Blog News, and the Lowdown on a Town

Have you picked up the May issue of Zoomer magazine yet? In my new regular column, “Why I Live Here,” you can explore the city of Guelph through the eyes of Guinness record-breaking weightlifter Walter Urban. He may be strong, but he has a soft spot for this community, and he’ll tell you why.

I’m also pleased to announce that my 50 Good Deeds blog has been nominated in two categories for a Ninjamatics’ 2012 Canadian Weblog Award. Winners won’t be announced until next January, but it’s always a delight to know people are reading… and enjoying!

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Do you suffer with digestive problems? You’ll want to read my new online health story, “Nine Tips for Eating When You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” This article is filled with advice on how, what and when to eat and drink – and may help you reduce painful or embarrassing symptoms. Read it now on Best Health’s website.

Plus when it comes to drinking, do you ever overindulge? In the newest edition of Best Health magazine, you can learn about an amazing plant extract that might cure morning-after symptoms and even, one day, treat alcoholics. Check out my story, “Help for Hangovers,” in the May issue.

Testing for Children Who Go ACHOO!

If your child seems to be getting allergy symptoms but hasn’t been properly tested, you may have a lot of questions about the process. For (hopefully) all the answers, check out my story, “Put Allergies to the Test,” in this month’s issue of Today’s Parent magazine. I’ve also written articles on blood pressure for a new series on Best Health’s website. The first story, “6 Lesser-Known Causes of High Blood Pressure,” is posted here. When it comes to hypertension, there may be some culprits you’ve never even considered!

Why They Live Here

I’m delighted to be working on a new section for Zoomer magazine called “Why I Live Here.” Each installment features a charming Ontario community, as seen through the eyes of an accomplished baby boomer who makes it their home. In the new April issue I’ve written about internationally bestselling author Marina Nemat, whose book Prisoner of Tehran was recently debated on CBC’s Canada Reads competition. She lives in Aurora, Ontario.

A Stack of Self-Help Stories

Don’t miss three new articles on Best Health’s website that will help you turn your life around – or at least make a few positive changes! If you’re wanting to lose weight but wondering how to start, get inspired by “Six Tips to Kick-Start Your Weight Loss.” Do you get tongue-tied in meetings and nervous at parties? Check out these “Three Tips to Help Ease Social Anxiety.” And to learn all about the sweet tooth you didn’t know you had, take this quiz: “How Much Sugar are You Really Eating?” You might be surprised!

Author, Author!

Ever thought of writing a non-fiction book? Wondering whether it can make you rich and famous – or, at the very least, earn you some pin money and a few seconds in the spotlight? This week I’m a guest blogger on NetWords, a blog and events hub hosted by the Toronto chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada. My post, “Should you become a non-fiction book author?”, explores this brave new world.

More Helping, More Sleeping

Want to better yourself? I’ve been writing articles for the Best Health website that are inspired by common New Year’s resolutions. Don’t miss this self-help story about super-easy acts of kindness (they’re more likely to stick, and just as likely to do good). And find out how sleep deprived you are by taking this quiz – then pick up tips for better rest (when you’re done yawning, that is).