Healthy Directions Ontario Aug/Sept 2012

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HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

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BRAIN POWER BOOSTERS 12

Enrich and Empower Your Life • FREE!

SENSATIONAL SANDWICHES 14

ECO CHIC PRODUCTS 22

Better Back to School Lunches

GORGANZOLA CROSTINI 19

Children’s Health • Nutrition • Allergies • Eczema • Exercise • Supplements • Teething

Low Allergy Gardening

The Health Benefits of Honey

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Nourish Their Brain Health

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

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HEALTHY DIRECTIONS

42

AUG/SEPT 2012

In This Issue: CHILDREN’S HEALTH Nutrition and Supplements 8

BACK TO SCHOOL

Supplements for Learning 16

FOOD PASSIONS Igniting the Senses

BETTER LUNCHES FOR KIDS

Nutritious Nourishment 20

14

BREAKFAST = BETTER GRADES

The Californian Crunchy Vegetable and Alfalfa Sprout Wraps Garden Tuna Checkerboard Sandwich

Tips for a Great Morning Start 24

FOOD ALLERGIES AND ECZEMA

A Natural Explanation 26

NATUROPATHY FOR KIDS

18

Gentle, Safe and Effective 33

CREATE HARMONY OVERCOMING AUTISM

A Natural Approach

HEALTHY STARTS

Join the Journey to Better Health

FIT FOR LIFE

Exercise Routines and Tips 29

12

BOOST BRAIN POWER

10

HEALTH FROM THE HIVE

THE STRONG WAY BACK

21

HAZELWOOD FOR TEETHING

Exercise is Essential for Cancer Patients

34

AN HOUR A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY

Meeting Exercise Needs 38

41 42

Award Winning Cranberry and Fruit Wines

22

ECO CHIC

Back to School in Style

4 Super Nutrients

Honey the Nutraceutical

LOW ALLERGY GARDENING CONSIDER THERMOGRAPHY

Seven Reasons Why

MUSKOKA LAKES WINERY

Green Lifestyle Tips

26

Choose Low Pollen Plants

Travel & Explore

ECO LIVING

10

One Mom’s Story

GREAT DESTINATIONS 31

FAMILY BRUNCH

Walnut Flax Waffles Pear, Pecan and Gorgonzola Crostini French toast in a Pan

5 Tips for Teaching Manners 36

SENSATIONAL SANDWICHES

SPICE OF LIFE

As Good as Gold, Saffron

6 7 27 30 32 40 40

31

EDITOR’S NOTE OUR CONTRIBUTORS NATUROPATH LISTING GUIDE SPA & RESORT GUIDE HOT OFF THE SHELF COURSES GUIDE CLASSIFIEDS HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 5

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HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 Vol. 13 No. 4 Healthy Directions is dedicated to offering inspiring health and lifestyle information to enrich and empower your life.

Editor Charleen Wyman char@healthydirections.ca

Contributing Writers Jennifer Hendry-Lynn, BSc. (Hons), ND, Gloria Havenhand, Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, Alison Lewis, Igor Brotto and Olivier Guiriec, Eric Muradov, ND, Camilla V. Saulsbury, Jennifer Low, Marketa Stastna, Mylene Lefebvre, Michael Mason-Wood, ND, Angela Hunt, BSc. ND, Mary O’Donohue, Max Wiseberg, Raisa Weisspapir, Homeopath, MD(Europe), Kelly Putter, Alexander Mostovoy, HD, DHMS, BCCT, and Mark Schnedier, CNP

Editorial:

Written contributions and photos are welcome.

However, all content is subject to editorial review.

Advertising Sales: Jon Cousins

1-877-276-1849 healthydirections@rogers.com Check out our website:

www.HealthyDirections.ca Become a fan on Facebook for updates on coupons, contests, green flyers, free samples, store events, specials and more: Look us up as: Healthy Directions Magazine Healthy Directions is an independent journal produced by Cousins Publishing, six times a year in Canada. All content is copyrighted by Cousins Publishing.

ISSN 1488-6308

EDITOR’S NOTE In the early hours of the morning when the sunlight is orange

and warm I take Evelyn out into the garden. Facing forward arms and legs bouncing in her carrier, she reaches for the soft petals of a daisy and squishes a global, feathery leek flower top. I notice a few honeybees are gathering pollen on the tomato flowers just starting to bloom.

Every mother tries to protect their child from the bees for fear of getting stung. But, I say we also need to protect the bees for our children and for future generations. Honey and bee products offer incredible health benefits and the bees help preserve ecological biodiversity.

Here’s the sting. Sadly, bee numbers continue to decline world-wide. According to the Canadian Honey Council, Canada has lost 35% of its honey bee colonies for the past three years! These busy workers pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat including tomatoes, beans, apples and strawberries. Their decline in Canada and the rest of the world is still a bit of a puzzle, but pesticides (some classes of neonicotinoids), the varroa mite and other parasites, and the destruction of the flower-rich habitats in which bees feed are believed to be the key reasons. The use of neonicotinoids are now restricted in France, Germany and Slovenia due to recent evidence of a connection between them and honey-bee colony collapse disorder. To find out more and to support apiculturists and protection efforts visit: www.honeycouncil.ca. Support for hive health can also be offered by purchasing honey and bee hive products from local keepers, as well as, by choosing organic foods and creating a bee-friendly garden.

After our walk, as I pour my first cup of tea for the day and add a teaspoon full of ‘golden goodness’ to it, I started thinking about all the health benefits from the hive. Honey supports the immune system and can help provide increased energy and propolis can be used for shingles and has anti-inflammatory properties. I thought about beeswax lip balms and sweet smelling beeswax candles. So, this issue I thought it was essential to add an excerpt on the modern health benefits of honey and include some tips on how to create a bee-friendly garden from Honey, Nature’s Golden Healer by Gloria Havenhand.

One of the great joys of parenting is sharing nature and the outdoors with your child. It’s important to show them where food comes from – not from the grocery store or the fridge. Sharing meals together also starts in the kitchen. Make lunches and breakfasts together, when you can, it’s time that can be enjoyed, not rushed. An egg may end up on the floor but it’s a small price to pay for the independence and experience gained by a budding new chef. This children’s health issue I hope you find some tips to make back to school and work lunches, breakfasts and brunches a little more inspired and have a fall full of family vitality.

Thank you to all of our contributing writers this issue.

Yours in health and happiness,

Important: Always seek the opinion of your medical or naturopathic doctor before starting any complementary health program. Any information contained herein is intended towards that purpose; thus “Healthy Directions” and its contributing writers will not be held liable should this advice not be followed.

6 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

Charleen Wyman, BA Journalism, BA English Editor, Healthy Directions char@healthydirections.ca

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada's leading women's health expert and has been researching nutritional medicine for over 30 years. With degrees in nutrition and biochemistry, she is the author of eleven books including A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones and A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss. Her website: www.hormonehelp.com has over 4,000 pages of helpful nutrition information.

Eric muradov, ND is a licenced naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Edmonton. He runs a general medical practice and has a special interest in Multiple Sclerosis. He has been published and has lectured on Alternative Medicine and MS. Visit: www.drericmuradov.com or call (780) 482-2788.

mary o’Donohue and her husband Jim have been married for seventeen years and have two children, Connor and Grace; a teen and a ‘tween. She is the author of the award winning parenting book When You Say “Thank You”, Mean It. In addition to writing, Mary enjoys a successful career in television production, having worked on “The Today Show” and on many talk shows, including 12 seasons with the Oprah Winfrey Show. She can be reached through her website at www.maryodonohue.com

Jennifer Hendry-Lynn, BSc. (Hons), ND, practices as a naturopathic doctor at ReAlign Health in Cambridge, ON. In her daily practice she treats a variety of health concerns, including: women’s health issues, allergies, digestive disorders, and pediatrics. She has a special interest in autism and is DAN! trained. Visit www.realignhealth.com or call 519-650-1630.

michael mason-Wood, BSc, ND is truly passionate about helping people achieve greater health. His philosophy is to treat every patient as a unique individual in order to design a treatment plan that will be most suited to their needs. He is a licensed practitioner with the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Physicians, as well as the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Visit Optimum Wellness Naturopathic Medical Clinic, www.optimumwellnessclinic.ca.

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 7

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CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Get the Best Start this Year with Better Health.

Supplements for Learning and Health

Back to School

By Jennifer Hendry-Lynn ND As the school year quickly approaches, it is time to leave behind the lazy days of beaches and play dates, and start to focus on preparing for the hectic pace of the school year to come.

Each school year is a fresh start for both parents and children, and many parents begin to look for new ways to increase their child’s performance and happiness at school. At the same time, parents want to boost their child’s immune system to fight the annoying bugs that plague so many families each year. The following supplements may be able to help your family reach your school year goals.

8 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

FISH OILS When picking a fish oil for your child, it is important to choose one that contains both eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as both of these are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Essential fatty acids means that our body does not make these fatty acids, and therefore we need to get them from our diet. Unfortunately, it is hard to consume enough fish oils through diet alone, as these fatty acids are found mainly in cold water, oily fish and in lesser amounts in fortified foods. Our brain needs DHA, especially when it is developing, as the brain

is made up of mainly fat, specifically DHA. Fish oils help calm children and increase their concentration and focus in school.

They also contain natural immune boosting properties to help the body stay healthy all year long.

VITAMIN D In a perfect world we would all get our vitamin D from the sun. Unfortunately, a number of factors can negatively impact our ability to use the suns rays as our sole vitamin D source. Sunscreen, length of day, cloud cover, and geographic location all impact the amount of vitamin D we absorb.

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By adding vitamin D3 into your child’s supplement routine, optimal amounts of this powerhouse vitamin can be achieved. It simulates the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Moreover, it helps to ensure that our children have strong and healthy bones as they grow.

PROBIOTICS Our gut naturally contains millions of good bacteria that help to keep us healthy all year long. Many people do not realize that our gut houses approximately 60-70% of our immune system, and protects us from many of the bad bugs our body comes in contact with each day. Probiotics are made up of millions to billions of these friendly bacteria to help bulk up the number of good bacteria in the gut, and help prevent these bad bugs from moving in and making us sick. Studies have found that children who take probiotics catch fewer colds, flu’s and ear infections throughout the year.

MULTIVITAMIN

ELDERBERRY Children are constantly catching colds and flu’s throughout the school year, in part because they are still developing their immune systems. Researchers have found elderberry to be great at both preventing and treating the common cold and the flu. It is a great botanical that is safe for children, and helps to boost the immune system. It may also help to reduce inflammation and is a potent antioxidant. Elderberry is often prepared in a syrup form, rather than in an alcohol base, making it a tastier, but still a bit tart, botanical for keeping your children healthy all year long.

All of the above supplements are a great way to increase your child’s health this school year. However, it is important to remember the unbeatable value of a healthy

diet and active lifestyle. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins offers a multitude of health benefits, including better behaviour, increased focus and concentration, and energy to keep active throughout the day.

The importance of staying active cannot be stressed enough. Research has shown that exercise helps to increase the immune system’s effectiveness. It also helps improve sleep, mood and focus.

Nevertheless, the busy school year can pose a challenge to even the most healthy and active families. If you feel like your child is not getting all of the basics for optimal wellness, supplements may help start this school year off right! Jennifer Hendry-Lynn, BSc. (Hons), ND, practices as a naturopathic doctor at ReAlign Health in Cambridge, ON. In her daily practice she treats a variety of health concerns, including: women’s health issues, allergies, digestive disorders, and pediatrics. She has a special interest in autism and is DAN! trained. Visit www.realignhealth.com or call 519-650-1630.

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A good quality multivitamin is a great way to supplement your child’s diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for proper growth and development. Picky eaters, children with dietary restrictions (food sensitivities/allergies, vegans, etc.) and children who do not regularly eat wellbalanced meals, particularly benefit from the added nutrients found in a multivitamin.

When choosing a multivitamin for your child, be sure to choose one that is free from common allergens, high fructose corn syrup, food additives and synthetic dyes, as these ingredients can lead to other health concerns in some children. It’s also important to make sure you stick to the recommended dose.

Many of the children’s multivitamins on the market can be easily mistaken as candy in the hands of a child, and have the potential to be toxic in large doses.

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EYES AND NERVOUS SYSTEM EYES AND NERVOUS SYSTEM www www.herbasante.ca w.herbasante.ca 1 800 446-4242 Les Importations Herbasanté Inc. Saint-Laurent, QC Canada H4S 1W2

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 9

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Health from the Hive

Honey the Nutraceutical Foods that have proven medicinal benefits, such as honey, are known as “nutraceuticals,” “functional” or medical foods. Though they now are the focus of research studies, such foods are age-old healers. My grandmother poured out honey to us all as her “spoonful of sunshine,” teaching us to treat it as a golden gift from the bees. She didn’t know it, but it was her nutraceutical. There is a seemingly unending book of praise attesting to the medicinal benefits of our honey and it is added to daily; people tell us not only of specific ailments cured, but often of a more general lifting of fatigue and lethargy to be replaced by a resurgence of energy and a “get up and go” that was previously absent from their lives.

Millions of honey-loving foodies are often surprised to find that honey heals, but for thousands of years mankind has understood that eating as well—as naturally—as possible was the best way to fight infection. Hippocrates (c. 460–c. 375 BCE), the father of modern medicine and founder of medical ethics, knew the connection between food and good health back in the fourth century BCE. “Let food be your medicine,” he said, “and medicine be your food.”

Hippocrates believed in honey as the great golden healer—he used it medicinally and prescribed it for his patients, writing that, “honey causes heat, cleans sores and ulcers, softens hard ulcers of the lips and heals running sores.” It was used successfully in this way for hundreds of years. But after Sir Alexander Fleming (1881–1955) discovered the antibiotic penicillin by chance in 1928, the well-adopted use of honey in surgery and medicine began to take a back seat. Medical science preferred to think that traditional medicine, such as beehive remedies, was no longer appropriate for a modern society. But in recent years, the growth in drug-resistant infections, or “superbugs,” such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), has encouraged a change in perception.

Ancient beehive “superdrugs” may be the answer—in many hospitals raw antibacterial honey is used to treat infections that no modern drug can knock back and to encourage new healthy tissue to develop in dramatic style. Honey now comes to the rescue for everything from abscesses and fungal infections to non-healing wounds following surgery. Honey contains over 180 properties— a balance not available in any other food.

A Spoonful of “Sunshine” provides energy, probiotics and immune system Honey is support recommended for children over 12 months of age Used with permission from “Honey: Nature’s Golden Healer” by Gloria Havenhand (Firefly Books, 2011, $19.95 paperback) See: www.fireflybooks.com

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The Install a bee drinking station in the corner of your garden and surround it with a host of wildflowers and the bees will flock to it.

It is truly remarkable when high antibacterial honey is placed on wounds oozing pus or when honey is gently smeared on burns instead of the prescribed ointment silver sulfadiazine.

Clinical results have shown the greater effectiveness of honey and in a shorter healing time too. The latter clearly demonstrates the property of regeneration of skin and tissues by honey—far ahead of many pharmaceuticals in use. Honey stops cross infection in its tracks too and stops further contamination moving onto other wounds. There is no doubt that many of the medicinal, antibacterial and healing properties of honey still baffle modern scientists, but honey’s true worth and performance against infected surgical wounds and skin infections works when everything else has failed. Research by Dr. Shona Blair at Sydney University in 2007 concluded that honey dressings should be used as a “first choice” and not as a “last resort,” but she added that the type of honey was important, as some honeys have up to 100 times more antibacterial properties than others.

Are we not all bombarded by endless television commercials with sylphlike healthy women devouring probiotic yogurts that have changed their lives? The message is one of “friendly bacteria” or probiotics wrapped up in a daily pot of yogurt. In fact, the more “friendly bacteria” in your digestive system, like Bifi dobacteria and Lactobacilli, the greater the resistance your body will have to fight pathogenic (disease-causing)

bacteria. Perhaps this is why honey has such admired therapeutic qualities—that leave us fit and well feeling. It could be due in part to friendly bacteria. In January 2008, two PhD researchers at the University of Lund, Sweden, Dr. Tobias Olofsson and Dr. Alejandra Vasquez, presented their findings to the 2008 First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health, and showed that different types of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria.

There is no doubt that bees are highly selective in the nectar they seek from an abundance of flowers and, if they are given a choice, will automatically sniff out those flowers reputed for high-value nutritional and antibacterial nectar. Bees enforce a choice on themselves for the benefit of the beehive first—and for our benefit as a bonus. That both friendly bacteria Bifi dobacteria and Lactobacillus have been found in honey is not only a bonus for our digestive and immune systems, but is further beneficial in that friendly bacteria can live off honey in our gut, as a prebiotic, at the same time.

Honey’s role as a preventative as well as a cure is also now receiving increasing credence and attention in medical and research institutions. As well as treating superbug wound infections, beehive drugs are at the vanguard of natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral treatments for cold sores, periodontal disease in the mouth, infected leg ulcers, psoriasis, eczema, conjunctivitis and aching arthritic joints.

TIPS FOR A BEEFRIENDLY GARDEN Do you want to make the natural world more beefriendly? The best place to start is your immediate environment—why not begin with your back garden?

O Brighten up your garden with bee-friendly

flower seeds. Plant the following in your garden, patio pots or window boxes to provide essential nutrition for bees: Aster

Borage

Lavender

Alyssum

Candytuft

Marigold

Basil

Catmint

Poppy

Buttercup

Chives

Rhododendron

Butterfly weed

Clover

Sage

Calliopsis

Dahlia

Sea holly

Coneflower

Daisy

Sunflower

Coreopsis

Goldenrod

Zinnia

O Allow a patch of grass to grow long and

densely plant an area of a border to provide bees with shelter from the rain or a sudden drop in temperature.

O Reduce the use of pesticides in your garden— the widespread use of pesticides has been implicated in Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), where whole hives have been found abandoned.

O Bees need water—place pebbles in a shallow dish of water and you will be bombarded with bumblebees and honeybees after a few days.

Keep it replenished and they will keep returning: bees have good memories.

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 11

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ANTI-AGING

Boost Brain Power with Super Nutrients

4

By Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS The human brain is the most complex organ in the body. It produces our every thought, action, memory, feeling and experience.

Weighing in at 1.4 kilograms it contains over 100 billion neurons.

Up until recently it was thought that if those nerve cells were damaged that they could not be repaired but we now know that the brain has a remarkable capacity to regenerate with super brain nutrients.

ACETYL-L-CARNITINE MEMORY BOOSTER Acetyl-L-carnitine has extensive researching showing it can protect brain cells, restore flagging energy; stimulate brain cells prompting them to grow new connections to other neurons and much more. But where acetyl-L-carnitine is most important is in combating brain aging and the prevention of dementia.

Studies of Alzheimer's suffers have reported improvements in memory compared to patients receiving placebo. One study showed that when acetyl-L-carnitine was added to the typical drugs for Alzheimer's (acetylcholin-esterase inhibitors) the improvement in a variety of functional and behavioral parameters were improved by over 50% when compared to the drugs alone. Stanford University researchers stated that acetyl-L-carnitine slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Double-blind, placebo controlled studies (the gold standard) using acetyl-L-carnitine in 500mg to 2000mg doses for three months duration provided a significant improvement in symptoms and the longer the nutrient was taken, the better the improvements. Other studies showed acetyl-L-carnitine improved 12 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

hearing, increased energy, improved age-related macular degeneration of the eyes, improved heart function and reduction of fatigue.

RECOVERY AFTER STROKE The benefits of Acetyl-L-carnitine’s ability to regenerate lost brain function extends far beyond Alzheimer's disease. It is an important nutrient in the treatment of stroke victims improving memory, task performance and cognition during recovery especially when combined with blueberry extract.

ACETYL-L-CARNITINE A SMART NUTRIENT We know Acetyl-l-carnitine works to improve age-related memory decline, Alzheimers, and recovery from stroke but what about boosting brain power in anyone? Acetyl-l-carnitine is used for energy utilization within cells. A dose of 500 mg with breakfast in the morning can ‘jump start’ the brain improving mental clarity, spatial learning, and energy.

Acetyl-l-carnitine should be part of everyone's brain boosting, dementia-Alzheimer's prevention program. Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in combination are known as the dynamic duo in anti-aging compounds today.

ANTI-AGING SUPER ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID Found in every cell in the body, alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off infection and disease,

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protect organs from damage and prevent premature aging.

Alpha lipoic acid also helps turn glucose into energy in the cells, making it an important treatment for diabetes and prediabetes. It is also the only recognized natural treatment to relieve painful diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid has also been studied for post-stroke treatment due to its protective effect on brain and nervous tissue. Diabetes type 3 is a newly discovered form of brain diabetes causing increased brain aging. The combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid are super stars at improving overall brain function thereby reducing memory decline.

MEMORY ENHANCEMENT WITH BLUEBERRY EXTRACT Blueberries became news when old rats who were fed blueberries became young again. Now scientists have found that human research shows 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 study's authors suggested blueberries could slow or postpone the onset of aging-related memory problems. In another study involving 48 obese participants with pre-diabetes, the consumption of blueberries for eight weeks lowered blood pressure and reduced bad LDL cholesterol.

CURCUMIN BRAIN PROTECTOR Curcumin, the yellow pigment in the curry spice turmeric, was originally researched for Alzheimer's disease because studies found there is a much lower incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's in India than in North America. Researchers investigated the association between the curry consumption and cognitive level in 1010 Asians between 60 and 93 years of age. They found that those who ate curry foods performed better on a standard test (MMSE) of cognitive function than those who never or rarely ate curry. The process that Alzheimer's disease degrades the nerve cells in the brain is through inflammation in glial cells in the brain; the formation of beta-amyloid plaques; metal toxicity; and oxidative damage.

Several studies have found that curcumin is a powerful antiinflammatory in the brain, that it can break down plaques, improves memory and memory decline and it is a powerful antioxidant. The research will continue but it is compelling enough at this point to add curcumin to your brain protecting program.

This is the first time in history that we have had more people over the age of 50 than under and we need to start early to improve brain function. We are living longer but dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common. Fifteen percent of Canadians at age 60 suffer dementia and by the age of 80 fifty percent will be affected. Start taking brain nutrients today. Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s natural health expert. She has authored over 10 books many of which are FREE at www.hormonehelp.com HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 13

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SENSATIONAL SANDWICHES FOOD PASSIONS

THE CALIFORNIAN This is one of my favorite sandwiches.

I love the simplicity of goat cheese and mayonnaise as the spread on this colorful vegetarian sandwich.

INGREDIENTS 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise 1⁄3 cup crumbled goat cheese 11⁄4 cups thinly sliced yellow squash zucchini 11⁄4 cups thinly sliced green zucchini 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, thinly sliced 1⁄4 tsp salt 1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp olive oil 8 slices multigrain bread (1⁄2-inch/1 cm thick slices) 2 avocados, thinly sliced 1 cup alfalfa sprouts •Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C)

DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and goat cheese. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Place squash, zucchini and tomatoes on a large baking sheet.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Place in preheated oven, tossing occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.

Spread mayonnaise mixture equally over one side of bread slices.

Top 4 slices equally with roasted vegetables, avocados, sprouts and remaining bread slices, pressing together gently. Serve immediately.

Tip: If you can't find alfalfa sprouts, I love using broccoli sprouts, which are also widely available in grocery stories. Choose zucchini that are firm with unbruised skin.

Excerpted from 400 Best Sandwich Recipes

by Alison Lewis © 2011 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with permission.

All rights reserved.

14 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

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CRUNCHY VEGETABLE AND ALFALFA SPROUT WRAPS INGREDIENTS

Excerpted from 1 tbsp olive oil The Vegetarian Kitchen 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Table Cookbook 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

by Igor Brotto and 1 large tomato, diced Olivier Guiriec © 2012 Salt and freshly ground black pepper Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca 12 spears asparagus Reprinted with 2 avocados permission.

1⁄3 cup sour cream or plain yogurt All rights reserved.

Juice of 1⁄2 lemon 4 large whole wheat or flax seed tortillas, warmed 1⁄2 cup alfalfa sprouts

DIRECTIONS In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add red onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, until starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and tomato and cook, stirring, until onions are caramelized, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, in a pot of boiling salted water, cook asparagus until tender, crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill. Drain well and pat dry.

Cut avocados in half and remove pits. Scrape flesh from skins into a bowl. Using a fork, mash avocado with sour cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place warmed tortillas on a work surface. Divide avocado mixture among tortillas and spread thinly almost to the edge.

Spoon onion mixture in a line along center of tortillas, dividing equally. Place 3 asparagus spears on top of each, then divide alfalfa sprouts equally on top. Fold up bottom of tortilla over filling, then fold in both sides and secure with a toothpick.

