Live Healthy, Live Zen

Vitamin D

2010-09-15T11:12:00.004-04:00

A survey, conducted by Statistics Canada, found that two-thirds of the
population has vitamin D levels below the amounts research is associating
with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, while one in 10, or
more than three million people, have such low readings that they don't
have enough for good bone health.

Generally speaking, the sun's where most people should be able to get
their vitamin D requirements met. For many folks, consistent, year-round
sun exposure isn't possible because they live in areas where vitamin D
synthesis can't occur for four to six months out of the year. Not forgetting
to mention that SPF 8+ sunscreens can reduce vitamin D production by 95%.
Add cold temps, cloud cover and other factors and it causes us to look for
vitamin D from dietary sources or supplementation.

As vitamin D deficiency has become more prevalent in people living above
the 35th parallel, therefore all Canadians!, the attention and focus paid to
vitamin D have increased, and for good reason.

Let's take a closer look at what the research is saying:

• IMMUNE SUPPORT. Vitamin D is a powerful immune system supporter and
  inhibits negative autoimmune responses by modulating cell responses.
  When vitamin D is in short supply, cells can attack the body instead of
  fighting off unwanted invaders.

• CELL PROLIFERATION AND DIFFERENTIATION. When certain cells divide
   rapidly or proliferate, the impact on your health can be devastating.
   Cell differentiation,however, can decrease unwanted proliferations.
   Vitamin D inhibits unwanted proliferation and stimulates healthy cell
   differentiation. Lung, skin, colon, bone and breast sites have been
   studied for vitamin D's positive effects on cell differentiation and
   proliferation, causing them to act as normal, mature cells.

• BRAIN HEALTH. Scientists at the Children's Hospital & Research Center
   Oakland in Oakland, California, say the brain has a wide distribution of
   vitamin D receptors wherein vitamin D directly and positively affects
   learning, memory, motor control and attention. Vitamin D protects
   and maintains healthy brain cells, while a deficiency can result in
   brain dysfunction.

• CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH. Vitamin D may play a role in cardiovascular
   health since low blood levels of vitamin D can increase coronary artery
   calcification. Vitamin D deficiencies can also elevate risk of stroke and
   congestive heart failure, while optimal vitamin D levels support normal
   levels of inflammation-important for cardiovascular health.

How much vitamin D should we get? Canadian Current recommendations
say kids from birth to their teen years and adults aged 51 to 70 should get
at least 400IU daily, while those 71 and up should get at least 600IU daily.

But emerging research, however, says we could require much more-to the
tune of 2,000IU or more daily.
  
Vitamin D  is The hottest Nutrient under the sun !

For Optimum Health and prevention of many important Health issues,
Most Canadian should consider a Vitamin D SUPPLEMENT  (at least from
October to March)! So that means you should be starting your supplementation
soon!


:)
marina

Your Skin - Your Body's Largest Detoxification Organ

2010-06-09T11:29:00.004-04:00

The importance of detoxification cannot be stressed enough.  
If your body is not efficient at eliminating waste products 
out of your system, these toxins will overwhelm your organs 
and contribute to many symptoms of ill health, some of which 
are: headaches, fatigue, digestive upset, feeling 'unwell',
constipation, acne...

Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, and 
transportation systems including: the skin, gut, kidneys, 
liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes.
Your primary routes of elimination are: your lungs via your
breath (this is why most people have morning breath, it is 
the toxins you have been eliminating all night long); your 
liver & gut via your bowels, and your kidneys via your urine. 
If any of these isn't working properly, it puts added strain 
on all other organ systems, especially the other organs of 
elimination.

Now, your skin is your largest Elimination Organ, and it 
can easily become overwhelmed, resulting in: acne, hives, 
eczema or other skin outbreaks.

One good way of enhancing your skin's detoxification is 
as simple as doing some Dry skin brushing.

Use a natural bristol brush.  Start with your legs and scrub 
up (not down) towards your waist. Then scrub your arms in 
towards your torso, and lastly your torso towards your heart.
Do this 3-5x week either before bed, or before taking a shower. 

Some of the benefits of this simple procedure include:
1) Cleanses the lympathic system

2) Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

3) Strengthens the immune system

4) Stimulates circulation

5) Helps digestion


Dry Skin Brushing provides a simple, easy and inexpensive 
way to aid in the body's natural detoxification all year 
round or can give an added boost to any body cleanse program.

