Jul 2011
Vitamin D - get tested!
29/Jul/11 12:40 PM Filed in: Bones
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I am very frequently asked about vitamin D, hence several previous blogs I’ve written on the subject!
Check out this great blog called “Vitamin D - Oh, How I Love Thee!” on Crazy Sexy Life with a concise list of conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency and info on how to get tested.
In Ontario, OHIP has stopped covering vitamin D testing because so many people have requested the test in recent years. However, getting your level tested is really the best way to assess your unique situation and determine a supplementation dose that is appropriate for your needs. If you want to get tested, you can pay for the test through your MD or see your ND who can also order the test for you.
I am very frequently asked about vitamin D, hence several previous blogs I’ve written on the subject!
Check out this great blog called “Vitamin D - Oh, How I Love Thee!” on Crazy Sexy Life with a concise list of conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency and info on how to get tested.
In Ontario, OHIP has stopped covering vitamin D testing because so many people have requested the test in recent years. However, getting your level tested is really the best way to assess your unique situation and determine a supplementation dose that is appropriate for your needs. If you want to get tested, you can pay for the test through your MD or see your ND who can also order the test for you.
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Contrast hydrotherapy
23/Jul/11 10:41 AM Filed in: Hydrotherapy | Home remedies
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).
Contrast hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is simply the use of the healing properties of water! Contrast hydrotherapy uses the effects of alternating hot and cold water to treat a variety of ailments, such as local pain, sub-acute to chronic inflammation, and poor circulation. Alternating hot and cold pumps blood to that area and tones the blood vessels, increasing blood flow in the short-term and improving overall circulation longer-term. Improving circulation can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, regulating your own comfort year-round!
The easiest way to start is to introduce contrast into your regular bathing routine (whether bath or shower). This means alternating the temperature of the water between warm and cold in order to increase blood flow to the skin. The greater the contrast of temperatures, the more intense the treatment. Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or are pregnant.
Directions:
Contrast hydrotherapy can also be done using hot and cold towels or heating pad and cold pack for a more localized effect. It is a great treatment for local pain and inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, overuse, muscle strain, poor posture, or other causes.
This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).
Contrast hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is simply the use of the healing properties of water! Contrast hydrotherapy uses the effects of alternating hot and cold water to treat a variety of ailments, such as local pain, sub-acute to chronic inflammation, and poor circulation. Alternating hot and cold pumps blood to that area and tones the blood vessels, increasing blood flow in the short-term and improving overall circulation longer-term. Improving circulation can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, regulating your own comfort year-round!
The easiest way to start is to introduce contrast into your regular bathing routine (whether bath or shower). This means alternating the temperature of the water between warm and cold in order to increase blood flow to the skin. The greater the contrast of temperatures, the more intense the treatment. Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or are pregnant.
Directions:
- Begin shower with approximately 2-3 minutes warm/hot water, concentrating water flow on any affected areas.
- Switch to cold water (as cold as can be tolerated) for approximately 30 seconds.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 at least three times more, for a total of 4 (or more) cycles of hot then cold water, attempting to increase the contrast each cycle.
- The treatment should always end with cold water.
- Dry thoroughly and rest for 10 minutes.
Contrast hydrotherapy can also be done using hot and cold towels or heating pad and cold pack for a more localized effect. It is a great treatment for local pain and inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, overuse, muscle strain, poor posture, or other causes.
Great quote #29
18/Jul/11 01:14 PM Filed in: Quotes
“You will never 'find' time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” Charles Buxton
Yoga for detox
15/Jul/11 01:26 PM Filed in: Detox
Guest post: Why is Snuffaluffagus so healthy?
11/Jul/11 11:28 AM Filed in: Guest post
Guest post by Christine Matheson, ND
This is an actual question that a senior patient of mine asked me several years ago. We all know Snuffaluffagus as a character on the famous children’s television show Sesame Street. It took me a second to grasp what my patient meant but as I reviewed her file I quickly realized she was referring to the probiotic supplement I had prescribed for her containing the “friendly” bacteria called Acidophilus and Bifidus! We both had a good laugh but I have never forgotten it because upon deeper thought it became a useful way to teach my patients (especially pediatric) about the benefits of these “friendly” bacteria.
Like Snuffaluffagus, who used to be a secret but special friend of Big Bird’s (although in modern Sesame Street series is no longer a secret), the “friendly” bacteria in our bodies could be considered an invisible superfriend that plays an extremely valuable role in keeping us well. Our bodies naturally produce strains of bacteria that are “friendly” because they help us absorb nutrients, inhibit allergies and inflammation and protect us from infections. This “friendly” bacteria coats the internal lining of the mucous membranes of our bodies, particularly the digestive system, and are critical for our digestive and immune systems to function optimally.
