Welcome to the September 2008 NaturalHealthcare.ca Newsletter!

A new beginning: Introducing Heather Wakeling, our new NHC Editor

When Gisela McKay recently invited me to compile naturalhealthcare.ca's monthly newsletter, I at once welcomed the opportunity to get involved with her on-line publication. Having spent the last two years dealing with and through a serious medical condition that required the combined resources of allopathic and complementary care, I fully appreciate the contributions made to my health by my access to and informed use of many facets of professional expertise.

For me, I wanted, and most importantly received, the very best in the way of care, from medical and naturopathic doctors, to surgeons and their surgical teams, nurses, both in hospital and those who work in community-based home-care and a myriad of competent, qualified complementary therapists.

According to my radiologist, I am one in a million, as it seems I have not only survived the anticipated trajectory and statistical devastation of the disease process, but with my last CT scan I was declared a "NED" which translates into no evidence of disease. So as an official "Neddite" at least for now, I treasure my second chance to try to and get more than a couple of things right, right now. And, for me "right now" is a pretty darn good place to be.

This newsletter's focus is just that, "a right now kind of place" to provide unbiased information that readers may use to further their own investigation and research when considering making informed choices when it comes to their personal healthcare. For the complementary professionals who also subscribe, naturalhealthcare.ca will continue to provide professional support and up to date information that we trust practitioners will find useful and informative.

I look forward to this new experience, and welcome submissions and questions for investigation.

Heather-Anne Wakeling
Editor, naturalhealthcare.ca

In the news....

Yams are darn good for you. When adding carbohydrates to your meal, consider adding a yellow yam instead of a potato, 80% carbohydrate, a little bit of protein, and antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, especially potassium and calcium. In Ontario we have the sweet potato, similar to a yam, in that it is high in carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals but contains more beta-carotene in its orange flesh.

Shake Shake Shake that Calcium. Enjoy calcium-fortified beverages such as orange juice or soy? Remember to shake before you drink. Apparently 8 to 50% of the calcium separates out and settles in the bottom of the container. If upping your calcium intake, the docs, Dr. Mike Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz, say it is also worth considering adding 1,000 IU of Vitamin D, if you're under 60 and 1,200 IU if you are a more biologically mature person, as Vitamin D helps calcium get absorbed into your body and 300 mg of magnesium daily will help to prevent possible constipation from the additional calcium.

Cutting back on monied donations this year? Consider giving blood as an act of humanistic charity. There are 850,000 units of blood collected in Canada annually, 450 ml of blood collected in each unit, 5 litres is the average amount of blood in one person, 52% of Canadians have needed blood for themselves or a family member, and only 3.7% of eligible Canadians actually donate blood. If interested contact the Canadian Blood Services for a local donor clinic in your area.

Study raises concerns over bisphenol A. In a recent issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, two Dartmouth College analysts of medical research raise questions about possible link between bisphenol A (BPA) and the development of diabetes and heart disease, but provide no definitive answers about whether the chemical is a contributing factor to these conditions. However the study suggests a new concern about BPA, in that 1,500 adults who had been exposed to higher amounts of BPA were more likely to report having heart disease and diabetes. Laura Tarantino, head of the FDA's office of food additive safety is quoted in the Toronto Star as saying "Right now, our tentative conclusion is that it's safe, so we're not recommending any change in habits," but she acknowledged, "there are a number of things people can do to lower their exposure." Primarily to avoid heating food in plastic containers.

Want to lose weight? Stop eating at your computer, or in front of the television. When home, take a few minutes to set a proper dinner table with smaller than average-sized dinner plates. Put food selections into separate serving dishes, and get into the habit of inviting people to help themselves to the food. A smaller plate will limit the amount of food selected, and conversation, even if it's only, "please pass the potatoes" will slow down the act of eating, allowing the stomach time to let the brain know that it's full. TV, DVDs and computer games all allow for distractions, and your appetite control mechanism vanishes along with those potato chips.

Canadian Living.com totes the top 10 superfoods as:

1. Rhubarb, championed for its phytochemical lindleyin, potassium, vitamin C and dietary fibre. Rhubarb should not be consumed by children, or women who are pregnant or lactating.
2. Pumpkin seeds a leader of phytosterols, useful in lowering cholesterol and potential role in promoting prostrate health. A source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron.
3. Goji berries have inspired an interest in its role in treating diabetes, hypertension, malaria, fever, and other ailments. An excellent source of vitamin C, and more beta-carotene than carrots.
4. Cinnamon is currently being investigated for its role in lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, most likely due to its polyphenols. One suggested use is to make a cinnamon tea, which has the added benefit sweetening the breath.
5. Quinoa a supergrain seed, considered a complete protein, high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc. Also low in saturated fat. Often used as a hot cereal, or added to baked goods.
6. Psyllium known as natures laxative, it lowers LDL, controls appetite as the fibre allows you to feel full longer. Usually eaten as a cereal, but drink lots of water to avoid constipation.
7. Shallots have fructo-oligosaccharides, a prebiotic that promote gut health and encouraging the growth and function of good bacteria. Can be added as a flavour agent to soups, stews and stir-fries.
8. Milk Thistle is best known as a liver tonic, the ingredient to admire is silymarin, which has antioxident and anti-inflammatory properties. Available at pharmacy or health food stores. Take as directed.
9. Tumeric/Curcumin may ease aches and inflammation. Available as a cooking spice and used in Indian cuisine.
10. Borage Oil is known for it high content of gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers. Use fresh leaves to add flavour to cream cheese and vinaigrettes.

Upcoming Events and Expos:

• Healthy Boob Party! Saturday, September 27, 2008, A Community & Family Event. Meet Dr. Ben Johnson, author of The Secret to Health: Breast Wisdom; Healthy Breast, Healthy Home tradeshow; Education, Laughs, Food. $1,000s in Giveaways! Win 1 of 3 Thermography Breast Scans! 8 am - 2 pm, 3100 Dixie Rd at Dundas St, Mississauga
• Body Soul & Spirit Expo: Calgary, September 19 - 21, 2008 The Big Four Building, Stampede Park
• Body Soul & Spirit Expo: Saskatoon, October 3 - 5, 2008 Praireland, Saskatoon Exhibition
• Body Soul & Spirit Expo: Regina, October 17 - 19, 2008 IPSCO Place, Regina Exhibition Park
• Body Soul & Spirit Expo: Grande Prairie, October 24 - 26, 2008 The Crystal Center, Grande Prairie
• Whole Life Expo, Toronto, November 14, 15, 16, 2008 Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St. West - north building)