Family Health

A common question we get asked is “What vitamins should I take?” When taking vitamins, it is best to consult with your health care provider before starting any supplement so that you can discuss your age, your current diet and any health concerns you may have. From there, begin to address any nutrient shortfalls and consider if there are food changes you can make at home.

People often ask us what nutritional supplement is right for them so we put together this guide to choosing a nutritional supplement (remembering that the best supplement is the one that you actually take!). When deciding what nutritional supplement to choose, it’s important to find one that best suits you and addresses your health needs. Consider these key factors: your age, your health concerns, and also your diet.

The best multivitamins are the ones you take everyday. Many people buy multivitamins with the good intentions of taking them, only to quit after a couple weeks of forcing down huge, chalky pills and end up with a cupboard of half-full bottles of vitamins.

Seasonal affective disorder, often referred to as S.A.D., is a depressive disorder linked to the amount of daylight exposed to during the changing seasons. Primarily treated with photo (light) therapy and anti-depressants, science is looking into the link between food and your mood when trying to relieve depressive symptoms.

The Wheat Belly book tops the best seller list, your neighbor is trying it and your boss swears that eliminating gluten is the way to go. Gluten free diets have certainly become more mainstream in the past 5 years. Previously a diet used by those with celiac disease, gluten free is now encouraged by wellness coaches and celebrities as the key to weight loss, increased energy and the cure to a variety of diseases. Is gluten really this evil? Should we all be on a gluten free regimen?

It's New Years Resolution time and so many will promise themselves a healthier lifestyle by joining a gym they will hardly get to or starting a diet they will struggle to stay on. There are a few simple changes you can make that might make those resolution stick this year! Don’t diet to lose weight, make changes to lose the fat for good and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Every holiday season the fruit cakes arrive, the cookies are baked, the boxes of chocolates multiply, the party invitations promise good cheer, the appetizers are delightful and the turkey is not the only thing that ends up stuffed!! How can you have a healthy holiday season and avoid the “too many helpings” holiday hangover?

Our health comes farther down the list of priorities and it turns out, the largest population that neglects their own health when it comes to getting the nutrition they need is dear old Dad! Are Dads just too busy working shifts or long hours to take care of their health? Studies are showing that only 32.2% of men, compared to 48.1% of women, take a daily vitamin supplement. Why? Is it because Dads are too busy or as our product tester moms tell us, that they are too picky?

There they are . . . looking at you, lurking there in the bowl, tempting you, teasing you, just one, so small, so yummy, kids won’t miss just one. But who can stop at just one. They are so small and so yummy! The best part about Halloween is the treats. The worst part about Halloween is the treats! How can you stick to your healthy choices after Halloween when the snack cravings are calling and the candy bowl is front and center?

I am a chip junkie. There isn’t a chip I don’t like. I know it is not a healthy snacking choice so I have gotten creative with some healthy foods to make them a little more chip like and curb that craving I have for something crunchy and a little salty! While I was at it, I found a fun substitute for peanuts and even that sweet craving for chocolate!

Nuts are a nutrition powerhouse; a good source of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. You can spread them, roast them, coat them with a delicious topping (chocolate?) or enjoy them as is. Who knew this small plant protein could pack such a nutritional punch. Time to discover why being nutty is so good for you.

Staying healthy is a lifestyle choice, but getting healthy is a learning experience. Many people are surprised when the weight creeps on and then not sure how to take it off. What changes do you need to make to what you eat, how much do you eat, what exercises do you need to do? Over doing it with excessive exercise and cutting way back on calories will deplete your body of the nutrients it requires to be healthy as you lose weight.

The weather is getting warmer, birds are chirping and April showers bring May flowers. Spring cleaning is in full swing. Move beyond your garage organization and closet cleaning to focus on you and your family. Is it time to spring clean your diet? A change of seasons is a great time to renew your family’s commitment to healthy living.

The arrival of spring often comes with sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes for seasonal allergies sufferers. While the warmer temperatures are a welcome change, the allergy symptoms are not. Did you know getting the right vitamins in your diet can help lessen your symptoms?

Are you guilty of any of these bad health habits? Why you need to change your ways and a few tips to help you do it! Skipping Breakfast I admit, there are days when it’s almost lunch before I realize that all I’ve had for breakfast is 2 cups of coffee! Not a great way to start the day! Your body starts storing calories and your more likely to eat a bigger than usual lunch if you skip breakfast!

Today’s families are so busy being busy that it is sometimes difficult to eat healthy and make time for all family members to stay physically active. Parents are consumed with drop offs and pick ups and waiting in arena’s, at dance studios and swimming pools, that we don’t have time to get active ourselves. Our children may be busy staying active with after school sports, but this hectic schedule leaves little time for healthy meals; they are often eating in the car, on the go.