31 Days and Counting: Finding the Value of Daily Exercise
February 2, 2010
I don’t always make resolutions, but at the beginning of each New Year I do take the time to reflect about the past year of my life and think about what future actions I could take to make my coming years better in some way.
Although we are an active family and I’m committed to exercise and a healthy lifestyle, I decided to stretch myself more this year. On January 1st, I committed to exercising at least 30 minutes per day for the next 365 days. The exercise can be anything that is consistent and sustained for at least 30 minutes - walking, running, yoga, x-country skiing, biking or any other moderate activity. It doesn’t have to be intense, just daily.
I set this goal for a number of reasons, but there is one reason that stands out: The busier life gets, the easier it is to have the things we do to support and maintain our health get further and further down the list of priorities. By setting this goal and committing to it every day (as opposed to a certain number of times per week), getting my 30 minutes in is one of the first things I think about when I wake up. I consciously make time in my schedule to make sure it gets done.
After completing my first 31 days I realize how many days in the past I would have missed an opportunity to get outside, breathe fresh air and move my body and blood. Not because I didn’t have the time, but because I didn’t use my time for this critical part of healthy living. We all have 30 minutes a day to walk, but there are plenty of days when your life gets a hold of you and the day is over before you’ve had a chance to even think about exercising.
I already feel stronger and healthier. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re wondering whether it’s worthwhile, here are a few more benefits:
- You’ll sleep better (and so will your kids if they join you!)
- You’ll reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and almost every other non-congenital condition on the planet
- You’ll improve your mood and stave off seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- You’ll likely notice a change in your body in terms of your body fat and how your clothes fit
- You’ll boost your immune system and reduce your likelihood of colds and flus
If you’re interested in jumping aboard my 365 days of active living, I encourage you to do so - there’s no need to wait until next January. Let’s all do it together. Join the free StoneTree walking club or start your own. Recruit a friend. Buy an iPod and use that 30 minutes to learn a language, listen to books, download a great podcast on active living, or groove to your favorite tune. Or just use the time to disconnect, de-stress and enjoy some solitude.
Only 334 more days to go!
-Tara
H1N1: Frequently Asked Questions
October 30, 2009
It’s been a busy week! H1N1 is top of mind, and based on the emails, phone calls and visits, many of you feel like you’re faced with a difficult choice.
We’ve added an H1N1 FAQ to the website with some of the most common questions we’re fielding here at the office.
If you have a question that’s not listed, feel free to email us at feelbetter@stonetreeclinic.com - we’ll answer the question and add it to the list. You can also use the online contact form.
Remember that prevention is still the best strategy. Our popular immune boosting program is now in full swing. It uses regular high doses of vitamin C intravenously as a natural anti-microbial, and can be a great preventative strategy. It can also be used at first sign of symptoms to stop an illness in its tracks.
Treatments are comfortable and relaxing. For more information, or to schedule your appointment, call us at (705) 444-5331.
If you have concerns about H1N1, read the FAQ’s - there are links to other resources there, too. And of course, as always, if you have questions just contact us. That’s what we’re here for! -Tara
Join Us For an Evening With Dr. David Suzuki
October 21, 2009
On Friday, November 13th, I’ll have the honour of thanking Dr. David Suzuki for his opening keynote at the annual convention of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors in Toronto.
Dr. Suzuki is one of my heroes - this is a big deal for me. But it’s also a big deal for everyone who joins us - as part of his commitment to reducing his carbon footprint, most of Dr. Suzuki’s appearances are via videoconference. This is a rare opportunity to see him in person.
This presentation by Dr. David Suzuki will mark the opening of the OAND annual convention, which focuses this year on the connection between the environment and health. Dr. Suzuki will present his keynote address, “The Challenge of the 21st Century: Setting the Bottom Line”. It’s open to the public, and I thought some of you might be interested.
Ticket Information
Ticket’s are $36.00 +GST. To make things even better, for every ticket sold StoneTree will donate $10 to our local Environment Network to put towards their “Outdoor Classroom”.
Tickets can be purchased in person here at the clinic, or the Collingwood Environment Network. Or you can get them online here. If you’d prefer to buy online, but still want to make sure we make the $10 donation on your behalf, just email us at the clinic or call 705-444-5331 and let us know you bought a ticket and we’ll do our part. It’s the honour system all the way around. 
I hope to see you there!
-Tara
Event Information
An evening with Dr. David Suzuki
brought to you by the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Friday, November 13, 2009
Doors open: 5:30 pm
Dr. David Suzuki: 7:00-9:00 pm
Naturopathic Medicine Marketplace: 5:30-7:30 pm
Toronto Congress Centre
650 Dixon Road
Toronto, ON M9W 1J1
Map and Directions
You’re Invited: Our Open House!
June 15, 2009
Update: Thanks to everyone who joined us at the open house! We had a wonderful evening. If you’d like to try some of the great recipes we offered, you can find them here.
