Category: Guest Post

  • Let’s play!

    Let’s play!

    Let’s play!

    It’s essential for children’s growth and development

    Play matters, and here’s why

    Children learn about the world through play. Unstructured play is essential for developing imagination and creativity. Boredom also plays a role, as struggling with boredom can spark creativity.

    Unstructured play helps children develop communication, life skills, emotional self-regulation, and emotional well-being. Playing with sensory materials and engaging in physical activities foster fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and self-confidence.

    Toys―catalysts to creativity

    Walking through a thrift store or toy store reveals many options, from simple to elaborate. All toys have a role in development, but balance and moderation are key. Toys act as catalysts for creativity and imagination rather than the cause of it.

    Is less more?

    Having fewer toys can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and encourage creativity. Versatile, age-fluid toys are a good choice, as they can be used in complex games at older ages. When celebrating birthdays, consider non-toy gifts like activities or experiences, or pooling contributions to buy meaningful toys or books.

    Learning to let go

    Toddlers enjoy basic puzzles and building blocks, but older children may prefer more complex toys. Passing on no-longer-used toys teaches kindness and charity.

    Play together in their world and yours

    Spending even 10-15 minutes playing with children fosters closeness and creativity. Incorporate play into daily routines like cooking or chores by giving children small tools and tasks. It promotes skill development and shared bonding.

    Where do screens come in?

    There’s hardly a parent out there who hasn’t, at one time or another, relied on screens to help occupy their children. Screens can provide a break for overwhelmed parents; however, balance is essential.

    Balance matters

    Limited, quality screen time can support learning, imagination, and language skills. Excessive use can hinder communication, social, emotional, and physical development.

    Boundaries where they matter

    Set screen time limits with timers and plan engaging activities afterward, like a snack, book, or outdoor play. Choosing physical activities over screens encourages bonding and healthier habits.

    Ultimately, play helps children grow in complex ways and allows them to see the world through an enchanted lens—a beautiful thing to witness.

    By Daniela Ginta, MSc

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • When kids want to quit

    When kids want to quit

    When kids want to quit

    Life lessons for parents and kids

    Our society has many embedded values and rules, one being how we view quitting. It’s often seen as a loss, failure, or misstep. Sometimes it’s viewed as a necessary response to difficult circumstances. Rarely, it’s recognized as a positive choice, a rite of passage, or an inevitable part of emotional and psychological growth.

    Handling moments when children want to disengage or call it quits can be challenging. To navigate this, it helps to understand:

    • the influence of our upbringing
    • our parenting style
    • our children’s evolving nature
    • our own tendencies to persevere or quit

    I spoke with three young moms to broaden my perspective, and their insights reflect several key ideas.

    Be clear in your intention

    Determine what kind of parent you want to be and what your goals are for your children. Knowing your “why” grounds your parenting decisions and actions daily.

    Understand your parenting style

    Reflect on whether your role is about maintaining order, encouraging discovery, ensuring safety, developing skills, or avoiding conflict. Recognizing your style clarifies your priorities and helps you stay aligned with your values, even in tricky situations.

    Be curious and dig deep

    When your child says, “I don’t want to do this anymore,” try to understand their experience. Notice your reaction—do you tend to avoid, fix, minimize, or catastrophize? Pause, breathe, and focus on what’s triggering your child’s resistance.

    One parent shared how understanding her child’s fears helped find a way forward, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than just the behavior.

    Be creative

    Use creative problem-solving rather than feeling stumped. Explore alternative options, such as different activities, additional support, or taking breaks. Sometimes, a simple pause can reveal that a bad day isn’t about the activity itself.

    Don’t sweat the small stuff

    Evaluate whether the struggle is worth it. Sometimes a child’s autonomy is more important than the activity. Other times, perseverance offers valuable lessons. Reflect on the situation and the bigger picture before reacting.

    Carry your learning forward

    When things don’t go as planned, accept the difficulty and view it as a learning opportunity. Consider how you might approach similar situations differently next time, using these lessons to grow.

    Celebrate small victories

    Acknowledge when things go well—when you and your child communicate effectively and find a good path. Celebrating these wins reinforces positive behavior and fosters connection.

    You are a role model

    Remember that your handling of challenges influences your children. Demonstrating persistence, taking breaks, or recognizing when to stop teaches them healthy coping strategies. Your conscious efforts to understand and collaborate serve as lasting examples of positive behaviour.

