https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rV_OeR8Hnk As you know, I'm a big fan of mindfulness practices because they can help with everything from chronic pain to decreasing anxiety. Visualizations are a great way to practice mindfulness in a focused way. Today's visualization is meant to be calming, however, visualizations can be done for other reasons as well. I've personally practiced …
Fighting off Depression for Chronic Illness and Non-Chronic Illness Warriors
I want to talk a bit about mental health today. A lot of people with chronic illness deal with depression and anxiety. During this Covid-19 post-lockdown period, a number of previously mentally healthy people have been also dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression because of their time in isolation and the different experiences this …
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Exercise for Chronic Pain: Hiking Edition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuWe63QPq6U Another video post for you, here at Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto. Hiking is an amazing way to get some exercise, even when you have chronic pain, because it can be tailored to your health and skill level. I personally can do (and love to do) moderate hikes. Easier trails may be beneficial …
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Summertime is Water Time
Okay, well technically speaking, all the time is water time when we're talking about drinking it! On Sunday I shared a tip on how to make lemon ice cubes for your water, but whether or not you do that or just drink water with regular ice, it's important to make sure you're getting enough of …
Lemon Ice Cubes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beZEJB3ykMI Audio starts about 40 seconds in... there were some issues today 
Benefits of lemons: Vitamin C: great for your heart, your immune system, and is an anti-inflammatory May help with weight loss. Citric acid: prevents kidney stones. Vitamin C & Citric acid: protects against iron deficiency. It's a fruit: reduces risk of cancer. …
Convos at Chiro
As I'm sure all of my chronic pain warriors are in a similar situation, I have been struggling with how long it's been since I've been to the chiropractor, physiotherapist (though I've done virtual), naturopath, and massage therapist. I normally see each of these specialists once every month (chiro and physio) or every other month …
Cooking with Kels: Guacamole
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqaDkyqvYrQ Not only are avocados totally delicious, but they also have a ton of health benefits. I did some extra research this week to bring you some of the amazing benefits avocados have! First of all they are full of some of my favourite vitamins like Vitamin C and B-6, as well as magnesium, potassium, …
From Virtual Dating to Real Dating? Pandemics, Reopening, and Chronic Illness
As we move into reopening phases in many places, some of us might be looking to take all of our virtual experiences and start going back to the "old ways." Whether that be just seeing our friends in person (crazy thought after so many months, I know!) or going on actual dates, the thought that …
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Staying Safe During Reopening
I know that with reopening having begun in many places, it's easy to get the feeling that the pandemic is over and things are getting back to normal. I think what we need to keep in mind is that the pandemic is not over, and may not be over until a vaccine is available, as …
Exercise: One of Your Pain Friends
Hey everyone! I've got a video post again today. This time on exercise, and specifically core exercises, which are great for your hips! (Weird, I know.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZLqIh1owis Highlights: Exercise is great for combating physical pain and depression (can also prevent depression). Strong core = strong hips Start with shorter planks (45 seconds for front, 30 …
