Motherhood

Life as a Mom of Boys

July 31, 2018

I have two boys, and a husband which means I’m the only female in the house. My life as a mom of boys – a boy mom – is one I didn’t expect, but have embraced wholeheartedly.

When my boys were little, I would hear the question, “Are you going to keep trying for a girl?” At the time, my boys were both under 2 1/2, so the answer was a simple no. But along with that decision came the letting go of the visions of braiding a daughter’s hair, painting each other’s nails, and shopping for clothes.

I adore my boys, even though my house seethes with testosterone. Turn the channel to Animal Planet and watch two male lions interact; they battle for supremacy of their pride. They’ll roll around on the floor, and physically fight to win. Grunting is the preferred form of communication at times, and steak and potatoes the meal of choice.

My heart has unwillingly been conditioned to manage blood pressure fluctuations when dealing with wipe-outs on concrete, body-checking in hockey, and bodies flying off high playground structures. Even with a tween and teen, discussions surrounding bodily functions are still abundant, and even more creative. Try not to laugh about who has the loudest fart or the longest burp!

I don’t have to analyze what they’re saying, or read between the lines because boys say what they mean. And while sometimes their choice of language is pepper-in-the-mouth worthy, I appreciate their frankness. While they’re too blunt when pointing out the dimples on my legs, or the grey hairs popping out of my scalp, they also praise me for being “fit for my age”, and looking great in my new body-conscious dress.

But there’s also a softer side to these boys too, of course. My boys love to cuddle, kiss and hug their mama, and curl up on the couch or crawl into my bed. They still like to play with my hair, and bury their face into my shoulder. They come to their mama to talk about their joys and fears, thoughts and emotions, their dreams and ambitions. As we look toward the future, I know we will walk together hand in hand.

Most of all, their love is immense and intense. They’ve captured my heart and soul.

Family Travel

5 Reasons to Take the Family to Fern Resort

July 24, 2018

Just an hour and a half drive north of Toronto, Fern Resort is a quick escape from the city’s bustle where families can drop everything and head to for a weekend or week to kick back and relax. Why take the family to Fern Resort?

Fern Resort is Ontario’s all-inclusive resort, welcoming families and friends for more than 123 years. The resort is owned by the Downing family, and now in its 4th generation of family operation. So the family is committed to providing families a fun family vacation right on the shores of Lake Couchiching.

As the resort is all-inclusive, you don’t have to lug up food, a barbecue, or activities for the kids. Fern provides it all including things to do and three meals a day.

Here are 5 Reasons to Take the Family to Fern Resort.

5 Reasons to Take the Family to Fern Resort

The Vibe

The historic charm of Fern Resort is evident around the property. Our room beside the main inn had a balcony overlooking the pool and lake, and had a fireplace. Though the room was a bit dated, it was comfortable for the four of us.

Fern resort felt familiar when I visited, reminding me of the 1987 film Dirty Dancing! The set-up, the activities such as dance lessons, and the evening entertainment reminded me of the “Kellerman Resort” where Baby and Johnny fell in love. The property itself also hasn’t been updated, so the feel of the place will take you back a few decades – but that’s part of Fern’s charm.

There are Jacuzzi units and Edgewater Cottages for couples and families that overlook Lake Couchiching, with Goat, Heron and Garnet Islands. There are also three-room larger cottage-style units for larger families which feature two bedrooms and a living room on the main floor, and an outdoor deck.

The Lake

Close to two kilometres of Fern waterfront makes much fun to be had on, in and around Lake Couchiching. We enjoyed lounging by the lake, and by the pool overlooking the lake. Watching the sunset was also a treat. For those who are more adventurous, they can explore the lake with a pedal boat, or go water skiing.

The Pools

You could probably spend most of the day by the two pools, both overlooking the lake; one has a small water slide, and the other a diving board. There is also a wading pool, and two hot tubs. There are plenty of lounge chairs, an outdoor bar, and a small beach by the pool area to enjoy.

The All-Inclusive

The hallmark of a stay at Fern is the dining experience. You’ll have the same table each time you visit the dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menus change on a rotating basis, offering plenty of choice for every palate. The resort was able to accommodate my gluten and soy restrictions too.

