Performance in Health

05/06/2025

EXPERIENCED GRIEF THERAPIST, COLLEEN FITZPATRICK JOINS PERFORMANCE IN HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH PARTNER TEAM

Colleen has over twenty years experience working with people on what is often described as their worst day following an unnatural death referred to the NSW Coroner. We are very fortunate to have this level of grief counselling support now available in our local community.

Colleen is passionate about helping people who experience the isolating and debilitating impacts of trauma, loss and grief.

Throughout her career, Colleen has specialised in providing evidence based counselling and support to people who are experiencing traumatic loss. Colleen’s unique practice experience equips her with the insights needed to partner with individuals and families to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship. Colleen brings warmth and care to her work and is passionate about supporting people to explore their grief, find clarity and regain a sense of agency and hope in their lives after loss.

Colleen’s approach is holistic and includes the biological, psychological, spiritual, social and cultural impacts of bereavement and utilizes the following evidence based frameworks.

To book an appointment with Colleen, please view her details on the performance in health website www.performanceinhealth.com.au under the Mental Health Partner tab or contact her on mailto:grieftherapy1@gmail.com

05/06/2025

INTRODUCING MARZENA DIARD, CHRONIC PAIN PSYCHOTHERAPIST/COUNSELLOR TO PERFORMANCE IN HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH PARTNER TEAM

Marzena is a certified Psychotherapist and a Counsellor who offers a gentle and supportive environment to anyone seeking connection, understanding and support on the journey towards healing. Due to demand, Marzena has now increased the days she is available in Stanmore or via Telehealth to support the community.

With unique training & interest in chronic pain alongside her other modalities, Marzena is experienced in supporting individuals dealing with chronic pain.

Chronic pain often presents in ways that differ from structural pain. Symptoms may shift from one location to another, vary in intensity depending on the time of day, or appear after physical activity but not during it. They may also be felt predominantly on one side of the body. In contrast, structural pain tends to remain consistent in location and pattern.

Chronic pain is not just a physical problem. It’s a complex interaction between body, brain, and nervous system, fueled by fear. Often, pain that starts from an injury, illness, or period of stress gets "stuck" in the system—even when the body has technically healed. Over time, the brain continues to send pain signals, believing it’s protecting you.

Conditions like IBS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, back or neck pain, POTS, and other unexplained physical symptoms illustrate how the nervous system can remain in a protective state—what we refer to as Neural Circuit Pain. Living with Endometriosis herself, Marzena knows pain both as a quiet companion and a consuming force. This personal journey led her to explore the mindbody connection, enhancing her support to clients.

To book an appointment with Marzena, please view her details on the performance in health website www.performanceinhealth.com.au under the Mental Health Partner tab or contact her on md@marzenadiard-therapy.com.au

30/05/2025

SUPPORTING FEMALES WITH CHRONIC UTI'S: A NATUROPATHIC APPROACH

For anyone having to live with chronic UTI’s, a disruption to quality of life doesn’t describe the half of it. Symptoms of a UTI can be unbearable. The constant feeling of having a full bladder and having to urinate constantly even when only a dribble is released causes irritation and frustration like no other. Burning pain which can end up feeling like you are passing razor blades is a constant reminder of the infection that lies within. Sometimes back and pain in the abdomen appear alongside a more obvious cloudiness and smell to the urine that flows.

Many of the women that I treat for chronic & recuring UTI are often at the end of their tether. Many are in a cycle of antibiotics, UTI, antibiotics, UTI and the journey goes on, and on and on. Many have unresolved gut and vaginal symptoms also.

Many can’t have in*******se without fear of a flare or reinfection.

Then there is the Urinary Microbiome or what is called the Urobiome. Whilst the importance of the gut microbiome (species of bacteria and more that reside) and vaginal microbiome is more commonly understood, the urinary microbiome is less understood and research around the impacts on UTI’s is becoming clearer.

This blog discusses some of the aspects of this debilitating condition that sufferers may find of interest. For those individuals seeking a naturopathic assessment of their chronic UTI’s, please book an initial naturopathic consultation via the contact tab on my website.

For anyone having to live with chronic UTIs, a disruption to quality of life doesn’t describe the half of it. Symptoms of a UTI can be unbearable. The constant feeling of having a full bladder and having to urinate constantly even when only a dribble is released causes irritation and frustration l...

