Community News
Pet Separation Anxiety 

Separation anxiety is a common and difficult situation that many households are faced with. It can be dangerous to animals as well as other family members. Though separation anxiety is a deep-rooted psychological disorder, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to ease the symptoms in animals. The first is to be absolutely sure that the issue is separation anxiety. It can often be confused with boredom, malnutrition or chronic pain. Once certain, here are a few tips to minimize symptoms: 1) Use a lavender oil diffuser- lavender is known to soothe nerves. DO NOT ever put oil directly on an animal as some oils are toxic.  2) Play classical music on low volume while your animal is alone. 3) Crate training- place the animal in a crate while alone to minimize destructive behaviour to him/herself and the house. Mental health is important for every member of the family!

Jill Saifer, https://soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Ear Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture is one of many forms of acupuncture, using the external ear like a representation of the body. The practitioner use pellets, seeds, magnets, electric impulses or needles. The ear is basically composed of cartilage and connective tissue with a minimal amount of the adipose tissue, but is supply we numerous nerves near this skin surface. For Traditional Chinese Medicine the Yangs meridians (Small Intestine, Stomach, Bladder, Gall Bladder and Large Intestine) have a direct contact with the auricle. And some other Yin meridians have contact with their secondary branches. The relationship between the ear, internal organs and the meridians was first report more than 2000 years ago in the book Huangdi Nei Jing (Chinese Canon of Medicine). The ear was described as a central location where numerous meridians meet. Hipocrates (IV BC) described the relations between fertility and some treatments in the external ear. Galeno (II Century) mentioned the use of bleeding and some manipulations of the ear to help patients with sexual problems. Dr. Paul Nogier, a french neurologist, observed the relation within chronic sciatica and ears scars. Patients improved from this chronic pain making pressure in specific points in the ears. In the 1950’s Dr Nogier mapped these points and the corresponding somatic representation in the body by developing and inverted fetus map of the external ear, similar to the somatosensory homunculus of the brain. In 1980 the UCLA University made a study about the use of the external ear and diagnosis. (Olesson and Kroegning).Between 1987 and 1990 the WHO organized meetings and defined the charts of different points between the Chinese and French Schools. In some situations the ear can change, presenting discolorations or tenderness with an internal damage or change of an organ. This explain why sometimes the ear could help in the diagnosis, giving important information about the patient’s condition. Ear Acupuncture help acute and chronic conditions: migraines, asthma, allergies, obesity, high blood pressure, back pain, etc. And not only physical illness, there is some studies that had showed the benefits of this treatments in anxiety, addictions, depression, and other emotional and mental imbalances. It is simply to apply, with minimal side effects, and often achieved good results. It can be an economic alternative form of patient care with broad applications.

Dr. Eduardo Barreto, Nature Doctors

www.thenaturedoctors.ca
http://drbarretointegralhealth.blogspot.ca/2014/03/auricular-acupuncture-or-ear-acupuncture.html?view=timeslide

What is TMD? 

Do you have jaw pain or chronic headaches? Do you clench or grind your teeth? These problems can be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain with jaw restriction and locking. Making an accurate diagnosis of your TMD is essential so an effective treatment regime can be implemented. Physiotherapists can assess the muscles impacting on your jaw, your neck and your posture. A dentist should be involved to assess your bite and any unusual or excessive wearing of your teeth. A physiotherapy approach will be different for each patient depending on the source of their symptoms. Some treatments that are used are myofacial release, massage, acupuncture, joint mobilization and dry needling. The focus is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and muscle spasm, increase posture strength and restore jaw movement and alignment. Treatment is also directed towards associated neck pain, headaches and a good strengthening program for long term self-management.

Gina Imbrogno, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

An incredibly efficient fat burning ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia has received much media attention for it’s effect on weight loss and food consumption control. This pure ingredient is 100% natural; it is sometimes referred to as Tamarind, and it grows primarily in the lush green mountains of India, southeast Asia as well as in Central Africa. Its primary ingredient is the dietary super supplement known as HCA, which is proven in scientific studies to stop hunger in its tracks. The tamarind fruit has traditionally been used in soups as appetizers before meals, because of the smaller portion sizes due to limited amount of food. It’s appetite suppression qualities helped make villagers feel more full (satiety) and the fruit would increase the workers’ fat burning skills (thermogenesis) providing an increase in energy and productivity.

Greg and Bridget Doll, www.myvalentus.com/lakewinnipeg

Micro-Breaks: Why do we Need Them?