One more thing... you may have a serious case of the giggles 
the first time you do this, but will eventually grow to love 
this gentle yet cleansing massage.


Cleanse away!

:)
m

Adrenal Fatigue

2010-03-30T07:27:00.007-04:00

Adrenal Fatigue... you may be wondering what this is, but the truth is
that MANY people living in North America suffer from tired or burned out
adrenals without even knowing it.

The hectic pace of life, made up of time pressures, money pressures,
insufficient sleep & exercise, and poordiet habits (i.e. lots of fast, refined
and processed foods, and consuming sugar and other stimulants to keep 
you going when you feel tired and fuzzy headed - coffee, Red Bull, pop
and other sources of caffeine, all contribute to Adrenal Fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, known as a
syndrome, that results when the adrenal glands function below the
necessary level.  Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged
stress, it can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections,
especially respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis or
pneumonia. 

A keynote symptom of Adrenal Fatigue, is just that, fatigue, and that
fatigue is not relieved by sleep.  You may look and act relatively normal
with Adrenal Fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical
illness, yet you live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness or
generally feeling blah emotionally. 

If you regularly experience one or more of the following symptoms,
please talk to a nutritionist to find out what diet & lifestyle changes,
and supplements can help you:

1.  Fatigue, despite adequate sleep
2.  Trouble getting up in the morning even when you go to bed at a
  reasonable hr
3.  Feeling rundown or overwhelmed
4.  Can't bounce back from stress or illness
5.  Crave salty and sweet snacks
6.  Feeling best only after 6 PM
7.  Insomnia
8.  Lethargy, especially in the morning and mid-afternoon
9.  Decreased sex drive
10. Increased effort to do every day tasks
11. Decreased ability to handle stress
12. Increase PMS weight gain
13. Thoughts less focused, more fuzzy or memory less accurate
14. Suppressed immunity; it takes you longer to recover from illness
15. Mild depression or less enjoyment or happiness with life

The good thing is that this syndrome is fairly easy to treat, once you
are aware that you have it.  So, if this sounds like you, consider
making the following changes...

1.  Go to bed at the same time each night, and preferably 10 or
    10:30pm
2.  Eat some protein in the morning
3.  Eat something every 2.5-3 hrs - this will help keep blood sugar
    stable
4.  Choose whole grain over refined, white flour products
5.  Limit/Avoid sugar - or at least eat less, and make better choices
6.  Take EFAs (essential fatty acids = Omega 3s)
7.  Eat 2-4 servings of fruit, and 5-8 servings of vegetables each day
8.  Exercise - try to move daily
9.  Take time for yourself, at least 20 minutes a day of rest or
    self-indulgence
10. Take the necessary supplements to help rebuild or support your
    adrenals (talk to an expert)

Good luck, and wishing you balanced adrenals!
:)
m

Spring... and Allergies are soon here!

2010-03-15T13:36:00.005-04:00

With Spring fast approaching, most of us are eagerly awaiting the warmer weather, spending more time outdoors and the beautiful flowers and leaves that will soon be budding. That is, if you don't suffer from allergies.

Runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, headaches oh my! Many dread Spring for all the discomfort it brings, and the fear they have each time they step outdoors as to how their body will react. But this does not have to be so.

There are many natural things that can be done to help alleviate allergies, but in most cases, the sooner you start, the better, ideally 4-6 weeks before symptoms usually begin. Here are a few things to consider...

1) Liver cleanse - cleansing the liver can help take the toxic load off the body so that it can more readily respond to foreign invaders!

2) Probiotics - increasing the good bacteria in your stomach will increase your immune response which can alleviate many symptoms and make you more resilient

3) Antioxidants - especially Quercetin, Rutin, vitamin C, grape seed extract - all help reduce histamine, much like an anti-histamines

4) Homeopathics - there are many homeopathics for allergies. Some are complex remedies that help reduce several specific triggers, like pollen, grass, & buds; whereas others are single remedies that help alleviate the symptoms, such as: runny nose, difficulty breathing, congestion etc. It is best to talk to a professional to see which is best for you

5) Diet changes - many people benefit by reducing or eliminating certain foods from their diet, because of the effect they have. For example, dairy is mucous inducing and can increase congestion. Garlic and onions are high in antioxidants, which can ease many symptoms.

