so impressed with my 'Eat Clean' lunch creation today that I needed to share. Last week I picked up 2 huge yellow zucchini's at Hewitt's farm stand. They were $0.75 each, and i'm not kidding, they are huge. Today I decided to grill them. When working with a zuchini this large, it's actually more like a squash. You have to cut it lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon, and also peel the skin with a vegetable peeler (it's tougher than a small grocery store zucchini). I then cut them in 1/2 inch slices, threw them into a bowl, drizzled with olive oil, sea salt and garlic powder (NOT garlic salt). Toss them around and throw them on your grill (I use a panini grill, which cooks them rather quickly. 5 minutes later they have nice grill marks, and are fork tender. I also had 2 ripe avocado's so I made a quick guacamole (mash them with sea salt and lemon juice). On each plate I put several slices of the grilled zucchini, topped with a large dallop of guacamole, and then added a sprinkling of goat cheese. For extra protein you could sprinkle with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
I fed 3 people and a baby with these zucchini, which cost me $1.50 total!! It was delicious, satisfying, seasonal, local and cost effective! When my 4 year old asked for a second bowl I was pretty pleased with myself! It fulfilled my goals as both a Naturopath and a mother!

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

Power Seeds - Boost your Breakfast!

Hemp Hearts

I recently started using what I call 'Power Seeds' as part of my regular breakfast. To make this grain-free omega-3 rich nutrition booster, you'll need the following:
-Equal parts ground flax seed, hemp hearts and chia seeds
-raisins, coconut flakes (whatever you like, roughly 1/4 - 1/2 cup each)
-2 tsp cinnamon

Chia seeds

Mix all those ingredients in a 1 L Mason jar and keep in the fridge. You can add 2 Tbsp into your oatmeal OR cover in almond milk and let stand 2 min (it will thicken) and eat for a grain-free cereal option! The hemp hearts make this meal high in protein in iron as well, and the fiber from all three seed varieties is very high! This mixture will keep you full and satisfied. I also add this mix to my kids oatmeal, yogurt and salads. Enjoy!

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

New GRAPE flavor Vita-kids Multi Chewables!

As a Naturopath I've always loved these vitamins as they are a hit with kids (both my own and in patients). I was very excited to recently try their NEW FLAVOR!! I think it will continue to be a hit and perhaps entice some new tastebuds now that it is GRAPE flavor!

 

Vita-Kids is a great tasting, chewable multiple vitamin-mineral-trace element supplement designed for children ages four and up. The unique teddy bear shaped Vita-Kids chewable tablets provide 27 vitamins, minerals and trace elements in bioavailable forms and nutritionally meaningful amounts. Vita-Kids is more than just another children's multivitamin-mineral supplement. Research shows that above RDA amounts of many vitamins may have significant positive effects on the structure and function of growing bodies. ………….Available at our clinic: 100 chewables for $23.50

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

Soap Nuts at VFL

Soap Nuts - Organic Laundry Detergent

A Natural Alterative: Greener Living Soap Nuts
I'm always looking for unique and natural products that will make life more simple and healthier for my family. Since receiving a bag of soap nuts for Christmas, I have been really amazed by what they do! I have since started carrying them at the clinic for my patients to try.

They are a natural, effective and economical way to do your laundry (among other uses!). Here's some info on Soap nuts: 

• Grown in India and Nepal, soap nuts are natural cleaning agents that have been used for centuries to clean clothes. 
• In the past decade, its made its way to North America. 
• Soap Nuts contain Saponin which is biodegradable, 100% natural, and safe for the environment.

 How Do You Use Soap Nuts?
Step 1:
Put 3-5 soap nuts in the cotton drawstring bag that comes with your kit.

Step 2:
Pull the bag closed. If you desire scent, add a few drops of essential oil to the outside of the bag. Alternatively use 3 TBSP soap nuts liquid per load (Boil 15 soap nuts in 6 cups water for 30min, strain and keep in airtight container – you will have 4 cups of concentrated liquid.)

Step 3: Pop it in the washing machine and wash clothes on warm or hot. (If you want to use cold water, you need to soak your soap nuts bag in hot tap water for 2 minutes and put the bag and the water into your wash!)

NOTE: Each soap nut can be used 3 to 4 times, then when they are soft and mushy toss them in your compost pile or organic-waste bin.

A Few More Benefits On Soap Nuts:
No Fabric Softener: Soap nuts put natural softeners back into the fabric therefore eliminate the need for fabric softener

Hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin, people with allergies or eczema. Gentle enough to use on babies clothes for cloth diapers.

Odour Removal: Unmatched at removing odour from musty towels, sweaty clothes, cloth diapers or any  other organic odours.

THEY WORK! Under great scrutiny Soap Nuts have proven themselves again and again. The Naturally occurring Saponin in the soap nuts lifts and removes dirt from fabrics cleaning as well as many name brand detergents!

Here's some other uses from the greener living website (www.buysoapnuts.com):

Mosquito Repellent Spray it onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.

Liquid Hand Soap Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. It will not create tons of lather like traditional soap, but it will still get your hands clean. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand wash a tea tree soap.

Shampoo Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo. It can even help prevent dandruff and hair loss! Leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. It will not create a lot of suds, but it will still work!

Hand Washing Silks and Delicates Add 1 or 2tsp. soap nuts liquid or powder to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes, lingerie or undergarments. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.

All Purpose Cleaner: Keep it in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors etc. Add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a different scent. Steam Cleaning Spot Treatment Add 3Tbsp. to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.

Window and Glass Cleaner: Fill a spray bottle with 2c. water, 1Tbsp.vinegar and 1Tbsp. soapnuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.

In the Dishwasher: Fill the soap dispenser with the liquid. Make sure to scrape the dishes clean first. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!

For Your Pets Add the liquid to a spray bottle or foaming pump bottle to wash your pet’s fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable. Also spray directly onto pet’s fur to help repel mosquitoes.

Plant Wash and Pest Repellent Add 1c. water, 1Tbsp. soap nuts liquid and 1Tbsp. Neem oil (optional) to a clean spray bottle. Shake well. For plant wash, spray leaves and wipe clean. To repel pests, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.

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