As Easter approaches, flowers play a meaningful role in celebrations, symbolizing renewal and joy. Traditional favorites like Easter Lilies and Tulips bring vibrant color and fragrance to homes, while fresh spring arrangements make thoughtful gifts. Many florists highlight seasonal blooms in April, offering a variety of options for decorating or sharing with loved ones. Choosing locally sourced flowers ensures freshness and supports Canadian growers. Whether as a centerpiece or a simple gesture of kindness, flowers add a special touch to Easter traditions, reminding us of nature’s renewal and the beauty of the season.
Loved Ones This Easter
Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and reflection. As we gather with loved ones, it’s also an opportunity to remember those who have passed. Their memory lives on in the traditions we uphold, the love we share, and the quiet moments of remembrance. Whether lighting a candle, sharing stories, or simply holding space for grief, Easter invites us to connect with the souls we miss. At Branch & Pyre, we honor these cherished loved ones, celebrating the bond that time cannot erase. May their memory bring comfort and peace this Easter season. Lee Barringer | Branch & Pyre Cremation Care |BranchAndPyre.com
Find Calm, Support, Healing
Most of us are feeling extra stress with current concerns on the world stage as well as our regular lives. These stressors take quite a toll on our mental and emotional health, our relationships, and even our physical health. At Safe Harbour Therapy Centre we have a holistic healing space where our team offers many different wellness services in one place. Individual and relational therapy, sex & intimacy coaching, breathwork, reiki, reflexology, hypnotherapy, life coaching, dietetics, and more. Our goal is for you to feel soothed, nurtured and supported with stress-free wrap-around care. Prioritize your wellness. You are not alone
The Hearing Loss/Alzheimer’s Connection
Recent research suggests that improving hearing loss with hearing aids reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In 2011, a team of Johns Hopkins medical school researchers discovered a significant association between hearing loss and the risk of developing these unwanted cognitive conditions. The worse someone’s hearing gets, the greater their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. The researchers believe their findings could have substantial implications for individuals and public health because hearing loss is treatable with hearing instruments. These findings underscore how important regular hearing tests are as part of preventative health care.
March Trivia
1. True or False? Brown sugar is better for blood glucose levels than white sugar. 2. What vitamin is known to help maintain healthy eyesight? 3. Which mineral is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system?
Did You Know?
Basil is more than just a flavorful herb—it’s packed with health benefits! Here are 5 key benefits of basil: Rich in Antioxidants – Contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. Supports Heart Health – The herb may help lower blood pressure. Boosts Immunity – Basil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aids Digestion – It promotes healthy digestion by reducing bloating and gas.
Reduces Stress – Has adaptogenic properties that help manage stress and improve mental clarity.
5-Ingredient Date Snickers
20 dates – pitted; 1/2 c peanut butter; 3 tbsp peanuts; 1 1/4 c dark chocolate chips; 1/2 tsp coconut oil. Line a plate with parchment paper. With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, slicing about halfway down. Fill each date with peanut butter & sprinkle peanuts on top. Place dates in the freezer to firm up until completely solid- approximately one hour. Add chocolate chips into a double boiler over medium low heat, stirring as the chocolate melts. Add oil if desired to make the chocolate thinner. Drop the dates one by one into the melted chocolate, flipping to get it entirely coated. Let cool in fridge & enjoy!
Mindful Eating & Food Freedom
Mindful and intuitive eating is about more than eating slowly. We’re born intuitive eaters, but dieting, distraction, and food rules disconnect us from our body’s cues. Ever seen a child leave half a cookie and walk away? That’s natural intuition. For chronic dieters, food becomes emotional, and “forbidden foods” feel uncontrollable—cookies often topping the list! A food freedom coach helps you reconnect with your natural hunger and fullness signals, giving you the tools to feel safe around food. The goal? Eating to feel better, not worse—both physically and emotionally.
Local Health Spotlight
Discover NESTERRA Massage Therapy Clinic, located near Costco in South End, where we focus on pain relief, stress management and injury recovery. Our luxurious clinic offers more than 15 types of massage designed to address your unique needs. Our Registered Massage Therapists work with you to ensure your wellness goals are met. In addition, we offer student massages at a reduced price (not insurable). We work with over 30 insurance companies, making your wellness journey even more convenient with direct billing. Your well-being is our top priority—book a session with us today and feel the difference!
Practice Positivity to Increase Happiness
The magic ratio of positive to negative thoughts and/or interactions for maximum well-being is 5:1. Unfortunately, we naturally have a negativity bias and are nowhere near this ideal number. This built-in bias is normal, but not always helpful. Some simple ways to increase our positive thoughts include reframing (for example – instead of thinking it’s raining today, so it will be miserable, think – it’s raining, the perfect opportunity to spend more time indoors and do XYZ). Other ways to increase positivity include connecting with others to hear different perspectives, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, and finally, practicing gratitude daily. What will you do to increase your happiness?
March Book Club
Genius Foods. Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life. Discover the critical link between your brain and the food you eat and change the way your brain ages, in this cutting-edge, practical guide to eliminating brain fog, optimizing brain health, and achieving peak mental performance from media personality and leading voice in health Max Lugavere.