GARDEN TUNA CHECKERBOARD SANDWICH INGREDIENTS 2 cans (each 6 oz/170 g) tuna, packed in water, drained 3 tbsp white wine vinegar Excerpted from 1 tbsp olive oil 400 Best 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Sandwich Recipes

by Alison Lewis 1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper © 2011 2 slices whole wheat bread (1-inch/2.5 cm thick slices) Robert Rose Inc. 2 slices white bread (1-inch/ 2.5 cm thick slices) www.robertrose.ca 1⁄2 cup mixed salad greens Reprinted with 1⁄3 cup alfalfa sprouts, optional permission.

DIRECTIONS

All rights reserved.

In a medium bowl, combine tuna, vinegar, oil, lemon juice and pepper.

Place whole wheat and white bread slices on a work surface. Spread tuna equally over half of the bread slices. Top equally with lettuce and sprouts, if using. Cover whole wheat and white with remaining bread slices. Cut each sandwich into 4 squares and arrange in a checkerboard pattern.

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 15

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BETTER LUNCHES

Nutritious Nourishment

Healthy Lunches and Snacks for Growing Kids

By Eric Muradov, ND Making healthy lunches for your kids can certainly be tricky.

Having the lunch be nutritious, as well as palatable is a difficult feat to accomplish daily. Today’s busy, fast paced lifestyles have parents relying on pre-made lunches and packaged snacks which sacrifices nutrition for convenience. Here are some tips for making nutritious, delicious and quick lunches and snacks for your kids (and perhaps yourselves as well!):

THE SANDWICH EXPERIMENT Lunch ideas – if you’re going to make sandwiches, experiment with using sprouted breads or whole grain wraps. The company Silver Hills makes their bread packed with sprouted whole grains, nuts and seeds which provides protein, fibre and a broad range of nutrients. Sneak some extra vegetables inside your sandwiches and wraps. For instance, instead of lettuce, use some organic spinach, or alfalfa sprouts to get some extra nutrients in. Definitely try and stay away from preserved, processed meats. Try baking a few chicken breasts at the start of the week and slicing them up for a lean, preservative free sandwich protein. Occasional use of packaged soy based Deli slices (eg. Tofurky) can be helpful if you’re crunched for time and want to stay away from preservative laden “cold cuts.”

If you like doing peanut butter and jam sandwiches, try experimenting with other nut butters as peanuts have higher saturated fat than other nuts, not to mention that alternatives like pumpkin and almond butter have a superb taste. Changing jam to a fresh banana paste is a supremely delicious way to get rid of some of those over ripe bananas while reducing your child’s sugar consumption. Switching canned tuna to canned wild Atlantic salmon can help reduce mercury exposure for your kids, and sneaking some extra veggies like cucumber and celery into your salmon salad is a way to increase vegetable intake.

16 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

ADD NUTRITIONAL LUNCH PUNCH WITH PASTA Other than sandwiches, pastas and stir-frys made for supper can certainly be taken as leftovers to school. Stay away from packaged microwavable pastas (they have no nutrients whatsoever). Try making a big batch of whole grain pasta, and adding a good helping of minced cooked veggies (eg. broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, peas), as well as a lean protein like ground turkey into the sauce. Making a big stir-fry and adding a lean protein like fish or chicken and a whole grain (brown rice and quinoa are great) can be a tasty supper and leftover for lunch. I often encourage the early incorporation of hypoallergenic grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats and millet, as well as deemphasizing dairy as over consumption of wheat and dairy often leads to sensitivities or allergy to these. I’ve seen quite a few cases of pediatric abdominal pain and skin complaints clear up with the exclusion of just these.

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How to Keep School Lunches Safe These days, many parents focus on nutrition when packing school lunches for their children.

However, it is equally important to focus on food safety practices that will protect children from food borne illness and other dangers that can be associated with a packed lunch.

“A few simple precautions can make a tremendous difference to your child's health,” says James Savage, executive vice president at Western Financial Group, an insurance and financial services company committed to protecting the health and well-being of families.

He shares these reminders from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before handling food

SENSATIONAL SNACKS Snacks are tricky because of the range of packaged sugary snacks available. Chopped carrots, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower or snapped peas are packed with vitamins and by adding a tasty yet nutritious dip like hummus, tahini, or guacamole can encourage your kids to eat all their veggies and enjoy them too! Adding some fresh berries and raw nuts (diced walnut, pecan etc) or hemp seeds to a low fat plain yogurt can be an easy way for your child to get some healthy bacteria and fresh fruit and protein. A home-made trail mix is great as well, especially for more athletic “always hungry” kids. Try and use raw nuts as well as sulfite free dried fruit in your trail mixes if possible. Apples, bananas, peaches, pears, plums and nectarines are always easy, tasty additions to any child’s daily diet. I like to encourage organic fruits (especially apples, peaches, nectarines – these tend to have higher pesticide residues) for growing kids. A bag of cherry tomatoes or grapes can be a nice treat as well.

Finally, encourage water consumption, or pure fruit juices instead of pop or fruit “drinks.”

Providing optimal nutrition for your child can be tricky. By pre-planning and being equipped with some healthy suggestions you certainly can provide your kids with the nutrition their bodies need. Eric Muradov, ND is a licenced naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Edmonton. He runs a general medical practice and has a special interest in Multiple Sclerosis. He has been published and has lectured on Alternative Medicine and MS. Visit: www.drericmuradov.com or call (780) 482-2788.

• Keep your countertops and utensils clean and sanitized • Clean the lunchbox after every use • Wash and dry raw fruits and vegetables before packing them • If you are packing perishable items “meat, poultry, fish, eggs, mayonnaise or dairy products“ use frozen freezer packs to keep them at or below 4 degrees Celsius, and use an insulated lunchbox • Hot foods should be kept at or above 60 degrees Celsius, so use insulated containers.

Preheat the container by filling it with boiling water and letting it stand a few minutes; then pour it out and fill it with the hot food Find more information about food safety at the web sites of CFIA, Health Canada and the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Education. www.newscanada.com HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 17

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FAMILY BRUNCH FOOD PASSIONS INGREDIENTS 11⁄2 cups plain almond milk 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp pure maple syrup 2 tsp vanilla extract 11⁄2 tsp cider vinegar 3 tbsp ground flax seeds (flaxseed meal) 1 cup whole wheat flour 11⁄2 tsp baking powder 1⁄2 tsp baking soda 1⁄8 tsp fine sea salt 1⁄2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

DIRECTIONS In blender, combine almond milk, oil, maple syrup, vanilla and vinegar.

Let stand for 10 minutes. Add flax seeds and blend for 1 minute or until slightly frothy.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add almond milk mixture and stir until just blended.

Gently stir in walnuts.

Spray preheated waffle maker with cooking spray.

For each waffle, pour about 1⁄3 cup batter into waffle maker. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.

TIP Look for packages of ready-ground flax seeds, which may be labelled "flaxseed meal," or use a spice or coffee grinder to grind whole flax seeds to a very fine meal.

Excerpted from 5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking by Camilla V. Saulsbury © 2012 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with permission.

18 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

Walnut Flax Waffles

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PEAR, PECAN AND GORGONZOLA CROSTINI INGREDIENTS 8 to 10 baguette slices (about 8 to 10 1⁄2 inch/1 cm thick) 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1⁄4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 11⁄2 cups thinly sliced pear 4 tbsp liquid honey 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) • Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches (10 cm) from heat Arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and Gorgonzola.

Spread bread slices evenly with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the Gorgonzola mixture. Top with pear slices. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pecans.

Broil crostini for 1 to 2 minutes or until pears are tender and cheese is slightly melted. Serve immediately. Tip: When purchasing pears, look for ones that are fragrant and have no blemishes. I store mine in the refrigerator in a plastic bag.

Excerpted from 400 Best Sandwich Recipes by Alison Lewis © 2011 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with permission.

Printed with permission from Everyday Kitchen for Kids

by Jennifer Low.

FRENCH TOAST IN A PAN INGREDIENTS

GLAZE

soft butter for baking dish 4 slices whole wheat or white bread 6 eggs 1⅓ cups (330 mL) milk ⅛ tsp (0.5 mL) vanilla extract

1 Tbsp unsalted butter 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar 1/4 cup maple syrup maple syrup to serve fresh fruit, such as berries, bananas, or peaches to serve

DIRECTIONS

Butter the bottom and sides of the baking dish. Cut each slice of bread into four triangles by cutting each slice in half diagonally, then cutting each half slice in half. Leave crusts on. Overlap the triangles in two rows inside the baking dish. Put the crust sides on the bottom. Make sure the bread covers as much of the bottom of the dish as possible (don’t worry about small gaps).

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt until well mixed. Pour over the bread. Use the back of a wooden spoon to press down gently on the bread. Let stand for 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the egg mixture isn’t soaked in completely at this point. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. To make the glaze, place the 1 Tbsp of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave at 50% power until melted (about 30 seconds).

Mix in the brown sugar and maple syrup. After the bread’s 10-minute soak, use the back of the wooden spoon again to press down gently on it so the bread sops up even more of the egg mixture. Drizzle the glaze overtop. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, uncovered, until the bread puffs up and turns lightly golden. Serve with more maple syrup and fresh fruit.

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 19

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Better Breakfast Equals Better Grades

SUPERSIZE THE NUTRITION OF YOUR KIDS' BREAKFAST WITH SOME OF THESE IDEAS: • Scrambled eggs, whole-grain toast, one cup of milk and sliced apples • One-half cup of 100 per cent orange juice, yogurt with whole-grain cereal and hard-boiled egg • Whole-grain toast with peanut butter, sliced apples, one cup of milk • Small fruit smoothie with fruit, yogurt and 100 per cent fruit juice • Yogurt parfait with plain yogurt, ground flax seeds and fresh fruit with 100 per cent fruit juice •Scrambled eggs wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla, served with a glass of 100 per cent fruit juice

20 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

By Marketa Stastna Healthy eating is key to success at school. While new crayons or a backpack may motivate kids, a healthy breakfast, including fibre, iron and protein will help fuel their success. Studies show that a nutritious breakfast helps kids concentrate, be more alert, creative and active.

“A healthy breakfast is not only a great way to start the day,” says Carol Dombrow, Heart and Stroke Foundation registered dietitian, “it's also one way that you can help your children do better at school ‘one apple at a time!’ ” Fibre is one of the three musketeers of a well-rounded breakfast; it makes you feel fuller longer and decreases the risk of heart disease. Breakfast is a great opportunity to get a head start on the recommended 25 grams of fibre your child should be getting each day. Include whole-grain breads, oatmeal or cereal with at least 2 grams of fibre per serving.

Adding fruit and veggies with skin does double-duty; it provides vitamins and adds extra fibre. According to Canada's Food Guide, school-aged children should consume between five and six servings of vegetables and fruit each day.

“Including fruit and veggies in your kid's breakfast turns it into a breakfast of champions,” adds Dombrow. “In addition to providing you with vitamins and fibre, produce rich in vitamin C also acts as a booster for iron, making it more effective.”

Iron and protein complete the powerful nutritional breakfast trio. Iron pumps up your child's brain, while decreasing fatigue and improving concentration. Protein helps to build antibodies and helps your child feel satiated, contributing to a healthier weight in the long run. Together, these three provide a sturdy tripod of nutrition for the day. Consult Canada's Food Guide for recommended servings. For more breakfast recipes visit healthcheck.org or heartandstroke.ca/healthykids. www.newscanada.com

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One Mom’s Story

Hazelwood and Teething “My little one now has 16 teeth and I never had to give her any medication for teething. Plus, I’ve been off cortisone for my eczema since I started using hazelwood products.”

By Mylene Lefebvre Christine Black from Invermere, BC is a happy mom with a story to tell other moms whose babies are having a difficult time teething, “My little one now has 16 teeth and I never had to give her any medication for teething. Plus, I’ve been off cortisone for my eczema since I started using hazelwood.”

Using hazelwood for it’s health benefits is one that has very deep traditional medicine roots. First Nations’ people would put chips of hazelwood on their babies’ necks to soothe teething pains.

This practice seemed to have been nearly lost until a Quebec couple with a new baby who was teething, was given a necklace made with beads from the hazelwood tree. They were delighted when they found that the age-old practice seemed to work wonders; so, they began to make necklaces for infants, children and adults to keep the tradition alive. Now, hazelwood products can be found in pharmacies, health food stores and baby boutiques.

HAZELWOOD HEALTH BENEFITS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Necklaces and bracelets made with hazelwood beads soothe or relieve symptoms of various ailments, such as, joint pain (arthritis,

osteoarthritis), digestive disorders (gastric reflux, heartburn, and constipation), dental pain (baby teething, mouth sores and cavities) and some skin disorders (acne, eczema, psoriasis).

Most of these symptoms are related to acid-base imbalance and /or inflammatory processes.

HAZELWOOD AND LIFE SPAN Necklaces and bracelets made of hazelwood and some creams with hazelwood extract are available on the market. Hazelwood is effective for adults and for babies and children. The more hazelwood you have touching your skin, the more effective it is.

The life span of a necklace will vary from person to person. However, in general, it will maintain its benefits for 3 to 6 months. Two indicators the necklace is losing effectiveness: the ends of the wood beads will darken and/or symptoms return.

Research for the last 2.5 years into hazelwoods’ properties and benefits have thus far found hazelwood to be high in antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant and analgesic properties. Clinical trials and in vitro studies, are ongoing to determine the relationship/transfer between these properties and the human body. Visit purehazelwood.com for more information.

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 21

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ECO CHIC

Wrap-It, Wear-It

Just imagine, Canadians use 55 million new plastic bags a week. That's about two per person and most end up in landfills.

Most new bags come from groceries and other purchases.

However, an alarming amount of throw-away plastic comes from back to school lunch garbage as well, such as plastic bottles, plastic sandwich and snack bags and throw-away mismatch plastic containers. While buying back to school products this year, why not use your purchasing power to help save the environment and your pocket book.

REDUCE LUNCH WASTE Consider skipping the bottled water isle. Stainless steel water containers can express your personal style and retail between $8-$20.

End the addiction to plastic baggies. Consider Lunchskins.

These stylish, reusable baggies provide an easy, cheerful and affordable solution to single-use plastic bags and can go in the dishwasher. Other great options for reducing lunch waste are stainless steel sandwich and snack containers like LunchBots.

3 1 LUNCHSKINS REUSABLE SANDWICH BAGS Lunchskins reusable sandwich bags aren’t just for school lunches – they are a modern solution for anytime you would use a plastic baggie!

Whether carrying snacks, holding makeup or travelling with kids’ pacifiers and crayons…the options are endless! Developed by three moms sitting around a kitchen table floored by the staggering use of plastic baggies, the stylish, reusable baggies provide an easy, cheerful and affordable solution to single-use plastic bags.

Lunchskins bags are made of food-safe, highquality fabric used by pastry chefs. The result is a bag that’s grease and moisture-proof, while also dishwasher-safe and BPA, lead and phthalate-free. lunchskins.com

22 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

GIFT IT GREEN, GREAT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

2 100% NATURAL AND CHIC PURE HAZELWOOD NECKLACES Beautiful Pure Hazelwood necklaces made from hazelwood beads are as effective for adults as they are for babies and children. Client testimonies confirm hazelwood relieves or soothes: heartburn, gastric reflux, teething, skin problems (psoriasis, acne, eczema), arthritis, osteoarthritis, constipation, migraines, cavities or any ailment associated with oxidant stress and/or acido-basic unbalance. www.purehazelwood.com

Gift it Green has found the solution to eliminate gift-giving waste with its eco-chic cotton fabric gift boxes that are reusable, fun, and unique. The cheerful designed fabric, beautiful sewn bags are designed to be gifted forward. They are offered in several designs and sizes and cost between $14-$18. www.giftitgreen.com

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Got to Have-It! FASHION FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

THE BOTTOM LINE

Back to school kids accessories can be natural or serve a cause. Hazelwood bead necklace and bracelet accessories are natural and stylish and can help skin conditions like eczema. Want to help save the bees? Burt’s Bees and accessories designer Jenny Bird have created a bracelet that supports The Pollinator Partnership, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the populations of pollinator species like bees.

What babies wear on their bottoms can also make a large impact on the environment. Over 4,000,000 disposable diapers are discarded per day in Canada. Fun, comfy and stylish organic cotton diapers like Rearz are a one-time pay-out, saving hundreds of dollars over the course of the year in disposables.

4 SAVE THE BIRDS AND THE BEES AND THE FLOWERS AND THE TREES AND THE FOOD WE NEED...

Burt’s Bees commissioned Canadian accessories designer Jenny Bird to create a Limited-Edition piece that would help generate a buzz and financial support for Canada’s depleting bee populations. 100% of the proceeds of this braclet will go to The Pollinator Partnership, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the populations of pollinator species. Without pollinators, many crops will simply disappear...$24 each www.burtsbees.ca/forthebees http://jenny-bird.com

6 5 NO MORE MISMATCH PLASTIC CONTAINERS GOING TO LANDFILLS...

LunchBots are stylish, stainless steel food containers for the whole family. They are healthier than plastic, durable enough to last a lifetime, and their modern design makes any meal chic. www.lunchbots.com

ECO-LUXURY COMFORT FOR BABIES Juicy bright colours, fluffy, luxurious. Rearz Smitten Nappies are a very absorbent velour cotton diaper with: pocket opening for night time boosters, tongue design for faster drying time, certified organic dyes, snap and oversized velcro closures, cross over snaps for lean babes, low lint design. Socially, ecologically and financially chic. Green America approved. www.rearz.ca

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 23

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CHILDREN’S HEALTH A Natural Explantion for

Food Allergies and Eczema

By Michael Mason-Wood, ND

Target Root Causes for Health Solutions In my practice, I specialize in pediatrics and I see children with many common conditions, such as eczema, asthma and allergies, as well as more challenging neurological conditions, such as autism and ADHD. I wanted to share a common occurrence I see in practice and that is the treatment of eczema. A few months ago, a concerned mom brought her one-year-old son in as he had been diagnosed with full body eczema. A medical doctor had prescribed cortisone cream and said “he will grow out of it”. The condition had started at birth and since he was so uncomfortable his mother found that he was extremely fussy and cranky. He was also very itchy and would scratch himself raw given the opportunity. After feeling discouraged with the medical care they received, the parents thought they would explore other avenues of treatment, such as naturopathic medicine.

During the patient intake session, I discovered that he was a csection birth. He had also been quite colicky as a baby and sometimes could not keep food down. Whenever a child presents with the symptom of colic, a few things come to mind: 1) food intolerances 2) a bacterial or “gut flora” imbalance and 3) spinal disturbances. The other symptoms that occur with food intolerances and an imbalance in gut flora are: eczema, asthma, digestive upset, mood disorders, constipation, difficulty sleeping, and bed wetting.

Similar symptoms can also appear in patients who are “toxic” or in those whose organs of detoxification are not working as well as they should. In this case the boy’s trunk looked like red welted hives and I asked if any blood work had been done to rule out a true allergy. It turned out this was never offered, so she decided to do an IgE allergy blood test through our office, as well as stool testing to determine the 24 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract.

When looking at immune reactions to allergies, there are 5 types that the body can have: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE. Most people are familiar with the IgE antibody response (fast immune mediated) which is when you eat a peanut and your throat immediately closes, or you get hives or an anaphylactic reaction. But there is also an IgG antibody response which is considered a “slow immune” reaction, such as a food intolerance. Most commonly, I test children for food intolerances when they are over 1.5 years of age as this is when their immune systems are more developed and they have built up enough antibodies to give a good response. If I test a child and they are positive, it means they have what is known as “leaky gut syndrome” and I start them on a treatment plan. This includes a dietary plan that eliminates the foods they are reacting to based on their individual test results – most commonly wheat and dairy as these are the most common foods that cause problems.

Another important point in this case is that he was a c-section baby. It is important to note that when a baby is born, it gets its first dose of bacteria when it travels down the vaginal canal. These good bacteria or probiotics colonize the infant’s digestive tract (assuming the mother has a healthy vaginal canal) and serve as part of our lifelong immune system. C-section children do not get this opportunity and therefore usually have a lot more health problems versus their vaginal birth counterparts.

In this case, I prescribed the following dietary changes while waiting for the test results: eliminate dairy and wheat from the mom’s diet (as she was still breast feeding) and the solid portion of

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the child’s diet. As detoxification is also an important part of the process, I also prescribed very gentle liver support that involves a three step process. Step 1: homeopathic remedies to start the “drainage” or removal of toxins. Step 2: glutathione to help the liver get rid of these toxins and step 3: a herbal combination to promote better liver function.

Most parents say to me “My child is only x months old, how can their liver be toxic?”. What people don’t realize is that in today’s society children are being born toxic. They acquire toxins in utero and/or while being breast-fed. We have five detoxification organs – our liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and skin. If the liver cannot keep up with the removal of toxins, the detoxification process spills onto the other organs and when the entire system is overburdened, symptoms appear such as eczema, asthma or bowel issues.

When I saw the patient a week later to go over the test results, she was impressed how fast his skin had cleared up, he was not as fussy or cranky and seemed to be a more pleasant child. His blood work confirmed the following IgE allergies: peanut, milk, wheat, egg white and soybeans. Based on the stool test results, he also had candida which is a chronic fungal problem. Over time with the correct nutritional support to heal leaky gut syndrome he may be able to eat some of these foods periodically and not get such a severe skin reaction.

After one month of treatment, he was doing really well and we started the second phase of treatment to deal with the overgrowth of candida. This meant that further dietary changes were necessary, primarily eliminating all forms of sugar from his diet, including fruits.

This is an example of a case that cleared up quickly, and illustrates the primary philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine which is to address and treat the root cause of disease and to not give things to simply cover up symptoms or palliate. By taking the time to remove the foods that were causing an immune reaction, rebalance the bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract and support the body in detoxification the patient is actually cured of eczema. It is important to remember that symptoms like colic, eczema, and constipation are signals from the body that it is out of balance or over-burdened. When you listen to your body and support it, the healing process has a chance to take place naturally. Michael Mason-Wood, BSc, ND is truly passionate about helping people achieve greater health. His philosophy is to treat every patient as a unique individual in order to design a treatment plan that will be most suited to their needs. He is a licensed practitioner with the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Physicians, as well as the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. For more information visit: Optimum Wellness Naturopathic Medical Clinic, www.optimumwellnessclinic.ca.

References:

1) Low diversity of the gut microbiota in infants with atopic eczema: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 129, Issue 2 , Pages 434440.e2, February 2012 2) Environmental Toxins – Do you know your levels? By Dr. Christina Bjorndal:http://www.optimumwellnessclinic.ca/Resources/Articles/ChemicalsA ndYou.pdfhttp://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(11)01657-5/abstract article-footnote-1http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(11)016575/abstract - article-footnote-2

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NATUROPATHY

Safe and Effective Options for Ensuring Better Health

Naturopathy for Children

Find a Natural Health Solution!

By Angela Hunt BSc. ND In the field of naturopathic medicine it is widely acknowledged that children can be some of our most successful patients. They respond quickly to our natural yet gentle approaches and parents greatly appreciate our less invasive options. Naturopathic doctors thorough knowledge in nutrition allows us to educate parents on the dietary needs of their growing child and guide them with respect to supplementation. Childhood is such a vital time when the child is growing on both a physical and mental level, as naturopaths we have the tools to support them through this process. Allowing for a strong foundation to be built during these vital years will help raise healthy adults in the future.

ACUTE AND CHRONIC CONCERNS AND MORE What most parents do not know is that a naturopathic doctor not only can assist with acute and chronic health concerns of your child but also complete their yearly physicals. We also give guidance to parents concerning food introduction, breast feeding, nutrition, first 26 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

aid and behavioural concerns. From colic in a newborn to insomnia in an adolescent, naturopathic doctors are equipped to care for your children.

Naturopathic doctors treat a variety of pediatric conditions such as: ADHD, eczema, colic, asthma, allergies, bed wetting, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, acne, infections, migraines, developmental issues and much more.

Our primary focus is to understand and treat the root cause of presenting symptoms. When the underlying causes are addressed symptoms are eliminated not suppressed. A common example is eczema. A naturopath will look for the underlying cause of the eczema (perhaps it is a food allergy or poor digestion), hence treating the skin problem, its root. In contrast, if the eczema is suppressed by a corticosteroid cream, the same problem will manifest in a different way – most commonly asthma.

Here are some basic tools naturopaths use to improve their young patients health.

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CLINICAL NUTRITION, EAT THE RAINBOW You would never want to build a new home on an unstable foundation. The same goes for a child growing up on a poor diet.

The vitamin and mineral requirements are different for a growing child compared to a grown adult. Naturopaths work with families to ensure proper nutrition, even with the pickiest of eaters.

Most conditions will improve greatly once the right diet is put into place. Remember that fruit and vegetables are important, with the more colours on a plate the better.

PROBIOTICS – THE RIGHT KIND OF BUG Finding the right probiotic for your child is essential.

