I may have always been an athlete. But since moving to Toronto to be a personal trainer and fitness expert I’ve had many ups and downs in my life on my personal fitness journey. Big set backs continuously seemed to occur. They always needed up preventing me from reaching my fitness goals each time. However never did I get down on myself. I always picked myself up each and every time and kept going. I did not complain and I did not blame anyone or anything for my circumstances.
First I had a full and complete ACL tear. When this happened at the same time I also ended up rupturing my meniscus while fracturing the tibia at its plateau. It took me over a month post op to even be able to do a full cycle on a pedal bike. I had to have a second surgery less than a year later to remove scar tissue and shots of synvisc (a synthetic synovial fluid) as well. To this day I still don’t have full range of motion. Did this stop me? No. Does it prevent me from doing anything? No. Do I use it as an excuse? No.
Then the following spring I was on my way to coach my track team and a cab driver cut me off as I was riding my motorcycle through an intersection. I t-boned him and flew over the cab. Hit my knee that I had the ACL repair on pretty bad, got whip lash, hurt my back, got road rash and also had my hand caught in the street car track as I was sliding. Did this stop me? No. Does it prevent me from doing anything? No. Do I use it as an excuse? No.
Finally, as I was still going through physio for my motorcycle accident I had some crazy symptoms.The biggest and most obvious one was that I was exhausted all day long and had no energy (very unusual for me). So I went to the doctor and they did some scans and said you have to go to emergency now! I still had no idea why. They admitted me and performed an emergency surgery to remove a mass of cells in my stomach. This mass was very rare. And no it wasn’t cancer. From September until November I had to have blood work every week to monitor my body and make sure it didn’t come back. And it came back. Again very rare. Based on where it was my only option was chemotherapy. I had 7 rounds before I got to ring the bell that I completed my chemo! Wahoo! The whole time I kept on training my clients and I even began my very first prep while still undergoing chemo. The chemo made me very puffy and swollen but I didn’t get down on myself. I honestly didn’t even tell many people. Did this stop me? No. Does it prevent me from doing anything? No. Do I use it as an excuse? No.
I hope that you realize that sometimes the journey can be hard and tiring. There may be obstacles in your way but persevere, follow the plan, find a support system and be honest! Good things will happen and your consistency will pay off! Don’t give up and don’t let anyone or any circumstance bring you down!
CMHA's inaugural Mental Health For All Conference 2016: Together by Design
The most creative and inspiring mental health and addictions thinkers and leaders in the country gather for a two-day exchange
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is hosting an inaugural national conference that promises to become the premier professional mental health and addiction conference in Canada.
One hundred and twenty-five speakers from across the country; 68 workshops; compelling keynotes. CMHA's inaugural Mental Health for All Conference 2016: Together by Design (MH4A Conference) - taking place just one year before CMHA's 100th anniversary - will be a two day "think-fest" to advance work in the dynamic fields of mental health and addictions.
"This conference is the first-of-its-kind opportunity for individuals and organizations in mental health, mental illness and addiction to put their collective minds together", says Dr. Patrick Smith, National CEO, CMHA, who will open the conference proceedings. "It's the one place in Canada where people with lived mental health experiences, decision-makers, funders, researchers, front line workers and practitioners can gather under one big tent, and work together toward making big change."
It will be held on Thursday September 29 and Friday September 30, 2016 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel, (145 Richmond Street West, Toronto). It is preceded by CMHA Ontario's pre-conference on Wednesday September 28 focusing on quality improvement in the mental health and addictions sectors.
Conference Partners
CMHA is proud to have the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) as national partners for this year's conference.
Both organizations see the conference as an important opportunity to bridge these sometimes disparate sectors.
"This conference, which gathers together key experts and organizations in mental health, mental illness and addictions, creates a unique opportunity to break down the silos that have sometimes been a barrier to collaborative action on mental health and addictions" said Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission.
"Issues of substance use and mental health are complex. They are diverse and they impact millions of Canadians in a variety of ways," adds Rita Notarandrea, CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). "This conference is a real reflection of that complexity. By drawing together people with a variety of expertise and perspectives, we can learn from one another and make progress on designing a system that is collaborative, compassionate, and based on our shared experience and expertise."
Keynotes speakers and panels
Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), will speak about closing the gaps in mental health.
A keynote panel, entitled "Mental Health Reform is a Team Sport" will focus on youth mental health services and will be led by Ian Boeckh, President of the Graham Boeckh Foundation.
A second keynote panel, "I've stood up to stigma and reached out for help: Now what?" features panelists exploring from personal and professional perspectives what happens when Canadians go looking for mental health and addictions services. Panelists include Dr. Karen Cohen (CEO, Canadian Psychological Association), Mark Henick (CMHA National/MHCC board member), Robin Payne; and Ann Dowsett Johnston (author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol).