6) Nasal Lavage - netti pots or sea salt nasal mists are great at clearing mucous and congestion in the sinuses. Both are great for sinus infections and allergies alike, and can really help open the air passages. An added bonus is that they can also help with some headaches!

There are many amazing remedies in natural medicine that can help reduce the suffering that an allergy season brings, so if you do suffer, consider having a nutritional assessment to see what options you have, in addition to the typical over-the-counter medicines you may have been using up until now, because you will be surprised by just how many options there are.

Wishing you a symptom-free Spring!
:)
m

Cholesterol...some important information...

2010-02-26T13:25:00.002-05:00

Elevated cholesterol is not always something to be concerned with as there are other measures which are FAR more indicative of cardiovascular problems, they are: elevated triglycerides, poor ratio of HDL (good) to LDL (bad) cholesterol; elevated homocystein levels and elevated levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, low Vitamin E levels

* Cholesterol is actually a very important anti-oxidant in the body, and is raised when there are other disturbances. Contrary to what most people believe, eating foods high in cholesterol (butter, eggs, shrimp etc) will NOT raise cholesterol. In fact, the most common causes of elevated cholesterol levels include: genetic predisposition, STRESS, reduced liver function (often occurs in a toxic body or when drugs or alcohol are abused/over-consumed or due to a virus such as hepatitis); consuming too much sugar, eating a low to no fat diet.

* A few things to consider: the diet should be low in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates (candy, cookies, white flour products etc); high in vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids (help break up choleseterol deposits) ~ fish intake should increase, while fried and overly fatty foods (animal meats) should be minimized

* the diet should be high in soluble fiber, from: apples, oranges, pears, peaches, berries, grapes, seeds, nuts, oat bran, dried beans, whole grains & vegetables

* Other beneficial foods are: onions, olive oil, coconut butter (unrefined), avocado

* Exercise is important~ try to get 20-30 minutes in each day

* Stress MUST be managed ~ through: deep breathing, yoga, meditation, journaling ~ it doesn’t matter HOW, just as long as it is reduced! Sleep should also be improved, and a minimum of 6 ½ hours should be slept each night

* QUIT smoking! And do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol, some red wine is good, but too much is not

* Supporting the liver would also be helpful: teas: milk thistle or hepatic support (dandelion root, burdock root, yellow dock); hot water with lemon first thing in the morning is also important ~ foods for the liver: garlic, lemons, bitter greens (dandelion greens, kale, collards, rapini, radicchio), beets, carrots

* Statin drugs cause CoQ10 deficiencies ~ it is IMPORTANT to supplement if you are taking these medications. Other side effects of statins include: muscle pain, impaired kidney function (even leading to kidney failure), liver damage, insomnia, skin rashes

For more information, I think the following will be of help... enjoy

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Kim’s Health blog (http://drbenkim.com) which come from the book by author Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, The Cholesterol Myths : Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease. Dr. Ravnskov is considered by many to be the world’s leading expert on the relationship between cholesterol and human health.

Here are some facts from his book:

Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance that you need to be healthy. High cholesterol itself does not cause heart disease.
People who have low blood cholesterol have the same rates of heart disease as people who have high blood cholesterol.
The cholesterol found in your blood comes from two sources: cholesterol in food that you eat and cholesterol that your liver makes from other nutrients.The amount of cholesterol that your liver produces varies according to how much cholesterol you eat. If you eat a lot of cholesterol, your liver produces less. If you don’t eat much cholesterol, your liver produces more. This is why a low cholesterol diet does not typically decrease a person’s blood cholesterol by more than a few percent.
Drugs that solely lower your cholesterol do not decrease your risk of dying from heart disease, nor do they increase your lifespan. These drugs pose dangers to your health and may decrease your lifespan.
The newer cholesterol-lowering drugs – called statins – do reduce your risk of heart disease, but through mechanisms that are not related to lower blood cholesterol. And alarmingly, statins like lipitor mevacor, zocor, pravachol, and lescol are known to stimulate cancer in rodents.

What about HDL and LDL?

Well, here are some facts about LDL and HDL that the vast majority of my patients are surprised to learn:

LDL and HDL are not types of cholesterol.
LDL and HDL are lipoproteins that transport cholesterol through your blood circulatory system.
LDL stands for Low Density Lipoprotein, and HDL stands for High Density Lipoprotein.
LDL is often mistakenly thought of as being bad cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to your arteries.
HDL is often mistakenly referred to as good cholesterol because it carries cholesterol away from your arteries (to your liver).
LDL and HDL carry the same cholesterol.

