We have more bacteria in our bodies than cells!  They are essential for our health and wellbeing so it's time to make friends with them. 

One of my favorite ways to support these healthy bacteria is through fermented foods.  Click here for more info on how to make your own fermented foods and enjoy this video!

Sleep is essential for our health & wellbeing.  If you aren't sleeping well, there is hope to have a deeper, sounder sleep naturally!  

In this video, I'll share a few basic sleep hygiene tips.  If you implement these techniques and still find you're not getting good zzz's, you may want to consider other natural treatment options such as herbal medicine, supplementation and acupuncture.  

I see many women in my practice struggling with painful periods & PMS.  Supporting women on the journey to have healthier, balanced hormonal cycles for life is one of my greatest passions. 

It's liberating for women to connect with their bodies and understand what they need to take care of themselves.  I feel it's very unfortunate that women suffer every month and just accept this as being a part of being a women.  I'd like to shout from the rooftops, "Ladies, there is hope!"  But instead, I made a video.  Enjoy and please share with the ladies you know who are struggling with this :)

Stress is not all in our heads.

The physiological effects of chronic stress clearly demonstrates mind and body are not separate.

Does stress affect your digestion?  Chronic stress can aggravate or even lead to conditions such as IBS, peptic ulcers and heartburn.

The good new is there is much we can do to reduce stress and support healing of the digestive system!  Check out my latest video for a few basic tips to get you started... 

We're celebrating naturopathic medicine week in Ottawa! 

What better way to celebrate than in nature so this week's Wellness Wednesday video was taken in the park at Dow's Lake (probably my favorite spot in Ottawa). 

This week patients have been enjoying a free infrared sauna session and bag of Shanti wellness tea as a special thankyou from me for supporting naturopathic medicine. 

Naturopathic Medicine is a wonderful profession that I'm incredibly proud of and so honored to work with people every day to transform their health! 

I'm excited to introduce Wellness Wednesdays! 

This is my commitment to sharing empowering health information with you EVERY WEEK through Video Blogging. 

This is very new to me and being in front of a camera can be a bit daunting so I really appreciate your support!  If you are inspired by the info...Please Share!  And always feel free to contact me with questions or comments. 

In celebration of springtime, this week is on SEASONAL ALLERGIES!  Enjoy :)

Herb #1

• Supports digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating and IBS. 
• Relieves tension and stress and improves sleep
  
• Reduces seasonal allergies

        WHAT IS.....????



Herb #2

• Strengthens the immune system
• Tonic for energy and endurance
• Has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Root is great to put in soups

                 WHAT IS.....????


Herb #3

• Improves memory
• Is a commonly grown tree that has a uniquely shaped leaf
• Improves memory and is used in treatment of dementia

               WHAT IS.....????

Herb #4

• A common essential oil that is used to relieve muscle tension, support sleep and relax the nervous system
• Also helps with irritability, depression and headaches

             WHAT IS.....????

Herb #1 What is Chamomile
Herb #2 What is Astragalus
Herb #3 What is Ginkgo biloba
Herb #4 What is Lavender
Herb #5 What is Passion Flower
Herb #6 What is Calendula
Herb #7 What is Lemon Balm
Herb #8 What is Licorice Root
Herb #9 What is Oat Straw
Herb #10 What is Garlic

Why don't lobsters share?
They're shellfish.

Haha...I just couldn't resist sharing that.  After all laughter is great medicine. 

I was recently naturopathic convention and this years theme was all about STRESS.  Stress is no laughing matter. 

One memorable moment was shared from a LOBSTER.  Check the video out below for a little inspiration from our shellfish friends. 

"Change is Inevitable.  Growth is Optional" ~John C. Maxwell

The daylight shortens, the air cools and the leaves begin to fall.  The summer days are coming to an end inviting new beginnings of autumn.  The changing season is reflected in our lives as a time of transition.
 
Transition is also in the air at Sage Wellness with changes happening in the fall.  We are welcoming new practitioners to expand our diverse health team.  To accommodate this growth, our practitioners are also changing their availability. Despite the change, the foundation of our mission and values remains the same:
 
To create a peaceful space of healing for all aspects of the self; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
 
Change can be simultaneously exciting and daunting.  When we step into the unknown, we are reminded that anything is possible.  There is hope in the possibility of change that invites us to grow. As you transition into the fall, we invite you to reflect on your own life. 
 
What are my health goals? 
What change can I make that reflects how I really want to live? 
What obstacles challenge me from living a happy, health life?  What steps can I take to overcome them?
 
We are honored here at Sage Wellness to continue to support you to achieve your health goals.  Wishing you a happy transition into the fall.
 
In Wellness,
Dr. Heather, ND

Change is in the air as the summer days come to an end.  Reminds me of this favorite.  Enjoy


by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.