Category: Wellness

We’re all in on fresh starts and taking stock of what’s working, what’s not, and how to make space for personal improvements. With 2023 underway it’s a great time to focus on YOU. Whether you tend to map out new year resolutions, chose a meaningful “word of the year” or prefer to leave it to fate, being intentional can go a long way to create lasting, positive habits.  

One area of routine that we are focusing on this year is sleep health. It’s hard to imagine tackling any of our to-do’s (let alone our resolutions) without the proper energy that a good night’s sleep provides, yet 1 in 2 Canadians report having trouble going to or staying asleep.  

Routine plays a big role. Try keeping to the same schedule each night to help re-set your natural sleeping rhythm. Comforts like lavender spray and fresh sheets can transform your room to a calm space. Why not invest in quality bedding to help you into a relaxed state a bedtime? 

We love these cozy and therapeutic weighted blankets from QE Home, and the Sleep Calming Pillow Mist from The Body Shop, the ultimate sleep hack. 

Blue light can strain the system, especially at bedtime – could 2023 mark the return of the alarm clock? Check out the Sunrise Alarm Clock, available at Hudson’s Bay, that can be programmed to wake you with gradually increasing brightness and colour levels like a sunrise. Commit to charging your phone in another room each night and try trading your phone for a novel. We can’t wait to work through the 2023 must reads from Coles.  

If sleep is presenting a more serious problem, taking a holistic approach is possible. We chatted with Rave at Nutrition House to get the lay of the land for catching all the right zzz’s. She suggests stopping by to go over your sleep goals… but if that’s not in the cards, a few products you may want to consider…  

Sleep N Beauty is an all-natural supplement that caught our eye. Formulated with magnesium, GABA, and melatonin it promotes a restful sleep, relaxation and can reduce the signs of stress. These sleep support nutrients are combined with antioxidants and collagen boosting nutrients. (BONUS! A formula that helps us sleep AND look our best, yes please!)  

Sleep Solution is a safe, liquid sleep aid designed to quickly ease the transition to sleep, helping you to sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. We love the fresh, natural lemon flavour too. 

Still waking up unrested? Cold-water treatments are all the rage, and we must admit the trend has us intrigued. Ending your regular shower with even 15 seconds of ice-cold water can wake your body up, inducing a higher state of alertness, helping you to concentrate and stay focused throughout the day. 

Here’s to 2023, more sleep, less stress, and cultivating happiness. Dream on, you’ve got this!

Discover the power of your smile with Willowbrook Dental Clinic.

What do you notice first when you meet someone? Chances are, it’s their smile. And while smiles are free, when we’re self-conscious about our teeth, it’s the last thing we want to do.

Teeth whitening is an easy, non-invasive way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. With the help of our highly trained team of hygienists and dentists at Willowbrook Dental Clinic, you’ll see just how great you look when you smile and how easy it is to brighten a room with your pearly whites.

What’s involved in cosmetic teeth whitening?

The process begins with a dental consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for cosmetic teeth whitening. Since there are different bleaching systems available, it’s important to choose one that will meet your needs. At your initial appointment, we will also make impressions of your teeth that will be used to create a mouthguard appliance for you.

At your next appointment, you’ll receive your mouthguard and the materials to begin whitening your teeth. Your dentist will go over the process with you and explain how to apply products and use them correctly. Most bleaching systems require 10-14 day use to achieve desired brightness.

Is teeth bleaching safe? Are there any side effects?

Recent students have shown teeth bleaching to be both safe and effective. While some patients may experience minor irritation and sensitivity, these side effects were short-term and resolved once the treatment ended. We use the best in dental technology to make sure your treatment goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

How long does it last?

Results typically last several years. The longevity of your whiteness depends partly on your personal habits and lifestyle like how often you drink coffee or tea.

Our patients typically have gel leftover from their initial teeth bleaching and the leftover product can be used in future as a touch-up to keep your smile looking its very best. Touch-ups can be done approximately every 6 months and usually take only 2-3 applications to restore vibrancy.

Is cosmetic teeth bleaching for you?

Our teeth change over time. If your smile has darkened from age, coffee/tea drinking, or smoking, cosmetic whitening may be a great option for you and is successful in the majority of cases. These types of stains respond better to treatment than stains caused by fluorosis or tetracycline.

If you have highly sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or thinning enamel, bleaching is not recommended, and you may be a better candidate for porcelain veneers.

Willowbrook Dental Clinic is proud to offer a range of dental care options and services to get you on the path to a bright, healthier smile. Contact us today to learn more and get started.

Being a healthy weight is different for everyone.

People are biologically different, with different nutritional needs. A healthy weight is important for overall health and wellness long term. It has nothing to do with fitting into a certain clothing size.

Weight loss or weight management requires changes to our current lifestyle. But this doesn’t mean doing a 180 on your routines. Small tweaks to your day-to-day are all it takes while keeping the focus on nutrition, exercise, and getting enough water.

It’s vital that we eat foods that support our health like protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Think protein is going to bulk you up, ladies? Think again. Protein is required by every cell in your body. It aids in repairing and making new cells which can help fight infection and illnesses and keep your muscles strong and toned. Psst…did you know the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn? It’s a win-win for weight management.

Your exact protein needs may vary depending on your lifestyle but in general, the average adult female requires 45grams. Chat with an expert in-store at Nutrition House to learn more about what options are available and will work best to meet your needs.

