How to Strengthen Your Immune System, Year Round.

HOW TO PREVENT COMMON ILLNESS & HOW TO DEFEND ONCE IT HITS!

Are you or your family catching every cold & flu there is this year? It might be because your immune system needs to be challenged to build a stronger immunity– year round!


After spending the last few years cooped up inside, our immunity system hasn’t been challenged like it needs to be. Now that we are adapting back to regular routines, our bodies will require support to find balance to reduce frequent illness.


In this episode, we are joined by, Dr. Briana Lutz from St. Francis Herb Farm. Brianna Lutz is a naturopathic doctor and herbalist, that provides family medicine with a special focus in women’s health, fertility and perinatal care. She is also the Education Manager for St.Francis Herb Farm and will be speaking on their behalf for this episode. Listen to learn more about how to prevent common illness & how to defend once it hits!


In this episode, we will cover the following topics….


05:51 : Why it is important to support your immune system, year round.


08:00 : Where the immune system is located. spoiler..it is not in just 1 spot!


09:30 : When the immune system is activated..


10:56 : Other bodily functions rely on a balanced immune system.


14:33 : How stress impacts the immune system.


16:30 : Top reasons the immune system becomes weak


19:19: Signs your immune system is weak. PS, it’s not just when you’re sick!


22:20: Why kids are picking up each cold and flu these days.


26:30: Using the SEED approach to support balanced, strong immunity through conscious everyday lifestyle choices and powerful plant medicines to help shield you from infection PLUS help you fight back and defend your health when illness strikes! 


PRODUCTS FEATURED


Preventative Immune Support – balances&modulates the immune system

  • St. Francis – Deep Immune Original
  • St. Francis – Deep Immune Licorice Free – modified to eliminate licorice, so that it is safe for those with (or at risk for) hypertension.
  • St. Francis – Deep Immune Kids

Take preventively year round, 3 weeks on, 1 week off.


Defend Immune Support – stimulates the immune system


  • St. Francis – EchinaSeal – shortens the duration and severity of viral infection, cold & flu, and relieves sore throat.
  • St. Francis – Virafect – tackles viral infections related to cold and flu.
  • Take as needed when you are feeling under the weather!


Book recommendation : “Let Them Eat Dirt”


Pick up your Purica products in our stores today!


Listen to full episode here:

Everyday Habits for Better Heart Health

By April Allen • January 28, 2026
When it comes to our health, it’s often the small, consistent habits we practice each day that have the greatest impact on our long-term health. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices around nutrition, movement, stress management, and supplementation can significantly support cardiovascular wellness. Here are some simple, everyday habits to help keep your heart strong and resilient: *These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.
A background of pink hearts

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas!

By April Allen • January 27, 2026
Struggling to find unique Valentine's Day gifts? We've got you covered! It can be difficult to find unique and thoughtful Valentine's Day gifts for all of your loved ones - but at Jo Anne's Place, it's simple!
A pomegranate, leaves and other various fruits surround a green text saying: What juice is healthy

The Healthiest Types of Juices

By Jonathan Tessier • January 21, 2026
Discover the healthiest types of juices, their key health benefits, and how to enjoy them in moderation while avoiding excess sugar in your overall daily diet.

Which Honey is Best For You? Buckwheat vs. Clover vs. Wildflower

By Jonathan Tessier • January 14, 2026
Our own Kawartha Lakes Honey has three different types: buckwheat, wildflower and clover. Let's get into all the different benefits that thee honeys have.

Manuka Honey Explained: MGO, UMF and What The Numbers Mean

By Jonathan Tessier • January 13, 2026
We are going to break down what Manuka Honey is, how it can benefit you and go very deep into the details on the differences between the products we carry.

Best Supplements to Take in the Winter

By Jonathan Tessier • January 8, 2026
The cold weather is here, which means you should stock up on all the necessary supplements you need so you can stay healthy even when it gets ugly outside.
Dried orange slice, crystals, and a pen on a journal page

Healthy Habits For The New Year

By April Allen • December 23, 2025
The start of a new year can come with a lot of pressure to reset, overhaul, and become a 'better' version of yourself overnight. Traditional New Years' resolutions can feel motivating at first, but can quickly become overwhelming and restricting. Did you know that 88% of people fail their resolution within the first 2 weeks? It makes us wonder why. And we think that it's because they are rooted in an all-or-nothing mindset that doesn't leave room for life's unpredictability. And our resolutions are often things we think we SHOULD do (because of pressure from others, societal standards, etc.) and not things that we actually VALUE. It’s important to ensure you are enhancing your wellness in harmony with your surroundings and your reality. At Jo Anne's Place, we believe the new year is less about drastic change and more about gentle intention. A holistic approach to the new year invited you to build healthy habits that support your body, mind, and lifestyle at a pace that feels sustainable for you. Rather than chasing resolutions, this is an opportunity to tune in, reflect, and choose practices that truly support your long-term wellbeing. If setting goals is your thing, we support that! Just remember to keep them realistic and grounded in your values. If setting resolutions isn't for you, here are some gentler ways to step into the new year:

Thriving Through The Season: Our Tips to Stay Well During The Holidays

By April Allen • November 27, 2025
Feeling the Holiday pressure? In the midst of Winter’s chill and the Holiday rush, your own well-being deserves space to breathe. The natural world around us is slowing down, so why shouldn’t we? Winter invites us to turn inward, and it is especially important to support your mental health during these longer, darker days. Did you know that we, as Canadians, are more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder due to our northern latitude, which results in less sunlight during the winter? The Holiday season can be equal parts joyful and overwhelming. Schedules get busy, routines slip, and we're surrounded by comfort foods and sweet treats. Between gatherings, travel, and to-do lists, our well-being can take a back seat. Here are some simple tips to keep you grounded, nourished, and feeling your best throughout the season: *These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.

Healthier Holiday Treats, Sides, and Mocktails

By April Allen • November 27, 2025
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Halloween decorations on the side. Text reads: Healthy Halloween Recipes

Top Healthy Halloween Treat Ideas That Kids (and Adults) Will Love

By Jonathan Tessier • October 15, 2025
Halloween is coming up quick! This year, Halloween is on a Friday, which means lots of fun!