    By Carole Ames

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Miso Corn Chowder

    Miso Corn Chowder

    Miso Corn Chowder

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ small yellow onion or 1 large shallot minced
    • 12 ounces red potatoes ½" cubes
    • 3-4 ears corn on the cob or 10 ounces frozen corn
    • 3 cups miso brown*
    • ½ cup canned coconut milk*
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Sliced chives or green onions optional
    • Toasted sesame oil optional

    Method
     

    1. Remove corn kernels from cobs and set aside.
    2. In a stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until translucent.
    3. Add potatoes, corn kernels, cobs, and miso broth. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender. Remove cobs and discard.
    4. Stir in cream, salt and black pepper. Carefully blend the soup to the desired texture in the pot with an immersion blender.
    5. Serve garnished with chives and a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *If you cannot find miso broth, use vegetable broth or water with 2-3 tablespoons of miso. You can also use heavy cream in equal amounts for a vegetarian version.
  • Apple Butter

    Apple Butter

    Apple Butter

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 pounds assorted apples
    • 3 ½ cups water
    • 1 ½ cups cane sugar
    • 1 teaspoon apple or pumpkin pie spice

    Method
     

    1. Peel, core, and cut apples into quarters then place in a saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Gently simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until apples are soft. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to help the apple break down.
    2. Carefully place cooked apples in a blender and blend until very smooth, about 1 minute. Return apples to a clean saucepan and add sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
    3. Bring blended apples to a simmer and cook for 40-50 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
    4. Cool and test the consistency. It should be spreadable and stay on the end of a knife. If it doesn't, heat again and cook for 10 more minutes. Store in a clean jar in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Makes approximately 3 1/2 cups
  • Egg Bites

    Egg Bites

    Egg Bites

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 large eggs
    • 1 ½ cup shredded cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack
    • 2 cups cottage cheese
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 cups ready to eat ingredients such as cooked proteins, vegetables, and herbs

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, shredded cheese, cottage cheese, salt and pepper.
    2. Customize egg bites by stirring in approximately 2 cups of pre-cooked and cooled add-ins to the egg mixture.
    3. Grease 12 cupcake wells with nonstick cooking spray or softened butter or use cupcake liners.
    4. Divide egg mixture evenly into 12 pan wells and place in oven.
    5. Bake for 35 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for a few minutes then carefully turn them out onto a cooling rack. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Makes 12 bites
  • Genuinely green

    Genuinely green

    Genuinely green

    Beauty meets environmental stewardship

    Natural. Eco-friendly. Clean.

    It’s easy to believe marketers’ claims about beauty products being sustainable. However, these assertions can be misleading. Here’s how to spot greenwashing and make truly impactful purchases.

    Identifying greenwashing 

    Greenwashing is a marketing tactic that’s growing, yet there’s no single definition. It often involves companies misleading consumers into believing their products are more sustainable than they are. Common examples include claiming polypropylene is recyclable when it’s rarely recycled in practice.

    Other instances of greenwashing

    • Using nature-inspired imagery without making sustainability claims.
    • Highlighting one eco-friendly aspect while ignoring other less sustainable ones.
    • Falsely claiming certifications or mimicking certification graphics.
    • Sharing unsupported statistics or percentages without reliable backing.
    • Using vague terms like “nontoxic,” “green,” or “eco-friendly” without clear definitions.

    Making meaningful efforts
    To identify brands that genuinely practice sustainability, look for honesty and visible actions. For example, some brands are transparent about the trade-offs involved in their choices. A brand might use plastic in its refill program because it’s the best option available, explaining their rationale openly.

    Transparency involves sharing both the benefits and drawbacks of their practices, with an understanding that no solution is perfect. Many brands also donate a portion of profits to environmental causes, tracking their impact through apps that show how much plastic has been recovered or how much land has been protected.

    Other companies demonstrate environmental stewardship, like sourcing ingredients sustainably or supporting fair trade. For instance, some brands hand-pick local botanicals, while others buy plastic waste from waste pickers and recycle it into new packaging.

    A consumer’s game plan 

    To avoid falling for greenwashing, stay informed and skeptical. Words like “transparent” or “clean” shouldn’t be taken at face value. Investigate how brands define and implement these terms. Check if their claims are backed by supporting information or independent certifications.

    It’s also essential to consider the product’s end-of-life. Research whether your local recycling programs accept the packaging or contact experts for guidance. The percentage of recycled content in the packaging is crucial—higher is better. If a container has a grey tinge, it likely contains 100% post-consumer recycled material.