Conference Highlights
Suicide Prevention Panel
with Mara Grunau (Centre for Suicide Prevention), Jonny Morris (CMHA BC Division), Karla Thorpe (MHCC), Marion Cooper and Reid Hartry (both of CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg) Panel highlights suicide prevention across Canada and identifies "Zero Suicide" as an approach to transformation.
Clearing the Smoke: An Evidence-Based, Public Health Approach to Cannabis Policy
with Dr. Amy Porath-Waller and Rebecca Jesseman, (CCSA); Ian Culbert (Canadian Public Health Association)
Mino Bimaadiziwin - A Healthy way of Life
with Ken Syrette (Indigenous Counsellor), Shivani Gupta and Troy Hayden (Addiction Services for York Region). How to make mental health programs appropriate and relevant for indigenous people.
Change Maker Sponsor
The conference has been made possible with the generous and continued support of our Change Maker Sponsor, Lundbeck Canada.
For program information: conference.cmha.ca / Follow us on Twitter: @CMHA_NTL #MH4A16
Sun Life Financial, Fitbit and new rewards for daily steps contribute to app's growth
Canada's celebrated wellness incentives app, Carrot Rewards, recently introduced new initiatives and partnerships as part of its long-term growth strategy.
A new daily step tracker feature allows users of the popular free app to earn rewards for achieving their personalized walking goals. A large majority of BC users are already earning daily rewards for walking and nearly ten billion steps taken by British Columbians this summer have been tracked and rewarded through the Carrot app.
Starting today the Carrot app will also be integrated with the industry leading activity tracking device, Fitbit. BC residents will now have one more convenient option for connecting and earning daily activity rewards through Carrot (in addition to Health Kit and Google Fit).
Also starting today Sun Life Financial, in close collaboration with the Canadian Diabetes Association, is proudly joining the broader Carrot coalition in British Columbia as the sponsor of all the Steps rewards that BC residents earn through the app.
"Thousands of British Columbians have already taken steps toward a healthier lifestyle with the Carrot Rewards app," Government of British Columbia Health Minister Terry Lake said. "We know that increased activity can have positive benefits for our health and, thanks to these new partnerships, there are now even more incentives to get people moving and receive rewards for healthy behaviour."
"We're proud to be expanding the Carrot eco-system and functionality so significantly again," says CARROT insights (developer of Carrot Rewards) CEO Andreas Souvaliotis. "By joining hands with genuine game-changer organizations like Sun Life, Fitbit and the Canadian Diabetes Association, we are further enhancing the effectiveness of our powerful program and we're helping build an even healthier Canada."
"One in three Canadians is affected by diabetes or prediabetes," says Rick Blickstead, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "The good news is that in many of the cases, type 2 diabetes can be delayed and/or prevented with healthier eating or increased physical activity. By partnering with Carrot and Sun Life, we hope to encourage people to take charge of their health and be rewarded for achieving a healthy lifestyle."
Sun Life is committed to the prevention of diabetes and its related complications. Since announcing support of the cause in late 2012, Sun Life has proudly committed over $13 million towards diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives.
"Sun Life is proud to partner with CARROT Insights and the Canadian Diabetes Association in supporting this unique health initiative in British Columbia," says Chris Denys, SVP Possibilities, Digital Health Solutions, Sun Life Financial Canada. "It aligns with our mission to proactively engage Canadians and empower them to take a more active role in managing their health and well-being."
The Carrot Rewards app has seen significant success since it launched in BC six months ago. To date, nearly 2% of British Columbians have downloaded the app and have earned over a hundred million loyalty points just for learning how to live healthier and for achieving simple daily activity goals. Carrot is now being rolled out across the rest of Canada with similarly impressive results.
The Government of Canada, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, invested $5 million over five years in the Carrot Rewards app project. The Government of British Columbia provided $2.5 million to support the early launch of the app in B.C. Including contributions from the private sector, a total of more than $15 million has already been invested in this world-leading program.
Learn More:
Carrot Rewards: https://www.carrotrewards.ca/
CARROT insights: www.carrotinsights.com
Sun Life: https://www.sunlife.ca/diabetes
Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
Canadian Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation: www.heartandstroke.com
YMCA Canada: www.ymca.ca
Looking for an obstacle course this fall? Look no further Canadian Tire along with the Scarborough Hospital are coming together to present Brave T.O. A fun obstacle course that the Toronto police, paramedics and firefighters do to help support life saving care at the Scarborough hospital. Take a look at the info sheet below to find out more. Or visit www.brave.to to register or volunteer.
Train It Right's September Calendar Challenge
Check out the Train It Right's September 30 Day Full Body Challenge! Print off your calendar and get to work each day! Don't forget to hashtag #trainitright in any of your posts! Enjoy training it right!
Download the PDF
PDF Train It Right September Calendar Challenge
Joy McCarthy is a certified Holistic Nutritionist and founder of the hugely popular healthy living blog www.joyoushealth.com . She is the author of the Canadian bestselling book Joyous Health: eat and Live well Without Dieting. Her second book, Joyous Detox, comes out in December 2016.
