Dr. Andrea Whelan, Naturopathic Physician

01/04/2024

Happy New Year!

I'm so ready for 2024 as there are a lot of exciting changes coming up as well as it's been an eventful last couple of months at our house. We've been sick multiple times (including covid finally), had a few unexpected mold exposures and I went back to work part time (just as the bugs were rolling in..).

Feeling much better now and looking back at 2023 as a beautiful year where we welcomed a sweet baby girl into our family. We travelled a bit, spent time with friends/family and soaked up the slow days for 6 months - all of which I'm so grateful for as a formerly burnt out momma/self employed doc. It took being off work to realise this, and thankfully had the tools and support to recover.

The tides have turned and with hubby holding down the fort I'm able to get back to practicing in full swing! I will still be at Backfit Clinic on Wednesdays, but I'm excited to announce that I will be starting with Advanced Women's Health as of tomorrow, sharing space with Strength in Heart Counselling at 1183 Fort Street in Victoria, BC. I'm available Tuesdays and Fridays, virtual or in person :)

To learn more about what I do, or to book with me, please visit this page:

https://www.advancedwomenshealth.ca/victoria-clinic

Love,

Dr. Andrea

10/13/2023

It's been a heavy week in the news. Nothing can justify the atrocities we are seeing. It's simply inhumane.

Whatever you are feeling right now is okay. Sit with it and give it space to move through - these feelings will pass.

You can also remind your nervous system that you are safe. We live in part of the world where so fortunately this is true. A sense of safety in the body can be achieved in many ways by activities that help reduce the fight or flight (sympathetic) response. Do what feels best for you:
- deep belly breaths, yoga/meditation
- listen to calm music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYnA9wWFHLI) while journalling, drawing, dancing
- nature walks, ocean dips
- reduction or removal of caffeine, replacing with calming herbal blends such as chamomile, lavender, or passionflower
- avoidance of news and/or social media at least until you feel less stimulated.

Our nervous systems also regulate best with others. Hold your loved ones close and spread love wherever possible as it's needed more than ever right now.
- reach out to an old friend or family member you haven't spoke to in awhile.
- share food and stories with one another, even those that don't share your views.
- cry together, or dance and share laughs. It's okay to lean into joy too.

In the end, love rules all.

10/10/2023

*My baby posted before I was finished!

Extra grateful for friends and family this past weekend - good food and good laughs all around. We spent the weekend on Mayne Island and it was the perfect getaway.

To help reset my gut from the indulgence of cheese (not my best friend) , I am craving simple meals with lots of veggies/fiber and lean protein. Also planning a cheese 'detox' for the next while ;) This always helps reset my gut, improve my energy and mood after indulgent holidays.

Also wanted to share a new bread I found at Costco called Carbonaut - high fiber/protein and low carb, and actually tastes pretty good! A healthier option in my opinion to help stabilize blood sugars and support a healthy gut microbiome. Just what my body needs right now, and guessing yours too!

10/06/2023

I love Fridays!

I also love to move my body, especially when the sun is shining, babe is fast asleep in our new-to-us stroller, and I get to feast on my neighbor's raspberries as a reward.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone! Soak up the sunshine and vitamin D while you can :)

10/06/2023

I haven't posted in a long time. I have two kids now and so life has looked a bit different - the busy, beautiful and bit messy type.

My other excuse as to why I have avoided social media is it takes too much of my attention and time to write the 'perfect' post and keep up with the look.

I have decided to scrap all the shoulds and just show up as me in the world. I'm hoping I can inspire someone but if anything give you a sense of what health means to me.

I'm currently on mat leave but will be returning part time in November. I also have some exciting news for the new year and will keep you posted!

Love,

Dr. Andrea

02/02/2022

I would happily prescribe this everyday, for everyone!

Canada's nature prescription program, PaRx, has announced a new collaboration allowing its registered health-care professionals to prescribe a free Discovery Pass to patients.

09/13/2019

Interesting research...

09/02/2019

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."

05/14/2019

Only 3% of British adults are aware that the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are also common symptoms of Celiac Disease.

03/28/2019

Heard about the new study on eggs? This is a great review on why it should be taken with a grain of salt... enjoy eggs, but choose free-range varieties (poached and hardboiled best) and complement with greens, fruit and whole grains/legumes for a nutrient dense breakfast.

That egg study that recently came out in JAMA seems to tell us that eating eggs can increase our risk of dying. But is that really true?

03/21/2019

New EWG food list for produce with the most ("dirty dozen") and least ("clean 15") pesticides. Unfortunately kale made the list this year. Choose organic/unsprayed options when buying from the dirty dozen list, and for a little savings try planting kale, tomatoes and spinach in your backyard or patio this year - all very easy to grow!

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/Kale has higher pesticide residues than nearly all other produce found on supermarket shelves, according to the Environmental Working Group’s 2019 Dirty Dozen™.