17/05/2025

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: JACKIE’S INSPIRED TOM KHA G*I THAI SOUP⁠
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With soup a major event in my winter home menu, here is another beautifully nourishing and tasty soup for you.
Thai food is really one of my favourites and this dish is so easy to prepare at home.⁠
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Another winner recipe for the time poor which I see in my clinic more and more these days. Make extra and pop in a thermos for a delicious lunch on a work day!
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I hope you enjoy it as much as we do in my family.

There is something fresh and delicious about Thai food.  Lemongrass, Thai Basil, Ginger, Chilli and Garlic in a coconut broth is a tough taste to beat.  Having lived in Malaysia for a number of years, I often zipped over to Thailand for the beautiful food and fabulous relaxation retreats, and I wi...

06/03/2025

DO YOU CONSCIOUSLY LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTHY GUT BACTERIA? YOU SHOULD!

As a naturopath with a passion for supporting my clients towards optimal gut health, I revisited a blog I wrote called “Feeding & nourishing your precious gut “microbiome family” so they nourish you in return. The importance of having healthy colonies of gut bacteria and certain other species cannot be underestimated. From mental health, to fertility, healthy hormones, immune function, inflammation and more – their role is so important for our health that some experts believe that we need them more than they need us.

Nearly every condition I treat will involve nurturing healthy gut bacteria so that they support you in return. What you feed them or don’t find them is important to understand.

I hope you find this blog useful and informative and if you seek a naturopathic consultation to improve your gut health, please book an initial naturopathic consultation or follow up call with me here

Recognised as one of the best naturopaths in Sydney by winning the Natural Medicine Clinic of the Year in 2021, Tanya Edwards’ Naturopath Clinic – Performance in Health – is located in Stanmore, in Sydney’s Inner West. Offering a range of holistic naturopathy services including nutrition adv...

01/03/2025

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: PROTEIN & LOW CARB DINNER WRAPS FOR TIME POOR HUMANS

One of the biggest gripes with most of my clients in clinic is preparing and cooking healthy weekday dinners.

Weekday dinner preparation is a task that most people I support would gladly say goodbye to if they could. After a busy day, whether this be at work, being a working or stay at home parent, a carer or simply a very busy individual – I am yet to hear anyone say, “I simply love cooking dinner and cleaning up when I am low in energy after a busy day”. That goes for me also!! The response I hear about preparing dinner after such a day is never positive and, in many cases, is a cause of low mood and feelings of irritation. Is it any wonder uber eats and menu log are always busy?
Sadly, constant takeaways and easy, highly processed, and high carb options week after week lead to an unhealthy diet, weight gain and disappointment in self.

Finding quick, nutritious weekday solutions is a passion of mine for my clients and the wider community – so here is another one folks! I hope you enjoy.

Weekday dinner preparation is a task that most people I support would gladly say goodbye to if they could. After a busy day, whether this be at work, being a working or stay at home parent, a carer or simply a very busy individual – I am yet to hear anyone say, “I simply love […]

07/02/2025

The impact of daily stress endured by “in high demand” people is a huge risk factor for low mood and burn out

Let’s do everything we can to avoid this year. It’s the beginning of the year and a new chapter to do a deep dive on your life. What can you streamline and improve to reach the ultimate goal of calm energy and happiness? What does “in high demand” really mean? I am referring to those of us who in our 24/7 society are juggling excessive amounts of daily responsibilities with little time left in the day to rest, relax, wind down and simply be still.

You know who you are? Maybe you are what I term a “Superwoman”, juggling career, running busy households, trying to fit in daily exercise, dutifully visiting parents and friends on weekends, cooking after work each day, nurturing your children, partners or fur babies whilst having minimal down-time for yourself?

Maybe you are a mum at home with young children who require your undivided attention day in day out with no time for your own needs? In my prior life where I advised senior women on important career decisions, it was abundantly clear that one of the most difficult jobs for them was being a stay-at-home mother with many describing their “work job” as much easier and much more appreciated!

Maybe you are a father supporting your family in whatever way you can during challenging times, maybe you are in a constant state of worry about job stability, are building a new business or maybe you live on your own with no support, building your career and relying on yourself to make ends meet.

