Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Vote YES to Cost-Free Integrative Cancer Care in Canada!

Canadians are one step closer to making cost-free, whole-person cancer care a reality through tremendous public support in the Aviva Community Fund competition! The proposal has reached Round 2 of the competition and is sitting in 3rd place!!

"Every three minutes, a Canadian is diagnosed with cancer. Wanting to implement every measure to overcome this disease, the majority (~ 80%) of people turn to complementary and integrative therapies to regain some measure of control over their lives.


Not everyone can afford this care.

With this initiative we are asking for $100,000 from the Aviva Community Fund. This amount will be TRIPLED to a total of $300,000 by equal contributions from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation (ORCF). All funds will go to providing no cost whole-person care to hundreds of cancer patients in the Ottawa Region.

Success of this initiative will allow the creation of a lasting program delivered to those who would not otherwise have the option. If you are interested in learning more and/or becoming involved, please contact syoung@ccnm.edu.

Cast your vote - every day for the next 9 days - and help make sustainable, accessible integrative cancer care a reality in Canada! Click here to register, then get VOTING!

Every person has 9 days to vote 9 times.

Thank you on behalf of the people with cancer and their loved ones who will benefit immensely from making this project a success!!

Monday, October 25, 2010

THREE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN CHILD SKIN CARE - AND SOME HEALTHIER OPTIONS

We're trying to get petroleum out of our cars...So why are we still putting it on our kids' skin?

As an ND who works with pediatric patients, I am frequently asked about various skin conditions in kids. Lately I've been scanning product labels on pharmacy and grocery store shelves evaluating whether I'd feel comfortable recommending ANY of these familiar brand-name skin care products to my patients. Based on the ingredients listed, in most cases the answer is an overwhelming "no thanks". From fragrances to heavy metals to artificial preservatives and colours, most of the skin care products available for kids contain ingredients that at best give their livers extra things to detoxify and at worst can be irritating, allergenic, endocrine-disrupting or even carcinogenic.

In addition to fragrances and colors, here are three ingredients that should be avoided in your child's skin care routine (you'll find some healthier suggestions below):

MINERAL OIL

First, let's look at "mineral oil", inaptly named as it actually contains  no minerals, this substance is also known as "paraffin oil" and "liquid petrolatum". As a toxicologist, I found the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) on mineral oil to be interesting, as this material is indicated to be a skin irritant that can cause dermatitis. "Less refined" versions of mineral oil are carcinogenic. Meanwhile, a quick check of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG's) "Skin Deep" cosmetics database highlights concerns of carcinogenicity, organ system toxicity and yet more skin-irritating qualities.

PETROLATUM

Similarly, petrolatum (yes, I have a petroleum-should-not-be-on-our-skin theme here) makes the grade as "expected to be toxic or harmful" and "a high human health priority" by Health Canada's Existing Substances List. Note that it has also been concealed in cosmetic products under the everything-goes, unregulated term, "fragrance".

PETROLEUM JELLY

Then there's the brand-name Vaseline or petroleum jelly. The historical account of the "discovery" of this industrial byproduct as a skin care aid is described on Unilever-Vaseline's web site. But petroleum jelly (yes, jelly made of petroleum) is a waterproof substance leftover from the refining of crude oil - it prevents water from escaping from the skin (hence famed as an emollient/moisturizer) and conversely prevents waterborne microorganisms from infecting the skin from the outside, indirectly allowing the body to go about healing itself (and we LOVE that the body does). These waterproofing properties , though, can be obtained through more nutritive and natural substances than an inexpensive byproduct of the oil refinery industry backed by cuddly marketing.

Petroleum-derived ingredients are known as "occlusive" - that they block the pores. Not ideal. Pores don't like being blocked. What's more, these materials can come pre-contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which introduces to baby's skin care regime additional risk of carcinogenicity, allergenicity, and endocrine disruption. 

So what's the "bottom line" for baby's bottom?

First, healthy skin needs to be cleaned with water and a soft cloth, dried gently, and that's it. There is no medical requirement to apply an occlusive, waterproofing, drying, or other substance to baby's bottom between diaperings. Skin can just be skin. If desired though, there are many healthier alternatives to petroleum byproducts. Skip the tar sands and try a sprinkling of corn starch; organic olive oil; beeswax-, olive oil- or coconut oil-based balms with herbs like plantain, comfrey, or calendula; homeopathic combination cremes, etc.