We need water. And we need a lot of it. Water plays a vital role in your bodily functions yet most of us don’t drink enough of it. It’s also key to weight management. So why don’t we get enough? Some of us simply forget while others find water a bit bland. Setting reminders on your phone can help you increase your H20 consumption. Or, set goals like making sure you drink a set number of bottles each day. You can also spruce up your plain water with add-ins like vitamin tablets to add flavour while benefitting your immune systems.

Exercise can be daunting. But just 30 minutes of movement each day can have a tremendous effect on your physical and mental well-being and helps keep your weight under control and your health in check. If a half-hour is just a bit too much, break it up into smaller, 10–15-minute activities like stretches or weightlifting. Need more ideas? The on-staff personal trainer at Nutrition House can help you ease into any type of exercise with a few simple tips and tricks.

Getting healthier doesn’t have to be hard, but it does have to be a priority.

Residing in Willowbrook for decades, Nutrition House provides health and wellness products for the whole family.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to up your performance, parents curious about natural products for your kiddos, or just a curious mind wanting to learn more about overall health and wellness, there’s something for everyone. Nutrition House offers a broad range of vitamins and supplements for every member of your family, along with an extensive selection of all-natural shampoos, deodorants, and skincare.

As if that wasn’t enough, Nutrition House staff are fluent in multiple languages reflecting our multicultural community and offer a monthly customer appreciation day, and seniors discount.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook for all things healthy and exciting!

Okay, so, maybe 2021 isn’t looking that different compared to 2020, but, if you can’t change your circumstances, change your outlook! Don’t doubt the power of positivity.

We’ve put together a few simple suggestions to help you look on the bright side, feel your best, and start the new year off on the right foot with the help of Willowbrook’s retailers!

CHANGE UP YOUR LOOK

They say a person who cuts their hair is about to change the world. A new look may be just what you need to feel refreshed and recharged for the new year. Whether it’s a bold chop, a new colour, or just a trim and toner making time for yourself is a great way to spend an afternoon and make a positive change.

If you’re not ready for a new cut and colour, try talking to a stylist about different ways to style your hair—like changing your part, adding a funky accessory, or learning a quick up-do—and learn more about styling products that can help you achieve a selfie-worthy look in no time.

Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop has incredible American Crew and AG Hair products that will do wonders for any man out there. You can also find AG Hair products at Essentials Hair Design, Pizazz Hair Design, Eccotique as well as Zennkai.

GET MOVING

All activity is good activity. So, while you may have big dreams of hitting the gym on a regular basis or finding the self-discipline to regularly go for a run, it’s important to set realistic goals and celebrate small victories. Get up and go for a quick walk before you have a cup of coffee, take the stairs when you get the chance, or put your laundry away piece by piece to get closer to hitting your daily goal of 10,000 steps.

That being said, treat yourself to some comfy new kicks from Sport Chek to help you stay on track, or a pair of leggings from lululemon that let you stretch and move with ease. Don’t worry—we won’t tell anyone if you wear them to work, too.

HYDRATE

No, seriously. Drinking more water has countless benefits to both your physical self, like improving your complexion, bettering your digestion, and alleviating headaches, but can also help with memory retention and boosting your mood. Plus, it’s a great excuse to grab a new water bottle that you’ll definitely want to keep within arm’s reach. Sport Chek, Nutrition House and lululemon have a ton of different varieties of water bottles that can help you quench your thirst.

Pssst…a quick tip we learned is to set reminders on our phones to remind us to drink more water!

As we push forward into 2021, keep your glass half full, your eyes on the prize and your mask over your nose.

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, flu season still exists, and it’s here. And while we’re rocking our masks, busting out our hand sanitizer, and staying away from as many people as possible those pesky germs can still get in and wage war with our immune systems. So, it’s time to stock up, stay in, and stay well.

Are you taking your vitamins? As the seasons change, we’re getting less fresh air and less sunlight so it’s increasingly important to ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Your specific needs can depend on your age, diet, lifestyle and any medical conditions you may have. Make time to talk to a knowledgeable in-store expert at Nutrition House to learn more about the right supplements and dosage for you, and your family, and stock up.

Feeling a tickle in your throat? Stay calm, boil the kettle, and break out the tea. Not only is it soothing, but a hot cup of tea is sure to warm you up and keep you cozy. Plus, it’s delicious. Tea can also cure a range of ailments—from settling an upset stomach to reducing stress and aiding in sleep—and can be a good source of antioxidants. But, we wouldn’t blame you if you’d rather treat yourself to a creamy and decadent hot chocolate. While you’re at it, try swapping the hot water for steamed milk as a splurge. Available at Murchie’s.

Ready for a nap? Who isn’t? Take your comfort and cozy game up a level with a new fleece blanket that’s warm and snuggly no matter where you choose to hit the hay. Plus, when you’re not curled up and hibernating, it makes a great couch throw. The quality of your sleep is also crucial and it’s just as important as the quantity. If you’re finding yourself staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night you might want to invest in new pillows. At QE Home, you can look for pillows that match your predominant sleeping style (back, side, or front) and while you’re at it, why not get a set of cute seasonal sheets, too?

If you do find yourself under the weather for a day or two, try delving into a good read or flagging new recipes for future meal prepping thanks to Coles. Or, use your quiet time to pick up a new pen and paper hobby like sketching, colouring, or hand lettering.

No one likes or plans to get sick but with the right supplies on-hand your winter flu could fly by and you’ll be prepared and ready to take on the day ahead—tomorrow.