I love the summertime:  the weather, the fresh fruits and vegetables, the sunlight, the mornings on the porch, and the extra activities.  I find that everything is better in the summer.  I also find that we can get away with a little more, because the balance shifts towards more healthful daily routines built around sunshine, holidays and walks.

June 21st is the summer solstice in the Northern hemisphere, a time for celebrating light, upcoming bountiful harvest, nourishment, growth, evolution, trust and patience.  (You can think about planting seeds in the spring, caring for them and waiting for crops to be ready.  It's a process.)

Tips for Summer Health

1.  Morning Sun
      - Getting some sunshine in the morning is not as helpful for Vitamin D production (that's more efficient between 10am and 2pm), but it's great for the Cortisol Awakening Response.  Morning sun helps to invigorate your cells, stimulate energy, and reset sleep patterns through circadian rhythm.  Plus, we only get the opportunity in Ontario a few months of the year, may as well take advantage of it :)

2.  Hydration & Water exposure
      - Of course, staying hydrated is important in hot and sweaty weather.  A little salt helps with absorbing the water into your cells.  I also really like the liquid trace minerals which you can add to your water, or making herbal tea then chilling it to create an "iced" version.  In addition to drinking water, consider the impact that being near water can have on your body.  The sound of waves is incredibly healing and helps to destress and unwind the nervous system.  If you are brave, cold water plunges are fantastic for stimulating the vagus nerve and improving mitochondrial function - you will sleep well afterwards.

3.  Good food
        - I enjoy the fresh produce soooo much at this time of year!  Did you join the trend of growing some food at home?  We often pair all kinds of salads - spinach or cabbage or potato or kale with some kind of BBQ'ed protein.  Have a look here for  Tips for Healthier BBQ .  Eating well is a great way to nurture yourself and take care of the people around you.

4.  Be in the moment
        - I find it comes more naturally to me to be in the present moment while enjoying a sunset, a slice of watermelon or a thunderstorm.  Staying present helps relaxation, and also serves to slow down time passing (which I could use since my son is graduating grade 8 next week.. eek!).  A little rest on the beach, barefoot walk in the grass or admiring a garden is a nice way to reconnect with nature, and ground your soul.

5.  Allergies
         - I've heard that it's been a bad year for allergy sufferers.  It seems to be calming down a bit now but we could see the pollen floating through the air not too long ago.  I have lots strategies to support you through the runny nose and itchy eye symptoms, and also ways to prevent them from being as intense down the line. Some of my favourites are quercetin, vitamin C, nettles, probiotics, and acupuncture, but your plan should be personalized for you.

6.  Move
        - Walk. Bike. Hike. Swim. Paddle. Dance. Garden. Prune. Ride.  It's good for your mind, your mood, your hormones, your bones, your lymphatics.  Just get out there and do what you love.

I've got some time off this summer, but will continue to be available also. You can always be added to the waitlist if you don't see an appointment that suits your schedule.  I hope you take advantage of all the health promoting ways to enjoy this season to its fullest!

Also, just a reminder to stock up on your supplements ;)

Warmly,
Dr Christa


P.S.  I'm working on a couple of new ways to support your health in a more interactive and ongoing way.  Stay tuned :)

As of June 11, 2022 the Ontario requirements for masks and other health directives have changed.  Therefore, we will shift to wearing masks optionally.  We ask that you remain respectful, as always, of each other and their personal choices and comfort level; we never know someone else's journey.

Of course we will continue to be mindful of our training in hygiene, as regulated health care practitioners have always been versed in these measures.

As you know, I often speak of understanding the messages from the body.  Messages come in the form of signs and symptoms and our job is to try and decode what our bodies are saying to us - do we need to rest, clean up our meals, move more... etc.  One of the greatest lessons of the past couple of years is learning to pay attention to these messages, and stay home if we are feeling sick.  If you have C-19, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reschedule your appointment or switch to virtual/phone if you are well enough.  My patients will still receive a screening questionnaire ahead of your scheduled visit so that you may complete a self-questionnaire.  Please check with your practitioner for their own policies.

I've heard from a lot of people, especially those with kids, that this last stretch has been a doozy.  There seems to be, what I'm calling, a collective deep fatigue.  Acupuncture, herbal adaptogens, grounding techniques and good food have been helping.  Let me know if you need to strategize some treatments.


Excited to see some smiles,
Dr. Christa

 
Rest.  Eat well.  Move everyday.  Go into nature.  Connect.  Find joy.
 
Book Appointment
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Summer holidays are coming!  
I'll still be available for virtual and in-person appointments.  You can be added to the waitlist for your preferred day or time.