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Health Acti n T h e

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Health Action Fall 2014

The Health-Washed Line Between Foods and Natural Health Product Labels

Published quarterly by Health Action Network Society Director of Operations Michael Volker

As consumers, we read, we consider, we buy. But what happens when the labels that guide us are not as meaningful as we believe? As lawyer Geneviève Eliany points out, there is an increasing blur between foods and natural health products that’s caused by large-scale marketing and branding initiatives, called “health-washing” or “nutriwashing.”

Executive Director Lorna Hancock

Managing Editor Michelle Hancock Assistant Editor/Proofreader Julie Cheng

Fish Oils and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Whether you’re an omega-3 believer or are merely curious about their health benefits, this concise guide and research summary by Dr. Jason Marr will rightfully hook you into considering fish oils as part of your supplementation regimen.

Portrait of an Artist Canadian artist Jeff Molloy has a story to tell of his journey through a diagnosis of a rare and usually fatal form of cancer to the beauty of recovery. Here, he shares what he has discovered about life and health with writer Alexis Costello.

A Passionate Plea for the Honeybee Colony collapse disorder was once considered a mystery—but that mystery is now being unfurled. Find out which factors are hurting our common pollinators and how you can help protect them. EMF expert Milt Bowling reports in.

Alkalizing Your Diet—Deliciously Maybe you’ve heard about the disease-fighting properties of an alkaline diet but aren’t sure where to start. You won’t want to miss these tips and tasty recipes by holistic nutritionist Eden Elizabeth. Bon appétit!

Also in this issue Why Fast Food Is Undermining Our Sustainability...............................................................................14 The Toxicity of Sugar....................................................................16 Healthier Halloween Options............................................18 HANS Member News................................................................. 20 Glucose—A Major Cause of Skin Damage.......................................................................................................... 24 Three Ways to Prevent and Treat Dementia and Alzheimer’s..................................................... 30 A Story of Hope................................................................................. 34 Botanical Medicines, Cancer and the Immune System............................................................ 35 Bust the Binging................................................................................... 42

Pregnancy Loss and the Thyroid

Connection............................................................................................... 50 Chinese Medicine for Autoimmune

Disorders..................................................................................................... 52 Chiropractic Care for Multiple

Sclerosis......................................................................................................... 54 Why Do We Worry?.................................................................... 56 Overcoming Hurt............................................................................. 58 Heel Homeopathics—

Sad to See You Go........................................................................... 58

Layout & Design Annette Spreeuw Contributors Karen Bowers, Milt Bowling, Sabrina Chen-See, Alexis Costello, Shamim de Groot, Nicole Duelli, Geneviève Eliany, Eden Elizabeth, Ron Gale, Jim Harding, Marie Lamey, Trish Lim-O’Donnell, Jason Marr, Bobby Parmar, Jane Shaak, Chris Shirley, John Stan, Shelly Ugyan, Lorna Vanderhaeghe, Chun-Kai Wang, William Ware, Kemila Zsange Submissions: editorial@hans.org Letters to the editor and requests for article references may be sent to editorial@hans.org. HANS reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. Health Action Network Society 214-5589 Byrne Rd., Burnaby, BC V5J 3J1 T: (604) 435-0512 F: (604) 435-1561 www.hans.org | hans@hans.org publication mail agreement #40050050 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 330-123 Main St., Toronto, ON M5W 1A1 circdept@publisher.com Health Action magazine is a free publication to its membership. The opinions expressed within are those of the writer and not necessarily those of HANS. Those with health concerns should contact their health-care provider. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia

Soothing Back-to-School Anxiety................................ 59

Confessions of a Fitness Nut.............................................. 43

Healthy Marketplace..................................................................... 61

BC Fluoride Free Update........................................................ 44

HANS Wellness Directory................................................... 62 www.hans.org | Health Action

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On the GM Apple Campaign Trail

by Lorna Hancock

ith fall on our doorstep and apples being harvested in our precious fruit-growing regions, it’s a perfect time to update you on an issue that’s close to my heart, being a farmer’s daughter: keeping our apple supply GMfree. As you may have read in our summer issue of Health Action in the article “Putting the Freeze on the GM Apple,” our organization has been leading a campaign where we have been approaching the retail stores in B.C. and asking them to not carry the genetically modified (GM) apple. This GM apple (called the Arctic Apple) was genetically engineered by Okanagan Specialty Fruits in Summerland. The company has inserted modified apple DNA and genetic sequences from two bacteria and one virus. When the apple is cut and exposed to oxygen, it will not brown for 15 to 18 days. There have not been any animal studies done on the consumption of this apple. The company has

also stated that once the apple is approved by Health Canada, they will use the same genetic engineering to other apple varieties and other fruits. A poll commissioned in 2012 by the BC Fruit Growers’ Association showed that 69 percent of Canadians don’t want this apple. We have asked B.C. retailers to sign a letter stating that, if the apple is approved, they do not plan on purchasing this apple and carrying it in their stores. So far, in our campaign, we have had almost 50 stores and chains of stores sign the agreement letter and we applaud them for that. We are still contacting stores that have not signed this letter and will continue to do so. We’d like to thank all our members and other concerned citizens who have been dropping by their local stores and talking to the managers about their concern about the GM apple. It has been this support that has really helped us in this campaign. Working with aligned groups Canadian Biotechnology Action Network and GE Free BC, we will continue to expand the campaign to our neighbouring province and beyond. Time is of the essence. This apple is undergoing a review with Health Canada, so we are asking you to write or visit your MP and continue to drop into the stores expressing your concern to the managers if they have not yet signed this

agreement. The stores that have already signed as of the end of July are listed below. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue of Health Action! We’ve tried to bring you a diversity of articles on subjects relevant to today’s Canadian natural health consumer and advocate. And if you do enjoy our magazine, please consider giving us a call at (604) 4350512 and joining as a member,

renewing your membership or making a donation. Just $35 a year includes a magazine subscription and supports our non-profit work. We wouldn’t be here without your support, which means so very much.

Let’s connect! facebook.com/HansHealthAction twitter.com/joinHANS

These stores have signed the anti-GM apple agreement n 108 Mile Supermarket, 108 Mile Ranch n 49th Parallel Grocery, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Cedar and Duncan n Ave Maria Specialties, Prince George n Choices Markets, Delta (head office) and 6 locations n East End Food Co-op, Vancouver n Edible Island Whole Foods Market, Courtenay n Ellison’s Market & Café, Nelson n Eternal Abundance, Vancouver n Famous Foods, Vancouver n Fruit World, Sicamous n Greens Organic & Natural Market, Vancouver n Heaven on Earth Natural Foods, Qualicum Beach n Hippie Foods, Burnaby n Jim M Koo Produce, Vancouver n Kootenay Co-op, Nelson n Lifestyle Markets, 2 locations in Victoria and 1 in Sidney n Nature’s Fare, Langley and 6 locations

n Olives Community Market, Whistler n Pomme Natural Market, Port Coquitlam Rock Creek General Store, Rock n Creek n Sprout Organic Market, North Vancouver n Sunny Side Natural Market, Calgary n Sweet Cherubim, Vancouver n The Biggest Little Fruit Stand, Castlegar n The Community Farm Store, Duncan n The Market on Millstream, Victoria n Valley Natural Health Products, Langley

Distributors: n FreshPoint, Nanaimo and 3 locations in Vancouver, plus Vaughan, ON and 27 locations in the U.S. n Left Coast Naturals, Burnaby

www.hans.org | Health Action

The Health-Washed Line Between Foods and Natural Health Products by Geneviève Eliany

ealth Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) describes its role as ensuring ready access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality while respecting freedom of choice and philosophical and cultural diversity. Initially, products like cereals and energy drinks were granted natural product numbers (NPN) by the NHPD but they are now being transitioned to the “food” category in an attempt to reduce confusion among consumers. Health Canada writes: “[t]he end goal of this transition process is to ensure that products that look like foods and are consumed as foods are regulated as foods. In doing so, Canadians will be able to make more informed choices due to consistent nutrition information and labelling requirements.” Despite Health Canada’s efforts to clarify product categories, there is an increasing blur between foods and natural health products caused by largescale marketing and branding initiatives. This is often referred to by critics as “health-washing” or “nutriwashing.” For example, both original Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios carry a large green banner across that box that reads “Oat fibre helps lower cholesterol.” On the other hand, a natural product like Renew Life’s FibreTastic! claims only “Source of

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Fibres for the Maintenance of Good Health.” In examining both claims, we see that a food product with a relatively small amount of oat fibre can make a very specific, enticing and artistically appealing claim on its box while the therapeutic fibre supplement is permitted to make only a general, meaningless claim. The general nature of natural health product (NHP) claims is consistent and evident with a glance at labels. Vitamin C claims are perhaps the most surprising given its strong association with immunity. Few people would reach for vitamin C for wound healing!

Spotlight on claims NOW Foods C-Complex: Factors for the maintenance of good health and for normal development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth, gums and a factor in wound healing.

AOR Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a factor in the normal development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Jamieson Vitamin C: A factor in the maintenance of good health. As part of its broad marketing strategies, Kraft Canada includes an artistic green “Sensible Solutions” banner with nutritional highlights on its packaging. In a similar fashion, PepsiCo brands its products with a green “Smart Choices Made Easy” checkmark badge. Both are used to manipulate consumers into believing they are making wise nutritional choices. However, the mere presence of whole grains, or the addition of fibre and synthetic vitamins, does not make a product healthy or a wise choice in support of health and well-being. The health-washing marketing trend and the increasing

number of claims on highly refined and processed foods devalue the informative aspects of the NPN regime. The current regulatory system requires the use of vague pre-approved stock claims, only accentuating the confusion for consumers to make informed choices in the marketplace. The legal definitions are of little help in differentiating products. Under the Food and Drugs Act, “food” is defined as “any article manufactured, sold or represented for use as a food or drink for human beings, including chewing gum, and any ingredients that may be mixed with food for any purpose whatever.” “Natural health product” means a substance set out in Schedule 1 of the Natural Health Product Regulations (NHPR) or a combination of substances in which all the medicinal ingredients are substances set out in Schedule 1, a homeopathic medicine or a traditional medicine, that is manufactured, sold or represented for use in: n the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease, disorder or abnormal physical state or its symptoms in humans; n restoring or correcting organic functions in humans; or n modifying organic functions in humans, such as modifying those functions in a manner that maintains or promotes health. The example of the Cheerios cereal product and its choles-

terol claim could fit the natural health product definition if it were considered a substance in accordance to Schedule 1 of the NHPR. To reconcile the similarities between natural health products and foods, Health Canada takes into account the product’s composition, representation, format, and its public perception and history of use. The Food and Drug Regulations outline permitted nutritional additives for foods, and a therapeutic claim beyond the regulatory scope should make the food an NHP —but did not for Cheerios.

Unfair advantage for some This current regulatory system is very confusing and has unfair advantages for some manufacturers who benefit

from health-washed marketing. A therapeutic fibre supplement or any other NHP should not be more limited in its claims than a processed food. NHP manufacturers are at a growing disadvantage vis-à-vis mass health-washing schemes. Consumers are deceived because general claims and health-focused marketing by multinational corporations amount to misinformation without meaningful guidance. This is a curious trend since NHP licensing should allow for specific claims.

Levelling the playing field The regulatory answer is a difficult one. Claims and health-washing could be banned entirely, more heavily continued on page

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Health-Washed Line continued from page 11 regulated, presented with a government disclaimer, or all manufacturers could be granted carte blanche. Each solution has its proponents but for NHP manufacturers wishing to rid themselves of the NHPD’s shackles on health claims, the most promising option for the Canadian regulatory landscape may rely on freedom of expression. American courts have held that a truthful product claim is permissible if supported by scientific evidence. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cannot ban health claims simply because the current scientific literature is inconclusive. Instead it may require a disclaimer be added to the label.

Health Action | www.hans.org

The series of decisions, available with highlights at www.emord.com/significantlegal-cases.html, is significant because nutritional science is problematic. Studies vary and scientific consensus may be elusive. Without patents, the cost of long-term research and clinical trials is often unaffordable for most companies. On the other hand, history has shown that seeds of valid research and outlier holistic opinions, previously denied for decades, gain mainstream acceptance over time. We are seeing this currently with microbiome research and the recognition of probiotics, and an acknowledgment of the role inflammation, not fats, plays in heart disease. Canadians will be in a better position to make informed decisions about their health, NHPs

and the foods they choose if meaningful health claims are permitted. While my bias is for a legislated presumption of safety as proposed by the Natural Health Products Protection Association’s (NHPPA’s) Charter of Health Freedom, the bureaucratic infrastructure for regulatory oversight already exists. The NHPD could either approve the claim or require a disclaimer under the NHP licensing process. Consumers would have NHP claims to ponder and investigate to make their own informed choices instead of wading through a sea of meaningless generalities and corporate health-washing of food products. In the meantime, think of each purchase as a vote of support for the products you wish to see in the marketplace. I suggest you read ingredient

lists carefully and consider that splashy nutritional banners on food packaging are probably health-washing for corporate benefit. Use critical judgment and seek guidance from a natural health practitioner for indepth guidance on NHPs. Finally, to learn more about and take part in the NHPPA’s current campaign for greater access to NHPs and truthful product claims, visit www. nhppa.org. You will find information on both active campaigns and the Charter of Health Freedom. Geneviève Eliany is a lawyer specialized in food and drug matters, natural health product regulation at Buckley & Company. She practised homeopathy and nutrition for 10 years before shifting to law. You can reach her on Twitter @wholisticlawyer. www.buckleyandco.ca

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Why Fast Food Is Undermining Our Sustainability by Jim Harding

vidence-based medicine is establishing that the most serious illnesses facing us are related to unhealthy, fast food. This trend has not taken hold by accident; it is promoted. During an hour of TV, we can be bombarded by ads encouraging us to eat more fast food. Between these ads there may be a news item reporting that just such “foods” are contributing to an epidemic in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. In the next hour, we may again be bombarded by more TV ads appealing to our conditioned desire for sugar, fat and salt. Then another news item may come on about how the escalating costs of health care are eating into the tax base required to overcome our growing infrastructure deficit. These messages often get treated separately; the overarching contradiction is not grasped. This, too, says something about our attentive-deficit, consumeroriented “information age.” This is partly ideological, since neo-liberalism has perpetrated the silly view that freedom means the right to make money on anything you can sell, regardless of the consequences. As long as you can protect yourself from liability and you have the wherewithal, you are presumably free to carry on. Corporations and libertarians alike promote the right to advertise unhealthy “food” substances as being a form of “free

Health Action | www.hans.org

speech.” The social control system has more concern for those who push illicit drugs than for those who traffic in unhealthy, fast food. And, once you see through the moralistic spin, which do you think does the most harm? Illicit drug overdoses are a serious problem but nowhere

The social control system has more concern for those who push illicit drugs than for those who traffic in unhealthy, fast food. near the magnitude of obesity, diabetes or heart disease. Our social priorities are displaced. To uphold human rights we place limits on the promotion of “hate.” Yet we shy away from placing limits on fast foods that increase collective morbidity.

Something is wrong and a rebalancing of the relationship between governance and commerce is urgently required. This is in the public interest in terms of both human health and fiscal responsibility.

World Health Organization on sugar This is easier said than done. Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a strong warning that sugar should contribute only five percent of our daily caloric intake. This would amount to about six teaspoons of sugar per day. This would include glucose, fructose and sucrose though not the “intrinsic” sugars in natural foods like fruits and vegetables. The average consumption in Canada is presently three times this, about 18 teaspoons. And some people will be consuming far more than this. The excess consumption clearly contributes to illness, suffering and rising health-care costs.

Commercial interests say it should be the responsibility of the individual consumer to decide what their sugar intake is. In other words, we should be free to consume unhealthy levels of sugar. This is similar to how cigarette consumption was first approached; we should be free to develop lung cancer even though this is causing untold human suffering and driving up the costs of the health-care system. (One-third of all cancers are lung cancers and most are caused by smoking; the WHO then ranks radon gas from uranium decay as the second highest cause.) We’re finally seeing through the cigarette advertising scam, but we are still being collectively scammed by the fast food industry. How would you ensure informed consent with all the corn syrup and liquid sugar intentionally added into the mass food market? This view of “free will” flies in the face of growing medical knowledge. Some medical researchers even consider sugar to be an addictive substance, which makes selfregulation even more difficult. Labelling helps but this also adds to the overstimulation of our “information age,” and on its own it won’t avert the coming epidemic in diseases. Anyway, we don’t have any guidelines about sugar use in Canada. And how would you even keep your sugar intake to WHO’s recommended six teaspoons a day without fully withdrawing continued on page

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The Toxicity of Sugar Why is sugar so bad for us? by Alexis Costello

he idea that sugar is not good for you is not news for most people. Ask someone why sugar isn’t good for them, though, and it becomes a little less certain. Once we get beyond the pop and candy that we often consume sugar in, is there anything intrinsically toxic about sugar? When my family was trekking through Costa Rica a few years ago, we saw village kids chewing on what looked like big fibrous stalks. They told me it was sugar cane. When we tried it, I was surprised that it wasn’t sickly sweet; as you chew the tough, stringy stalk, the tasty juice gets extracted, producing a sweetness much more mellow than a candy would be. In the same way that much of the nutritional value and all the fibre of an apple is lost when it is processed into juice, so the fibre and nutrients that help keep sugar cane a little more balanced are lost in factories. Even if you are eating cane sugar, you are still consuming a highly processed food that would be very difficult to eat too much of in its natural form.

How it all breaks down Let’s move past the empty calories leading to malnutrition, past weight gain, past type 2 diabetes. Let’s talk about how your body actually processes sugars and what that means for you.

Health Action | www.hans.org

Your digestive system breaks sugars down into glucose and fructose. Your cells need glucose to function and your body will pull glucose from pretty much anything you

eat. We tend to think of fruit when we hear the word “fructose,” but in actuality most of the fructose in our diets comes in the form of table sugar (basically half-and-half glucose/

Obesity in Canada

n Canada, one in four adults and one in 10 children are obese—that’s six million Canadians. Obesity is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer, impacting not only those who are obese but also their families, employers, health practitioners and governments. Direct health-care costs related to obesity represent $6 billion—or 4.1 percent of Canada’s total health-care budget, according to a 2010 report. This estimate does not account for losses in productivity and tax revenues.

fructose) and high-fructose corn syrup in soft drinks and prepared foods (roughly 55 and 45 percent respectively). Unless you just finished a good workout, your liver tends to turn fructose into fat and then store it. Some of this fat gets sent out into the bloodstream as VLDL cholesterol (also known as the very bad kind) and some stays in the liver. This can lead to fatty liver disease, a collection of symptoms that used to only be seen in alcoholics but is now occurring due to metabolic syndrome. Just as type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset

Source: Canadian Obesity Network continued on page

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Healthier Halloween Options Send kids home with a more wholesome haul they’ll still enjoy by Shamim de Groot

ow more than ever, adults are seeking out healthier options for those treat seekers at home and on their doorsteps when Halloween rolls around. This festive day is a good time to make conscious decisions about what we are ingesting as well as giving to others. Let’s take a look at common undesirable ingredients in sweet and snacky foods. In addition to sugar, which is discussed on pages 16 and 24, these undesirables include high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial colouring agents, hydrogenated oils and refined flours.

High-fructose corn syrup Also known as fructose and corn sugar, HFCS is an additive made chemically in labs. It’s added to all kinds of foods because it is inexpensive.

The major concerns with its consumption are liver issues, diabetes, weight gain and mood swings. Corn products may also come from genetically modified corn. Healthier sugar options are fruit, stevia, raw honey, maple syrup, unrefined cane sugar like Sucanat, coconut sugar and molasses. Even natural sweeteners should be limited in our diet, though.

Artificial colours Most artificial colouring agents are synthetic, toxic substitutes to natural colouring. They’re often derived from petroleum and coal tar products. Health concerns related to artificial colourants include allergic reactions, toxicity from liver stress to metabolize these chemicals and behavioural problems in children. Healthier natural colouring agents include carotene, beet

red, saffron, turmeric, grapes, vegetable and fruit juices.

Hydrogenated oils They are definitely a big nono. Their biochemical structure is changed by treating polyunsaturated fats with hydrogen and making them saturated. Hydrogenated oils increase the risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Healthier options for oils are coconut oil, avocado oil, grassfed butter and olive oil.

Refined flour Refined flour is a processed food that is low in nutrients but full of calories, causing altered insulin production and obesity. I would like to share this healthy and delicious flour blend that I use in place of white flour. For those who are not gluten intolerant, you can also include spelt.

Pump Up with Pumpkin

he ultimate festive vegetable for fall, the humble pumpkin is a storehouse of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E. It is also rich in dietary fibre and B vitamins. Pumpkin seeds promote prostate health for men and joint health. An important protein source, pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc, magnesium, manganese, energy-promoting iron and phosphorous and sleep-promoting tryptophan. So don’t throw away these powerhouse seeds after carving Halloween pumpkins. Wonderful treats can be made at home with pumpkin and its seeds. Using healthier sugar and flour substitutes will make these dishes nutritious and satisfying.

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1 1/2 cups brown rice flour 1 1/2 cups potato starch or 1 cup tapioca starch/flour 1 cup buckwheat flour 1 cup coconut flour Whisk together thoroughly and store tightly covered in a dark, dry place.

Naturally sweet treats The good news is we can still enjoy Halloween with our families. For our treat seekers, here are better options: n Surf Sweets has seven varieties of organic and natural candies, gummy bears, worms and jelly beans. The candies are gluten-free, casein-free and contain none of the common allergens. n Yummy Earth products are 100 percent organic, GMOfree and contain real fruit extract. n Let’s Do Organic makes fruit bear gummies in different flavours. n Unreal Candy makes all-natural candy bars. Other options are honey sticks, fruit-based options (with no added sugars) and singleserve nut or raisin packets. Wishing everyone a healthy and safe Halloween! Shamim de Groot is a certified nutritional practitioner and a Health Action Network Society staff member. She wants to empower others to take control of their lives through the foods they eat. Food is the most controllable thing we put into our bodies, but it can also be detrimental to health.

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HANS Member News Address Birth Trauma and Family Patterning Renee Mowshowitz, RCST, recently completed a pre- and perinatal psychology foundation training with Myrna Martin, MN, RCC, RCST. This powerful work somatically resolves birth trauma as well as family patterning. These early traumas are recapitulated throughout our lives. Working directly with the original issue allows clients to get right to the root of their held pattern, bringing it to a place where it can be acknowledged and let go. www. lumennatura.com Homeopathy for Autistic Expression Disorder Marie Lamey of Trinity Homeopathy Clinic is now a certified CEASE therapist. CEASE stands for complete elimination of autistic expression disorder. It is a method of stimulating detoxification of specific toxins in the body using homeopathic remedies, while at the same time supporting the physical body with supplementation and classical homeopathy. This systemic detoxification program is for people with conditions such as autism and autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, hyperactivity and much more. www.trinityhomeopathyclinic.com | trinityhomeopathy@ gmail.com | www.shatfordcentre.com Embrace Continence Solutions Joins VitalSynergy Mind Fitness Our central nervous system regulates all other body systems, and wave lengths are the language of our neurons. Over the

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years, these wave lengths create patterns that can interfere with optimal brain function. Restorative neurofeedback can harmonize and tune up our brains for best clarity, focus, memory, decision taking, creativity or improved mood. When combined with strategies for improved continence, one enjoys decreased roadblocks, maximized results and ultimately a better quality of life. Locations: n Wednesday and Friday: VitalSynergy, 224 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, B.C. n Saturday: BodaHealth, 1245 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. n Mobile services: limited appointments available for initial, free neurofeedback sessions. (604) 327-7056 North Vancouver Clinic Announcement Brian Davies, BSc, ND, from Westcoast Integrative Health is excited to announce that he has joined Peter Lee, BPharm, and Jolene Kennett, BSc, ND, of Caremed Integrative Health, in a new collaborative, integrative natural health clinic at Unit 102 – 88 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C. Peter Lee, who has over 20 years of pharmacy experience, started Balanced Health Integrative Pharmacy, a fullservice pharmacy that includes compounding. Dr. Kennett is an eight-year, veteran naturopathic doctor with a special focus on women’s health. Their goal in this new space is to provide the most comprehensive and supportive healing environ-

ment for clients. www.west coastintegrativehealth.com | (778) 340-1114 New Booklet: Peak Performance Experiences Ron and Maggie Gale of Healthy Business Consulting Ltd. announce the publication of their new booklet Peak Performance Experiences. These fitness and sports success stories reveal what semi-professional, university athletes and exprofession-al sports players are saying about their results. The first 50 HANS members who contact the Gales will receive a free copy. info@healthybusiness.ca | (778) 294-0611 Kwikfit4u Canada Partners with BodyStrongDNA Kwikfit4u Canada Whole Body Vibration Equipment has now partnered with BodyStrongDNA testing, which is cutting edge for management of health, wellness and fitness. DNA testing will determine how your body will respond to overall health, fitness, supplements, disease, diet, detoxification, metabolization, mutations and more. Recommendations offered for optimal well-being according to testing results. Kwikfit4u is also offering sale pricing now and free delivery. www.bodystrongdna.com | www.kwikfit4u . com | Tollfree 1 (877) 348-5945 Welcome to The Wholistic Mystic Kimberly Easterbrook has been a Health Action magazine contributor since 2007. She will

now be writing under her birth name Kim Louise Easterbrook. This has called for a whole company makeover and Kim has rebranded herself with the nickname she has been called for years, “The Wholistic Mystic.” She combines numerology with business feng shui and holisitic living education. www. kimlouiseeasterbrook.com Pacific Rim College’s Doula Training Program Now in Vancouver Pacific Rim College’s noteworthy Holistic Doula Certificate program, the most comprehensive in North America, is now being offered in both Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. This 270-hour program provides education that bridges western medicine with holistic therapies that include nutrition, herbalism, homeopathy, acupressure and yoga therapy. By gaining education in a variety of disciplines, graduates are changing the standards of what it currently means to be a doula in North America. The new Vancouver program begins this September at UBC Robson Square. www. pacificrimcollege.ca | Tollfree: 1 (866) 890-6082 Age-fighting Cherrybased Skin Treatment New Visage Advanced Skin Care and Anti-Aging Ltd. is offering a new service. The Cherry Glycation End Treatment targets, repairs and combats persistent wrinkles that are formed by sugar cross-linking in our skin. www.newvisage.ca | (604) 893-8872.

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Our Strength iS in numberS The Health Action Network Society (HANS) is a non-profit society incorporated under the British Columbia Company Act on July 25, 1984 and the publisher of this magazine. The Society believes in the human body’s own healing power, a power derived from man’s dynamic integration with the natural order. This natural healing power (or vis medicatrix naturae, as Hippocrates described it) is mediated through the body’s immune response system in ways which modern science is only beginning to understand. These innate curative mechanisms, if not interrupted by physical or psychological stressors, are

capable of maintaining a high level of personal and social well-being. As Paracelsus has said, “Nature cures; the doctor nurses.” As the society’s name implies, it has been created to “network” – to put people (individuals, public and private organizations) in touch with one another in the constant effort to maintain and enhance health. But it also seeks to stimulate this journey towards individual and collective well-being by encouraging and supporting research into factors related to “health” and the self-care and preventative health care strategies conducive to high-level wellness.

Please join us by calling toll-free 1-855-787-1891 or online at www.hans.org

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Glucose—A Major Cause of Skin Damage by Karen Bowers

here was a time when most of our diet was glucose-free and only contained simple complex sugars. But along with civilization came food processing and a rise in glucose intake. Within the past 50 years research has connected glucose as a major cause of damage to collagen in the skin. Sugar enters our skin through all forms of carbohydrates—sugary foods, starch, breads, grains and processed food. If the body has an abundance of carbohydrates prior to eating, the protein molecules at the cellular level crosslink with sugar molecules —a process called glycation— creating a different protein/ sugar molecule referred to as advanced glycation end (AGE) molecules. AGE molecules gravitate towards the skin’s collagen and elastin. This generates dense, fibrous collagen tissue—deep grooves of wrinkles that remain stiff and inflexible, especially after the sugar-protein molecules have cross-linked for years. AGE also affects surface-tissue circulation and compromises cell turnover, reducing the skin’s ability to quickly rehabilitate and creating a loss of face volume. We all develop AGE-related problems. Environmental factors such as diet and smoking influence the rate of AGE formation. Fortunately, glycation does not occur mainly

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in skin before the age of 35; however, after that it progresses rapidly.

Nutrition Supplements that help to prevent loss of tissue due to glycation include carnosine, carnitine, pyridoxamine (a derivative of B6), alpha lipoic acid and a fat-soluble derivative of thiamine 1 called benfotiamine. Research at several universities in Europe have

fruit juice. They found that the extracts of pomegranate called plincalagin and ellagic acid reduced glycation of the internal organs of mice by 98 percent and protected the skin from glycation modification by 90 percent when applied topically by gel. Other fruit juices consisting of concord grape, apple, cranberry and pineapple inhibited glycation by 20 percent. Clearly, this information suggests that natural-occurring fructose is

meat that is broiled at 400 for 15 minutes.

Skin care Studies suggest that cumulative damage to collagen may not be readily reversed. When dealing with glycated skin conditions, look for antiinflammatory ingredients such as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, lycopene from tomatoes, licorice root, horse chestnut, olive extract, green

Isn’t it interesting to discover that we may have the ability to prevent deep lines in our skin through diet?

shown that benfotiamine blocks destructive biochemical pathways, preventing AGE from damaging nerves, blood vessels and tissue. AGE molecules physically impair protein, DNA and lipids and trigger destructive events when they attach to their cellular binding site referred to as receptor for AGE (RAGE). Research has shown that cherries contain extracts of anthocyanins that prevent binding to DNA by 29 percent in the cell. The University of Georgia researched the effects of fructose-mediated glycation with commonly consumed

a great deal better than processed glucose. Research through diabetes confirms that a diet low in processed sugar has beneficial effects on skin’s wrinkling due to glycation. Dietary restriction significantly decreased the levels of glycation in rat and mice skin collagen. Isn’t it interesting to discover that we may have the ability to prevent deep lines in our skin through diet? Note that the temperature at which food is cooked is more important than the time it is cooked. When meat is broiled at 212 degrees for an hour it has fewer AGEs than

tea and oat beta glucan. Avoid heavy, grainy scrubs that may tear thinning skin. Hydrating creams and sun blocks will help to prevent further damage. There are facial treatments formulated to combat the effects of AGE, and you may wish to incorporate specific treatments to soften deep lines in conjunction with a glucosefree diet and topical AGE serums. Karen Bowers, the founder of New Visage Advanced Skin Care and Anti-Aging, has 35 years of international training in natural skin care. www.newvisage.ca | (604) 893-8872

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Fish Oils and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Everything you need to know by Jason Marr, BScH, ND

hile there may still be no “magic bullet” or “fountain of youth” in medicine, fish oils may be the closest thing. There is almost no reason not to ensure optimal intake of essential fatty acids and fish oils, and while you should always consult your licensed health-care practitioner before taking any nutraceutical or herbal supplement, almost everybody will benefit from fish oils.

Heart health There is more evidence-based research on fish oils than many drugs, particularly for heart health. Fish-oil supplementation has repeatedly shown benefits in both the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease (whether you are on

medications or not), including the reduction of heart attack, angina and stroke risks, and a striking 20 percent decrease in mortality rates (within five years). Fish oils may also increase HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and lower total cholesterol. All of these benefits come with zero side-effects in most people! Recently, fish oils have shown potential benefit in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus via increasing adiponectin, which is a hormone associated with lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Anti-aging and telomeres Scientists have discovered that our DNA strands can only be replicated a finite number of times before proteins that we call “telomeres” break down. Telomere length has been

For heart health: 1,000 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA in any ratio For brain and mood: 3,000 mg per day minimum of combined EPA and DHA in a ratio of at least 6:1 of EPA to DHA For inflammation and pain: 3,000 mg per day minimum of combined EPA and DHA in any ratio For anti-aging benefits: 2,000 mg per day minimum of combined EPA and DHA in any ratio Safety fact: Fish oils have not been shown to thin the blood or cause bleeding, despite theoretical concerns, even at very high doses. Taste tip: If you’re “burping up” a fishy taste, it’s probably not the fish oil—it’s you. Improving your digestive function will alleviate this annoying symptom!

Health Action | www.hans.org

shown to be associated with longevity. Fish oils are amongst the only known dietary factors that maintain, and may even extend, telomere length. Fountain of youth, indeed.

Brain and mood Fish oils may aid in the stabilization of mood, anxiety and depressive disorders. They should be considered essential adjuctive treatment in any mental/emotional state or disorder. Optimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood are associated with increased mental capacity, focus and concentration, and they help us cope with stress.

Anti-inflammation and pain Fish oils prevent the production of inflammatory chemicals (2-series prostaglandins) in the body and boost the production of anti-inflammatory chemicals (3-series prostaglandins). While their effect is not immediate, medium- to long-term regular consumption of fish oils in appropriate doses can effectively control and prevent many, if not all, inflammatory conditions including, but not limited to, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, allergies, asthma and eczema.

taking it for the benefits of two specific omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA). Look for a fish oil that has as close to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of EPA and DHA combined, for maximum effect from EPA and DHA from the least amount of fish oil. When comparing prices, determine how much you are paying per 1,000 mg EPA and DHA.

What ratio of EPA:DHA? Fish oils naturally provide EPA and DHA in a ratio of 3:2, but 2:1 and higher ratios are commonly found in the fish oils available to us. This ratio doesn’t matter, unless you’re taking fish oil for mental/ emotional symptoms or disorders. In these cases, take ratios of EPA:DHA of 6:1 or even higher, for the best results.

Omegas from plants? Flaxseed, hemp seed and algae can all provide us with omega-3 essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, the EPA and DHA content is very low in algae and is non-existent in other sources. Your body cannot convert these other forms of omega-3 to EPA and DHA very efficiently. They still have great health benefits; they’re just not as good as EPA and DHA.

Choosing a fish oil: EPA and DHA, not “fish oil”

What about krill?

It doesn’t matter how much “fish oil” you’re taking; you’re

Krill oil is substantially more expensive than fish oil, and

though it is a natural source of some great antioxidants and other healthy fats, it is very low in EPA and DHA. Is it better? Maybe, but it’s certainly not worth the money, and there’s no science to prove it yet.

Get pharmaceutical grade Fish oils, since they come from fish, are naturally high in toxins and heavy metals. Getting a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is important to ensure you are getting a pure, clean and high-quality product and that you’re not doing more

harm than good. Buying fish oil on the retail market is a gamble; you never really know what you’re putting in your body. Don’t be fooled by the marketing. Unless the company will show you a certificate of analysis for their product, there’s no way to prove safety or quality.

Capsules are better Capsules are manufactured in a nitrogen atmosphere and hermetically sealed, so they will not oxidize or go rancid. If you have difficulty swallowing gel caps, liquids may be the

better choice for you. Liquids may be easier to take, especially in large doses, but are more prone to oxidation. If you choose a liquid, choose the smallest bottle possible, never store without the lid on, refigerate and keep away from sunlight or heat.

Save the fish? Contrary to popular belief, fish oil is a very tiny market worldwide, and fish are not caught for the purpose of the oil anyways. Choosing fish-oil sources that are from small fish (like anchovies and

sardines) ensures that choosing to take a fish-oil supplement has negligible effect on the environment and is not a sustainability issue at all. Jason Marr, BScH, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician and director of the multidisciplinary clinic Evoke Integrative Medicine in downtown Vancouver, B.C. His practice focuses on corporate wellness workshops and seminars, brain medicine and cognitive performance, fatigue, anxiety and stress management, and digestive issues, using cost-effective, functional and evidence-based medicine approaches. www.evokemedicine.com

In Defence of Fish Oil Research by the Canadian Health Food Association

recently published article authored by Dr. George Fodor and colleagues calls into question methods from a 40-year-old study on the impact of fish consumption on cardiovascular disease risk. Recent highquality scientific articles clearly characterize Dr. Fodor’s commentary as irrelevant for several reasons. Since the 1970s when research began in the field of the health benefits of fish oil, a staggering body of thousands of research articles has emerged to support the health-protective effects of dietary fish consumption and high-dose

fish-oil supplementation. A 2013 meta-analysis, the gold-standard method for examining a treatment effect, found that consuming high-dose omega-3s from fish oil was beneficial for a host of cardiac outcomes, including reducing cardiac death and sudden heart attacks by up to 33 percent in people with a history of cardiovascular disease. These findings support the benefits that thousands of Canadians receive from these safe and effective natural health products. All natural health products (NHPs) authorized for sale in Canada (including

fish oil) must provide evidence supporting their health claims. When the proper dosage is taken, NHPs can provide significant health benefits and pose minimal risk. It is misleading and potentially harmful to suggest that one study conducted almost 40 years ago would discredit the huge body of evidence available today in support of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. NHPs improve the quality of the lives of Canadians when consumed as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle and when taken as recommended, are both safe and effective. CHFA Statement, May 14, 2014

www.hans.org | Health Action

Three Ways to Prevent and Treat Dementia and Alzheimer’s by Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS

n Canada, more than 15 percent of those living with Alzheimer’s are under the age of 65, so no longer do we 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 ... 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.”