If your child has a skin condition, such as eczema, diaper rash or candida, book a visit with your ND to determine the appropriate treatment. It's best not to suppress skin eruptions with corticosteroids. Rather, look for healing from the inside out. Skin concerns in babies often reflect an imbalance in the baby's diet (or mom's diet during breastfeeding), intestinal microflora (probiotics) and immune system.

Most of the time, some simple changes with the guidance of your ND are all it takes to do great things for your little one's health, skin included. Happy pampering!

-Dr. Liz

References:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/703977/MINERAL_OIL/
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/704786/PETROLATUM/
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=726345

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Upcoming Health Seminars in Guelph

Join us Saturday, October 30, 2010, 10:30AM-12noon at the Meridian Wellness Centre at 329 Woolwich St., Guelph, for two FREE public health seminars!

"Naturopathic First Aid" - Dr. Sarah Wyer BScH, ND, presents tips for naturopathic management of common first aid situations, like bites and stings, minor wounds, sunburn, frostbite etc. Learn how to put together your own first aid kit using naturopathic remedies for home, work or vacation.

"Naturopathic Flu Care at Home" - Dr. Elizabeth Cherevaty BScH, ND, (yes, that's me!) teaches principles of flu prevention, how to differentiate between a cold and a flu, how to respond to the early signs and symptoms of flu, and what naturopathic and homeopathic remedies to have on hand to minimize the incidence, severity and duration of flus this season.

To pre-register please contact our Office Manager, Royce Brown, at (519)822-7075.
Please bring your questions! Children are welcome.

Support for Integrative Cancer Care

Here is an opportunity to help bring the Canadian Centre for Integrative and Environmental Oncology one step closer to becoming a reality! Cast your vote (up to 10 times on 10 different days!) in the Aviva Community Fund competition for "Holistic Cancer Care for People Who Can't Afford It". We all know people who have been or are currently affected by cancer. Many integrative and natural therapies are emerging and well-backed by research, but are not currently funded by the conventional health care system in Canada. This project, submitted to the funding competition by Dr Dugald Seely ND, aims to raise $100,000 to create a sustainable facility that provides hundreds of people dealing with cancer with the integrative treatments they need, at no financial cost to patients and their families.
View the idea and background details at http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf6149
Happy voting!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Ideals of a True Physician

As physicians, we are constantly learning - it's one of the things I love most about being a naturopathic doctor! The practice of naturopathic medicine allows us to utilize the best of scientific medicine and diagnostics, while delivering health care according to fundamental principles and philosophies of care that help us guide our patients to true health and healing. We research and seek instruction and inspiration from other physicians who have established precedents of excellence in the practice of effective, ethical, principle-bound medicine - the kind of health care that empowers patients and changes lives with true healing. Renowned naturopathic physician and homeopath Dr. André Saine, ND, FCAH, is one of these great leaders. Through his practice and teaching work at the Canadian Academy of Homeopathy in Montréal and internationally, Dr. Saine has inspired generations of naturopathic and allopathic physicians to become better doctors and facilitators of healing. Recently, a colleague and fellow homeopathy-phile (thanks, Mel!) pointed out André's article, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well: keys for becoming a successful physician", which captured my attention this morning. Presented as a lecture to the graduating class at National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, 2009, the article explores the fundamental characteristics of a successful physician - knowing the self, human nature, and Nature, and embodying the philosophy and principles that should abide by each doctor in daily practice. This is captivating and inspirational reading!!! for doctors and patients alike, and leaves me to critically appraise how I can foster my own life and naturopathic practice to daily reflect these immutable ideals of care.

Here is a brief excerpt:

"What are the more important predispositions necessary for the practice of medicine? I would suggest the following qualities and dispositions and encourage their cultivation:

Benevolence
Intelligence
Sound health
Balanced personality
Curiosity
Humility
Patience
Alertness
Objectivity
Resourcefulness
Being a good communicator
Equanimity
Resilience
Optimism
Intuition
Sound judgment
Courage
Self-confidence
Honesty
Wisdom

"Benevolence is the disposition to be kind and good to others. In Buddhism, it is called maitri, which is one of the four elements of true love and is translated as loving-kindness.

"Benevolence is one of two basic ingredients for becoming a true physician, knowledge being the other. Benevolence or love is the inspiration and knowledge is the guide. With the love to help your fellow human beings you will be eager to learn and acquire the necessary knowledge to become a true physician. However, benevolence, without that knowledge or ability to do good, may actually make others suffer. To a 24 year-old enquiring medical student, Hahnemann wrote, 'I pray you to continue to be a right, genuine, good man, as it is impossible without virtue to be a true physician, a godlike helper of his fellow creatures in their distress.' It seemed that Hahnemann's prayer was greatly fulfilled, as the young student was Constantine Hering....

