Welcome to the September 2008 naturalhealthcare.ca Professional 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.

On many complementary professional minds these days is the legislation to regulate supplements and with the upcoming election, this private members bill C-51 may be shelved. While this legislation may be shelved for the time being, it certainly can not be forgotten. For more information please see contact information in newsletter copy.

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

Heather-Anne Wakeling
Editor, naturalhealthcare.ca

In the news....

Bill C-51 is the proposed government bill designed to regulate, and therefore restrict the use and sale of natural health products. If passed, this controversial bill will have wide spread implications for the complementary and allopathic professional communities not to mention a private citizen's access to natural health care supports. For more information visit the following websites: www.nhppa.org, www.stopbillc51.com or www.hans.org

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.

Molecular Breast Imaging Bests Mammography for Dense Breasts, from OncologySTAT. A new imaging technique appears to be better than standard mammography at detecting breast cancer in high-risk women with dense breast tissue. Called Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), it relies on an increased uptake of the radiotracer Tc-99m sestamibi by cancer cells. Researchers are also looking at alternative tracers, and have publically disclosed that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to their study. Source: Elsevier Global Medical News.

An interesting On-Line Support Group that explores the viability of Low Dose Naltrexone and its role in arresting auto-immune diseases. Worth taking the time to read the posts placed on this informative, intelligent, and often research-based internet discussion group. This group may hold interest for those naturopathic and allopathic medical practitioners whose patients are living with various hard to treat disease processes, lowdosenaltrexone@yahoogroups.com.

Upcoming Conferences & Expos.

10th Annual Toronto Energy Psychology Conference, "Science & Consciousness", October 24-26, 2008. For more information peruse www.torontoepc.com

Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th Therapeutic Touch: 2008 Vision and Reality Conference. This annual conference is conceived for recognized TT Practitioners, but is also open to therapists who are interested in learning more about Therapeutic Touch, an energy modality brought into standard allopathic healthcare 30 years ago by the combined resources of Dora Kunz and Delores Kreiger. Therapeutic Touch is offered as a support modality in many healthcare facilities, and can be provided by persons trained via the Therapeutic Touch Network, in all aspects of healthcare, including palliative, chronic long term care and hospice situations. The "Vision & Reality Conference 2008," takes place November & 9. For more information peruse www.therapeutictouchontario.org.

Professional Interest Groups.

Spirituality in Health-Care Network is dedicated to integrating Spirituality and Health Care, monthly meetings host speakers on diverse topics such as Spiritual therapeutic modalities, spiritually oriented psychotherapies, and counselling patients with spiritual experiences. Interested in learning more send a blank email to: SHCNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, or go to www.spiritualityinhealthcare.net

Other Events:

• 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)

RNAO-CTNIG is the Complementary Therapies Nurses' Interest Group. A professional support group for Registered Nurses practicing Complementary Therapies. Their vision statement is stated as "to have Complementary Therapies (CT) recognized, incorporated and integrated into nursing and health care in Ontario." For more information contact (416) 239-9083.

Professional Referral Organizations.

For clients who need emotional support when dealing with breast cancer, a referral to Willow will provide immediate access to peer support via the telephone Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm by peer volunteers or staff who can address a woman's fear and answer her questions regarding breast cancer. A medical librarian is also available to provide research on all aspects of their treatment plan, including complementary and alternative practices. Information packages are provided free of charge on any topic related specifically to breast cancer. Confidentiality assured. 1-888-778-3100, or on-line at www.willow.org