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Join us this year, as we collaborate with Alberta Fertility Centre as well as Registered Psychologists, Caroline Andersen and Dr. Adrienne Witol to offer meaningful events to educate, empower and advocate for fertility supports.

We are joining Fertility Matters Canada in this year’s Canadian Fertility Awareness Theme: “One Voice,” which speaks to ‘the collective strength and unity of individuals and communities coming together to advocate for fertility awareness and support, emphasizing the power of standing united as one voice, raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting education surrounding fertility issues and reproductive health.’

NEW STUDY FINDS FINANCIAL COST A MAJOR BARRIER TO CONCEIVE FOR MOST EDMONTONIANS WITH INFERTILITY

New data from Fertility Alberta reveals that most Edmontonians dealing with (in)fertility do NOT proceed with treatment due to financial cost, and of those who do proceed, nearly half take out loans for just a chance to have a baby.

The survey of 640 Albertans conducted in Sept 2023 found that most Albertans who need medical assistance to have a family are struggling to access the help they need. Survey highlights include:

• 74% of people who did not proceed with needed fertility treatments identified cost as the reason
  • 96% of these respondents said financial assistance from the Alberta government would have enabled them to proceed with treatment.
• 60% of those who did undergo treatment spent $10,000 to $50,000
• Nearly 50% of patients that underwent treatments required a loan to cover the cost

Currently, only seven provinces in Canada provide funding related to fertility and family-building care to residents, and the programs and access to services vary widely across the country, including fully funded IVF treatment, tax credits or reimbursement programs. Albertans do not receive any IVF funding.

We are working to increase accessibility to fertility patients and optimize chances for success, including offering free monthly Online Support Circles; Community Acupuncture; and donating all proceeds from upcoming CFAW events to local non-profits to support advocacy for IVF funding in Alberta. 

The CFAW events support Fertility Alberta, a patient-led, fertility advocacy organization, whose recent fertility survey results paint a sobering picture on treatment access in the province.

Canadian Infertility Awareness Week Events:

Wednesday, April 24 | Therapeutic Arts Workshop: Creative Journeys:

• Fertility patients will explore the transformative process of artistic expression, as they reflect on their fertility journeys through expressive arts and mindfulness. Individual art pieces will collectively form a ‘One Voice’ mural. MORE INFO

Thursday, April 25 – 7:30 p.m. | National Light Up the Night at the Muttart

• Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory will be one of the monuments across the country that will light up GREEN, symbolising health, growth, and life in honour of the 1 in 6 Canadians who are impacted by fertility challenges. Join us and those on their fertility journeys at the light-up. MORE INFO

Saturday, April 27 – 4:30 p.m. ‘One Voice’ Mural Exhibit

• Join ARC and WFH as they unveil the mural exhibit from the ‘Creative Journeys’ Therapeutic Arts Workshop at Alberta Reproductive Centre, showcasing individual art pieces and stories, collectively representing and honouring the unified strength of individuals who face fertility challenges. MORE INFO

Location: Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC)
#102 – 17203-103 Ave NW
Day: Friday each week
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Currently open to ARC patients, whether you are trying to conceive assisted or unassisted, at the beginning of your journey or in treatment.

We have teamed up with ARC to make acupuncture more accessible. Our community-based group setting & lower cost invites ARC patients to experience the benefits more easily.

What is Community Acupuncture

Did you know that acupuncture is traditionally offered in shared healing spaces & group settings in Asia?

Our community acupuncture is a modern interpretation of a centuries-old Eastern healing tradition. 

It is an accessible and affordable alternative to conventional acupuncture settings. This group acupuncture approach brings individuals together in a shared space, promoting both community support and individual well-being.  

Join others who are facing similar fertility challenges for acupuncture in our quiet, safe, & discreet group setting. Where we can share in a sense of collective well-being, support and community. 

Benefits of Community Fertility Acupuncture:

Accessibility

• Our group setting facilitates overcoming cost barriers.

Regular & Consistent Treatment Leads to Increased Success

• Accessibility allows for regular & consistent treatments, leading to higher success rates.
• Studies show that clinical pregnancy rates are significantly higher in groups that have received courses of multiple sessions of acupuncture during IVF, when compared to control groups.
• Research shows that acupuncture leads to improved clinical pregnancy rates & live birth rates in people undergoing IVF.

Community Support & Connection

• Know that you are not alone in our unique atmosphere of shared support & collective healing.

FEES

Initial Community Fertility Acupuncture Session (45-60mins) $60
Follow up Community Fertility Acupuncture Session (45-60mins) $60
Pre-paid Package of 6 Community Acupuncture Sessions (6x 45-60mins) $300

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Exciting announcement!

We are collaborating with Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC) to offer Whole Person CARE Guidance.

At ARC, they understand the importance of personalized and comprehensive support throughout the emotional and medical process of your fertility journey.

That is why we have teamed up with them to offer fertility care including the following services to all ARC patients.

Introducing WFH’s Alda Ngo, the ARC Whole Person CARE (Coordinator and Reproductive Education) Guide: your Compassionate Coordinator on the Path to Parenthood at ARC.

Embarking on the journey to parenthood can be both exciting and challenging. At ARC, they understand that fertility care is not just a medical process; it is also deeply personal and emotional. That is why they are proud to introduce a dedicated Whole Person CARE Guide, a compassionate coordinator committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Together, ARC and WFH recognize that growing your family is a profoundly meaningful human experience. We are also aware that trying to create a healthy pregnancy can bring up challenging thoughts & emotions, as well as a sense of loss of control.

We want to nurture your sense of agency throughout the process, because we see that you should be in charge of your fertility journey.

Your Personal Advocate:

As your personal advocate and liaison at ARC, Alda brings a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to holistic fertility care. She will ensure that your journey to parenthood is physically supported and emotionally empowered.

Alda is not just a guide; she is your trusted advocate throughout your fertility journey.

Comprehensive Support Tailored to Your Needs:

The Whole Person CARE Guide goes beyond the traditional role. Alda will help you identify your fertility wellness goals as well as explore & navigate all the additional care options that are available to you.  

Tailored Key Services offered by our Whole Person CARE Guide at ARC:

1. Personalized Care Plan: She will work with you to create a personalized fertility plan that addresses all aspects of your unique fertility wellness needs & goals.
2. Information & Education: She will provide clear information about fertility treatments, procedures, and potential challenges, to ensure you are well-informed and empowered to make confident decisions.
3. Wellness Integration: She will provide you with information about curated supportive service options that are accessible to you. For example: counselling, acupuncture, Registered Dietitian, support groups, mindfulness, massage & yoga.
4. Coordination of Care: She will serve as a liaison between you and your holistic medical team, streamlining communication and ensuring a seamless experience throughout your fertility treatment process.
5. Empowering Emotional Support: She will offer a compassionate ear, ensuring you feel heard and supported, while helping you navigate your treatment plan options to create a positive experience.

How to Book

If you are a patient at ARC, please call the front desk at (587) 442-0461 to book a FREE appointment with your Whole Person CARE Guide.

Cortisol and Stress

Many of us have heard that having high cortisol levels can be damaging to our health, but what about having low cortisol levels? Studies show that low cortisol levels, or hypocorticolism, can be linked to long term exposure to stress.

During stress, the body adapts by increasing levels of cortisol to push the body to respond to danger (whether the danger is real or apparent). But if the stress response persists (like in the case of chronic stress), these elevated cortisol levels are unable to fall back within normal range & the body’s cortisol baseline level changes.

Chronic Stress and Hypocorticolism

After prolonged time of elevated cortisol levels, there is a fail-safe mechanism in the midbrain that tries to rebalance the hormone levels. For example, the amygdala and hippocampus can become less responsive, thus lowering levels of cortisol in the body. This negative feedback pattern continues and eventually the body can become less responsive to stress. This might sound good, but any long term imbalance can cause more issues down the road.

The body’s stress response is important & cortisol is designed to protect the body from danger and invasion. So when cortisol levels are chronically low, the body can become less responsive to inflammation and allergies.

Cortisol, Inflammation & Adaptability

Research has linked inflammation to higher levels of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis as well as symptoms like fatigue, stress intolerance, and low blood sugar. Those living with hypocorticolism are often tired, might be intolerant to exercise, overweight, crave sweet and salty flavours, and commonly experience anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Overall, having chronically low cortisol levels reduces the ability to adapt to changes and stressors in life. Finding ways to better manage stress through meditation and yoga, acupuncture, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help bring the stress response back into balance.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can help you manage stress and balance hormones.

Reference: PMID: 15950390

Summer is the season of the big yang and is characterized by the fire phase and summer heat. Heat feeds on body fluids and harms yin. It is recommended to take in predominately cooling, dampness- providing foods (yin food) to disperse heat and build up body fluids.

The bitter flavour corresponds to the fire phase, and mostly bitter–cool as well as bitter–cold foods in moderation should be consumed during the hot season.

Recommended Summer Foods:

Fruit or fruit juices:

Apple, lemon, kiwi, melon, orange, pear, pineapple, tangerine

Cooling foods:

Cucumber, Belgian endive hearts, spinach, tomato, as well as more raw foods, salads, yogurt, wheat, barley, black or even better green tea, mineral water, wheat beer, mussels, rabbit

Foods to Avoid during Summer:

Dry and energetically hot foods such as coffee and acrid spices. Also avoid ice-cold foods and beverages and ice cream, because they abruptly block the stomach’s digestive energy.

In the view of Chinese medicine, children have a physiologically weak center burner until they are about eight years old. They are especially sensitive to cold foods and beverages.

Tip:

The Chinese have recommended green tea as an ideal beverage during summer heat for centuries. “It disperses summer heat and can expel toxins, cool the heart fire, calm the mind, remove heat from liver and gallbladder, and relieve stomach and lung.”

Contact us to book a free 15-minute discovery call to find out more ways Chinese Medicine can support your health journey!

Source: Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Jörg Kastner

Summertime is ideal to practice communally. It is a time to get out and spend time with others, teaching and learning from each other through observation and insight. Summertime is joyful and uplifting! This is the polar opposite of winter, which is interpersonal and reflective.

Some postures to incorporate into a summer practice are dynamic movements, standing postures, and pranayama (breathing exercises) to lighten up the heart.

Summertime can bring about bitterness emotionally if one does not allow heat to come in and flow out of the body. Any extra heat in the body has a cascading effect on sleep, digestion, and mood. Using techniques to flush out excess heat will benefit during the summer months, and also prepare the body for autumn.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can support you throughout every season with individualized one-on-one yoga.

Spring is the season of the beginning small yang and is characterized by growth, movement, and expansion.

After winter, the body’s qi energy begins to flow strongly again and seeks to expand freely. Food during this season should supplement qi energy, allowing it to course freely, and support Chinese medicine spleen and liver functional systems.

Recommended Spring Foods:

Mildly warming foods with upward movement: Fennel, rice, buckwheat; possibly pungent flavours (garlic, paprika, ginger) in case of accumulated dampness left over from the colder months.

Sour flavours, because they stabilize liver yin energy and can regulate upbearing liver yang.

Foods from the wood phase, green in colour with neutral, cool, or warm energy: Green tea, spinach, celery, a little more raw foods and sprouts.

Wind is often the dominating seasonal factor during spring and causes recurring external wind disorders (like colds & flus), which can be balanced with the mildly pungent flavours of green onions and ginger.

Foods to Avoid During Spring:

The following foods can block Liver Qi energy:

Energetically hot and fatty foods
Excess sour flavours

Tip:

🌱 Choose foods that are local and in season!

Source: Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Jörg Kastner

Contact us to find out more about how we can support you on your wellness journey!

Watch Whole Family Health fertility specialist, Christina Pistotnik and Alberta Reproductive Centre’s Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Ariadne Daniel on CTV Morning Live – speaking to Canadian Fertility Awareness Week 2023.

Listen to Dr. Ariadne Daniel from Alberta Reproductive Centre speak with Global Health Matters host, Su-Ling Goh about Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW), her new IVF clinic’s vision of Whole Person Fertility Care and our joint event offerings for CFAW’23.

We are grateful to Global Weekend Morning Live for having us on this morning to raise awareness for Canadian Fertility Awareness Week!