We use the term menopause to mark the end of hormone production by a woman’s ovaries and the permanent end of her menstrual cycle. Perimenopause precedes menopause, and is characterized by irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and various other symptoms related to a decline in ovarian hormone production. Initially, progesterone levels decrease, followed by estrogen. This hormonal shift can make perimenopause symptomatic for many women. Let’s debunk some common myths about perimenopause:
Even though we are still very much in winter, the gardener in me has started to plan. The snow and ice doesn’t deter me because I know this is the time of year that I start planting seeds, literally and figuratively. I will be planning out my garden, deciding which new plants I want to grow and which ones need to be removed from the roster. Flipping through seed catalogs with a warm tea and crackling fire is a wonderful pastime. Have I convinced you yet? If not, here are the top ten reasons I think you should start a vegetable garden this spring.
Communication is an essential part of healthy relationships. A child who struggles to express themselves with clear speech or words might feel significant anxiety or frustration when interacting with important people in their lives. Younger children might express these feelings as aggressive or challenging behaviour. A Speech-Language Pathologist can help pinpoint how and why communication is difficult, and develop targeted therapy sessions to address these challenges. However, if clear speech and articulation are the primary concern, it’s important to address this critical health piece first:
In many ways, your breathing pattern reflects your health status and health resiliency. It’s a gateway to your nervous system, cardiovascular system, and your body’s biological homeostatic mechanisms (how the body maintains balance). A Breathing Pattern Disorder can be subtle but extremely impactful: They show up in a variety of seemingly disparate symptoms and undermine many people’s attempts to heal chronic illness. Addressing Breathing Pattern Disorders is one very important way we can strengthen your entire body and help you heal.
Symptoms of a Breathing Pattern Disorder
People with a Breathing Pattern Disorder often experience a few of these symptoms:
After a decade of 1:1 patient care, I have recently started a group medicine program for women going through menopause. After four months working with these women I have made some discoveries about the power of community and the need for it in our healthcare systems.
These gluten-free muffins have become a family favourite. They freeze fairly well so can be popped into a school lunch quite easily. The oats give them more protein than your traditional flour-based muffin, and they’re fairly forgiving if you need to replace some of the ingredients with others you have on hand (see below).
Prep time: About 15 minutes. Cook time: About 20 minutes. Yield: 12 muffins.
After seven amazing years at Kingston Integrated Healthcare, I am moving my practice to 817 Blackburn Mew, in the West End of Kingston. Although it will be a different physical space, my intention is to provide the same great care you have come to know.
I am eternally grateful for Sonya and all that she has done to support me and my practice. Even during our serendipitous first meeting, I could feel how much she cared for KIHC, the practitioners and all of the clients. Sonya’s kindness and skillful leadership has allowed me to grow and flourish over the last 7 years. The KIHC team of practitioners and reception staff are truly remarkable! I will certainly miss seeing them on a regular basis, however it is time for me to make a physical move to further the growth of Move Authentically Physiotherapy (MAP).
There are many ways I intend to stay connected to KIHC and the wonderful team! I will continue to collaborate with the team members for all our mutual clients. I am also staying connected by being a member of the KIHC Advisory Team.
Finally and most importantly, I am grateful to all of you! I am so honoured to get to work with such incredible clients each and every day. As of January 1st, 2024 you can find me at 817 Blackburn Mews. Please feel free to stay up to date by visiting my website, signing up for my newsletter, and following me on Facebook.
This protein ball recipe is adapted from the well-known plant-based food series “Oh She Glows” – in particular, Angela Liddon’s “Oh She Glows Every Day” cookbook… which will soon be available in our lending library! (Explore her Oh She Glows website for some excellent and inspiring plant-based recipes!)
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: None! Equipment required: Blender or Food Processor (even the small Ninja-style blenders work well) Yield: About 12 little balls
We respectfully acknowledge that Kingston Integrated Healthcare is situated on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory. Since time immemorial they have cared for these lands and waters, and we are grateful. We recognize that a healthy environment is essential to the wellbeing of all people and all life.