Super brain nutrients One of the most promising areas of research in the improvement of dementia is in the area of nutritional supplements. The following four super brain nutrients can provide the protection we need to keep our brain healthy. Acetyl-L-carnitine, memory booster: Extensive research shows acetyl-L-carnitine can protect brain cells, restore flagging energy, and stimulate brain cells, prompting them to grow new connections to other neurons. But where acetyl-L-

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carnitine is most important is in combating brain aging and preventing dementia. Studies of Alzheimer’s suffers 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 behavioural parameters were improved by over 50 percent when compared to the drugs alone. Stanford University researchers stated that acetyl-Lcarnitine slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Acetyl-L-carnitine is also an important nutrient in the treat-

ment of stroke victims, improving memory, task performance and cognition during recovery after stroke, especially when combined with blueberry extract. And what about boosting brain power in anyone? A dose of 500 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine with breakfast can jump-start the brain, improving mental clarity, spatial learning and energy. Anti-aging alpha lipoic acid: Found in every cell in the body, alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off infection and disease, protect organs and prevent premature aging.

Alpha lipoic acid helps turn glucose into energy in the cells, making it an important treatment for diabetes, and is recognized to relieve painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Alpha lipoic acid has also been studied for poststroke 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.

Avocados are almost as powerful as blueberries at protecting the brain.

Memory enhancement with blueberry extract: Blueberries became news when old rats who were fed blueberries became youthful again. Now scientists have found that blueberry extract improves memory in humans. Research showed that the group taking blueberry had a significant improvement on learning and memory tests. Twelve weeks of daily blueberry consumption improved the scores of two different cognitive tests involving memory in older adults. The studyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authors suggested blueberries could slow or postpone the onset of aging-

related memory problems. Curcumin, brain protector: Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease degrades the nerve cells in the brain through inflammation in brain glial cells, the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, metal toxicity and oxidative damage. Several studies have found that curcumin, the yellow pigment in the curry spice turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in the brain that can break down plaques and improve memory. The research will continue but it is compelling enough at this point to add curcumin to your brain-protecting program.

Experience Homeopathy as a distinct and unique system of medicine. For acute or chronic conditions visit our website to find a qualified practitioner near you.

Super brain foods What we eat also plays a role in our overall brain power. continued on page

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s continued from page 31 Some foods just stand out when it comes to their powerful brain effects. Blueberries improve memory, cognition and motor skills. Blueberries not only slow agerelated brain decline but also reverse and improve memory. Add one cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to your daily diet. 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 wild is best. Organic green tea is another brain-boosting food. Drink-

Playing games that require you to remember words, spell, do calculations or perform new thought patterns keeps those neural networks strong.

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

ing the brain. The wonderful monounsaturated fats in avocado promote healthier blood flow in the brain.

Brain games Use it or lose it is an important adage when it comes to brain health. Play games, chess or cards or learn a new lan-

guage. Download the Words with Friends ap on your phone or tablet 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. This is the first time in Canadian history that we have more people over age 50 than under 50, and we need to start early to improve brain function. We are living longer but dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common. Start a brain-boosting program today. Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is a leading Canadian women’s natural health expert. She has authored more than 11 books, many of which are free at www.hormonehelp.com

Consumers Union Takes a Position on Alzheimer’s Medications by William Ware, PhD

onsumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, includes drugs in their field of activity and has recently issued a report on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) medication in search of so-called best buys, a judgment based on benefit, risk and cost. The report is available on the internet. Their evaluation was primarily based on an independent scientific review by a team from the Oregon Health & Science University and as well took into account the 2010 report from the U.S. federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and an evaluation conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The conclusions: n Medications to treat AD are not particularly effective. When compared to a placebo, most who take such medication will not experience

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meaningful benefit. n It is the rare person who has a significant delay in the progression of symptoms over time. n There is no way to predict who will experience any benefit at all. n Costs range from $177 to $400 per month. Of the five drugs they reviewed, one (Cognex) is now rarely used because of the risk of liver damage. The other four can cause several side-effects, but most are minor such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, tremors and weight loss. If these persist, some may find them intolerable. More serious but rare side-effects such as slow heart beat, heart block, gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers and possibly seizures and convulsions have been reported. No drug was recognized as a “Best Buy” although the authors of the report

indicated they realized many new patients and caregivers will want to try this approach. You may want to compare the pharmaceutical approach reviewed by Consumers Union with the intervention using medium chain triglycerides including coconut oil even though the latter is based only on favourable anecdotal reports, incidentally along with considerable biological plausibility. See the September 2012 issue of International Health News for a detailed discussion. Incidentally, justified by a large number of positive anecdotal reports, a significant clinical trial of medium chain triglycerides plus coconut oil is now underway at a U.S. university. William Ware, PhD, is the editor of International Health News. Reprinted with permission from their July/August 2014 issue. www.yourhealthbase.com

The Toxicity of Sugar continued from page 16 diabetes but we had to change the name as children began to develop the disorder, so too the name of this liver condition has had to be changed to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The Canadian Liver Foundation estimates that almost 10 percent of children now have NAFLD, which will lead to serious health consequences. This has been found in children as young as four.

We got it wrong in the ’80s. It’s not too much saturated fat that clogs your arteries and creates heart disease, it’s sugar.

While a fatty liver is a health concern the real risk is in the effect this VLDL cholesterol can have on the heart. As study after study has shown us over the last 15 years, we got it wrong in the ’80s. It’s not too much saturated fat that clogs your arteries and creates heart disease, it’s sugar. A comprehensive study following 88,520 women over 24 years in the American Journal for Clinical Nutrition in 2009 stated: “Regular consumption of SSBs (sugar-sweetened beverages) is associated with a higher risk of CHD (coronary heart disease) in women,

even after other unhealthful lifestyle or dietary factors are accounted for.” Large amounts of fructose have been shown to increase both triglycerides and abdominal fat in as little as 10 weeks, both of which are risk factors for heart disease for both men and women.

Research continues to mount linking excess sugar consumption to everything from obesity and diabetes to dental decay, heart disease and cancer.

Sugar, insulin and cancer Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled multiplication and growth of cells. Insulin is one of the key hormones that should regulate cell growth and division, therefore many are beginning to think that consistently elevated insulin levels might be contributing to cancer. In fact, insulin growth factor (IGF) not only seems to promote tumour cell proliferation, it actually can interfere with allopathic cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It seems like a gross exaggeration to say that all the sugar people are eating could give them cancer until you read some of the research. In one study, for instance, consumption of sugar proved to be more of a risk factor for colon cancer than consumption of any other substance, including alcohol, meat and fat. Keeping your body more alkaline and reducing acid-forming foods is generally regarded as important for cancer prevention and sugar definitely is acidifying in the body. In early March, the World Health Organization published new guidelines urging adults to keep the “free sugars” in their diet at less than five percent of total daily calories. They define free sugar as added sweeteners, as opposed to the sugars that are naturally oc-

curring in the food. For the average adult, this would be less than six teaspoons of sugar. Tell that to Canadian teen boys who consume more than 40 teaspoons a day! There is an understanding that this will be very difficult for people who are unused to cooking meals from scratch to do, since basically all

processed foods contain free sugars, but it gives us something to reach for as a goal. Alexis Costello is a natural health practitioner and owner of Happily Holistic in Kelowna who hasn’t been able to look at a cookie since she started writing this article. www.happilytholistic.ca | office@ happilyholistic.ca

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A Story of Hope Nutritional supplement for mental health support by Alexis Costello

here is an old saying that desperate times call for desperate measures. Anthony Stephan experienced this kind of desperation and, from it, created a protocol and product that has gone on to help thousands of people suffering from metal disorders. While the company Truehope was founded in 2001, the real story begins a few years earlier. In 1994, Anthony lost his wife Debbie to suicide. She was struggling with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder and had just begun treatment with Prozac, which seemed to make it worse. At the time, two of his children also had severe symptoms. “It started me on a quest to find an answer,” Anthony says. “I spent time with neuroscientists and doctors and there is simply no answer to be found with medication. The amount of regression is incredible. I started praying and fasting; really looking under every rock you could say. There wasn’t anyone to mentor from; we had to figure it out on our own.”

A protocol for family first On January 18, 1996, almost exactly two years after the family tragedy, Anthony started his son, Joseph, on the protocol. Within a week and a half, his son was off of lithium. A month later, his daughter Autumn started the supplement. Within

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45 days, she was off the potent cocktail of five medications she had been on previously. “People started to talk about this miracle. They saw this nice young man (Joseph) who was able to go to school and do homework and was doing well.” At this point, Anthony realized that this wasn’t simply an answer for his family; rather, this was something that could potentially help many. The information was given to the director of behavioural research at the University of Calgary who began a small study. Ten people dealing with bipolar disorder and using high levels of medication were given the supplements. All 10 showed a significant turnaround of symptoms in a short period of time. This promising study led to an invitation for Anthony to present at a conference in Victoria, B.C., in October of 2001. CTV aired the story, leading to some unexpected consequences.

Battling for legitimacy The morning after the story aired, Anthony received a phone call from someone at Health Canada claiming that he was in violation of the Food and Drugs Act; that he was to shut down, never speak publicly again, stop the research going on at the university level and make it all go away quietly. Anthony believes strongly that he has

Health pioneer Anthony Stephan, founder of Truehope Nutritional Support, Ltd.

Empowered progress

a constitutional right to discuss this work, however, and continued on despite the “cease and desist” orders that kept coming. Eventually, this led to a raid from the RCMP as they took the office apart and interrogated everyone. “I showed one of the RCMP members the five studies that had been published by then, the hundreds of letters from people thanking us. He asked the question, ‘Isn’t this like what my wife gives my kids every morning? Just vitamins? Why are we here? What are we doing here?’ ” Truehope products were then cut off at the border (they were being manufactured in the U.S.). The Canadian Mental Health Association, acting independently, came out with a warning that this intervention would lead to suicides— and it did. Anthony estimates that they lost 300 people from their database at this time, some who committed suicide, others who went into the spiral of medications and hospitalizations never to emerge.

The EMPowerplus product now has a license and is able to be sold in stores (without making any specific label claims about bipolar disorder or other mental illness, of course). It contains 36 ingredients in a very specific balance. Twenty-five medical publications have proven that this formula works for 16 different mental disorders. It is now, says Anthony, the most widely studied micronutrient product in the world and it continues to grow. Over the next year, he says another 10 studies will be released. Autumn, Anthony’s daughter, has gone on to have a book published, called A Promise of Hope, available though Harper-Collins. “I call [this experience] a gift,” says Anthony, “If you search long and hard enough, if you knock on the door, it will be opened. If you seek, you will find.” Alexis Costello is a health practitioner and instructor and owner of Happily Holistic Natural Health and Wellness. www.happilyholistic.ca | office@happilyholistic.ca

Botanical Medicines, Cancer and the Immune System by John Stan, DrTCM

cancer diagnosis is perhaps one of the most dreaded events a person can face. Once the diagnosis has been made, a medical juggernaut sweeps you into predefined treatment protocols. There is no doubt that serious headway and insight into the nature of the cancer cell, the disease and its chemical treatment have been made over the last 20 years. This should be a comfort for us all, but the fact remains that a cancer diagnosis still involves significant pharmaceutical interventions, potential surgery, radiation or all three. This is not an easy path for even the bravest of hearts. While the majority of cancer research has been done through the focused lens of the scientific method, integrative models of using natural medicines on their own or in combination with pharmaceuticals are now being explored. The results of this research show that specific botanicals have numerous health benefits on their own, and other research shows that the combination of botanical and pharmaceutical medicine can be mutually supportive and beneficial. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has, over the centuries, recognized specific botanicals as being key players or “stars” in the pharmacopia of botanical agents. When researched through the scientific method, these stars did in fact live up to

their traditional reputation with promising results. Of note, the following natural medicines had an antimutagenic effect, showed positive effects on the immune system and offered protection against the side-effects of drug therapy: n Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) – Milk vetch root: 22 studies n Chen Pi (Citrus reticulate) – Dried tangerine peel: six studies n Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum lucidum) – Glossy privet fruit: five studies n Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia diffusa) – Oldenlandia herb: nine studies n Ban Zhi Lian (Scutellaria barbata) – Barbated skullcup herb: eight studies The combination of botanical and pharmacological products has often raised red flags about potential adverse reactions or the possibility of botanical agents undermining the effect of the pharmacological agents. Yet a randomized controlled doubleblind study in the Oncologist in 2011 showed that the use of specific botanical compounds can be supportive to the patient and not interfere with the pharmacological treatment. TCM is a powerful system of health and wellness whose paradigm has identified very important botanical agents over time. A new integrative climate is now emerging in medicine, and it is helping to attract modern researchers to validate these traditional healing plants. In

Integrative health-care practitioners think in multiple paradigms and combine approaches to best empower the patient to live a healthy and optimized life.

addition to the growing research, health-care practitioners across the board are learning about each other’s healing paradigm. The old rigid attitude towards treatment protocols is now changing. Integrative healthcare practitioners think in multiple paradigms and combine approaches to best empower the patient to live a healthy and optimized life. As a TCM practitioner of over 25 years, I have been witnessing this trend. I refer to this as “polyparadigm healing,” where acupuncture, qi gong, botanical medicine, pharmaceutical medicine, physical therapy, diet, lifestyle and genetics all play a role in optimizing health.

While research is validating these integrative therapies, I encourage individuals dealing with complicated health issues, or even those just wanting to maximize their health outcomes, to seek out integrative health practitioners to form a “health optimization team.” Doing so will give you access to the best of all healing modalities such as the botanicals mentioned in this article, self-cultivation techniques, holistic diet programs, western diagnostics and therapeutics, all to help you maximize opportunities of health through the various stages of life. John Stan, DrTCM, has been in practice for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering patients to achieve optimal health using TCM methods. He is also the president and founder of Eastern Currents Distributing, a TCM and natural health product distribution company focusing on providing integrative health-care practitioners with high-quality botanicals, clinic supplies and continuing education. References available by emailing drjohnstan@easterncurrents.ca | www.easterncurrents.ca www.hans.org | Health Action

Portrait of an Artist Jeff Molloy’s journey from cancer to recovery by Alexis Costello

ll art can be said to tell a story, but some pieces pull you in, make you listen. Canadian artist Jeff Molloy has a personal story to tell of his own journey through a diagnosis of a rare, usually fatal form of cancer to the beauty of recovery. Jeff was diagnosed in May 2009 with cancer of the bile duct. He had been feeling sick for awhile, but had ignored it until he became jaundiced and the people around him started getting concerned. The CT scans revealed the worst; this form of cancer is fairly rare and the survival rates are “beyond dismal.” According to the oncologists at cancer.net, “The five-year survival rate for a person with an early stage, extrahepatic (meaning the tumour is outside the liver) cancer is 30 percent; for a person with an early stage, intrahepatic (inside the liver) cancer, it is 15 percent. The survival rate decreases if the cancer has spread outside the bile duct or into the nearby blood vessels before it is diagnosed.” A skilled surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital agreed to take Jeff on as a patient if the scan results were favourable, and on June 20, 2009, he went under for a seven-hour surgery that removed the majority of the bile duct, several lymph nodes and 60 percent of the liver. Jeff describes the recovery

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as “long and arduous.” The surgery is risky as scarring too close to the liver usually results in liver failure.

Dietary chemo The advances in medical technology and the training of a skilled surgeon that make this kind of operation viable are amazing, but the real story for Jeff is what was taking place outside of the medical model, through both his sickness and his recovery. Jeff connected with a nutritionist who works with live blood analysis and other diagnostic tools. “Her thing is that your body is a closed system, so we need to create an environment that cancer does not live in,” says Jeff. This resulted in two years

of what Jeff refers to as “dietary chemo,” a program that will look familiar to anyone who has ever done an intensive candida cleanse. This involved staying away from anything high glycemic or processed, no roots, little grains—mostly a green, alkaline diet. “I think that’s really what made the difference for me,” Jeff says. “Five litres of water a day and a super-tight diet gave me a buffer between any active cancer cells and my body and gave my immune system time to rebuild and deal with cancer properly.”

Gifts of friends and family Jeff is extremely aware of and grateful for the intense

support he received from his family and community in this time. Living in the small community of Gabriola Island (about 4,000 people) and being a bit of a public figure through his work, Jeff was very much in the spotlight when going through treatment. His community rallied to his side. “There was so much magic around it all, even though I was fighting for my life,” he says. He describes gifts of food and money that appeared and everything from shamanic work and drum circles to the more practical chores like fixing stairs, all taken care of by the community. “There was so much positive energy,” he says, “so many people pulling for me.”

Two Points is from an ongoing series of blanket paintings. It’s a life-sized encaustic painting. The first of this series was created and purchased by the Labatt family in 1999. Jeff’s work explores culture through the use of cultural artifacts. Canadian history is a recurring central theme in much of his work.

Family support and the willingness to do their own research made a big difference, both in the hospital and out. “I saw others in the hospital without that kind of family support and I knew it would be tough for them.” When Jeff describes having his children come in and sing to him while in hospital his voice chokes up with emotion. At a time when he was in extreme pain and when despair could easily overtake his emotions, this loving help saw him through. “Support of family, diet and an extremely skilled surgeon is why I’m alive today.”

Give your body what it needs to heal The combination of these three equally important factors is what many people miss in their treatment program. Jeff admonishes others who are facing a scary diagnosis in the medical system to realize,

“there are other things you can do. Your body is the best weapon that you have to fight this; do what you can do to give your body what it needs, to do what it needs to do.” People often seem to think that an “either/or” treatment choice has to be made—that you can go a holistic route or an allopathic one, but not both. Jeff’s view of the matter is more integrated, involving using all of the options available to you. When speaking of his surgeon and his doctor, Jeff is nothing but complimentary and thankful. “Use it (the medical system) as a tool. Use it for what it’s good at, which is cutting things out.” While Jeff is no longer on quite as strict of a dietary regime, he does point out that he will always be conscious of his liver and he tries to keep it healthy and not abuse it. The liver has a remarkable power of regeneration and quickly recouped after Jeff’s surgery. At the time of his surgery,

he was working on a new series of paintings depicting Tibetan prayer flags. Ritual and spirituality have been themes for many of Jeff’s shows and this consciousness has inspired many others while also being an integral part of his healing. This series is entitled Blessings and what’s striking, in conversation with Jeff, is the fact that, rather than feeling put upon or harddone-by from this experience, he uses his story to help others and seems very aware of the beauty of his life. He tells me that people often call him, saying that they have had a friend or family member diagnosed with cancer and asking if he would talk with them, which he freely does. Even this story is simply an extension of that; a way of

reaching more people with a message of hope and courage. In the five years since his surgery Jeff’s three children have been married and all four of his grandchildren have been born. If he hadn’t managed to make himself well, he would have missed out on some of the happiest days of his, and his children’s, lives. “And those are the things that you think about, those are things people regret and miss.” Truly, a life of blessings. Alexis Costello is a health practitioner and instructor and owner of Happily Holistic Natural Health and Wellness. She is a homeschooling mom of three and the vice president of the Canadian Association of Specialized Kinesiology. www.happilytholistic.ca | office@happilyholistic.ca

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Alkalizing Your Diet To boost immunity and reduce inflammation by Eden Elizabeth, RHN, RYT

ne of the most commonly asked questions I get as a nutritionist is: what is an alkaline diet and how can I easily increase foods that decrease inflammation? To answer that, it’s best to start with some very simple chemistry. The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH less than 7 is considered acidic, 7 is neutral and a value more than 7 is considered alkaline. Our blood

By eating more alkalineforming foods, we infuse our bodies with micronutrients that increase vitality.

rests at a neutral pH between 7.35 and 7.45, although the pH varies throughout our body— the stomach being highly acidic and the urine ideally more alkaline. Our urine changes pH depending on the types of foods we are eating; our blood remains the same and gets slightly less alkaline as we age. Foods that are naturally alkaline-ash forming promote health due to their large vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content. When we consume acid-forming foods (animal proteins, refined and processed ingredients) our body has to neutralize the acid by using mineral content

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found in the other foods that we are eating and in our bones and muscle. This decreases the amount of nutrients available to us to maintain and increase health. By eating more alkalineforming foods (whole, plantbased, nutrient-dense foods), we infuse our bodies with micronutrients that increase vitality and mineral content. This naturally reduces stress on the body and promotes a stronger immune system and a decrease in inflammation. Here are my five favourite tips for consuming more alkaline-forming foods.

1. Eat more plant-based, whole foods Animal proteins and processed foods win the prize for creating the most acid in the body. By reducing these foods you will naturally increase your intake of plant proteins and alkaline-ash-forming foods. Check out some of my favourite recipes for simple, delicious, plant-based meals that are full of micronutrients.

2. Consume greens at every meal Greens are by far the most alkaline-forming foods. Luckily they are easily added into every meal. For breakfast throw a handful of spinach in

with your smoothie or start making green juice. I like to use leafy greens as a base for my soups, stews and sauces. I often make bowls for dinner with a couple cups of greens, roasted vegetables or vegetable pasta, one cup of legumes and a zesty sauce with a handful of sprouts; I’ve given you a few more ideas in our recipe section. Wheat grass is one of the simplest ways to increase your alkaline-food intake.

3. Pack it to go! Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a plant-based, whole-food meal option while travelling. Make sure to pack powdered greens such as wheat grass, chlorella, spirulina and moringa leaf for an instant boost of alkalizing foods. These dehydrated greens are all superior foods for cleansing and nourishing the body. Add into water and sip it down. You might even consider packing a small blender with you to make smoothies for those times when you know you won’t have access to a juice bar or plantbased restaurant.

4. Keep it simple Stress is acid forming, so no need to analyze every morsel of food that you eat. Enjoy

foods that are in season, locally grown, free of chemicals and colourful. The more you can do this, the better you will feel and the more you will find yourself consuming alkalineforming foods.

5. Test your pee with purple cabbage According to Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts. org, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to test your pH level, all you need is a purple cabbage and a blender. Place one cup of cabbage and one cup of filtered water in the blender and puree. Strain out the pulp and pour the cabbage water into the toilet bowl after you pee. If the water turns blue, you’re doing a great job of eating your leafy greens. If it turns purple or red you need to boost your intake. Eden Elizabeth, RHN, RYT, is a registered holistic nutritionist, culinary artist and cancer thriver. She co-founded Feed Life, a Vancouver plant-based lifestyle company educating people on how to increase energy and heal their bodies through food. Courses are offered online and in person. wwwfeedlife.ca | (604) 790-9358

Green Juice This juice is a sure-fire way to increase phytonutrients and decrease inflammation in your body. If you don’t have access to fresh wheat-grass juice, you can add in powdered wheat grass or another powdered greens blend. Serves one. 1 oz shot 1 1

wheat grass lemon green apple

Colin Medhurst

Ingredients: 1 cup kale 1 cup broccoli sprouts 1 cup seasonal greens

Directions: Send all the ingredients through the juicer. You can also make it in the blender with two cups of water. Drink immediately. Turn the page for more delicious alkalizing recipes.

Sunflower Dill Salad

Colin Medhurst

This salad resembles tuna salad except that it’s much more green and it’s alkaline! It can be used in a multitude of ways. Spread on crackers, add to salads, wrap in a collard green with other vegetables, spread on toast for a sandwich or use as a dip. It’s packed full of minerals and flavour! Dulse flakes can be found in the international section of natural food stores. Ingredients: 1 cup sunflower seeds, soaked for 6 hours 1/2 cup hemp seeds 4 dill pickles, diced 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped

1 tbsp 1 clove 1/2 tsp

sea vegetable flakes or dulse flakes garlic, minced mustard powder

Directions: Place all ingredients in the food processor and pulse on low until sunflower seeds look crumbly and everything is mixed well. Store in the fridge for up to four days. www.hans.org | Health Action

Soul-Satisfying Vegan Pho

Colin Medhurst

This delicious soul-satisfying soup eats like a hearty meal. It’s simple and quick to throw together on an evening when you need a big hug! I like to serve this soup in a huge bowl with chopsticks and a big spoon. For more nutrientdense options, try this soup with seaweed noodles or daikon noodles (daikon radish made into noodles with a spirooli). Serves four.

Broth: 10 cups filtered water or vegetable broth 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated 6 cloves garlic, crushed and minced 2 tsp Chinese five spice (optional) 2 vegetable broth cubes (free of msg and preservatives) or replace water with vegetable broth 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce/tamari)

Toppings: Soup: Lime slices 1 cup broccoli florets Jalapeño slices 1 cup carrots, sliced 2 cups fresh sprouts 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced 2 sprigs fresh basil 4 heads baby bok choy Coconut aminos Any other vegetables that you have hanging around Sliced tofu or tempeh (optional) Noodles: 1 package pad thai rice noodles, daikon noodles or seaweed noodles

Directions: In a large soup pot, place water or vegetable broth and remaining broth ingredients and heat over medium heat. Prepare the soup ingredients by steaming vegetables separately until vibrant in colour but still crunchy (about one minute). Once broth has simmered for 20 minutes and vegetables are done, place noodles in a separate pot and follow the package cooking instructions. Place a couple of pieces of tofu or tempeh (optional) in the bottom of each bowl. Put a few pieces of each vegetable in each bowl and pour broth over top. Top soup bowls with lime, jalapeño, sprouts, basil and coconut aminos—as you like it! Enjoy!

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Colin Medhurst

Eat Your Greens Pasta Sauce

I love how sneaky this sauce is. Although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got some powerful alkaline vegetables in it, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell by the flavour. Enjoy over brown-rice pasta, sprouted grains, legumes or raw or steamed vegetables. Serves four. Sauce: 1 cup 2/3 cup 2/3 cup 1/2 cup 1 tbsp 2 cloves 1 2

spinach or baby kale almonds, soaked overnight parsley basil lemon juice garlic vegetable broth cube cups water

Garnish: 1 cup sunflower seed sprouts or your favourite sprouts 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, julienned

Directions: Place all ingredients for the sauce in a high-powered blender and blend on high until sauce is thick and creamy. Pour sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it starts to thicken. Pour sauce over your desired base: pasta, legumes, grains, steamed or raw vegetables. Garnish with sprouts, pumpkin seeds and sundried tomatoes. www.hans.org | Health Action

Bust the Binging by Shelley Ugyan

ost binge eaters believe they eat too much. If they could just stop using food in the compulsive, emotional and extreme ways they do, they would be OK. This is the way I felt for years, and I had no idea that actually my “diet restriction” was a big part of the problem. When you are living a diet mentality, you are constantly thinking about what you should eat, what you should look like and what you are not doing right. It’s a set-up for failure in your mind before food even enters the picture. If you want to start eating in a healthy way, you must begin thinking in a healthy way. What is diet restriction? It begins with the thought that you better restrict your food intake to succeed. It focuses on calorie counting and the numbers on a scale. It judges, criticizes and is never good enough. It is the ultimate inner perfectionist about to sabotage everything. It is what sets you up for a binge. How do you get out of diet restriction and live in the present, allowing your body to take in what it needs, no more, no less? Here are seven ways to start.

1. Throw away the scale

This can be scary for those of us who rely on the numbers on a scale to determine

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their self-worth. It’s time! Using a scale to determine how “good” you are only adds to the negative self-talk and creates a division between your ability to trust yourself and your connection with your own body.

2. Never skip a meal

I can’t stress the importance here enough. Eat breakfast within 20 minutes of getting up and never skip a meal in the day. If you slip up with food in the day, just get right back on track at your next meal. If you are not hungry, eat later but stay with your routine.

3. Save the cleanses and detoxes for somebody else A cleanse or detox is a “diet in disguise” for the problematic eater. If you struggle with eating “normally” then it’s best to leave the extreme health trends to others. Cut your sugar intake, make small changes to your plan—but never fast.

4. Plan your meals—Not “diet” your meals! Often confused with “dieting,” a food plan means simply having an idea what your day around food will look like. When are the meal and snack times? What are healthy options? No calorie counting or restricting here. Make sure every meal and snack is something you want to eat—and eat it slowly.

5. Eat every three to four hours By planning your meals and snacks three to four hours apart you don’t allow time for the brain to go into “starvation” mode or the anxiety to set in. It is important to make sure a meal is a meal, and a snack is a snack—plan ahead.

6. Revamp your inner perfectionist thinking If you are wired with old files that constantly tell you that you are not good enough, put down those thoughts on paper! Write an affirmation for each thought. Repeat until that thought loses its edge and the anxiety passes. It is often helpful to work with someone who is skilled with this process.

7. Avoid Extremes When planning your food, avoid restricting yourself in any way that feels extreme. If you are trying to avoid sugar and there is a bit in a dressing, let it go! Trust that you will be OK. Trust that as you learn to think better, you absolutely can heal for life. Shelley Ugyan is a board-certified health coach, certified education teacher and certified yoga instructor. She empowers women to heal from problematic eating. She offers group programs and Skype sessions. www.emergingjewel.com | (604) 780-8839

Confessions of a Fitness Nut by Ron Gale

atching my friends take part in Tough Mudder events made me reflect on the various fitness challenges I have taken part in over the past 40 years and how thoughts about best practices in fitness have evolved. I must confess that I was one of the fitness nuts that were part of the early fitness boom. It started with the 5BX Armed Forces program in the 1960s. They preached short bursts of high-intensity workouts, and we seem to be coming full circle in this belief. In the early 1970s, I followed Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book Aerobics, keeping track of my workouts by event, intensity level and time to log weekly points. A great program indeed! While I was in the Armed Forces, Dr. Cooper’s program was taken one step further with the 12-minute fitness test. You simply ran/walked for 12 minutes and measured your distance, then evaluated your fitness level. Off to the track we went when ordered, taking off like sprinters and resulting in my first and last meeting with the “runner’s wall.”

The fitness boom really took hold in the late ’70s. After watching Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers run marathons on the show Wide World of Sports, everyone wanted to start running. Locally, the original Nike store opened in Burnaby, B.C. and business was booming. Everyone wanted to wear those funny-looking waffle trainers. The Vancouver Marathon became popular in the late 70s. Other local runs included the K Race, a 20K stretch from Horseshoe Bay to Park Royal. That was one tough race, but the t-shirt was a classic. The Seymour Hill Run, a 13K uphill race, will not be fondly remembered by many. The Corporate Cup and the 24 Hour Relay also became popular at Central Park in Burnaby. The Vancouver YMCA Marathon Clinic was a staple in those days along with the James Cunningham Seawall Race. Over time, more and more people started looking for a fitness track to run on. Another interesting fitness event came about between 1979 and 1986. A group of local police officers promoting fitness ran five relay events around B.C. They covered more than 5,000

kilometres and raised money for the CKNW Orphans Fund. You guessed it, I was one of them. I then went from running marathons to ultradistance events and to the Hawaii Ironman in October 1982. There have been several changes of note over my 40 years in the fitness field. The first being nutrition. In the beginning, I firmly believed that the number of miles you ran was all that mattered. I now understand that sound nutritional choices come first when choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. You can’t really outrun a bad diet! At my first Hawaiian Marathon in 1980, 70 percent flat Coke was the beverage of choice. With a can of Coke having the equivalent of 10 sugar cubes, I’ve obviously eliminated that as my workout drink. The following year Runner’s World was promoting the benefits of massive amounts of coffee to give our energy level a boost and now we know better. Today, I recommend and take nutritionally sound, peakperformance supplements. They provide me with focused, sustained energy and noticeably

Ron Gale crossing the Hawaii Ironman finish line, October 1982

quicker recovery, allowing me to challenge my personal best each time I work out. They are also approved for Olympic athletes. The difference is unbelievable, as are the changes a self-confessed fitness nut has gone through over the years. Ron Gale is a retired police detective and the past president of Health Action Network Society. He has also been the fitness coordinator for the Vancouver Police Department. He is currently president of Healthy Business Consulting Ltd. and coaches athletes on safe, natural sport supplementation. info@healthy business.ca | (604) 789-6414

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BC Fluoride Free by Jane Shaak

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By now you know. Adding body collagen directly reduces wrinkles, increases skin elasticity, and adds vital moisture to your skin. Indirectly, collagen thickens and strengthens your hair. You may also know that collagen production slows by 1% per year after the age of 21. Can you gain it back? Yes. But not by eating collagen. You see, collagen is a protein. When you ingest it, your body breaks it down, like any other protein, and uses it as food. When you want the real beauty benefits of collagen, you have to generate it.

BioSil™ generates collagen by activating the collagen producing cells in your body known as fibroblasts. It is clinically proven to increase collagen formation. In fact, in the clinical trial the women taking BioSil™ reduced wrinkles by 30%, increased skin elasticity by 89% and thickened and strengthened their hair by 13% compared to women not taking BioSil™. So when you want genuine visible results from collagen, generate it, don’t eat it. Experience the beautiful difference for yourself!

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PNO.CA

fficially, two of the five British Columbia fluoridated communities—Prince George and Cranbrook—are going to referendum on November 15, 2014, regarding fluoride—and there might be more. Administering fluoride in municipal water systems has been around since the 1940s. There has been much controversy regarding fluoride practices through the past 60plus years. Former Health Action Network director Len Greenall worked tirelessly on this issue for decades. There has been much progress and we are pleased that B.C. has less than three percent of the population receiving added fluoride in their water. The last five communities to fluoride their water in B.C. are Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Prince George, Sparwood and Terrace. The trend is definitely on the side of B.C. becoming fluoridefree. There were 21 fluoridated communities in the province at fluoride’s peak; however, over the last 40 years there has not been one community that has

put in fluoride anew in B.C. There is absolutely no fluoride administered in the Okanagan, Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island. One wonders why there is a big lobby to keep these last fluoridated communities fluoridating when it is clear that their days are numbered and there is litigation on the horizon. One of the communities facing a referendum is Prince George. Emile Begin is a father in Prince George who has been researching his city’s fluoridation. One of the many key issues that Emile Begin has been focusing on is the confusion regarding pharmaceuticalgrade fluoride and hydrofluorosilicic acid, which is what’s being added to the water in Prince George. Begin says, “Most people we have spoken with were not aware that fluoridating the water means the addition of hydrofluorosilicic (fluorosilicic) acid (HFSA), a Transport Canada (1238), Schedule 3 (UN1778), class 8, corrosive and toxic, hazardouswaste by-product to our once safe, pure and clean water.” Even the pharmacists Begin

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ation

Update If hydrofluorosilicic acid was not sold to be distributed in water, it would have to be disposed of at a great expense to big corporations. Let’s “follow the money.”

spoke to were not aware HFSA is added to the water. “Like most people, they believed it was pharmaceutical-grade fluoride! The pharmacists confirmed that they sell significantly higher quantities of thyroid medication in Prince George based on their experience of fluoridated and nonfluoridated communities.” What we have learned through this research is that if hydrofluorosilicic acid was not sold to be distributed in water, it would have to be disposed of at a great expense to big corporations. Let’s “follow the money,” as Len Greenall always said. To learn more about the Prince George campaign to break the fluoride cycle, visit www.fluoridefreeprince-george.com.

Kevin Millership has submitted his class-proceeding application to the courts for his fluorosis class-action suit he is pursuing with the City of Prince George. He is expecting to be in court by the end of October. Millership began his interest in eliminating fluoride when he lived in Kamloops and became aware of his own dental fluorosis. He eventually became part of a successful campaign to take fluoride out of Kamloops’ municipal water. Millership also sued the town of Cranbrook and later accepted a settlement to go towards informing the community of fluoride’s risks prior to the upcoming November 15 referendum. As for the Prince George case, Millership asks individuals to attend the court proceedings, no matter which side you are on, so that the judge realizes how important this issue is. You can reach him at kevinmillership@live.ca. For a world view, go to fluoridealert.org to see how fluoride is being banned in many countries and continents. Jane Shaak is chair of the Fluoride Free BC Committee of the Health Action Network Society, which has been dedicated to bringing awareness to its members and the public on the risks of fluoridation.

by researcher s from Har vard School o f Pu

“I recommend Vitamin C and Lysine for Heart Health” W. Gifford-Jones, MD

ixteen years ago following my own coronary attack I decided to follow the research of Dr. Linus Pauling, Professor Williams Stehbens and Dr. Sydney Bush and take high doses of vitamin C plus lysine.

Dr. Linus Pauling, two-time Noble Prize winner, was ignored for reporting that large amounts of vitamin C and lysine are needed to prevent coronary attacks. Twenty-five years ago Pauling reported that animals make vitamin C but humans do not and must supplement this important vitamin. Lysine must also be supplemented. Vitamin C is required to manufacture healthy collagen, the glue that holds coronary cells together, just like mortar is needed for bricks. Lysine, like steel rods in cement, makes collagen stronger. Pauling claimed it takes a mere 10 milligrams of vitamin C to prevent scurvy, but several thousand to prevent heart attack. Williams Stehbens, Professor of Anatomy at Wellington University in New Zealand, proved Pauling was right. Stebhens’ research showed that coronary arteries closest to the heart are under the greatest pressure. This causes collagen to fracture resulting in the formation of a blood clot and death. Dr. Sydney Bush, an English researcher, has now proven that vitamin C can reverse atherosclerosis. Bush took retinal photographs, then started his patients on high doses of vitamin C and lysine. One year later additional pictures showed atherosclerosis had regressed in retinal arteries. Now you can take the right combination of Vitamin C and Lysine in a powder form I developed called Medi-C Plus™. The dosage for Medi-C Plus is one flat scoop with breakfast and the evening meal, mixed in water or juice. Ask for at your local Health Food Store and Select Natural Pharmacy.

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PNO.CA www.hans.org | Health Action

A Passionate Plea for the Honeybee by Milt Bowling

ack in the mid ’90s when my late dog Jake was a pup, we used to walk in a 100-acre urban wilderness near our home a couple of times a day. This green space was once the site of Vancouver’s landfill. Thanks to lobbying from community activists, it was dedicated as an urban wilderness in perpetuity, and nature was encouraged to reclaim it. This provided fertile ground for blackberry bushes to take hold. In late spring and early summer their white and pink blossoms were everywhere, and so were honeybees and other pollinating insects. The bees were so numerous that the blackberry bushes looked that they were alive and mobile. I saw with my own eyes bee numbers gradually decline over Jake’s 11-year life, such that by the early 2000s we could spend an hour in the park and only see one or two bees, not thousands as before. As I come from a long line of beekeepers (150 years that I know of), this was frightening. When I pointed this out to fellow dog walkers, a few of them actually understood that this was problematic and, after checking their gardens at home, confirmed that, yes, they had a lot fewer bees, too. But it wasn’t until 2006 that honeybee decline made headlines when a leading U.S. commercial beekeeper, Dave Hackenberg, sounded the alarm of bee die-off, later to be termed colony collapse disorder. Thus began the past eight years of speculation about the cause or causes. One problem in seeking

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a solution is that proposed causes are analyzed singularly, as if they are isolated in a lab rather than interacting synergistically with other harmful elements.

What’s causing bee die-off? Recently, pesticides, primarily neonicotinoids, have firmly staked out centre stage as the leading culprits. And it’s not hard to understand why. More and more studies demonstrate that supposed sublethal doses can in fact be terminally harmful to bees, particularly when local farmers misapply them. Or at least that is the problem as industry explains it, if acknowledged at all. As with controversial regulatory decisions in other environmental areas, supposed “safe” levels were based on industry-sponsored science. Neonicotinoids are chemically similar to nicotine and

This is not only a problem for honeybees … these pesticides get into our food, and they persist and accumulate in the environment, in our water and soil, and progress up the food chain.

were originally regarded as preferable to insecticides that were commonly used in the ’80s and ’90s, when Shell and Bayer developed this new breed. One of the main perceived advantages was that neonics were shown in tests to be less lethal to mammals than to insects. Neonicotinoids work by interfering with neurotransmitters in insects’ brains; they are essentially a

nerve poison, driving insects to erratic behaviour and death. The leading neonicotinoid, imidacloprid, is now the most widely used insecticide on the planet. The problem that is hard to miss is that bees are insects, too, and nerve poisons do not discriminate between friend and foe. Imidacloprid is a watersoluble systemic insecticide that can be applied against soil, seed, timber and animal pests, as well as used for foliage treatment for food crops. As it is systemic, it disperses throughout the entire plant, including pollen, the primary source of protein for bees, and nectar, a source of carbohydrates for them. Obviously, this is not only a problem for honeybees. As far as humans are concerned, these pesticides get into our food, and they persist and accumulate in the environment, in our water and soil, and progress up the food chain. It is also

lethal to beneficial soil bacteria, thus affecting the quality and quantity of the food we grow. Water samples taken during the 2013 growing season in Iowa, the top corn-producing state in the U.S., showed frightening results. Although previous studies by the U.S. Geological Society had found many other types of common agricultural chemicals in stream samples in the state, researchers observed a “substantially greater neonicotinoid detection frequency” in this 2013 study compared to historical detections of other insecticides.

The pesticide-wireless link It is quite clear that insecticides make a very popular target for scientific and political attention, but is that the end of it? What about genetically modified organisms, hive pests, viruses, climate change, monocrops, habitat loss, or electromagnetic fields spread by the ever-expanding proliferation of wireless technology? None of these factors are good for bees. Thousands of studies show adverse effects of human-made radio frequency (RF) exposure on flora and fauna, including us. The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in May 2011 classified RF as 2B, a possible human carcinogen. Over and above cancer, dozens of studies show the adverse influence of electromagnetic fields on human fertility, and scores of others report a decrease in immune-system function. Is it out of the realms of possibility then that RF could adversely affect bees as well?

What about pesticides and RF combined? No money is available to find out, as that might threaten the trilliondollar wireless industry. Two 2013 studies by researchers demonstrated that neonicotinoids disrupt the innate immune systems of bees, making them susceptible to viral infection to which the bees are normally resistant. According to a 1999 study, neonics allow the bees’ protective blood brain barrier (BBB) to leak and allow foreign chemicals into their brains; similarly RF allows leakage in the BBB of humans. This leakage of the blood brain barrier may impact bees’ ability to search for food and to learn navigation routes to food sources and back to the hive. This disorientation has also been shown with RF exposure and bee behaviours in studies in Germany and bee navigation and return to hive in studies in India. Although there is disagreement as to the cause or causes of the pollinator problem, there seems to be consensus that the cause is environmental and multifactorial. Research suggests that both pesticides and electromagnetic fields are deleterious to wild and domestic bees, as well as butterflies, birds and bats. Lamentably, there is political and economic pushback in acknowledgement continued on page

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Pregnancy Loss and the Thyroid Connection by Bobby Parmar, ND

omen have many questions after a miscarriage. Unless the cause is discovered to be a genetic anomaly, infection, anatomical abnormality or advanced age, the answers are many times elusive. The medical system does not fully investigate first-trimester pregnancy loss unless it has happened two or sometimes three times. This can be devastating for people trying to conceive. Understandably, women are looking for answers not only for emotional closure from a miscarriage, but ultimately to prevent it from recurring. One overlooked problem that could simply prevent many first-time and recurrent miscarriages needs to be given more attention: thyroid health.

What role does the thyroid play in conception? Normally, the thyroid adapts readily to the increased energy demands of pregnancy. Dramatic rises in estrogen in turn change the levels of a carrier protein that functions to bind active blood thyroid hormone. Thyroid binding globulin (TBG) levels roughly double in early pregnancy, reducing the amount of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the bloodstream. T4 and its active metabolite T3 are crucial to optimal physiological functioning including

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energy and metabolism, heat generation, regular bowel movements and stable mood. In fact, these two hormones are themselves treatments for hormonal deficiencies. In pregnancy these hormones not only serve this purpose for mother but also for her developing baby. To compensate for the reduction in free active hormone, the thyroid increases production of both T4 and T3. Eventually by week 20 all hormones level off and reach a steady state. The pregnancy hormone hCG also plays a role in altering T4 and T3 levels. The higher the hCG the greater production of thyroid hormone. Similarly to estrogen and TBG this gradual rise plateaus once hCG peaks at the beginning of the second trimester. It is at this point that the fetus is able to produce significant amounts of thyroid hormone for his or herself, increasing gradually thereafter. When women do not produce enough T4 a host of problems can surface. Given that up to 15 percent of the general population has some kind of issue with the thyroid (subclinical hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease or euthyroid positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies), it’s surprising the thyroid isn’t given a brighter spotlight in family planning. The potential problems faced by women with low thyroid function in pregnancy can be: n Hypertension and preeclampsia

n Placental abruption n Preterm delivery as early as 32 weeks n Increased risk of Caesarean section n Increased disease and death post delivery n Postnatal psychological and cognitive impairment of baby n Postpartum hemorrhage

Screening for thyroid disorders in pregnancy Most professional societies and medical authorities have not adopted universal screening for thyroid disease in pregnancy. Instead, testing is restricted to women who have a family history of thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, elevated thyroid antibodies, infertility, radiation to the head and neck, previous miscarriage, obesity, age over 30, and other symptoms suggestive of thyroid disease. In fact, doctors may pass over symptoms mistaking them

for common complaints of pregnancy such as constipation, fatigue and weight gain. These guidelines have met controversy in that they can miss 30 percent of women who will need thyroid support during pregnancy. This is especially true for women who go undiagnosed with positive thyroid antibodies because they are rarely tested. Many specialists and naturopathic physicians call for universal screening because, for them, the benefits outweigh the economic harms of testing for hypothyroidism across the board. Naturopathic physicians will privately test these hormones when public doctors will not.

TSH testing Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) does just that— stimulates the thyroid from the pituitary gland to produce T4 and T3. In non-pregnant populations the laboratory

range of this hormone should be between 0.27 and 4.2. We know that hormones are in constant flux during pregnancy and so reference ranges also change to reflect a safer level for both mom and baby. The serum range depends on the stage of pregnancy. Ideally TSH levels in the first trimester are from 0.1 to 2.5, in the second trimester 0.2 to 3.0 and the third trimester 0.3 to 3.0. T4 and T3 both increase to 1.5 times the non-pregnant values. Evidence suggests these ranges are necessary to prevent miscarriage. In practice, these values are, unfortunately, habitually ignored. What’s even more disregarded than TSH is thyroid antibody testing, which also plays a significant role in maintaining pregnancy.

Why thyroid antibodies are so important Women with no signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, including normal TSH, T4 and T3, yet who have elevated thyroid antibodies (>35) are at a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and disease risk to the baby. When studied, the rate of spontaneous miscarriage increases just with a positive antibody test result and is up to three times as high as for those women without antibodies. When these women with positive antibodies were subsequently treated with thyroid hormone, the rate of miscarriage was reduced from 13.8 percent to 3.5 percent. The rate of preterm delivery also reduced from 22.4 percent to 8.2 percent. These percentage differences equate to important clinical decisions that need to be made between women

wanting to conceive and their doctors. In my practice I find it prudent and in the best interest of patients to proactively test for thyroid antibodies before conception efforts. Once presented with these facts patients find it an easy decision to want to assess their baseline thyroid health. This is especially true for women who have previously miscarried and have not had this done even approaching a second pregnancy. In other settings, like women undergoing assisted reproductive therapy (ART), the difference between miscarriage rates of women with positive antibodies to women with negative antibodies was 52 percent and 33 percent respectively. This further highlights how practical and sensible testing is for more vulnerable populations to miscarriage. Other considerations like diet can also have significant impacts. Selenium is measured lower in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Higher selenium intake is linked with lower thyroid antibodies. What’s more, post pregnancy the differences between children born to mothers with positive antibodies score less than those born to mothers with negative antibodies on intellectual and motor development evaluations. The differences at two years of age are 10 points lower on both assessments for children of antibody-positive mothers.

Subclinical hypothyroidism and pregnancy Subclinical hypothyroidism is a symptomless picture with

increased TSH but no change in T4. It is believed to be the time when thyroid disease is being caught incidentally earlier on blood tests even though no physical findings would suggest it otherwise. Risks are lower than for overt hypothyroidism, but they are ever present. When studied, women who fall just outside of normal TSH reference ranges had almost double the rates of pregnancy loss. Given the potential harms, replacing thyroid hormone for women with subclinical hypothyroidism and positive antibodies is a meaningful preventive strategy. Although evidence is not robust for the recommendations of screening and treatment, the physical and psychological ramifications of failed pregnancy can be distressing,

damaging and long lasting. Advantages, in addition to successful pregnancies, are better cognitively developed infants, fewer complications of pregnancy and fewer cases of miscarriage-related psychological trauma. For physicians working with women wanting to conceive, I believe thoroughly assessing thyroid status is warranted. For women wanting to become pregnant, I encourage greater awareness of thyroid health. Bobby Parmar, ND, practises in an integrative wellness clinic called evolve Nurturing Vitality in Kitsilano, Vancouver, B.C. Dr. Parmar’s practice focus includes fertility, pregnancy, women’s health and thyroid disorders. www.evolvevitality.com | (604) 255-7777

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Chinese Medicine for Autoimmune Disorders by Chun-Kai Wang, DrTCM, R.Ac

utoimmune conditions are a very interesting class of diseases, because in some way they go against the core understanding of western medical science. Historically, the discovery of germs as a major cause of diseases led to the belief that the origin of illness had tangible proof in the form of external threats, that is, microorganisms. And by eliminating such agents, disease could be cured. This quickly led to the development of the germ theory, a theory that today, while acknowledged to have faults, continues to direct the thinking model of doctors in their view of disease—being a result of something “foreign.” Autoimmune conditions, however, have scientists scratching their heads, because attempts in finding a foreign agent as a cause of this class of diseases has thus far proved fruitless.

The TCM view Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized foreign agents as a cause of disease, but was also aware their cause represented only a subset of conditions. While autoimmunity wasn’t a term used in Chinese medicine, it can be grouped into another major class of conditions that we call “internal damage,” essentially systemic conditions from today’s medical point of view.

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Autoimmune conditions are indeed none other than systemic ailments, in my opinion. A look at the list of autoimmunity disorders will reveal that essentially every single part of the human body can be involved. My clinical experience also says the same thing. When patients come in with a specific “disease,” they usually have multiple other co-existing problems that are not any less severe than their main concern. Chinese medicine deals with autoimmunity very differently from western medicine. To us, there is nothing foreign; it’s simply the body itself in an unbalanced state due to various reasons. In western medicine, because no foreign agent has been identified to be a definitive cause of autoimmunity, the foreign label is placed for the time being on the immune system itself, which becomes the main target of drug therapy. Yet the irony is that true foreign agents like bacteria and viruses can be eradicated, but our own immunity cannot—or else the patient dies. And therefore, scientists are

still fixated on finding the “real” (and foreign) cause of the autoimmune response. While steroids and at times immunosuppressants are currently the main and frequently only type of drugs used by modern medicine for autoimmunity, similar methods in Chinese medicine through roughly herbal equivalents constitute only one of many routes of treatment in our tradition. The reason is that autoimmunity is far more than just an inflammatory response. For Chinese medicine, the goal is not only to curb the inflammation but, more importantly, to stabilize and regulate our immunity so inflammation does not even happen. In essence, the body is the real problem, not the immunity—and not foreign agents either. Chinese medicine treats autoimmune conditions by using steroid-like and/or anti-inflammatory herbs only when we perceive there is “heatevil,” which is not the same as “inflammation.” In clinical reality, many people who are said to have inflammation do

not have what we call heat-evil. So what do they have? Below I give three common examples of patients whose “pattern” is often seen in chronic long-standing autoimmune conditions. (To understand what patterns are, please read “The Science behind Traditional Chinese Medicine,” Health Action summer 2014 print issue.)

Pattern A: Damp heat In this pattern, patients get an autoimmune inflammatory response because they have what TCM calls “damp heat.” Damp heat describes a person’s health to be in a state akin to being confined in a garbage can while the sun shines hard on it. The waste material, or damp heat, inside slowly ferments in its own juice and as the sun increases the internal temperature, noxious gases accumulate inside the garbage container. When people are in this disease state, or have this pattern, other than the “inflammation” that is going on, they also experience other symptoms and signs that point to the systemic

influence of the inflammation. They may frequently get teary eyes and conjunctival inflammation and pain. Their nose might be plugged or have yellowish discharge in the morning. The mouth often tastes weird and difficult to describe yet makes the orals very uncomfortable. They may have bad breath despite brushing their teeth often. Digestive issues such as acid reflux or uncomfortable simmering sensations of the stomach may also be a complaint. At times there may be nausea or diarrhea where the stools smell like rotten compost and are wet, sticky and slimy. They might be prone to frequent urinary tract infections, with yellowish urine that may burn or smell like ammonia. In other instances, skin rashes and boils frequently occur. Diseases that frequently present with this pattern include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and lupus (SLE).

at times, constipation as well. Their limbs are especially sensitive to low temperatures, with the legs being the worst. A quick look often reveals poor circulation and evidence of varicosity, big or small, in the lower limbs. In the worst scenario, their joints and fingers will hurt, be swollen or even turn purplish. Females are often troubled by menstrual cramps, menstrual cycle abnormalities and, in certain cases, infertility. While females tend to get this pattern more than males, there are still significant numbers of males. For them, sexual and urological functions are often hampered, and many also suffer from chronic hernia-like pain that gets worse with low temperatures or over-sex. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Raynauld’s syndrome and Takayasu’s vasculitis (and other types of vasculitis) frequently present in this way.

Pattern B: Internal coldness

This pattern is used to describe a patient whose body is “deficient,” or “empty.” The proper nutrition that the body needs is absent, usually not because of malnutrition but often as a result of poor absorption, circulation and recycling. This often arises from extended periods of over-fatigue (mental and/or physical), frequently unknown to the patient until the body’s symptoms become intolerable. Deficient patients are often fatigued easily, but at times they are also restless and agitated. Their face looks dark and they speak in a low tone. On the other hand, certain individuals can look unusually vibrant, jittery and unable

Despite autoimmunity to be an inflammatory response, many patients actually have issues related to low temperatures. In TCM, this is a pattern where the person’s body is consumed by an intangible energetic force called “coldevil,” as a result of congenital constitution, lifestyle, diet, among other causes. This pattern occurs in relation to the decline of the body’s warming function. Patients often complain of chills, sometimes even during the summer and, of course, worst in the winter. Stomach pain and diarrhea occur frequently but,

Pattern C: Deficiency

to calm down; however, their speech usually lacks stability. Such patients may also experience rapid heart rates and often hear their own heart beat, a disturbing phenomenon that renders sleep almost impossible. Episodes of feverishness and sweating may accompany as a result. The mouth feels dry, and they drink more than usual to alleviate thirst but to no avail. The arms and legs may feel weak and are unable to withstand physical work for extended periods before fatigue sets in. They find it impossible to rest, making them even more drowsy. Sjogren’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease are common examples. The above highlights only some of the common patterns seen in select autoimmune conditions, but is definitely not

an exhaustive list. What readers should understand is that treatment of autoimmune conditions with Chinese medicine does not mean treatment for indefinite or perpetual lengths of time as is usually the case in western medicine—and frequently immediate relapse once drugs are stopped. When the body has been stabilized and balanced to a certain degree by Chinese medicine, patients can usually go safely off treatment for quite extended periods without suffering from relapse. Chun-Kai Wang, DrTCM, R.Ac, is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and a registered acupuncturist who focuses on complex systemic ailments. Dr. Wang also teaches Chinese medicine at PCU College of Holistic Medicine. www.drwang.ca | (604) 836-3968

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Chiropractic Care for Multiple Sclerosis What’s the connection? by Sabrina Chen-See, DC

system, and thus impact the health function and healing of brain tissue. When the central nervous system is involved as with MS, specialty upper-cervical chiropractors have the most success. The upper neck region, when misaligned, directly impacts the brain stem and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. These regions control

hat if your loved one suddenly felt a loss of balance, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness or double vision? And these symptoms seemed to appear out of nowhere, come and go over a span of years, change locations and then stay with you permanently. Would you be scared? Would you know what’s going on? And what should you do? This scenario affects more than 100,000 Canadians and is called multiple sclerosis (MS). While it can begin in children as young as two years old, it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults aged 15 to 40.

What is MS?

MS is a neurological disorder, diagnosed by the presence of “lesions” or damaged patches of the protective covering (myelin) of the brain and nervous system. These lesions interrupt the normal flow of nerve impulses and affect brain function, brain-body communications and, as a result, body functions. Depending on which areas of the brain or spinal cord are affected, the person with MS may show symptoms such as dizziness, depression, difficulty swallowing, incoordination, spasms, numbness, dry mouth, pain, tremors, heat intolerance, cognitive impairments, menstrual irregularities and mood changes.

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What causes MS? The cause of MS is currently unknown, but many theories abound. One thought is that MS is an autoimmune disease where the person’s immune system is attacking the myelin. Another thought is that a blockage in the veins from the brain prevents used neurotransmitters and metabolites from leaving the brain, thus damaging the nerves. Yet another thought is that MS symptoms are due to Lyme’s disease from a tick bite. MS might also be due to toxicity damage. A 2004 Harvard study found a threefold increase in the incidence of MS associated with the vaccine used for hepatitis B. In a 2009 Italian study by Dr. Paolo Zamboni, 90 percent of the patients in the study diagnosed with MS have had a

trauma to the head or neck prior to the onset of symptoms.

How chiropractics can help Increasing numbers of patients with MS are seeing chiropractors for help with MS symptoms and improving nerve health, and for a good reason: Chiropractors are uniquely trained among health-care professionals to identify interferences to and restore normal nerve flow related to misalignments of the spine called subluxations. Subluxations cause nerve irritation, which can damage the myelin of nerves or the spinal cord itself. These subluxations may even affect blood flow and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) flow via the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous

Increasing numbers of patients with MS are seeing chiropractors for help with MS symptoms and improving nerve health.

blood supply to the head and neck, modulate brain activity, and control balance, sensory organs and glands in the head, sleep/wake, concentration, hormones, immune function, cardiovascular regulation, stress response, healing, digestion and nerve sensitivity. Subluxations can have a direct impact on any of these functions and cause a hyper-reactivity, insensitivity, dysfunction or a malfunction. These problems

can occur with or without an identified lesion to the myelin of the brain or nervous system, which is why MS is difficult to diagnose—its symptoms overlap with that of many other possible neurological disorders, including Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), traumatic brain injury (concussion), stroke and fibromyalgia.

The atlas orthogonal technique Upper cervical chiropractors take specialty x-rays to view the structural alignment of the top bone of the neck (atlas) relative to the skull and neck. They measure misalignment of the atlas in three dimensions in order to determine the best vectors to use for the chiropractic adjustment. Within the atlas orthogonal technique, a special instrument is used to deliver the desired degrees of change to the upper cervical area. With the advent of upright MRI scans, studies have shown that misalignments

In many cases of MS, patients notice changes to symptoms immediately after the first adjustment.

of the upper cervical area resulted in impaired CSF flow, which can then cause a brain swelling, which turns into a brain lesion as in cases of MS. In one case, Dr. Scott Rosa, an atlas orthogonal chiropractor, visualized the misaligned upper cervical area of a patient with MS on x-ray and the stagnant CSF flow on MRI. After one specific chiropractic adjustment, he rex-rayed the patient and found the malrotations had returned to normal. MRI scans showed improved CSF flow and the patient reported a significant reduction in vertigo, vomiting when lying down, and balance issues. In many cases of MS, patients notice changes to symptoms immediately after

the first adjustment, but our goal is much greater than for temporary relief of symptoms. Our goal is continued proper alignment of the spine such that CSF continues to flow, myelin does not continue to be damaged (and be given the opportunity to heal and regenerate), and the neurology can function optimally again. It can take years and decades of subluxation to cause the formation of MS lesions that are visible on MRI. Medications prescribed to patients with MS have strong side-effects. Even with the removal of further causes of subluxation (eliminating toxins, reducing stress and repetitive stress, preventing further trauma to the head or neck), it can

take years or even decades of continued alignment of the spine and healing to reverse the damage in MS. Our office sees many patients with MS and their foremost thought is, “I wish I could have evaluated my atlas and started chiropractic care much sooner so that my symptoms wouldn’t have gotten this bad in the first place.” Too many people mistakenly believe they should wait for a medical diagnosis and exhaust medical treatments for MS before trying intensive chiropractic care. Everyone needs proper nerve function and CSF flow, not just those with diagnosed MS lesions in the brain. A board-certified atlas orthogonal chiropractor, Sabrina Chen-See, DC, has advanced training in head and neck traumas, concussions and brain-stem issues. Dr. Chen-See is also certified in chiropractic pediatrics and the Webster technique to help pregnant women and children. www.DrChenSee.com | (604) 566-9088

Reflexology and Pain

r. William Fitzgerald, a medical ear, nose and throat specialist in the U.S., is often called the father of reflexology as a result of his development of reflexology’s predecessor, zone therapy, from 1909 to the 1930s. He promoted zone therapy as an effective method of anesthesia and analgesia at a time when the medical profession had no safe and effective method of anesthesia. More recently it is recognized that reflexology primarily reduces stress and tension, and that the benefits of reflexology, including its remarkable ability to ease and relieve pain, evolve from the profound relaxation that it provides. Reflexology and research When reviewing research studies that evaluate the effectiveness of reflexology in addressing a wide variety of pains in different body parts, it was found that reflexology produced positive

results 75 to 80 percent of the time. At present, it is not predictable as to when reflexology will be effective and when not. Its effectiveness depends on how a person responds to it. Advantage of reflexology When pain is acute, as in whiplash, for example, there is a natural inclination to tense if the site of the pain is approached. A remarkable advantage of reflexology is that it is applied without approaching the pain site, and so it will not create this reaction. Reflexology will reduce acute pain to a point where another therapist may directly approach the site of the pain without invoking the tendency to resist. Therefore, the combined benefits of other therapy and reflexology can be enjoyed. by Chris Shirley, Pacific Institute of Reflexology (604) 875-8818

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Why Do We Worry? by Kemila Zsange, RCCH

oday I saw a new client who wanted hypnotherapy to help her to stop worrying. As we talked and I thought about her issue, I realized how common it is for people to share her concern, to simultaneously worry and wish they did not.

One part inside us wants to stop worrying because we realize it doesn’t make us feel good. Worrying about something or someone brings a future possibility right into our here-and-now reality, on an emotional level. When we worry, we tell our future self or our loved ones that we do not trust him/her in dealing

with certain situations. Yet we don’t know how to stop worrying. We’ve all tried many different ways to manipulate circumstances so that we could stop worrying. Sometimes it works, but only temporarily. And then the worrying comes back and the relief wears out, because the worrying self is still part of our identity.

Worry Workouts

n your day-to-day life, when you find yourself starting to worry, here are two exercises to try. 1. You cannot have a feeling without a belief. There must be an unconscious belief that is not in alignment with what your higher self knows is true. In other words, when you feel a negative emotion, it’s your own higher self communicating with you that what you think or believe is not true to your heart. One way to find out the beliefs is to write down these statements: I choose to worry because I believe I need to. I need to worry because it serves me. Worrying serves me because _______________________________ . Take your time answering this question. Try and bring a stillness to your mind as you would achieve in a hypnotic trance. The purpose is to use these statements to really go inside, quietly get in touch with the inner space that these statements speak to, or resonate with, then allow the final part to surface itself. Some of the common beliefs that I have seen when working with clients who are in a hypnotic state are: “I need others’ approval to feel I’m OK.” “ Without worrying, my loved ones wouldn’t know that I care.” “ Bad things can happen if everything goes well.” “I can’t deal with the unknown.”

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The worrying self as identity is strengthened by some unquestioned beliefs. An example of such a belief is that, to be safe, one must control the unknown. Hidden associations can also strengthen these beliefs and help make worrying integral to our identity, such as worrying to show someone you care. We all live in the here and now and we all form ideas about what constitutes reality. Sometimes we confuse our ideas about reality with reality itself. What we think of as reality is based on our upbringing and learned from our experiences and, as such, can’t help but be subjective and judgmental. The eye reproduces; it does not see. The ear translates; it does not hear. When our ideas about reality are not in alignment with our desires, we think reality is bad and not one that we want to be in, instead of questioning our ideas about it.

Bad luck? Good luck? 2. If you worry chronically, then set aside a specific time of about 15 minutes every day that you dedicate to worry. Whenever you catch yourself starting to worry outside that time, tell yourself, “It’s not time yet. I’ll make a note (or mental note) and will worry at the dedicated time.” When that time comes, honour this decision and really wholeheartedly start to worry. Make up the worst-case scenarios. Scare yourself as much as you can. It is not advised to do this exercise first thing in the morning or last thing at night. When the time is up, stop, and let yourself know that you can continue the next day. Try these exercises for a while—you may be surprised by the results!

Reality itself is neutral. There is an old Chinese proverb about a simple farmer who one day receives news that his loving father in a far-away village has passed away. Although his neighbours grieve for him, the farmer’s reaction is: Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows? A little later, the farmer inherited from his father a fine horse and the rest of the villagers gathered in delight to celebrate his good fortune. But the farmer’s reaction is the same: Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows? One day the horse escapes into the hills and the

farmer’s neigbours sympathize with him over his bad luck. But he simply replies: Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows? A week later the horse returns with a herd of wild horses and while his neighbours congratulate him on his luck, the farmer replies: Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows? While attempting to tame one of the wild horses, the farmer’s son fell off the horse and broke his leg. Everyone thought this was very bad luck except the farmer, who thought: Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows? Weeks later the army came through the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth except for the farmer’s son with the broken leg. The moral of the story is, of course, that we really can’t say with any certainty whether any

specific situation or event will turn out good or bad over time. But without ideas or words or understanding about reality, what’s left?

What’s left is only curiosity Curiosity comes from embracing not knowing. The knowit-all mind is a closed mind. When a mind is closed, it’s the mind itself that actually suffers. The mind uses erroneous beliefs to keep itself trapped. But a belief is just a thought that we keep thinking. When a thought (an interpretation of reality) is taken as a fact then we have a belief. In this way, it is easy to get interpretations conflicting with our desires and leading us to worry. And this is not practical.

What is practical is to simply observe the here and now without opinions about it, as did the simple farmer in the Chinese village. If we need to interpret it, we can always choose to interpret it in a way that is in alignment with our desires. When the mind is not in conflict and confused, it does not worry.

The know-it-all mind is a closed mind.

Hypnotherapy is an excellent tool for helping people rid their minds of these types of conflicting thoughts and for aligning their thoughts with their desires.

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My client got in touch with different parts of herself. She accessed her guiding self—usually called our higher mind, or higher self, which is not trapped by thoughts, beliefs and associations. She realized that she can trust her whole self and that, to be alive, there are no forces to be overcome, simply situations to accept and work with. Kemila Zsange, RCCH, is a registered clinical counselling hypnotherapist practising in Vancouver. She writes for different publications on the human mind, subconscious behaviours and human conditioning. She offers services using hypnosis to find inner wisdom to interrupt patterns, learn from the depth of our own being and be the best we are meant to be. www.kemilahypnosis.com | (604) 687-4325

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Overcoming Hurt by Trish Lim-O’Donnell, CCP

or anyone who wishes to possess happy, ever-lasting love in your sacred relationships, you will have endless opportunities to practice overcoming hurt in your life. This constant, spiritual practice will ensure you stay at the top of your game, stay light and loose on your feet, till you leave our beloved earth. Getting hurt is inevitable because we are human and, at best, even in our conscious moments, we struggle with each other in our personalities, past hurts, insecurities, interpretation of events, level of generosity of heart, our need to grow our child or assert our will on others. This work is

part of the journey for greater understanding, ease and depth of communication with your sacred ones. Whether it is with your soulmate, parents, niece, nephew, friend, sister, brother or inlaws, you will find countless sensitive moments of intrusion upon your values, boundaries and deeply personal, intense landmarks. They have no way of knowing you and all that is you unless you share. It is easier not to share, if you decide someone is not worth it or you do not desire closeness with that person. It takes energy, openness, commitment and vulnerability to share. At times, the only way to share you may be through fights, arguments or special, fortuitous moments.

When you are hurt and your emotions raw from confrontation, the time you spend recounting the incident to justify why you should stay angry is normal. What is revealing will be the equal or greater time you spend understanding what caused you to maintain your stand. If you can grasp your old childhood landmark of why you were how you were with your sacred other, then you

Heel Homeopathics—Sad to See You Go

eel Inc. is yet another casualty in the struggle that natural health products (NHPs) are facing today. With the announcement that they withdrew their business activities in Canada and the U.S. effective August 2014, the realization of the severity of this problem becomes clearer. Heel is the maker of many popular and trusted over-the-counter homeopathic combination products such as Traumeel, Zeel and Gripp-Heel, just to name a few. The company has been around for over 75 years; their products are sold in 50 countries worldwide and used by millions of people. They are a leader in scientific research and make a large contribution to homeopathy’s scientific validation. While their products will no longer be available here, Heel will continue

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doing business with the rest of the world where the environment is friendlier towards NHPs and where they are accepted and their true value recognized. Unfortunately, until such a time exists in North America, consumers will not have access to these familiar and valued products. The Natural Health Products Protection Association (NHPPA) is working towards creating such an environment and we strongly encourage you to support them. In the meantime, if you are asking yourself “What am I going to do when my Traumeel runs out?” we have the answer for you. The BC Society of Homeopaths has a directory of professional homeopaths who are highly qualified practitioners who meet or exceed high standards of education and practice. While

can take brave steps to begin a new conversation—a new way of being with each other. You can then practice “recalling” all the good things that person has done for you—this is your “forgiveness therapy.” You can ask yourself then, truthfully, if this person is worth the due diligence from you. In the end, you decide who is worth it and who is continued on page

by Marie Lamey, DCH most classical homeopaths do not usually recommend combination remedies, like the products made by Heel, what they will do is select one specific remedy that is indicated for that person. Remedies selected in this individualized way can be highly effective and may work very quickly to resolve a problem or issue. Alternatively, other single over-the-counter products, like Arnica, are also still available from trusted homeopathic pharmacies. Heel, we are sad to see you go and hope you return to Canada in the near future. In the meantime, we wish you all the best in your endeavours. Marie Lamey, DCH, is the president of the BC Society of Homeopaths. To find a member of the BC Society of Homeopaths, visit www.bcsh.ca/find_homeopath

Soothing Back-to-School Anxiety by Nicole Duelli, Hp, CCH, RSHom(NA)

ractically every second child in B.C. is anxious about going back to school, according to a recent Angus Reid survey, so chances are you’ll need some quick, easy tips to smooth the transition.

It’s normal Reminding yourself and your kids that back-to-school jitters are normal helps you—and your kids—feel better. The fact that 47 percent of all B.C. kids experience some anxiety about getting back into the groove of everyday life at school is proof. The main reasons cited were new teachers and new schedules.

Start the routine early Most families will have slipped up on bedtime routines due to summer fun, so get back into reading fairy tales before bed, sneaking in an early bath, brewing a warm chamomile tea and whatever else works for your family—and it better not be TV or video games! Getting back into the routine well before school starts provides a feeling of comfort and prevents exhaustion in that first week of school.

Take some of the “newness” out Make a trip out to school before school actually starts. Let the kids play in the playground, wander the halls,

and even talk to the teachers if they can. Including the kids in their back-to-school shopping, allowing them to choose a few (healthy) treats in their recess snacks and make lunch choices brings the routine back in a fun way and gets them prepared.

It’s OK to be scared Parents often feel uncomfortable when their children are hurting or worried, and rightly so. As a parent, it’s our job to protect them from harm. But we have to be OK with our kids experiencing fears with the knowledge that overcoming them builds confidence. Talking about fears and anxieties allows children to cope better, even when we can’t fix it for them. Just being a conduit for your children to express themselves regularly is crucial, not only for their mental health now, but to maintain that bond should they need help when they’re older and the problems are bigger. If your child doesn’t like to share, it may work to share a story of your own—do you remember a tough situation when you were the same age?

Be happy and give love If we can be relaxed and happy in the last few days of their holidays, then our kids are more likely to be that way, too. As much as possible, take it easy, enjoy life and give them lots of love (not toys, not chocolates, just love). Love provides comfort and resilience to stress.

When all else fails There are homeopathic medicines for anxiety, but they are not recommended on a regular basis for life’s ups and downs. Rather, use them when emotions get extreme and you’ll find homeopathy can help work wonders. Give Gelsemium 30c if your child is feeling so anxious that she feels weak or spaced out or gets sick. This is the firstchoice remedy for anticipatory anxiety. Choose Argentum nitricum 30c instead if your child feels wired or jittery. Give three to five pills on the tongue once or Overcoming Hurt continued from page

not. Forgiveness is our heart’s greatest generosity. At a better emotional state with each other, you can gently revisit what hurt you and be open to asking what hurt them. This is an ideal state. To give someone the time to clarify to you takes a generous spirit, and, when this happens, it is reciprocal—your sacred other will automatically be more open to you. This state comes when you are ready to move on to the next level. It is much easier to not hurt, to not make the effort, because

twice daily for a few days before school, or just use it as needed when feeling anxious. If the problem persists or recurs, seek the assistance of a homeopath to help resolve these more completely. The first day of school, there is no guarantee you’ll have a glitch-free morning, and that’s part of the fun of parenting. Nonetheless, these tips will certainly help ease that transition. Nicole Duelli, Hp, CCH, RSHom (NA), has been practising classical homeopathy for 19 years and trained in naturopathic medicine in Germany. She believes homeopathy is the perfect complementary medicine because it rejuvenates the body’s natural ability to heal without side-effects. She enjoys teaching, writing articles and occasionally blogging. www.vancouverhomeopath.com

sometimes overcoming hurts or working with someone you love requires all of you. But “hope” for a luminous love requires brave hearts and renewed commitments every day, every awakened moment. There is no second best. We are all warriors journeying for our best life with each other and we are, ultimately and intrinsically, worth it. Trish Lim-O’Donnell, CCP, is a relationship coach and spiritual guide, ISMT teacher and E.Q. Music recording artist with 28 years of personal and professional lifecoaching experience. www.trishlimodonnell.com www.hans.org | Health Action

Fast Food continued from page

from the mass food market? The March 5, 2014, National Post reports that just one small cup of hot chocolate from Tim Hortons, a can of Pepsi or a milkshake from McDonalds will equal or greatly surpass the WHO’s recommended daily dose of sugar. Many mass fastfood products are laced with so much sugar that one serving will exceed the recommended daily levels. Recently I saw a Walmart ad for “effortless meals” for “busy mums” that has a supersized cola at the centre of the family supper. This is the contradiction that results from the obsession with protecting the “rights” of fast food companies while ignoring the rights and needs of citizens and taxpayers. Something has A Plea for the Honeybee continued from page 49 of any adverse effects of radio frequency, but there is at least action on the pesticide front. The European Union in April 2013 passed a two-year restriction on neonics, as have other countries, most recently New Zealand. As detailed in a press release in June 2014, the results of a four-year analysis by 29 leading independent scientists reviewing 800 peer-reviewed reports “confirm that they [neonics] are causing significant damage to a wide range of beneficial invertebrate species and are a key factor in the decline of bees.” In a study just published in Science, 67 percent of monitored invertebrate populations show

Health Action | www.hans.org

to give, and it will be the state of our collective health, unless there is effective action to reverse the proliferation of sugar in the mass food market. This will require some proactive regulation by political parties that support a positive social role for government.

Food-industry lobby This will meet corporate resistance. In 2004, the WHO tried to set a target of sugar providing only 10 percent of our daily calories. The food-industry lobby was so effective in presenting its information that it convinced the U.S. Congress to threaten withdrawing funding from this UN agency. The 10 percent target was withdrawn. But since then research continues to mount linking excess sugar consumption to everything a 45 percent mean abundance decline during the past 35 years. This clearly has a ripple effect throughout our ecosystem and therefore on human wellbeing. This timeline would coincide with the introduction of neonics and the spectacular increase of wireless radiation in our environment.

What can we do to help? Vote with your wallet. Buy organic and support local farmers’ markets. Write your government officials about your concerns about the aforementioned possible factors in honeybee decline. It’s easy to send an email, or, better yet, mail them a letter. They need to hear from you. An effective step for homeowners is to look at their own

from obesity and diabetes to dental decay, heart disease and cancer. Some medical researchers even assert that cancers thrive on high sugar intake. Of course, the proliferation of unhealthy fast food doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is connected to an increasingly speedier way of life where more and more of us eat on the run and fewer and fewer of us cook healthy meals at home. This takes us back to the impact of the cell phone, which makes it possible to be “on the go” even more of the time. But we can’t afford to wait until the digitally driven lifestyle becomes more balanced. Food products simply must be more effectively regulated for the health of the country. And, of course, this is but one example of a much larger contradiction that undermines our sustainability. Unfettered

Bees are insects, too, and insect nerve poisons do not discriminate between friend and foe.

yards. We all have a part to play. Neonicotinoids are widely available in lawn and garden products to control insects on ornamental plants and the doses are typically higher than those recommended for food crops. If you want to do something to help the bees, plant bee-friendly plants in your yard. Stop using chemicals that contribute to the problem. Do you really need to use poison to ensure a nice lawn? Do you really need

economic growth based on fossil fuel energy is steadily undermining the stability of the biosphere. Since last writing for Health Action (summer 2014 issue), my home province of Saskatchewan has experienced yet another major flood, an unprecedented summer flood. And the global escalation of such extreme weather presents a catastrophic risk to our collective health. While we can’t lose sight of the biggest of the big contradictions, we need to take on “bite sizes” of reform. Ending the threat that sugar-coated, mass, fast food presents to our collective health should be one of these. Jim Harding is a retired professor of environmental and justice studies. www.crowsnestecology.wordpress.com

a lawn in the first place? More and more people are converting their yards to vegetable and flower gardens. Here’s a simple guiding principle for creating such refuges around your home. If you can’t grow something without resorting to a toxic chemical, maybe you shouldn’t be growing it. You can also begin growing your own food, which is like growing your own money. It’s fresh and it’s organic. Talk to your friends and neighbours, so they become aware of the issues. The more we know, the more we can take action to make things change. Bees are worth it, and so are we. Milt Bowling is on the board of directors for Health Action Network Society.

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HANS Wellness Directory Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine ACU‑BRIDGE Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic (604) 432‑7209 | 5238 Irmin St, Burnaby BC BC Naturopathic Association | (604) 736‑6646 2238 Pine St, Vancouver BC | bcna.ca BodaHealth (604) 733‑2632 | bodahealth.ca 302 ‑ 1245 West Broadway, Vancouver BC Lorne Brown, BSc, CA, Dr TCM, RAC | (604) 678‑8600 #250 ‑ 828 West 8th Ave, Vancouver BC | acubalance.ca Dr. Erikson‑Chinese Medical Dermatology | (778) 886‑1180 15767 Roper Ave, White Rock BC | drerikson.com Dr. Ara Elmajian & Associates | (604) 876‑9228 701 ‑ 805 West Broadway, Vancouver BC | draraelmajian.ca Evoke Integrative Medicine Ltd. www. evokemedicine. com | 604‑685‑1181

Saje Natural Wellness #101‑19052 26th Ave, Surrey BC www.saje.ca | (604) 536‑7191 Young Living Essential Oils | (604) 874‑7318 Carolyn Zerr & Micheal Au http:/ / carolynzerr. younglivingworld. com

Assessments NeuroKinetics™ Traumatology & Concussion Clinic Vancouver BC | (604) 736‑3963 | neurokinetics.com Revitalize Health Centre | 3331 No. 3 Rd, Richmond BC www.revitalizecentre.com | info@revitalizecentre.com

Associations For these FREE listings, visit | www.hans.org

Ayurvedic Medicine

evolve Nurturing Vitality | (604) 255‑7777 102 ‑ 2025 West Broadway, Vancouver BC

Padmashri Naturals Inc. | www.sewanti.com 60022 ‑ 6417 Fraser St, Vancouver | (604) 628‑2003

NeuroKinetics™ Traumatology & Concussion Clinic Vancouver BC | (604) 736‑3963 | neurokinetics.com

Ferlow Botanicals, Manufacturers/Distributors ferlowbotanicals.com | Vancouver BC | (604) 322‑4080

Pacific Rim College Complimentary & Integrative Medicine | www.pacificrimcollege.ca | (250) 483-2119 Shelley L Page, Dr TCM | (604) 541‑9336 690 ‑ 15355 24th Ave, Surrey BC PCU College of Holistic Medicine www.pcucollege.ca | (604) 433‑1299 TCM Association of BC | (604) 602‑7550 4347 W 10th Ave, Vancouver BC | tcmabc.org Dr. Chun‑Kai Wang, DTCM Internal Medicine & Pain Clinic | 15532‑ 92A Ave, Surrey BC | www.drwang.ca Jen Wasmund, RTCMP | (604) 738‑5569 409 ‑ 2150 West Broadway, Vancouver BC Yackel, Avery, BASc, R.TCM.P. | (604) 671‑4682 202 ‑ 2383 King George Hwy, Surrey BC Yackel, Avery, BASc, R.TCM.P. | (604) 671‑4682 108 ‑ 2078 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC Yinstill Reproductive Wellness office@yinstill. com | 604‑873‑9355 (Well) Lyla Yip, MSc, RAc, DTCM | (604) 872‑6833 203 ‑ 2256 Brunswick St, Vancouver BC Weidong Yu, DTCM, FAc.,BM, MPh | (604) 737‑7876 916 West King Edward Ave, Vancouver BC

Animal & Pet Holistic Health Care Richard Calland, DVM | (604) 565‑7217 7280 Adera St, Vancouver BC Fraser Valley Animal Care | (604) 852‑4480 217 ‑ 2825 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford BC

Aromatherapy Ferlow Botanicals, Manufacturers/Distributors Vancouver BC | ferlowbotanicals.com | (604) 322‑4080

Health Action | www.hans.org

Jaisri M Lambert | www.ayurveda‑seminars.com Ayurveda Seminars and Consulting | (604) 290‑8201 Sudha Madhuri Ayurvedic Medicine | sudha@vancouver healing.com | www.vancouverhealing.com

Biofeedback Embrace Continence Solutions Ltd. | www.embrace‑cs.ca 6729 Tisdall St, Vancouver | (604) 327‑7056

Business Opportunities Pacific Institute of Reflexology | (604) 875‑8818 535 West 10th Ave, Vancouver BC

Cancer Information, Treatments & Support Acquired Intelligence Inc. (Salvestrols) Victoria BC | salvestrol.ca | (250) 483‑3640 Callanish Society | (604) 732‑0633 2277 W 10th Ave, Vancouver BC Brian Davies, BSC, ND | (778) 340‑1114 1 ‑ 156 West 3rd St, North Vancouver BC InspireHealth | (604) 734‑7125 200 ‑ 1330 West 8th Ave, Vancouver BC

Children’s Health National Vaccine Information Centre | (703) 938‑DPT3 204 Mill St, Suite B1, Vienna Virginia Autism Canada | (519) 695‑5858 PO Box 366, Bothwell ON Autism Research Institute 4182 Adams Ave, San Diego CA Sabrina Chen‑See | www.DrChenSee.com | # 1110 ‑ 750 W. Broadway, Vancouver BC | (604) 566‑9088 Canteris A. Hartley, DCH, HMC | (604) 886‑3844 www.coasthomeopathy.com | #201 ‑ 1001 Gibsons Way, Gibsons BC Integrated Health Clinic, Sarah Sjovold, ND Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325 | www.drsjovold.com VRAN ‑ Vaccination Risk Awareness Network Inc. (250) 355‑2525 | PO Box 169, Winlaw BC

Chiropractors Gregg Anderson, DC | (604) 531‑6446 305 ‑ 1656 Martin Dr, Surrey BC Christine Bird, DC | (604) 885‑7124 Box 358, Sechelt BC Dr Janice Blanke | (819) 687‑9021 90 CH Morgan, Montcalm QC Sabrina Chen‑See | www.DrChenSee.com | # 1110 ‑ 750 W. Broadway, Vancouver BC | (604) 566‑9088 Dr Barbara James Chiropractic | (250) 868‑2951 1333 St. Paul St, Kelowna BC Dr Barbara James Chiropractic | (250) 868‑2951 1333 St. Paul St, Kelowna BC Dr Kevan Shong Chiropractic | (604) 540‑1551 Suite E ‑ 7487 Edmonds St, Burnaby BC Dr. Karin Mattern | (250) 758‑7022 3648 Departure Bay Rd, Naniamo BC evolve Nurturing Vitality | (604) 255‑7777 102 ‑ 2025 West Broadway, Vancouver BC Helen Fadden, DC | (604) 852‑4480 217 ‑ 2825 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford BC Dr. Mahin Darabi ‑ Fraser Chiropractic | (604) 321‑6704 #315, North Tower 650 41st Ave W, Vancouver BC

Dr Nelie C. Johnson, MD | (604) 467‑1794 www.awarenessheals.ca

Drs Rainer & Randall Zindler ‑ Fraser Chiropractic (604) 321‑6704 | #315, North Tower 650 41st Ave W, Vancouver BC

LEMMO Integrated Cancer Care | (604) 428‑1991 327 Renfrew St, Vancouver BC

John W C Loh, MSc, DC | (604) 941‑0644 201 ‑ 3377 Coast Meridian Rd, Port Coquitlam BC

Ovarian Cancer Canada | www.ovariancanada.org 205 - 145 Front Street East, Toronto ON

Kitsilano Chiropractic | (604) 731‑6773 3446 W. Broadway, Vancouver BC

Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND, Integrated Health Clinic #202 ‑ 23242 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325

Alvin G Klassen, DC, FCCRS(c), CPT | 604) 271‑6442 10020 No 3 Rd, Richmond BC

Port Moody Health | (604) 949‑0077 | 202 ‑ 101 Klahanie Dr, Port Moody BC

Jay Lepp, DC | (604) 939‑7556 2325 St. John’s Street, Port Moody BC

Wellness Trading Post | www.wellnesstradingpost.com Julieta Criollo, DNM, CHT | New Westminster BC

Dorothea McCallum ‑ Ventura Chiropractic 101 ‑ 32920 Ventura Ave, Abbotsford BC | (604) 859‑6781

Chiropractors continued

Dentists

Hawaiian Healing

My Chiropractor at Clayton Heights | (604) 575‑9892 120 ‑ 16555 Fraser Hwy, Surrey BC

Arshbir S. Kler, DDS/ A. Ross Gorrell, DDS 201 ‑ 5405 12th Ave, Delta BC | (604) 943‑2291

Nucca Spine Clinic ‑ Dr. Michael J. Foran Vancouver BC | (604) 266‑1461 | www.neckdr.com

Dr. Ara Elmajian & Associates | (604) 876‑9228 701 ‑ 805 West Broadway, Vancouver BC | draraelmajian.ca

Robert T Ohori, DC | (604) 946‑0144 5017 ‑ 48th Ave, Delta BC

Evangelo Papoutsis, DDS | (604) 886‑4543 315 ‑ 287 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons BC

Canadian School of Natural Nutrition | (604) 730‑5611 100 ‑ 2245 West Broadway, Vancouver BC

Edith Veillette, DC | (819) 669‑9676 435 Boul. La Verendrye E., Gatineau PQ

Van Cosmetic/Implant Dentistry | (604) 434‑0248 359 ‑ 4800 Kingsway, Burnaby BC

Dominion Herbal College | (604) 433‑1926 Burnaby BC | dominionherbalcollege.com

Brent Willox, DC | (604) 253‑6930 1279 Nanaimo St, Vancouver BC | www.vanwellness.com Woodgrove Pines Chiropratic | (250) 390‑2003 or (250) 390‑2993 | 102 ‑ 6135 Metral Dr, Nanaimo BC

Colon Hydrotherapy ABC of Colon Care/ Prime Vitality (604) 929‑7019 | North Vancouver BC | primevitality.ca Integrated Health Clinic 202 ‑ 23242 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325 Lisa Keith | (604) 738‑3858 212 ‑ 3195 Granville St, Vancouver BC The Happy Colon | (604) 525‑8400 360 ‑ 522 7th St, New Westminster BC Village Health Clinic | (604) 575‑7275 105 ‑ 15153 No 10 Hwy, Surrey BC

Counsellors (Registered) Clearmind International | clientservices@clearmind. com clearmind. com | (604) 513‑9001 Brigitte R. Clark M.Ed, C.C.C.,S.E.P. | Vancouver, BC (604) 928‑5913 | www.freefallinsurrender.com Vital Synergy Mind Fitness Inc. | (604) 770‑3038 www.vitalsynergy.ca

Craniosacral Therapy Jennifer Beeston | (604) 536‑5985 beeston.jjulia@yahoo.ca Lumen Natura | (778) 783‑0408 www.lumennatura.com | renee@lumennatura.com Brenda Pulvermacher, BSc | (604) 986‑9355 200 ‑ 1401 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver BC

Electromagnetic Fields & Earth Radiation

Hawaiian Healing Hub luannah@hawaiianhealinghub. com

Health & Education Centres

www.happilyholistic.ca 7655 Falconridge Cres, Kelowna BC

Earthing Canada | 1‑877‑819‑1968 www.earthingcanada.ca

Institute of Holistic Nutrition | (604) 558‑4000 300 ‑ 604 Broadway W, Vancouver BC

Farren Lander, HealthyHomes Environmental Surrey, BC | (604) 538‑0809

Langara College | 100 W 49th Ave., Vancouver BC Vancouver BC http:/ / w ww. langara. bc. ca/ continuing‑studies/ programs‑and‑courses/ index. html

**Vlasty Senovsky, Geopathic Consultant | (604) 990‑0524 Lower Mainland | www.geopathic‑consulting.com

Energy Medicine Holly Berezowski, Happily Holistic Natural Health & Wellness | (250) 491‑7559 www.happilyyholistic.ca | office@happilyholistic.ca CHI Wellness | (604) 767‑3834 | Vancouver BC CHI MACHINE | www.chidvd.com/ chiwellness Maria Djordjevic, BSc. CIEHP | (604) 727‑4186 Vancouver BC | sanare.ca Earthing Canada | 1‑877‑819‑1968 www.earthingcanada.ca **Heal Your Own Body Medical Intuition, Elise Yohm (604) 317‑6676 | Burnaby BC | www.healyourownbody.com Diane Louie, EFT Practitioner | (604) 888‑2950 21231 ‑ 93rd Ave, Langley BC Michael D’Alton’s School of Bio‑Energy Healing (604) 688‑5177 | www.daltonsbio.com | Vancouver BC Ann Perrick | (604) 250‑4916 EMF Balancing Technique, North Vancouver BC The HeartMind Institute | (778) 476‑1414 Penticton BC | www.theheartmindinstitute.com Phillip W Warren | (604) 946‑4919 4459 ‑ 52A St, Delta BC | rebprotocol.net

Environmental Products & Services **Nature Cleaning Services | (604) 255‑3735 2316 Nacht Ave, Port Coquitlam BC

Love Peace Harmony Vancouver (604) 733‑0853 | www.lovepeaceharmonyvancouver.com PCU College of Holistic Medicine www.pcucollege.ca | (604) 433‑1299 John Theobald GNM Education www.learninggnm.com | john@learninggnm.com Vancouver Island College of Natural Wellness Nanaimo, BC | 1-800-255‑2816 | www.vicnw.com

Health Food Stores **Alive Health Centres | www.alivehealthcentre.ca With 14 locations in BC, mostly in the Vancouver area Ave Maria Specialties | (250) 563‑6388 1638 - 20th Ave, Prince George BC Consumers Nutrition Centre | (604) 270‑0007 1318 ‑ 6551 No. 3 Rd, Richmond BC Dawson Creek Health Food Centre | (250) 782‑4656 901C ‑ 103rd Ave, Dawson Creek BC Edible Island Whole Foods Market | (250) 334‑3116 477 ‑ 6th St, Courtenay BC **Gaia Garden Herbals | (604) 734‑HERB (4372) 2672 West Broadway, Vancouver BC | gaiagarden.com **Kelly’s Specialty Shop Ltd. | (604) 485‑5550 4706 Marine Ave, Powell River BC Lifestyle Markets | #180‑2950 Douglas St, Victoria BC (250) 384‑3388

www.hans.org | Health Action

HANS Wellness Directory Health Food Stores continued

Healthy Homes & Interiors

**Marks Pharmacy | (604) 731‑8535 3750 Oak St, Vancouver BC

The Wholistic Mystic | (778) 823‑6960 www. kimlouiseeasterbrook. com

**Mother Natures | (250) 365‑7750 Castlegar, BC | www.mothernaturescastlegar.com

Farren Lander, HealthyHomes Environmental Surrey, BC | (604) 538‑0809

Nurture Health & Wellness | (403) 208‑0812 63 Crowfoot Terrace NW, Calgary AB Sunnyside Naturals | Kaslo BC | (250) 353‑9667 The Peanut Mill Natural Foods Market | (905) 685‑8848 191 Welland Ave, St. Catharines ON Valley Health | (780) 624‑1332 10019 ‑ 100 St, Peace River AB

Health Products & Equipment AIM Canada | (604) 263‑8497 | theaimcompanies.com 390 ‑ 2025 W. 42nd Ave,Vancouver BC Amazing Health | (604) 856‑9472 6581 Sunshine Dr, Delta BC Alison Douglas | alisondouglas52@gmail.com www.myaimstore.com/alisonswellness.com Earthing Canada | 1‑877‑819‑1968 www.earthingcanada.ca Eastern Currents Distributing Ltd. | (604) 263‑5042 9109 Shaughnessy St, Vancouver BC | easterncurrents.ca Heather Gabriel | (604) 536‑5585 Independent Zango Distributor, Surrey, BC Wendy Hampton | Bio‑mats.ca (250) 756‑5973 | MsWalkabout1@gmail.com Health Plus | (604) 437‑6286 3512 East 24th Ave, Vancouver BC **Healthy Business Consulting Ltd. | Ron & Maggie Gale | South Surrey BC (778) 294‑0611 | healthybusiness.ca Infinite Possibilities Consulting | (250) 598‑8574 USANA Distributors | possibilities_intl.usana.com Juice Plus (Alberta) & Tower Garden juiceplusworks.com | beyondorganic.towergarden.ca Juice Plus www.mariannesjuiceplus.com (604) 603‑4272 | mhpearson@telus.net Kwikfit4u | laura@kwikfit4u.com | (250) 769‑5552 Laura Pelletier, Whole Body Vibration Specialist Organo Gold | www. mchudyk. organogold. com (778) 855‑2486 Preferred Nutrition | (519) 853‑1118 153 Perth St, Acton ON | pno.ca Radiant Health Saunas | (604) 221‑1799 Vancouver BC | radianthealthsaunas.com

Health Retreats & Spas Cedar Springs Renewal Center | (360) 826‑3599 Sedro Woolley WA | cedarsprings.org

Search the directory at www.hans.org by keyword, location or name.

