Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Fundamentals For Health, Healing And Happiness

Purple Star emoji 62 items
I have qualifications in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Time Line Therapy (TLT), Hypnotherapy and Reiki. I have exposure to (and have dabbled in) many natural therapies over the years including Chinese Herbs, Homeopathy, Kinesiology, Naturopathy... I am a huge believer in the mind/body connection and the language of the body that can teach us so many learnings to release trapped emotions and imbalances that cause dis-ease.
Sections
4
 
 
 
 

A Broken Bone Heals Faster Than a Broken Heart

On December 04, 2024 I broke my shoulder in two places. Here is the story and what I have done to accelerate the healing. The specialist at the cast clinic says my healing is ahead of expected. I'll tell my story and let you in on the secret of why!! 

 
Heather Bradford profile picture
One moment I am a busy content creator spending hours on my computer every day and the next I am painfully confronted with the fact I have broken my shoulder in two places. Here's how it happened!
A Painful Update Of My Life
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Slowly I started to heal but it's a long path to ‘normal’ after you break a bone. I hope my recommendations in this list will be helpful to other's in this situation.
Pain and Gain — An Update On My Life
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
It's four weeks in and I shared my medical appointment (with bonus X-rays -lol) proving I'm ahead of the expected healing curve.  Check further in my list to see what I've been busy doing to heal myself!
An Update: It’s Four Weeks Since I Broke My Shoulder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I am a reiki master but anyone can use the power of reiki to heal with or without help. Find a practitioner or do as I did for free. Every night when I lay flat on my back (I had no choice in bed) I visualized white healing light flowing through my b... I then specifically bound my fracture in this white light like a healing energetic bandage. I saw the bruising flowing down my arm and releasing from my hand. It's simple to do, costs nothing and helped calm me and my pain so I could sleep.
Reiki
2
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I was so lucky I didn't need an operation to plate and screw the bone, despite a piece being broken right off. It was imperative though that I kept all weight off my arm and naturally supported. If I tore the mending bone apart an operation wasn't ou... a scarf or something under the strap to relieve it. Eventually I got this type of sling from the bone clinic. It was comfortable on my neck and as I healed I could easily slip my hand in and out of the sling to sit in the car, type or make small move...
supregear Adjustable Arm Sling, One Size
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I'm no martyr. I needed pain killers. I didn't want the bombs that the hospital did offer as despite my temporary dependance on drugs I am health conscious too. I tried both Tylenol  and Advil. The Advil that lasted 12 hours was my go to. It worked better for me, was longer lasting and I found I was looking for it twice a day. I gave myself permission to use it as long as I needed to. When I tried to do without it at night I whim...
Advil Pain Relief Solutions | Advil
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Arnica is wonderful for bruising and swelling. I took arnica homoeopathically and have done so for bumps and bruising for at least twenty years. It is also available in a gel which I didn't have. If you want more information,  this link will take you to that. Finding arnica could be more challenging without contacting a homeopath. My sister is a homeopath and their business Total Health clinic is a featured business under my About Me list. Peter and Julie do online consult...
Arnica
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
You can find lots of scary stuff on Aconite online as it is considered toxic! HOWEVER, in homeopathy aconite is used to treat fear, anxiety, and restlessness. I think it's a good go-to when there has been an event that may have induced shock. In the ...
Aconite Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
You will see Young Living Oils scattered through many of my lists. I LOVE them all and rub them on and infuse them. Essential oils not only smell wonderful (well most of them do, lol) they are reputed to have many health benefits. I rubbed essential ... Google suggested Cypress oil, Helichrysum oil, and Fir-needle oil to accelerate the repair and healing of damaged nerves and tissues. I didn't have any of them! For bruising it was suggested to use Myrrh, Frankincense or Helichrysum. In the long run ...
Young Living Essential Oils
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
You may have gathered I LOVE oils. Personally I mostly use Young Living oils BUT I also use doTerra! The reason? My daughter, Amelia loves doTerra and has her own account there. I think they're both good quality options. My son gave me a doTerra infu...
Refer a Friend | doTERRA Essential Oils
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Truthfully I don't necessarily recommend Hollister brand and you're wondering why I'm recommending men's T-shirts on this list! Well luckily I had just bought three men's long sleeve T-shirts at Costco. They are looser and more comfortable than the w...
Men's Long Sleeve T-Shirts: On-Trend Casual Styles | Hollister Co.
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
A knee crutch for my arm?? No silly! I just know that other parts of the body break too. My friend (wanting to keep up with me I'm sure) broke her foot at the same time as me. The poor thing has four young kids and a household to run.  Crutches are great when you're out, but this knee crutch has been invaluable in small does to help her stand in the kitchen etc. It is useless (and dangerous) on stairs and impossible to sit in though.
iWALK3.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I take vitamins generally and get all that I can through the Melaleuca company. I use lots of their products and love their healthy ethos. This is our MLM link (full disclosure) but TBH we just use the products for ourselves. Because we use so many o...
Melaleuca | Helping People Have A Great Life
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Maintain a good attitude and a sense of humour! There are ways around everything…. well many things. In this article I talk about learning to use the dictation feature in word (you don't need fancy software - a broken bone isn't a life sentence!) and...
How To Get The Most Out Of Breaking Your Arm
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I have added the link here to the Chiropractor's business in my town I prefer. They offer many other services too and one of them is acupuncture. I love the practitioner there who listens and then balances energies somehow in ways I don't understand....
Centerpoint Chiropractic Strathmore AB - Acupuncture
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
At around nine weeks into the journey I was feeling OK and had three Physiotherapy treatments. I was only doing gentle stretches to get my movement back - “No pain, no pain,” was the physiotherapist's mantra. I decided I needed help for my neck and b...
Kaitlyn Stewart | Book Online
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Even with pain killers I would cry getting undressed and dressed in the early days of breaking my shoulder. I couldn't lift my arm enough to dry under it let alone pull a shirt on easily. I had no idea this clothing for rotator cuff surgery was avail...
Deyeek Unisex Post Surgery Snap Tank Top
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
The doctor at the cast clinic gave me this exact pulley and stressed I MUST NOT USE IT until after I had seen the physiotherapist for instruction. She also counselled me not to go to YouTube and jump into exercises. The bone needs time to heal and me... Once I started seeing the physiotherapist he recommended this device for putting tension on the arm in various directions to encourage flexibility. His mantra to me though was “no pain, no pain, no pain.” Just a gentle holding in various directions a...
Foundation Progressive Shoulder Pulley
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
The physiotherapist also got me using resistance bands but if you use these remember you're not doing a work out! He stressed I should not be pulling the band but rather just using it for tension to hold my arm in a particular position. I would recom...
Resistance Bands
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Meet my team! Of course you will need to find physiotherapy close to where you live but if you live in or near Strathmore, AB Canada, I would recommend Neil and his team. The purpose of physiotherapy is to educate and rehabilitate. I have certainly l...
Strathmore Physical Therapy
placeholder

Be Kind And Gentle To Yourself - Mental Health

I had little thought about mental health. If anything when I noticed it being promoted I rolled my internal eyes. And then I went manic and my world was turned upside down. My mother-in-law tells me often to be kind and gentle with myself. I am bless... and family who has stood by me and loved me every step of the way. It is a long journey back and perhaps it goes on…. but maybe these suggestions can help you or someone you love. 

 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Telling my journey about the first time I went manic was the start of my healing journey. My purpose is to raise awareness of mental health and the reality of this traumatic condition. Until I went manic, my husband and I had no exposure to bi-polar ...
I Unknowingly Went Manic 10000 Miles From Home
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Should we share our traumatic stories and relive the past? This is something I had to decide as I began sharing my mental health journey with the world and finally (from my perspective) with my family.
Bringing Up The Past
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
My children are my world. It grieves my heart that going manic rocked their world in such terrible ways… but we have come out stronger on the other side! I'm so proud of them.
Being A Manic Mother
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
When it comes to Bipolar/Mental Health/ most other health issues, we are ALL unique. I do not recommend my experience should give anyone else liberty to make it their own. Follow the guidance of your medical team. They are not gods and we all have ch...
Look Ma! No Meds!
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Many years ago I was gifted a pocket chime. I put it in my pocket some days and it makes a soft tinkle as I move about life. It reminds me I am loved but you can attach any intention to it that is positive and safe. Pocket chimes make great gifts wit...
Pocket Chime - Etsy
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
If anxiety is a problem, try a weighted blanket.  This especially heavy blanket is used to aid sleep and reduce anxiety.
Weighted Blanket
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I have been interested in grounding sheets for many years and recently my friends at our craft group were raving about the benefits they've noticed from using one. I wish I had tried one when I was recovering from being manic.  Apparently grounding sheets aim to mimic the electrical charge of  the natural world around us. This, in turn, can provide a host of relaxation benefits, which can then be translated into improved sleeping routines and sleep wellness in general. Relaxation and sleep are so important for mental health and these sheet...
Earthing & Grounding Products for Health - Grooni Earthing
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
My dad in Australia does massage and has been treating the whole family since my kids were babies and before. Now I'm in Canada for the last 12 years I couldn't have so many treatments.  I have finally found someone who can assess the body and release the problems that I'm happy with. Check local therapists in your area. There is huge benefits for health and relaxation in massage although you may need to try a couple to find one that...
Kaitlyn Stewart | Book Online
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
You will see Young Living Oils scattered through many of my lists. I LOVE them all and rub them on and infuse them. Essential oils not only smell wonderful (well most of them do, lol) they are reputed to have many health benefits. There are many calm...
Young Living Essential Oils
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
You may have gathered I LOVE oils. Personally I mostly use Young Living oils BUT I also use doTerra! The reason? My daughter, Amelia loves doTerra and has her own account there. I think they're both good quality options. My son gave me a doTerra infu...
Refer a Friend | doTERRA Essential Oils
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder and can affect people usually in fall and winter. Light therapy boxes can offer an effective treatment.  Features such as light intensity, safety, cost and style are important considerations.
Sad Lamps
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Browse your options for daily affirmation cards or boxes. They help keep a focus on positive thoughts every day. You can also make your own, or make one for someone you love. My daughter made me what she called a 'Happy Box.' I kept my happy box on m...
Affirmation Box
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I love my Himalayan salt lamp. It's calming, pretty and works as a night light. There are many options and I have the bowl with rocks of salt nestled inside it. Some people believe that they can purify the air and improve mental health.
Spantik Himalayan Salt Lamp Bowl with Crystals
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
When you have a mental health crisis, or just want to enjoy a calming activity, these colouring books are awesome. I had one in the psych ward but also used them regularly at home. I was unable to focus on something as simple as reading a book or doi...
Best Coloring Books for Grown-Ups
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
There are many uses for a journal. Bring beauty into your life. This is a way to give importance to your words, reflections and inspirations.
Leather Journal For Men
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Find THE most beautiful journal. Browse until you find the one that resonates with you. I still revisit my gratitude and other journals. I have ones for inspirational quotes and wisdoms, one that has colouring pages and journalling from when I was in...
Gratitude Journal
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Beading is a simple craft that may appeal to some people. In the psych ward we made bracelets with a positive word on them. My friend has used them to bead the names of those she walks for in the Out of the Darkness Walk. They also make great keychai...
Beading Supplies
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I have LOVED Leonie Dawson's books for years. She has fun work books for life or business that help to release the past and plan for the future. Give a gift of one of these books to yourself or someone you love. I got my first from a dear friend  and although we lived in different places we worked on them together.
Leonie Dawson - Brilliant Biz & Life - Leonie Dawson | Goals, …
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Are you a light worker or interested in energy healing modalities? I have only just heard about Spiritual Emergency or Crisis. Apparently it's common and I wonder if it affected me but I didn't know the signs. Browse books on the topic and find the o...
Spiritual Emergency: Personal Transformation
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
You, or even your parents, may have heard of Melaleuca. They are synonymous with safety, eco-friendliness, affordability and  effectiveness and have been around for years. I was worried I wouldn't have a need for a monthly order but soon realized I had a list of products that were staples in our house. Every time I tried something new there was no going back to my old brand... - fibre, Vit C and D, multi vitamins, berberine, magnesium, iron, etc.My favourite product is RestEzy that promotes a great night's sleep.  It's so worth getting naturopathic help or researching brain health.
Melaleuca | Helping People Have A Great Life
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
A canoe for mental health?? Well, I asked my husband what else I should add to my mental health list. He answered without hesitating. “A canoe… nobody can have mental health issues when they're paddling around in a canoe!” I guess this proves that th... He's a classic guy… his favourite brand is a Grumman.
GRUMMAN ALUMINUM STANDARD CANOE 17'
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I am a big believer in supplements for optimal health. I added to this belief after going manic and reading about the importance of brain health. We all know it's important not to make claims when we recommend health related items but I found this pr... nine ingredients, the likes of ginkgo biloba, spirulina, moringa and others, noteworthy. It is designed specifically to support brain function and overall brain health.  I also like that it's made in the US! Check it out for yourself and see what you think!
The Pineal Guardian

Supplements I Take Every Day -Melaleuca Vitamins

I hesitated in joining Melaleuca ad there's a monthly commitment to buy. When I decided to try them it was because of the ethos of the company and it's focus on wellness. I have come to trust the products for supplements, cleaning, laundry and person...

