Your Content Goes Here At this time of the year, if you want to be outdoors, it is pretty hard to avoid sun exposure, and who doesn’t want to be outside enjoying the bright sun during the precious summer months in Ontario? Whether it is sitting by a pool, hiking, biking, camping, visiting a cottage or playing on the beach, there is so much fun to be had in the sun! But does the threat of skin cancer have you wondering how much time you should be enjoying in the sun? What’s the answer? It isn’t an easy answer. Sun exposure is necessary each and every day to allow for optimal Vitamin D levels. If we do suffer skin damage from a sun burn, we need Vitamin D to aid in skin repair. Skin that doesn’t fully repair itself can open up the potential for skin cancer in the future. Over exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can promote skin cancer so caution does need to be taken. What about sunscreen? Many sunscreens contain carcinogenic ingredients so lathering yourself up with sunscreen everyday isn’t the answer either. When purchasing sunscreen, get to know your ingredients as some sunscreens are definitely better for you, as well as the environment, than others. It is also important to note whether your sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB sun rays. If you are out when UV rays are high or for long periods, you will need sunscreen to avoid a burn but you may want to also look at alternative ways to avoid too much sun exposure. When it comes to Vitamin D from the sun, sunscreen blocks UVB rays which initiates Vitamin D synthesis so overuse could lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Have I got you confused on how much time we should be out in the sun? Remember sun exposure is good, your body needs it and it will make you feel good. But also remember too much sun and sun burns can be harmful with long-lasting effects. Ever visit the beach first thing in the morning or closer to suppertime? Maybe not always ideal but these are great times to spend lots of time by the water without the threat of a sunburn, while getting enough sun exposure to keep your Vitamin D levels up. I personally find it a nice, peaceful time of the day to take in and enjoy your surroundings. Want to be out and about in the sun during the middle of the day?  Those are the times you do need sunscreen and having some type of shelter to get a break from the sun is important as well. If possible take breaks from the heat and sun to give your body and skin a break from harmful UV rays. Consider the use of wide brimmed hats and SPF clothing/ bathing suits for protection without the added chemicals of sunscreen. Final Thoughts: We need daily sun exposure but try [...]

Your Content Goes Here Ever wonder what impact food and nutrition might have on ADHD? What someone is or isn’t eating and their overall diet can have huge impacts on the daily management of symptoms. From supporting the brain, blood sugar control, energy levels and the ever important gut; food and good eating habits can be a great way to provide symptom management. Considering dietary intervention soon after diagnosis can be a powerful step toward symptom management. In most cases there is a strong gut connection to ADHD and the sooner healing begins in the gut, the more profound impact it can have on symptoms as the individual grows and changes. If dietary intervention hasn’t started early and undesirable eating habits are already in place, a caregiver may worry that these habits can’t be changed or will have a negative impact. The types of food, the texture of food, the look of food and taste all need to be considered. It is true that it may be more challenging to change eating habits already in place but there are small changes we can look at and begin with, that can have huge impacts on day to day life. Food, nutrition, the gut and the brain are closely connected so all must be considered when supporting someone with ADHD. Although specific symptoms of ADHD can be similar from person to person, each individual may react differently to certain foods. There may be allergies or sensitivities towards certain foods that can aggravate symptoms. It is important to work out a plan that focuses on each individual, their age, lifestyle as well as personal likes and dislikes. With these things in mind, we can look at steps that can be taken to modify diet and/or eating habits to provide symptom management. When creating an eating/dietary plan for ADHD, we will look at foods to include and what should be avoided. While creating this plan, we will consider what types of nutrients may be needed in greater amounts and the foods, etc that can provide these. Each plan is made up on an individual basis to account for the individual’s current diet, and how we can slowly incorporate or delete certain foods that can support the health of the brain and the gut to optimize symptom management. Speak with Tammy today to get a plan started to utilize food and diet to minimize symptoms and support individuals with ADHD.

