Vista Magazine Issue 84

Canada’s Favourite Health Magazine ISSUE 84 Sept/Oct

Anaphylaxis

Q&A

Anaphylaxis Canada:

Help for Families with Allergies

Preventing Brain Fog

Easy Allergyfree Recipes

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pg..

Interview with Dragons’ Den’s

BRUCE

CROXON ALLERGY AWARENESS ISSUE Y O U R

C A N A D I A N

H E A L T H

A N D

W E L L N E S S

C O N N E C T I O N

Belly fat

is a common complaint. No end of sit ups and crunches makes it disappear. Starving and running

the treadmill for hours every week doesn’t seem to budge belly fat either. Most women know there is a connection between the loss of their waist and their changing hormones—and they are correct. There are several hormones involved in the development of belly fat, but the main hormone contributing to our expanding girth is insulin. But it doesn’t end there. Insulin is a powerful hormone that when in excess also causes an elevation in circulating male hormones.

These male hormones can cause

male facial hair growth in women, acne, and worsen Polycystic

Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) too. In men when insulin is elevated their testosterone converts to estrogen and they develop

beer belly and breasts. Elevated insulin is related to weight gain, high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes and especially excess belly fat. Skin tags are an early sign of pre-diabetes due to higher than normal blood sugar and insulin. And often the foods we choose also cause blood sugar and insulin to a

become further disrupted. Thankfully the secret to busting

Discover the Connection belly fat and normalizing insulin and male hormones just got easier. For the past 25 years, a nutrient called Between Belly Fat, Chirositol found in Glucosmart has been involved in over 30 published studies at the Virginia Medical Skin Tags, Male School. Glucosmart is an effective supplement for insulinTM

Facial Hair Growth and Diabetes

resistant conditions including metabolic syndrome, Type-

PCOS, and excess androgen-related conditions like acne and male facial hair growth in women. It has also been shown to reduce appetite and improve our happy hormone serotonin. Reduced serotonin is linked to increased sugar cravings. So by balancing serotonin, Chirositol™ also helps control appetite. Chirositol™ mimics insulin activity, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels.

2 diabetes,

And it will not cause low blood sugar in those with normal blood sugar levels.

Beyond Glucosmart’s insulin and blood sugar control benefits, studies show Glucosmart is beneficial for PCOS and

weight control. In women with PCOS, weight gain around the hips and thighs, insulin resistance, higherthan-normal male hormones and infertility due to not ovulating are major components of the condition. PCOS is a very challenging condition to treat and Glucosmart can effectively reduce excess male hormones, weight gain and appetite. But where Glucosmart really shines is in helping to

fight belly fat in both men and women.

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First Juice Forever Juice

Just JuiceTM Organic Pear juice isn’t just for kids. Delicious, refreshing and hypoallergenic, it is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

Pears have long been recognized as one of the first foods that can be introduced to a child, because they are among the least allergenic of all fruits. Just JuiceTM pasteurized, organic pear juice offers a safe, well tolerated juice with no residues from the toxic chemicals used to grow conventional tree fruits.

Pear juice is one of the most balanced sources of naturally occurring sugars and sugar alcohols. Studies suggest that infants have greater absorption and tolerance of fruit juices containing natural fructose in combination with sucrose and glucose. This combination also appears to have beneficial effects, similar to those of fibre, for infants suffering from constipation. Our whole fruit pear juice is unclarified, unfiltered and not from concentrate to ensure it remains as natural and rich in nutrients and antioxidants as possible.

www.just-juice.ca

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CONTENTS Issue 84 | Sept/Oct 2012

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3 Ways to Prevent and Treat Brain Fog, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S.

Nutrients, foods and mental exercises to keep your brain bright and healthy.

Immunity and Cancer

By Rose Macmillan

16

Back to School Means Back to Germs

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Strengthened immunity aids in the fight against cancer.

The Dragon and the Peanut: Bruce Croxon’s Story of Anaphylaxis

By Liberty Craig

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Anaphylaxis Q&A

Dragons’ Den’s Bruce Croxon shares his personal story

of family food allergies and his work with Anaphylaxis Canada.

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Anaphylaxis Canada: Helping Families with Allergies Lead Safe, Normal Lives

26

Allergy-Free Recipes

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Recipe for Health: Apple & Raisin Pie

By Tracy Kaye Holly, CSNA

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M A G A Z I N E

Publisher: Trent Nellis Editor: Liberty Craig

Photo Credit: Erich Saide

This issue of proudly brought to you by:

Publisher’s

word

Marketing Director & Associate Editor: Shelly-Lynn Nellis Art Director:

Michelle Beaudry

Copy Editor: Dan Tidsbury advertising sales:

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Cover Credits: photo:

CHRISTOPHER WAHL

Contributing Writers: Angus Brody, Dr Cory Holly, David Whalen, Jen MacDougall, Jordan Stratford, Liberty Craig, Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, Marva Ward, Murray McMahon, Rose Macmillan, Tracy Kaye Holly

vista Magazine publishes bi-monthly issues and is distributed through the health food retailers of Canada. Send all questions, comments, and inquiries to: VISTA Magazine 13256 55A Avenue Surrey, BC CANADA V3X 3B3 Tel (604) 591-9991 or (877) 905-7771 e-mail vistamag@gmail.com www.vistamagonline.com

vista Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the ­authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the vista Magazine publisher, editors or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon any exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of vista Magazine are copyright 2010, all rights reserved. vista Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher.

To subscribe to vista Magazine and receive delivery to your home or office bimonthly, send $39.95 + HST $4.80 = $44.75 for 1year subscription. ­Include your address and we’ll ship you our next issue. Single copies are also available for $6.95 + HST $.80 = $7.75. Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40025872 ISSN #1715-8214

Trent E. Nellis - Publisher, Vista Magazine

T

his issue, we draw your attention to a serious and growing concern in Canada: allergy awareness. We have dedicated this issue to anaphylaxis in an effort to educate our readership about the ever-increasing segment of our population affected by allergies. The subject is very dear to our hearts and prevalent in our own household on a daily basis. You see, our daughter was born with life-threatening food allergies and developed anaphylaxis to dairy, peanuts and tree nuts, eggs and beef. She is also highly sensitive to scents, food dyes and many other environmental elements. We had no idea that she had this condition when she was a baby. Unfortunately, the way we discovered her disorder, as many parents do, was through a severe allergic reaction to the second (and obviously the last) time she was given formula as an infant. Had it not been for my wife’s quick response to what very quickly turned into an emergency situation, we may have lost our little girl on that life-changing day.

Since that ordeal six years ago, we have been obligated to educate ourselves in an effort to avoid putting our little angel in life-threatening situations. It has been our good fortune to be in the health food industry, allowing us ready access to the knowledge and educational materials available from industry experts and product formulators. We were privileged to discover the profound effect of giving our daughter a non-dairy probiotic to strengthen her compromised immune system, and have been administering it to her daily for the past three years. Her condition has greatly improved, and she has gotten past more than one food group that previously posed a significant threat to her daily existence. We have made every effort to have her consume almost exclusively whole foods as the staples in her diet, both out of necessity and practicality. Fortunately, awareness of allergies and sensitivities continues to grow and there are many allergy-friendly products on the market today that were not previously available. You can see some of them advertised in this issue of Vista and sold through most health food retailers across Canada.

Our cover story this issue features successful entrepreneur Bruce Croxon, whom you may recognize from the hit television show Dragons’ Den. Bruce is a national spokesperson for Anaphylaxis Canada and has a personal connection to allergy awareness similar to my family, as his children are also faced with lifethreatening food allergies on a daily basis. Reading Bruce’s story restores my faith in the underlying goodness that I believe is in most people. Like us, Bruce has a vested interest in being as educated as possible regarding allergy awareness. Bruce, along with literally thousands of Canadians, is working to create greater awareness and prevention of allergies in an effort to normalize the very real threat imposed by these conditions on the everyday lives of Canadians. To you, Bruce, and to the many others who champion this effort, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks and ongoing support.

Trent E. Nellis, Publisher To contact Trent Nellis via e‑mail, write to thepub@shaw.ca

www.vistamagonline.com

CONTENTS Issue 84 | Sept/Oct 2012

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Is your mascara really “hypo-allergenic”?

The Transformative Power of Skin Needling

By Amanda Beisel

Skincare benefits without the side effects.

Time to Compete!

By Dr Cory Holly

Cory’s secrets of competition training.

35

Balance Your Thyroid – Naturally

By Angus Brody

Thyroid imbalance is more common than ever.

36

Nopal for Health

By Jordan Stratford

The prickly cactus with amazing medicinal properties.

38

Nutrition and Education

By David Whalen

40

Editor Selects

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44

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Allergic to Your Mascara?

By Jen MacDougall

36 40

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The importance of back-to-school nutrition for your kids.

Is the Hottest New Anti-aging Product Worth the Expense?

By Murray McMahon

Telomerase may not only prevent aging, but reverse it.

EFAs: Dietary Fats with Integrity

By Marva Ward

Omega 3 & 6, lecithin and more...

VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

20 38

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Editor’s

Desk

‘Tis the time of year for parents everywhere to rejoice! After a long summer, the kids are finally headed back to school... while the rest of us are getting back into the swing of things after some much-needed downtime. As the air cools and we return to our routines, let’s remember what good nutrition is all about. It’s about feeding your body the nutrients it needs to survive and thrive. It’s about inner wellness, energy, stamina and disease control.

