8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron
8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron By Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, MDDid you know that February 13 was World Anemia Day? It often goes unnoticed as it’s overshadowed by the romantic celebrations of Valentine’s Day just a day later. Luckily, raising awareness about iron deficiency and anemia doesn't have an expiration date—so let’s talk iron. Iron is a vital mineral that helps fuel your body with oxygen. Without enough of it, you could experience adverse health effects like fatigue, weakened immunity, and organ damage over time. But knowing whether your iron levels are just right is not that simple: symptoms of iron deficiency are often subtle—you or your teen may be experiencing a deficiency without even knowing it. If left untreated, iron deficiency can worsen and lead to serious health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of iron deficiency early on to prevent any further complications. Being low in iron doesn’t automatically mean anemia, a condition in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. First, let’s define both: Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron stored. Iron is stored in a protein called ferritin, which is measured in the bloodstream. Iron deficiency anemia goes a step further: low iron results in fewer healthy red blood cells, which means less oxygen circulating through your body. While both conditions are serious, anemia requires more immediate medical attention because it directly affects your body's ability to deliver oxygen. The good news? There are ways to prevent and manage both iron deficiency and anemia, such as eating iron-rich foods, taking iron supplements, and staying ahead of the symptoms, which can help keep your levels in check and your body functioning at its best.Signs You May Have Low Iron Feeling drained? Dizzy? Dealing with brittle nails? These could all be red flags that your iron levels are low. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are more common than you might think, especially among teens and women. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to check your iron levels:Feeling tired all the time (even after a good night’s sleep) Dizziness or lightheadedness Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity Pale skin or dark circles under the eyes Brittle nails that break easily Hair thinning or shedding more than usual Cold hands and feet Frequent headachesWho’s Most at Risk for Low Iron? The body absorbs certain types of iron differently. Some
Christmas Gift Ideas for the 3 T’s: Toddlers, Tweens and Teens
Christmas Gift Ideas for the 3 T's: Toddlers, Tweens and Teens by Rachel Naud There are so many gift ideas on the market, it can be overwhelming choosing the right one for the 3 T's in your life – toddlers, tweens and teens! After all, you want to hit all the key elements to a fun toy for the littles — one that appeals to their sensory, creativity and development! And tweens and teens? Pick the wrong gift and cue the eye rolls! Parents need help navigating this tricky season of gift giving and we are here to help! For ToddlersWe love this toy, coming out of Moose Toys, because it combines everything I loved as a child – the comfort of a stuffed buddy with the scent of your favourite frozen treat! This toy is like magic! The Cookeez Makery comes with everything children need to mix and create a surprise frozen treat. First, they mix the ingredients. Then, using the dough mould and decorations, kids can make their own Freezy Cake. Next, pop it in the fridge and shut the door. In 20 seconds, kids will hear a "ding". It's time to open the fridge and meet a new friend. Wow! A shivering and deliciously scented plush toy that's interactive to play with. There are three deliciously scented friends to choose from, including Strawberry Unicake, Minty Polar Bear and Tiger Berry Ripple! This cool gift is undoubtedly going to be hot this season and you can grab it at most major toy retailers! And also, for the little ones who are a fan of Bluey – the adorable Blue Heeler, The Tile Town Bluey Heeler Home is a gift that will keep them engaged and entertained as they can build Bluey’s home! For TweensWhen choosing a gift for your child, you want something that they will not only like in that moment but something that will keep them engaged for years to come. This year, parents and gift-givers can find amazing gifts for kids at Staples Canada that they can feel good about giving. With the Staples Kids Learn + Play collection, Staples is giving parents gifting options that inspire young minds, spark curiosity and will keep them engaged far beyond the day they open the box. You can find gifts for kids of all ages from brands you love and trust, including LEGO, Crayola, Play-Doh and more. And if you can’t get to a Staples
