Outdoor Therapy for the Whole Family
The healing power of nature isn’t a new idea. Experts date the idea of nature’s healing powers back thousands of years. It can be found across traditional practices and systems, from Indigenous medicines to Ayurvedic, and TCM. Naturopathic doctors recognize nature’s “inherent self-healing process” and take it as one of their six main principles, referred to as the Vis Medicatrix Naturae.1 And even modern e-medical providers mention ecotherapy, or green or nature therapy, as the idea of being in nature to boost growth, healing, and mental health.2
Green therapy isn’t new, but you can always discover new ways to enjoy this health boost.
Originally published in print. Read the article on Ecoparent online.
Foul Weather Fun is Good for your Kids
Rain or shine or snowflakes
Sure, the fall and winter days in the Pacific Northwest are shorter than a toddler’s attention span, but that doesn’t mean your kids should stay inside. Connecting to nature and experiencing the outdoors in all seasons is more vital during this pandemic era than ever before. Here’s why your kids need to go outside and play — rain or shine or snowflakes.
Sweeten the Pot: The Search for Greener Cookware
Why going green will make your next purchase a long-lasting one
BY KATE HAGAN, 09 NOVEMBER, 2020
Like many moms, I am always seeking balance. When it comes to cookware, I try to balance health and safety, impact on the planet, and the overall ease of making a meal. Choosing greener cookware is more than simply avoiding Teflon pans: it’s a choice about avoiding toxins and reducing your footprint while still getting your hands on reliable and usable products. In a market inundated by so many options, not all of them high quality, how do you choose the right cookware for the job that’s also long-lasting, durable, and easier on the planet?
Sweeten the Pot: A Guide to Greener Cookware
Eating the right food is great for our health, but the benefit becomes less if we are exposing ourselves to toxic chemicals from our cookware. Consider cooking organic carrots in a Teflon pan — kinda cancels out the benefit. This article seeks to explore not only the cookware that is good for us, but also that which is good for the environment. Appearing originally in EcoParent in summer of 2020, this cookware guide has been republished with permission at Realize a Healthy California.
Dye-Free, Naturally Green St. Patrick's Day Food Ideas
One of my biggest food pet peeves is artificial food dyes. It’s not just because I’m allergic to them (I am) or that I can get rashes in funny colours as a result (I do) -- but there seems little good reason to eat artificial food colours at all. In my head, it just isn’t food.
And I’m not alone in this thought.
The Health Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry syrup is going viral for its antiviral properties right now, so the question is: does it live up to the hype? The short answer is yes, evidence shows elderberry can help support immunity. In lengthier reply, it’s important to remember that with any botanical remedy or DIY supplement, sourcing and product quality are important. If something is touted as a miracle cure, it probably isn’t. An antiviral remedy will not combat a dangerous bacterial infection, nor will most traditional herbal treatments provide a “quick fix.” But now that you know that elderberry can be a helpful tool in your kit for combating winter cold and flu, how do you use it?
The Ultimate Pre-Cruise Wellness Day in Los Angeles
It’s your vacation after all, and you deserve to have a little fun, but the last thing you want is to start feeling ill afterward. What better way to prepare, than a wellness day in LA?
While a cruise is good for the soul, there’s a chance you may overindulge when on vacation. Buffets will call your name, begging for that extra helping, or you might want to try each different drink with an umbrella as you sit oceanside in the sun. It’s your vacation after all, and you deserve to have a little fun, but the last thing you want is to start feeling ill afterward. What better way to prepare, than a wellness day in LA?
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
Take at Trip to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is well known for its focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man.
Costa Rica is well known for its focused on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man. Thanks to the still-active Arenal Volcano, this region boasts eco-experiences for curios travelers and hot pools galore for those looking for a little relaxation. Visiting Costa Rica on a cruise or on your own is a unique experience for most, so here’s a handy guide to what you need to know about Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano region.
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
How Our Germaphobic Habits Are Actually Making Us Sick
Society and marketers teach us to focus on removing all dirt and microbes, but many health practitioners believe that in avoiding all bacteria, we've gone overboard in practices that damage both our health and our environment.
While proper sanitation and hygiene are vitally important, I had to learn to let go and allow my child to build his immune system by getting dirty. Society and marketers teach us to focus on removing all dirt and microbes, but many health practitioners believe that in avoiding all bacteria, we've gone overboard in practices that damage both our health and our environment.
Why Avid Omnivores Go Meatless for May
Reducing meat consumption benefits health and the environment
Despite our love of eating all the things, for one month a year we choose to give up a food group we love for the health of ourselves and our planet and go meatless for the month of May. Here’s why we do it and how you can too.
Originally published on EcoParent.