By Dr Asal Shalviri, Naturopath

It has become clearer over recent years that the health of parents directly affects the health of offspring. A preconception health care program should be started at a minimum of 4 to 6 months prior to conception.  Of course this depends on the health history of the individuals involved. Preconception health is as important for men as it is for women. Male and female contribute equally and even though mom has the uterus and will maintain the pregnancy, it is recommended that both partners optimize their fertility fitness before conceiving.

For couples considering a pregnancy in the future it's an ideal time for both partners to visit a naturopathic doctor and establish some basic supplements as a routine. The ultimate goal of preconception health care is healthy mom, dad and baby. You do not need to be dealing with fertility problems in order to participate in preconception care, it is appropriate for everyone wanting to conceive.  Read the full article here.  

Please contact Reception for more information or to book an appointment with Dr Shalviri.

If I were a superhero I would be...Wonderwoman. I know I could never be as great as Wonderwoman but it would be pretty awesome to be able to ride in an invisible jet. Plus her amazing array of outfits would make any woman jealous. Honestly, she didn't just wear her star underwear.

I grew up in...Crescent Beach. Who doesn't love Crescent Beach. During winter it was dead quiet as the town emptied out with all the summer folk. Once summer came around, my sister and I would throw on our ponchos and clogs and head to the beach. Chomping at the bit to beat the summer kids at the swim meets down at the Tanker. Life was good.

In my free time I like to...walk my dog, hang with my friends, cooking, drink my wine and exercise goes in there somewhere.

My favorite movie of all time is...Yikes. I guess it would have to be Star Wars. As a kid, Star Wars blew my mind plus I had the hair long enough to become Princess Leia for Halloween. I had all the action figures...too bad I gave those away.

I have two pets...my ginger cat LB (Little Bastard) is a crazy fat barn cat and nut nut dog Indie who came from India. Both have issues but really who doesn't. Makes my life interesting.

Best piece of advice I have been given is...never to give advice. People will always make their own choices.

My biggest pet peeve is...disorganization and messes. I am a minimalist so..no wait maybe it's more the rude drivers that think their time is more important than mine. No, it would be people that litter, why do people chuck garbage out of their cars? No wait, maybe it's the fact there is only two ways to access highway 99 but please keep building housing and don't do anything about the roads. I guess I have a lot of pet peeves...as that's just the beginning...

If I could jump on a plane and go anywhere in the world my first stop would be...anywhere. Okay, I have done my fair bit of traveling but if I was to choose it would be the Galapagos Islands. It has always been my dream.

I started a career in massage therapy because...I have been involved in sports and athletics for over 30 years and massage therapy has always helped me with my injuries. From that I learned a huge respect for the human body,  it is a machine. To help relieve someone of pain is always a great feeling but what I love the most is meeting people that I would never have a chance to meet. I have met people from all walks and I love how I can learn something everyday. It makes me think how there are more good people than the "garbage chuckers out of their car" peoples. Putting that all aside,  I just like to hurt people. ha