4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts by Rachel Naud This year, if you’re asking Santa for more time to get your shopping done, we’re here to help! We know between finishing up work, school concerts, holiday parties and decorating, finding time to shop can be impossible. But if the days have slipped away from you and you just realized you have more shopping items to pick up than days left before Christmas, we've got you covered with some last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list! Children BelieveAs parents of teens, we always want to instill the value of giving back every holiday season. Sometimes this means dropping random gift cards in strangers’ mailboxes and sometimes this means researching different charities to give back to and deciding on one together. If you have a teen coming home from university, we're sure you're excited to get in the kitchen and cook for them and share a delicious and nutritious meal together. And while we may take this for granted, there are many children who go hungry. In fact, every 10 seconds a child loses their life to malnutrition — that’s over 3 million a year! That’s why, this year, it's a good idea to support Children Believe and its initiative to support children in communities that need it most by purchasing school meals. We also love this as a gift idea for that person who values helping others in need, as you can make a donation in their name! Canadians are very giving people and even despite the current economic climate, a survey conducted by Children Believe found that 3 in 4 Canadians would choose to actively purchase a gift to help others and make a difference. Check it out here.HomeSense This is the time of year when we’re often getting together for cocktail parties, dinners and parties. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday soiree, you know how much work it is, which is why it's nice to bring a gift to the hostess and host of the party to show my gratitude and appreciation. It's always fun to find gifts that are unique and that the hostess will love — and use! — long after everyone goes home for the night. The first place to go to find some amazing gifts is HomeSense because you can pick up some quality décor and entertaining essentials at amazing prices. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice
Huggies Sound of a Hug Nurtures Mom and Baby
Huggies has come up with an innovative idea that will save many parents from sleepless nights — Huggies Sound of a Hug.
Making Melodies and Memories in Music City
Making Melodies and Memories in Music City By Rosalind Stefanac Home to country legends and modern music mavens, Nashville is one of those eternally vibrant cities that will leave you singing, regardless of your musical tastes. Not only is Music City—as it’s known world-wide—the ultimate interactive music lesson for you and your teen, it’s filled with interesting landmarks, funky neighbourhoods to explore and delicious southern fare (bring on the fried chicken!). Here’s a look at why Nashville is a real treat for adults and teens alike. WHAT TO DO Nashville’s museums are among the best we’ve visited across North America. We started at the Country Museum Hall of Fame, a 350,000 square-foot mecca of artifacts and information related to country music displayed in exhibits that kept our attention throughout. For Swifties, the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center has song-writing stations where you can draw inspiration from Taylor’s own process to write lyrics and create melodies. There is also a Taylor Swift replica tour bus where visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road, with audio and video clips of Taylor discussing her touring experiences. For another enlightening experience, check out the National Museum of African American Music where you and your teen can learn and listen to music spanning multiple decades and genres, from Duke Ellington to Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. Upon entering, we each got a wristband we could scan at various exhibits to create our own personalized music journey to download and review later. There are numerous interactive stations here where we tried instruments, recorded music and made beats. Video clips and tutorials explain the art of music production in an engaging way that teens will relate to. For a change of pace, try a workshop at Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress poster shops. It has been operating since 1879 and creates show posters for major entertainers. We got a hands-on demonstration on the print-making process (they even mix their ink by hand), and made our own souvenir prints to take home. WHERE TO GO No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry for a live performance. Started as a radio broadcast in 1925, the Opry is now an entertainment phenomenon featuring weekly performances by music legends and new artists alike. On top of seeing some amazing performers, we booked a behind-the-scenes tour for a chance to explore the backstage dressing rooms and “artist’s
Top Chef Canada judge Mark McEwan on food, f-bombs and the famed franchise