Micro breaks are short breaks (typically 2 minutes) that allow your body to recover from the stress and strain of continuously sitting in a chair and looking at a computer screen. It is recommended to take a micro-break every 15-30 minutes that includes some form of movement: the human body is not made to sit still for 6-8 hours a day! They can range from going for a short walk, doing some stretches, or changing the repetitive demands of a task. For example, you could switch from responding to emails to walking to the fax machine. Micro-breaks may help to reduce stress, decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries and physical discomfort, as well as increase blood flow, energy and productivity at work. Although taking micro-breaks appears to be a small change, making it part of your day can have large physical and emotional benefits.

Stacey Bulat, BKin-AT CAT(C) Certified Athletic Therapist, www.vitallifeclinic.ca

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety

1. Meditate – Practicing just a few minutes a day helps reduce anxiety.
2. Breathe Deep – breathing by contracting the diaphragm, a horizontal muscle in the chest located just above the stomach, helps reduce your heart rate and induces relaxation.
3. Exercise – Long workouts or running a marathon are not necessary. Yoga or walking is all that is needed to ease anxiety and depression.  Stand up straight and tall.  Don’t forget to breathe.
4. Get More Sleep – Emotional upset, such as anger, stress and exhaustion, is commonly found in those who have lost even a few hours of sleep.
5. Reflexology – Taking time in a quiet environment with complete control of your surroundings and making eye contact with your practitioner can help bring the body back in balance. Reflexology sessions that include deep breathing practice are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Trenna Reid, RCRT, www.discoverreflexology.ca

The Magic Bean Sprout

Did you know that Mung Bean Sprouts contain EVERY vitamin known to man? These delicious home-grown sprouts are packed so full of nutrients that they can actually be considered natural supplements. Kids love watching them grow, and even more, they love the fresh garden taste. Mung beans produce an edible sprout that’s crisp and nutty tasting. These sprouts are substantial enough to stand-up to stir-frying, but they’re often used raw in salads and on sandwiches. Because of their high nutrient density, mung bean sprouts are useful in defending against several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. While mung beans may be new to some people in Canada, they’ve been a part of traditional Ayurvedic diets in India for thousands of years. Mung beans are considered one of the most cherished foods in the ancient Indian practice. Don’t just take our word for it – try sprouting today!

Rick, www.scoopandsave.com

Nutrition and the Eyes

Diet and nutrition play an important role in the overall health of the eyes, and may help prevent Macular Degeneration and Dry Eye Syndrome. Omega-3’s, which can be found naturally through fish, flaxseed and walnuts, are one the most popular supplements to take today, and for good reason. Omega-3’s help in an anti-inflammatory role, which supports good heart health. Studies have also shown it may help in Dry Eye Syndrome. Things to consider in purchasing omega-3’s are purity, potency (EPA and DHA) and freshness. Vitamin A, C, E have benefits such as protecting the cornea, preventing dry eyes, night blindness and cataracts, while Lutein and Zeaxanthin help protect the eyes against harmful blue light. Today we have a supplement, AREDS 2, which combines all of these together along with omega-3 and zinc, to help protect the eyes against Macular Degeneration. Ask your optometrist about AREDS 2 supplements and if it’s right for you.

Dr. Nicholas Catchuk, www.iris.ca

Gas Powered Lawn Mowers

According to the Government of Canada (One-Tonne Challenge) a gasoline powered lawn mower emits about 48 kilograms (106 lbs) of greenhouse gas in one season. Gas-powered lawn mowers are very inefficient, which means that despite their small size they produce a lot of air pollution. In fact, running an older gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour can produce as much air pollution as driving a new car 550 kilometers. Source: Ministry of the Environment-Canada. A conventional lawn mower pollutes as much in an hour as 40 late model cars for an hour. Source: EPA statistics for Replacing Gas Power Lawn Mowers Assuming that a typical car travels 18,000 km per year, 33 gasoline lawn mowers would produce as much pollution a car produces all year. The 56 million gasoline-powered lawn mowers generate as much pollution as 1.7 million cars. Traditional landscaping gasoline engines create Ozone, O3, a colourless, odourless gas at ambient concentrations which is a major component of smog.

Richard Larkin, www.cleanairyardcare.ca

Enjoy Your Dentures!

For years people have suffered with uncomfortable, loose, and awkward lower dentures but you don’t have to anymore.  Dental implant technology has come a long way over the years and many people are now comfortable with and enjoying their lower dentures.  It is a very affordable procedure these days as well as being more painless than most people realize.  Call your Denturist today and book a consultation with them about dental implants.  Isn’t it time to enjoy the meals you deserve to eat without the frustration of your bottom denture?

Kent Roberts RD, www.burnsidedentureclinic.com

Preventing Autism in Your Children

Autism Spectrum Disorders are now estimated to affect one in 45 children in the US. Additionally one in six children is now being diagnosed with a developmental disorder.

