Welcome to the November 2008 NaturalHealthcare.ca Newsletter!

Editor's Greeting: Heather's Spot

It's November, with the "brrr" being the operative syllable these early mornings. The leaves continue to fall and the yard work takes on a feeling of finality, bagging the leaves, cutting and digging, getting ready for the first snow which should arrive momentarily.

November also brings people back indoors. Fairs and special events held inside are usually well attended. Recently, Naturalhealthcare.ca organized a Wellness Fair at Seneca College for the Student Association, and for their first attempt at hosting such an event we think it was successful. I was pleasantly surprised at the intelligent questions, and the willingness to participate with practitioners who were offering hands on massage, energy work or toxicity testing. While exuding a false sense of macho-savvy and dressed in clothing designed for that certain "tough" look, the students were anything but. Tough talk masked over what I began to understand was a real need to speak with people who were older, almost as if they were looking for 'mentors' in a time when we have been lead to believe that youth are no longer much interested in being mentored. Communicating via text messaging is the norm, rather than face to face conversation.

What I noticed, was although the students first pretended not to be listening, watching or learning from the fair, they were-but on the periphery. They hung around, and eventually came in closer. Wary at first, once they knew they were welcome and that their questions were being answered, they began to enjoy the interaction. What I personally learned from this event is that if given the opportunity, youth will engage in conversation with us 'older' folks, and in fact they want, actually need to learn from us. A little more attention from us 'old folks' could go a long way in welcoming youth to maturity into a healthy, productive and prosperous adult life.

Heather-Anne Wakeling
Editor, naturalhealthcare.ca
heather _at_ naturalhealthcare.ca

In the news....

De-frail yourself. Get active! A recent Toronto Star article lamented the face that Canada's health-care system has just 215 geriatricians, one-fifth of those needed to treat an aging population. Fair warning.

You may be eligible for up to $30,000. Canada Disability Information is available through the Canadian P'Tach Society. A non-profit organization specializing in obtaining money for those who have had health issues during the past ten years. For a confidential inquiry call 416.789.0080.

Unhappy people watch more television. According to www.alphagalileo.org unhappy people watch 20 percent more television. What is not certain is whether happiness leads to lower viewing or if more viewing leads to unhappiness.

Just how many calories do you actually need? According to the Chatelaine Calorie Counter booklet, 3 Steps to Feeling Good, there is a simple calculation involved. Simply multiply your weight in pounds by 12 (if you do not exercise) or by 15 if you do. This equals the calorie count you need to maintain your weight. What is their 3 Step Plan? Simple: Step 1, Get Moving. Step 2, Eat Well and Step 3, De-stress.

What is a serving size for meat protein? For a piece of meat, it should fit into the size of your palm. An easy way to measure for the children and adults at your table. If not interested in eating meat, other protein sources are eggs, fish, beans, or a handful of seeds or nuts. It is suggested that people snack on protein throughout the day. Try mixing up a trail mix of various nuts and keep these handy. Instead of reaching for that sugary sweet, a trail mix is a delicious and nutritious alternative.

If you are pregnant, consult with your doctor, most likely you will be advised to consume more iron (27 mg) and folate (600 mcg). You'll also be encouraged to consume an extra 100 calories a day during the first trimester, 340 calories during the second trimester and another 452 calories a day for the third trimester. Don't worry, enjoy it, as women usually have no problem losing extra weight once the baby is born, as most are lucky to find time to wash the cat dish.

Yoga is really, really good for you. Yoga boosts blood levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphins - three natural feel-good substances. Studies also demonstrate yoga helps to eliminate the usual estimated one pound a year weight gain that happens to many people during mid-age. So bend away.

Cold season is here. First try to avoid it in the first place by frequent hand washing, and by not touching your face. But, if you come down with the nasty virus, sleep, chicken soup, 500 milligrams of Vitamin C with water four times a day and Zinc lozenges, one every six hours. Good movies and a decent book are also good medicine.

Events & Workshops

November 30, 2008 - Vancouver, BC
Belly Love: Prenatal Meditation Workshop
Harmony Family Wellness Centre, 736 W 16th Avenue
Contact: 604.696.9355 events@lee-annewiseman.com

December 1 & 3, 2008 - Gatineau, QC
Canadian Renewable Fuels Summit 2008
Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel
www.crfs2008.com

December 13 & 14, 2008 - Calgary, AB
Reiki Level 1 for Teens
Contact: 403-828-7395
www.thunderbirdsky.com

Fridays - Mississauga, ON
Get Fit the Africal Way $15 per class
7:00pm – 8:30pm, Prince Edward Montessori School
http://www.canafrictheatre.com
Contact: 905.891.9494, moussofi@yahoo.ca

Check the NHC Event Calendar for more events!