One of the most common conditions that affects many folks today, especially as they age, is arthritis. Arthritis causes sore, stiff, and swollen joints that can affect your mobility and quality of health. If this is a concern for you, then you will want to check out our feature article this month. I discuss some of the natural remedies that can help with arthritis, based on recommendations from renowned medical journalist and author of Get a Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders, Lorna Vanderhaeghe.

ForWe've all felt stressed-out from time to time. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious,having difficulty sleeping, or not being able to cope in certain situations are all signs of stress. Chronic stress can have far-reaching effects on our health. Did you know that stress is associated with heart disease, diabetes and obesity? To better understand stress, its effects on your health and tips on better stress management, check out my article this month on Surviving Stress – Learn to Relax Naturally

For many folks, January is the time of year we resolve to get in shape. Our body can take a toll from the holiday indulgences and winter inactivity and before you know it your clothes are tight and you realize you gained some weight. Losing weight is actually the number one resolution made and broken every year. Why is it so difficult? Primarily because we set unrealistic goals and don’t stick to the lifestyle changes needed to get in shape – namely healthy eating and regular exercise. In this month’s article I focus on the benefits of exercise, how much you need, and what types of exercise are best. This information just might be the key you need to jump start your new years resolution, whether it is to lose weight or just become more fit. Check out my article this month on Finding Fitness here

Fatigue is a common concern for many people. There are many factors that can cause fatigue, including stress, medications side effects, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and even lack of exercise. If you lack energy to enjoy your daily activities, then it is important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical condition. If fatigue is a result of diet or lifestyle then there are many things that you can do to boost your energy levels. Getting regular exercise, eating small frequent meals, ensuring adequate sleep at night and taking a daily multi vitamin can all help. Check out my full article for tips on combating fatigue.

The holidays are quickly approaching. All the parties, social events, shopping and activities can be lots of fun, but if you are not careful, the indulgences over the holidays can take a toll on your health. Packing on extra pounds can make that new years resolution a lot harder. In fact, most people gain a few pounds over the holidays and then try to lose the extra weight in the new year. This isn’t always successful and before you know it all those pounds can add up. I don’t recommend dieting over the holidays, and you certainly don’t have to give up all your favorite food and drinks. I have some simple strategies that will allow you to enjoy the holidays without feeling guilty or suffering the after-effects. Check out my article on preventing holiday weight gain.

When it comes to your health and managing your weight, what you choose to drink is just as important as what you eat. We sometimes don’t think about all the calories that we consume through beverages, but they do add up. I think most people realize that soda is not a good beverage choice when you are trying to lose weight. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Diet soda, while low calorie, is no better for you because research suggests that the artificial sweeteners may actually increase your appetite by interfering with hormones. Fruit juices provide us with lots of vitamins and minerals, but they are also high in sugar and processed quickly in our body, so they are not an ideal choice for those concerned about weight management. To get my recommendations for healthy beverages, check out my article here

September is here, marking the end of summer holidays and the start up of the busy fall season. Despite our best efforts, the average adult gains between one and two pounds per year during the fall and winter months. Driven by hectic work and family schedules, stress, cooler weather and poor dietary habits, this seasonal weight gain can put you at risk of obesity. Plus, all these factors also impact overall health, causing difficulty sleeping, moodiness and depression, increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, and reduced immune function. To keep you and your family healthy this fall check out my article on Avoiding the Fall Lifestyle Rut

Summer is my favorite time of the year. I enjoy getting together with friends for parties and BBQs and sitting on my deck soaking in the sunshine. I try to stay active during the summer to counter some of my summer indulgences. For me, daily walks with my dog, gardening and bike rides give me the exercise I need to stay fit. I am not one to follow, or recommend, drastic dietary or exercise regimens. They are just too hard to stick to, and can be frustrating over the long term. I think that it is all about balance…eating a healthy diet on most days, getting regular exercise and taking supplements to support lifestyle measures. If you would like to read some of my tips for staying fit this summer, check out my article here.