For lunch, you have the option of dining at Heritage, or attending their BBQ lunch by the pool and lake. We opted to eat outdoors and enjoy the view. The outdoor lunch had stations serving all your BBQ faves, including sausages and hot dogs, burgers and veggies burgers, deli sandwiches (gluten free bread too), French fries and onion rings, pizza, a salad bar, and the popular taco bar and poutine station. There’s also a dessert bar where you can enjoy ice cream, sundaes, jumbo freezies, and other baked goods like butter tarts.

For dinner, kids can eat from the buffet at 5:30, while dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. in the dining room. Kids also have the option of eating from the breakfast buffet, or ordering from our table.

I had the pizza one night with the gluten-free crust which was pretty good. My husband had the steak, while the boys enjoyed burgers. The gluten-free peach pie was an unfortunate miss; but my family loved the peanut butter pie.

The service in the main dining room was a bit slow for dinner, and a few things we asked for didn’t end up making it to the table. But overall the dining experience was pretty good.

The Activities

There are many activities for all ages. What I appreciated was the resort had a schedule they’d hand out the evening before at dinner so we were able to plan what to do the following day. The activities list is impressive:

Two outdoor pools, hot tubs, steam room
Water sports including pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, SUP, sail boat, waterskiing (extra fee)
Fishing
Road hockey
Beach volleyball
Basketball courts
High ropes, rock climbing, low ropes
Golf
Tennis
Pickle ball
Batting cage
Archery
Axe throwing
Paint Ball
Mini putt
Horseshoes
Bocce ball
Yoga
Indoor pool
Fitness centre
Children’s Play village
Evening entertainment
Spa
Pool table
Video games
Ping pong

There are many activities to choose from, so you’ll never hear “I’m bored” from the kids. Parents are able to drop the kids off with their age group, and have some time alone to enjoy the spa or pool. We didn’t have the need to use the service so I can’t review the service. But from what the resort states, the recreation staff guides kids through age-appropriate activity programs.

Helpful Tips

If you plan on visiting Fern, bring a lanyard to carry your room keys, as they are actual keys and not card keys. It would’ve been helpful to have somewhere for the boys to keep a key around their neck.

Alcohol is not included in the all-inclusive, so bring your own liquor to keep in your room, or you can go into downtown Orillia (5 minute drive) to pick some up.

Pack some bug spray, especially if you plan to sit by the lake at night.

Don’t bother packing towels; the front desk provides you with towels for the pool or lake!

Love that the resort offers coffee all day in the lobby, as well as water stations throughout the resort. With all the activity, you best keep hydrated!

Bring yoga and/or athletic wear if you plan on taking an outdoor yoga class, or use the fitness room.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary visit at Fern Resort, in exchange for our honest review. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

Beauty

Avalon Organics Skin and Body Products (Giveaway)

July 19, 2018

Not often do you come across a great line of organic hair and body products that not only smell amazing, but also fulfill on their promise. Natural skin care products are not only better for your body, but also better for our furry friends (no animal testing). They’re also better for the environment – think of all the chemicals going down our drains into the water system.

Avalon Organics® is devoted to honouring our health as well as the Earth with their pro-organic philosophy. All of their products contain at least 70% organic content, and are formulated without Parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrances, artificial colours, phthalates or potentially harmful sulfates. Avalon products are made with 100% vegetarian, science-based nutrients and natural botanicals, and are never tested on animals.

Here are some of my personal favourites:

Avalon Organics Lavender Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner

The shampoo contains Lavender Essential Oil, Wheat Protein, Aloe and Vitamins nourish and moisturize normal to dry hair for soft, smooth, shiny results. The conditioner contains the same ingredients plus nourishing Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E,to condition and nourish each hair strand for smooth, healthy-looking results.

I look for products with a high organic content, essential oils for scent, and botanicals. My hair is prone to dryness, but my hair feels silky after using the conditioner. I love that the shampoo and conditioner smells of lavender with a hint of citrus; washing your hair never smelled so good! The essential oils are a treat as well when you’re taking a shower; breathing in the lavender scent is truly relaxing.

Avalon Organics Lavender Bath and Shower Gel

This bath and shower gel has a natural blend of lavender oil, aloe, wheat protein and non-drying botanical cleansers to gently purify and replenish the skin. Plus the soothing aroma of lavender calms the mind and body.

Avalon Organics Lavender Hand & Body Lotion

Plant lipids and oils naturally restore your skin’s lipid balance, so even extra dry, undernourished skin is replenished with long-lasting lotion. The lavender essential oil, aloe, vitamin E & beta-glucan deliver moisture and helps hydrate the skin. This lotion absorbs nicely without leaving a film, and the scent is heavenly.