 
Heather Bradford profile picture
The first on my list is RestEZ. Such a fantastic product. Ironically, I take it when I'm tired and want a sound and solid sleep. Sometimes when I know I haven't been getting enough sleep, I also take RestEZ to catch up! When I went manic one of the s...
RestEZ - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
If I could choose only one supplement it would be magnesium. It is reputed to help so many things including mood improvement, sleep, exercise performance, blood sugar regulation, heart health and more. When I don't take magnesium I notice it in my bo...
Mela-Out Magnesium - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I didn't always take collagen but having broken my shoulder in two places last December I find it a sensible thing to do. Collagen is a key component in bones, skin, muscles, and other body parts. It may help improve skin health, relieve joint pain, ...
Vitality for Life Collagen Boost - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Florify is a daily probiotic! Each capsule contains nine diverse probiotic strains and 11 billion active cultures to promote favourable gut flora, support proper immune function, and provide probiotics for better intestinal health and nutrient absorp...
Florify® Daily Probiotic - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Did you mom teach you the importance of Vitamin C?  We have long known the importance of Vitamin C in warding off colds and flus. It is now known for being important for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body.
Activate Immune Complex Drink Packets - Melaleuca, The Wellness …
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
It's not just me who lives in the Great White North that needs Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient for building and maintaining healthy bones. A body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D also reg...
Vitality Vitamin D3 - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
A multivitamin is a good idea for everyone! They support energy and overall health.
Vitality Multivitamin & Mineral - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I started taking CoQ10 because I trust the Melaleuca brand and it is suggested it may help blood sugar regulation. This is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound that may have various health benefits. Research suggests it may help improve heart health  protect against certain types of cancer, and reduce migraine frequency.
CoQ10 - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I don't take Fiberwise regularly but my husband swears by it and won't miss a day, ever!
Fiberwise® Drink - Melaleuca, The Wellness Company
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Love, love, love this product. There's one for men, women and 50+ and I can grab a morning or evening pack and know I have everything I really need for supplements.
Peak Performance Nutrition Pack - Melaleuca, The Wellness …
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I took more interest in Replenex after I broke my shoulder in two places. The Melaleuca product is a powerful blend of natural ingredients that helps cushion joints, rebuild cartilage, and support joint flexibility.
Replenex® Extra Strength - Melaleuca, The Wellness …
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
When the doctor told me I was pre-diabetic I started taking Melaleuca Berberine and made minor diet modification (such as cutting back on my twice weekly pop intake). When I went back three months later the doctor said she didn't know what I'd done b...
Vitality for Life® Berberine Glucose Support - Melaleuca, The …

Wonderful Supplements For Optimal Health

While I coast along on my Melaleuca products there are a LOT more supplements and herbal options out there that target various health concerns or are a preventative option. A naturopath can give you one-on-one guidance but consider this list and see ... 

 
Heather Bradford profile picture
My eldest sister uses these products and orders them all the way from Australia, they're that important to her health journey. She has had wonderful success with Magnesium Breakthough, Masszymes and Probiotic Breakthrough. She also uses a product tha...
Bioptimizers | Health and Performance Optimizers
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Moringa oleifera, also known as the “tree of life” or “miracle tree,” is classified as an important herbal plant due to its immense medicinal and non-medicinal benefits. The plant has been used for wounds, pain, ulcers, liver disease, heart disease, ...
Buy Moringa Magic - Nature's Superfood for Health and Vitality
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I, personally, don't like products that promote themselves as being ‘fat burners’. Having said that, I'm certainly no expert and maybe some of these products do work. Liv Pure contains Glutathione which is meant to detoxify the liver - I can get on b...
LIV PURE
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Check out Total Health Clinic if you want one-on-one professional health advice. They do distance consultation via skype, zoom or WhatsApp and will ship you a bundle of goodies if you need them. In house compounding means you get a vitamin blend opti...
Naturopath Clinic in the Central Coast | Total Health Clinic
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
If you suffer from urinary tract or bladder infections you know why I'm promoting a product that could help in this department. FemiPro promotes that their product can assist with bladder control, microbiome balance and a healthy urinary tract system...
FemiPro
placeholder
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
I used to used detox foot pads regularly on all the family but have gotten out of the habit. I'm really keen to try it again. They really do work like the pictures!
XITOX foot pads
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
Are you a health conscious Canadian?? I get many of my extras at National Nutrition. They have lots of big brands and a great variety… not to mention regular sales and coupons. I've never had a problem with delivery time or shipping. I keep a list on...
National Nutrition.ca | Canada’s Vitamin, Nutritional Supplement, & Body Care Store
 
Heather Bradford profile picture
In the US?? This seems to be a go-to website for all your vitamin needs.
The Vitamin Shoppe® | Vitamins, Health Supplements & Nutrition
placeholder