Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, Naturopathic Physician
330-1175 Cook Street V8V 481 Victoria, BC, Canada

Amazing business woman, doctor, mom, and friend - Dr. Carla Cashin, ND never ceases to amaze me with all that she does. . I couldn’t ask for a better business partner. Thank you for holding up the operational side of things at Juniper Family Health while I was off on maternity leave! You are seriously a rockstar. . Yesterday @dr.carla.cashin gave me a crash course on all of our Covid protocols and procedures. So much thought and work has gone into this to make our staff, doct...ors, and patients safe. Thank you @dr.cashin.nd !! . . . . . #womeninbusness #yyjbusiness #naturopath #naturopathicdoctor #yyjhealth #victoriabc #bossbabe #empoweredwomenempowerwomen See more

I can’t believe that in two short weeks I’ll be back at Juniper Family Health! Big thanks to Dr. Meghan Dougan, ND for filling in for me while I was on maternity leave . Looking forward to serving the Victoria community once again ! Meet your Doc Monday with Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND @dr.meghan.nd Dr. van Drimmelen is passionate about providing personalized, evidence-informed naturopathic care to women, children, and families. ... She is the co-founder of @juniperclinic, mama of two, dog enthusiast, runner, and health writer. Find links to past @alivehealth publications and book collaboration with @menopausechicks in our bio. Dr. van Drimmelen has a deep respect for the naturopathic principle of ‘doctor as teacher,’ and sees herself as a guide in her patients' individual health journeys. Areas of practice focus include support for hormone imbalances, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and children’s wellness. She will be returning to her clinical practice from her time off on maternity leave on October 13th, and is looking forward to reconnecting with her patients. Have you been waiting to book in with Dr. van Drimmelen? Appointment bookings are now open! For all inquiries give us a call, email, or book online (link in bio). 778-265-8340 [email protected] Photo credit to the talented @n8images . . . . . #naturopath #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicmedicine #natmed #naturopathy #victorianaturopath #yyj #yyjhealth #yyjhealthcare #victoriabc #victoriabccanada #vancouverisland #vancouverislandnaturopath #juniperfamilyhealth #hormonalhealth #fertilitysupport #childrenshealth #postpartumsupport #naturalhealthcare #womenshealth #pregnancysupport

BC Women's Health Foundation is collecting data on the impacts of COVID-19 on women's health: "Did you know? Women have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in many aspects of life, including employment, childcare and schooling, mental health, and stress. We are seeking to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s health through changes to financial or homelife situations with our questionnaire: SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE OF COVID-19’S IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE AND YOUR HEALTH. Share your thoughts at https://forms.gle/VFwmqpHypxrqbh919"

Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing Duvet Days.

At Juniper Family Health we are listening, we are learning, and we are reflecting. We pledge to support and amplify the BIPOC community.

For the latest updates and recommendations from trusted sources, check out this app provided for British Columbians: https://bc.thrive.health/

INFERTILITY AWARENESS . Ive been thinking a lot about those struggling with #fertility concerns since this pandemic started. As many of you know, my husband and I had our own fertility challenges along the way to building our little family. I know how hard the waiting game can be. For many, it can take years of trying to conceive, followed by months of waiting to get into a fertility specialist. And now in our current climate theres a pause to the fertility treatments you m...ay need. . This week is #infertilityawarenessweek. For those currently struggling with their fertility, know that you are not alone. #1in6 couples encounter infertility, and #1in4 experience #miscarriage. My husband and I experienced both along our journey. After many pregnancy losses, and months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully, we finally had our baby girl Ella with the help of #IVF, #acupuncture, and #naturopathic supports. We conceived our son Otis naturally, and had a healthy pregnancy with the help of preventative medical intervention and #acupuncture in my first trimester. . Theres a reason why people say fertility is a journey. There are ups and downs along the way, and sometimes it feels like the road is never going to end. If youve experienced pregnancy loss the road doesnt end at conception, and these ups and downs often continue until youre holding your baby in your arms. . I remember how much hope it gave me when I connected with others who had children after years of struggling with their fertility. I hope that my story can do the same for others who are currently facing fertility challenges. . Need extra support? Check out these resources: . General fertility support: @fertility_canada @resolveorg @pcosaa @endometriosisassociation @sogcorg . Local resources: @victoriafertilitycentre Infertility Counselling- www.jenvining.ca, www.ochspsychology.com Mindfulness classes & acupuncture - @elements_health_centre Naturopathic doctors in BC - www.bcna.ca @juniperclinic . . #infertilityawarenessweek #infertility #fertilitysupport #naturopathicfertility #naturopath #yourenotalone #natmed #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicmedicine #fertilityjourney #fertilityawareness #shareyourstory See more