Increasingly, research and clinical practice shows that these conditions are related and largely environmentally and medically caused and preventable. Genetic and epigenetic factor seem to play a role by increasing susceptibility to medical and environmental toxins. Autism and related disorders constitute a heavy burden on families and society at large and there is an urgent need for the prevention of these crippling disorders.

Here are some autism facts from the US; Canadian date are estimated to be similar:

  • Autism prevalence is growing by 17% a year.
  • More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
  • An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.
  • Approximately 100 individuals are diagnosed every day with autism in the U.S.
  • Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
  • Autism costs the nation over $238 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade (Data from http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/latest-autism-statistics-2/, accessed February 15, 2016)

In the UK autism is already more expensive than cancer, heart disease and strokes combines.

 

There is an increasing body of research as well as clinical data linking autism and related disorders to numerous environmental causes, most of which a parent has control over.

Here are some things you can do:

  1. Both parents should ideally prepare for the pregnancy by optimizing their nutritional status. For at least six months if not a year eat an organic diet low in sugar, food additive, white flour and sugar and supplement with Vitamin D, trace mineral, folic acid, calcium and fish oil.
  2. A 2006 report from the CDC found that the average American had 116 of 148 synthetic compounds tested for, including dioxins, polycyclic hydrocarbons and organochloride pesticides. The compounds were also found in human breast milk, placental tissue, umbilical cord blood and the blood and fat of infants.
  3. Address toxicity issues prior to pregnancy if you have taken a lot of medication in your life, including antibiotics, steroids, acne medication, recreational drugs, have worked around exhaust, in chemical agriculture, with paint or other chemical exposure. These substances appear to create epigenetic changes that can affect the risk of autism and other developmental disorder in offspring. If you needed fertility treatment to conceive be aware that this can also increase the risks of developmental disorders. See a naturopathic physician for guidance with detoxification of these factors.
  4. Get rid of all chemical from your home. The average home contains between 3-10 gallons of hazardous chemicals and 85% of registered chemicals have never been tested for their effect on the human body or developing baby. Optimize your microbiome, a crucial factor in autism, by consuming fermented foods and supplementing with probiotics. The baby will inherit it’s microbiome from the mother.
  5. Address candida overgrowth and food allergies with the help of an ND.
  6. Do not live near highways or conventional farms using pesticides, these factors have been linked to an in increased risk of autism.
  7. The pregnancy and first two years of the child’s life are crucial to normal nervous system development. The developing brain is highly sensitive to chemicals and also dependent on good nutrition. Keeping this in mind try to have the best diet possible and avoid all chemical exposure during pregnancy, especially the use of medical drugs. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, steroids, Tylenol and other meds have all been linked to autism either in research studies or clinical practice. See a naturopathic physician to deal with any health issues arising during pregnancy.
  8. Avoid ultrasounds if possible. The more ultrasounds a woman receives during pregnancy the higher the risk of autism in the child. Avoid vaccines during pregnancy, no vaccines have been safety tested on pregnant women. Obviously avoid recreational drugs such as marihuana. Optimize Vitamin D status to 150 nmol/L. VIt D may be a crucial nutrient in the prevention of autism.
  9. Minimize medical interventions during labour and delivery if at all possible. Have a midwife and/or doula attending the birth, preferably someone with training in homeopathy and acupuncture to help deal with pain and any complications. Have a home birth if possible to avoid exposing the infant to dangerous hospital bacteria at birth.
  10. Anaesthesia is linked to behavioural and developmental issues and C-section don’t allow for normal vaginal microflora exposure. In case a C-section is needed the newborn should be exposed to the mother’s vaginal flora by inserting gauze into the vagina and rubbing the baby down with it after birth.
  11. Breast-feed the infant and strictly avoid giving all medications, especially antibiotics. The gut microbiome is increasingly being implicated in the development of autism and antibiotics can permanently alter it. Avoid Tylenols as its use has also been linked to autism as well as asthma and other health issues. Be very careful with vaccines, especially if there is a family history of allergies and/or auto-immune conditions or a family history of tuberculosis and cancer. These conditions can mean that your child is at an increased risk of adverse events from vaccines, including autism. If vaccines are desired delay them, space them and be very selective. Clinical experience has shown that using a more selective vaccine schedule helps to prevent the risk of autism. Consider not vaccinating at all.
  12. If you want to circumcise your baby wait until the child is at least two years old. Circumcision has been linked to autism in research studies due to Tylenol use for pain control.
  13. Avoid plastic containers and baby bottles, or at least ensure that they are bisphenol free. In general continue to avoid all household chemicals and continue a high quality organic diet.

These recommendations should go a long way to preventing serious life-long developmental disorders.

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND