LYNN HADDRALL I EDITOR’S NOTE
Everyone needs a place to truly relax.
OUR FAMILY COTTAGE is the same steady refuge every year and we like it that way. Life moves fast so we look forward to slowing it down on our annual trek to Nova Scotia.
As you can tell from the above photos, a different rocking chair was the only upgrade last summer on our veranda overlooking the Northumberland Strait. Add a son who crashed after having way too much fun and the vacation scene is complete.
The hammock is a sure-fire stress-buster. Some people read in it. Others nap. Some play a musical instrument. Simple things fuel our downtime at the cottage – reading, board games, skipping stones, croquet.
For this Health and Wellness issue, we asked people how they manage stress. (page 56). We were surprised by some of the answers, starting with recently appointed Fire Chief Richard Hepditch. Yes, that is a yoga mat on his shoulder in our cover photo. And yes, he does get ribbed about it.
Writer Barbara Aggerholm talked to medical officer of health Dr. Liana Nolan about her stress-busters. Waterloo Public Library’s webmaster Sandi Hall told us why she has been dubbed the Hurricane. Lori Santos, a senior financial analyst at Manulife Financial, eases stress by volunteering to help others in need.
I find that a key element to reducing stress is to have fun doing it. A group activity provides support and a connection with others, taking your mind off your own issues. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy YMCA classes everywhere I’ve lived. I take my membership card to the East Coast to work out at the Pictou County YMCA.
A group workout really succeeds when the instructor engages everyone in the class. You’ll find great examples of this in our feature starting on page 70. Writer Nancy Harper talks to Caroline Tanswell, Brenda Klochnyk and Tracy Blakely about their winning formulas.
I’ve experienced Caroline and Brenda’s classes. As you’ll read and see, there’s a sense of belonging when the instructor takes the time to get to know everyone. Many friendships have developed in these classes. For example, a few weeks ago I mentioned that I was heading to Charlottetown for work and a member of my spin class recommended a good restaurant. (Terre Rouge was worth the visit. Try the beet salad and Baked Alaska.)
Speaking of food, we’ve got scrumptious summer tastes for you as fresh local produce fills our markets. After a long winter and delayed spring weather, it was wonderful to binge on the best asparagus I’ve tasted in a while. Turn to page 156 for recipes featuring raspberries, trout and spinach.
If you want to eat healthy without preparation time, we’ve got a story about entrepreneurs who do all the hard lifting. Matthew Kadey writes about Irene Divaris and Carson Kolberg, the dynamic duo behind Meal in a Jar (page 162). Find out how a simple idea grew into a business worthy of a Dragon’s Den pitch.
There’s much more to enjoy in this Health and Wellness issue. We hope it provides many relaxing moments and helps you savour your summer days and nights.