Top Chef Canada judge Mark McEwan on food, f-bombs and the famed franchise By Amartya Smaran For over 10 seasons, Food Network’s Top Chef Canada entertained its fanbase and managed to carve a niche for itself as the go-to culinary competition show on Canadian TV. This fall, Top Chef Canada season 11 is all set to premiere on October 14, with ten well-accomplished competitors from all over Canada eyeing the title. Ahead of the show’s big premiere, INBETWEEN Magazine sat down with the show’s head judge and Toronto-based chef and restaurateur, Mark McEwan, to dig deeper into what makes Top Chef Canada a binge-worthy show. Balance, confidence, and determination are the top three qualities that Chef Mark McEwan looks for in contestants. Asked about what puts him off while judging a contestant, McEwan remarked, “I get a little put off by people when some of the chefs get a little cocky and think they’re much better than they are and produce food that’s not very good.” McEwan said he could give some harsh criticism but wouldn’t throw F-bombs at anybody about their food. “People wouldn’t buy that from me(laughs). Throwing plates across the kitchen? That’s not happening,” enthused McEwan. All the contestants on the show are experienced chefs with an impressive portfolio. Being a head judge on a prestigious show like Top Chef Canada is a huge responsibility. So, we wondered if that makes McEwan a tad stressful. “I think it’s pretty easy,” said the chef with a smile, “Because I know what I am talking about. All I have to do is taste food and tell you what I think. They do my hair, dress me, and put make-up on me. We have a lot of fun when we produce the show.” The restaurateur made it very clear that he doesn’t pull any favourites. For McEwan, it’s all about cooking, and that’s the end game. The only stress the chef ever faces is when he feels things are not going in the right direction. “You have to tell the right story, and I think the audience wants the right story,” shared McEwan. Celebrating the diverse heritage in the Canadian culinary space is one of the top-selling points of Top Chef Canada. The chef told us he likes authentic national cooking rather than fusion cooking. “We always have those conversations about what Canadian cuisine is, but it’s hard to define as it’s a patchwork of international cuisines. Because
Trick-or-Treat in Style with Squishmallows Treat Pails!
Trick-or-Treat in Style with Squishmallows Treat Pails from Jazwares! by INBETWEEN Magazine Want to make Halloween a little more special this year? Up your kid’s trick-or-treating game with the Squishmallows Treat Pails. Leave it to Emily the Black Cat, Callum the Green Monster or Wakisha the Pink Devil to give your Halloween tradition a much-needed **upgrade** Just in time for the fright season, Sqishmallows is joining in the fun with its very own Halloween Squad. Made from high-quality, ultrasoft materials, Original Squishmallows Treat Pails are perfect for costume parties, trick-or-treating, or decorations. They feature a velvety exterior, a sturdy handle, and ample space for all your kid’s treats. Choose from Emily the Black Bat, Callum the Green Monster, or Wakisha the Pink Devil! Grab them at select Costco Canada locations now!
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen by Arianne Granada Sending your teen off to university? It’s definitely a bittersweet milestone. It’s **the** time for excitement, new beginnings, and a little bit of stress—especially when it comes to creating a comfortable and personalized dorm room. You want their new space to feel like a home away from home, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a challenge. This is where IKEA steps in. With their recent $80 million investment in lowering prices, you can find everything your teen needs to create a cozy, stylish, and functional dorm room that won’t break the bank. Here are some of our best IKEA finds to help your teen get their dorm ready for the school year. For a Restful Night’s Sleep A good night’s sleep is crucial for any student’s success. Here’s a range of sleep essentials that ensure your teen gets to recharge after a long day. DVALA This soft 100% cotton sheet in light gray offers breathable comfort that only gets better with each wash. It's a must-have for staying comfortable during late-night study sessions and/or early-morning classes.STJÄRNBRÄCKA If your teen tends to get warm at night, this light-warm duvet is their new best friend. It features a lyocell and cotton blend that keeps away moisture, ensuring a dry and cozy night’s sleep.ROSENSKÄRM & RUMSMALVA Whether they’re side or back sleepers, these pillows offer tailored support with memory foam technology to relieve pressure and enhance comfort. For Keeping the Chaos Under Control A tidy room is key to a clear mind. IKEA’s smart storage solutions make it easy to keep everything in place. RÅSKOG This versatile utility cart can fit into the smallest of spaces. It’s perfect for storing anything from textbooks to toiletries and can be easily moved wherever it’s needed.SKUBB Time for your teen to maximize their closet space. This hanging organizer with six compartments helps them keep clothes and accessories neatly tucked away.BAGGMUCK Protect dorm floors from mud, dirt, and moisture. This easy-to-clean shoe tray is absolutely perfect for those rainy days.GÖRSNYGG Perfect for under-bed storage, this storage case helps keep seasonal clothes or spare linens clean and dust-free. For Building a Home Away From Home More than just a place to sleep, your teen’s dorm room should feel like a personal sanctuary. IKEA has plenty of options to help them add personality to any space. FLOTTILJ This sleek dark blue lamp is perfect for both late-night study sessions and creating a cozy ambiance.TVERSTED Here’s a helpful