-Tara
Please Join Us…
If you’re curious about how naturopathic medicine works, or are wondering what happens at our Collingwood clinic, then this Thursday, June 18 from 4-7PM is the perfect time to find out. And if you’re already a patient, we’d love to see you!
We’ll be holding our 5th annual open house to celebrate health in our community. It’s become one of our favourite days of the year at the clinic! Bring a friend or family member on Thursday and enjoy:
- Unique natural foods
- Free body composition analyses
- Clinic tours
- Green smoothies
- Fantastic recipes
The entire StoneTree team will be there to chat, answer questions, and enjoy spending time with friends old and new.
I look forward to seeing you!
- Tara
The Details:
Thursday, June 18, 2009 4-7PM StoneTree Clinic - 115 Hurontario Street, Suite 200, Collingwood (map)The Free and Easy Way to Health: The StoneTree Clinic Walking Club
May 6, 2009
One of the greatest challenges to becoming more active is that for many people, fitness can be a lonesome, unappealing idea. To help make it easier, we’re excited to announce that we’ve started our free StoneTree Walking Club. It’s fun, friendly way to add more activity to your life.
We meet Monday through Friday, rain or shine, for a 45-minute walk on the trails and streets of Collingwood, led by one of the StoneTree team. The walks are free, and open to everyone You don’t need to be a patient - bring a friend if you like!
Here are the hours right now, but you’ll want to check the main Walking Club page to make sure they’re current:
Mon: 8 AM
Tue:12 PM
Wed: 5 PM
Thu: 8 AM
Fri: 2 PM
We meet at the clinic in downtown Collingwood. No special skills or equipment required - just dress for the weather.
This is an easy way to get outside and get moving, and having someone to walk with always makes things more enjoyable. I hope to see you there!
-Tara
PS - If walking’s too slow for you, you can try the great Collingwood running clinics offered by Sue Underhill and Dr. Ruth Hitchcock at www.runrunrun.ca. They offer Learn to Run and 10K clinics that make running a lot of fun!
Please Join Us For Our Grand Opening!
June 18, 2008
Mark Your Calendars! We’d be honoured if you could join us for the official Grand Opening of our new clinic this Friday.
Date: Friday, June 20th
Time: Drop in anytime from 3-7PM
Location: StoneTree Clinic
115 Hurontario Street
Suite 200
Collingwood, ON
(705)444-5331
Stop by anytime between 3-7PM for:
- office tours, including our new colon hydrotherapy and IV suites
- some great food and refreshments
- a chance to meet the entire StoneTree team, and ask any questions you may have
- an opportunity to join us in celebrating the start of summer!
We’d love to see you there!
Yours in good health,
Tara Gignac, ND
Colon Hydrotherapy Comes to Collingwood
May 8, 2008
It’s finally here! We’re pleased to announce we’re now offering colon hydrotherapy treatments in our Collingwood naturopathic office. We’re now booking appointments for new and existing patients in our modern hydrotherapy suite.
Colon hydrotherapy (also called colonics, or colon irrigation) is a painless, safe and effective method of removing dried fecal matter and restoring the colon to optimal health and function. It’s one of many treatments used by licensed naturopaths to help:
- restore and/or regulating bowel functions and routines
- reduce the need for laxatives
- reduce toxins built up in the colon
- detoxify the liver and lymphatic system
- prepare for medical procedures that require bowel preparation with laxatives
- enhance the elimination of barium following barium studies
To learn more about how colon hydrotherapy works, visit our colonics page on our website, or call 705-444-5331 to book your appointment.
Travel and International Volunteering: Tara Speaking in Craigleith
March 13, 2008
Tara will be speaking to the Craigleith Probus Club on Mar 25, 2008, where she’ll share images and stories from her naturopathic health care mission to Paraguay, SA. Tara will also be discussing the opportunities for travel that volunteering provides, and offering advice for those interested in international work and travel.
You can learn more about Tara’s book Escape 101 at www.escape-101.com .
Details: March 25th, 2008 - Craigleith Community Centre, 7-9PM
Tara Speaking in Thornbury: Naturopathy, Health and Developing Nations
March 13, 2008
The Arts Advisory Council will be hosting Tara Gignac, ND at the Thornbury Library on May 22.
Tara will be showing photographs and answering questions about her use of naturopathic medicine during her health care mission to Paraguay last year. Drop by for an insightful look at life and health in one of the Western hemsiphere’s most impoverished countries.
- Date: Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 7PM
- Location: L.E. Shore Memorial Library, Thornbury, Ontario (map)
Collingwood Breast Thermography Clinic
March 7, 2008
StoneTree will be hosting its next Breast Thermography clinic on April 21, 2008 in our Collingwood naturopathic clinic office.
Space is limited, so please contact our office at 704-444-5331 to reserve an appointment.
The clinic is held as a public service in our offices. We’re pleased to be able to offer space for the Medical Thermography International, which performs the screening. You can learn more about how breast thermography works at the Medical Thermography International website.
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