Here are the main points to take away from the facts presented above:

Cholesterol that naturally occurs in animal foods is not harmful to your health. But it can become harmful to your health if it is damaged by exposure to high levels of heat and/or harsh processing techniques.

If you regularly consume damaged cholesterol and foods that are rich in free radicals, you likely have significant quantities of damaged cholesterol floating through your circulatory system.

And if you regularly have damaged cholesterol floating around in your blood, then a high LDL level correlates with a higher-than-average risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and a high HDL level correlates with a lower-than-average risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

In other words, if you have significant amounts of damaged cholesterol in your blood circulation, you don’t want a lot of LDL to be available to carry this cholesterol to your arteries, where the damaged cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, and you want a lot of HDL available to shuttle damaged cholesterol away from your arteries.

So while it’s true that a high HDL/total cholesterol ratio can reflect a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, what’s most important when it comes to cholesterol and your health is to avoid eating animal foods that have been cooked at high temperatures, since these foods are typically rich in damaged cholesterol.

Hope this helps ease your worries when it comes to the dangers of cholesterol

Live Healthy, Live Zen

Naturally Treating Bladder Infections in Kids

2010-02-24T08:15:00.002-05:00

Just recently I was consulted on how to treat a bladder infection in a 4 year old girl. As with most health emergencies (at least in my life!), this happened over the weekend, and the parents were quite concerned, didn't know what to do, and were on the verge of going to emerg, when I got the call.

The good news is, that within a few hours, using a few natural therapies, symptoms began to subside, and their little girl grew more comfortable. Score one for natural medicine!!

This situation is quite common. There are many natural therapies that can help with all kinds of acute (as well as chronic) conditions, if the time is taken to try them, and if you are even aware that they exist.

In this particular situation, it would've taken a few days to get cultures back, and then the usual course of treatment would've been antibiotics (as is the course of action in most acute situations these days!). But, did you know that it can take your body up to 18 months to recover from antibiotics??

In this case, the mom was quite surprised as to how and where her 4 year old got this bladder infection, but during our conversation, she told me that a few weeks prior she had gotten strep throat and was given...you guessed it...antibiotics!! So, the connection here was clear. The previous course of antibiotics weakened her body, killed off the good bacteria, and made her more susceptible to new bacterial infections.

Now, I am not saying that all antibiotics are bad, just that they are, often enough, over-used. And parents who are scared and feel horrible that their little ones are suffering are willing to try almost anything to help ease their discomfort, and succumb to them frequently without trying alternative therapies.

So, the next time you, or little one, succumb to any kind of infection, especially early on, contact a natural practitioner (or me ;) ) and get some advice on natural therapies. I will warn you, sometimes these natural treatments take a bit longer to take effect, but at least they won't leave the body more wiped out. Besides, if the natural therapies don't work, you always have the antibiotics to fall back on, and this may actually reduce the frequency with which you use them and ensure that they are effective when you finally do.

Wishing you an antibiotic-free remainder of winter!
:)
m

Live Healthy, Live Zen

The Factors That Lead to Dis-Ease

2010-01-25T21:13:00.006-05:00

As a species it seems that we are getting more and more unhealthy. Here is a quick list as to why to better help you make some much needed changes NOW to ensure a long and healthy life!

1. Genetic Link:
but even genes do not determine that disease will develop, they merely predispose one to certain ailments. Diet, emotions and lifestyle factors play a greater role in initiating the disease process. So, if certain ailments run in your family, do NOT fret, YOU still have the power to avoid them, that is, if you stay positive and develop healthy eating andliving habits!

2. EFA Deficiency:
not supplementing with omega 3 & 6, which are found in: flax oil, walnut oil, almond oil, hemp oil, fish & cod liver oils, evening primrose oil, borage oil

3. Vitamin, Mineral & Antioxidant Deficiency:
caused by consuming primarily non-nutritive foods such as: processed, refined or fast foods; as well as not eating sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables; and not taking a multi-vitamin & mineral supplement

4. Fiber Deficiency:
leads to foods staying in the body longer and fermenting. This leads to the re-absorption of toxins, cholesterol & hormones, all of which can lead to imbalances within the body.

