Volume 1, Issue 3 Spring 2004
Naturopathic Medicine Week is coming!
May 3rd to 8th 2004 is Naturopathic Medicine Week in Canada. This is a time to celebrate and discover what Naturopathic Medicine can do for YOUR HEALTH, not just for your disease!
I will be offering free medical testing including blood pressure, zinc status, urine dip and blood typing.
Hours:
Tuesday May 4th: 2 pm to 8 pm
Thursday May 6th: 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday May 8th: 10 am to 4 pm
You will also receive a complementary mini acupuncture session or infrared sauna treatment.
Call the office today for your free 20 minute session, space is limited.
Seasonal Allergies
It’s that time of year again. The trees and flowers are in bloom, the weather is nicer, and all you can think about is your runny nose, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip. Allergies are a common health concern and Naturopathic Medicine seeks to identify the contributing factors and organ weaknesses that lead to the symptoms.
During an allergic reaction, the immune system mounts an immune response to allergens as the body attempts to protect itself from harmless environmental substances.
Two organs commonly evaluated and treated in the Naturopathic approach to allergies are the liver and the adrenals. The liver is responsible for detoxification and can be overwhelmed by environmental pollution. There are many specific herbs and supplements to make the liver function more efficiently. The adrenal glands release stress hormones such as cortisol and are therefore challenged by high stress living. Cortisol plays an important role in regulating the immune system. If the adrenal glands are identified as being weak, they can be supported by herbs and supplements and stress management techniques.
The nutritional goal in allergy treatment is to decrease histamine, decrease inflammation and increase anti-allergic substances. Foods to avoid include cheese, peanuts and animal fats. Foods to include in your diet include fruits, vegetables and essential fatty acids.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is used in the treatment of allergies in the form of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Specific acupuncture protocols will address your overall health requirements as well as your allergy sensitivities. The body has vital energy called Qi and allergies invade the body when Defensive Qi is weak. The nose is the doorway of the lung through which air enters and exits. The throat is connected to the lung, which is directly exposed to the external environment and is open to attack from pathogens. Treatments may focus on strengthening Defensive Qi and thereby treating the cause of disease instead of the symptoms.
Lifestyle recommendations for allergies:
4 Avoid tobacco, smoke, air pollution, fresh tar, paint, insect sprays and lawn pesticides
4 Use plants to purify air, put them in problem areas with furniture made of formaldehyde-releasing particle board
4 Eat organic food whenever possible
4 Avoid toxic cleaners
4 Vacuum regularly
4 Air out rooms regularly
4 Avoid moldy carpets, refrigerator drip pans and water damage
4 Stay indoors when it is windy and pollen levels are high
Reference: Dr. J. Green, ND and Dr. M. We D. Ac
Visit www.pollen.com to check pollen levels in your area
Inspirational Quote -- Balance --
This was written by the CEO of Coca-Cola, Brian G. Dyson. It was used as Georgia Tech's Commencement Address:
Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - WORK - FAMILY - HEALTH - FRIENDS - SPIRIT, and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that WORK is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls, FAMILY, HEALTH, FRIENDS AND SPIRIT are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. How?
1. Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.
2. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.
3. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.
4. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.
5. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
6. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us together.
7. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
8. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
9. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.
10. Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
11. Don’t be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.
12. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.
Breakfast Boosters -- Bran Muffins --
Makes 10-12 muffins
This basic muffin recipe is diabetic and weight-maintenance friendly.
¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 ¼ cup bran flakes
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
1 cup soy milk
1 ripe banana (optional)
Extras for signature muffins: any dried or fresh fruit and nuts that you enjoy - maximum 1 cup.
1. Preheat oven to 200 C.
2. In a mixing bowl combine dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Measure soy milk and stir in lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes. This will give the muffins more flavor.
4. In a smaller bowl combine milk, oil and egg (and mashed banana if you are using it) and beat lightly.
5. Stir wet ingredients into dry mixture and mix well but be careful not to overmix.
6. Add chopped fruit and nuts (optional)
7. In a non-stick muffin tray or paper muffin cups, fill each cup 2/3 full with mixture
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until knife slides in and out of centre easily
9. Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving
Book your appointment today
Dr. Jacks is currently accepting new patients.
Call the office at 604-533-8660 to book your first appointment.