Health
A Time of Reflection
The first twelve years of my life, I lived at the ski hill. New years always seem to bring with it nostalgic feelings for my life at the hill. Time passes so quickly that I find it hard to believe that I may be closer to being married or graduation from university than the vast majority of these memories. Everything was so simple, as I am sure anyone in recollection of their childhood may agree.
Fernie's Finest Chefs
For a small resort town, Fernie has a number of talented, dedicated and passionate chefs that add to the cultural diversity of our little town. I thought they were worth finding more about.
Functional Anatomy Part 3: The Hamstrings
This is a series focusing on specific muscles to help you better understand why you need to strengthen or stretch specifically to prevent or heal injuries. This month we take a closer look at hamstrings.
1. Where is this muscle?
Youthful Giving
December is here, and with it the panic of Christmas. It seems like every year our culture is sucked into the materialistic spirit, buying endless trinkets and pity gifts to try and cover all of our bases. It’s the Walmart way, sucking us into spending as little as we can on practically useless things that all have the same destiny in a year or so - the landfill.
My goal this year is to reduce the wastefulness of giving. For all gifts to be well thought out and purposeful, and I encourage you to do the same. Here are some thoughts on practical gifts for teenagers.
Say Cheese
Pierre Dupont is passionate about cheese, and since moving to Fernie seven years ago secretly hoped that someone would open a cheese shop so he could shop regularly and locally for one of his favourite foods. Since no one has Pierre decided to open his own shop, showcasing hand crafted artisanal cheese made in Canada. Soon he will be known as Le Grand Fromage.
Functional Anatomy Part 2: The Quadriceps
This series focuses on learning about specific muscles to help you better understand why you need to strengthen or stretch in a particular way to prevent or heal injuries. This month we take a look at the quadriceps.
1. Where is this muscle?
Functional Anatomy Part 1 – The Illiotibial Band
This series focuses on specific muscles to help you better understand the importance of strengthening or stretching to prevent or heal injuries. We begin with the IT Band, and will continue with Quads in December, Hamstrings in November, Hip Flexors in February and Lower Trapzius in February.
1. Where is this muscle?
It originates at the top of the outside of the hip (anterior superior iliac spine) and inserts below the knee on the outside of your lower leg (lateral chondial of the tibia).
2. What does it do?
Career Planning
This past month I started my last year of high school and a question I am constantly asked is what my plan is for my career. I am sure that other seniors can identify with the feeling of being unceasingly reminded that your future holds no certainty. Of having a long stream of questions boil up from their place, constantly lurking at the back of your mind. Every time I am asked that loaded question, the following is the general thought process that goes through my mind.
Fernie Foodies
The Fernie Women’s Resource Centre has been busy lately with a fundraiser that showcases the diversity of our community and will appeal to local foodies. Fernie Foodies, a cookbook that was the brain child of board member Judith Johansson, has taken on a life of its own since its inception.
“The number of local people who submitted recipes and offered to help out was phenomenal,” says assistant coordinator of the Women’s Centre, Lauren Fox. “The response was overwhelming and inspiring all at the same time!”
Moussaka - A Gift From the Greek Goddesses
We began meeting over 15 years ago- a group of women all about the same age, friends for one reason or another. In common was life in a mountain town, relationships with partners, children, parents and siblings. The idea came from me - I was home alone most days with two small boys, which at times I found isolating and lonely and craved a connection with other women. These gatherings were all about connecting with each other and having time to ourselves at a time in our lives when we spent most of our days looking after others.
Secrets to a Healthy Lifestyle
One of the things that endeared me to Fernie was the commitment to healthy lifestyle that so many in the community had. It may seem that genetics plays a major role in the incredibly fit bodies that so many have, but if you dissect each of these individuals, the biggest trait they have is their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. I have discussed with many clients how to create this in their own lives and here are a few key points that seem to work:
The Melody of Saint-Michelle
A melody rises above the crowded streets of the Hungarian city of Budapest. The year is 1937. Young Yules clings to his mother’s hand, as she drags him from shop to shop. The music grows louder as they approach the Violin maker’s shop. As they walk by Yules stops, enthralled, to watch the fluid movements of the violinist. It was like nothing he had ever seen before. Music seemed to flow from his fingertips, along the body of the violin and out the door, over the many roofs of the city. It was at this moment that Yules knew this was his future.
Lentil Enchiladas
At 25 I found Fernie and the home I had been looking for since I left my family home and food became a central theme once again in my life. I had my own kitchen and although it was small, I was inspired to make it my own. Once we decided to start a family I knew I was going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen and it was important to me that it be bright and roomy. Before long we renovated making it three times the original size of our 1950’s bungalow kitchen.
Back to School Fitness
September is that magical time of year when everything goes from lazy to crazy. The kids go back to school and new routines get developed…bedtimes, homework, and various organised activities are all added to your schedule. So how do you fit your own exercise regime into it all? Here are a few ideas to help the grown-ups out:
Back To School Health Tips
Although my days in formal education have ended, I will always think of September as back-to-school time.