    By Carime Lane

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Tapping into the mind-body magic (and science) of EFT

    Tapping into the mind-body magic (and science) of EFT

    Tapping into the mind-body magic (and science) of EFT

    The surprising power of a simple, gentle technique

    “I wish I could just press a button and make this go away!” Whether “this” is physical or psychological (or both), many have wished for an easy fix. While the magic button doesn’t exist, proponents of EFT (emotional freedom technique) have found a method that often yields impressive results.

    A simple but powerful intervention

    EFT, also known as tapping, blends cognitive therapy with acupressure principles from traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners tap on specific points on the body while focusing on particular issues or emotions. The more specific the focus, the more effective the process, though multiple sessions can address complex problems. This mind-body approach aims to reduce stress and promote emotional and physical healing.

    What’s going on when we tap?

    Tapping appears to calm the amygdala, the brain’s stress response center, decreasing cortisol production—the hormone linked to stress. Studies suggest EFT benefits mental health by reducing anxiety, PTSD, depression, and overall stress.

    In addition to psychological benefits, EFT has shown effectiveness in alleviating physical pain. Focusing attention on pain while tapping seems to decrease brain activity in pain-processing regions, leading to reduced pain severity and interference. This can enhance quality of life, especially for chronic pain sufferers.

    The body as messenger

    EFT trials also demonstrate the deep connection between mind and body. The body often signals subconscious issues through physical sensations. For example, a neck ache might symbolize frustration or annoyance, while foot pain could reflect an inability to tolerate certain life circumstances.

    Understanding the language of the body allows somatic therapies like EFT to help interpret and address these messages more effectively. Recognizing physical sensations as signals from the subconscious can guide healing and emotional release.

    While EFT may not instantly resolve all problems, it is a proven, accessible tool for managing both emotional and physical discomfort. Whether using simple steps or working with a certified practitioner for more complex issues, EFT offers a promising approach for those seeking relief.

    By Heather Burt

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • The big problem with microplastics

    The big problem with microplastics

    The big problem with microplastics

    Innovators work to solve a pollution problem in your food, drink, and air

    You can’t see them, but microplastics are ever-present in our environment. North Americans eat between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics particles a year and breathe 35,000 to 69,000 particles annually. Microplastics may be tiny, but they pose significant risks—prompting innovative solutions.

    Plastic, plastic everywhere—even in your water

    Globally, billions of tons of plastic are discarded each year, with the majority not recycled. As plastics break down into microplastics (smaller than 5 millimetres, often invisible), they pollute soil, air, and water. These microplastics come from various sources, including household paints, adhesives, skincare exfoliating beads, and synthetic fibers in clothing.

    This pollution is now omnipresent: in the air we breathe (especially indoors), in human bloodstreams, and even in maternal wombs and breastmilk. In the Great Lakes, every sampled fish was contaminated with microplastics. Remote areas aren’t spared—microplastics have been found in polar ice, soil, and water.

    How do microplastics get inside of us?

    Microplastics enter our bodies mainly through what we eat and drink. Most meats, fruits, and vegetables have tested positive for microplastics. Fish absorb plastics in the ocean, which we then consume. Plants absorb plastics from the soil, accumulating in leaves and fruits.

    Tiny particles, big health questions

    Microplastic pollution is a rapidly growing issue, with scientists racing to understand its health impacts. Recent advancements include detecting microplastics in human blood, revealing widespread exposure. Studies suggest microplastics may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer, and neurotoxicity. As we age, our ability to filter toxins diminishes, increasing the risk of serious health issues linked to plastic accumulation.

    Innovation to the rescue

    While research continues to uncover the effects of microplastics, entrepreneurs are actively seeking solutions. Take the new plastic-eating microorganisms developed by scientists last year—they “eat” and transform plastic compounds into useful products like vanilla flavoring and ingredients for medication and fragrances.

    But what if we changed the plastic itself? Traditional plastics last forever—they just break down into smaller pieces. Even microplastics fragment into nanoplastics. Some companies are exploring alternatives like polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

    PHAs are produced by bacteria from sugars or lipids and are gaining attention as a biodegradable plastic. PHA naturally degrades in many environments, reducing pollution and harm to wildlife. It’s also more biocompatible, meaning it can be safely metabolized by our bodies.

    The future of plastics is here, with the aim of ensuring microplastics stay in the past.

    By Joshua Duvauchelle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Fighting forever chemicals

    Fighting forever chemicals

    Fighting forever chemicals

    The pervasive substances that may affect bone health

    There are chemicals and then there are “forever chemicals,” the name given to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. They don’t easily break down in the environment or in our bodies.

    What are PFAS?

