Welcome to the Summer 2009 NaturalHealthcare.ca Newsletter!

Editor's Greeting: Heather-Anne's Spot

Hello. We are well into summer, but here in Toronto, Ontario, it has not been even close to a banner season, as Mother Nature has offered choices of rain, rain, clouds or more rain.

Now to add insult to injury, most of the essential city run services have been on strike. One particularly important service, garbage collection has been canceled until a collective agreement can be negotiated. In the meantime, as I chose not to cross a picket line nor sully an inner city park, garbage here at home began to accumulate. During the first week, I did not notice too much of a change, still the sorting continued, with the recycling bags clearly taking first place among the stored garbage. Then two weeks, it began to get uncomfortable. By week three, I'm no longer such an accommodating person.

The raccoons were having a field day, and I was getting very concerned about the formation of mold and the possibility of a rat infestation. With all of the additional rain, I could smell mildew (among other things). So I bit the bullet, opened my wallet and made a call to a junk/recycling collection company. One of those independent contractors brave enough to wade right into the thick of it and remove huge piles of accumulated garbage. I was happy that no picket line would be crossed, nor my refuse taken to a designated site in the inner city parks. And having made the call, I took the opportunity to really give a good heave ho to a lot of accumulated paper and files from the basement office.

When I was done, in all total, there was 22 bags. 22 bags? How does one household accumulate so much? If anything this lengthy strike has taught me, is first, remember to freeze organic leftovers, and second, to notice how much additional packaging I purchase. I will think twice before printing something off the computer. And make a point of purchasing more of my staple foods at bulk stores, then storing foods in reclaimed glass jars.

Like so many things, including garbage, out of sight, is out of mind. The lack of garbage collection for the past few weeks has really brought to my attention my own contribution to pollution.

Upcoming Events

While I have not posted a newsletter for a couple of months, time simply flew by with other behind the scenes endeavors. Mark your calendars, and buy a ticket for the next naturalhealthcare.ca's event! On Monday, October 19, 2009, we are hosting an evening symposium, on How to Effectively Integrate Complementary Care with Mainstream Medicine for Survivors of Critical Illness.

Interesting, informative, and intelligent conversation during dinner in one of the most beautiful locations in downtown Toronto, 1 King West. Check out our website for more details, and come out for what promises to be a ground breaking evening. Tickets are a deal at $26.25 (that's with the GST). So get out an outfit to match the gorgeous location, and meet people who are interested in beginning a dialogue to creating a health care toolkit for survivors of critical illness.

Heather-Anne Wakeling
Editor, naturalhealthcare.ca

Events & Workshops

Summer is here but there are still health events and workshops to attend! Here is just a sample:

Weekly Meditation Open House - Tatamagouche, NS
Sundays 9 – 11:00 a.m.
Group meditation, discussion and community gathering with coffee and bagels. Individual instruction offered. All are welcome.
http://www.dorjedenmaling.com/

Elmvale Water Festival - Elmvale, ON
Saturday, August 22, 2009
a one-of-a-kind event to educate the general public about the value of our water resources and the need to protect them for future generations. The festival features lectures, exhibits, films, educational displays, and children's activities.
http://www.elmvale.org/

Yoga Therapy Certificate - Calgary, AB
August 9, 2009 until June 30, 2010
Yoga therapists create individualized treatment plans to address common health issues and individual well-being recognizing the interconnection of mind, body, emotions and spirit.
http://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/ContinuingEducation/cche/yoga/index.htm

Don't forget to check the NHC Event Calendar for lots more events!

Just a Reminder:

Women are invited to attend two free programs at the Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre in Mount Sinai Hospital. The Programs are:
1) Taking Charge: Healthy LIFEstyle Choices after Breast Cancer is now open for registration. The program will include 5 sessions and will be given by a dietitian, fitness experts and a nurse. You can register by telephone or e-mail.
http://www.mountsinai.on.ca/care/mkbc go to Programs and Classes
2) AstraZeneca Breast Health Program is for women without a personal history of breast cancer. It is a one time session and is 2-1/2 hours long and is given by a nurse and a dietitian. This program can also be given to groups of 10 - 15 women in the community. You can register by telephone or online at:
http://www.mountsinai.on.ca/care/mkbc go to Programs and Classes
To register for either program please call Linda at: (416) 586 - 4800 Ext. 5190 then choose the program you want by the menu system.

Free Clinic for Women Living with Breast Cancer - Toronto, ON
Therapeutic Touch available free to women living with breast cancer.
Fridays, ONLY: Marvelle Koffler Centre, Mt. Sinai Hospital
Appointments required. Call (416) 586.8799