Whatever type of “in high demand” person you are, functioning in this way is stress as far as the biochemistry of your body is concerned.

Many of you may say “But I don’t feel stressed” or “this is my normal and has been for many years”.

But you see, what the body sees as stress may in fact surprise you. Simply being in a constant “state of go” is a signal that your body automatically reacts to.

Anxiety, Depression and Burnout Support is something Performance in Health wellbeing clinic support with myself as naturopath and a team of mental health professionals. From a naturopathic point of view, supporting your body to reduce your risk factors is important and I hope you find this blog useful as you put in place strategies this year.

Anxiety, depression, and burnout are incredibly common issues that we see in the clinic, in people of all ages and from all walks of life. Mental health issues are more common than many people may realise – nearly 1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime. T...

31/12/2024

🌟 New Year, New You 🌱
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to focus on your health and well-being. Set intentions to prioritise yourself – from mindful eating to boosting your energy and immunity naturally. Here’s to a year of balance, growth, and vibrant health! 🥂✨

24/12/2024

✨ A Season for Health and Happiness 🌿
As you celebrate this magical time of year, don’t forget to nourish your body and soul. From immune-boosting meals to moments of relaxation, make self-care part of your holiday season. Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and healthy Christmas! 🎅❤️

17/12/2024

Hi to all of my clients, I will be having a break over the festive season.

If you wish to re stock on any supplements or herbal medicines for the holiday season, last pick up day will be on Thursday 19 December. If you could please email me with any orders by Wednesday the 18th December or prior, I can prepare for a quick and easy collection at reception.

I hope you have a relaxing and restorative break over the festive season and I look forward to supporting you in 2025.


If you would like to pop by or have me post your supplies, please send me an email to tanya@performanceinhealth.com.au and we can arrange pick-up or postage.

Wishing you a healthy and enjoyable holidays and please reach out if you need to.

12/12/2024

PROTECTING YOUR HEART HEALTH

I want to start this post by stating that both genetic factors and environmental (diet & lifestyle) factors participate in heart health.

As a naturopath, when partnering with clients a main aim is always based on preventative health strategies in addition to supporting individuals whose risk factors have increased due to factors such as high cholesterol, obesity, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood sugar & insulin imbalances.

Understanding your genetic risk factors is very important. I also work closely and collaboratively with General Practitioners which is important when you have experienced any symptoms or have high risk factors.

This blog provides some helpful strategies that reduce your risk from things you may be doing on a day to day basis. These are known as preventable risk factors and include sleep, blood sugar balance, dietary sources, and stress to name a few.

With heart and cardiovascular health being a subject in the spotlight at the moment, I have had many clients ask numerous questions on what they can do to improve their overall health and reduce risk factors in this area and as such I have produced a blog that my whole community might get value out of.

Please reach out if you seek an individually tailored assessment of how to improve your diet and lifestyle and nutritional requirements. A thorough investigation is always provided to our clients at Performance in Health, and should anxiety or chronic stress be part of your picture, our wonderful team of mental health specialists can also support you.

Please contact us on tanya@performanceinhealth.com.au or (02)8004 5521.

I want to start this blog by stating that both genetic factors and environmental (diet & lifestyle) factors are involved in heart health.  As a naturopath, when working with clients a main aim is always based on preventative health strategies in addition to supporting individuals whose risk factors...

07/12/2024

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE BANANA AND PEANUT BUTTER HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

I remember the horror that I felt when I first came to the terrifying realisation that I was intolerant to both gluten and dairy. For many years and before my life as a naturopath, my favourite eating experiences consisted of a cheese platter and a bowl of wonderful full dairy milk ice cream.

Sadly, the ingredients in these foods gave me symptoms that plagued me since childhood including postnasal drip, daily throat clearing, digestive issues, and hideous fatigue so I made it my mission to find some formidable substitutes. I simply could not live my life without ice cream!

This recipe has come about by years of experimenting and for me, it hits the spot. It is also a wonderful recipe for children where you want to know the ingredients they are consuming.

I hope you enjoy this creamy treat as much as I do. Remember, it is still a treat so aim for once a week to keep yourself healthy.

Visit this and more recipes on our website!