Infants form a type of “friendly” bacteria that is different than adults. As a child grows and their digestive system develops this “friendly” bacteria eventually consists of the adult type of “friendly” bacteria. Since a child’s immune and digestive systems take years to develop fully, children’s digestive systems are more fragile and can therefore benefit greatly from natural strategies to improve their levels of “friendly” bacteria. In addition, “friendly” bacteria levels are adversely affected by antibiotics and many other medications as well as poor dietary habits.
Though it is usually unnecessary to consider prescribing many natural supplements for young children, the one exception that many naturopathic doctors advise parents to consider is a probiotic supplement because it is a source of “friendly” bacteria. Since our bodies produce a variety of strains of “friendly” bacteria each in specific areas of the mucosal lining, higher quality probiotic supplements usually provide a variety of strains for greater benefit. For instance, acidophilus largely populates the upper digestive system while Bifidus populates the lower digestive tract.
A naturopathic doctor can advise you on age-specific formulas and accurate dosage based on your child’s needs, in addition to helping you navigate the range of brands available. For example, some probiotics contain dairy but dairy-free sources are also widely available. It is particularly important to consider rebalancing “friendly” bacteria levels with a probiotic supplement post antibiotic use. The good news for parents is most probiotic supplements taste pretty yummy therefore most kids are happy to take it and powder forms are easy to mix into foods.
While kids can certainly benefit from taking probiotic supplements, there is no doubt that most adults can benefit too. Every parent of young children certainly needs that extra layer of protection to give their immune systems support while they are exposed to the many coughs, colds and stomach flus their children come home with from school. It is also important to note that a range of medications beyond antibiotics, including for instance oral contraceptives, can disrupt the fine balance of “friendly” bacteria.
So the secret may now be out that Snuffaluffagus is Big Bird’s friend but there is certainly no secret that befriending probiotics in combination with a healthy diet could be an essential strategy to keep your family well!
Mahaya Patient Appreciation Day July 16th
We're having a very special event and you're invited! Please join us on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 11am to 4pm at 73 Warren Road as our guest at our first annual Mahaya Patient Appreciation Day!
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Team opened in the community one and half years ago with a vision to deliver health care that is safe, effective, and inspiring. We hope that we have lived up to our commitment to you. We want to thank you for being part of our growing community and for trusting your health with us. Our practitioners are passionate about what they do but they would not be able to do it without you!
Come and join us for a BBQ and enjoy time with our team - bring a friend, family members, or colleagues to enjoy the festivities.
New Patient Special
If you are not an existing patient but would like to become one, today may be your day!
Book your initial visit during the Appreciation Day you will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to be applied to your visit!
Free Events!
A big thank you to you all. We are here for you and no doubt because of you! Join us for the following festivities:
We are a multi-disciplinary clinic nestled in the Forest Hill community. Our clinic serves as a resource for individuals and families who are interested in health and wellness, and offers a variety of patient-centered services that include Naturopathic Medicine, Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Osteopathy, Dietary & Lifestyle Counseling, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, and a range of medical and diagnostic services.
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
(corner of St. Clair Ave. W. and Warren Road, just east of Spadina)
416-792-4400
www.mahayaforesthill.com
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Team opened in the community one and half years ago with a vision to deliver health care that is safe, effective, and inspiring. We hope that we have lived up to our commitment to you. We want to thank you for being part of our growing community and for trusting your health with us. Our practitioners are passionate about what they do but they would not be able to do it without you!
Come and join us for a BBQ and enjoy time with our team - bring a friend, family members, or colleagues to enjoy the festivities.
New Patient Special
If you are not an existing patient but would like to become one, today may be your day!
Book your initial visit during the Appreciation Day you will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to be applied to your visit!
Free Events!
A big thank you to you all. We are here for you and no doubt because of you! Join us for the following festivities:
- BBQ, healthy treats, music, and fun!
- Meet our practitioners and learn more about our services
- Receive 15% off supplements!
- Bring in your supplements and ask questions of our Naturopathic Doctors
- Acupuncture demonstration
- Postural Assessments with our Osteopathic Doctor
- No-Charge 15-minute Massage treatment from the newest member of our team
- Speedy health check - we will take your blood pressure, check your blood sugar, and perform a Chinese medicine Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis
- Kids Corner - bring your kids for some healthy treats, face painting, and a health check
- Receive a free gift and be entered in our draw for 2 grand prizes!
We are a multi-disciplinary clinic nestled in the Forest Hill community. Our clinic serves as a resource for individuals and families who are interested in health and wellness, and offers a variety of patient-centered services that include Naturopathic Medicine, Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Osteopathy, Dietary & Lifestyle Counseling, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, and a range of medical and diagnostic services.
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
(corner of St. Clair Ave. W. and Warren Road, just east of Spadina)
416-792-4400
www.mahayaforesthill.com
