Self-Care & Body Empowerment

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Self-Care & Body Empowerment Loving Your Evolving Body and Lifestyle with Sarah Nicole Landry

P H OTO C O U RT ESY O F S H I N E TA L EN T G R O U P

In an interview with Mediaplanet, body confidence activist, speaker, writer, four-time cover girl, and weekly podcast host Sarah Nicole Landry shares her experience with her post-pregnancy body and discusses the importance of self-care and body empowerment for both mothers and children.

Q&A What is your best advice for moms who are struggling with their post-pregnancy bodies?

The season of postpartum can be so filled with joy, change, excitement, and also grief, loss, and a complete identity crisis. We're expected to birth, bleed, grow, change, lose sleep, have a complete lifestyle change, and remain the same? Impossible. Evolving is not only inevitable, it’s incredible. When we struggle, it’s often because of this internal narrative happening that we can’t possibly look like anything else but having it all together, while meanwhile we're falling apart and learning to put ourselves back together again, with a baby in arms. For me, the key part of this is not expecting it to be all joy or grief, but both. When we allow the opportunity to feel it all, we allow the opportunity for actual acknowledgement of feelings and fears and process them as we go.

As an extremely busy entrepreneur and mother of four, how do you manage to take time for yourself?

Let me just start by saying, I don’t. I do try, a lot, but the reality is not there yet. This is OK. I think I’m a bit burnt out. It's really a lot to think that I’m somehow going to do it all and also take care of myself, make sure everyone is fed and the laundry is done, and be a perfect wife and mother. It’s a

lot of expectations and I guess I don’t want to feed into the narrative that I somehow am a unicorn woman who has figured it all out. I haven’t!

I’m figuring it out. Again, this is OK. Small wins are it for me. During a season where it feels very minute-to-minute, I find those little windows, even if they're five minute windows. Additionally, learning to advocate for myself and my needs has been a big deal. Using language like, “I’m really touched out, can we give the baby formula for this next feed?” has been helpful. Also, it has been helpful to recognize that mothers aren't the be all and end all of the journey in raising a child. Village and community, however you may find it or have access to it (if you can), is important to participate in.

Do you have a go-to self-care routine?

Like I said, five minute windows in a minute-tominute world are everything. I love to start and end the day the same and I love quick skincare and a fresh face in the morning, I love to take it off and do skincare again at night. I like to begin and end my day with a bit of self-touch and self-love in these five minute windows that I have. Recently I’ve also been really into aromatherapy steam rinse-off showers (because, gosh knows, hair washing is a luxury for an hour-to-hour kind of day!).

Do you think children should learn the importance of self-care and body empowerment from a young age?

YES! All caps YES. Children don’t always naturally fall into those rhythms of figuring out what that looks like and not only as a person but as a parent it can be just as much a journey into figuring out what works best for them. My kids are all so different with their self-care, so what I’m learning is that teaching self-advocacy is really a journey into discovering your kids. Now, this doesn’t look like, “Sorry Mom, laundry in the basket just isn’t part of my journey today” — it’s more like, “I really need some downtime, can I go take some time in my room for a bit to reset?”. When it comes to their bodies, well, I am a bit of a work in progress as I learn to speak into my own. I think learning to deprioritize appearance as our complimenting factors for kids is huge, while also removing the negative narratives around my own body that I speak out loud. At the end of the day, the first language a child learns is from their parents. That language can become their inner voice, and their very first influence. I want to take that seriously. I want them to have tools and language and narration that guides but doesn’t direct.

I want them to speak gently to themselves, because they witnessed me speaking gently to myself, too.

Body Confidence Is Being Unafraid to Be You Finding our beauty and strength can seem like a challenge, but it becomes easier when we make an effort to empower one another.

Aisha Fairclough and Dr. Jill Andrew

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ur bodies take us through the world, from our first breath to our last. They move us through society, socializing and creating memories with loved ones and the random strangers we encounter in our day-to-day lives. Our bodies get us through conflict. Very early on in childhood, however, we begin to learn the solemn truth that some bodies are seen, heard, celebrated, and even protected more than others — and crowned “the beautiful ones” while others are, well, not crowned.