But it’s also about fuelling our mental faculties. As we send our kids off to school for another year, armed with new backpacks and eager expectations that betray their feigned aloofness, we must remember what their growing bodies and brains so badly need during these formative years: excellent nutrition. For better test scores, improved alertness in school and certainly better overall health, think carefully about what goes into your kids’ lunches this year. Are we giving them the best possible tools we can to foster their natural talents and aptitudes?

For parents of children with food allergies, the commencement of the school season might bring more dread than relief. How safe will they be during those long hours away from your watchful eye? Approximately 2.5 million Canadians say they have at least one food allergy, according to Anaphylaxis Canada, and these numbers are growing at an alarming rate. Our children are most at risk, especially in schools or while travelling – places where we have less control over their surroundings, or where they might not have immediate access to emergency medical assistance.

In this special issue of Vista Magazine our focus is, as always, on your health and wellness, but with a particular spotlight on food allergies and anaphylaxis. This month’s Vista is filled with information and products to help you and your loved ones navigate the minefields of food allergies. We also have a very special interview with LavaLife co-founder and Dragons’ Den co-host Bruce Croxon. As spokesperson for Anaphylaxis Canada, Croxon dedicates a portion of his precious time to fostering support for children like his own son and daughter who face life-threatening food allergies on a daily basis.

Liberty Craig - Editor, Vista Magazine

Liberty Craig, Editor

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3 Ways to Prevent and Treat Brain Fog, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S.

Did You Know?

• Dementia affects more than 71,000 Canadians under age 65.

• Of the 500,000 people affected, approximately 50,000 of them are under the age of 60.

• One in 11 people over the age of 65 currently have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

• Women make up 72 percent of Canadians with Alzheimer's disease.

• Within the next 25 years, the number of Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia will more than double.

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www.vistamagonline.com

T

he human brain is the most complex organ in the body. It produces our every thought, action, memory, feeling and experience. Until recently, it was thought that if those nerve cells were damaged, they could not be repaired. Now we now know the brain has a remarkable capacity to regenerate. More than 15 percent of those living with Alzheimer’s in Canada are under the age of 65, so we no longer see this as simply a disease of aging. Women make up more than 72 percent of those with Alzheimer’s disease, and one in 10 adults will develop dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.” One of the most promising areas of research in the improvement of dementia is in the area of nutritional supplements.

1: Super Brain Nutrients

This is the first time in history that we have seen more people over the age of 50 than under 50 years old and we need to start early to improve brain function. We are living longer, but dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common. Fifteen percent of those suffering dementia are under the age of 65, so we need to start taking brain nutrients today.

The following “super brain nutrients” can help fight the effects of dementia and keep the brain healthy.

Acetyl-L-carnitine: Acetyl-L-carnitine is a powerful memory booster. Extensive research shows it can protect brain cells, restore flagging energy, stimulate brain cells and prompt them to grow new connections to other neurons. But where acetyl-L-carnitine is most important is in combating brain aging and dementia. Studies of Alzheimer’s sufferers have reported improvements in memory compared to patients receiving placebo. One study showed that when acetyl-Lcarnitine was added to the typical drugs for Alzheimer’s, a variety of functional and behavioral parameters were improved by over 50 percent when compared to the drugs alone. Stanford University researchers stated that acetyl-L-carnitine slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Double-blind, placebo controlled studies using acetyl-L-carnitine in 500mg to 2000mg doses for three months showed a significant improvement in symptoms and the longer the nutrient was taken, the better the improvements. Other studies showed acetyl-L-carnitine improved hearing, increased energy, improved age-related macular degeneration of the eyes, improved heart function and reduction of fatigue. Acetyl-L-carnitine is also an important nutrient in the treatment of stroke victims, improving memory, task performance and cognition during recovery, especially when combined with blueberry extract. A 500 mg dose with breakfast in the morning can ‘jumpstart’ the brain, improving mental clarity, spatial learning and energy.

Alpha-lipoic acid: Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in combination are known as the dynamic duo in anti-aging compounds today. Found in every cell in the body, alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off infection and disease, protect organs from damage, and prevent premature aging. Alpha lipoic acid also helps turn glucose into energy in the cells, making it an important treatment for diabetes and pre-diabetes. It is also the only recognized natural treatment to relieve painful diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid has also been studied for post-stroke treatment due to its protective effect on brain and nervous tissue. Diabetes type 3 is a newly discovered form of brain diabetes causing increased brain aging. The combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid are superstars at improving overall brain function, thereby reducing memory decline.

Blueberry extract: Blueberries became news when old rats that were fed blueberries became young again. Now, scientists have found that blueberry extract improves memory in humans as well. Research showed that the group taking blueberry had a significant improvement in learning and memory tests. Twelve weeks of daily blueberry consumption improved the scores of two different cognitive tests involving memory in older adults. The study’s authors suggested that blueberries could slow or postpone the onset of age-related memory problems. In another study involving 48 obese participants with pre-diabetes, the consumption of blueberries for eight weeks lowered blood pressure and reduced bad LDL cholesterol.

Curcumin: Curcumin is the “brain protector.” The yellow pigment in turmeric, curcumin was originally researched for Alzheimer’s disease after studies showed a much lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s in India than in North America. Researchers investigated the association between curry consumption and cognitive level in 1010 Asians between 60 and 93 years of age. They found that those who ate curried foods performed better on a standard test (MMSE) of cognitive function than those who never or rarely ate curry. The process by which Alzheimer’s disease degrades the nerve cells in the brain is through inflammation in glial cells in the brain plus the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, metal toxicity and oxidative damage. Several studies have found that curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory in the brain and that it can break down plaques, improve memory and memory decline and is a powerful antioxidant. The research will continue, but it is compelling enough at this point to add curcumin to your brain-protecting program.

2: Super Brain Foods

What we eat also plays a role in our overall brain power. Some foods just stand out when it comes to their powerful brain effects: Blueberries: As mentioned, blueberries improve memory, cognition and motor skills. Blueberries not only slow age-related brain decline but also reverse and improve memory. Add one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to your daily diet.

Fish: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon, sardines and herring are essential for brain function. Numerous studies have shown that eating about four ounces of wild salmon two to three times per week significantly reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Remember that wild is best.

Green tea: Organic green tea is another brain-boosting food.

Drinking two cups of organic green tea per day has been shown to lower the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults and protect you from Parkinson’s and other age-related brain disorders. Make sure it is organic to avoid any fungicides used in the processing.

Avocados: Avocados are almost as powerful as blueberries in protecting the brain. The wonderful monounsaturated fats in avocado promote healthier blood flow in the brain.

3: Brain Games

“Use it or lose it” is a very important adage when it comes to brain health. Play games like Scrabble, chess or cards, or learn a new language. Download the “Words with Friends” app on your iPhone or iPad or play through Facebook. Playing games that require you to remember words, spell, do calculations or perform new thought patterns keeps those neural networks strong. Start a brain-boosting program today, and incorporate super brain nutrients and foods into your daily diet to enjoy the later years of your long life with wellness and mental clarity.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe, M.S. is Canada’s leading women’s natural health expert. She has authored over 11 books, many of which are FREE at www.hormonehelp.com.

VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

13

Immunity and Cancer

By Rose Macmillan

F

or most of our lives, our immune systems successfully fight against cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, killing them as they develop. It is nature’s assigned task for Natural Killer cells: their only job is to kill cancer cells and viruses. If the immune system is compromised or if abnormal cells grow at too overwhelming a rate, that is when natural immunity becomes no match against the ravages of cancer.

“The immune system plays a major role in limiting the development of these abnormalities,” states breastcancer.org on their website.

“Damaged, pre-cancerous cells may be a constant presence, but an ever-alert immune system takes them out and protects us from many assaults of cancer that never get beyond the very earliest stage.”

A strong immune system is vital to overall health and may be the key in cancer prevention and treatment. The Livestrong website, official partner of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, suggests five key steps for cancer patients to improve their immune systems in the face of chemotherapy, surgery and disease. “Because the immune system is not a single organ in the body,” reads the website, “strengthening it involves a multifaceted approach. In order to fight cancer, your body needs a combination of improved nutrition, increased rest, physical activity and avoidance of stress. This combination will maximize your resistance to illness so that you can focus your resources to fight cancer.”

While these five steps are indeed crucial to the health and resiliency of a cancer patient, a sixth category could be added: immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is of great interest to the medical community. The Natural Killer cells (NK cells) that are the immune system’s key defense mechanism recognize and kill abnormal cancer cells by releasing small proteins that cause the targeted cells to die. By increasing NK cell activity, scientists see significant promise in the fight against cancer.

A substance called MGN-3, an extract of rice

bran modified by enzymes from shiitake mushrooms, has been clinically proven highly effective in boosting NK cell activity and helping cancer patients. Used alone or in conjunction with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, MGN-3 can increase NK cell activity in as little as three weeks, in turn increasing survival rates.

In 1996, a study involving 27 patients with different forms of cancer (presented at the 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research), all taking conventional treatments plus three grams of MGN-3 per day, showed that patients had significant rises in NK cell activity when taking MGN-3, ranging from 100 percent to 537 percent increases. In 1998, a study documented in the International Journal of Immunotherapy (XIV-2, pg 89-99) involved 24 patients taking MGN-3 in three different concentrations. NK cell activity was significantly increased after one week and peaked at two months in all individuals.

The use of MGN-3 may be of particular interest alongside the typical cancer treatment methodologies, including radiation, surgery and chemotherapy, since these treatments compromise the strength of the immune system as a side effect of attacking cancerous cells. Another issue with standard cancer treatments is that, typically, some small number of cancer cells is left behind. This is where the use of immunotherapy such as MGN-3 may be required to help boost a weakened immune system and rid the body of the remaining dangerous cells.