    PFAS is a broad group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1950s. They make products greaseproof, waterproof, stain-resistant, and stick-proof. PFAS are found in items like pizza boxes, makeup, carpets, and waterproof clothing. They also contaminate drinking water and food, accumulating in humans and animals over time. Exposure has been linked to health issues, including potential impacts on bone health.

    How prevalent are PFAS?

    There are about 4,700 known PFAS chemicals. The CDC’s National Exposure Report found PFAS in nearly every American’s blood. In Canada, exposure is almost universal but slightly lower, with levels decreasing over time due to regulation changes.

    How are we exposed to PFAS?

    People mainly encounter PFAS through contaminated water or food, products made with PFAS, or breathing air near manufacturing sites. PFAS can contaminate drinking water sources, and accumulate in fish, shellfish, livestock, and game animals. Once in the body, PFAS persist even after exposure stops, though blood levels may decrease over time.

    What about children?

    Children are more vulnerable because they breathe more, eat more, and crawl on floors, increasing exposure risks from dust, toys, and household products. Infants can be exposed via breast milk, contaminated formula, or in utero during pregnancy.

    What are the dangers of exposure?

    PFAS exposure is linked to health issues such as:

    – Reproductive effects like decreased fertility and high blood pressure in pregnant women

    – Developmental delays, low birth weight, behavioral changes

    – Increased risk of cancers (prostate, kidney, testicular)

    – Weakened immune response

    – Hormonal interference

    – Elevated cholesterol

    – Obesity risk

    How do PFAS affect bones?

    Emerging evidence links PFAS to lower bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis. Bone density peaks between 20-30 years and declines with age. Studies show PFAS exposure may reduce bone density in adolescents. To mitigate risk, avoiding nonstick pans and PFAS-containing personal care products, along with staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, may help protect bone health.

    By Joanne Peters

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Pain points

    Pain points

    Pain points

    Turning to the breath and body for more balanced sleep

    When struggling with pain, it can be extraordinarily difficult to sleep, yet sleep is the very thing that heals or eases pain. While pharmaceutical interventions are often prescribed, breathwork, meditation, and understanding pain can also bring relief and rest.

    Painful nights

    Physical pain can hinder finding a restful sleep position. Pain during the day, along with restrictions on movement and exercise, can impact sleep quality. This creates a cycle: disrupted sleep at night and reduced activity during the day, which further worsens sleep and pain sensitivity.

    Whether from injury, headaches, arthritis, or chronic conditions, this cycle can make restful sleep impossible, increasing fatigue and pain sensitivity.

    Beginning with the basics

    Pain is the body’s way of recognizing harm or damage. It’s a feedback loop providing sensory information on tissue health, experienced as fast, reflexive, or slow, chronic sensations. Pain is felt through sensory nerves that report across muscles, bones, organs, and vessels, relayed via pathways to the brain.

    Further foundations

    Sleep is a vital rhythm for health, necessary for digestion, circulation, menstruation, and respiration. Each core process depends on sleep, and pain can disrupt these cycles.

    Putting things together

    Pain interferes with sleep by making core processes more difficult. When in pain, the body releases chemicals associated with the fight-or-flight response, which counteracts the calm needed for deep sleep. This stress cycle worsens sleep quality, increases pain, and hampers healing, creating a vicious cycle with added stress on the body.

    Bringing in breath

    While many products aim to improve sleep, breathwork offers a simple, effective approach. Breathwork involves consciously engaging with breathing to alter feelings, reduce pain, manage chronic symptoms, and combat sleep issues.

    Breath is an ancient, powerful medicine. Practices focusing on breath awareness and control can significantly impact stress, pain, and sleep quality.

    Five stories

    Breathwork changes breathing patterns and posture, influencing the body’s pressure distribution. The body has multiple diaphragms, including the pelvic floor, which work together. Proper movement of these diaphragms maintains nervous system balance and supports restful sleep. When diaphragms stop functioning rhythmically, tension builds, making quality sleep difficult.

    Diaphragmatic breathing

    Deep, intentional diaphragmatic breathing slows the heart rate, stabilizes blood pressure, reduces cortisol, and activates the vagus nerve. It can support symptoms of chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

    Daily activities, like washing dishes or walking, can be turned into mindful breathing exercises. Paying attention to how you breathe during routine tasks encourages slower, more aware breathing, promoting relaxation.

    A sigh of relief

    Focusing on and mobilizing diaphragms through attentive breathing helps sense internal states, reducing pain and stress, and improving sleep. Developing awareness of these internal processes can foster better rest and pain management.

    By Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine