Category Archives: Writing samples

New article for HealthCastle.com: Not All PUFAs and Vegetable Oils Are Good For Your Heart

(HealthCastle.com) You may heard that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are good for your heart. In fact, if you live in Canada, you may even have seen heart-health claims on the packaging of many vegetable oils and products containing these oils. Since 2009, Canadian labels of these oils and the foods that contain them have been allowed to claim they promote “a reduced risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels.” But a new analysis performed by researchers in Ontario, Canada, and published on the Canadian Medical Association Journal’s website this week suggests that claim may not be accurate if the oil contains high levels of omega-6 but does not also contain high levels of omega-3…

Read the rest at HealthCastle.com

New Article for HealthCastle.com: Brussels Sprouts – Health Benefits and How To

(HealthCastle.com) Brussels sprouts tend to bring out strong opinions: You either love them or you hate them. If you love them, you’re in luck – these tiny cabbages are packed with nutrition. As a bonus, they thrive in colder temperatures, so they’re at their peak when there are few other fresh, local produce options available. If you’ve always thought you hated them, you just might want to give them another chance. Brussels sprouts are enjoying a moment in the spotlight, which means there are all kinds of new ways to prepare them. These new methods might just be tasty enough to make you forget all about those childhood dinners of overcooked, mushy “little brains.”

Read the rest at HealthCastle.com.

New article for HealthCastle.com: Herbal Supplements and Prescription Drugs – Interactions to Watch Out For

(HealthCastle.com) You probably know that before filling a prescription, you should make sure your doctor and pharmacist know about all the other medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions that can change how your medications work. But did you know that it’s equally important to consider the potential interactions between your medications and herbal supplements?…

Read the rest on HealthCastle.com.

Ageless Living Magazine September issue

1208825_10151856793955943_18231967_n

September marks my first issue as editor of Ageless Living Magazine, and I have to say it’s a heck of an issue!

It’s available now in select pharmacies, gyms, and other locations in Vancouver, Victoria, Penticton, Winfield, and Regina. You can read many of this issue’s great stories at AgelessLivingMagazine.ca, including my profile of Kevin Campbell, the first person ever to complete the Tough Mudder while on dialysis.

New article for HealthCastle.com: How to Harvest and Store Winter Squash

squash(HealthCastle.com) It may seem way too early to start thinking about anything to do with winter, but when it comes to your garden, the end of summer marks the beginning of winter activities, from planning for your winter garden to harvesting your winter squash. Like their summertime cousin, zucchini, winter squash plants can be prolific. To make the most of your winter squash harvest, you’ll need to store the squash properly…

Read the rest at HealthCastle.com.

New article for HealthCastle.com: A Healthy Trip Through the Paris Markets

Paris market olives(HealthCastle.com) Ah, Paris. The City of Lights – and croissants. And macarons. And cheese. Paris is well known as a foodie destination, but with so many wonderful foods to try, it can be tempting to overindulge. One great way to sample a number of French treats without going overboard (or blowing your budget) is to eat your way through the city’s many markets. Some markets have food stalls where you can enjoy your meal at a table. At others, you can gather supplies for a picnic-style lunch. If you’ve rented an apartment  in Paris, you can shop the markets for a meal you’ll cook there. No matter what you choose to eat, you’ll be experiencing a little slice of local Paris life while eating some fantastic French food that’s easy on your wallet…

Read the rest at HealthCastle.com.

New article for HealthCastle.com: How to Make Great Edible Gifts From Your Garden’s Bounty

(HealthCastle.com) As summer reaches its peak, home gardens go into overdrive. If your garden produces more than you can use, there are many ways of preserving your harvest for later in the year. But your garden’s bounty can also be transformed into lovely edible gifts to share with friends and family. Homemade gifts may take a little more time and effort than just picking something up at the store – but they are an excellent way of showing your loved ones that you really care, and can save you quite a lot of money, too…

Read the rest on HealthCastle.com.