In the best of times, body confidence is our ability to see ourselves amidst the noise and false information of diet, beauty, and self-help industries — engines that accelerate when we don’t like

the reflections staring back at us. They’re the piggy banks getting richer and richer off our insecurities and our perfect “imperfections.”

As we redefine beauty standards and empower others to feel confident in the skin they’re in, we become part of a revolution — one set to leave nobody behind or discriminated against based on their size, race, religion, gender expression or identity, class, age, sexuality, or ability. Our body confidence is knowing that we’re good enough just the way we are.

It’s us breaking the stigma around talking about our mental health. It’s accepting that some days will be great, others not, and some will simply be neutral.

Finding our beauty during this pandemic has been

a struggle for so many. Social isolation and uncertainty have taken their toll. It’s times like these when we must remember our strength, endurance, and vulnerability.

Sometimes showing up just the way we are — strong, afraid, solid, fractured, and everything in between — is the biggest, boldest step we can take toward our body confidence, and that’s beautiful.

Aisha Fairclough Co-Founder, Body Confidence Canada

Dr. Jill Andrew Co-Founder, Body Confidence Canada

Business Development Manager: Melanie Kosev Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content and Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designer: Kylie Armishaw Web Editor: Karthik Talwar All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.

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The Impact of Atopic Dermatitis Is More Than Skin Deep Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that can cause loss of sleep, skin damage, negative self-image, anxiety, and depression.

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nown as the most common chronic inflammator y sk in disease, atopic dermatitis (AD) — also commonly known as eczema — burdens patients both physically and emotionally and is so much more than just dry, itchy skin.

The disease can cause significant sleep loss, anxiety, and depression, and can substantially impact the quality of life of sufferers and caregivers.

“Think about a time you had a short-term itch, like an insect bite you couldn’t stop scratching. Maybe it woke you up or kept you awake at night for a few days,” says Dr. Rachel Netahe Asiniwasis, a dermatologist practising in Regina, SK. “People with AD live with itching long term and on many areas of their body. It doesn’t just go away naturally. And when it comes to sleep, think about a time that you lost a night of sleep. Imagine having that recurring throughout your life and how that would impact you at work, school, and home.”

Characterized as dry skin with patches that are red and often intensely itchy, AD is estimated to affect 11 percent of children and 7 percent of adults.i In AD, the skin develops red, scaly, and crusted bumps, which are extremely itchy. AD has various levels of severity — mild, moderate, and severe. The severity of AD is based on the physical symptoms and how much of the body’s surface is affected.i For example, moderate AD is often associated with broken skin or skin thickening, while severe AD causes more widespread dryness, incessant itching and inflammation, extensive

Abigail Cukier

skin thickening, oozing, and cracking.

Scratching can lead to skin damage and bleeding.ii Doctors don’t know exactly what causes AD, which is the most common type of dermatitis, but believe that it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with AD often have a family history of allergies or asthma or may develop allergies or asthma themselves.iii

Literature aside, I see the impact of itch on my patients suffering from AD every day.

Dr. Asiniwasis says that chronic itch hasn’t yet received the level of attention of other conditions, such as chronic pain. “Peer-reviewed literature has demonstrated that the depth of impact that itch has on quality of life can be comparable to that of chronic pain, although more information is needed in this field. It’s time to start more conversation around this topic,” she says.

“Literature aside, I see the impact of itch on my patients suffering from AD every day.”

The relentless physical symptoms of AD — persistent itching, pain, and skin damage — can significantly impact sleep, mood, and even self-esteem. The disease can lead to difficulty with attention, negative effects on social and intimate relat ionsh ips, poor school a nd work

performance, and negative self-image.

AD is regularly associated with anxiety and depression,iv which may cause sufferers to avoid social activities or miss work or school due to their disease. It can also make it difficult to participate in exercise or sports.

One of the main effects of AD, which in turn has a large impact on quality of life, is loss of sleep. The Eczema Society of Canada found that more than half (55 percent) of Canadians with severe AD reported being woken up every night due to itching. Caregivers and families of those with severe AD also suffer from a loss of sleep, as well as feelings of helplessness, guilt, and depression.