"...Assuming that you fulfill the necessary profile, the next requirement is to learn about human nature....

- Dr. André Saine, ND, FCAH, The Naturopathic Gathering, NCNM, 2009; available at: http://www.homeopathy.ca/articles_det22.shtml

View the complete article and others on The Canadian Academy of Homeopathy web site, www.homeopathy.ca

Happy learning!!


Saturday, October 9, 2010

Weight-loss drug Sibutramine (Meridia) Withdrawn from Canadian Market

Citing serious cardiovascular risks that outweigh expected benefits, pharmaceutical manufacturer Abbott Laboratories voluntarily withdrew the prescription weight loss drug, sibutramine (known by brand names Meridia, Reductil, Reduxada and Ectiva) from the Canadian market this week.

Known History of Adverse Effects and Deaths with Sibutramine

That sibutramine is associated with serious cardiovascular adverse events and deaths is not news. Sibutramine was pulled from the market in Italy in 2002 (yes, that's eight years ago) after more than 50 adverse events, including 2 deaths and many other reports including tachycardia, hypertension and arrhythmias occurred in individuals taking the drug. In fact, hundreds of adverse reactions including 31 deaths associated with sibutramine had already been reported by 2002 from just within the UK, France, the U.S. and Canada (Wooltorton, CMAJ May 14, 2002;16(10)).

Sibutramine: Risks and Benefits

Used in conventional medicine to support weight loss in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, sibutramine is a sympathomimetic drug that increases heart rate and blood pressure via inhibition of reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the central nervous system. Studies had demonstrated the drug to support 5%-8% weight loss with 6 months of use compared to 1%-4% with placebo (interesting results from the placebo - we can only speculate how the comparative effect of the drug would have measured up to an actual weight loss program of diet and lifestyle change..hmmm....). Providing 5%-8% weight loss, and only while individuals continued to take the drug, sibutramine offered an unfavourable risk-benefit profile. It was recognized to be a dangerous medication and was indicated as an adjunct to an overall weight loss program, i.e. an addition to a consistent program of diet, exercise and lifestyle modification (Wooltorton 2002).

Adjunctive or Primary Therapy?

Was sibutramine truly used as an adjunct to the counselling- and time-intensive practice of helping patients learn how to lose weight? Or did physicians and patients rely upon it as the ever-sought-after "magic pill" for weight loss while ignoring the role of unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, and mental-emotional factors contributing to obesity? After a decade of approved use in Canada, Health Canada never got around to protecting Canadians from the risks of taking sibutramine, so we have the manufacturer to thank for relieving doctors and patients of the opportunity to exchange a temporary and relatively small benefit for serious harm or death. Will we continue to risk our lives for the next "magic pill" and believe that we really don't need to take care of ourselves through healthy diets, exercise habits and attending to our mental-emotional needs?

No "Magic Pill" for Weight Loss; the power is within YOU

Achieving a healthy body mass is important to optimizing health and decreasing risks for many forms of disease and premature death. However, naturopathic physicians recognize that there is no "magic pill" for weight loss. Pharmaceutical and natural substances may be available (even Health Canada-approved!) to support weight loss, but should never considered to substitute for long-term healthy lifestyle practices. As a naturopathic physician bound by the oath of "First, do no harm", my view is that any substance, whether natural or pharmaceutical, that is used adjunctively to support weight loss (or any other health goal, in fact) must first and foremost be safe. Naturopathic doctors are experts in teaching the principles of healthy living and using evidence-based natural therapeutics to optimize health. This includes thorough assessment and coaching through safe, permanent weight loss, and education that empowers patients to optimize their health and self-care habits.

You CAN Start Improving Your Health Today

As a naturopathic doctor my goal is to provide comprehensive, minimally-invasive primary health care that is individualized to the unique needs of each person, equips them with the education to make healthful choices, and supports their innate capacity for self-healing. If safe and permanent weight loss is your goal, consult your naturopathic doctor or other primary health care practitioner to discuss your options and start improving your health today.

