Vitamin D

We have all heard about it and many of us take it but do we know why? Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and plays a vital role in immune health, proper bone development and maintenance, prevention of heart disease, breast and colon cancer, mood regulation, thyroid function and normal blood clotting along with many other functions.
Vitamin D deficiency makes you more susceptible to colds and flu. As Canadians, we do not get enough sun to produce sufficient amounts of Vitamin D to last throughout the winter months. As a result, many of us must supplement. Ask your ND for your optimal daily dose of vitamin D.

Tip: Try to get 10 minutes of sunlight daily.

Developing a Healthy Lifestyle

Developing a Healthy Lifestyle
By Dr. Mary-Claire Seitz, ND

Now that the holiday rush is over and you have settled back into your normal routine there is no excuse not to start the year off right with a healthy regime! Ever year you make the same promise to yourself to get fit and stay healthy but something always seems to get in the way. A healthy lifestyle does not have to consist of rabbit food and hours upon hours of strenuous workout routines. It is about healthy food choices, portion control, exercise, sleep, stress management and educating oneself about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle
The majority of people have “dieted” at some point throughout their lives. Most people rely on fad diets that initial help you to loose weight but ultimately leads to more weight retention. These diets restrict calories, often too extensively, without teaching the fundamentals regarding nutrition, exercise and weight maintenance. This often leads to feels of frustration, slower metabolisms, and other, sometimes serious, health conditions. To reach and maintain your health goals you need to look at the bigger picture, it’s a lifestyle change not a diet.
Weight reduction can decrease the risk of many of the most prominent diseases within out society. 91% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented through diet and lifestyle modifications along with many other conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. It is also one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce high cholesterol. These changes help to increase energy, decrease pain and stress, slow the aging process and help to minimize the symptoms of hormone imbalances. We want you to feel your best and live your life to the fullest.
The fundamental steps to health and wellbeing are related to proper diet and nutrition, exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, you should eat a plant based whole foods diet that includes whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, good fats along with adequate water intake. Exercise helps with weight reduction and maintenance; however, it also improves circulation, boosts energy, reverses insulin resistance, and reduces the risk of disease. Your exercise regime should include 3 components: cardiovascular activity, resistance training and stretching and flexibility. Adequate sleep helps the body to rejuvenate thereby allowing it to better handle external and internal stressors such as viral infections and emotional stress. A personalized program that encompasses nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications and an individualized supplementation program targeted towards your goals and health risks will help you achieve personal wellness and optimal health while increasing your vitality and overall wellbeing.
Our Health and Yoga program is designed to optimize your body, mind and spirit. We will lead you through a series of presentations related to health and wellbeing alongside yoga breaks to keep your mind alert and attentive. Topics include diet and nutrition, lifestyle modifications, importance of exercise, relaxation techniques and introduction to detoxification. This year make your promise a reality and join us for our informative sessions that will get you back on the road to health!

For more information email drseitznd@gmail.com

Upcoming talks with the Flying Monkey Yoga Studio

Health and Wellness Month

Join the Flying Monkey Yoga Studio along with the Root of Health to

begin your journey to success

February 7: Introduction to Health and Wellbeing by Dr. Mary-Claire Seitz, BA, ND
General nutritional and lifestyle guidelines with Yoga Break

February 14: Couples Yoga Session

February 21: How Massage Therapy, Shiatsu and Energy Work can improve your overall well-being: body, mind and spirit by Sarah Ritchie BA, RMT, Reiki Master (Shiatsu and Cranial Sacral Therapy)
Includes an introductory class in Qi Gong exercise used for self-healing.

Feb 28: Cleansing the whole body by Dr. Mary-Claire Seitz, BA, ND
Introduction to detoxification with Yoga Break

March 8: The benefits of Chiropractics and the importance of exercise by Dr. Catherine Caldwell-Chu , BSC, DC
With Yoga Break

Upcoming Seminars at The Root of Health

Get fit and Stay Healthy!

Healthy Resolutions 2010 is a 6 week program designed to help you achieve and maintain your New Year's resolutions. Weekly workshops geared towards weight loss and healthy living with different practitioners presenting on areas relating to nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Topics include goal setting for success, healthy eating and meal ideas, stress management and relaxation techniques, the importance of exercise and fitness and detoxification and immune health. Great for people who prefer group support along with professional guidance.

Make 2010 the year of YOUR health! Join us on February 8 for our introductory session.
Mondays 7 to 8:30pm starting February 8th.

Workshop fee: $199* (Preexisting clients save $50)

Space is limited. Call (905)845-ROOT or email drseitznd@gmail.com today to reserve your spot!

Upcoming Talks at the[clinic]

Upcoming Events for Winter 2010:

the[clinic] Welcomes Naturopathic Medicine
Come and Learn About Naturopathic Medicine with this Introductory Seminar and Open House
Presented by Dr. Mary-Claire Seitz, ND
Learn about Naturopathic Medicine and what it can do for you!
Complimentary smoothies and snacks!
Date: January 27, 2009
Time: 12-1:15pm
Cost: Free

Introduction to Detoxification, Weight loss and Healthy Eating
Presented by Dr. Mary-Claire Seitz, ND
Date: February 10, 2010
Time: 12-1pm
Are you having trouble shedding those extra pounds? Learn how to eat clean and loose weight. Your nutrition and lifestyle choices may be zapping your energy and causing symptoms such as bloating and constipation. Come learn how to eliminate these concerns and feel healthy, vital and energetic!
We will discuss healthy nutrition and lifestyle modifications that you can incorporate into your everyday life to help keep you fit and healthy! Food will be provided.

Cost: Healthy Non-Perishable Food Item Appreciated for Local Food Bank

Space is limited! Sign up today and don’t be disappointed!
Call 416-366-1710 or info@theclinic-toronto.com

Tips for Immune Health

• Wash your hands and keep hands away from face ie eyes, nose, mouth.
• Get adequate rest. Try to get at least 6-8 hrs of uninterrupted sleep every night. Our bodies recharge at night. Lack of sleep and stress decreases the immune systems ability to ward off disease.
• Eat a wholesome diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, essential fats and complex carbohydrates. Limit your sugar intake as sugar depresses the immune system.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the mucous membranes like the ones in your nose moist. Mucous membranes act as a barrier to help keep protect our system. Try to drink minimum of 1.5L or 6 cups of water per day.
• Boost your immune system with hydrotherapy: While in the shower, turn the tap to warm/hot for 2 min then to cold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
• Keep active! Exercise increases circulation and immune function while combating stress. If you are feeling sick, consult your Naturopathic Doctor before starting an exercise routine.
• Consider probiotics to maintain gastrointestinal flora and health. Such things such as impure water, antibiotics, processed foods, pesticides, and stress can all lead to an overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens in our digestive system.
• Sunshine Vitamin! Consider supplementing as Vitamin D deficiency makes you more susceptible to colds and flu.
• Get your immune system strong before you get sick to lessen the duration and intensity if do get sick. See your Naturopathic Doctor for a personalized plan.

Contact Information for Mary-Claire Seitz, ND

Toronto Clinic:

the[clinic]
145 King St West, Suite 1710
Toronto, ON M5H 1J8
tel: 416-366-1710 fax: 416-366-1712
http://www.theclinic-toronto.com/

Oakville Clinic:

The Root of Health
1525 Cornwall Rd, Unit 6
Oakville, ON L6j 0B2
tel: 905-845-ROOT(7668) fax:905-845-7300
http://www.rootofhealth.ca/