Blog

We're back with more wellness mocktails!

Welcome to our Wellness Wisdom Series!

What is Collagen and How Can It Benefit You?

A few years ago we posted a blog on 'Why Organic Matters', discussing what organic means, why we primarily carry Certified Organic produce in our stores, why it can cost more, and the dangers of pesticides found on traditional produce. You can read it here. And while everything in that blog post still rings true to us, we wanted to give a refresher and an update on why choosing Certified Organic is so important - especially with it being Organic Month. And, the body of research and information around organic farming continues to grow each year. So, let's get into it! Let's recap the meaning of organic. Pro-Cert, one of the top organic certification agencies has this to say about organic: “Organic is a claim referring to methods of agricultural production and food processing that minimizes disruption of the natural environment and encourages the health and vitality of the soil, promotes humane animal management and preserves ecological integrity.” Organic standards are extremely stringent, and must be followed in order to earn certification. There are 4 general principles: Principle of Health: Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the planet as one and indivisible. Principle of Ecology: Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. Principle of Care: Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment. Principle of fairness: Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities. Organic regulations include, but are not limited to: • No synthetic pesticides • No synthetic preservatives • No chemical fertilizers • No hormones or antibiotics • No genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) • Humane treatment of animals • Preservation of ecological integrity such as nutrients in soil and protection of wildlife Organic farms are inspected annually to ensure these practices are being upheld. The Big Question: Do Pesticides Really Harm Your Health? The short answer is, yes. There is a growing body of research and evidence that continues to show the harmful effects that pesticides can have on our health. When we say 'pesticides' we include under this umbrella synthetic (chemical) fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and disinfectants. Let's take a deeper look: Elevated Risk of Cancer: According to the PAN (Pesticide Action Network), many pesticides are known or probably carcinogens. Children are especially at risk of developing cancer from pesticide exposure and childhood cancer rates continue to rise. A 2020 study found an elevated risk of cancer (leukemia) in children who's mothers were exposed to pesticides during pregnancy. Farmers and farm workers are more exposed to pesticides than the general population, experiencing high rates of prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and skin cancer. Disrupted Hormones: Many pesticides are known endocrine disruptors , meaning they interfere with the body's hormones and lead to further health issues related to growth, fertility, metabolism, and more. The Endocrine Society (the largest international group of scientists and doctors working in endocrinology) lists many pesticides including PCBs, dioxins, DDT, arsenic, perfluorinated compounds, chlorpyrifos, vinclozolin, and more as endocrine disruptors. They note that exposure to these chemicals can come through oral consumption of contaminated food or water, pesticide residue in food or beverages, contaminated ground water and soil, and pesticides used in agriculture. Endocrine disruptors can cause reproductive issues in men and women, neurological issues in children and adults, and metabolic and thyroid problems. Children's Health: The most concerning impact that pesticides can have is on our children. Because infants' and childrens' immune, nervous, and endocrine systems are still developing, they are at higher risk of experiencing the harmful effects of pesticides. The threat to children's health have been known as early as 30 years ago, when a landmark study was published by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. Even low levels of pesticide exposure can negatively impact the neurological and behavioural development of children due to their effect on neurotransmitters. A 2014 review found a link between pesticides and neonatal reflexes, psychomotor and mental development, and ADHD. Additional Studies: Parkinson's Disease - A 2017 study found a connection between pesticides and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Alzheimer's Disease - A meta-analysis of 7 studies found that pesticide exposure may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Baby Food - A 2023 EWG study found that 38% of traditional baby food samples contained pesticides, compared to 0% in Organic samples. Moreover, not only do synthetic pesticides stick to soft skins of fruits and vegetables, but they are taken up by the plan't root system and seep into the produce's flesh - which cannot be washed off. In 2024, An Environmental Working Group study (from FDA and Department of Agriculture data of 47,510 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables) found that 75% of all conventional fresh produce sampled had residues of potentially harmful pesticides. And in the Dirty Dozen? 95%.