5. Quietude-Exercise Deficiency:
lack of movement causes the muscles to become lazy and work inefficienty. Lack of quietude means insufficient relaxation, something that is becoming ever more important in the fast paced society we are living in. This can lead to adrenal exhaustion, which is an underlying factor to MANY ailments!

6. Anti-Nutrients & Toxic Substances:
Ingesting too much: saturated fat, cholesterol & trans fats, by relying on a diet high in animal protein & fast food. Consuming too much sugar and refined flour products. Drinking too much caffeine (which negatively impacts the adrenals and makes one less adept at handling stress). Drinking too much alcohol, which dissolves cell membranes and increases cholesterol. SMOKING! This expensive habit depletes vitamin C levels, constricts veins & capillaries reducing circulation, and increases exposure to toxins. Careless use and over-use of prescription and non-prescription drugs (including pain relievers, antacids and anti-histamines). And lastly, environmental pollutants, such as: smog, cleaning products, paints etc

7. Poor Digestion!

Hope this helps
:)
m

Mayo Jar & Coffee

2009-11-29T00:08:00.000-05:00

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar... and the coffee.

A professor stood before his Philosophy class and had some items infront of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes"

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured them into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed

"Now", said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life"

"The golf balls are the important things - your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff"

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there would be no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life"

"If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you"

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness
Play with your children
Take time to get medical check-ups
Go out for dinner with your spouse or partner
Get together with your friends

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal

Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter
Set your priorities, the rest is just sand

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented

The professor smiled, "I'm glad you asked"

"It just goes to show that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend"

I thought this was uplifting and so very true. In today's world, we stress too much, sleep too little, and miss opportunities to rest, play and laugh. So, be sure to think of this whenever life gets hectic, and go grab a coffee (or tea!) with a good friend.

:)
m

H1N1 Update

2009-11-08T00:19:00.005-05:00

If you are still worried about H1N1 the good news is that by this time, most people, including you, will have already been exposed to the virus and have developed their own immunity to it (even without being vaccinated). But this is unlikely to be reported by mass media outlets. After all, thus far we have not been hearing that this virus, although initially feared due to its ability to mutate into something quite deadly, proved itself to be quite mild (in the southern hemisphere which saw their flu season a few months before we did here in the great north).

Second, we keep hearing about how many deaths have been incurred thus far, but not so much about the thousands (if not millions) that have been exposed or sick but found that this flu strain was no more 'deadly' than other flu strains they have had in the past. After all, it is the flu, and just like any flu, it will knock you out and force you to get back in touch with your bed (or sofa) as you recuperate.

So, its time to lighten up and try to think about something new. I don't know about you, but I am getting a little tired of all the media attention on H1N1 and how important it is to get vaccinated, and am looking forward to something new to chat about.

Just remember, it is flu season, and regardless of the strain you are trying to avoid, be sure to keep your immune system strong. And, two of the most important things you can do for yourself is to sleep and stress less, go figure!

Stay healthy,
:)
m

What is a Fever?

2009-11-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

What is a Fever?
A fever is a form of inflammation, and inflammation is a local fever. It is NOT good to suppress a fever, because it is a normal response by the body as a way to defend itself against pathogens. It is especially important to allow young children (under 7 years old) to have a fever as it will help build their immune function and thereby their specific immunity.

Fever of 37.5°C or 99.5°F: encourages more bacterial growth
Fever 37.5°-39°C or 99.5°-102.2° F: stops bacteria and viruses from growing
Fever 39-40.5°C or 102.2°-104.9°F: kills bacteria
Fever over 40.5°C or 104.9°F: in older children and adults can start destroying the body’s own
cells, which is not ideal. However, in younger children it is not uncommon to reach high fevers.

So, you want to allow the body to have a fever, so that it can kill off bacteria and viruses, however, you don’t want to let it get too high or last too long as that can start to be a substantial energy drainer.

Make sure that with a fever you stay hydrated, sipping fluids on a regular basis. It is also recommended to drink electrolyte drinks (such as Cell Food or Endurlyte) and eat chicken soup to ensure that you keep your electrolyte levels up and prevent dehydration.

Things About H1N1 That Make U Go Hmmmm??

2009-11-01T08:11:00.004-05:00

Ok, so there are a few things that I just have to ask when it comes to all that is being reported about H1N1... some things just don't add up.

First, it takes a week to do an autopsy, however, the minute the 13 yr old Etobicoke boy died, the cause of death was immediately H1N1... how did they know so quickly??