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Crème

This age-defying cream helps deeply rehydrate and rebuild the skin’s support structure. Antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, Lemon Bioflavonoids, and White Tea soothe oxidative stress and help fight the visible signs of photo-aging. Collagen and elastin growth is stimulated so the skin becomes smoother and more supple as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles fades. This crème has a smooth texture, a lovely orangey scent, and is absorbed quickly.

Find out more about the Avalon Organics line of products here.

Enter to Win

Want to win some Avalon Organics products? One lucky reader will win a prize pack! Fill in the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shopping

Aeroplan Offer on Amazon Prime Day 2018

July 15, 2018

When I’m not traveling, I’m dreaming of my next trip and researching destinations. As an Aeroplan member, I’m always looking for ways to earn miles on my purchases so that I can book that next vacation faster. And with over 150 retailers to choose from on the Aeroplan eStore, it’s easy to earn miles.

With my Aeroplan Miles, I’ve booked several flights including a recent flight to Los Angeles for the Mom 2.0 Summit!

Amazon Prime Day is quickly approaching, it begins on July 16^th at 3:00 p.m. EDT for 36 hours of epic deals! Shopping with Amazon.ca helps Aeroplan members earn even more miles on their purchases and reach their travel plans even faster.

Here’s what Aeroplan Members can earn on Amazon Prime Day:

Members can earn 5x the miles on Amazon Prime Day starting July 16 – 18^th when shopping via the Aeroplan eStore — no need to be an Amazon Prime member.
Amazon Prime Day has special offers for Prime members only. The basic benefits of being a Prime member are :

FREE two-day shipping
Access to Prime Video
Access to Prime Music… And special deals on Prime Day! Over 100,000 deals across nearly all of its categories, including TVs, toys and electronics.

Earn miles by shopping through Aeroplan’s eStore, which has over 150 top brand-name online retailers in one central location. Here are the benefits from shopping via the eStore:

Earn at least 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $1 spent
Earn twice when using your Aeroplan-affiliated financial card
Easy and secure shopping that allows you to earn miles with every purchase
Often times there are promotions where members earn more (3X, 4X, 5X and Aeroplan Status members earn even more)

Aeroplan gives you options to control your travel. You’ll be able to select airline seats, accommodations, car rentals, destination activities, and travel packages all in one place, from either your mobile device or online. You’ll also have the power to reach your travel plans faster – with more partners, you can easily collect more miles.

Make the most of Amazon Prime Day to help get you closer to your next vacation!

Food

Delicious Lobster Lo-Mein Recipe

July 2, 2018

This delicious lobster Cantonese lo mein recipe is featured in Matt Dean Pettit’s newest book, The Great Shellfish Cookbook, a copy of which I received. The Great Shellfish Cookbook features over 100 delicious, vibrant, and healthy recipes for all kinds of shellfish. Enjoy!

Spadina Avenue is the site not only of Toronto’s Chinatown, but also of countless late-night meals I’ve had over the years. On any random night, you’ll see some of Toronto’s best cooks and chefs dining in the small, packed restaurants that line the street. I love getting to know the staff at these restaurants, including my favorite, Rol San, and asking them questions about their cuisine. Some of the best advice I’ve received over the years is to let the flavors bind together. Fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions, plus any other Asian spices you may like to add, create a great base for almost any sauce.

Cantonese Lobster Lo-Mein Recipe

Ingredients:

2 live lobsters (11/2 lb/680 g each)
1/2 cup (125 mL) cornstarch 6 green onions
1/4 cup (60 mL) canola oil 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tsp (5 mL) Chinese five-spice

1 cup (250 mL) vegetable stock
1/4 cup (60 mL) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60 mL) rice wine 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fish sauce
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar

1 package (17 1/2 oz/500 g) lo-mein noodles, cooked as per package’s instructions
1 cup (250 mL) fresh bean sprouts

Method:

1. Prepare an ice bath in a bucket or the sink.

2. To cook the lobsters, in a very large saucepan over high heat, bring 6 quarts (6 L) of salted, cold water to a boil. Using tongs, submerge the lobsters, head first, in the boiling water, and cook, covered, for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn bright red. Using tongs again, remove the lobsters from the water and place them in the ice bath for 5 to 10 minutes to stop the cooking process. Then, using a large chef’s knife or kitchen shears, carefully crack and break down the shells and remove as much meat as possible. Roughly chop the meat and place it in a large bowl. Add the cornstarch and mix to coat the lobster pieces.