MGN-3 is not meant to replace conventional therapies in treating advanced malignancies.

However, used during or following conventional cancer therapies, MGN-3 can help boost the body’s immune system and help cancer patients recover more quickly and more permanently.

Rose Macmillan is a regular contributor to Vista Magazine.

.

ADVERTORIAL

Back to School Means Back to Germs

W

hen you hug and kiss your child after she gets home from school, you may also be kissing (indirectly) all the kids she played with, wrestled with, shared pencils with and maybe even shared a drink or sandwich with.

You may already know that probiotics can offer a great boost to our immune system.

What you probably don’t know is that at least 70 percent of human immune cells are located along the intestinal tract. Every single day, friendly bacteria ‘teach’ our immune systems to protect us from foreign invaders. They also teach our immune systems to not overreact when faced with lesser threats like allergens and antigens, thus potentially reducing allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. If you are fan of TED talks on the internet, check out Dr. Bonnie Bassler from Princeton University, an expert on how bacteria influence the world around them.

Getting the right kind or right amount of probiotic bacteria is not as easy as one may think. It’s certainly not as easy as grabbing a cup of yogurt from the fridge. Real probiotics, according to ISAPP (The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics), must accomplish all of the following: • Guarantee a consistently high number of probiotic bacteria right up to the best before or expiry date (and this

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VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

excludes the yogurt starter cultures).

Identify the bacteria down to strain (not all strains of friendly bacteria are probiotic).

• Ensure that the bacteria survive through the stomach.

• Have undergone clinical studies to confirm a measurable health benefit as a finished product.

And those little probiotic tablets, capsules or powders you see at your local health food store or pharmacy? They may not deliver much more benefit than yogurt. They need to guarantee all of the above as well.

If, in addition to all of that, you want something that also tastes good for you and your family, then look no further than Bio-K+. For 15 years, Bio-K+ has developed a reputation with its patented probiotic formula, a reputation for quality, high potency and clinically proven benefits. Bio-K+ provides the kind of benefits that have encouraged many hospitals, physicians and other health professionals to recommend it to their patients. Now it tastes even better than ever and, as always, can be put into a smoothie, protein shake or mixed with fruit.

You don’t have to be sick to benefit from Bio-K+ but you do have to be interested in staying healthy. For more information, go to biokplus.com or contact 1-800-593-2465.

•

Our daughter Ainslee was born with multiple life-threatening food allergies, a condition called anaphylaxis. Her first anaphylactic reaction was when she was four months old; an EpiPen was needed to save her life. We had many emergency visits in those first three years of her life and wanted to find a way to strengthen her immune system. Anaphylaxis is an extremely difficult and frightening condition, and we have been forced to learn more about it than we ever wanted to.

We undertook a tremendous amount of research to find a way to help strengthen her immune system, and that’s how we learned the benefits of probiotics.

Three years ago, we began consuming Bio-K Plus dairy-free probiotic daily. Our daughter has gotten past more than one food group that was life threatening to her, and has far fewer asthma attacks. We have also noticed that she suffers from fewer colds and has had only a handful of asthma attacks.

Ainslee loves the taste of the Bio-K Plus dairy-free probiotic and has no problems drinking it on a daily basis. Bio-K Plus is an amazing probiotic that our entire family will continue taking every day for the rest of our lives.

-Shelly Lynn Nellis, Associate Editor and Marketing Director Vista Magazine

www.vistamagonline.com

The Dragon and the Peanut:

Bruce Croxon’s Story of Anaphylaxis

By Liberty Craig

B

ruce Croxon is by all accounts a driven and passionate man.

His passions, like his character, are extremely focussed, and the first of these is entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial spirit drove him to get involved in a telepersonals company in the late 80s and see where he could take it. The earliest of early adopters, he and his partners then decided to take the company online and rebrand it.

When LavaLife was born, the dating world changed forever. What once seemed ludicrous is now a common fact of daily existence.

The success of LavaLife was nothing short of staggering, and Bruce and his partners ultimately sold the business for a whopping 180 million dollars. Most of us would retire and spend our remaining days on a beach. Not Bruce. While taking time to “relax” in Whistler, BC, skiing to the point of exhaustion, Bruce sought help from the local Vida Spa. He became interested in the wellness aspect of body work. So he bought the business, and expanded into six locations in the Pacific Northwest. Next, he founded Round 13 – a venture capital company designed to support technology start-ups in Canada. Then he joined the cast of CBC’s Dragons’ Den to help dreamers realize their visions – providing they made sense.

His second passion is wellness, also evidenced by his ownership of Vida Spa. An athletic, sports-minded man, Bruce does it all: skiing, surfing, mountain biking and more. He sits on the board of the Trans Canada Trail, which runs the breadth of Canada through green spac-

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es, encouraging Canadians to enjoy our spectacular outdoors. He eats organic foods and occasionally drinks his wife Debra’s healthy juice concoctions. At 52, he’s going strong.

When Bruce and Debra discovered that both their young children had life-threatening food allergies, life as they knew it changed dramatically. Yet once the initial shock passed, that passion for wellness and the entrepreneurial spirit met again in a powerful new way as Bruce turned his intense focus to anaphylaxis. As national spokesperson for Anaphylaxis Canada, he can leverage his Dragon’s Den notoriety to gain awareness for the charity that is close to his heart. For this special allergy issue of Vista Magazine, we are honoured to have Bruce Croxon speak with us about the challenges of family life with anaphylaxis, his incredible career, and his very important charity work with Anaphylaxis Canada.

Making Online Dating Mainstream

“The prevailing fear until about 2001 was that using technology to get a date must be a last resort. It was stigmatized for a long time. What we created with LavaLife was the realization that it was actually hip and cool to use technology, because it works so well. You can sit at your computer and surf thousands of potential dates in your area, which makes a heck of a lot of sense. After that transition, it took on a life of its own.”

Photo credit: Christopher Wahl

www.vistamagonline.com

Bruce Croxon

How to Spot a “Fighter” for Round 13

“First of all, clean admission: I’ve probably had more failures than successes. LavaLife happened to be a big success that made up for a lot of other hiccups along the way. So the first thing I look for is resiliency, which is the whole Round 13 analogy. Can you get off the stool when you’ve been beaten for 12 rounds, and find the fortitude to go at it again? It comes from first-hand experience. A lot of days I wondered what I was doing, choosing this lifestyle where you rely on yourself to put bread on the table, not take a paycheque, and go after your entrepreneurial endeavours. It’s as much about how you handle failure as how you act upon success.

“Our vision is to be the go-to place for early-stage digital expertise, funding and monetization in Canada, to help Canadian entrepreneurs take their place on the world stage. It’s an ambitious vision. I’ve put a team around me with the same kind of lens that I’d use to build any company. We have an advisory board of 12 tech entrepreneurs.

Between us, we bring a lot of operational expertise to the investments we make.”

Lighting the Fires of Dragons

“I am a born entrepreneur, and I love being around new ideas and the people who are trying to make them happen. For Dragons’ Den, I basically sit in a seat for 19 days, hearing about 170 business pitches. I would say I’m excited by maybe 25 or 30 percent of the presentations; for another 20 percent, I’m intrigued; the rest of the time I’m just trying to get some good television out of it, even if the idea doesn’t have a hope in hell. It can be funny. The world doesn’t need any more doggie boots.

“It’s also a great opportunity to get exposure for Anaphylaxis Canada, which is something that’s so close to my heart. Here’s an opportunity to help a relatively small charity dealing with a small but rapidly growing problem.”

A Story of Anaphylaxis

“When my son was about one-and-a-half, he was having trouble digesting milk. We got him tested and the results came back with a fairly full slate of food allergies. He’s got a long list of things that are considered life-threatening, and my daughter lives with an egg allergy. This definitely wasn’t the vision we had. My wife and I have always enjoyed travelling around the world. My wife’s a real foodie, so food has always been a very big part of her experience. When you first get the diagnosis and the reality hits, you realize that school and travelling are a minefield. It’s a little shocking. That’s part of why I became involved with Anaphylaxis Canada – to help better prepare people when they first get the news.

“The optimist in me sees a silver lining or two. What I tell my kids, especially my son, is that many people who have accomplished a lot in this world have had to overcome obstacles. It breeds a fighter spirit in you. My son has had a lot of unwanted attention and a couple of scares, definitely some fear and anxiety, and he’s learned how to deal with it. That’s one silver lining. The other is that we as a family eat very well. We always buy organic. We don’t eat processed foods because you don’t know what’s hidden in those food packaging labels.

That is getting better, though; clear labelling is one of the mandates of Anaphylaxis Canada.”

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The Mystery of Allergic Reactions

“If you’ve had minor reactions evidenced by hives, itching or nausea, subsequent reactions with the same food group might be more severe, and more severe again. One of the mysteries of anaphylaxis is that you can’t say: if I eat peanut butter, I will get a few hives and my throat will itch, but it’s not life-threatening to me. Next time, it might be. That’s why our kids go everywhere with EpiPens, which you inject into your body to buy you 20 to 30 minutes until, hopefully, someone from 911 comes to meet you.”

Travelling with Anaphylaxis

“At 30 thousand feet there’s no 911, so you have to be very careful. We get on the plane early, wipe down the seats, never eat airplane food (there’s another silver lining!). Because my kids are both under 10, they’re still completely on our watch, so it’s up to us to make sure they don’t eat something that’s going to kill them. We do our best to make sure the area is clean and we bring our food with us. Having said that, I’m back and forth with Air Canada, which continues to serve peanuts on their flights. They designate a couple of rows as peanut-free during that flight only. My wife took a flight from England to Toronto and had gone through all the proper procedures, but when she got on the plane, there were 11 peanuts on the seat. Just because those two rows are designated peanut-free for that flight doesn’t mean the people from the flight before weren’t consuming peanuts at a mile-a-minute rate.”

