Inside The Polished Apple

Thank you to Dr Robert Clarke, Network Spinal Chiropractor at Elan Family Wellness Centre in Bowness, NW Calgary, for these words about Nourish-our theme for the month!  Nourishment comes in many forms. Of course what we eat and drink play a big role, but it's also the air we breathe, the people we socialize with, our thoughts and the information that fuels our brains altogether that nourish us. Food – there is so much information on how we should eat, recently the Canada food guide came out with its latest recommendations. It is by no means ideal, yet it does highlight a few things that are good to pay attention to. Fruits and Vegetables should be a primary cornerstone of our meals. Drink more water, it should be our drink of choice. There is nothing wrong with having a cup of tea or coffee, but make sure it doesn’t replace your water consumption. Another recommendation I endorse is, turn off your screens and eat with friends or family. Not only does this create...

Travel offers such an amazing opportunity to learn about lifestyles in other countries. Our family had a wonderful holiday in Paris this past April, and we were impressed by the art, architecture, food, and people. Like a souvenir, it's fun to consider what daily traits we can bring home to our own life. As part of Elan Family Wellness Centre's theme of #mindfulnessmay, here are a few tips to ponder: 5 Health Tips I Learned in Paris Take the stairs - Whether it's 3 flights down in the Metro to catch a train, or 2 flights up to your apartment, be prepared for both stairs and walking to keep you in shape. In a dense city where driving and parking a car looks nearly impossible, walking is key. Here in Calgary, there's not as much choice for getting your daily exercise, but is there a way to bring more walking or exercise into your routine in our spread out, commuter-friendly North American city? Keep the fat -Yes, France is know for their buttery croiss...

Elan's theme for January is Fresh!  Here's are some thoughts from Scott on this subject.   As we begin our journey through 2014, we start a new year with the theme of Fresh. Like opening a new book for the first time, this year will unfold in many ways, and with luck and planning, unlike the roller coaster of 2013. Today I want to talk about Fresh in a way that I keep coming back to in my mind. But first, let me paint a picture. It's Rome, 2010 in the fall. The weather is calm and muggy at a comfortable 24C. We wake from a dead sleep into our first jet laggy day in Italy and set off to find food. We are staying in an apartment with a full kitchen but no food other than a bottle of red wine. We are in the old section of Rome. The heart of Rome. Where Rome began. Narrow streets, plazas and courtyards. Cafes and Gelato shops every 15ft. We have been told that a local market is on until 1pm every day in the plaza just around the corner. Local butchers, farmer's markets, b...

Our family culture shifts every time we do the drive from Salmon Arm to Calgary- from one home to another.  This time we were freshly arrived from LA and Disney.  Or not so fresh as we didn't clear the airport until past midnight and had 2 drives ahead.  Every drive turns into a life evaluation-great way to end a holiday!  Disney is amazing and as we were reminiscing on our drive, the most amazing part is the absolute solid culture that THEY have created-the intense experience of everything-sight, sound, smell, feel, taste, the consuming, the needing, the wanting.  The hordes dressed in Disney clothes, as mickey or Minnie, as princesses...  And not to worry, we were right there at the princess lunch with our little princess and loving every ride, every character, every show and parade.   But any discussion about Disney culture and their business model seems to lead right into a discussion of our own family and office culture.  And where are we...