SELF CARE This is a picture of me from last weekend on my first solo run since Otis was born ! It. Was. Glorious. No kids. No dogs. Just me and the sun, sweat, and all the endorphins . It can be tough to carve out #metime as a parent, and especially in this current climate. I get it. It took me awhile to figure out what works for me, and how I can squeeze a little #selfcare into life as a busy mom. ... How are you coping? What are you doing for #selfcare? Juniper Family Health is doing a mini social media series on mental health and wellness. Were posting a ton of info on mental health resources and practical tips from our dream team of naturopathic doctors . Let us know if theres any content youd like us to share!

ADAPTING TO A NEW NORMAL. How are you coping with all the change and uncertainty in the world? I know Ive found these last couple of weeks challenging....Ive been worried about the health of my family and loved ones, the stress on our health care system and economy, the suffering and loss that so many people are experiencing around the world, and how our clinic Juniper Family Health is going to adapt to seeing patients virtually through telemedicine. I have missed our famil...y dinners with our parents and siblings, lunches out with friends, play dates and play grounds, seeing my daughter hug and kiss her grandparents, and my son being rocked in their arms. It has been trying times to say the least...but we are adapting, as humans do, and even though I still have moments of feeling stressed or anxious, things are starting to feel a little bit more manageable. I am trying to focus on what I CAN control, rather than the things that I cant. Routine, exercise, getting out in nature, cooking nourishing meals, doing art with my daughter, and connecting with others through #physicaldistance has helped me through these unprecedented times. Im also trying to focus on the good that will come from our efforts with #socialdistancing to #flattenthecurve. It is, and will continue to make a difference. Sending love and strength to you and yours today friends. Were in this together.

Womens midlife health matters. A B.C.-based group Menopause Chicks is "cracking open" the discussion on menopause and demanding better health services for midlife women. Menopause Chicks has offered a place online for women to ask questions and discuss their health for more than a decade, amid a perceived shortfall in care by providers.... A recent report indicates women in B.C. feel theyre not getting the health care they need and doctors "diminish" their concerns, including the symptoms of menopause. "The one thing I really want women to know is that they deserve quality of life," says Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks, which also organizes Q&A sessions with experts. "Its not something to sweep under the carpet, to pretend it doesnt exist, to put off getting informed, because the best way we can empower women is to give them quality education and information."

While many of us focus primarily on diet and exercise to achieve better health, science suggests that our well-being also is influenced by the company we keep. Researchers have found that certain health behaviors appear to be contagious and that our social networks in person and online can influence obesity, anxiety and overall happiness. Are you spending time with the right people for your health and happiness?

As a Naturopathic Doctor that has a special interest in womens health, I often see patients seeking support for symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle. For some women, premenstrual symptoms can be a short and mostly insignificant blip on the radar; nothing more than a gentle reminder of whats to come. However, for many women PMS can be caused by a fairly significant hormonal imbalance, which can lead to symptoms including depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, breast tenderness, water retention and weight gain. Learn why I commonly recommend the herb Chaste Tree for PMS in my newest blog article.

