GLISTEN UP. The Tunnel of Glam is now open for the 2019 – 2020 Holiday Season.
To learn more about event details, opening hours, location and more visit tunnelofglam.com.
The Tunnel of Glam is an 80-foot covered pedestrian walkway lined with over 14 million reversible sequins. Interactive and colourful, the tunnel represents the largest ever single use of the material, and will offer delight to families through the holiday season. The installation was commissioned by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA.
About the Tunnel of Glam
On its shimmering surface, Tunnel of Glam is a loud, vibrant, glamorous centerpiece that draws visitors in by playing upon the appeal of all things shiny and sparkling – the twinkle of fresh snow, the glow of lights, the glitter of icicles.
With its grand scale and bright colours the installation sits like a gift to all. It is a present which promises new surprises every day, as visitors continually make and remake the interior to their own design.
Everyone is encouraged to interact with the 14 million plus reversible sequins. These act as analogue pixels, the scale of which begs for big, over the top movements. Why use just the tip of a finger – as we are forced to with a phone or tablet – when here you can use your whole hand, to make a mark by running from one end of the tunnel to the other?
Tunnel of Glam encourages individuals to write, draw, and alter their environment… no batteries required.
IG: @reinisjanulis
Event Details
For full event details, including dates, location, times and extras visit the official Tunnel of Glam website, or alternatively save the date on the Facebook Event page.
Playa Cabana, the popular Mexican taquiera that has taken over Toronto’s food scene has sprung up a new location at 21 St. Clair E. Dave Sidhu, the founder talks about the new location, and the driving force behind the successful family of restaurants.
Yonge + St. Clair:With the growing number of Playa Cabanas around Toronto, now including the 21 St. Clair E location, we have to ask – What is the philosophy behind your popular cuisine and dining experience that’s contributing to its popularity?
Dave Sidhu: I don’t know that we have a philosophy but we are passionate about Mexican inspired cooking and creating spaces where people can enjoy themselves and hopefully that translates.
Y+S: From all the Playa Cabana locations you’ve launched, is there one you’re particularly proud of?
DS: To be honest this is probably the one I’m most proud of because it took the most out of me. The build out took almost a year from planning to execution. I know we still have a ways to go now that we are open so that still feels challenging and exciting.
Y+S: What are some of the opportunities or motivations that made Yonge + St. Clair an attractive location to open a Playa Cabana?
DS: The energy at this intersection really attracted us to it. There’s a strong business and creative vibe here. Slate, our landlord, has done an amazing job at rejuvenating the neighbourhood, they own a few buildings here. They have a strong commitment to food & arts.
Y+S: Are there any specific approaches or certain offerings that the Playa Cabana at Yonge + St. Clair serves that’s different from the other locations?
DS: Something new from us here is our lunch menu (11am – 4pm) where guests can order at the counter then take a number and seat themselves. We cook each dish to order then a server carries it to the table. We did introduce new items for example the shrimp tempura tacos, which is a Baja style taco with a mirin-soy tempura salsa.
Y+S: What do you think are the most underrated aspects of Mexican cuisine?
DS: I think the most underrated aspect of Mexican food is that people think it’s always done cheaply. It can only be done fresh and the proper way is to use the best ingredients. For example we use a whole grain brown basmati rice (for our Mexican style rice) that not only costs twice as much as white rice but it takes twice as long to cook it. We also use a wild Canadian cod for our fish taco. All of our pork is Tamshire from Niagara county, all our chicken is free range from Niagara county, and our beef (short-rib & skirt steaks) are grass fed from PEI.
Y+S: Did you always know that you’d be in this industry, and specifically Mexican taquerias?
DS: I didn’t know I was gonna be in this business but I’m a creative person so if I come across something that interests me I’m gonna try to expand on it. And for me the creative aspect of designing the space and menus has always been a driving force.
Y+S: Any other exciting plans for Playa Cabana coming up?
DS: We are actually opening another Taqueria at Yonge and Eglinton next year.