I recently was sent a copy of the salad guide from Joy. And since I am a figure athlete and I am in prep for a November show I have found it very useful in changing up my greens daily. The guide has beautiful pictures and the directions are easy to follow!
Get your free copy of Joy McCarthy's latest ebook, the 7-Day Sensational Salad Guide. It features seven all-new, exclusive recipes chock-full of superfoods, plant-based nutrition and all-around goodness! Something I know you probably appreciate.
Download your free copy at http://www.joyoushealth.com/salad-guide/
Chase the Gear
Ever wish you could join Gary Roberts for your summer training?
Next Friday, August 19, Sport Chek will launch a live sporting event that will unite Canadians both online and offline – similar to the way that the Olympic Games unites the world.
'Chase The Gear' is essentially a game of live chase, in which Gary Roberts, 23-year NHL veteran, beloved Toronto Maple Leaf player and Stanley Cup winner, will run through Toronto's High Park - participants will be able to “chase” him down to receive gear from Sport Chek as prizing.
The entire chase will be broadcast on Facebook Live and online viewers will also have an opportunity to win prizes by unlocking power-ups for the runner by reacting to and sharing the Live video.
Gary Roberts is one of the most sought after trainers for high profile athletes and he is challenging Canadians to show they have #WhatItTakes. Roberts knows that whether you're competing on a world stage or in any hometown game, athletes must acknowledge and recognize the effort that goes into getting them ready to compete.
For more info and contest rules, please visit: http://sportchek.ca/chasethegear
Toronto's first modern Pierogarnia restaurant, The Saucy Pierogi is now open
Dundas West restaurant now serving full dinner menu, share plates, premium vodkas, cocktails and craft beers
Toronto, ON - After dominating the Toronto food scene for over two years as a pop-up restaurant and festival favourite, The Saucy Pierogi (TSP) is now open on trendy Dundas St. West (1282 Dundas St. W.). The restaurant pairs creative Pierogi dishes with a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
“This menu is without a doubt Polish in its DNA but since we’re in Canada, we wanted to celebrate its ingredients in our dishes,” says Konrad Obara, owner. “I wanted to blend traditional Polish cooking techniques with “out-of-the-box” flavour combinations in a cool venue with good vibes.”
Meant to be shared, the dinner menu features pierogi stuffed with gourmet fillings like braised beef, pulled pork, jerk chicken, and classics like cheddar potato. Pierogi and all other menu items are made in house; including soups, stocks and schnitzel. The cocktail and beer menu features signature cocktails, founded on the classics as well as a rotating craft beer menu and both premium and rare vodkas.
TSP blends a standing cocktail bar and sit-down restaurant, serving through to late night, offering house creations inspired by traditional polish Pierogarnia. The lively atmosphere is suitable for a quick after-work snack or a top spot to end an evening on the Dundas and Ossington strip.
TSP’s 1000 sq. ft. interior seats 77, with 10 comfortable stools at the bar. Boasting floor-to-ceiling front windows that slide open for the summer, and wood finished accents under candle lit table tops; the venue draws a warmth and rustic balance to the contemporary design, which, displays Polish-street art and photography throughout.
TSP will also feature a retail section offering take home goods, including soups such as Cabbage and Bacon, or their vegan Potato and Leek, house-made sauces, grab and go dinners, cabbage rolls, and frozen pierogi dozens for home preparation.
The Saucy Pierogi is open from 6pm until Late, Tuesday through Saturday.
Website: www.thesaucypierogi.com Twitter: @thesaucypierogi Facebook: @TheSaucyPierogi Instagram: @thesaucypierogi
About The Saucy Pierogi:
The Saucy Pierogi is Toronto's first modern Pierogarnia restaurant. Established in 2013, The Saucy Pierogi has sparked a passion for delicious and innovative pierogi. The Saucy Pierogi features modern handmade pierogi filled with delicious ingredients like jerk chicken, braised beef and pulled pork, all accompanied by unique and inspired sauces and salads.
For more information, interviews or high-res images, please contact: Noah Parker, at info@thesaucypierogi.com or 416.516.1361
1282 Dundas St West
Toronto, Ontario M6J 1X7
Instalment Plan #2
I absolutely love what uber is doing #uberhungerto check out below what they are doing to help hunger in Toronto.
At Uber, we want to do our bit to help - and help in a way that only Uber can. That's why we've partnered with local restaurant The Goods, along with food rescue organization Second Harvest, to bring meals to those in need on what we're calling #UberHUNGERTO day.
Here's how we kicked it off:
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Pay it forward by popping open your Uber app between 11am-2pm today on Friday, September 25th, to order a meal through UberEATS. We'll match your order and will ensure someone in need receives lunch.
This is not a one day thing. Uber is committed to aid hunger relief by donating any extra UberEATS meals to local food banks daily.
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