Canada bought 50 million flu vaccines (for just over 30 million people why so much?), but now they are trying to scare people into believing that there may be flu vaccine shortages. How so??

According to the Irish times, "Despite rising prevalence, the H1N1 virus remains a mild infection for the vast majority of those who get it. Most will recover by staying at home for seven days, taking paracetamol (?) and drinking plenty of fluids. A small number may require treatment with anti-virals at home, with just the occasional person requiring hospital admission because of complications. The most serious of these are pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure. Of those admitted to hospital, about 45 per cent have a pre-existing condition.

Data out of New South Wales provides perhaps the most comprehensive description of the pandemic using multiple surveillance systems. The pandemic there lasted 10 weeks and had a substantial impact on intensive care units (ICUs), with an increased risk of severe illness, including respiratory failure, in those aged between 35 and 60. Vulnerable groups included pregnant women, indigenous people, those with chronic respiratory disease, and those with morbid obesity. However, the good news is the general influenza-related mortality between April and September 2009 was lower than that seen during the same period in recent years, which suggests the H1N1 virus carries a lower mortality rate than regular seasonal influenza.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1023/1224257294052.html
GAITHERSBURG, Maryland (Reuters) - The U.S. government has bought 195 million doses of H1N1 swine flu vaccine for a possible autumn vaccination campaign, a U.S. federal official said on Thursday. (July 23, 2009)
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE56M4F420090723

If that is so... I can understand that back when this first started, there was a great deal of fear because no one knew how and if this strain would mutate into something quite deadly, however, after seeing that in the Southern Hemisphere this did not happen, why did we (and the US) not change our approach? Instead governments are proceeding as if people are dropping dead left right and centre from this strain of flu, why? Could it be that all the vaccine was purchased back in July and now they simply have to justify spending the funds?

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that of the 36 children who died from H1N1 from April to August, six had no chronic health conditions. But all of them had a co-occurring bacterial infection.

The most common co-occurring infection that causes flu-related deaths is staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, said Pat Schlievert, a microbiologist at the University of Minnesota and an expert on staph-related deaths. A third of the population carries it on their body, most in their noses or on their skin. Often it's benign or causes minor skin infections. Schlievert has studied dozens of cases of children who died unexpectedly from flu combined with staph.

"The [flu] causes upper respiratory damage, which allows the staph to get where it's not supposed to be. It makes it's way into the lungs," he said.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/63531287.html?page=2&c=y

Why has this association (between Staph and influenza) not made it to main stream media? Would it not be more useful to test for carriers of Staph and perhaps treat them differently rather than inject all people (especially kids) with a vaccine that has been rushed into production? Because the usual protocol for vaccine development has been overlooked for this particular H1N1 vaccine.

So, these are just a few things that make me wonder, why isn't the media asking some of these questions instead of just talking about how there are long line-ups at vaccine injection sites.

There are a lot of conspiracies out there right now, and I think the most important thing for all of us to do, is to do our research, look at credible sources and try to think logically. Try not to panic, and keep your immune systems strong, because there are many ways that we can protect ourselves (and our families) apart from getting vaccinated. And if you decide to get vaccinated, that is fine too, I just hope that you do so not out of fear, but because the research you did has led you to believe that is the best solution for you

Wishing you great health,

:)m

And, in case you are interested, here is a list of ingredients in the vaccine...

List of Vaccine Ingredients
Antigen suspension vial: Thimerosal (mercury), sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections. The drug substance contains trace residual amounts of egg proteins, formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate and sucrose.
Adjuvant emulsion vial: sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections.

Shelf Life:
The antigen suspension is stable for 18 months.
The adjuvant emulsion is stable for 3 years.

After mixing, the vaccine should be used within 24 hours. Although it is recommended to maintain the mixed product between 2°C and 8°C, it may be kept at room temperature during this period if required.
http://www.gsk.ca/english/docs-pdf/Arepanrix_PIL_CAPA01v01.pdf

Build Your Immune System Seminar

2009-10-28T23:16:00.002-04:00

With all the media hype surrounding the H1N1 influenza a.k.a. swine flu, I have had many friends and patients approach me asking me what they should do to boost their immune systems, and so I have decided to hold a seminar called "Building Your Immune System" on Sunday November 1st at 10am at ISM Health & Wellness Center at 230 Brown's Line.