Your Content Goes Here Plan ahead: When you are camping, visiting a cottage, or day-tripping; having to prepare good meals seems like a lot of work. Plan ahead for what meals you are going to have and consider preparing and freezing what you can make ahead of time. Nothing nicer than getting back from the beach, opening the cooler and just having to heat up a nutritious meal with minimal prep. Added bonus if you are camping: frozen meals will stay fresh longer as well.  Be okay with eating out of the ordinary: Going along with number one, easy is best when vacationing. Depending on what you are doing, you may not have access to all your regular appliances or ingredients. Usually have a smoothie for breakfast? Enjoy yogurt with berries topped with seeds, nuts or flaked coconut. Or pack some canned coconut and soak with chia seeds for some chia pudding that you can add all kinds of toppings to. Or have something totally different - it is okay to eat out of your routine once in a while and you may even try a new favourite. Different doesn’t have to be a less healthy alternative, it may just be an adaptation of what you usually have. Pack fuel and not just for your campfire: If you are like our family, relaxation is at the top of our list when vacationing but getting fresh air and exercise is as well. Naturally when you are out in nature you are going to move more so be prepared. Have snacks with you like fresh fruit or trail mix so when that hunger strikes you don’t reach for the wrong things or end up with blood sugar imbalance. When we exercise, our body needs extra fuel as we burn those calories and to help sustain or build muscle. Rosemary to the rescue: Easy meals when on vacation often come off the bbq. Consider marinading or sprinkling rosemary on your grilled meat and vegetables to combat any carcinogenic affect grilling can have on your food. Always cook slow and low for optimal flavour and to avoid charring your meat. It is ok to cheat here and there on vacation (or in daily life): Being on vacation often means treats and snacking and that is ok. It also doesn’t mean you have to throw out all the rules so that you feel unwell or less energetic. But don’t be hard on yourself. It is ok if you have a little extra of this or that treat you only reserve for special occasions. It is great if you have a healthy eating routine you follow daily but it is also ok to take a small detour from it here and there. Small detours allow you to get right back on track, however taking your eating in the opposite direction can have you headed in a direction you didn’t want to go - even on vacation, moderation is key! For more [...]

Your Content Goes Here In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the role of footwear in our overall health. But as chiropractors, we often see the ripple effects of poor shoe choices manifest far beyond the feet. Back pain, knee discomfort, hip misalignment, and even headaches can sometimes trace their roots down to the soles of your shoes. Here’s why wearing proper footwear matters, and how it can be a step toward long-term musculoskeletal health. The Foot-Spine Connection Your feet are the foundation of your body. Each step you take sends forces through your ankles, knees, hips, and spine. If your feet aren’t properly supported, the rest of your body compensates, often in unhealthy ways. Over time, this can lead to: Joint stress and misalignment Altered gait mechanics Chronic low back pain Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs Even something as simple as standing for long hours in unsupportive shoes can fatigue your muscles and affect posture, leading to pain that creeps up to your other joints. What Chiropractors Look For in Footwear As chiropractors, we recommend evaluating footwear with the same attention you’d give to choosing a mattress or ergonomic chair. Here are the essentials: 1. Arch Support Proper arch support helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot and prevents excessive pronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward). Both extremes can affect knee alignment and spinal posture. 2. Cushioning Shock absorption is key, especially if you're walking or standing on hard surfaces all day. Good cushioning helps reduce the stress transmitted to your knees and lower back. 3. Heel Stability A firm heel counter (the part that wraps around the back of your foot) helps keep your foot aligned and minimizes ankle rolling. 4. Toe Box Width Your toes should have room to splay naturally. Narrow shoes can cause bunions, hammertoes, and affect your gait mechanics over time. 5. Sole Flexibility The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot — not in the arch or heel. This encourages a more natural walking motion and protects the foot’s structural integrity. Signs Your Shoes May Be Harming You You don’t have to wait for foot pain to appear to suspect your shoes aren’t doing you any favors. Some subtle signs include: Uneven shoe wear patterns Frequent lower back tightness Sore knees after walking Numbness or tingling in the feet Difficulty standing comfortably for more than 30 minutes If you're experiencing any of these, it's time to re-evaluate your footwear and consider a chiropractic assessment to identify any structural issues early on. Your Next Steps Proper footwear isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation for spinal health. Here are a few quick tips: Get your gait assessed by a chiropractor or podiatrist. Replace shoes regularly — worn-out soles lose their support. Avoid high heels and unsupportive flats for long periods. Use activity-specific shoes (e.g., running shoes for running, hiking boots for trails). Remember: the right pair of shoes won’t just make your feet feel good — [...]