What is a Routine Reset? A Routine Reset is a reset of your regular routine to try and find which habits and activities will help you thrive and which ones will not. We all have times where we feel tired and exhausted no matter what you do. If nothing else is working, you might want to try a routine reset. This can give you a comfortable place to to recover and regain your rhythms quickly, no matter what life seems to be throwing at you. Why Reset Your Routine? Life is going to be unpredictable, no matter what. Because of this, our routines can become outdated, exhausting or no longer fit our needs. By doing a routine reset, we can combat stress and anxiety, boost productivity, improve sleep quality and prioritize self-care. It's an opportunity to re-evaluate your life and decide what you need to do to be re-aligned. 10 Ideas For A New Routine 1. Exercise Exercise can be a great addition to any new routine. Along with obviously being great for your physical health, exercise can also help you mentally too. It improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood while boosting self-esteem and cognitive function. 2. A Strict Sleep Schedule Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. A good sleep is needed to have a high-functioning mind and body. Creating a strict sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every night/day can can lower stress levels, better mood and even help maintain a healthy weight. It is also beneficial to avoid phone or TV screens at least one hour before bed time. 3. Make Time For Creativity Creativity may be low on your list of priorities if you're crunched for time, but it is always important to take some time for yourself and express yourself creatively. Do something you love, whether that's reading a book, writing in a journal, painting or learning a new musical instrument, creativity helps you manage stress, boost your mood, and even improve cognitive function. 4. Connect with the Community Most people would actually be surprised at how many different events and activities are going on in their town. By doing some research on social media or other websites, you can find a wide variety of happenings going on around you that are usually cheap or don't cost much money. Websites that give community info: thekawarthas.ca/events/ eventbrite.ca/d/canada--peterborough--14363/events--this-weekend/ https://allevents.in/peterborough-ca/this-weekend 5. Put a Time Limit on Social Media Social Media is a great tool for connecting with friends, family and our community. However, too much of it can have negative effects. Giving yourself time to step away from social media can lead to a reduction in feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. You don't have to delete all your profiles, there are many apps and features within many smart phones that allow you to put a time limit on social media sites so you're not tempted to look. 6. Meditate If meditation isn't something you practice, it might be time to get it into your schedule. Various scientific studies have proven that meditation can help with stress and anxiety. It doesn't take long, if you cut out about 10 minutes each day to practice meditation, you will almost certainly feel more relaxed. 7. Try New Recipes There is always something new to try and cook, so a great addition to your new routine might be to try a new recipe every single week. Be creative and daring, try something you wouldn't normally eat and see if you can elevate your palate a little bit. If you're not sure where to find recipes, you can visit our page here where we post all sorts of delicious and nutritious recipes. 8. Hydration Goals Another great addition to your new routine could be to set hydration goals. A common recommendation is to drink six to eight glasses of water every day, however, some adults may need more or less, it depends on how healthy you are. Either way, hydration goals are a great way to keep track of your daily water intake. Just setting a goal can be motivating and make you more likely to make positive changes that last. 9. Re-Organize Before you start your routine reset, it could be a good idea to re-organize your space to help transition into your fresh new start. When you can’t change the environment you are in, you can change how it looks. Try moving things around in your room, move your bed to a different space or change the place where your dresser stands. The possibilities are endless and there's nothing wrong with changing things up once in a while. 10. Shop Local It may be easy and convenient to shop at big brand name stores, but local businesses are the heart and soul of our community. The money you spend at these businesses goes to families in your region instead of corporate executives and shareholders. During your routine reset, it might be helpful to consider shopping local more often. We have some amazing businesses in the Peterborough/Lindsay area and you owe it to yourself to indulge in these fine establishments. Conclusion A Routine Reset can help with a myriad of stress-related problems and can be achieved by making small adjustments to your daily schedule. It's important to remember that our bodies are always changing, therefore, we need to change our habits so we can thrive. Take some time out of your day today to write down your schedule and usual habits and then try to analyze and see where you can improve. For any questions or inquiries, you can always speak to a member of our staff at any of our stores to learn more about daily health and nutrition needs.

Back to School is coming up quickly! We're sure you have so much shopping to do and things to get ready before the big day. Thankfully, we've got you covered at Jo Anne's Place for all the healthy snacks and food you need for your kids' lunches. Let's dive in to all the products that will make a perfect addition to a lunch bag. Granola/Protein Bars

Healthy & Simple Lunchbox Fillers!

Self-care is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. When you hear it, you probably think about bubble baths and spa days. And while those are wonderful too, self-care is about much more. It's a holistic practice that nurtures every part of our being - from the inside, out. The International Self-Care Foundation lays out 7 Pillars of Self-Care so foster overall health. Let's explore them together! Pillar 1: Knowledge & Health Literacy Pillar 1 focuses on education. Understanding health information and having strong health literacy skills allows you to make informed decisions about your health choices and habits. People with strong health literacy skills enjoy better health and wellbeing, while those with weaker skills are prone to engage in riskier behaviours that can damage their health. This can range from simple things, like doing your research on health diagnoses, self-care practices, nutritional information, exercise practices, etc. It also includes distinguishing 'good' information from 'bad', healthy choices from unhealthy. Knowing credible sources to find health information is crucial. Healthline , PubMed , Environmental Working Group, and the National Centre for Biotechnology Information are all sources with articles backed by research and reviewed by medical and scientific professionals. Our Health Tips page is full of articles on various health concerns, herbs, supplements, diets, exercises, and more. They are based on our almost 50 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Our Wellness On Purpose Program and Podcast are great sources of wellness information. The Program is FREE, online, self-paced, and led by Nutritionist, Marissa Laughlin - covering Nutrition, Stress, and Sleep featuring other leaders in the wellness space like Kinesiologists, Massage Therapists, and Yoga Instructors. The Wellness on Purpose Podcast has been airing since 2019 and has tons of amazing episodes discussing aspects of health and wellness such as digestion, mental health, fertility, nutrition, and more featuring brand and industry leaders, doctors, and nutritionists!