Doctor and pharmacy visits, skin care routines, and lifestyle modifications can be draining to the point where caregivers have reported sleep disturbance, exhaustion, and social isolation.v “Caring for someone with AD can be challenging, with a significant physical and mental toll. Challenges caregivers face often go unnoticed,” says Dr. Asiniwasis, adding that caregivers should seek support, including asking family members for help and talking to their health care provider about how they can simplify management routines.

AD should never be dismissed as “just a skin problem,” says Dr. Asiniwasis. “Especially when moderate to severe and poorly controlled, AD is extremely debilitating on so many levels — physical, mental, psychosocial, and financial. It’s time to start the conversation and recognize this common disease and push for awareness, education, support groups, and medical treatments.”

While there are treatments and solutions available for the physical symptoms of AD, more work needs to be done to raise awareness of the psychosocial impacts the disease has on patients and their caregivers. With more awareness as well as the support of dermatologists, physicians, patient groups, caregivers, and members of the public, people living with AD can be empowered to live a healthy, normal life.

REFERENCES i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

Eczema Society of Canada: ESC Atopic Dermatitis Patient Journey Report. (2020) https://eczemahelp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ ESC-Atopic-Dermatitis-Patient-Journey-Report-2020.pdf Eczema Society of Canada: ESC Itch in Atopic Dermatitis Survey. (2021) https://eczemahelp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ESC-Itch-in-Atopic-Dermatitis-Survey-Report-2021-FIN.pdf Avena-Woods, Carmela. (2017). Overview of Atopic Dermatitis, American Journal of Managed Care, 23(8). https://www.ajmc.com/view/ overview-of-atopic-dermatitis-article Eczema Society of Canada: Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life Report.

(2017) https://eczemahelp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ESC_Quality-of-Life-Report_Nov-2017-1.pdf Capozza, Korey, Gadd, Hayley, Kelley, Keri et al.(2020). Insights From Caregivers on the Impact of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis on Families: “I’m Tired, Overwhelmed, and Feel Like I’m Failing as a Mother,” Dermatitis, 31(3), 223-227. https://journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Fulltext/2020/05000/Insights_From_Caregivers_on_the_Impact_of.9.aspx

To learn more about AD and how you can help a patient who may be suffering from the psychosocial impacts, visit the Eczema Society of Canada.

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Tips to Embrace Natural Aging Ironically, the conversation around aging is often filled with promises of anti-aging. Get ready to flip that script. We’ve rounded up the best practices to embrace the natural aging process and help you live your best life, no matter your age.

Abigail Cukier

Raise a glass (of water, that is)

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Make healthy food choices

Don’t forget your gut. Did you know that gut health may plan an important role in healthy aging? Nutritionists recommend focusing on good bacteria in the gut. Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt and kombucha can help promote good gut bacteria.

Raw veggies and fruits like kale, spinach, kiwi, and pomegranate are high in fibre and chock-full of antioxidant vitamins A and C to help support gut health.

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Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Did you know that being hydrated can help you look and feel your best? Try purchasing a reusable two-litre water bottle, fill it up as part of your morning routine, and make it a goal to finish it before bed.This can help support optimal organ function and glowing skin!

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Revitalize your smile

Move your body A simple yoga practice or stretching can help maintain flexibility while connecting you to your physical self.

Spending time outdoors can also help refresh your mind, body, and spirit. Bundle up and embrace the winter weather by going on a walk or hike, or by trying a new winter activity like snowshoeing. It’s never too late to start building healthy habits!

Your smile says so much about you. Keeping it healthy is key to your confidence — and your gums play an essential role since they’re the foundation of a healthy smile. Why not choose a toothpaste that prioritizes gum health, like Colgate® Renewal Gum Revitalize? It features a new, specialized formula that helps reverse early gum damage and reduces bleeding and inflammation for healthy and revitalized gums.

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Take care of your skin Hydration is key to plump out fine lines and smooth out the skin’s texture. As we age, our hydration levels drop and we need more external replenishment. Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrating ingredient and many products formulated with it advertise that they improve the feel and appearance of skin. Vitamin A derivatives like retinol can also help correct fine lines, sun damage, and dullness. But the number one thing you can do for your skin is to use a good sunscreen every day. A radiant complexion is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Visit colgate.com/en-ca to learn more about the new Colgate® Renewal Gum Revitalize toothpaste, available now at most major

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