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family by Rachel Naud If there’s one thing everyone in the family wants this September, it’s to look and feel cool going into the new school year. Those starting fresh in a new school will want to make a great first impression, while others will want to impress their friends now that they’re reunited after a summer away! These suggestions are sure to make the grade for everyone in the family—from tots to teens! Keep Daycare Days ComfyWhile our littlest family members may not be hitting the halls this September, many babies and tots will be heading to daycare as the rest of the family goes back to work and school. You'll want to make sure they are also packed with all the supplies and essentials they’ll need while away from home. Huggies Skin Essential diapers are ideal for transitioning to daycare. They are Huggies’ newest product designed to protect against the top two causes of diaper rash—moisture and runny mess. They are crafted for baby’s sensitive skin, dermatologist-approved, and fragrance-free! You can find them at Loblaw banner stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore! Find Your Personal Style Trends may come and go, but one thing remains constant across generations—every tween and teen wants to express themselves by decorating their belongings to reflect their personal style. Fresh school supplies offer a perfect blank canvas for students to make their mark. Students will love StickerYou’s vinyl stickers for decorating everything from binders and lockers to water bottles and more!StickerYou offers trendy, unique designs that are durable, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe. Most importantly, they are sure to make a statement! Shop them in-store at Walmart Canada! Create a Fall Style Capsule One of the best parts about going back to school? Getting that new fall wardrobe! Today, it’s even more fun with SHEIN, which is launching an exciting pop-up activation at the CNE on August 29, August 31, September 1, and September 2. The CNE is often the last hurrah before school starts, making this a fun way for teens to prep for school and get excited for the year ahead! Adorned with a graffiti-inspired design in the signature "brat green" hue, the truck’s exterior will showcase SHEIN’s colourful, street-style aesthetic, complemented by splashes of hot pink.Whether your teen wants to get some new ‘fits or shop for cool items for their dorm, SHEIN has what they need to get back to cool this school
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech by Arianne Granada As the back-to-school season approaches, students are once again faced with the challenge of finding the right tools to help them succeed. In today’s fast-paced world, students need technology that can keep up with their busy lives. Having a reliable, powerful, and portable device is now a necessity. Apple’s MacBook Air and iPad Air offer students the perfect blend of performance and portability. The MacBook Air: Your Everyday Companion Let’s face it, the demands of student life can be pretty intense. Between juggling classes, projects, and **maybe** even a part-time job, your teen needs a laptop that won’t just keep up—it needs to help them stay ahead. Apple has raised the bar once again, integrating the M3 chip into its newest MacBook Air. It’s faster than ever and can handle whatever your teen throws at it—late-night cramming, morning lectures, math homework, you name it. This laptop is all about balance—combining incredible performance with a design that’s so thin and light that your teen might forget it’s in their bag! But don’t worry, the Macbook Air is a lean, mean, fighting machine. With up to 18 hours of battery life, students can go from morning classes to late-night study sessions without worrying about hunting for an outlet in a nearby cafe. More than power, the MacBook Air easily fits right into your teen’s life. Need to quickly hop on Zoom? Its world-class camera and microphones have your teen covered. Working on a big group project? They can connect up to two external displays, so multitasking is a cinch. Plus, with four stunning colours to choose from, it’s not just a productivity tool—it’s a fashion statement! iPad Air: Flexibility at Its Finest For students who crave versatility and creativity in their tech, the iPad Air might just be their new best friend. It’s basically a digital notebook, sketchbook, and laptop all rolled into one. Whether they’re taking notes, sketching ideas, or chilling with a good book, the iPad Air adapts to whatever they need it to be. This new iPad definitely means business. With the Apple Pencil Pro, students can jot down notes, sketch out ideas, or mark up documents with ease. Add in the Magic Keyboard, and it transforms into a solid laptop alternative, complete with a trackpad and backlit keys. With its all-day battery life and super-fast 5G, students are ready to work, learn, and create, wherever they go. Apple’s Back-to-School