Musings about life, simple joys, all things beautiful and a few of my favourite things đź’—
Today is Caregivers Day. 3.3 Million Ontarians support someone else. Many caregivers work full time and then care for someone they love in their hours outside of work. Every caregivers journey is different but nonetheless it can be mentally, physically and spiritually exhausting. Please visit www.ontariocaregiver.ca to help support you or someone you love or work with.
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day and day to day. If your systolic and/or diastolic numbers are consistently 135/85+ – talk to your doctor.
November is Caregiver month. Chances are you know someone personally who is one.
“Caregivers are family members, partners, friends or neighbours who provide personal, social and psychological support to someone in need. In Ontario, there are 3.3 million caregivers. It’s with the support of caregivers that people who need help can remain in their home which is where they want to be. Caregivers play an invaluable role in our healthcare system.” – Ontario Caregiver Association
Many caregivers work full time and may be juggling many responsibilities at once. Being a caregiver can lead to burnout, struggles to balance work and home, mental health and financial challenges as well as negatively impact their own physical health. The Ontario Caregiver Association is working to provide resources to support caregivers in our communities. Please share their support resources with any caregiver you think may need it.
In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. Many of these battles cannot be seen. I suspect these numbers are pretty similar around the world. I love this 10 Keys to Happier Living from Action of Happiness in the UK. Commit to sharing how you are feeling and help promote mental wellbeing in families, schools, workplaces and communities.
Today is National PBC day.
You have likely never heard of this disease. It is relatively new in awareness, but unfortunately likely quite prevalent in the population unknowingly.
PBC stand for primary biliary cholangitis. Primary because these is no prior cause. Billiary as it causes the scarring of the bIliary ducts in the liver, which is cholangitis. The cholangitis will eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver. This disease has no cure, but can be controlled. Eventually it will cause liver failure and the need for a transplant.
A very dear lifelong friend of mine was diagnosed with PBC earlier this year. Please visit the PBC Society website to learn more, share it with those you love to help raise awareness and hopefully one day they will find a cure.
❤️
About last night.
Thankful to be included in the Markham Wellness Circle Launch Event. I met many awesome wellness professionals as well others like me who are passionate about all things wellness.
The Markham Wellness Circle in partnership with the Markham Public Library will be hosting free monthly wellness events at the brand new Aaniin Community Centre and Library. If you are interested in exploring things related to the mind, body and spirit and live and/or work in Markham, you will want to join us at a future event.
Please follow along on Instagram @markhamwellnesscircle and/or sign up for their newsletter direct to your inbox to learn more about future events.
Namaste
đź’š
A year ago today, I was lucky to finally meet Beauty Legend Bobbi Brown. Bobbi is so real, authentic and is owning 60. It was awesome to meet her and hear her speak live. I am a big fan of her beauty philosophy and the brand she founded. I love makeup that makes you look like a more beautiful version of yourself and Bobbi embraced that.
A little food for thought from my evening with Bobbi at Indigo Bay Bloor.
* Balance – our bodies know when we are out of balance.
* Nude is the colour of your lips – this is different for every woman. Sometimes when our makeup is done, all you need is a gloss
* Strong is better than skinny. If there is nothing else, walk. 10K maintenance, 12K to lose weight. We can walk anywhere.
* Instead of whining about what isn’t working, go do something different
* Blush colour – pinch your cheeks to find the perfect shade. Find a multi-use product you can use on your lips and cheeks
* Find what works for YOU
* Be Who You Are
* Be Kind
To learn more Bobbi tips, definitely check out her ninth book Beauty from the Inside Out and visit her brand new website Just Bobbi. Excited to see what is next for Bobbi as she evolves into health and wellness. No doubt she is will continue to make an impact.
Happiness is finally meeting Murphy – Wellness Partner and Therapy Dog in Training at North York General Hospital. Spending ten minutes with Murphy brought joy to my entire day. Follow Murphy on his journey on Instagram at @murphy_pawsforyourhealth. I can’t wait to visit him again!
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Colon Cancer is highly treatable if detected early and is up to 90% preventable.
Know the symptoms & get screened. Having a colonoscopy can save your life. I have had many people say they refuse to have this test because of the prep. My family history requires early screening and the prep in Canada is easier than ever before. If you have been putting this procedure off, please do not be afraid of having a colonoscopy. Talk to your Doctor about when screening should begin for you and if you have any symptoms, please see a doctor immediately. Colonoscopy screening saves lives. Don’t let fear or embarrassment get in the way of getting this important screening and maybe saving your own life.
Sodium is hard to control when you eat on the go. Even many healthy options are filled with large sodium values. Many recipes I follow I just choose to add less salt than what is called for and like to add fresh herbs, spices and chilli flakes to add flavour. I am also a big fan of Longo’s Markets no salt added products as I try to be very mindful to reduce my own sodium intake as I create homemade meals. Every little small change over time can make a big difference.
FinnSpirit 