Your Content Goes Here Summer in Ontario - my favourite time of the year! Welcome summer and welcome sunshine! Although we need to be careful with how much time we spend in the sun, getting twenty minutes here and there of sun exposure can provide us with the Vitamin D we need for optimal energy and can even make us feel uplifted and peaceful all at the same time. Early morning or late day are great times of the day to take in the sun with little worry about sun burns or overheating unless it is a really hot day. (When it is hot, smaller doses might be better and don’t forget to hydrate!) With the sun also shining on our gardens and farmers’ fields, summer in Ontario also gives us an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit. Stay informed of what is ready at what times. Every week, you can be enjoying a different type of nutrient dense vegetables or fruit that is newly in season. Farmer markets are a great way to take advantage of fresh produce. Ask questions, find out where the produce is grown and if it is grown organically etc. Ensure what you are buying is locally grown, supporting farmers all around us. Fruits and vegetables on the top of my list: Asparagus: One of the first veg ready in the spring - the season only lasts about 4-6 weeks so don’t miss out - I enjoy it at least twice a week while it is in season. Asparagus is full of nutrition: source of antioxidants, liver cleansing and a great source of prebiotic fibre to support gut health. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries: They are ready one after another so you have a few weeks to enjoy each at their best. These berries are a low glycemic fruit (breaks down to sugar slower than other fruit) and full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. (Not to mention they taste great!!) Greens, greens and more greens: Summer is the best time of the year to make salads. Don’t limit yourself to one or two types of lettuce - include dandelion, arugula, endive, and all the lettuce varieties out there. Swiss chard, collard greens, beet greens - all can add a bit of different flavour to your salad, with different types of vitamins and minerals. Pair your salad with other colourful vegetables as well as an olive oil and vinegar salad dressing which will help you absorb all the goodness these leaves have to offer. Cherries: Another great fruit choice. These are high in fibre and can also help you have a good night’s sleep. Onions of all kinds: Yellow ones, red ones, long green ones, chives, white ones - not only do they add a ton of flavour but also help your liver do its job and helps to keep your gut happy. Add them to salads, casseroles, soups, or topped on a burger. Garlic: Garlic cloves or garlic scapes add so much [...]

Your Content Goes Here What is ADHD and how does anxiety factor in? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Anxiety is a natural emotion that embodies feelings of worry, nervousness or fear. Anxiety becomes disordered when it manifests itself into thoughts, physical responses, and behaviours that are maladaptive. We often hear from parents that their child who experiences anxiety is now being identified at school as possibly having ADHD, which can come as a shock to them. However, this actually makes sense and is quite common as ADHD and anxiety have some overlapping characteristics. Some of these overlapping characteristics include: Inattention, Trouble focussing, Emotional instability, Low self-esteem, Outbursts, Overstimulation, Problems with social skills. How we understand these as signs of ADHD or as signs of anxiety depends on the lens we are seeing them through, some questions to ask are: Is this a struggle of the brain or is this an emotional response? Is it hard for your child to focus because they have a hard time paying attention in general or are they experiencing racing thoughts? Are they overstimulated from the need to move around or from experiencing overwhelming and intense feelings? Are they having trouble with friends because of their behaviours or because they have isolated themselves due to excessive worry? Understanding the reasons behind the behaviour is key to determining if your child has a possible diagnosis of ADHD, anxiety, or both. A psychological assessment or appointment with your doctor can determine the diagnosis and next steps to best support your child. If you are interested in learning more about how our team can support diagnosis and provide mental health support call us at 519.302.2300 or email reception@brantmentalhealth.com To watch a video from one of our social workers about ADHD, head to this facebook link https://www.facebook.com/BrantMentalHealthSolutions/videos/283035674648877

