The Best New Products to Elevate Your Fall
The Best New Products to Elevate Your Fall Self-Care Routine By: Iris PenaAfter a hectic summer, your skin and hair deserve a reset. Luckily, these three products are here to bring your natural glow back just in time for fall. Featuring new breakthrough launches backed by clinical science, they promise visible results in age prevention, skin renewal, sun damage repair, and stronger hair.SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum Now that summer is officially over, you may feel as though you have aged through all the crazy activities of soccer practices, playdates, and family road trips. Aging takes place when a process called glycation interferes with the network of collagen that connects our skin’s many layers. This promotes signs of aging and collagen loss. The process of glycation begins at age 20 and increases the older we get. You can fight off these unwanted glycation effects with the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, launched on July 23rd ($198 CAD / 30ml). Apply this serum at night or in the morning before the first day of school, and let the advanced formula work its magic. It lifts your face and neck by up to 18%, reduces wrinkles by 27%, and strengthens collagen by up to 184% in all layers of your skin—giving you a youthful radiance to tackle the back-to-school craze with confidence.skinbetter science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum Looking for a bright fall season? Get your hands on this bottle of sunshine! Patients are LOVING the skinbetter science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum ($270 CAD / 50ml). In trials, 95% of patients reported their skin appeared less discoloured, and 98% said their skin appeared brighter. Featuring b.r.y.t.e.r™ biotechnology and tranexamic acid, this multi-modal formula targets stubborn pigmentation while correcting discolouration. In just 4 weeks, look and feel your best as your skin reveals a brighter, clearer complexion—perfect for enhancing your fall beauty. The fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free formula makes it suitable for all skin types to experience transformative results. Klorane's New formula of Medicinal Quinine Fortifying Haircare Serum It is normal to go through stress during these seasonal transitions. Daily stress is the number 1 cause of hair loss. Thanks to Klorane Laboratories, the new formula of their Medicinal Quinine fortifying haircare serum (100 ml format at $64.50 CAD) slows down cortisol-induced hair loss and regains density. Get up to -67% hair loss in just 3 months. This fall favourite contains a fusion of caffeine Quinine to promote keratin
What You Need to Know About Chronic Pain
Quieting the Noise: What You Need to Know About Chronic Pain September is Arthritis Awareness Month - a timely moment to talk about an issue affecting more Canadians than many realize: chronic pain. According to the Government of Canada’s Task Force on Chronic Pain, more than 7.6 million Canadians—1 in 5 people—live with chronic pain, with nearly half over the age of 45. For parents raising tweens and teens, that statistic hits close to home. Pain isn’t just a personal burden; it can seep into family life, draining energy and limiting the ability to be present during some of the most formative years of parenting. When Pain Becomes the Background Noise of Parenting For moms and dads navigating the “in between” stage – where kids are no longer little, but not quite grown – the demands are high. There are endless school events, carpools, extracurriculars, and late-night talks. But when arthritis or muscle pain joins the mix, it adds a constant background hum that’s hard to ignore. Parents often try to “push through” the discomfort, but that only means less patience, less presence, and less enjoyment in family life.Canadian Innovation Changing the Game Enter LivRelief™ Extra Strength Chronic Angry Pain Relief Cream, a Canadian-made, Health Canada–approved natural health product designed specifically for muscle and joint pain. Unlike typical creams that sit on the surface or rely on a hot/cold sensation, LivRelief uses patented Transdermal Technology to penetrate all three layers of the skin, delivering its active plant-based ingredients directly to the source of pain. Each product carries a Natural Product Number (NPN), confirming its safety, efficacy, and quality. Backed by research and developed with evidence-based standards, it’s more than temporary comfort—it’s lasting relief. Parents can feel confident reaching for something that works quickly (within 30 minutes), lasts up to 8 hours, and is NSAID-free, making it a safer choice for long-term, daily use. To help Canadians better understand the realities of chronic pain, LivRelief is working with Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Division Head in Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Pope is recognized internationally as a leading authority on arthritis and chronic pain—further underscoring the credibility behind this Canadian innovation. Why It Matters for Parents in the InBetween Years Raising tweens and teens takes stamina—whether it’s cheering at hockey games, keeping up on family hikes, or holding space for late-night
Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost?
Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost? By: Iris Peña In an era of rising tuition costs and an evolving economy, an essential question lingers: Is post-secondary education still worth the cost in Canada? The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) and Dr. Nathaniel Barr’s new report responds with a clear answer – post-secondary education provides strong benefits despite the burden of student debt. Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, shares his insight, findings from the research, and advice for parents — speaking both as an industry leader and as a parent himself.Career and Income Benefits of Higher Education An individual with higher education is more likely to earn a higher income throughout their lifetime and enjoy greater career stability. Research also shows that post-secondary education offers some protection against economic downturns. While it doesn’t guarantee security, it often acts as a buffer during challenging times.Health and Social Benefits of Higher Education Beyond financial benefits, higher education contributes to shaping critical aspects of life. “When you look at the body of evidence, you can see that having a higher education produces better health outcomes, produces longer lifespans, produces individuals who are more civically engaged,” Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, said. University graduates typically live up to eight years longer compared to those who didn’t finish high school. Although this isn’t universal, graduates are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as being less likely to smoke. From a social perspective, they are also more involved in their communities and more active in charitable giving.The Hidden Weight of Student Debt in Canada The average student debt for a university graduate is about $28,000 for a bachelor’s degree. For community college graduates, the average is closer to $15,000. This debt can heavily impact the start of adult life.Financial and Mental Health Strain “I would say that the most concerning trend we've seen is that sort of persistently, stubbornly high rate of debt for students who are graduating out of university at the moment,” Lewis explained. According to the report, high debt levels are tied to multiple concerns, including mental health challenges. The study refers to this as a “bandwidth tax,” which contributes to higher levels of anxiety and depression.Life Milestones Delayed Debt also forces many young adults to postpone important milestones. For instance:29% delay buying a home 20% delay starting a business 15% delay having childrenAnabelle Hsiao, a fourth-year computer science student, says she feels pressure to pursue a