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Battling for Peanuts

“At some point, companies like Air Canada are going to realize that they’re losing more business by serving peanuts than by inconveniencing passengers who require peanuts to make their experience complete. My job is to help them realize that. WestJet, for example, doesn’t serve peanuts on any flights. Mars Bars took the peanuts out of their chocolate bar and put a big peanut on the front with a line through it. They realize that kids can’t take peanuts to school. The good news with peanut allergy awareness is that it’s becoming so prevalent that we have a shot of mobilizing some money to address a cure, and to address why we are even dealing in peanuts if it’s going to affect this number of people.”

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Allergic Solution is available at many grocery and health food stores.

Also can be purchased on-line at www.allergicsolution.com or by calling at 1.855.488.8877

The Campaign for Online Anaphylaxis Education

“I am spearheading the fundraising for this campaign. Anaphylaxis Canada is building an online resource where everyone from kids with anaphylaxis to parents, teachers and caregivers can be educated on everything they need to know about dealing with anaphylactic food allergies. There will be education, resources, and an interactive component to share the latest knowledge and research as well as people’s experiences – kind of like a social network for anaphylaxis.”

Fit After Fifty

“I had my kids late and it changed the way I live athletically. Before, Whistler was equipped and ready to go with my ski gear and everything I needed, so I could get a powder alert on a Wednesday and be there by end of day Thursday. Now, we plan a ski trip nine months in advance, get a place that has a kitchen, bring all the food we’ll need, contact the kid’s ski programs – it’s a whole different thing. It’s cut the number of ski days I get, but the ones I do get I enjoy even more because it’s so much of a treat. Whether I’m windsurfing or going up to Georgian Bay, it’s much more of a production now and less on impulse. So instead of getting my fitness through things I love doing, I find myself going for runs – which I don’t enjoy. It’s a necessary evil so I can hang in there as I get older. I have a trainer who comes to my house; I’d never done weights in my life until I hit 50, and then I started to incorporate them not so much to add muscle, as to hang onto the muscle I have.”

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Back to His Jamaican Roots

“I used to go to Jamaica all the time. That’s a great example of what’s changed with anaphylaxis. Jamaica, for the most part, is a third-world country. It’s what makes it so interesting, and so different from here, but for my son, it’s a minefield. He’s been all over for me for two years to go to Jamaica. He loves reggae music and he wants to see what it’s like. We’re going to have to plan it carefully and go soon, maybe just the two of us. I definitely feel a pull to the place and it’s in his DNA, too.”

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Anaphylaxis

Q&A What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis (pronounced anna-fill-axis) is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. An allergen is a substance capable of causing an allergic reaction. Upon first exposure, the immune system treats the allergen as something to be rejected and not tolerated. This process is called sensitization. Re-exposure to the same

allergen in the now sensitized individual may result in an allergic reaction that, in its most severe form, is called anaphylaxis. (Source: www.allergysafecommunities.ca)

What are the signs of an anaphylactic reaction?

An anaphylactic reaction can involve any of the following symptoms, which may appear

alone or in any combination, regardless of the triggering allergen: • Skin system: hives, swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash • Respiratory system (breathing): coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, throat tightness, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms

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(runny itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing • Gastrointestinal system (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea • Cardiovascular system (heart): pale/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy/lightheaded, shock • Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom”, headache, uterine cramps, metallic taste Because of the unpredictability of reactions, early symptoms should never be ignored, especially if the person has suffered an anaphylactic reaction in the past. It is important to note that anaphylaxis can occur without hives. (Source: www.allergysafecommunities.ca)

What causes an anaphylactic reaction?

Food is one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis, but insect stings, medicine, latex, and exercise can also cause a reaction.

What are the most common food allergens in Canada?

The most common food allergens are: peanuts, tree nuts, seafood (fish, shellfish, crus-

taceans), egg, milk, sesame, soy, and wheat.

The government considers these “priority” allergens for labelling purposes. From August 2012, mustard will be added to this list.

has recently eaten a food allergen. People at risk need to tell their friends and partners about their food allergies to avoid accidental exposure.

How much of a food allergen does it take to cause a reaction?

How are allergic reactions avoided?

Even a very small amount ‘hidden’ in a food or a trace amount of an allergen transferred to a serving utensil has the potential to cause a severe allergic reaction.

Can someone have a reaction without ingesting their allergen?

Inhalation of airborne peanut protein can cause allergic reactions, though usually not systemic anaphylaxis. The odour alone has not been known to cause an anaphylactic reaction. Direct ingestion of an allergy-causing food poses the greatest risk for the sensitized individual.

Can someone who is allergic to a food have an allergic reaction after kissing someone who has eaten that food?

Individuals with food allergies are at risk of having a reaction from kissing someone who

Effective ingredient label reading, special precautions for food preparation, proper hand washing and cleaning go a long way toward reducing the risk of an accidental exposure.

An allergic reaction can usually be treated effectively with a prompt injection of epinephrine/adrenaline (e.g., EpiPen® or Twinject®).

Why does food allergy seem to be on the rise?

One theory, known as the “hygiene hypothesis,” suggests that people living in western countries are living in cleaner and more sanitized environments. The immune system – exposed to fewer germs than our bodies are used to dealing with – mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful. Genetics also play a role in the development of food allergies.

For example, if one parent has allergies, their child has a greater risk of developing allergies as well.

From www.anaphylaxis.ca.

Life’s styLe soLution for Carrying epiPens & Allergy essentials

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Anaphylaxis Canada:

Helping Families with Allergies Lead Safe, Normal Lives www.a naphylaxis.ca

Vista Magazine spoke with Laurie Harada, Executive Director of Anaphylaxis Canada, about the important initiatives and programs designed to keep people with severe allergies safe. Laurie began her work with the organization as a volunteer after her own son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy. She and her colleagues strive to create a safer society for the growing number of Canadians living with life-threatening allergies.

VISTA: How did Anaphylaxis Canada get its start?

Laurie: Anaphylaxis Canada is a national, registered charity that celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. It was started years ago by parents of children predominantly with food allergies. Our goal is to raise awareness, educate, advocate for improved food labelling, and help create safer environments for those at risk of anaphylaxis.

VISTA: What are the key initiatives of Anaphylaxis Canada?

Laurie: We’ve been working for a long time on improving food labelling, encouraging the government to require food manufacturers to label their products in a clear and accurate manner. We are pleased that new labelling rules went into effect this August. In the past, some food allergens were listed in scientific terms that are not understood by consumers. Now, these terms must be described in simple language

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such as “ovalbumin (egg)” or “casein (milk).” Knowing what is in a food is key to avoiding an allergic reaction, so label reading is the first line of defence. We also provide education for schools and childcare centres through online resources and training sessions and have worked with a number of ministries. Staff members need to understand how to protect children at risk for anaphylaxis and know what to do if a child has a reaction. We have resources specifically for young kids at safe4kids.ca and also for teens at WhyRiskIt.ca. Teens are the most at-risk group as they tend to take more risks in general. We have a new program coming soon for parents of children who are newly diagnosed with food allergies. We recently launched a foodservice training program for front-line food preparers. For the public, we have our “Ask the Allergist” series that provides an informal way for people in the community to access expert information.

VISTA: How important are figures like Bruce Croxon to help further your cause?

Laurie: Very important! As co-star of the popular Dragons’ Den, Bruce is helping to bring increased awareness to the cause and to our organization. Having family members with food allergies, he and his wife Debra Their know what it’s like to live with the challenges 24/7 and they are very passionate about educating others. They have been a huge asset to our organization and we are very grateful for their support.

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ALLERGY-FREE AND EASY COOKING RECIPES Stuffed Acorn Squash with Millet, Spinach, Cranberries, and Hemp Seeds Serves 4 1/2 cup millet 11/2 cups water 2 small acorn squash, halved and seeded Salt and freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup chopped sweet or yellow onion 2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 (5- to 6-ounce) bag baby spinach 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ cup shelled hemp seeds, toasted (see note) 4 heaping teaspoons fine gluten-free breadcrumbs (I like Ener-G for this) 4 heaping teaspoons Earth Balance soy-free buttery spread or olive oil Combine the millet and water in a small pot over medium-high heat.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, for 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Don’t stir the millet or it will become creamy. You want it to cook up like rice, and refraining from stirring will accomplish this. Meanwhile, spray the insides of the acorn squash halves with cooking spray or brush lightly with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place face down on a large microwavesafe dish (I just use the microwave tray). Cover (I use a large mixing bowl—it’s okay if the squash halves have to overlap a bit) and cook for 16 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large heavy pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, until tender. Add the garlic and cranberries and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook, stirring often, until wilted, 2 minutes. Add the vinegar and sugar, stir, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Remove from the heat and stir in the hemp seeds. While the millet is cooking, preheat the broiler on high.

Once the millet is cooked, fluff it lightly with a fork. Combine 1 cup of the millet with the spinach mixture and toss. Put the squash halves cut side up in a broiler-safe pan or on a rimmed baking tray. Divide the filling evenly among the squash halves, mounding it slightly. Top each squash half with 1 heaping teaspoon breadcrumbs and dot each with 1 heaping teaspoon buttery spread. Broil 8 inches from the heat source for 4 to 5 minutes, until browned. * Note: To toast hemp seeds, heat a small frying pan or skillet over medium heat.

