There are two ideal times to cleanse: spring and fall. Spring cleaning means more than just purging junk from your garage. Stuff accumulates in your body just as it accumulates in your house, causing heaviness. Here are 3 things you can do: 1. A box nutrition cleanse, such as Wild Rose, to recalibrate your eating. 2. Hydrocolon therapy to clean the large intestine of toxic buildup. 3. Lymphatic drainage massage, as the lymph is a dumping ground for toxins. The more symptoms from the process, the more toxic you WERE. Don’t give up. It’s so worth it!

The Myofascial Cupping Technique™ involves the gliding of negatively pressurized cups over the body with the assistance of massage cream and can be accompanied by joint mobilization. It is a very different technique to traditional cupping and, importantly, marking the skin is NOT part of the desired treatment outcome. It also should be performed at a pressure level that is almost painless to the client. It is unique in that it ‘lifts and separates’ soft tissue, which can increase nutrient-rich blood supply to the tissue, while giving a gentle passive stretch to the underlying soft tissue.

An Edmonton orthodontist’s accidental discovery has led to a new ultrasound device that promises to: 1) speed orthodontic treatment; and 2) reduce the risk of root damage. Health Canada has reviewed the clinical studies and has approved the invention for faster treatment with both traditional braces and clear aligners (brands include Clearline and Invisalign). The quicker and safer treatment reportedly is achieved with 20-minute daily home treatments. Ultrasound orthodontics has become a recommended option for non-surgical accelerated orthodontics.

Spring – that magical time when the days become longer, snow starts to disappear, and we file our taxes! Whether you work with an accountant or self-file, being prepared can alleviate much of the stress associated with tax season. Using a checklist that outlines income, identifies deductions, and determines other relevant transactions will be helpful in getting you organized and reducing the burden of filing your taxes. Ask your accountant how to better prepare this year, so you can get back to enjoying the spring season.

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic
8 ounces artichoke hearts
8 ounces cream cheese
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Combine all of the ingredients, except ¼ cup parmesan, in a large bowl. Mix well to combine evenly.
3. Transfer the dip to a large baking dish and top with the remaining parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly (about 30 minutes).
4. Serve with pita or corn chips.

However you cut it, thinning or receding hair is a common problem for both men and women. Most people have approximately 150,000 hair follicles on their scalp, which go through growing, shedding, and resting cycles that change with age and might be affected by diet, illness, stress, or medications. Common non-surgical treatments include topical minoxidil, oral propecia, or application of the patient’s own platelet rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp. These treatments are often combined to get the maximum benefit. PRP, for instance, can improve hair growth by lengthening the growing phase and shortening the resting phase.

One of the SIMPLEST ways to boost your immune system during cold and flu season is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! When dehydrated, your cells become less efficient at removing toxins AND the cells that form your skin, gut tract lining, and mucus membranes (e.g., lips and mouth) form tiny “micro-cracks”, which can allow even more water loss. These tiny openings can be points of entry for viruses and bacteria and are the easiest way for them to hijack your system. So, drink more water in the winter – don’t wait until you’re thirsty, make it a habit.

When the temperature drops, our Canadian winters can sometimes feel never-ending. While it’s tempting to hibernate with cozy blankets and books for weeks on end, Canadian winters shouldn’t deter you from regular outdoor activity. The key is to prepare, and know what to watch for to stay warm and safe. This is especially true for small children, as they get cold faster than adults do. Google terms like frost bite prevention, hypothermia, wind chill, and winter dressing for ideas on how to stay safe while playing outdoors.

Autumn Dyck’s passion for health and nutrition began as she tried to navigate the world of nutrition herself. Finding it to be confusing and complex, Autumn decided to embark on her own nutrition education journey. She completed her B.Sc. with a major in nutrition and integrated dietetic internship at the University of Alberta. She is a registered member of the Alberta College of Dietitians and proud member of Dietitians of Canada. Autumn launched RD Nutrition Inc. in 2015, and today she enjoys talking about nutrition and teaching people how fun and easy it can be.

The Red Deer Doula Association (RDDA) is a non-profit organization formed to provide information to the public and expectant parents in central Alberta about their labour and postpartum support doula options, while operating as a network and support group for fellow doulas. RDDA doulas are trained and committed to helping couples have the type of birth they desire. They provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, and encouragement during labour, delivery, and beyond. RDDA doulas are a wealth of information, education, and understanding, plus mentoring, peer support, and personal growth.