Different ages will require different bacteria strains and dosages, so it is always best to talk to your health care provider.

The right probiotic is an important element with children with any digestive complaint, allergies (including asthma) and ADHD. An important rule of thumb is to buy your probiotic in the fridge at the store and keep it in the fridge at home. Out of the refrigerator probiotics will degrade at 4% a day making them less effective over time.

HERBAL TEAS, BETTER THAN JUICE Botanical medicine is the use of plants roots, leaves and stems to treat a wealth of health concerns. An infusion is when a plant is diffused in warm water and the medical properties are extracted, commonly known as a tea.

Teas are a terrific way to introduce gentle herbal medicine to your children and are a great substitute for sugary fruit juices.

Depending on the health concerns presenting, herbal combinations

can be consumed daily to improve a child’s health. Remember that teas should always be herbal and therefore lacking caffeine. Not all teas are safe for children so check with your naturopath if you are unsure. Here are a few great safe herbal teas that kids love: linden flower, lemonbalm, ginger and peppermint.

HOMEOPATHY, GENTLE YET POWERFUL Homeopathy is a naturopathic modality that works very effectively with children. This treatment uses minute doses of plants, minerals and animals in order to shift the body’s ability to heal itself. This gentle yet powerful therapy promotes self-healing and has long term results.

The multitude of remedies also allows naturopaths to provide individualized care for each patient. Homeopathy can be used in almost any pediatric condition but has been shown especially useful in ADHD, autism, anxiety, nightmares and digestive concerns. Angela Hunt BSc. ND is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Hamilton Ontario at Innova Health Clinic. She runs a general family practice that has special focus on the pediatric population.

She treats a variety of health concerns and takes a team-based approach with families in order to build and balance the health of their children.

Naturopath Listing Guide Need Health Advice? Seek A Naturopath.

Naturopathic doctors are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. Find a naturopath in your area.

Visit: HeathyDirections.com (Find a Naturopath)

Ontario OTTAWA

BURLINGTON Sherri-Anne Clarke, BSc(Hons.), ND

General Family Practice; hormone health, pain management, weight management, anxiety/depression, digestive concerns,

www.drclarkend.com info@drclarkend.com

Ellen Simone, BPHE, HD, ND

Alta Vista Chiropractic & Massage Clinic General family practice: Women's health, pediatrics, mental/emotional health, homeopathy

www.drellensimone.com

Call: (905) 592-2277

HAMILTON

Call: (613) 731-5775

TORONTO Angela Hunt, BSc, ND

Innova Health Clinic A general family practice with a focus in pediatrics, prenatal and postnatal care, women’s health, digestive concerns and anxiety/depression www.angelahuntnd.ca drhuntnd@gmail.com

Call: (905) 389-8772

MISSISSAUGA & ETOBICOKE (Border) Ian Koo, BSc, ND

1891 Rathburn Rd. East Dermatology & Gastrointestinal Health,Weight Loss, Arthritis

www.NaturopathicEssentials.com

Call: (905) 290-0850

Adrian Nasager, ND

MD Direct /Jaconello Health Centre Integrative Medicine, Heart Disease & Diabetes, Stress & Fatigue, Hormones, Detoxification

Dr.Nasager@gmail.com www.DrNasager.com

Call: (416) 922-2000 / (416) 463-2911

TORONTO Amel Oudhini, BSc (Hons), ND

Aspire Health General Family Practice, Infertility, Pre & Post-Natal Care http://aspire-health.ca

Call: (416) 551-3395

Seeking New Clients for Your Growing Practice?

Make a booking in our Naturopath Listing Guide.

Call 1-877-276-1849 or e-mail: healthydirections@rogers.com

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 27

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An Hour a Day Keeps the Doctor Away HERE ARE SOME QUICK TIPS FOR GETTING ACTIVE: • Find a safe route to school and a walking buddy for your child.

• Recognize sedentary periods in your household and replace them with physical activity.

• Encourage free play time, like a game of tag.

• Trail bike riding is a fun way to get the heart pumping while exploring nature.

By Marketa Stastna More than 90 per cent of Canadian children aged five to 17 do not get the recommended 60 minutes of moderate – to vigorous – intensity physical activity each day. “Parents often think that an hour a week on a sports team is enough for their kids,” says Matthew Mayer, an exercise physiologist with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“It's a great start, but it's not enough.” Being physically active does not have to mean pumping iron at the local gym; it can be as simple as biking instead of busing.

“Kids who are active for at least an hour a day feel happier, they do better at school and are healthier,” Mayer adds. Whether an activity is moderate or vigorous depends on the child's fitness level. Still, there are some common activities that elevate your kids' heart rate. Moderate activities will get children sweating a bit and breathing harder; playground games or bike riding are great examples. Vigorous activities will cause children to sweat and ‘be out of breath’. Examples include running or swimming.

Physical activity strengthens your children's hearts and helps them maintain a healthy weight. Plus, it puts them on the right track to becoming healthy adults with lower risk of hypertension or heart disease.

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Whether at a local pool or lake, there are plenty of opportunities for having a good time while staying healthy.

• Active transportation is a great way to get around and get fit.

• Split the hour of exercise into 10 or 15 – minute periods of active bursts, like a short bike ride or a quick run.

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Muskoka Lakes Winery: Award Winning Fruit Wines Cranberries have been a passion for the Johnston family since 1950 when Orville Johnston bought land in Bala, Muskoka and began cultivating cranberries. Orville believed that the native cranberry should be a fundamental part of the North American diet. Now in its third generation, the Johnston farm is the oldest cranberry farm in Ontario.

“We’re small compared to the industry,” says Murray Johnston, Orville’s son, “but what we lack in size, we make up for in passion. The farm is about 325 acres in total. 27 acres are planted with five different varieties of cranberries and the rest is set aside as natural wetland, woodlands and support structures.” Murray now runs the farm with the help of his wife, Wendy Hogarth, and their four sons.

According to Vandana Shiva, winner of the Right Livelihood Award (the alternative Nobel prize), “It would be no exaggeration to say that small, family-run farms are the answer to our terrible problems of declining agricultural productivity and vanishing biodiversity.” But Johnston identifies that running a small, family farm isn’t easy.

“We’ve had to work hard to stay viable.

We do a lot of things here besides growing cranberries – we’ve become a destination for tourists, we make a lot of value-added products, and we started Muskoka Lakes Winery 10 years ago.”

A winery? Do grapes grow in Muskoka? “No,” answers Johnston, “but winemaking used to be a way to preserve the

local harvest, so wines were made from whatever grew locally.

Fruit wines actually pre-date grape wines by thousands of years. Nowadays, most wines are made from French varietals because, for many years, France was the cultural authority of the western world.

“When we started Muskoka Lakes Winery, we wanted to create wines to reflect our region, and that meant starting with fruit native to this area – mostly cranberries and blueberries. We like to think that local flavours, combined with our belief in sustainable, low-impact agricultural practices makes for excellent wines – and we’ve certainly won a lot of awards! A lot of people think fruit wines are sweet, but we make wines from dry to dessert.”

Cranberries are surging in popularity in part because of the wealth of recent research linking a number of health benefits to cranberry consumption. High in antioxidants and phytonutrients, cranberries are thought to be helpful in preventing heart disease, cancer and other diseases. As well, the proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections and possibly gum disease and stomach ulcers.

“Not only are cranberries good for you,” says Johnston, “but they’re interesting! “Cranberries are native only to North America, and they’re grown and harvested like no other crop in the world.”

Sanding is one of the many sustainable, low-impact farming practices used by Johnston. Every spring, a thin layer of sand

Photo Top Left: Murray Johnston and family

is spread on top of the ice layer that protects the lowgrowing cranberry vines. When the ice melts, the sand buries insect eggs, weeds and rejuvenates the vines. “Farming should involve land stewardship,” says Johnston.

“It’s important to step lightly, for our environment, our community and our kids.”

It seems the Johnstons aren’t the only ones excited about cranberries. The Johnston farm has become a year-round destination for locals, cottagers and tourists. Over 27 years ago, a few people from the town of Bala got together and decided to create a festival to celebrate the local harvest. The Bala Cranberry Festival is always the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the threeday event attracts over 25,000 visitors to the town each year.