Add the hemp seeds and cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and aromatic.

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Award-winning author Cybele Pascale’s latest recipe book, Allergy-Free and Easy Cooking: 30-Minute Meals without Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame is filled with healthful, allergy-friendly, delicious recipes like the ones below. A lifelong food lover and chef, Cybele became interested in allergy-friendly cooking when her son was diagnosed with severe allergies in 2002. Cybele has been a guest on The Martha Stewart Show, the Food Network, the Today Show, ABC News, Good Morning America Health, and NPR. Check out her Food Allergy Recipe Challenge blog on Martha Stewart’s Whole Daily Living.

Shepherd’s Pie Serves 4 to 6 Potato Topping 2 pounds russet potatoes or other baking potatoes 2 tablespoons plain vegan yogurt 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup rice milk Filling 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup diced yellow onion 1 cup diced carrot 1/2 cup diced celery 1 pound 90 percent lean ground bison or beef Salt and freshly ground pepper Big pinch of ground cloves 2 tablespoons super fine brown rice flour 3/4 cup beef broth 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon Pickapeppa Sauce, or 1 teaspoon ketchup plus a splash of tabasco 1 tablespoon Earth Balance soy-free buttery spread or olive oil Sweet paprika To make the topping, prick the potatoes a few times with a fork, put in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and cook in the microwave for 10 to 12

minutes, until tender (or if you have a baked potato setting, use that).

Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes in the microwave. Remove, split in half, and spoon out the potatoes’ flesh. They will be hot, so use a kitchen towel or gloves to protect your hands.Using an electric hand mixer, whip together the potato, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and rice milk. Whip until fluffy. Set aside.

Preheat the broiler on high.

To make the filling, heat the olive oil in a large heavy pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the onion, carrot, celery, and ground meat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and the cloves. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink. Sprinkle the meat and vegetables with the brown rice flour, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Add the beef broth, bring to a boil, and use a wooden spoon or spatula to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Add the ketchup and Pickapeppa Sauce and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer the meat and vegetables to a 7 by 11-inch casserole or baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes, dot the top with the buttery spread, and sprinkle with the paprika. Broil 6 inches from the heat source for 6 to 8 minutes until the top is browned. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

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Recipe for Health:

Apple & Raisin Pie

By Tracy Kaye Holly, CSNA

T

his recipe for homemade apple and raisin pie is ideal for beginners. It’s a great way to start your career in making pie crust, and I have plenty of evidence from hungry, health-conscious athletes to substantiate any claims regarding its wholesome flavour and delicious, natural taste.

The coconut oil adds a rich but light crust taste and texture. This pie crust is definitely not conventional. The human genome evolved from non-refined, wholesome, natural food, not from bleached, chlorinated, white pastry flour or chemically sterilized lard. Homemade snacks and sweet treats need not be detrimental to our health. They never were originally. The key is to utilize wholesome, clean ingredients and not break the basic tenet of good nutrition: “Eat nothing that causes harm.”

If you prefer to exclude the raisins, this pie recipe works well with fresh apples alone. I also plan to experiment with gluten-free whole grains and flours, as well as various combinations of sugar-free, additive-free fillings and thickeners.

To make the filling: 8 medium organic sweet apples, peeled and cored 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil 3 tablespoons unpasteurized honey ½ cup golden raisins ½ teaspoon cinnamon Cut each apple into uniform small chunks. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the apple chunks to the skillet and stir to coat with oil. Cover the pot tightly and cook, stirring gently and frequently for approximately five minutes or until apples have softened slightly but are somewhat firm. Add raisins, cinnamon

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and honey, increase heat to medium-high and continue cooking the apples for three minutes. Remove from the stove uncovered and let cool until room temperature.

To make the crust: 2 cups organic whole wheat flour ½ teaspoon sea salt 2/3 cup organic coconut oil, cold 5 tablespoons cold filtered water ½ teaspoon cinnamon Preheat the oven to 205 degrees C (400 degrees F). Grease a 9-inch pie plate with coconut oil. Place the flour and cinnamon in a large bowl and whisk to blend. Work the chilled coconut oil with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles small crumbs, and then add cold water gradually. Knead the dough for one minute, then divide in half and form each half into a ball. Roll out each ball between two sheets of parchment or wax paper with a rolling pin. Roll one ball into a 10-inch circle for the bottom crust and the other ball into a 9-inch circle for the top crust. If the dough sticks to the paper, sprinkle lightly with flour.

Place the 10-inch circle into the bottom of the greased pie plate.

Spoon the apple filling into the pie shell and cover with the 9-inch circle of dough. Fold the edges of the dough under and seal by pressing with your thumbs or a fork. Cut air vents in the top crust. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving suggestion: Top pie with fresh made whipped cream or vanilla frozen yogurt.

Allergic to your

Mascara?

By Jen MacDougall

M

ascara is one of the top-selling cosmetics, yet a great many women experience irritation or allergic reaction to it. Having been in cosmetics manufacturing for the past 10 years, I am often asked if we manufacture hypo-allergenic mascara. I always find the question interesting. What exactly does the term mean, anyway? Surprisingly, most hypo-allergenic products are allowed to contain fragrance.

“Hypo-allergenic” does not mean you won’t react to the product; it is simply a phrase used by manufacturers, for which they have their own interpretations.

Through my own experience in the field, I can attest to the fact that most mascaras contain extreme eye irritants and some potentially toxic ingredients. Mascaras with petroleum are likely to cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Parabens and talc are known to cause skin, eye and lung irritation. Another potentially toxic ingredient found in some mascaras is thimerosal, which is essentially a mercury-based preservative.

Anyone who is sensitive or has current health issues should completely avoid products with thimerosal. Fragrance is a whole other issue.

Since fragrance is considered a trade secret, companies don’t have to tell us what’s in it – often dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds. It’s no wonder women are having reactions to their mascara!

And then there’s waterproof mascara… a great concept, right? Not necessarily.

Waterproof mascara is able to adhere to

lashes and stay smooth thanks to a chemical called dimethicone copolyol, a known eye irritant. Also, most waterproof mascaras are silicone based. To fully understand the effects of silicone on the eyes, think of it as wrapping plastic wrap several times around your eyelashes! Another downside of waterproof mascaras is that they require harsh solvents for removal. These products can also remove sebum – the oily substance produced by the skin that is designed to create a barrier to protect the skin from chemicals, irritants and pollutants. When the sebum is removed it can lead to skin infections, cause extremely dry skin, and could also lead to premature aging.

“Hypo-allergenic” mascara does not mean you won’t react to it.

Whenever people inquire about hypoallergenic mascara, I always encourage education. We need to read labels and understand what we are reacting to. The bottom line is, if you suffer from allergic reactions, eye irritations, or are concerned about toxic ingredients in general, read product labels! While it might be impossible to learn the name of every synthetic ingredient, if you can avoid just a handful of the nasty ones, you can find products that are close to natural and should cause less irritation.

Where possible, avoid the ingredients we’ve already discussed, including petroleum,

parabens, talc, thimerosal, dimethicone copolyol and fragrance. Also watch out for mineral oil, petroleum, synthetic colours FD&C, synthetic parfum, and synthetic carriers such as glycols and polysorbates. If you are unsure about an ingredient, check the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database at www.ewg.org. This site is a great resource and offers a wealth of information.

The good news is there are now several natural mascaras available in the marketplace.

Try several brands to find one that works best for you. I recommend one that is parabenfree, uses only natural wax, and offers eyesoothing ingredients such as aloe. Natural mascaras are not as thick as their synthetic counterparts; they offer a more natural look and are also a lot healthier. Some natural mascara formulas actually offer herbs that promote eyelash growth. They can provide nice length and separation, and although they may not be as thick as wax- and silicone-based mascaras, your eyes will thank you!

If you decide to go the natural route with your mascara, don’t be discouraged if the first brand you try doesn’t live up to your expectations. Remember, not all natural mascaras are created equal. Try looking for natural mascara at your local health food store, and do your organic grocery shopping while you’re at it!

Jen MacDougall is a co-founder of Earth Lab Cosmetics. www.earthlab.ca

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The Transformative Power of

Skin Needling

By Amanda Beisel

T

he most effective and safest skin rejuvenation treatment on the market is making its mark in North America.

Medical skin needling has a long list of benefits without the negative side effects that often come with ablative lasers and other aggressive heat-based treatments. Medical skin needling and home (cosmetic) needling have been popular in the UK and Australia for more than 10 years. When comparing medical skin needling to other available treatments, it is most similar to Fraxel, but is less invasive and has less downtime, making it a safe and effective alternative.

Rapid developments in laser and skin treatment technology do not always have positive results. It is important to remember that this industry is often money driven.

Proper research and studies on how new developments affect the long-term health of the skin can be neglected. Some treatments can sacrifice the health of your skin in hopes of improving its appearance. An effective treatment is one that takes into consideration both the results achieved today and the long-term effects on skin health. Great looking skin can only be a result of healthy skin.

What makes medical skin needling such a safe and effective treatment is that it does not use any heat, nor does it remove the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Medical skin needling is a mechanical treatment that promotes proper skin healing, preserves the barrier of the skin, and improves skin health. It has an extremely low risk profile when performed by a trained professional. Medical skin needling does not compromise the skin in any way. Most important, medical skin needling results in the release of three key growth factors that promote natural, scarless collagen as opposed to scar collagen.