The seminar will cover:
* diet do's and don'ts for building and supporting healthy immune function
* preventative nutritional supplements you can take to boost your immune system
* supplements you can take if you find yourself getting sick, to support your body, and speed recovery.

This seminar is not about avoiding swine flu, but rather about building your immune system overall.

If this is a seminar that you are interested in, please call ISM at 416-620-6861 to reserve your spot. The seminar fee is $25

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
:)
m

Do you have a Cold or the Flu? How to Distinguish the Two?

2009-10-28T21:45:00.004-04:00

Do you have a Cold or the Flu? How to Distinguish the two?

Onset:
Colds: Slow onset, starting over 1-3 days
Flues: Abrupt onset, starting within 24 hours,one minute fine, the next very ill

Lasts for:
Colds: 4-10 days
Flues: 1 week – several weeks

Fever:
Colds: Little or none, except sometimes in young children
Flues: Usually high with chills

Runny nose: Yes ~ for both

Sneezing: Yes ~ for both

Throat:
Colds: Feels scratchy, sore, like swallowed razor blades
Flues: May not be as bad, but at the same time, likely to get a lung infection

Cough:
Colds: Thick and mucousy
Flues: Initially dry, then can get very severe and last a long time

Headache:
Colds: Possible, but unlikely
Flues: Yes, skull may hurt as if brain is too big for skull; eyes light sensitive

Aching:
Colds: Not much
Flues: Yes, especially in legs and back

Secondary bacterial infections
Colds: Sinus and ear infections
Flues: Pneumonia and bronchitis

Runny eyes:
Colds: Yes
Flues: No

Hope this helps a bit!
:)
m

H1N1 thoughts by Dr. Mercola

2009-10-27T16:05:00.000-04:00

Although I don't always agree with all that Dr. Mercola says, the following article is worth reading, and of course, please come to your own conclusions!

By Dr. Mercola

This year it is more important that you protect your children and loved ones from the flu vaccines than influenza itself. In his article published on LewRockwell.com, Bill Sardi details 18 reasons why you should not vaccinate your children against the flu this season. Here are nine of them:

The swine flu is simply another flu. It is not unusually deadly.
This is the first time both seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines will be administered. Both seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines will require two inoculations. This is because single inoculations have failed to produce sufficient antibodies. This is an admission that prior flu vaccines were virtually useless. Can you trust them this time?
Adjuvants are added to vaccines to boost production of antibodies but may trigger autoimmune reactions. Some adjuvants are mercury (thimerosal), aluminum and squalene. Why would you sign a consent form for your children to be injected with mercury, which is even more brain-toxic than lead?
This is the first year mock vaccines have been used to gain FDA approval. The vaccines that have been tested are not the same vaccines your children will be given.
Over-vaccination is a common practice now in America. American children are subjected to 29 vaccines by the age of two. Meanwhile, veterinarians have backed off of repeat vaccination in dogs because of observed side effects.
Modern medicine has no explanation for autism, despite its continued rise in prevalence. Yet autism is not reported among Amish children who go unvaccinated.
Researchers are warning that over-use of the flu vaccine and anti-flu drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza can apply genetic pressure on flu viruses and then they are more likely to mutate into a more deadly strain.
Most seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus strains tested from the United States and other countries are now resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Tamiflu has become a nearly worthless drug against seasonal flu.
Public health officials are irresponsible in their omission of any ways to strengthen immunity against the flu. No options outside of problematic vaccines and anti-flu drugs are offered, despite the fact there is strong evidence that vitamins C and D activate the immune system and the trace mineral selenium prevents the worst form of the disease.

The Mayo Jar & Coffee

2009-10-23T07:32:00.002-04:00

H1N1 Flu Frenzie

2009-10-23T06:54:00.000-04:00

You'd have to live under a rock these days not to have been bombarded by all the warnings to get the new H1N1 flu vaccine that is just hitting the market. But let us consider a few things...