Have you heard that the Canadian Food Guide has been revamped? On January 22nd 2019, Health Canada released its new and improved Food Guide, and I couldnt be happier about the change. Instead of considering biased nutritional advise from the food industry, this time Health Canada listened to a variety of different health professionals, including the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors Food Guide Working Group. The new food guide is now more evidence based, and re...sembles the Mediterranean Diet, which is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. It focuses on more fruits and veggies and plant-based proteins, meat in moderation, and has less of an emphasis on dairy. It also recommends choosing water as your drink of choice, avoiding processed foods, and cooking at home. Well done Health Canada! https://globalnews.ca/n/4873598/new-canada-food-guide-2019/

Have you ever wondered why fish is commonly called brain food? You might be surprised to learn that it isnt just something that your parents invented in an attempt to convince you to finish your dinner as a child. In fact, most fish and seafood is chalk full of omega-3s, which contains the crucial fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Learn all about the health benefits of omega 3 fish oil in my newest blog article.

Today #Mokita launches on Amazon.ca! This book is all about navigating the myths and misconceptions around #perimenopause and #menopause, so you can be proactive about your midlife health. I am absolutely honoured to be a co-author in this amazing project - check out Chapter 20 to learn how #Naturopathic Medicine can support women through perimenopause and menopause. Thank you Menopause Chicks (Shirley Weir) for your continued dedication to womens health. You continue to WOW me with all that you do to support and #empower women. Pick up your own copy of #Mokita here https://www.amazon.ca/Mokita-Navigate-Perimen//ref=sr_1_1

Its that glorious time of year, where delicious fresh produce is abundant, and salads becomes more colourful, crisp, and tasty. Here are a few of my favourite summertime salad recipes:

A naturopathic approach to healing eczema targets the root cause of skin inflammation, and is a long term answer to managing skin health. Follow these 3 simple steps with the help of your Naturopathic Doctor to naturally ease your eczema.

I believe that supporting women throughout mid-life starts with education and empowerment. Helping my patients understand how hormones effect their health and wellbeing, as well as taking the time to go over all hormone testing and treatment options is a HUGE part of my practice. Here are some common questions that come up in my practice around menopause:

The thyroid is the master gland of metabolism and energy, and affects almost every cell in the bodyso if your thyroid gland isnt working optimally, neither are you! Hypothyroidism is one of the most common hormone imbalances I see in my practice. Learn how I address hypothyroidism here:

Dear valued patients, First and foremost thank you for your patience while Ive been away on maternity leave. I hope you are doing well, and I look forward to connecting with you at Juniper Family Health soon. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time off with my daughter Ella Grace van Drimmelen over these past few months. Ella was born on January 27th, she is a happy and healthy little girl, and is already keeping my husband and I very busy!... My first day back in the clinic will be Monday July 16th. I will be working Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am-5pm, and will be slowly increasing my hours over the next few months to include Thursdays, and extending appointments from 5 to 6pm. Please contact our front desk at 778-265-8340 or [email protected] if you have any questions about my return or to book in. You may also book online here - https://www.smartnd.ca/online-booking/774/drvandrimmelen I sincerely look forward to seeing you soon! In health, Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND

When you have a negative emotion, are you upset or disappointed in yourself? Do you feel bad or guilty about this emotion? If so, you may be at risk for poorer longer-term psychological health. A study in the July 2017 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology looked at the psychological health of people who accept, rather than negatively judge, their emotional experiences. Researchers found that accepting these experiences led to fewer negative emotions when confronted with daily stressors.

A good reminder that using a tablet or phone before bed disturbs sleep. If you want a good sleep stay away from screens before bed!

I often ask my patients to start tracking their menstrual cycles. From fertility, to re-occuring pesky symptoms, menstrual tracking can be extremely helpful.

Many women experience mommy brain as a deficiency, the lost ability to remember peoples names or keep their attention undivided while at work. But science reminds us that if we look at the changes without judgment we may find that they confer advantages. Research is now showing that it may be that some subtle aspects of memory are sacrificed to enhance other areas of cognition.

The Going Green movement can cost you an arm and a leg. You want to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, but you also need to live on a budget. Here are some practical tips to make going green fit into your budget:

FDA warns that gum numbing teething medications are unsafe.

Love this. No two women are alike, and no two women will experience menopause in the same way. Menopause is experienced differently by each woman, and it really doesnt need to be a bad or scary thing. In fact, menopause can be a time of liberation and opportunity to be healthy, fearless, and happy. Heres a look at what is fact, and what is fiction during the menopausal transition:

The nine months of pregnancy passed, and your bundle of joy is now here. You may be focused on the baby, but dont forget to take care of yourself too. As mothers, we tend to prioritize ourselves last, but we cannot pour from an empty cup. If we consistently run on empty, we are going to run dry. Here are some ways to make sure you take care of yourself after giving birth:

Having children is not always a straightforward journey. Ours certainly wasnt. My husband and I encountered many fertility hurdles along the way, including recurrent pregnancy loss, an ectopic pregnancy, and a period of 12 months of not being able to conceive. I can tell you first hand that when your dreams of starting a family face challenges the emotional impacts can be very profound. Im happy to say, that our fertility journey ended with the birth of our beautiful baby g...irl Ella Grace van Drimmelen this past January. With the help of IVF, naturopathic support, and acupuncture, our dreams of having a family came true. Ella is a shining light in our lives, and we couldnt be more grateful. Today in honour of Infertility Awareness Week, I want to share with you what helped me cope emotionally throughout my fertility journey, in hopes of helping others who are currently struggling with their fertility. Link to blog article here - https://juniperfamilyhealth.com//feelings-of-infertility-p See more

Great to see that the Vancouver Womens Hospital NICU is implementing probiotic therapy in premature babies to ward off health complications. Hopefully well see this as standard care all throughout Canada soon!

Strengthen your immune system this cold and flu season with vitamin D. Talk to you local ND about vitamin D testing and appropriate supplementation.

A study published in the journal Gut identified an association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (acid reflux medication) and a 2.4 times higher risk of developing stomach cancer. Its time to look at alternatives for managing acid reflux/GERD. Talk to you local ND about your options.

Interested in knowing what health care providers I refer to? What about local Victoria business I love...make sure to check out the link below.

Mindfulness and meditation need to be part of Canadas mental-health strategy, heres why:

For all expecting parents, this is a workshop worth checking out! Throughout the course, you will: - Practice various mind/body modalities for working with pain in childbirth - Experience using the breath as an anchor to the present moment... - Tap into inner reservoirs of strength, confidence and courage - Begin to cultivate the powerful tool of mindfulness and moment-to-moment awareness for the challenges (and joys!) of birthing and parenting - Learn how to be fully present to give assistance as a birth partner See more

Attention all new moms! If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or OCD after the birth of your child (0-18 mo) this is a course worth looking into. The program combines the ideas of mindfulness, self-compassion and meditative practices, and is 100% funded by MSP. The first class starts in 1 short week, and is facilitated by psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Cheek, and TCM practitioner and mindfulness coach Stephanie Curran. For registration, you must be referred by your GP or midwife. For more information, or to download a referral form, please see Elements of Health Centres link below.

Im now offering direct billing to extended insurance providers at Juniper Family Health!

Egg quality is one of the most important factors for successful conception and maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. This article outlines the cycle of egg maturation, and ways to enhance your egg quality naturally. Consult with your local ND to learn more.

Happy world menopause day friends! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with a naturopathic doctor during the menopausal transition? Well you are in luck. In the following video interview Shirley Weir from Menopause Chicks and I talk about what to except when working with a naturopathic doctor during mid-life. Link to the full video interview in our blog.

Pregnancy provides a golden opportunity for us as women to focus on nurturing ourselves with good food and health habits. This empowers us the better we eat, the better we feel, and what results is health and happiness two key elements that optimize a better pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. In my newest blog article, learn what dietary strategies and supplements I regularly recommend for optimizing nutrition in pregnancy.