Your Content Goes Here Hydration is important at any time of the year but especially as the weather warms up. As we get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and start to sweat more, our need for fluid intake increases. Since our bodies are up to 70 percent water, it is no wonder all parts of our body functions more optimally when we are hydrated. Feeling thirsty? This means dehydration has already set in and we have lost at least ten percent of our body’s water content. Have a headache along with being thirsty? This is your body’s way of telling you to re-hydrate and now! What’s the best way to consume water during the day? Drink before you are thirsty. Don’t gulp water or drink large amounts at once. This overwhelms your system and most of the fluid will get eliminated. Drink slowly and steadily. Drinking small amounts of water on a continuous basis will help you rehydrate and stay hydrated. Are all beverages hydrating? If you are looking to hydrate, avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages. Beverages with added sugars are also ones to avoid as they will make you even more dehydrated. Find it hard to just drink water? Water with lemon is a great hydrating beverage. Other hydrating options are:  Water with either lime, cucumber, or a bit of cranberry juice. (Your kidneys thrive on hydration as well as cranberries). Additional hydration can be achieved by eating vegetables like celery, cucumber or peppers as well as juicy fruits. Herbal teas are another great way to hydrate. Peppermint tea, nettle tea, rooibos teas, and fruit teas can be hydrating, especially when paired with lemon. These are great to drink as iced teas in the summer months as well. Coconut water is another great drink to hydrate with. Don’t like the taste? Add it into your iced tea beverage with some citrus or cranberry to give it a lovely taste. Playing sports? Do not rely on commercial electrolyte drinks that are packed with added sugar, colours and additives. Either make your own with coconut water or look for natural electrolyte mixes that will help restore the mineral balance that helps you maintain hydration. Final Thoughts: Not only does hydration help with energy levels and overall wellness, your body’s many systems depend on it. When you are constantly dehydrated, even minimally, strain is placed on all your organs, especially your kidneys. Dehydration can even play a role in blood pressure, gut health and liver detoxification. There are a lot of things we can do to make our body function efficiently and hydration is right at the top of the list. To learn more on how you can enhance your nutrition and self care, book a 15 minute free consultation with Tammy today.

Your Content Goes Here THE PROCESS:  Intake call with our admin team: At either Pathways To Hope or Brant Mental Health Solutions our admin team is trained to take you through some screening questions which help us to place you with the right speech team at our office. We do currently have a waitlist, but we have hired an additional Speech Thrapist and Communicative Disorders Assistant to help us get through our waitlist quicker. Initial visit and assessment: The SLP will complete an in-person or virtual assessment based on the information collected during your intake call. Our approach to assessment ensures we take the time to understand your child’s needs and adapt our service delivery to meet their individual engagement and interaction style. Assessment can include some or all of the following: Case History Parent Interview Communication Concerns Informal Observation Behavioural Observation Formal Standardized Assessments Obtaining a language sample Oral Motor Examination Discussion of results and recommendations We encourage families to bring any previous Speech-Language Pathology assessment/discharge reports, or other relevant service provider documentation (e.g., Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, etc). To ensure true patient-centered care, our clinicians believe in the importance of collaboration with other service providers to ensure continuity of service both within and across disciplines. Intervention: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) are regulated and licensed healthcare professionals with the College of Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). SLPs support the identification, education, assessment and intervention of both communication and/or feeding swallowing disorders in both children and adults. WHAT AREAS DO WE TREAT? Receptive Language: Difficulty understanding or processing language. Expressive Language: Difficulty putting words together, having a limited vocabulary, or being unable to use language in a socially appropriate way. Articulation (Speech Sound Production): Difficulty making sounds or saying words incorrectly to the point that listeners can’t understand what’s being said. Oral Motor Concerns: Difficulty with moving and/or coordinating the lips, tongue, jaw and other oral motor muscles required for speech production. Voice & Resonance: Difficulties with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice. Social Communication & Play: Difficulties using verbal and non-verbal language for a variety of reasons or using language to build relationships. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication concerns are one aspect of autism spectrum disorder, which can include difficulties with social skills and language. Individuals with Autism may have difficulty understanding and using words, learning to read or write, or engaging in communication exchanges. Literacy: Difficulties with phonological awareness, reading and/or writing. Feeding & Swallowing: Difficulties with chewing and swallowing, coughing, gagging, texture sensitivity, and/or refusing foods. If intervention is recommended, the SLP will design and implement various activities to target your child’s communication goals. Activities will range from low to highly structured depending on the clients’ interests and communication/learning profile. Caregiver involvement is an important component of intervention to promote and help parents feel confident supporting their child’s speech and language progress at home. The SLP will provide take-home activities that the caregiver can use to support the ongoing development [...]