To find a naturopathic doctor near you, please visit www.oand.org and use the "Find an ND" function.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Cast your vote on the Liberation Treatment for MS

Here's a chance to voice your opinion on whether the controversial Liberation Treatment for multiple sclerosis should be offered in Canada - See the Globe and Mail and take the poll!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/globe-opinion-poll/article1733602/

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Naturopathic Flu Prevention Tips

It's flu season and the big question these days is:
Q. How can I avoid coming down with the flu this year?
Answer: A healthy immune system is your best defense against the flu. Influenza and viruses that cause flu-like illness are most active from fall through spring. During these months, exposure to potentially infective viruses is inevitable, so it is especially important to ensure your immune system is healthy and equipped with the necessary resources to prevent infections from developing. Here are some basic preventive measures to practice throughout the “flu season”.

Top 10 Tips for Preventing Flu and Flu-Like Illness:

1. Wash your hands – frequently with regular soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Be sure to scrub the webs between fingers and under the fingernails. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel. Key handwashing times are before leaving work or school and first thing when you arrive home; before eating; before touching your mouth, eyes, nose or face; after using the washroom; after sneezing, touching your face, coughing, shaking hands, handling doorknobs or computer keyboards, etc.
2. Nourishment is fundamental – during months when viruses abound in the environment, a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, adequate proteins, essential fatty acids and fibre is the absolute foundation for health. Cooking warm soups and stews makes the nutrients most digestible. Remember that your entire body, including the cells, antibodies and biochemical messengers of your immune system, are literally made of the molecules you provide your body through the food you eat! Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and any foods that your body may be sensitive to. Ask your N.D. about how to implement specific foods and herbs for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties throughout the flu season.
3. Avoid exposure – as much as possible avoid contact with people who are ill or symptomatic, e.g. coughing, sneezing, congested, feverish, etc., especially crowded public places with dry, stale air. Also, get out of the habit of touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose, as this gives potentially infective microorganisms the chance to move from your hands to those warm, moist mucus membranes where they love to take up residence. If you must touch anywhere on your face, wash your hands first (see #1).
4. Nasal and sinus lavage – using a neti pot containing a pinch of sea salt and baking soda, a saline spray or a steam inhalation, gently rinse bacteria, viruses and fungi from the mucous membranes to prevent them from setting up infective colonies. Sinus lavage also removes irritants and allergens from the mucous membranes.
5. Keep hydrated – to function correctly, our cells (including our immune cells) need to be plump like grapes, not wrinkled like raisins. Sip, sip, sip throughout the day on water (warm or room temperature) and try dilute herbal teas like ginger or licorice, homemade chicken broth, or Change-of-Season Soup. A good gauge of being well-hydrated: by mid-day your urine is pale to colorless and there’s no dry or thirsty sensation in your mouth or throat. Sipping on fluids flushes potentially infective microorganisms into a pool of anti-microbial hydrochloric acid found in the stomach.
6. Keep warm and moist! - the infection-resisting work of our mucus membranes depends on their being moist. Increase the humidity of indoor heated-air environments with a warm or cool humidifier at work and home, especially throughout sleep. Avoid getting chilled, which increases vulnerability to infection, by dressing for the weather with breathable layers; keep your feet warm and dry; and avoid exposure to cold drafts.
7. Take your probiotics – beneficial bacteria that promote the protective capacity of the mucus membranes and immune system are killed off when exposed to antibiotics (including some natural antimicrobials like oil of oregano), daily stress and dietary influences. If you’re not sure which probiotics to take, contact your ND.
8. Sleep and rest well – the immune system depends on adequate sleep and rest to function properly and to promote healing. If you feel you are fighting an infection, set activities aside for now, and try to get to bed early.
9. Move the lymph – regular, moderate exercise has been proven to improve immunity. Muscle contraction and good circulation move the lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels, allowing the immune system to function. Also try daily dry skin brushing from the extremities toward the core; daily abdominal massage with castor oil; and alternating hot and cold showers, (always finishing with cold) to improve lymphatic drainage over time.
10. Reduce stress – the physiological effects of stress decrease the body’s capacity to resist infections. Take the time for recreation, for getting into nature, for laughter, hugs and other pleasurable activities.
Emphasize Individualed Care
In addition to these important daily basics, Naturopathic Medicine offers an outstanding range of effective prevention and treatment strategies for decreasing the risk, severity and duration of flu and flu-like illnesses – including botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture and clinical nutrition - all individualized to your unique needs and state of health. For your individualized flu prevention and care program, or in the event that you do become ill, contact your Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) or other primary health care provider.
Helpful links:
Elizabeth J. Cherevaty BScH, ND
Meridian Wellness Centre

329 Woolwich Street, Guelph ON N1H 3W4

Tel: (519)822-7075
Dr. Cherevaty ND provides primary, integrative health care for children and families at the Meridian Wellness Centre, downtown Guelph.