Reading Time: 5 minutes University of Guelph professor Andria Jones-Bitton has been involved in farmer mental health since 2015 when she spearheaded a survey that documented the extreme levels of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout experienced by Canada’s farmers. Distressingly, though, Jones-Bitton says preliminary results from a subsequent survey her team conducted in 2021 indicate stress levels are as […] Read more
Your role in supporting mental health
Farmers’ mental health is still a challenge, but there’s one thing we do know: With the right support, you can make a difference
Think Like a Rocket Scientist
Guide Books Review: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life
Reading Time: 3 minutes Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and LifeBy Ozan Varol(Public Affairs • $35) Among the fascinating books I’ve encountered while writing these reviews, Ozan Varol’s Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life stands out. […] Read more
Dial down the stress response
Three essential steps to feeling better, both physically and mentally
Reading Time: 5 minutes It’s been well documented in recent years that farmers are experiencing high levels of stress. And although farmers are typically very resilient, when the demands placed on them exceed their strengths, talents and resources, it can go far beyond healthy levels. Such stress responses can activate a myriad of unhealthy symptoms and behaviours, explains Kathy […] Read more
Guide Health: Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring
At first, sleep apnea and snoring may just be bothersome
Reading Time: 3 minutes Apnea is Greek in origin and means “not breathing.” Thus sleep apnea occurs during sleep. It is a breathing disorder that occurs as the result of the partial or complete blockage of the upper airway by soft tissue and muscle. This results in a lack of oxygen, which in turn causes the brain to arouse […] Read more
Manage anger on the farm
Angry outbursts affect you, those you work with and ultimately your farm business
Reading Time: 5 minutes A Chinese proverb says, “if you can be patient in a moment of anger, you will escape 100 days of sorrow.” It’s wise advice, but we all know it can also be tough advice to follow if you’re prone to angry outbursts. Yes, you may feel remorse for it afterwards. But do you understand why […] Read more
Guide Health: Monitoring your blood glucose
Blood glucose monitoring is important in the effective management of both type 1 and 2 diabetes
Reading Time: 3 minutes One in three Canadians has diabetes. Many don’t even know it. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by suboptimal insulin secretion and/or diminished insulin activity. Insulin is the hormone in the body that is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates such as glucose, so with diabetes, glucose levels are elevated. This then puts individuals at […] Read more
Achieving your goals in 2022
Turn your New Year’s resolutions into goals that will keep you healthier and more alive
Reading Time: 5 minutes There is something about flipping the calendar over to a new year that prompts many of us to want to adopt better habits such as eating healthier, drinking less alcohol or exercising more. These are worthy goals. Taking care of your body and mind can give you more energy, improve your mood, and have many […] Read more
Thriving with the science of positive psychology
Optimism and pessimism aren’t personality traits. They’re choices
Reading Time: 5 minutes Positive psychology is the study of human flourishing. It offers evidence-based insights, tools, skills and strategies for coping and for resilience during life’s challenges. “It’s about building up what’s right with us, not trying to fix what’s wrong with us,” explains New Dundee, Ont. well-being educator and coach, Rebecca Byers. Our thoughts, actions and behaviours […] Read more
Guide Health: Why so many drugs after a heart attack?
Most people take five or six medications after a heart attack
Reading Time: 2 minutes According to Health Canada, heart attacks or myocardial infarcts occur in about 2.3 people per 1,000 Canadians, and many more may have other heart or cardiovascular conditions. “Myo-” means muscle and “cardial” refers to the heart, while “infarct” refers to a lack of oxygen that results in the death of tissue. Thus a myocardial infarct […] Read more
What success really boils down to
Guide Books Review: GRIT | The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Reading Time: 4 minutes GRIT | The Power of Passion and PerseveranceBy Angela Duckworth(Collins, 2018 • 368 pages, $33) What is the secret ingredient to success? Some say it’s innate talent. Others disagree and say it’s all about learned skills or hard work. And still others point to luck and being at the right place at the right time. […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