Your Content Goes Here What Is A Concussion? A concussion is a trauma to the brain as a result of direct (blow to the head) or indirect (whiplash) force to the brain.  The brain sits inside of our skull, surrounded by fluid that is designed to give it space to move ever so slightly. When a force impacts the head or causes it to move in a certain direction rapidly, the brain can “slosh” inside the skull and bump into the hard bone.  This is the trauma that the brain can experience that causes a concussion.  Think of it like a bruise to the brain. In the immediate aftermath of a concussion, blood flow to the brain declines, preventing important energy molecules in the form of glucose from reaching your brain.  This creates an energy crisis in the brain which is why fatigue is a primary symptom people experience following an impact. If you, or your family are involved in sports, it is very likely that you know someone who has suffered from a concussion. Where Else Can A Concussion Occur? When we think of concussions, we often think of them happening in sports, but there are other places a concussion can occur Car Accidents Slips/Falls Work related injuries We all know that a concussion is not a good thing and we try to make sports and work as safe as possible to prevent these or other types of injuries.  But sometimes it can still happen and it is always best to know what to do if you or someone you know has suffered a concussion. What To Do If You Think You Have A Concussion? If you or someone you know has a suspected concussion, it is important to give them immediate medical attention so that more severe consequences of brain injuries can be ruled out. It is also important to stop play or work until you can receive medical attention, as another impact to the brain immediately following the first, can be detrimental. In certain cases, bleeds can develop in the brain, leading to much more severe problems.  This can be ruled out by a trained professional, and may require a head scan at the hospital. Typically it is recommended that immediately after a concussion, the person should rest, stop all screen use and lie down in a dark room.  While these things can be important, some light cardio activity can actually help with recovery. It is still important to stop any activity that could involve the risk of second impact, but light activity as tolerated is good to incorporate into a recovery program. It is important to see a qualified professional for specific advice, as each person and their experience with concussion will be unique.  Some are able to resume activities sooner, while others may need longer, depending on the severity of the impact. After seeing your family doctor, or a physician in an emergency room, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist should be [...]

Your Content Goes Here In behaviour therapy at our office, we most commonly offer a 1:1 format (one child with one instructor). When appropriate (e.g. social skills focus), we may also offer a small group session (2 or more children with one instructor). Session Structure:  Sessions might be: Play-based and child-led, meaning we try to find what the child is interested in and imbed goals into play. Structured, where learning is often completed at the table (e.g. working on academic goals). Sessions may look like a mix of the two and will be individualized based on your child’s needs. Regardless of the format, our goal is to ensure your child feels safe, relaxed and happy throughout the session, where they want to participate. Areas we can work on: Language and communication: involves understanding using language and non-verbal cues. Examples of areas of focus: expanding vocal communication (requesting, labelling, conversation), picture exchange communication system (PECS), responding to instructions, visual performance (puzzles, sorting, etc.) Social behaviour and play: this includes skills necessary for participating in social situations, activities and interactions with others. Examples of areas of focus: turn taking, tolerating others’ choices, waiting (delayed gratification), interactive play, making friendships) Group Instruction: Involves sitting appropriately, attending to the teacher and others, following instructions, taking turns, raising hand, and learning new skills. School Readiness: The pre-requisite skills required to be successful in the school setting such as activities of daily living, following routines, and independent work. Activities of Daily Living: Involves completion of daily tasks and routines, such as getting dressed, toileting, tying shoes, brushing hair and teeth, etc. Decreasing challenging behaviour: involves decreasing behaviour that is harmful or unsafe to the client or others. For example, we will not target stimming unless it is harming the client/others. An example of behaviour we might target for decrease might include hitting others or insulting others. We will usually do this by teaching a new skill so the client doesn’t have the need to engage in harmful behaviour any longer. Diet Expansion: we may be able to help your child with expanding their repertoire of foods eaten (medical reasons needs to ruled out first). Self-Advocacy and Safety: including advocating for what one needs and wants, understanding social boundaries, internet safety, road safety, etc. At Pathways To Hope we have two Registered Behaviour Analysts and two Supervised Behaviour Therapists. All of our behavioural team practice from a trauma informed perspective and work to make sure that behavioural sessions are fun and engaging. For more information or to join our waitlist, contact us at 519.302.2300 or email pathwaystohopebrant@gmail.com.