Thursday, February 26, 2026

Fertility

This month's health topic presented by Dr. Laura Hoffmann, Naturopathic Doctor is all about fertility.















TRACKING YOUR CYCLE

If you are trying to conceive, it is important to get familiar with your menstrual cycle and the fluctuations.

Tracking your cycle on an app can be really helpful to know if you have regular length cycles, and can help with ruling out other conditions.

Tracking cervical mucous and/or basal body temperature is helpful to assess ovulation and your fertile window, which increases the probability of conception.

An ovum is viable for 10-24 hours after release, and sperm can last for 1-7 days depending on the environment.
















SUPPLEMENTS

Unsure which supplements you should be on when trying to conceive?

In someone who is otherwise healthy (no underlying hormonal concerns of other medical conditions), the following are fairly standard supplements:

  • Prenatal Multi-Vitamin
  • Vitamin D (depending on lab work)
  • Omega-3
  • Iron (depends on lab work)

To know which brands and your specific dosing, talk to a Naturopathic Doctor or someone on your health care team.


NUTRITION

Nutrition when trying to conceive is very important.  In general, the following foods should be eaten on a regular basis:
  • 3 servings of protein
  • 3 servings of green leafy vegetables
  • 2-3 servings of fruit
  • 2 servings of legumes
  • 3 servings of whole grains
Reduce processed foods and sweetened drinks (pop, fruit juice).

Ensure your fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly before eating helps to reduce the amount of pesticides that may be on the surface.














COMMON CAUSES OF DIFFICULTY CONCEIVING

If you have been trying to conceive with no success, it may be worthwhile to have an assessment to ensure there is no underlying medical condition.
  • Common causes of difficulty conceiving can be:
  • PCOS
  • Endometriosis
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Ovarian insufficiency
  • Luteal phase defects
  • Immune dysfunction
Blood work and assessments are needed to help with diagnosis of these conditions.


For more information, or to schedule a consult with Dr. Laura Hoffmann, ND, please contact us:

📞 519-662-4441
📲 nhwc.ca

#fertility #naturopathicmedicine #naturopath #wilmot #newhamburg

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Reasons To Wear Custom Orthotics

 















Custom Orthotics can be beneficial for many conditions. Your healthcare practitioner may recommend you wear orthotics for:
🦶 Arthritic joints
🦶 Plantar Fasciitis
🦶 Arch or heel pain
🦶 Achilles Tendonitis
🦶 Improving muscle function in your legs
🦶 Leg, hip, knee, ankle, foot & back pain
🦶 Decreasing swelling in the legs & ankles
🦶 Improving physical & athletic performance
🦶 Localized foot pain, bunions, or hammer toes
🦶 Supporting flat feet (Pes Planus) or fallen arches
🦶 Reducing pain related to muscle soreness after physical activity
If you think custom orthotics may be of benefit to you, book your Advanced Computer Gait and Orthotic Analysis today!
📞 519-662-4441

Friday, January 23, 2026

Tips and Techniques For Pain-Free Knitting


 







1️⃣TAKE FREQUENT, REGULAR BREAKS Change your body’s position and look up often from your work and into the distance. Set a timer to remind yourself. ⏲️

2️⃣ SIT UP STRAIGHT Sit in a comfortable but supportive chair. Put your feet on the floor and try not to hunch over. Consider placing a small cushion or rolled-up towel between your chair and the curve in the small of your lower back to help you sit up straight. 🪑

3️⃣CHOOSE YOUR TOOLS CAREFULLY Consider using smooth, lightweight needles. Circular needles are best for large projects. When crocheting, use ergonomic hooks.

4️⃣SWITCH IT UP Learn to easily switch between English and Continental knitting styles. Switching helps you keep knitting, while reducing the risk of a repetitive strain injury (RSI). 👐
5️⃣STRETCH Stand up and move around every once in a while. Stretch your fingers by clenching your hands and then spread your fingers as far as you can. If you notice tension in your neck or shoulders, consider trying a couple of neck stretches too.

6️⃣MAKE SMALL, EFFICIENT MOVEMENTS Practice how small you can make your movements and keep the working yarn close to the tip of your needles. Grasp your yarn gently. A consistently relaxed grip helps you keep a constant gauge while reducing unnecessary strain on your neck, shoulders and wrists. 🧶

Don’t ignore any pain or stiffness you experience from knitting. Knitting should be fun and relaxing but make sure it’s adding to your well-being, not causing you strains or injuries. 😊
Visit our chiropractors, if you experience continuous pain and discomfort from knitting. 👍