A Common Disorder Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems. It is estimated that one in 10 Canadians is affected by them. While anti-anxiety medication are necessary for some, they may also come with side-effects and can be habit-forming. Natural herbs are a great place to start in easing the anxiety you may be facing - they are healthy and clinically proven to be effective. Some people also find herbal remedies to be effective alongside pharmaceuticals. Just be sure to check with your pharmacist about any possible interactions. 1. Kava Kava Medical studies suggest that Kava, providing 210 mg of kavalactones is as effective as the benzodiazepines you may find in typical anti-anxiety medications. The first long-term study investigating the effects of kava extract in people with anxiety was published in 1997. Compared to a placebo, it significantly decreased the severity of participants’ anxiety. The researchers also noted no side effects related to withdrawal or dependency. Some may be concerned about kava's affect on the liver, however, several analyses of studies on the topic have found no evidence of liver damage in people who have taken these supplements in the short term, or about 1 to 24 weeks Therefore, people without liver injuries and those who are not taking medications that affect the liver may be able to use kava safely in appropriate doses for about 1 to 2 months. * Source

July is National Independent Retailer Month.

We have had some questions lately from customers about Magnesium Stearate. What is it? Where does it come from? Why and where is it used? And most importantly, is it safe? Let's dive in. What is Magnesium Stearate? Magnesium Stearate is a simple salt made of two common nutritional substances: magnesium (mineral) and stearic acid (a kind of saturated fat). The two are bound together to create magnesium stearate. Magnesium is most commonly found in nuts and seeds. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many foods such as eggs, chicken, grass-fed beef, coconut oil, walnuts, cheese, salmon, and even human breast milk. Where and Why is it Used? Magnesium Stearate is used as a 'flow agent', lubricant, binder, or anti-caking agent in the production of many nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. In supplement and pharmaceutical production, it helps ensure consistency and quality control. Without it, the encapsulation machinery can jam up and potentially cause differences in the amount of active ingredients in each capsule. Magnesium stearate can also be used to delay breakdown and absorption of medications, so they’re absorbed in the correct area of the bowel. In foods, it can be found in a variety of products such as milk and cheese products, breakfast cereals, candy, baby formulas, vinegars, prepared foods, and others. In foods, it is an emulsifier, helping ingredients bind to one another. Is it Safe? The short answer is yes, in moderation. We have had customers express concerns that magnesium stearate has been linked to suppressed immune T-cell function - but there is no human data to support this. Magnesium stearate is an FDA & Health Canada approved product and it is rated “Low Risk” in all categories by the Environmental Working Group. The National Center for Biotechnology Information considers it safe for consumption at amounts BELOW 2,500 milligrams per kilogram per day (170,000 mg per day for a 150lb adult). Adults in North America typically only consume 7,000mg per day. How much stearic acid is generally found in supplements? Between 0.25 and 3%. Meaning if you took 20 500mg supplements containing 1% magnesium stearate per day, you would only be consuming around 96mg - WAY under the daily limit! If too much magnesium stearate is ingested, it can have a laxative effect which can cause bowel spasms. Research shows that pharmaceuticals can contain 0.15 - 5% magnesium stearate, whereas supplements contain 0.25 - 3%. Therefore, some pharmaceutical medications that contain higher percentages of magnesium stearate (especially if they are taken multiple times a day), may cause gastric upset. Sources: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 24. Tebbey PW, Buttke TM. Molecular basis for the immunosuppressive action of stearic acid on T cells. Immunology. 1990 Jul;70(3):379-84. PMID: 2379942 Food and Drug Administration, Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Opinion: Magnesium stearate, accessed Sept. 10, 2012. www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ GenerallyRecognizedasSafeGRAS/ GRASSubstancesSCOGSDatabase/ucm260466.htm https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/1-anticaking-agents.html https://www.purelabvitamins.com/blog/Magnesium-Stearate-Safety-and-Efficacy.php https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/703708-MAGNESIUM_STEARATE/