Needling the Skin Medical skin needling involves the use of a roller with 192 surgical grade stainless steel needles that range in length from 1mm to 2mm. The device is rolled over the skin, creating micro-channels in both layers of the skin. Numbing cream is used for your

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comfort. After the treatment, your skin will appear sunburned, which will subside over the next four to 24 hours depending on the depth of needles used. The redness can be covered with mineral make-up as soon as the next day. The downtime is very minimal. Two weeks post treatment, you then use the SKN Spin home roller on a weekly basis to continue building healthy, vibrant skin. The SKN Spin home roller uses 0.5mm length needles that are safe for home use.

“When Angelina Jolie attended the Cannes Film Festival last year, she caused a stir – and not just on the red carpet. Beauty boards buzzed about her radiant skin, speculating on the recent transformation. Was it plastic surgery? A chemical peel? No, Skin Needling....”

Los Angeles Times A Safe, Effective Alternative to Lasers Rolling over the skin with a medical skin roller causes the release of key growth factors that promote scarless wound healing and triggers collagen synthesis leading to normally woven collagen. Medical skin needling does not cause a negative loss of dermal papillae, destroy the melanocyte, or form abnormal collagen – like ablative lasers do. The surface of the skin remains intact so the risks are very minimal; skin heals quickly and there is minimal downtime. Re-surfacing lasers destroy the surface layer, leading to substantial downtime and higher risks. The needling does not damage the skin but rather leads to thicker, healthier skin. It is a cost-effective option compared to laser treatments. Full face treatment is only $299, where laser treatments are upwards of $1,000.

The number of medical skin needling sessions required depends on your skin concerns and goals. This will be determined during your complimentary skin health consultation. The treatments are performed six

weeks apart. Medical skin needling can be performed on the face, neck, chest and other body parts.

Skin needling is a great option for nearly everyone and is safe for darker skin tones. It is an effective yet natural anti-aging treatment.

It is also a great treatment to use in conjunction with injectables such as Botox because it will increase the time between injections and will improve the look of the entire face. It works at the root of what is causing the skin to age, making it a long-term, health-promoting skin treatment. This is not a quick fix; it is an ongoing solution providing you with healthy, youthful skin.

Skin Needling at Home Skin needling can be performed at home with a less aggressive tool to maintain the results of medical skin needling. The SKN Spin is the highest quality skin roller on the market. Using the SKN Spin once a week provides great results when combined with great skincare products. (Visit www.SKNSpin.com to find out more about this roller and where you can purchase it.) Adopting home skin needling into your weekly skincare routine will greatly increase the effectiveness of your products, effectively exfoliate and boost the appearance of your skin.

Amanda Beisel is the owner of the award-winning SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic in Yaletown. The SKN Clinic team are Vancouver’s Medical Skin Needling and Home Skin Needling Specialists. Their aim is to educate and guide you on your journey to achieving healthy, beautiful skin in the safest and most effective way. Call SKN Clinic today to book your complimentary skin consultation and begin transforming your skin naturally. 604-568-6333 or www.sknclinic.ca The SKN Spin Roller System will be featured at the Emmy Awards VIP Gift Lounge this September and will be in all the stars’ gift bags.

e h t o t g in d a e h The SKN Spin is

We are happy to announce that the SKN Spin will be making the trip to L.A. this September for the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards VIP Gift Lounge & Emmy gift bags. Pick up a SKN Spin today and beat the celebs to this year’s hottest skincare tool!

“The SKN Spin is a revolutionary skincare tool that rejuvenates and exfoliates the skin while dramatically improving the effectivness of your skincare products. The SKN Spin is a safe, results driven and cost effective tool that fits into almost any skincare regime. Start rolling with the SKN Spin regularly to improve the look, health, and vibrancy of your skin.The SKN Spin needle length is 0.50mm.”

Visit www.SKNspin.com for a list of retailers and more information

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Time to Compete!

By Dr. Cory Holly

I

’ve decided to compete again, this time in the Hawaiian Natural Muscle Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Honolulu, June 8th, 2013. My last event was the 2007 INBA Natural Olympia in Thessalonica, Greece. Based on popular request, I’d like to discuss my approach and review some of the training and nutrition principles I employ to prepare for this special type of athletic event.

My particular category is the Grand Masters Men. That’s 50 years of age up to and including age 59. Natural bodybuilding contests are typically designed around age, height or weight, depending on the association.

This particular event is INBA sponsored, which means it is drug-tested to provide a level playing field for natural athletes. Personally, I’m not interested in performance-enhancing drugs. I like to rely on my own inherent supply of testosterone and growth hormone. I’m attracted to sport for the training benefits, for the skill development it demands and for the opportunity to test my character under pressure.

Training Methodologies

First, I decide on the competition itself and determine the day of the event one year in advance. This gives me plenty of time to prepare mentally, emotionally and physically. The mental part is of particular importance because I like to put my brain to work. I also compete only once every five years. This significantly reduces any risk of burn-out, physical damage or injury caused by competing too frequently or excessively.

This is my 43rd year of working out at the gym. My 60-minute workouts five days per week are absolutely fantastic for creating excellent shape and fitness without injury or long-term damage. Each workout has five specific phases including warm-up, resistance training, core training, cardio and stretching. But preparing for a show is much more stressful than eating and training for optimal health year round. Preparing for a show puts greater demands on the body and represents a higher risk of injury,

attrition and physical damage. Competition as a way of life even in natural bodybuilding is not ideal for long-term health, but, if planned correctly, much of the potential risk can be mitigated.

One method I use to reduce damage to my mind and body is that I don’t compete to win. That doesn’t mean I don’t train incredibly hard, diet with diligence or make significant progress. It’s an attitude. I learned long ago that winning means more to the audience and my friends than to me.

I simply find no satisfaction in the “must win” thought process. I compete for my own satisfaction. I love the discipline associated with the elegance of training and dieting like a master. I enjoy the challenge of meeting my own goals. I like striving for something worthwhile, doing something I really enjoy. I decide on the event for my own benefit, then use the event as a form of positive pressure to help create my best possible outcome.

Another factor is pace. My personal groove is slow and easy but consistent. I’m the proverbial tortoise that keeps moving forward. I take my time to get things done but I get them done. I live according to my own schedule. The entire process is self-directed. I conceptualize, intellectualize and visualize everything in advance.

It’s Up To You

I first met Arnold Schwarzenegger not as a movie star or politician, but as a champion bodybuilder. One of my favorite Arnold quotes is: “You make a plan and then you work the plan.” The key word here is “You.” That’s how true self-esteem is created. You do it yourself. You lift the weights, count the reps and record the math. You also don’t do anything that compromises your objective of creating physical perfection, such as eating junk.

On this program, there’s no tolerance for empty food. Fresh, whole food is partitioned and consumed liberally. Protein shakes and supplements are a mainstay. The goal is to supply your biological demand.

There are many variables to consider when it comes to actually com-

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peting, such as workout timing and frequency, calculation of sets and reps, workout intensity, dietary format, food preparation, contest dieting, creating a posing routine and so on. This is why, before you decide to compete, you really need to think about how training for the show will affect your lifestyle and health. Nothing should get in the way of it.

One of my first contest-related projects is to create a 2’ by 4’ wall calendar that displays a full year of training days and weeks in advance.

I like to cross off the days I train on the calendar as I complete them.

This creates a visual pattern of completed workouts that acts as evidence of progress and stimulates my desire for more. I also paste pictures of myself from previous competitions and display several quotes that inspire me. One of my favorites is: “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me!”

I also designate certain days on the wall calendar with different colours. This provides advance notice and incentive regarding when a new training schedule begins or when I need to begin a new phase of my diet. For me, the event and everything leading up to it is a science project. Nothing is left to chance.

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The Unique Challenges of Bodybuilding

Unlike almost every other sport in the world, bodybuilding is all about what you look like. There’s no implement to throw, no hurdle to climb or ball to kick. There’s no team to consider. It’s just you and your muscle on stage. During your 90-second posing routine, the judges will score you on body symmetry, muscle size, muscle separation, posing ability, confidence and poise. This is why dieting and training are so important to a natural bodybuilder in competition, and why bodybuilding is such a difficult sport. Sorry Charlie, no pizza and beer after working out!

In subsequent articles, I’ll go into more detail regarding my workout regimen as well as my 100-Days-Out contest diet. Until then, keep on training!

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By Angus Brody

e are inundated with environmental pollutants, pesticides, xenoestrogens from plastics and medications, excess stress, and all kinds of other factors that affect the body’s innate hormonal balance in today’s endlessly busy world. Then, there are the natural hormone cycles that women in particular must go through, including those of pregnancy, menstruation and menopause. The thyroid gland, intricately tied into the endocrine system, is all too easily affected by this onslaught of factors both natural and synthetic.

A thyroid imbalance or hypothyroidism is extremely common worldwide and often goes undiagnosed. According to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, one in every three Canadians has a thyroid disorder, and as many as half of them don’t even know it.

Hypothyroidism is characterized by a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin and hair, fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness and poor memory retention. Often, people experiencing these symptoms may test within the “normal” hormonal ranges for the T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels and go untreated by the medical community.

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves hormone replacement in pill form, which must typically be taken for years or even for life. Some patients find that hormone supplementation does not have the desired effect on their symptoms, as the body can have diffi-

culty processing the hormones appropriately.

This can lead to a great deal of frustration or even despair. Another option is to supplement the endocrine system naturally, getting your hormone balance back in order as a unit, rather than focussing solely on T3 or T4 thyroid hormone levels. The key to a healthy thyroid gland is iodine. The thyroid hormone T3 is made up of three iodine molecules, and T4 is made up of four iodine molecules. Iodine deficiency is directly linked to hypothyroidism.