Thousands die from the regular flu each and every year, but they usually have some other condition or compromised immunity. The Center for Disease Control in the US estimates that on average 36 000 people die of the seasonal flu each year - and this number includes cases where the flu was a contributor to the death and not necessarily the primary cause. In Canada, Health Canada estimates that between 4000 & 8000 die, most of which are seniors
This strain of H1N1 is turning out to be not as bad/deadly as previously thought. To date worldwide, there have been 5335 deaths, 484 of which were in the US, 86 in Canada. Do these numbers really necessitate all the media attention to this p'pandemic'??
Every H1N1 death reported thus far has also had serious underlying medical complications
There have been no long-term studies to show the effectiveness or side-effects of this new vaccine (remember, H1N1 just started just last April!).
Did you think it was conspicuous that the minute H1N1 became known, they were already developing vaccines for it and talking about how much we need this vaccine as soon as it is available; and now flu season is barely underway and already there is talk about possible shortages (moreso in the US) to make sure people rush out and get vaccinated

My warning is this, please do your research before getting this new vaccine. Unfortunately news media cannot always be trusted to show a true and balanced picture of what is going on, but rather the status quo since 9/11 has been to create panic and then offer solutions to the panic that has been created. Sadly, this panic is only going to line the pockets of pharmaceuticals, which only stand to get rich in the upcoming weeks if people turn out in the thousands to get their new vaccines.

The best thing you can do for yourself is keep your immune system strong and research, research, research before injecting yourself with anything, because sadly, sometimes the things that are claimed will protect us, can actually hurt us!

Next week get an in-depth naturopathic prespective on what you can do to boost your immune system to reduce your risk of getting sick, naturally.

In good health,
:)
m

GMO Foods

2009-10-19T14:29:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered what the top GMO - Genetically Modified Organisms are? Here is a list

1. Corn
2. Soy
3. Potato
4. Tomato
5. Canola
6. Cottonseed oil
7. Papaya
8. Radicchio
9. Squash
10. Salmon

What's more, if you are eating a lot of processed foods (anything packaged, premade, frozen etc) or take out from fast food places, you are most likely consuming a fair amount of GMOs as they are cheap to use in the food industry. Best thing to do if you want to avoid them is to eat organic!

In health,
:)
m

20 Uses for Tea Tree Oil

2009-10-18T21:03:00.000-04:00

20 Great Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil

For Health

1. Use a dab to treat acne.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath.
5. Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion.
6. Add a small amount to shampoo to destroy head lice.
7. A small amount added to your bath can help with persistent body odor.
8. Treating sinus infection.
9. For dandruff and dry scalp.
10. In the form of aromatherapy, tea tree oil is used to treat colds, persistent coughs, acne, toothaches, and sunburn.

For Cleaning

11. To create an all-purpose cleaner, combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
12. Another version would be 14 ounces of water with 1 ounce of Murphy’s oil soap and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
13. Mix the above solution with kosher salt to scrub bathtub and bathroom tiles.
14. Add a few drops to dishwasher dispenser, then fill with a green dishwashing soap.
15. A few drops added to each load of laundry leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
16. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
17. Remove mustiness with that same tea tree oil/water spray.
18. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
19. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.
20. Be sure to take some with you when hiking and camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.

Stock the Essentials for When Life Gets Hectic

2009-10-16T21:31:00.001-04:00

Having kids and ensuring that they eat healthy, can be quite a challenge... however, staying organized and having healthy essentials will help you whip up a quick and healthy meal, even if you haven't had time to go to do your weekly grocery run...

Keep your pantry stocked with these and you will always be able to make healthy meals

Dried goods: whole grain pasta (kamut, corn, rice); lentils, beans, rice, grains (millet, buckwheat, quinoa), cornmeal, flour (all purpose, gluten-free pancake mix, brown rice), nuts & seeds, dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, prunes, apricots etc)

Canned or jarred: beans, tomato sauce, tuna or salmon, pickles

Other: organic chicken or veggie stock, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg etc), herbs (have an assortment, blends are great as well),

Condiments etc: mayo, mustard, rice vinegar, olive oil, hemp & flax oil, tamari soy sause, teriyaki, BBQ sauce

Freezer: frozen mixed veggies, multi-grain chicken & fish sticks, healthy fries, frozen fruit (mango, berries, peaches ...), any kind of protein (fish, chicken, beef or pork)

Fridge: eggs, butter, cheese, yogurt

This way, if you are running low on fresh fruits and veggies, you will still be able to make something healthy to get you through to grocery day. What's more, you may even surprise yourself at how tasty and creative your meals will be.

Good luck,
:)
m

2009-10-08T21:51:00.000-04:00

Hello,
This is my first step into this wonderful (??) world of cyber communication...and I welcome you along with me for this journey. Each week I try to share with you some of my knowledge in the wonderful world of natural medicine. I welcome your comments and your questions...

Until we chat again...
:)
m