3. Finely chop four of the green onions and place them in a small bowl. Chop the remaining two green onions and place them in a separate small bowl. 4. In a large, deep saucepan or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the four finely chopped green onions, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.

5. Add the coated lobster pieces to the saucepan and stir to mix all the ingredients together. Turn down the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once or twice.

6. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the vegetable stock, soy sauce, rice wine, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well. Add the sauce to the saucepan, mix to combine, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. Add the remaining two green onions and the bean sprouts. Stir well.

7. Place the cooked lo-mein noodles on a large serving platter and top with the hot lobster mixture. Serve immediately. Serves two to four.

Pick up a copy of The Great Shellfish Cookbook here.

activities

Celebration Canada at Canada’s Wonderland All July

July 1, 2018

Celebrate Canada Day all month at Canada’s Wonderland! Canada’s Wonderland is hosting a month-long birthday celebration (June 30 – July 31) featuring a spectacular fireworks display on July 1, West Coast Lumberjacks, Cirque Canadien, the Craz-E-Crew Stunt Team, live music, authentic Canadian food, street performers and more!

The West Coast Lumberjacks

Internationally recognized for their daredevil skills, the West Coast Lumberjacks will entertain guests of all ages while competing in Log Rolling, Tree Climbing, Axe Throwing and more.

Cirque Canadien

Prepare to be mesmerized by a magical display of acrobatics, mystique and athleticism as the performers of Cirque Canadien bring you on a journey through the seasons of Canada.

Due to the popularity of this show, it’s best to arrive 15-30 minutes early as seating is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cool off inside Wonderland Theatre as it’s indoors and air conditioned.

The Flying Frontenacs

Don’t miss the Flying Frontenacs as they stunt dive off a 70ft (21m) platform and showcase their athleticism on trampolines with incredible flips, turns, and dives.

Craz-E-Crew Stunt Crew

Don’t miss the spectacular air-time stunts as these high flying Canadian athletes perform extreme half-pipe tricks overlooking Arthur’s Baye. Performances begin July 16 through the 31st.

Celebration Plaza

A Canadian celebration isn’t complete without indulging in some of Canada’s best fare!

Enjoy Shrimp Mac n’ Cheese, Ontario BBQ chicken, Great Canadian Pizza, Maple Sugar and Butter Corn on the Cob, Peameal Bacon sliders, and of course, Poutine! But you must try the dessert of all Canadian desserts – a Deep Fried Blueberry Butter Tart topped with Bacon Ice Cream! Food tents are open from 1:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily!

Of course, you’ll enjoy Canada Wonderland’s fireworks at 10:00 p.m. on Canada Day!

Celebration Canada is included with Park Admission. Find out more here.

Disclosure: I am a brand partner with Canada’s Wonderland. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own!

google5280091c7775ceb6

Family Travel

10 Things to Do in San Diego

June 28, 2018

San Diego is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States, let alone California! And it’s no wonder; there are plenty of things to do in San Diego so just be sure to plan enough time during your visit to see and do as many as you possibly can!

10 Things to do in San Diego

1. Belmont Park

A few minutes by foot, Belmont Park is San Diego’s iconic beachfront amusement park on Mission Beach. It’s the quintessential Southern California beach boardwalk experience. Kids will love the rides including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a wooden roller coaster built in 1925, which is a National Historic Landmark. Walk along the boardwalk, bring a picnic or just find a spot on the beach and people-watch!

2. San Diego Botanic Garden

For nature lovers, the San Diego Botanic Garden in nearby Encinitas is a stunning sanctuary. There are 37 acres of garden trails, restful vistas, ponds and waterfalls, flowering trees, majestic palms and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to San Diego’s mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. The garden’s diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates including a tropical rainforest. The Hamilton Children’s Garden is especially wonderful for children, with a giant treehouse and creative spaces to explore.

3. Balboa Park – San Diego Zoo

Balboa Park is a vast urban cultural park with open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths. It also contains museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. San Diego Zoo has thousands of animals, dozens of elaborate and extensive exhibit areas, gardens, and animal-themed events. Set aside a morning or afternoon if not a full day to enjoy the exhibit.

The Children’s Zoo is more popular for kids as it has a petting zoo, animal feedings, naked mole-rats, spider monkeys, and other exciting animals. When you get tired of walking, hop on the double-decker guided tour buses which are free with the day pass. Another fun way to explore the zoo is via the Skyfari Arial Tram, which takes you from one end of the zoo clear out to the other, offering excellent views of the zoo.

Cabrillo National Monument

For a little history lesson, take the kids to Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma, which commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s discovery of San Diego in 1542. Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the U.S. West Coast. You’ll love the picturesque views of the harbour and downtown skyline. Explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and tidepools in one of the best protected intertidal ecosystems in Southern California.

San Diego Speed Boat Adventure

Forget the tour bus – take a tour boat! For the adventurous family, and to see the bay by boat, you must go on a San Diego Speed Boat Adventure. Take the wheel and be the captain of your very own speed boat as a tour guide introduces you to the sights and beauty of San Diego Bay. Be prepared though, it will be a bumpy ride as you go full throttle following the other speed boats. The guide will give an entertaining tour narration through two-way communication systems mounted in each boat.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla features more than 60 tanks of colorful marine life, including coral reefs, colourful fish, sharks, jellyfish and octopus. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries on climate, earth and ocean science. There’s also a tide pool area where kids can touch tide-pool animals.

La Jolla Cove and Shores

While you’re in San Diego, you must check out La Jolla Cove and its shores. You could spend an afternoon exploring the 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tidelands, the cove and surrounding beaches teem with marine life, including sea lions, bright orange Garibaldi fish (California’s state fish), pelicans and more. The cove is also famous for its seven sea caves. I found a coffee shop right along the coast and enjoyed an afternoon cup of java overlooking the cove – perfection!

8. Hotel del Coronado

The famous Hotel del Coronado is a grand beachfront resort with a spa, a fitness centre, outdoor pools and multiple dining options. In 1958, Hotel del Coronado made Hollywood history when it became the setting for director Billy Wilder’s classic comedy, Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. You don’t have to be a guest to walk the hotel’s grounds and take photos of this iconic resort.

9. The Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historical neighborhood full of entertainment and nightlife venues. It hosts many festivals and events including Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Street Scene Music Festival, Taste of Gaslamp and ShamROCK, a St. Patrick’s Day event. Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres is located one block away in downtown San Diego’s East Village.

10. The USS Midway Museum

For museum lovers, the USS Midway Museum is a must-see. It consists of the aircraft carrier the USS Midway, the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, having played host to 225,000 sailors over the course of its life.

WATCH:

Health

Children are Still Not Getting Enough Physical Activity

June 20, 2018

Canadian kids are sitting too much in front of screens, and not getting enough physical activity. Kids who participate in physical activity have more focus and longer attention spans, compared to their less active peers, according to a new report.

Boosting kids’ physical activity levels could be the missing part of the equation in supporting their mental health. The latest findings of the ParticipACTION report gave Canadian kids a D+ grade for their overall level of physical activity, marking a slight improvement from the past four reports where they have received a D-minus grade.

Only 35 per cent of children from the ages of 5 to 17, and 62 per cent of kids from the ages of 3 to 4, are getting the recommended physical activity levels for their age groups. Both groups are also getting more screen time than is recommended; 5- to 11-year-olds and 12- to 17-year-olds in Canada spend 2.3 and 4.1 hours per day, respectively.

Not only does lack of physical activity affects cardiovascular health, muscle strength, sleep, weight and mental health, it also has consequences in the classroom too. Physical activity makes for better, more efficient learners and enhances focus, memory, and recall. Overall, active children and youth make for better achieving students.

The benefits were seen in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders, too.

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that children from the ages of 5 to 17 spend at least 60 minutes day participating in physical activity. For kids from 3 to 4 years old, that number is at least 180 minutes.

Just seven percent of five- to 11-year-olds and four percent of 12- to 17-year-olds get the federal government’s recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

So how can we get our kids to be more physically active? Here are some ways parents can encourage more physical activity:

Do as I do.

Be a positive role model to your children. If our children see us being active and having fun doing it, they will choose an active way of life too.

Let your child choose.

Some children do well in team sports and are driven by competition such as hockey or soccer, while others prefer a solo sport such as golf, speed skating or martial arts. Understand your child’s strengths and desires, and try to match them up with a sport that they will thrive in.

Unplug.

Limit screen time; turn off the television, video games, and YouTube videos, and get outdoors. Even just a brisk walk after dinner can do wonders.

Encourage more activity.

Parents can help instill a love of activity and help kids make it a part of their everyday routine. Here are some ways to get more active!

Walk to school

Go on family bike rides

Take up a family sport like tennis

Play dodgeball or basketball at your local school yard

Allow your kids to ride their bikes to the park with friends

Set up a road hockey tournament on your street

Walk to the grocery store instead of driving

Take the stairs instead of elevator

Enroll in a sport like soccer or hockey

Dancing with the stars more appealing? Sign up your child for dance lessons

Check your local community centre for activities, or the YMCA

Appetizers & Soups

Bean and Mango Salad Recipe

June 18, 2018

When you’re bored of lettuce and mixed green salads, mix things up with a hearty protein-packed bean and mango salad. This simple bean and mango salad recipe is a crunchy and flavourful vegetarian dish that’s easy to make, and filling too. You can use black beans, or mixed beans if you like, as I did in this recipe!

Bean and Mango Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 can beans, rinsed

1 mango, chopped

1 small red onion, chopped

1/2 sweet red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup corn kernels

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Juice of 1 lime

3 tbsp olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

salt and pepper

Method

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt and pepper. Set aside. Chop vegetables into small bite-sized pieces. Transfer to large bowl, and add chopped cilantro. Add dressing to veggies and stir.

Enjoy!

Health

Is Suicide on the Rise?

June 11, 2018

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain shocked the world by taking their own lives. Even though we didn’t know them, their deaths felt very personal to many of us. Fans were left asking, why? What caused them to commit suicide? Is depression becoming an epidemic? Is suicide on the rise?

Suicide rates have increased by 25% in the last two decades ending in 2016, According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.

Although suicide is one of the top four causes of death among people in the age groups between 10 and 44, the numbers of suicide deaths are higher in the age groups in the 45 to 65+ range, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

While we don’t know why these rates are increasing, we can make some inferences from the known suicide risk factors in middle-age adults, which had the highest increase.

“One risk factor for suicide is big life stressors, something we see most often in the middle of our lives,” Jenys Allende, MD a psychiatrist in Philadelphia, said in an email interview.

“This is the period where we are most likely to juggle the complications of aging family members or come face to face with the outcomes of financial risks you took that didn’t pay off. You may go through a divorce or be raising children – a monumental task in its own right – but what if those children become ill?”

People in this age range have children, taking care of elderly parents, juggling work and home life. They don’t seem to take tie for self-care, which means they aren’t seeking help for any mental health issues.

“These are the most productive years of our life, but the flipside of that productivity is the burden of others depending on us.”

As for Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, they were both incredibly successful and seemingly living their best lives. However, they both likely had high expectations and pressures to sustain their level of success. They were also within the middle-age group.

“They had known histories of mental health and substance abuse issues, two of the most important risk factors for suicide,” Allende says. “And they had to keep up appearances to protect and nourish their personal brands, their companies, and the people they loved.”

“When we add all these factors up, one possible result is a lonely place where it is hard to reach out for help.”

Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.

How to get help:

In the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

In Canada, call toll-free 1-833-456-4566, text: 45645 or chat at crisisservicescanada.ca

amw

5 Reasons to Take the Family to Fern Resort

The Vibe

The Lake

The Pools

The All-Inclusive

The Activities

Helpful Tips

Avalon Organics Lavender Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner

Avalon Organics Lavender Bath and Shower Gel

Avalon Organics Lavender Hand & Body Lotion

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Crème

Enter to Win

Cantonese Lobster Lo-Mein Recipe

Ingredients:

Method:

The West Coast Lumberjacks

Cirque Canadien

The Flying Frontenacs

Craz-E-Crew Stunt Crew

Celebration Plaza

10 Things to do in San Diego

1. Belmont Park

2. San Diego Botanic Garden

3. Balboa Park – San Diego Zoo

Cabrillo National Monument

San Diego Speed Boat Adventure

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

La Jolla Cove and Shores

8. Hotel del Coronado

9. The Gaslamp Quarter

10. The USS Midway Museum

WATCH:

Do as I do.

Let your child choose.

Unplug.

Encourage more activity.

Bean and Mango Salad Recipe

Ingredients

Method

How to get help: