Let’s Talk Brantford Health and Wellness Podcast

Let’s Talk is a biweekly podcast that answers health and lifestyle questions from residents in Brantford, Brant and Six Nations.

Hosts Mandy and Zile use their knowledge and connections to provide resources and information local residents need to know.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by all the health and lifestyle information out there, Zile and Mandy can help you get started!

If you have a health or lifestyle question you would like answered, please fill out the Let’s Talk Question Submission Form.

Hosts

Mandy Samwell works as a Community Health Broker with The Brant County Health Unit. She values her work within the health system and as the President of Eagle Place Community Association, and how that work plays a role in community building. You’ve probably seen her around as she spends most of her time out in the Brantford Community. When not out and about, she keeps her mind sharp by reading mysteries, painting and playing video games.

Zile Ozols works in the Programming Department at the Brantford Public Library. She is a sci/fi horror reader, house builder, maker, and amateur vegetable gardener. Her passion for working for the community with the community drives her personal and professional decisions. Every day she endeavors to drink more water.

Episodes

Episode 10

In Episode 10 we discuss some ways you can stay safe and healthy throughout the holidays. Check out these resources that we mentioned: Holiday Recipes with in season local foods; Food Safety Info Sheet from BCHU; Turkey Food SafetyHoliday Food Safety; Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season; Holiday Eating; BCHU Holiday Guidance; Government of Canada Plan a Safe Holiday; Creative ideas for staying connected; How to celebrate Christmas

Episode 9

In Episode 9 we discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder and how to find fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Some of the resources we mention: Seasonal Affective Disorder; Coping with SADAll about frozen vegetables; How to store fresh vegetables; Fruit and Vegetable Availability Guide.

Episode 8

In Episode 8 we answer a question from a listener about best before and expiration dates and where you can find information about your rights as a consumer. Check out the resources we mention: Date labelling on pre-packaged food; Cosmetics  labelling standards (Labelling standards overview; Product Shelf-Life located at bottom of page; Full guide from Government of Canada); Complaint Roadmap; Your Rights; Consumer Protection Ontario.

Episode 7

In Episode 7 we discuss the benefits of being active and outdoor winter activities and safety. Check out the resources we mention: Get into the Swing of Being Active; Participaction website; Brant County Health Unit Active Living page; Activity Guidelines by child age group; Quick stats about being active; Brantford Trails; Brant County Trail; Brantford outdoor ice rinks; Weather Alerts; Get Prepared for Winter; Winter Safety for Kids.

Episode 6

In Episode 6 we talk about sleep hygiene and food safety. Check out the resources we mention: Are Canadian Adults Getting Enough Sleep?; Getting a Good Night's Sleep; Sleep hygiene tips; Food Safety: Cleaning; Interactive Safe Food Handling GuideReporting food poisoning; Safe Food Storage; One-Page Food Storage Handout; Canned goods; Food Recalls.

Episode 5

In Episode 5 we answer a question about COVID from a listener, and discuss the risks of eating too much sodium and the benefits of fibre. Check out the resources we mention: COVID-19 information from BCHU, Public Health Ontario, Government of Canada, and World Health Organizationall about face coverings; CAMH page about mental health and COVID-19; and Brantford Neighbours Helping Neighbours. Resources from unlockfood.ca about Salt, reducing your sodium intake, and ways to spice up your food without salt. Learn all about fibre and how to get more fibre in your diet.

Episode 4

In Episode 4 we discuss eating healthy on a budget. Check out the resources we mention: an overview of the budget saving tips on the Canada Good Guide page; find more tips we didn't have time to mention at Heart and Stroke, and unlockfood.ca; learn more about beans and how to pick the right ingredients and recipes; take care of your leftovers, and reduce food waste; finally, don't forget to check out local resources such as Equal Ground Community Gardens and Brantford Food Banks.

Episode 3

In Episode 3 we discuss mosquitoes, ticks, and sugar. Be sure to check out the resources we mention: resources about sugar, sugar substitutes, and artificial sweeteners recommended by a BCHU Dietician;  information about West Nile Virus (scroll down for solutions for standing water) and symptoms of WNV; learn about Lyme disease, the symptoms, and precautions to take, how to properly remove a tick, what a black-legged deer tick looks like, and send a photo to identify a tick.

Episode 2

In Episode 2 we discuss sun and heat safety, vitamins and minerals, and positivity and optimism. Be sure to check out the resources we mention: Canada Food Guide; Unlockfood.ca: Vitamins; Canadian Cancer Society: Sun safety facts; UV rays; Sun-savvy quiz; Indoor tanning

Episode 1

In Episode 1 we introduce ourselves and the podcast, and discuss water, nutritional labels, and healthy eating habits. Be sure to check out the resources we mention: Canada Food Guide; Unlockfood.ca; Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

 

Disclaimer
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions or any medical issues that you may be having.