To learn more about Playa Cabana, visit their website, Instagram,Twitter, or Facebook and stop by to grab a bite at 21 St. Clair E.
We were grateful to catch Paul Sandhu for a moment, founder of Ambiyan restaurants, who was busily laying the groundwork for his second location right here at Yonge + St. Clair when we first visited him. Continuing onwards using the momentum of his original Unionville location, he has set up shop locally to serve modern takes on Indian cuisine you already know and love, inside the courtyard of 1560 Yonge St.
Yonge + St. Clair:What is the story behind the Ambiyan name?
Paul Sandhu: Ambiyan means mangoes in Hindi and some other Indian languages. Literally it means raw or baby mangoes. We wanted to give our establishment a name that would be Indian but not too cliche like Taj Mahal or Maharaja. So, after much brainstorming this was the name that appealed the most to the individuals involved in establishing Ambiyan in Unionville in 2009.
Y+S: What is the approach your kitchen takes to Indian cuisine that’s different from other restaurants?
PS: Our chef is very particular about not going overboard with spices, especially not overusing chilis and cayenne pepper; by using a variety of spices that differs from dish to dish, Ambiyan sauces and seasonings taste unique for each dish rather than all dishes tasting alike. The chef’s expertise in blending and using dozens of spices in proper proportions give each dish a unique and subtle flavour that lingers on the palate long after the meal is over.
Y+S: Are there any particular dishes your kitchen is particularly proud of?
PS: Some of our most popular dishes are butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, coconut prawn curry, chana masala, chicken biryani, and saag paneer. Patrons also rave about our freshly baked naan, especially the garlic naan. All items on our menu are very carefully crafted, and the kitchen is proud of them all, the ones previously mentioned are just some of the more popular ones.
Y+S: What were some of the motivations to open up a second Ambiyan location at Yonge + St. Clair?
PS: For years, so many diners at our Unionville location made the trek up North from Toronto, and urged us to open a location in the city. We felt that there was a lack of quality Indian restaurants in the Yonge-St. Clair area, which is a great neighbourhood, and therefore it would be a great location to begin our expansion into the city.
Y+S: What are some of the highlights you expect your diners to experience, or taste at your location?
PS: We want our diners to have one the best, if not the best dining experience for any type of restaurant in Toronto at AMBIYAN. We aim to provide them with flavourful food with such a memorable taste that they will not help but share their experience with friends and family, and beyond the food, we want to wow them with great service in an elegant but comfortable setting where they can feel at home. We feel that we have already accomplished this goal to a great extent because just about all diners that have dined with us have made it point to tell us that they had such an enjoyable experience that they will be sure to spread the word about Ambiyan now being their favourite restaurant in the neighbourhood.
Y+S: Outside of the dishes your serve, what are your own favourite dishes?
PS: I love so many different types of foods: Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and just about every type of cuisine. However, sticking to the cuisines of the India, I also love Southern Indian dishes like Dosa, and especially South Indian snacks, of which there are way too many to list here. BTW, most of the ‘Indian’ Cuisine served outside of India, is Northern Indian Cuisine not Southern or even Cuisine from Western or Eastern India. The diversity of Indian Culture, and the sheer variety of Indian Cuisines is beyond most people’s comprehension, even for most people from India.
Y+S: So what’s next for the local Ambiyan on Yonge?
PS: In conclusion, our goal is to make Ambiyan a long time neighbourhood favourite, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a memorable meal but also come in to enjoy a glass of wine or sit at our great bar with friends for drinks and snacks. Although restaurants that serve Indian food are not known for their wine offerings, we do hope that Ambiyan will soon become known as a ‘Wine Bar’, with a great selection of wines by the glass and bottle. And best of all, we are featuring a mid-week Half-Price wine night on Wednesdays, so please tell all your friends and neighbours. See you soon at Ambiyan on Yonge, which is actually just off Yonge, in the courtyard of The Delisle Court Building at 1560 Yonge St.
You can also find more information about Ambiyan on Yonge on their website, Instagram or Facebook.
New art installations have taken over the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood as part of the Fall Art Festival outdoor exhibition running til November 3, 2019. “Cage Tree” by Luvère Studio is one of the 6 art installations that are free to view and visit by the public, which now stands outside of 2 St. Clair E (next to the Greenhouse Juice Co.).
2 St. Clair E
Installation: “Cage Tree”
Artist: Luvère Studio, Joel Esposito and Oliver Welton
Sponsored by Slate Asset Management
To understand the motivations behind this piece, the creators of “Cage Tree,” Joel Esposito and Oliver Welton, spark a dialogue about nature’s plight, empathy, and newfound hope saying:
“The state of our planet is unprecedented. Humankind stands at a crossroads where the decisions we take today will determine forever not only the way future generations will live, but also their very survival.
Since Eden, Nature has been subjugated to the service of Humankind. We believe this has resulted in a fundamental disconnect with Nature. Cage Tree symbolizes this disconnection by provoking a sense of discomfort on the part of the viewer, presenting as it does, a living entity confined within a structure redolent of confinement, restriction and at worse, penal detention.
The concept of confining plant life behind bars is novel. Our primary association with a cage is the holding of animals or human captives, one which immediately elicits our sympathy. Cage Tree uses the metaphor of the cage to excite similar feelings of sympathy by the entrapment of a symbol of Nature under threat: the tree, provider of shade and purifier of our air, but menaced by climate change.
This stark metaphor invites our primordial subconscious to aid the tree in its distress, empathizing with its capture and desiring its liberation from its plight.
Conversely, though, Cage Tree carries a message of hope. Light bars are symbols of the tree’s capture but also of aids to its growth. Moreover, as the tree grows it will eventually engulf the very symbol of its subjugation. Critical to this message is that despite what we have done to the planet, we still have the opportunity to reverse the damage we have done if we awaken to all the strategies and possibilities within our collective power and allow Nature to restore itself to its former glory.”
Joel Esposito
Oliver Welton
Cage Tree is a light installation employing a cage-like structure that encloses a tree. It is the latest creation in the ongoing Light Cage Series by Luvère Studio.
The Yonge + St. Clair Fall Art Festival was the first local, outdoor art exhibition and sidewalk showcase event, which saw local storefronts, 6 new art installations, and sidewalk performers bring new life to shared public spaces all across the intersection at Yonge + St. Clair. 40 local businesses, retailers, eateries and community causes banded together to bring a newfound sense of community to the area, reflecting the forward-thinking aspirations of this emerging neighbourhood.
Members of the public were invited to attend this fall time gathering for free, to explore the emerging neighbourhood and enjoy what Yonge + St. Clair has to offer.
As well, local elected officials including MP Carolyn Bennett, Councillor Josh Matlow, and MPP Jill Andrews joined for the festivities, representing the public interests of the neighbourhood’s development and supporting the always evolving cultural dialogue in Toronto.
Sponsorships from local businesses included significant contributions by Slate Asset Management, Wittington Properties, QuadReal, Desjardins, Delisle Court as well as direct support by TABIA and Green P Parking.
These 6 art installations will be on display until November 3, 2019 at their respective outdoor locations. You can find more about their locations using the map and descriptions included above.
EVENT SPONSORS Thank you to our sponsors whose generous support made this event possible:
Explore the Yonge + St. Clair Fall Art Festival outdoor exhibition on now til November 3, 2019 which features 6 new and unique art installations created by local artists and design teams. This outdoor exhibition injects creativity into the heart of midtown, showcasing the modern, cultural renaissance that’s been emerging at Yonge + St. Clair.
This year, artists and design teams from all creative disciplines across Toronto submitted their interpretations of a central concept: Transformation. Much like the local neighbourhood itself, the theme of transformation represents a timely nod to the rediscovery of Yonge + St. Clair, backed by its iconic, storied past and the realization of its new identity as a rapidly growing, and vibrant, urban corner of the city. Come see it for yourself.
Art Installation Locations
Please see the starred locations on the map. Descriptions included below.
A – “Inside Out” by Jacqueline Vandervaart and Rick Schutte sponsored by Slate Asset Management | 17 Delisle Ave, at the Delisle Parkette
This installation aims to challenge the image and experience of the public realm through breaking down the barriers of public and private spaces. Upon discovering this installation, individuals will explore a variety of uncanny furniture pieces and household objects created using the materials of the urban landscape it exists within. This installation intends to act as a playful distraction and escape from the stresses of daily work environments and responsibilities, and function as a reminder of comfort, relaxation, and play. The goal of this installation is to transform the shared perception and experience of public and private spaces, and to encourage a reflection upon the ways in which we interact with and feel in these distinctive environments.
Inside Out – by Jacqueline Vandervaart and Rick Schutte
B – “Cage Tree” by Luvère Studio sponsored by Slate Asset Management |2 St. Clair E, outside Greenhouse Juice Co.
The concept of confining plant life behind bars is novel. Our primary association with a cage is the holding of animals or human captives, one which immediately elicits our sympathy. Cage Tree uses the metaphor of the cage to excite similar feelings of sympathy by the entrapment of a symbol of Nature under threat: the tree, provider of shade and purifier of our air, but menaced by climate change. This stark metaphor invites our primordial subconscious to aid the tree in its distress, empathizing with its capture and desiring its liberation from its plight
Cage Tree – by Luvère Studio
C – “fLOOOP” by Connie Lei sponsored by Wittington Properties | 1501 Yonge St, outside Shoppers Drug Mart
To combat the incoming end-of-summer blues, this whimsical installation brings colour and invokes an exploration of your inner child. It interjects a playful way of interacting with public space for the hard-working populace of the neighbourhood. It encourages a light hearted atmosphere to transform the mundane commute for workers and creates a compelling attraction for tourists, while also spreading awareness of important social issues.With the increasing activism for climate change, this installation is a juxtaposition: The igloo-like form serves as a bright reminder on the impact of plastic consumption. To reduce dependency on plastic and single-use items, individual lifestyle changes are needed to bring us one step closer to saving not only the igloos, but also the earth, and all who inhabit it.
flOOOP – by Connie Lei
D – “Possibility” by Nate Nettleton sponsored by Delisle Court | 1560 Yonge St, outside Bank of Montreal
A rotating disco ball tower, encased by an iridescent housing, transforms reflected light through a full spectrum of colours as it passes through the iridescent acrylic prism. The artwork creates an interactive environment as colourful light dances across surrounding surfaces.
The iridescent acrylic material that the rectangular prism housing is produced from is reactive to light and the movement of light – producing a full spectrum of colours depending on the amount and angle in which light touches its surface. Physically the sculptural artwork “transforms” as viewers walk past, changing colours as light moves across its surface. As the reflecting light from the rotating disco balls within illuminates through the iridescent material, and onto its surroundings, it too “transforms” into a rainbow of colour.
Conceptually the artwork is meant to be symbolic of perseverance & possibility, while aiming to engage viewers in contemplation and consideration of ways in which they have/ could/ will/ want to “transform” their lives or the lives of those around them.
Possibility – Nate Nettleton
E – “Layers in Transformation” by Jungle Ling sponsored by QuadReal | 34 Rosehill Ave
The two mammoths made from paper mache depict a sense of resilience in fragility experienced in periods of transformation both as individuals and as communities. As we place faith in an unknown future with our courage to change, we are reminded of the ones who had done the same before us. The new layers we are laying down are to be build on top of layers others have laid down. It is important to acknowledge and honour the dreams and toil in these past layers for we are also building the ongoing foundation for future explorers and dreamers.
Layers in Transformation – by Jungle Ling
F – “Crystal” by Nargiza Usmanova, NUMZ Graphics sponsored by Desjardins | 95 St. Clair W
‘CRYSTAL’ has been designed to show the process of transformation throughout the crystallattice. Using triangular shapes, the artist has created a volumetric structural arch resembling a crystal. To define the shape and add texture to the installation, Nargiza uses the technique of knitting with ropes.
The installation stimulates the senses of passers-by and makes them think about their own journey through life. Copper tubes and ropes used in the structure are aimed to symbolize the diversity of life. Cooper tubing has been used to represent choices. People choose the path that they are on and although it may not always seem like it, have control over their life and destiny. Ropes have been used to symbolize the many factors which influence people’s choices.
The piece is aimed to merge with the urban landscape and change over time, gaining features from its surroundings. Viewers are welcome to explore the piece from all angles.
Crystal – by Nargiza Usmanova, NUMZ Graphics
These 6 art installations will be on display until November 3, 2019 at their respective outdoor locations. You can find more about their locations using the map and descriptions included above.
EVENT SPONSORS Thank you to our sponsors whose generous support made this event possible:
We sat down with Steven Gerry, owner of Paperboy Cards & Gifts who runs the independent, boutique gift and card shop that has established itself as a shopping destination for those in the neighbourhood and beyond.
This article was provided by Marylene Vestergom, a marketer and freelance writer.
Yonge +St. Clair: How long have you been in the area?
Steven Gerry: November 1st, 2019 will mark my 17th year.
Y+S: In retail, longevity is hard to achieve. What’s the secret?
SG: You can’t be something you’re not, and knowing my customer has always been a huge part of my success. Over the 17 years, we evolved into a gift store, but there is no question we are THE destination when it comes to cards. We have a huge following, and I’m known for having a wide selection of gifts and cards you won’t find anywhere else. I’m always looking for those bespoke items. Instead of going to the Toronto gifts shows, I’ll go to New York and find something unique. Knowing your customer is really important and when I’m shopping the aisles of the various trade shows, I have my customer in mind.
Y+S: What makes this neighbourhood special?
SG: Everyone is very supportive of the local businesses, and having an eclectic mix of the independent bespoke retailer with the larger anchors is ideal. Plus, Y + S is a real community – people live, shop, work, and socialize in the area, so that makes it easy to develop those relationships we have with our customers. They do become family. Many of the younger couples who live in this area, now have children, and now their children visit my store for that special occasion.
Y+S: What can customers expect when they visit your store?
SG: Personalized service. If we have a customer who wants a special calendar, I’ll be sure to call them when it comes in. We are also known for our loyalty program which is very successful. After buying 10 cards you get one free card with a value of $4.50 before tax. Including tax, you’re saving $5.09. And to make it easier for our customers, we keep the loyalty cards on file at the store, so you don’t have to carry it with you. Customers love that feature.
Y+S: Where do you think your passion for cards came from?
SG: My late father was a pharmacist. I remember helping him as a kid in his drugstore and tidying up the card area as a kid. Those memories will always stay with me, so I guess life does come full circle.
Y+S: What do you think about the changes?
SG: You know, being a part of this neighbourhood is pretty special. I’m now one of the directors of the newly formed BIA, and I’m on a few committees. This area was in need of a resurgence and slowly we are seeing new retailers, restaurants and new condo developments popping up. The area is re-energized, encouraging a younger demographic to discover this part of the city and make it their home.
Y+S: Are you living your dream?
SG: Sometimes I think about retiring and then my accountant will say, ‘What are you going to do with all that time?’ People don’t realize it’s a lot of work and my category is very challenging. You have to keep on top of it. But I do love it, and I love taking care of my customers.
Y+S: Best advice?
SG: You can’t be an absentee owner. Sometimes people get ahead of themselves and think since you have one successful store you should expand. Think again. Retail is hard and being an entrepreneur even harder. Besides your customer wants to see you in the store and get to know the person behind the name. It’s a social thing – not just a retail store.
Visit Paperboy Cards & Gifts Inc at 7 Pleasant Blvd, one street south of St. Clair subway.
The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is proud to be hosting the 2019 Fall Art Festival on Saturday, October 5 from 11am – 6pm. Together with a sidewalk sale by local merchants, this one-day event will offer fun and entertainment for all ages including live musicians, face painting, balloon twisting, psychic readings, a pirate show, brand new art installations and more!
The Fall Art Festival outdoor exhibition will continue until November 3, 2019 and is free to discover for all members of the public. To view these installation locations, and installation descriptions please use this link: https://yongestclair.ca/fallartexhibition/
SCHEDULE
11:00am – 6:00pm Fall Art Festival Info Booth 2 St. Clair E
12:00pm – 3:00pm Face Painting 81 St. Clair E
12:00pm to 4:00pm Live Bands 2 St. Clair E
12:00pm – 5:00pm Pirate Ship and Pirate Show 2 St. Clair E
3 – MZ Art Gallery – 1365 Yonge Street Sidewalk sale and 25% off all art!
4 – The Health Shoppe – 1375 Yonge Street Mini Gift Baskets to the first 100 Customers, Free stainless steel bottles if you purchase $60 or more including tax. Limited Supply.
5 – Hero Certified Burgers – 1397 Yonge Street 10% off select items!
6 – Zelden’s Deli and Desserts – 1446 Yonge Street Sidewalk sale – plus cotton candy!
7 – Paperboy Cards and Gifts – 7 Pleasant Blvd Sidewalk sale and free brownies!
8 – Kiva’s – 15 St. Clair W Window sales!
9 – Presse Café – 40 St. Clair W Sidewalk sale!
10 – Toronto Public Library – 40 St. Clair E Sidewalk demonstrations and education for kids!
11 – 1499 Community Space – 1499 Yonge St Fall Nature Walk and crafts for kids! Time TBD
12 – Oxford Learning Rosedale – 44 St. Clair E Free Reading Assessments from 9am-1pm, and a sidewalk display!
13 – Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – 55 St. Clair W
Sidewalk sale! Volunteers will be available to answer all real estate related questions, along with free treats!
14 – I.D. Eyewear – 1345 Yonge St Sidewalk sale!
15 – Chi Spa – 1 Balmoral Ave Sidewalk sale!
16 – Eden Flower Shop – 1391 Yonge St Sidewalk sale!
17 – Book City – 1430 Yonge St Sidewalk sale!
18 – 9 Bars Coffee – 46 St. Clair E Sidewalk sale with pastries and coffee!
19 – Legs Beautiful – 1495 Yonge St Sidewalk sale!
20 – RBC Royal Bank – 10 St. Clair W Sidewalk promotions!
21 – Longos – 111 St. Clair W Sidewalk promotions!
22 – Sobeys – 81 St. Clair E Charity BBQ!
23 – Straight Up Health – 2 St. Clair W Sidewalk display!
24 – CNIB Community Hub – 1525 Yonge St Used phone donation drive! Donate a smartphone and the CNIB will give it to a person in need with sight loss! Every eligible smartphone received a tax receipt. Plus – sidewalk giveaways!
25 – Oriole Park Community Garden – 1585 Yonge St Sidewalk display showcasing the garden, herbs and produce, and snacks!
26 – barre3 – 1560 Yonge St FREE community class from 11:15am – 12:15pm. Space is limited – register here.
27 – Canadian Cancer Society – 55 St. Clair W Sidewalk promotion and free cookies and giveaways!
28 – iQ FOOD CO. – 55 St. Clair W Sidewalk sale!
29 – Balance Fitness & Wellness – 52 St. Clair E Sidewalk promotions!
30 – Chestnut Park Real Estate – 2 St. Clair E Free hot apple cider!
33 – FLOW 93.5 – 2 St. Clair E
Play a round of Golddigger, an escalating jackpot game for your chance to win a cash prize!
34 – Salon Scavo – 1470 Yonge St
20% off all salon retail items, excluding Kerastase products.
35 – Salon Lyol – 1452 Yonge St
25% off haircare products, with a chance to win a $200 gift basket.
36 – Alleen’s Custom Window Treatments – 74 St. Clair W
Refreshments and free swag! Visit in-store.
37 – Midtown Gastro Hub – 1535 Yonge St
Stop by for a $5.99 pint of select beers.
38 – Mermaid Fish and Grill House – 44 St. Clair Ave E
Stop by in-store for unfussy seafood eats!
39 – St. Clair Greetings – 1421 Yonge St.
Free Gifts of mini Beekman goatmilk soap for purchases over $10 (either on regular or sale items before tax until quantities last)
Free Gifts of Crabtree & Evelyn 25g hand therapy for purchases over $50 (on regular priced items, before tax)
15% off on Halloween gift items (including treat bags)
In store Chocolate tasting on Saxon Belgian Chocolate
Sidewalk sale tables!
40 – Canadian Outlet – 1429 Yonge St.
Sidewalk Sale!
Pirate Life Toronto, local Pirate Troupe entertainment
FOR BIA MERCHANTS Join the party! Please register your sidewalk sale/activation by contacting info@yongestclair.ca
EVENT SPONSORS Thank you to our sponsors who’s generous support made this event possible:
Looking for a new approach to healthy living in the neighbourhood? We sat down with Dr. Mallory Harris, ND a local Naturopathic Doctor at Yonge + St. Clair to learn more about her approach to health and wellness, the Naturopathic treatment services she offers, and the most important things she’d recommend for you to achieve and maintain good health.
Dr. Mallory Harris, ND – Photo Credit: Tom Powell
Yonge + St. Clair:Can you tell us about your practice as a Naturopathic Doctor in the neighbourhood?
Dr. Mallory:My job as a Naturopath is to help individuals become the best versions of themselves. I fully believe that every day is an opportunity to optimize yourself, be better, live better, be balanced, thrive. That’s what drives me and motivates my life.
In order to do that, I need to provide personalized medicine, treatment and health plans that reflect each individual’s goals, current health concerns and future health concerns–because it’s also about preventative medicine.
I am on a personal journey to live life with less stressand more joy. The principles of Naturopathic Medicine have been a guide for me to help obtain that and how I can help achieve that for my patients.
“Change is inevitable, growth is optional” John C. Maxwell.
Y+S:What do you offer as part of your Naturopathic treatment services?
Dr. M: At its core, a Naturopathic treatment plan will always have a strong focus in nutritional & lifestyle counselling. It is really important for me to make sure that patients can implement my treatment plans in their lives without added stress and in a way that they are able to maintain. Because of this, I do a lot of scheduling and routine building with patients, especially regarding sleep, exercise and stress management to make sure there is balance and room for them to achieve their goals.
Sometimes treatment plans will also include individualized tea formulations compounded from my herbal dispensary for managing digestion, anxiety, cold & flu and sleep. I also offer B12 injections, topical prescription formulations for skin as well as acupuncture for conditions such as PMS and fertility as Naturopaths are also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I also have my pharmaceutical license so can prescribe certain medications.
Y+S: From your opinion and approach to health and wellness, what’s the most important thing someone can do for their health?
Dr. M:I believe that if you have a healthy gut you have a happy mind. In my opinion, investing in your mental well-being is one of the best things you can do for your health and there is undoubtedly a significant bidirectional relationship between our gut physiology and our brain function that only recently neuroscientists have been able to reveal as the Gut-Brain Axis. We often use mottos like, “gut-wrenching, butterflies in your stomach, gut instinct, listen to your gut, gut feeling,” without truly being aware of what they really mean.
If you want to strengthen your mental health, address stress, anxiety and low mood, it is essential to address your digestive concerns and optimize your gut health. Similarly, to have a real impact on your digestion, irritable bowel or bloating, you need to put the work in and invest in your mental health and build stress management strategies.