An excellent way to increase the iodine in your diet is by supplementing with sea kelp.

Kelp has one of the highest known contents of iodine in the vegetable world, and can help promote adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health – or overall endocrine health. The organic iodine in liquid kelp is highly bio-available, meaning that the body can use it effectively and efficiently to combat thyroid imbalance.

Kelp can also help fight lymphatic system congestion and purify the blood, which lowers the risks of cancers and other serious illnesses, including obesity. With its digestive enzymes, supplemental kelp can fight digestive problems and boost metabolism, while organic minerals boost energy. If you suspect you may have a thyroid imbalance, or even if you’ve been tested but told your levels are “normal,” try supplementing with sea kelp to see if your symptoms dissipate.

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Nopal for Even big fish benefit from a little fish oil.

Health

By Jordan Stratford

F

Healthy Canadians understand the advantages of NHPs. In fact, seven of every ten Canadians use Natural Health Products (NHPs) as an essential part of their healthy lifestyle. The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) works to ensure that you have access to, and choice of safe, innovative and effective Natural Health Products.

Visit chfa.ca today.

or over 12,000 years, the nopal or “prickly pear” cactus has been known throughout Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico) for its digestive healing properties. There are over 200 species of the nopal cactus or Opuntia. Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI), the “medicinal” variety, tastes something like a cross between bubblegum and watermelon and is regularly added to the dishes of Mexico and South America as a fruit, jelly or jam. It is this species for which a significant amount of research has been undertaken in the past 20 years in an effort to validate its long-revered healing properties.

In 2003, a medical study published by Nuclear Medicine Review: Central and Eastern Europe tested the effect of nopal cactus on ten patients with high blood cholesterol. Following six weeks of dietary counseling, participants were asked to eat nopal for an additional six weeks. Nopal was shown to significantly increase the regulation of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the patients’ livers.

Even in the 1990s, research was demonstrating that the nopal cactus fruit’s rich source of betalains (perhaps the greatest source in the plant world) can provide substantial benefit for patients suffering from diabetes. Betalains contain anti-oxidant properties that protect the inner lining of blood vessels. In 2004, a clinical study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences stated that “the betalains in prickly pear cactus were clearly demonstrated to protect vascular endothelial cells from the free radical effects of redox alteration from cytokines,” which are the proteins that signal regulation of the immune system.

Nopal contains 17 amino acids, which help energize the metabolism and balance out blood sugar “swings.” When combined with its fibre properties, research on nopal has shown these amino acids to have

simply beyond

a significant hypoglycemic effect four to six hours after ingestion in type-2 diabetics and non-diabetics. Through its content of B-carotene and various vitamins, nopal has the ability to help mitigate the dangerous side effects of high blood sugar levels like blood vessel and nerve tissue damage and visual disturbance. Its vegetable protein helps the body reduce cellulite and fluid retention. Nopal’s high natural levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C, combined with its wide spectrum of minerals and fibres, help detoxify the liver. Liver toxicity is a common side-effect of prescription blood sugar medication. Its amino acids, fibre and vitamin B3 (niacin) help control LDL cholesterol levels and help convert LDL cholesterol into “good” HDL cholesterol.

Mexican researchers have found that giving broiled nopal stems to people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes leads to a large drop in blood sugar levels and that, for many diabetics or pre-diabetics, nopal can be a complete replacement for prescription blood sugar drugs. (Always contact your physician before making any changes to your prescription.) A daily consumption of 250 mg of nopal has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels while not affecting HDL cholesterol or triglycerides.

Western culture finally appears to be recognizing all that this amazing cactus can do for the body, and is starting to treat nopal with the respect it so richly deserves.

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Nutrition and Education W

By David Whalen

e buy them new shoes, books and technological devices: the endless supplies our children need when they return to school each September. But are we providing them with the most important learning tools?

Current research has proven that children who regularly eat breakfast have better standardized test scores, better behaviour, and are less hyperactive than children who skip breakfast. Many schools and organizations are beginning to recognize the importance of childhood nutrition and the role it plays in education. Our growth and development are very much dependent upon the nutrients we consume as children. Health Canada recog-

nizes a wide variety of instances where we can improve upon our dietary intake, from prenatal nutrition to adolescence. Those nutritional needs vary, not only from child to child, but also from season to season. Children’s nutritional needs may vary in direct correlation to their activity levels. It is essential that parents understand proper dietary intake and have access to healthy options for their children.

Pack Fresh for School Lunches

Too often, children are taught to pack prepackaged meals for school lunches and snacks.

These easy options don’t always provide the quality nutrition a parent might hope for. Generally, the choices children make are based on

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VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

flavour and attractive packaging or social messaging. Almost extinct are the days of the nuclear family with a stay-at-home mom and three square meals. More and more, we see busy parents and families eating out and searching for an easier solution. The availability of healthy choices and increasing awareness through parent groups and school programs is helping to make childhood nutrition a priority.

The Dieticians of Canada website states: “It’s important to promote good eating habits in children from a young age. Chances are, these healthy habits will follow them into adulthood.

From dealing with picky eaters to packing healthy lunches, parents have many questions about raising healthy eaters.” A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent learning challenges, obesity and weightrelated diseases. Proper nutrition in childhood can reinforce lifelong eating habits that contribute to your children’s overall well-being and help them realize their full potential. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to think of their nutritional decisions as health decisions.

Make Healthy Options Attractive to Kids

Some of the challenges in encouraging healthy choices are the alluring options that children may be faced with. Suggesting that a child choose a salad over fries or a salmon filet over chocolate nut butter is quite the fantasy. Finding products that are natural or organic and provide great taste and quality ingredients masked by attractive packaging can be a great solution. Understanding the psychological impact of food choices and the social norms of childhood friendship groups is key to finding healthy options that work. If we know that children are most likely going to gravitate to certain food choices, than we can create suggestions that might be more attractive. Taking your child with you when you purchase foods and allowing them to be a part of the selection process may help encourage better eating habits. Teaching your children to have healthy lifestyles will have a larger impact if you set the example and allow them to be a part of the process. Make nutrition and health a family affair.

Nourish Their Brain Health

Studies have shown the importance of omega-3’s for supporting cognitive health and brain function in growing children. Carlson for Kids award-winning liquids and chewable soft gels are a tasty way to help your children receive the healthy benefits of omega-3’s. Our Norwegian fish oils have a great natural lemon or orange taste. All Carlson fish oils are third-party tested for freshness, potency & purity.

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Editor Selects

1

Echinaforce Junior Get your kids’ immune systems ready with Echinaforce Junior! Taken regularly, it decreases your child’s chance of catching a cold and, if they do, it helps relieve acute symptoms without side effects. It’s safe to take throughout the cold and flu season and comes in chewable lactose- and gluten-free tablets with a natural orange flavour with no added sugar.

RAW MASCARA Natural Paraben-Free Mascara That Doesn’t Run Down Your Face… Earth Lab “Raw Mascara” glides on effortlessly, and offers natural stand out lashes. Raw Mascara doesn’t run, washes off easily with water, and is proudly Canadian! It’s also Animal Friendly, Environmentally Friendly, and People Friendly! Visit www.earthlab.ca or phone (888)245-0024

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4 Allergic Solution Carob Cake Allergic Solution Carob Cake is the perfect solution for those with multiple food allergies or sensitivities.

Free from gluten, eggs, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, soy, chocolate and sulphites, this easy-to-make, moist, light and fluffy cake will satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Our carob cake is not only certified gluten-free, but also kosher certified and vegan. We do not add sugar to the mix, enabling you to add how much and whatever sugar is appropriate for your dietary needs. www.allergicsolution.com

3

Epi-Essentials (tm) Life's Style Solution for EpiPens When life is unpredictable, you'll be prepared.Versatile, smart and simply beautiful,our handbags and accessory cases make it easy to keeppersonal and allergy essentials always at your fingertips.

2 styles in 4 luscious colors provide organized space for your daily basics, EpiPens, emergency cards & antihistamines inside colorful interiors to make you smile. Live life completely and love what you carry! www.Epi-Essentials.com

6

7 No Nuts Golden Peabutter: The Best Thing on Sliced Bread The best tasting alternative to peanut butter! NoNuts Golden Peabutter is completely GLUTEN, NUT & PEANUT FREE! It is also high in protein, an excellent and nutritious spread, and is ideal for school lunches (especially for schools restricting peanut and tree nut products). Produced in a totally NUT FREE facility!

• Gluten free • Cholesterol Free • Low in Saturated Fats • Trans Fat Free • No Salt Added • A source of Omega 3 • Kosher • Excellent Shelf Life www.peabutter.ca

5 Olli Lolli Allergy Apparel Remembering an epi auto-injector or asthma inhaler is a big responsibility – especially for a kid. Olli Lolli Allergy Apparel’s line of Olli Pocket™ windbreakers, hoodies and cargo pants are designed with built-in pockets to hold a child’s emergency allergy medication, ensuring it is there when they need it most. Visit www.OlliLolli.com today!

Wicked Audio: Evac Sleek headphones deliver impressive sound quality and distinguishing aesthetic appeal • Lustrous and comfortable headphones are designed with canvas material headband, soft ear cushions, and chic appearance • Equipped with enhanced bass, noise-isolation feature, and high fidelity sound, delivering top-notch quality • Braided cord, with built-in volume control, offers convenient and flexible operation • Collapsible design makes simple to tote around on-the-go • Available in 3 trendy colour combinations: Black/White, Green/ Black and White/Black Price: $49.99 www.wickedheadphones.com

8

9

ShaveTech The newly launched ShaveTech is the new standard in shaving and is the only power source USB shaver on the market. Its sleek, non-electric charging design renders it easily portable for lightweight traveling. Available in both black and white colour options, ShaveTech is a must-have travel accessory for today’s tech-savvy person who is always on the move.

