Friday, November 26, 2010

What's My BMI?

Body Mass Index as a Health Risk Indicator

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated based on your height and weight. It  represents your risk for developing overweight-associated health conditions. 

The higher your BMI, the higher the risk for developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (including colon, breast, endometrial and gall bladder cancers), heart disease, gall stones, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea (NIH 2010).

BMI Categories:

  • Underweight = <18.5
  • Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
  • Overweight = 25–29.9
  • Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
What's Your BMI?

To calculate your BMI, input your height in inches and weight in pounds to use this handy online BMI calculator from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  

If your BMI is greater than 25, view this table to determine what a healthy weight would be for someone of your height. If you're not certain how to lose weight safely, sustainably and permanently, contact your health care practitioner to determine the nutritional, exercise and lifestyle modifications that can help you achieve your goals. Modest, sustainable weight loss can help you enjoy better overall health, energy, stamina, and decrease your risk of serious disease.

Permanent Weight Loss Is Achievable

For more information on how naturopathic medicine can help you achieve your weight loss goals, please   contact me for a free, 15-minute complimentary consultation at my office in Guelph, (519) 822-7075. You CAN feel better!

-Dr. Liz

Can a naturopathic doctor help me?

Complimentary "Meet the Doctor" Visits with Elizabeth Cherevaty ND


Find out if naturopathic medicine is right for you. 

Do you live or work in the Guelph area? Wondering how working with a naturopathic doctor can help you with your health concerns? You're invited to come by for a free, 15-minute "meet and greet" consultation with me at the Meridian Wellness Centre. I'll answer any questions you may have, and you'll get a sense of whether you'd like to work with me as part of your health care team. It's completely free, and if for any reason I feel I can't help you, I'll be pleased to refer you to someone in our area who can. 

Call (519) 822-7075 to book your free, 15-minute introductory naturopathic visit at the Meridian Wellness Centre.

Looking forward to meeting you in the near future!

-Dr. Liz
Naturopathic Doctor
Guelph ON

For more info please visit http://guelphnaturopathic.weebly.com

Friday, November 19, 2010

Diabetes Drug Increases Cardiovascular Risk

Health Canada public advisory has been issued this week warning people with type 2 diabetes who are taking the drug, rosiglitazone, marketed as AVANDIA®, AVANDAMET® (contains both rosiglitazone and metformin), and AVANDARYL® (contains both rosiglitazone and glimepiride) about the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular (heart-related) events associated with the use of this medication.  Rosiglitazone is a prescription drug  that is added to the treatment regime of people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar has not been controlled by a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and the oral hypoglycemic agent metformin.

Rosiglitazone can cause fluid retention in the body, which can aggravate some cardiac conditions and lead to swelling, weight gain, and worst of all, heart failure. The use of rosiglitazone may be associated with an increased risk of cardiac ischemia (poor blood supply to the heart).  AVANDIA®/AVANDAMET®/AVANDARYL® are not recommended in patients with a history of ischemic heart disease. 

If you are currently taking rosiglitazone, contact your physician immediately to discuss your individual risk/benefit profile as well as other treatment options. Do not discontinue rosiglitazone therapy without  your physician's supervision. 

A PREVENTABLE EPIDEMIC

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease caused by obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices. This is a lifestyle-induced epidemic, with 60,000 new cases diagnosed annually in this country (Health Canada 2005). Complications of chronic, poorly-controlled blood sugar include damage to small and large blood vessels leading to blindness, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, ulcers and limb amputations, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. People with type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk of various types of infections. 

THE GOOD NEWS

From a health promotion perspective, Type 2 diabetes is both PREVENTABLE and MANAGEABLE with dietary and lifestyle change if these interventions occur early enough in the disease development process. Botanical medicine and specific nutrient therapy are also helpful in managing type 2 diabetes and preventing complications. 

For your individualized type 2 diabetes prevention or treatment plan, contact your naturopathic doctor. 

Naturopathic consultations are available at the Meridian Wellness Centre by calling 519-822-7075.

-Dr. Liz 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Make Your Own Almond Milk

Is the cost of almond milk, or the thought of trucking litres upon litres of mostly water from California to your doorstep, or perhaps its thin blandness dragging your enjoyment of a dairy-reduced diet into the mud? Here's an easy and cost-effective way to make your own fresh almond milk and can be adjusted to suit just how you like it. I've developed this quick recipe based on a single serving, so multiply as needed based on number of servings desired.

RECIPE

What you'll need:

1/2 cup raw almonds
1 cup water (nice and local); or to taste
1/4 tsp. natural vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 tsp. honey or maple syrup (optional)

Soak almonds in water overnight to activate the nuts' natural enzymes. Blend on high. Strain by pouring through a wire strainer* into container or glass of choice. Pour over cereal, into tea or coffee or drink on its own.  Homemade almond milk is a yummy, digestible, cleanse-friendly way to get your calcium boost!

*Tip: use leftover nut bits as a base for pesto, mix into oatmeal, a protein shake or something you're baking....those proteins and fibres are highly nutritious and versatile!

VARIATIONS

Substitute raw cashews or great Canadian hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds) in the same proportions in this recipe for an even creamier texture.  Play with the proportions of nut/seed to water to make your homemade "milk" thinner or creamier and to vary the flavors.  Nuts and seeds are good sources of protein, beneficial oils, and minerals. Enjoy!

Update on Integrative Cancer Care funding competition

INTEGRATIVE CANCER CARE IN CANADA?

Great news: the idea of a Canada's first cost-free complementary cancer care centre has moved on to the semi-final round of voting in the Aviva Community Fund competition. Voting in the semi-finalist round begins December 2, 2010. Each person has 10 days to vote 10 times. The countdown begins!

SEMI-FINAL ROUND VOTING BEGINS DECEMBER 2!

Search for idea #6149, "Whole-Person Cancer Care Regardless of Income" or follow this link to learn more about this project and register to vote beginning on December 2!  It takes just a moment. Your vote will help all Canadians by helping to establish a sustainable, cost-free integrative cancer care centre with the Aviva prize of $100,000 to be matched by both the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation (ORCF) for a total of $300K in funding.