It is a very challenging time for us all.  This current pandemic is challenging physical, mental, spiritual and financial well-being.  We all are being affected in unique and collective ways, the ramifications of which have yet to be revealed.

Although my in-person clinical practice has been deemed non-essential for now, I am available for video consult.  If this crisis has placed you in a vulnerable financial position, I invite you to pay what you can.  If you are doing okay financially, I will contribute my fees to organizations that are stepping up to help marginalized individuals through this difficult time - I welcome your suggestions!  

I am also available to your workplace or other organization for video workshops on strategies of promoting health and well-being during this period.  Please visit www.withwaterandwood.com for more information.  

The following thoughts were created for Naturopathic Doctors for Environmental and Social Trust (NEST), and for the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP); I am on the board of both:
NEST and the PedANP are committed to supporting individuals, families, communities, and the naturopathic doctors that care for them during this very challenging time.  Not only is it important to stay free from infection with COVID-19, but it is also critical to keep each other optimally healthy, mentally, spiritually and physically.  We are considering the opportunities that this pandemic offers in terms of propelling us into a transition to a more just and sustainable way of being on this planet.  

To mitigate the spread of this infection:
  • Obtain accurate information about the current state of this virus; please check your local public health department for regional information and guidance. 
  • Follow good personal hygiene
    • Wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds often throughout the day, before eating, when coming inside, etc.
    • Sneeze or cough into an elbow
    • Clean high-touch surfaces regularly
  • NEST advocates for physical distancing, not social distancing.  Please follow your local public health guidelines for physical distancing.  

To promote personal health:
  • While there is no clear treatment - pharmaceutical, natural or otherwise - for this virus, standard recommendations for keeping the body healthy are particularly important.  These strategies also support mental health.
    • Get sufficient sleep.  
    • Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fibre-rich complex carbohydrates.  Limit processed foods and free sugars.
    • Get sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity, including cardiovascular movement, muscle, and bone-building activities, and flexibility.  
      • While this can be tricky when in isolation, the internet is overflowing with excellent exercise videos that are fun for people of all ages.  
      • While this can be tricky when in isolation, the internet is overflowing with excellent exercise videos that are fun for people of all ages.  
      • Spring cleaning is active, dancing is active, gardening is active.  Jump rope, create obstacle courses … anything that you and your kids enjoy!
    • If you are not in mandated quarantine, getting outside (keeping physically away from others) is incredibly helpful for physical and mental health.  While you are there, offer your re-commitment to enabling the healing of our Earth.  
    • Maintain your baseline medication and natural health product protocols; most people need supplemental vitamin D, which can help keep the immune system appropriately responsive.  During this time when people are outside less, this becomes more important.  
  • Mental health can be challenged during times of upheaval; children respond to world events in different ways, depending on age, developmental stage, and temperament.  It is important to recognize and navigate stress, sadness, and worry in a proactive way, both for children and by the adults who care for them.  
    • ​​CDC guidelines
    • CAMH recommendations
    • Practice meditation; there are an abundance of online tools that can help guide someone new to meditation; children can do this too!
    • Exercise, sleep, time outside, a healthy diet, and a sense of purpose all help to mitigate stress and mental health impact
    • Keep occupied and purposeful.  
      • This doesn’t necessarily mean “productive," or "homeschooling"  
      • Use creative methods and technology to foster and maintain a social connection.  Write letters, video chat with loved ones (especially those who may be isolated and distanced), play online games with others, etc.  Do not connect physically with friends.  
      • ​​Think about how you can help others, now and going forward. 
      • ​If possible, use this time to discover and explore what excites you; support the children in your life to do the same; think crafts, art, reading, cooking, story writing, singing, dancing, rhythm-making, puzzles, etc.  
The land on which I live, work and play is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Toronto is in the 'Dish With One Spoon Territory’.  The Dish With One Spoon is a treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and peoples, Europeans and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.  I also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by the Toronto Purchase, Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaty signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.