Health Action | www.hans.org

Herbalists (Registered) Dominion Herbal College | (604) 433‑1926 Burnaby BC | dominionherbalcollege.com Island Healthworks Natural Health Clinic (250) 468‑7685 | 1830 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay BC Pacific Rim College Complimentary & Integrative Medicine | www.pacificrimcollege.ca | (250) 483-2119 PCU College of Holistic Medicine www.pcucollege.ca | (604) 433‑1299 Wellness Trading Post | www.wellnesstradingpost.com Julieta Criollo, DNM, CHT | New Westminster, BC

Herbs & Herbal Products Eastern Currents Distributing Ltd. | (604) 263‑5042 9109 Shaughnessy St, Vancouver BC | easterncurrents. ca

Zettl Homeopathy 1298 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna | zettlhomeopathy. ca

Hyperbaric & Oxygen Therapy Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND | Integrated Health Clinic 202 ‑ 23242 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325

Hypnotherapy Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BC Division) (604) 688‑1714 | 2036 West 15th Ave, Vancouver BC Heather Gabriel | (604) 536‑5585 Suite 176, 106 ‑ 1656 Martin Dr, Surrey BC Vital Synergy Mind Fitness Inc | (604) 770‑3038 www.vitalsynergy.ca Kemila Zsange, RCCH | kz@kemilahypnosis.com www.kemilahypnosis.com | (604) 687‑4325

Inspiration **Banana Moon | (250) 390‑4010 102 ‑ 6135 Metral Dr, Nanaimo BC

Iridology

Ferlow Botanicals Manufacturers/Distributors Vancouver BC | ferlowbotanicals.com | (604) 322‑4080

**Irimeta Health Services | (604) 731‑8535 Vancouver, BC | www.irimeta.com

Heather Gabriel | (604) 536‑5585 Independent Zango Distributor, Surrey BC

Island Healthworks Natural Health Clinic (250) 468‑7685 | 1830 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay BC

**Gaia Garden Herbals | (604) 734‑HERB (4372) 2672 West Broadway, Vancouver BC | gaiagarden.com Vitex Nutrition Ltd. | VitexNutrition.com 494 Midvale St, Coquitlam BC | (778) 355‑8027

Holistic Massage Heather Donaldson, Nature’s Way Holistic Health (604) 815‑3436 | www.natureswaymassage.ca

Homeopaths Access Natural Healing – Elena Cecchetto (604) 568‑4663 | accessnaturalhealingcom Homepathic Practitioner & Cease Therapist BC Society of Homeopaths | www.bcsh.ca Referrals to classical homeopaths

Kinesiology Jake Atchison, Happily Holistic Natural Health & Wellness | www.happilyyholistic.ca office@happilyholistic.ca | (250) 491‑7559 CHI Wellness | (604) 767‑3834 Vancouver BC CHI MACHINE | www.chidvd.com/ chiwellness Alexis Costello, Happily Holisitic Natural Health & Wellness | www.happilyyholistic.ca office@happilyholistic.ca | (250) 491‑7559

Live Blood Analysis Arnica Homeopathy Centre | (604) 780‑2114 205‑1401 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver BC

Massage Therapists (Registered)

Canteris A. Hartley, DCH, HMC www.coasthomeopathy.com 201 ‑ 1001 Gibsons Way, Gibsons | (604) 886‑3844

Evoke Integrative Medicine Ltd. www. evokemedicine. com | (604) 685‑1181

Marie Lamey, Trinity Homeopathy Clinic Vancouver, BC | (604) 837‑7396

Yinstill Reproductive Wellness office@yinstill. com | (604) 873‑9355 (Well)

Diane Louie, DCH, RSCHom, Classical Homeopath 21231 ‑ 93rd Ave, Langley BC | (604) 888‑2950

Massage Therapy

Sonya McLeod, BA, DCH | (604) 677‑7742 351 E 39th Ave, Vancouver BC

Behrs’ Massage Therapy Clinic | (604) 485‑2155 4763 Joyce Ave, Powell River BC

Neil Tessler, ND, DHANP | (604) 542‑9759 203 ‑ 2828 152nd St, Surrey BC

Mavis Brown RMT | (250) 774‑6769 | Top Floor, Sikanni Plaza / 5004 52nd Ave W, Fort Nelson BC

West Coast Homeopathic Society | (604) 803‑9242 101 ‑ 1001 West Broadway Unit 120, Vancouver BC

Elfi M. Dillon‑Shaw, RMT | (250) 247‑9504 730 Captain Ahab’s TRC, Gabriola Island BC

Zettl Homeopathy zettlhomeopathy. ca | (604) 355 Well (9355)

Electra Health Floor | (604) 685‑4325 Electra Health Floor ‑ 970 Burrard St, Vancouver BC

Massage Therapy continued

Anita Bratt, ND (250) 862‑2673 | www.drbratt.com 102 ‑ 1441 Ellis St, Kelowna B.C.

Dr Allana Polo, ND | (778) 397‑3979 New Westminster, BC | www.drallanapolo.com

Timothy W Brown, ND | (604) 538‑3017 200 ‑ 12761 16th Ave, Surrey BC

Port Moody Health | (604) 949‑0077 202 ‑ 101 Klahanie Drive, Port Moody BC

Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (416) 496‑8633 | 1255 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto ON

Danny Jui, ND Ray Clinic | (604) 461‑7900 3 ‑ 201 Morrissey Rd, Port Moody BC

Phoebe Chow, ND | (604) 327‑0021 2298 Newport Ave, Vancouver BC

Denise Rochon, ND, FCAH, CCH | (604) 885‑3150 8442 Redrooffs Rd, Halfmoon Bay BC

Massage Therapy Assn of BC | (604) 873‑4467 #180 (Airport Square) 1200 W 73rd Ave, Vancouver BC

Scarlett Cooper, BSc, ND | (604) 222‑2433 305 ‑ 2083 Alma St, Vancouver BC | drscarlettcooper.com

William Russell, ND | (604) 535‑4003 305 ‑ 1656 Martin Dr, Surrey BC

Brian Davies, BSC, ND | (778) 340‑1114 1 ‑ 156 West 3rd St, North Vancouver BC

John Russell & Colleen Schmitt, RMT | (604) 436‑5500 308 ‑ 4900 Kingsway, Burnaby BC | www.burnabyrehab.com

Brewster Scott, ND | (250) 382‑2639 855 Cormorant St, Victoria BC

Mandana Edalati, ND | (604) 987‑4660 213 ‑ 1940 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver BC

Murray P Schwabe, RMT | (604) 532‑3050 203 ‑ 5755 Glover Rd, Langley BC

Selkirk Naturopathic Clinic | (604) 463‑4911 230 ‑ 22529 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge BC

Dr. Ara Elmajian & Associates | (604) 876‑9228 701 ‑ 805 West Broadway, Vancouver BC | draraelmajian.ca

Leslie Smith, RMT | (250) 492‑5599 1458 Government St, Penticton BC

Dr. Pieter C Taams, MD, ND | (604) 856‑5687 Abbotsford, BC | www.naturopathic‑retreat.com

Evoke Integrative Medicine Ltd. www. evokemedicine. com | (604) 685‑1181

Neil Tessler, ND, DHANP | (604) 542‑9759 203 ‑ 2828 152nd St, Surrey BC

evolve Nurturing Vitality | (604) 255‑7777 102 ‑ 2025 West Broadway, Vancouver BC

Gudrun Tonskamper, ND, RAc | (604) 536‑1400 200 ‑ 1676 Martin Drive, Surrey BC

Paula Fainstat, DC, ND | (604) 222‑2433 305 ‑ 2083 Alma St, Vancouver BC

Village Health Clinic | (604) 575‑7275 105 ‑ 15153 No 10 Hwy, Surrey BC

Dorothy Fairley, ND | (604) 738‑2205 2490 Blenheim St, Vancouver BC

Connect Health Centre | (604) 733‑4400 | 205 ‑ 2786 16th Ave W, Vancouver BC | www.connecthealthcare.ca

Jennie Weisenburger, ND | (604) 876‑1150 603 ‑ 805 West Broadway, Vancouver BC

Juliet Ghodsian, ND | (604) 697‑0397 487 Davie St, Vancouver BC

International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (416) 733‑2117 | 16 Florence Ave, Toronto ON

**Jese Wiens, BSc,ND | (250) 494‑3321 or (778) 476‑6016 Practising in Summerland and Penticton, BC

Brenda Gill, ND | (250) 362‑5035 Suite 1 - 1995 Columbia Ave, Box 1841, Rossland BC

Zoltan Rona, MD | (416) 920‑9241 8188 Yonge St, Suite 101, Thornhill ON

Tom Glew, ND | (604) 263‑6338 330 ‑ 2025 W 42 Ave, Vancouver BC

MN Health Consulting | (778) 231‑9878 mnhealthconsulting@hotmail.com

Hawthorne Naturopathic Centre | (250) 598‑3314 1726 Richmond Ave, Victoria BC

Vital Synergy Mind Fitness Inc. | (604) 770‑3038 www.vitalsynergy.ca

Doug Fairweather, RMT | (250) 542‑3553 11601 Palfrey Drive West, Coldstream BC Pauline Johnson, RMT | (250) 920‑2093 1999 Cochrane St, Victoria BC Joyce L deVooght, RMT | (250) 372‑1365 92 ‑ 665 McBeth Place, Kamloops BC Sandra MacDonald, RMT | (902) 421‑7549 440 ‑ 5991 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax NS

Mattresses Essentia – Natural Mattresses | (604) 738‑0321 2144 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC | myessentia.com

Medical Doctors

Mental & Emotional Wellness Heather Donaldson, Nature’s Way Holistic Health 604‑815‑3436 | www.natureswaymassage.ca

Holistic Healing Arts Centre | (519) 751‑3488 213 King George Rd, Unit 209, Brantford ON

**Heal Your Own Body Medical Intuition, Elise Yohm (604) 317‑6676 | Burnaby BC | www.healyourownbody.com

InspireHealth | (604) 734‑7125 200 ‑ 1330 West 8th Ave, Vancouver BC

Dr Nelie C. Johnson, MD | (604) 467‑1794 www.awarenessheals.ca

Shyrose Karim, ND | (604) 451‑7786 or (604) 922‑7372 J2 ‑ 925 Main St, West Vancouver BC

NeurVana Recovery and Wellness Inc | www.neurvana.ca (250) 826‑4532 | 1‑888‑657‑9355

Westcoast Naturopathic Clinic | (604) 681‑5585 1190 Thurlow St, Vancouver BC

Gillian Padgett | www.gillianpadgett.com | (250) 542‑7602

LEMMO Integrated Cancer Care | (604) 428‑1991 327 Renfrew St, Vancouver BC

Truehope Nutritional Support Ltd. | (888) 878‑3467 PO Box 888, Raymond AB

Naturopathic Physicians Revitalize Health Centre | 3331 No. 3 Rd, Richmond BC www.revitalizecentre.com | info@revitalizecentre.com A New Leaf Naturopathic Clinic | (604) 514‑8555 103 ‑ 4061 ‑ 200th St, Langley BC BC Naturopathic Association | (604) 736‑6646 2238 Pine St, Vancouver BC | bcna.ca Bellevue Natural Health Clinic | (604) 913‑2262 1467 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver BC Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine | 300 ‑ 435 Columbia St, New Westminster BC | (604) 777‑9981

Paul Levendusky, ND, RAc | (604) 536‑8600 202 ‑ 15210 North Bluff Rd, White Rock BC

Neurofeedback

Non-profit Organizations For these FREE listings, visit | www.hans.org

Nurses (Registered) Embrace Continence Solutions Ltd. | www.embrace‑cs.ca 6729 Tisdall St. Vancouver | (604) 327‑7056

Nutritional Consultants (Certified) Canadian School of Natural Nutrition | (604) 730‑5611 100 ‑ 2245 West Broadway, Vancouver BC

Bruce Lofting, ND | (403) 270‑3372 3701 17th Avenue SW, Calgary AB

Der Meulen Nutrition www. dermeulennutrition. ca | (604) 618‑1526

Jonn Matsen, ND | (604) 986‑7774 156 West 3rd St, North Vancouver BC

Brenda Eastwood | 800‑884‑9220 Saanichton BC | brendaeastwood.com

Heathir Naesgaard, ND | (604) 980‑4181 1 ‑ 3731 Delbrook Ave, North Vancouver BC

**Irimeta Health Services | (604) 731‑8535 Vancouver, BC | www.irimeta.com

Dr. Karen Parmar, ND | Integrated Health Clinic 202 ‑ 23242 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325

Institute of Holistic Nutrition | (604) 558‑4000 300 ‑ 604 Broadway W, Vancouver BC

Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND | Integrated Health Clinic 202 ‑ 23242 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325 Ingrid Pincott, ND | (250) 286‑3655 300 ‑ 1170 Shoppers Row, Campbell River BC

Nutritional Counselling Pacific Rim College Complimentary & Integrative Medicine | www.pacificrimcollege.ca | (250) 483-2119

www.hans.org | Health Action

HANS Wellness Directory Organic Products FarmFolk/ CityFolk Society | (604) 730‑0450 Vancouver, BC | ffcf.bc.ca Genki Foods Calgary, AB | 1‑866‑338‑6583 Experience the power of whole foods! | genkifoods.com **Green Earth Organics | (604) 708‑2345 Organic delivery service in Vancouver BC Health Plus | (604) 437‑6286 3512 East 24th Ave, Vancouver BC NingXia Red™ Super Juice | (604) 874‑7318 Vancouver BC | ningxia‑red‑juice.com | (778) 222‑7318 cell **West Pointe Organic Produce | (604) 736‑2839 2183 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC

Orthomolecular Medicine International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (416) 733‑2117 | 16 Florence Avenue, Toronto ON ISF International Schizophrenia Foundation (416) 733‑2117 | 16 Florence Avenue, Toronto ON

Osteopathic Practitioners **Carolyne Abrams, DO DPO (UK) | (604) 730‑5950 11‑3615 West 19th Ave, Vancouver BC carolyne@lighthealing.ca Raphael Limsico | (604) 876‑4948 | House calls available Melanie Swithin‑Jones | (604) 628‑8801 North Vancouver BC | harmonyosteopathy.ca **West Coast Clinic of Osteopathy | (604) 960‑1171 210 ‑ 145 West 15th St, North Vancouver BC

Physical Therapist (Registered) Shayna Hornstein, Registered Physical Therapist www.shaynahornstein.net | (604) 731‑4076

Professional & Business Friends of HANS

The Natural Health Show | www.thenaturalhealthshow.ca Saturday mornings at 11am on am650 Vancouver

Reflexologists Brigitte Beaudoin, Happily Holistic Natural Health & Wellness | (250) 491‑7559 www.happilyyholistic.ca | office@happilyholistic.ca Pacific Institute of Reflexology | (604) 875‑8818 535 West 10th Ave, Vancouver BC Reflexology Association of BC | (604) 435‑8325 720 Sixth St. PO Box 248, New Westminster BC

Reiki Inner Focus Holistic Healing | (604) 985‑7302 North Vancouver BC | innerfocus.ca Christa Lynn | (604) 837‑5125 Vancouver BC | www.christalynn.ca

Health Action | www.hans.org

Wellness Centres

NeurVana Recovery and Wellness Inc. | (250) 826‑4532 1‑888‑657‑9355 | www.neurvana.ca

Reproductive Health Yinstill Reproductive Wellness office@yinstill. com | (604) 873‑9355 (Well)

Saunas Radiant Health Saunas | (604) 221‑1799 Vancouver BC | radianthealthsaunas.com

Shiatsu Heather Donaldson, Nature’s Way Holistic Health (604) 815‑3436 | www.natureswaymassage.ca

Skin & Hair Care

Ferlow Botanicals Manufacturers/Distributors ferlowbotanicals.com Vancouver BC | (604) 322‑4080

The Herbal Collective Magazine | (250) 754‑7103 Distributed on Vancouver Island, BC

Christa Lynn | (604) 837‑5125 Vancouver BC | www. thebodytalkclinic. com

Myorei Healing | (778) 239‑4555 Vancouver BC | myorei.ca

Jane Shaak | (888) 484‑7253 Royal LePage | 484 Main St, Penticton BC

Common Ground Publishing Corp | (604) 733‑2215 204 ‑ 4381 Fraser St, Vancouver BC

The BodyTalk System

www.happilyholistic.ca 7655 Falconridge Crescent, Kelowna BC

Dr. Erikson‑Chinese Medical Dermatology 15767 Roper Ave, White Rock, BC (778) 886‑1180 | drerikson.com

Alive Publishing Group Inc. | (604) 295‑9333 100 ‑ 12751 Vulcan Way, Richmond BC

For these FREE listings, visit | www.hans.org

Brian Madigan | (604) 626‑6277 Stressed out at work? | endworkstress.com

Caligiuri Financial Group Inc. | (604) 685‑6525 | 1200 ‑ 1111 Georgia St. W, Vancouver BC | caligiurigroup.com

Publications (Health & Environmental)

Support Groups

New Visage Advanced Skincare & Anti Aging Ltd. 417 ‑ 1770 W 7th Ave, Vancouver BC | (604) 893‑8872

Sound Healing Harmony of the Spheres | (604) 340‑4955 Vancouver BC | www.harmonyofthespheres.net

Revitalize Health Centre | 3331 No. 3 Rd Richmond BC www.revitalizecentre.com | info@revitalizecentre.com Yinstill Reproductive Wellness office@yinstill. com | (604) 873‑9355 (Well)

Women’s Health Brenda Eastwood | 800‑884‑9220 Saanichton BC | brendaeastwood.com Canteris A. Hartley, DCH, HMC | (604) 886‑3844 201 ‑ 1001 Gibsons Way, Gibsons BC www.coasthomeopathy.com Integrated Health Clinic, Sarah Sjovold, ND Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325 | www.drsjovold.com Dr. Karen Parmar, ND Integrated Health Clinic 202‑23242 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley BC | (604) 888‑8325 Vancouver Women’s Health Collective | (604) 736‑5262 225 ‑ 119 West Pender St, Vancouver BC Yinstill Reproductive Wellness office@yinstill. com | (604) 873‑9355 (Well)

C-NAG

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Read more about the research and science behind this proven natural remedy.

Vitex Nutrition Ltd.

Coquitlam, BC Canada V3K 5H6, Phone/Fax 778-355-8027

www.VitexNutrition.com

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HANS Health Action Network Society (1984) 214-5589 Byrne Road, Burnaby, BC V5J 3J1 www.hans.org | hans@hans.org Publications Mail Agreement 40050050

Memory & Focus Support

SUPEROIL

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