Healthwise: Are you treating the symptoms or the cause?

 I once knew a man who complained of chronic headaches. He managed his ailment with multiple daily doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.  After months of suffering, he lamented the state of his health over lunch.  We questioned the fellow and came to identify the fact that he never drank water.

Healthwise: Living with anxiety and depression

 I am honoured to be welcomed as the new Accredited Health Blogger for Ottawa Life Magazine. For my first post as such, I have decided to explore an illness that affects a significant number of adults: anxiety and depression. Because of this particular time of year, and given the recent

Pia Ashley Rocks the Ottawa Music Scene

 If you have not yet heard of Pia Ashley, you soon will because this local singer/songwriter is rocking the Ottawa music scene. Pia began writing and singing at 12 years old and became completely hooked once she got her first guitar at 16. Now 28, she has performed at The

Prepare for Spring with Total Cleanse

 Ottawa residents have been enjoying unseasonably warm weather these days and, given the welcomed change, many are starting to think of spring and even summer. Gradually, these thoughts of summer lead to a renewed focus on healthy eating and physical fitness. It’s time to get active, wipe the proverbial dietary

Last Weekend to Experience Winterlude in Ottawa

 A winter highlight in the capital region since 1979, Winterlude offers adults and children alike the opportunity to embrace the carnival benefits of living in a snow (and ice) covered landscape. If you have not taken part in Ottawa’s Winterlude activities in 2012, this weekend is your last chance. Outdoor

Yoga: On and Off the Mat

 Yoga is a discipline that has existed for millennia in India, and more recently has become popular in North America. While many people are initially drawn to the practice in search of a ‘yoga butt’, they commit to the practice once they experience physical and mental well-being. The traditional system

A Dragon’s Persuasion: Book Review

 Back in November, Arlene Dickinson was in Ottawa to launch her new book, Persuasion: A New Approach to Changing Minds. Although I unfortunately missed the book signing event, I did rush out to buy a copy and devoured each page. A mother of four who values family above all else,

Local painter, Zach Flaman, talks about inspiration, style and art in Ottawa

 Ottawa, despite some rumours about its less-than-vibrant cultural scene, has a healthy art & entertainment community, offering world-class music, theatre, dance and visual art. More specifically in terms of visual art, Ottawa is home to the National Gallery of Canada, the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Ottawa Art Association, Art in

Urban VS Suburban Life in Ottawa

 Before children, I lived in Vanier and loved it. Despite my former neighbourhood being reputed as a rougher one in Ottawa, I enjoyed being close to the center of town without the expense of living in one of the more coveted neighbourhoods. But, as many couples do, once I was