MSRP $39.99 at www.shavetech.com

Monkey Toast More fruit than cracker! With fruit as the main ingredient, Monkey Toast is flavour-packed and a healthy choice for big and little monkeys everywhere. Monkey Toast is made in a nut-free facility, ensuring that it is safe for all people with nut allergies. Four fun flavours, including one vegan option, Monkey Toast is a great addition to your pantry! Munch on, monkeys, munch on... Made in Horseshoe Bay, BC. www.monkeytoast.ca, @Monkey_Toast or 604-626-2779.

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VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

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Is the Hottest New Anti-aging Product Worth the Expense?

By Murray McMahon

T

he hottest new anti-aging product on the market today, TA 65 is the also the most expensive. For the price, one should expect miracles from this nutraceutical. But while the company does not claim miracles as a medicinal benefit of TA 65, their customers think it is pretty miraculous.

TA 65 is the only commercially available telomerase activator that actually lengthens the telomeres in your DNA. Why does this matter? When your cells divide, the telomeres (which are the ends of the DNA strand, like the hard ends on your shoe laces) shorten. In 1984, three scientists discovered that an enzyme they named telomerase could regrow the telomeres. Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Slozak were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2009 for that discovery.

Since then, science has determined that as the cell divides, telomeres shorten and impart less knowledge to the new cell from the old one. This is the process of aging: your skin wrinkles, your immune system weakens, you lose bone density, your brain shrinks and you have a greater chance of getting cancer and heart disease. The list goes on.

Developed by the Geron Corporation from the Chinese herb Astragulus, TA 65 was studied for five years and released to the public in 2007. TA 65 can help prevent the effects of aging. Better than that, TA 65 has been proven in double-blind studies to actually lengthen telomeres and rejuvenate aging cells. It’s like turning back the clock.

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VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

Preventing Age-Related Disease

Age-related diseases begin at about age 25 but don’t manifest themselves until about age 40.

Most of us experience some age-related health problems after that age, and some even before. These problems might include: arthritis, cancer, heart and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stomach and bowel disorders, erectile dysfunction, bone loss, failing eyesight, liver and kidney malfunctions, wrinkly skin... the list goes on. These conditions are for the most part linked to the aging of the body.

Allopathic, conventional, medical doctors treat these diseases with an array of prescription drugs, surgery and radiation. Naturopaths, homeopaths and other natural health practitioners use vitamins, herbs, special supplements, massage and new age-related modalities to help control and bring relief to the human body. But the clock keeps ticking.

And our cells continue to make their inevitable way to the day when they can’t divide anymore. And then they, and we, die.

The Fountain of Youth

Dr. Gifford Jones, in his April 2012 Toronto Sun column, wrote that TA 65 showed improvements in the immune system, blood cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, bone density, blood pressure, cognitive behavior and verbal memory. Patients reported improved energy, muscle and joint flexibility, increased sexual function, stabilized body weight, and a reversal of the decline in vision caused by aging.

Suzanne Somers’s latest book, Bombshell, devotes one complete chapter to the benefits of TA 65. She positively reviews the science and interviews a doctor who prescribes TA 65.

She also interviews Noel Patton, President of TA Sciences, the company that makes TA 65 under patent licence from Geron Corporation.

So is this “miracle” worth $600 for 90 capsules? Thousands of repeat customers worldwide think it is. The cost is approximately $7 to $20 per day, depending on dosage. For most people, one capsule a day is all that is needed.

Compare that to a cigarette habit of at least $10 per day or a daily donut and coffee, which are guaranteed to shorten your life! TA 65 is now available in Canada from qualified doctors, anti-aging and natural health clinics and fine health food stores.

For more information on the science behind TA 65 and for purchasing information, go to www.corenatural.ca or call 289-217-3004.

Murray McMahon is a veteran in the health food industry. In 1993 he founded Good Health Mart in Woodbridge Ontario, and with the help of his wife and staff have grown the chain to 15 successful stores in Ontario. Mr. McMahon’s commitment to the knowledge that vitamins, herbs, their extracts, essential food supplements and homeopathic medicines are necessary for everyday health led him to the discovery of telomere science and TA Sciences, the manufacturer of TA-65. His goal is to help eradicate illness naturally, and he is convinced that TA-65 is the next progression in the natural health field.

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Nobel Prize-winning technology targets “telomeres” to help prevent DNA damage and rejuvenate aging immune systems!

Despite its high cost of $7 to $20/day, Canadians are buying TA 65 from health food stores, clinics and doctors to: • Restore your aging immune system • Increase your bone density: new study shows 3.7% increase • Improve your various biomarkers that usually decline with age (especially after age 40), such as eyesight, lung capacity, skin elasticity, sleep disorders, sexual problems, depression, osteoporosis, etc. “…after 9 months of taking TA-65, I’m very pleased…Not one bad day and incredible feeling of well being. …Darker and thicker hair, smoother and younger looking skin. I just feel younger and more energetic. I’m passing for 55 or below.” Bob W. 69, Seattle Washington

How it Works Telomeres are DNA strands at the end of chromosomes that shorten with age. Once they are too short, the cell stops functioning or dies. Scientific studies show that short telomeres are associated with age-related decline and dysfunction.

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EFAs: Dietary Fats with Integrity

By Marva Ward CNP

E

ssential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, lecithin and other healthy fats play key roles in the optimal functioning of the human body. Consuming and supplementing with these fats can contribute to the prevention of illness and recovery from disease.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fats that the body must have, but cannot produce. They are “essential” because they must be obtained through the diet. Omega 3 fatty acids consist of the parent, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and its byproducts eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega 6 fatty acids consist of the parent linolenic acid (LA) and its byproducts gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

The function of EFAs is to regulate cell processes such as communication within the cell, cell signalling, gene expression and activation, trace mineral movement through the cells and oxidation of fats, just to name a few.

EFAs also help to maintain cell membrane integrity, and produce hormones that regulate inflammation, blood clotting and blood vessel dilation.

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VISTA MAGAZINE ISSUE 84

Sources of Omega 3

The richest sources of omega 3s are seed oils (for example, flax and chia seed oils supply ALA) and marine oils (fish, seal, krill and algae supply EPA and DHA). Often, marine oils are recommended as the optimal sources of omega 3, as EPA and DHA are more efficiently used by our bodies.

ALA must be converted to the longer chain omega 3s, DHA or EPA, as the first step in the metabolism of fatty acids. This reaction requires the D-6-D enzyme. This conversion process is believed to be less than 10 percent efficient in the average human body. The D-6-D enzyme is also used to convert the essential omega LA to GLA in the omega 6 family. D-6-D also has a greater affinity for ALA than LA, so a diet that is too dependent on foods providing omega 3 from ALA versus EPA and DHA could compromise the conversion of omega 6 fatty acids. If LA cannot be converted to GLA, the results are often seen in the overproduction of the inflammatory hormone prostaglandin 2 (PGE2).

Vegetarians who are concerned about excess consumption of ALA and the possible

overproduction of PGE2 can choose to supplement with additional borage oil or black current oil, which are rich sources of GLA that do not require conversion from LA by the D-6-D enzyme. Vegetarians can also choose to supplement with algal oil as it already provides Omega 3 in the desired form (EPA and DHA).

Sources of Omega 6 and GLA

Sources rich in omega 6 in the form of linolenic acid include sunflower oil, safflower oil, pumpkin seed oil and most vegetable oils. Rich sources of GLA include borage oil, evening primrose oil and black current oil. These are widely available in effective supplement form.

The Joy of Lecithin

Lecithin is a phospholipid and is often referred to as a “water loving fat.” Its structure allows for absorption deep into the cells, a luxury rarely granted to a fat molecule. It is a nutrient that can help to improve digestion (since it’s an important component in bile) and brain function. Lecithin supplies choline to the body and is a precursor to the neurotransmitter

acetylcholine, which is required for brain and nerve function. In the liver, choline helps in the utilization of fats. It is an emulsifier of fats and is often referred to as the edible detergent, as it breaks downs fats into smaller droplets. It keeps cholesterol isolated from the arterial walls, protects it from oxidation and helps to prevent and dissolve gall and kidney stones with its emulsification action.

Lecithin is made in the body, provided that there is a sufficient supply of EFAs, choline and phosphate in the diet. Supplementation is often the solution when adequate amounts are not present in the body. High cholesterol, gallstones, fatty liver and brain fog are some of the conditions that may improve after supplementing with this unique nutrient.

Also included in the “healthy fat” category are unique options such as macadamia nut oil, rich in flavour and omega 3, 6 and 9. This oil is one of the “go to” fats for frying due to its high smoking point of 410° F(210° C). Rice bran oil, newly popularized by the media, also has a high smoking point while being rich in vitamin E and phytosterols. Fats that burn fat include co-

conut oil, MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil and GLA (gamma linolenic acid).

The desire to add nutritional oils or other healthy fats to the diet can often be confusing, but may be simplified by visiting your local health food store. They are often equipped with an extensive line of quality products while employing qualified individuals who can guide you in the right direction, specific to your dietary needs.

Marva Ward, CNP, is a registered nutritionist.

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Healthy Equals Happy Holidays Digestion 101 The Truth About “Health Food” Vitamin C to the Rescue Mood Health: Beating the Winter “Blahs”

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