“I’ve been really happy to see the changes brought on by the local food movement,” says Johnston. “More and more people are coming by the farm, wanting to see where their food is grown and meet the people who grow it. Every day at 1 pm, we do a tour of the farm and a tutored wine tasting. Even in the middle of the winter, we have people taking the tour. We want people to have fun while they’re here, so we’ve added trails, self-guided tour signs, snowshoe rentals, geocaches, nets for critter catching and lots of other adventures. Most people visit during our October harvest, but they’re welcome any time. We’re always happy to talk to people about our favourite subject!” HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 31

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5

CREATING HARMONY

Top Tips to Teaching Kids

Better Manners

By Mary O’Donohue

Is it just me, or are manners and common courtesy slipping through the cracks these days? Just yesterday, as I waited in line at the community pool snack bar to get my kids something to eat, I was shocked to see a grown woman let several friends cut in front of the rest of us who were patiently waiting our turn. Her pals – all adults just left their spots in the back of the line and pushed their way past

many people, including young children. What kind of an example does that set for kids?

If adults are acting like this, how can we expect children to have good manners? And what can we as parents do to raise courteous children? Well, I think there are lots of things we can do. In fact, here are 5 ideas you can try this week with your own family.

1. KEEP IT REAL! Don’t just insist your kids say, “please,” “thank you” or “excuse me.” Help them connect with the genuine respect behind those words. Ask them why they say those words. Is it just to please you?

2. BE COURTEOUS Be courteous to the lady at the checkout counter who mistakenly shortchanged you, to the customer service rep at the other end of the phone line who is having a bad day, and to your own children.

Don’t just do this because it sets a good example, although it does. Do it because it provides an atmosphere of respect and courtesy that your kids will come to see as normal and expected.

3. OPEN A “GOOD MANNERS CAFÉ” Open a “Good Manners Café” in your kitchen, like I did. By “café” I don’t mean that there will be a menu of options to choose from at mealtimes. I focus on the “good manners” part. You see, my “mom ears” don’t listen to bad manners. I only respond to politeness. So “Mom, I want some apple juice,” falls on deaf ears. But “Excuse me mom, may I please have some apple juice,” is greeted with a smile and a refreshing beverage!

4. GET PRACTICAL Sit down with your kids and come up with 5-10 ways you all can be more courteous. Practice each one of these behaviors one day at a time. So for example, Monday you all “Knock before entering someone’s room,” Tuesday, it’s “Ask before borrowing,” Wednesday it’s “Don’t interrupt.” Write down the list of expected behaviors on a small poster board and post it where everyone in the family can see.

5. PLAN AHEAD Take a particular real life situation, like when grandma visits, and ask your kids to come up with 3 courteous things they should plan on doing every time she comes over. “Greet grandma at the door,” “Offer her something to drink,” “Pull back grandma’s chair for her,” etc… These should be practical, concrete things kids can do every time grandma, or a family member or friend, comes over. These are simple techniques, but done consistently, they will make a difference. And once you’ve tried these ideas, take a moment to look at what has improved in terms of manners and respect in your family and reinforce those positive behaviors whenever you see them. Mary O’Donohue and her husband Jim have been married for seventeen years and have two children, Connor and Grace; a teen and a ‘tween. She is the author of “When You Say ‘Thank You’, Mean it.” In addition to writing, Mary enjoys a successful career in television production, having worked on “The Today Show” and on many talk shows, including 12 seasons with the Oprah Winfrey Show. She can be reached through her website at www.maryodonohue.com HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 33

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Low Allergy Gardening How to Choose Plants with Less Pollen

By Max Wiseberg Surprisingly, there are many ways to considerably reduce your hayfever in your own garden. There are a few simple rules to follow and there are an increasingly large number of books and articles on the subject of creating a low allergy garden.

One of the first rules to note is that female plant varieties are best. Male species are usually the pollen creators so don’t plant them. Just plant the females, which not only don’t produce the pollen, but might even mop up some of the pollen produced elsewhere in your garden. Of course, you don’t usually find the plants in your garden centre marked male or female; so, how do you work out which is which? Well, very often the seedless or fruitless items in your garden centre will be the males which will happily produce loads of pollen, so avoiding seedless or fruitless varieties is probably a good start. You can even get female grass now, which produces less pollen and also doesn’t need mowing as often.

Planting fruiting shrubs and trees can also have the added benefit of attracting birds into your garden. Although they will often eat the fruit before you get to it – they will also eat insects around your garden. This helps because insect dander is also bad for allergies.

Another good move is to go for double flowers. These often have petals instead of pollen parts. Double headed chrysanthemums are good and there are many others. You can now get a lot of pollen free varieties. Clearly, planting these in your garden will be a good 34 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

thing for people prone to hayfever.

Next on your list should be disease resistance. Along with diseases come all sorts of spores and allergens which will make the allergic’s life a misery. So getting disease resistant varieties should further reduce the amount of allergens flying around your garden.

Keep out the uninvited! Gate crashing weeds will often turn into great pollen producers, so keeping the weeds down should keep the sneezing down, too. Some people say to grow plants and trees which are used to your climate. The principle here is that if they aren’t growing well, they are likely to get somewhat diseased, produce mildews and moulds and attract insects. More spores and insect dander mean more hay fever. So, if a plant’s not looking healthy, it’s best to remove it. Avoid using chemicals and pesticides, as it has been claimed that exposure to these can often trigger allergic reactions in people who previously had no allergies.

Pollen is out in force in the mornings and the evenings, so it’s best not to do your gardening at these times. If you are going to grow plants that produce lots of pollen, keep them away from the house, or at least away from windows that get opened, doorways, or ‘high traffic’ parts of your garden.

Favour the female varieties, dig in the double flowers and disease resistant, and plant the pollen free. Keep out the chemicals, weeds and non-native. And, hopefully you’ll sneeze a bit less and you’ll be able to see your garden because your eyes won’t be so sore.

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Finally, before you go out in the garden put on some pollen barrier balm, like HayMax to trap the pollen before it gets into your body. Less pollen, less sneezing. Max Wiseberg is an avid gardener and developer of Haymax™, a drug-free and unique balm for allergy sufferers. For more information about

Haymax™ visit: http://haymax.biz. For more information about plant pollens, allergies and gardening have a look at books and articles by the American author, Thomas Leo Ogren. He’s developed his own rating called OPALS, (Ogren's Plant Allergy Scale) to let you see easily which plants to grow to keep the pollen down. There’s a fairly comprehensive list on the Australian Asthma Foundation’s site, http://www.asthma.org

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AUTISM

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She also has repetitive actions and rocks her body. Her doctor said that her speech delay may be the outcome of her frequent ear infections and suggested to have ear tubes put in place. She is not motivated to play with other children and I feel that something is just not right. Please help!

By Raisa Weisspapir, Homeopath, MD (Europe) Reg. Member of HMCC Homeopathy is one of the most effective and safe medicines for kids with autism. Besides strengthening her immune system and preventing her ear infections, it will also improve her speech and will make her feel more confident and less stressed in situations of interpersonal communication. Dealing with stress in a better way helps to improve her nervous system and will reduce both the frequency and intensity of her meltdowns.

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AUTISM SIMPLY EXPLAINED Autism is a complex neurological disbalance. It is usually identified during early childhood (aged 2-6 years). Children with autism have difficulty communicating and forming relationships.

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That's how we experience emotions, feel, remember and communicate with others. Since children with autism often have abnormalities in their neurotransmitter systems, it is hard for them to talk, feel, understand, listen, play, and communicate.

36 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

CAUSES OF AUTISM Scientists and researchers haven’t found the actual cause of autism. They think that genetics might play a big role in triggering autism. However, many kids are affected by autism even if it does not run in their family.

According to Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, one of the triggers of autism could be maternal dysbiosis. During childbirth, beneficial bacteria is passed from mother to child. This bacteria serves as the building blocks of both the digestive and the immune system. A link has been observed between an imbalance in gut flora in mothers and the presence of autism in children.

IS IT PANDEMIC? When I finished medical school in 1985 cases of autism were much less prevalent. Lately, I have noticed in my practice that a constantly growing number of children are being diagnosed with autism. Autism rates have been rising in Canada. An estimated 190,000 Canadian children have the disorder. The rate of autism has increased from 40 cases per 10,000 to 60 cases.

I think it is a combination of many different factors with the main one being stress. Therefore, it is crucial for a mother not only to maintain physical well being but emotional health as well, during the pregnancy and post pregnancy.

Although many children are being diagnosed with autism, a significant number of children who in fact are suffering from this disorder are not diagnosed or are not diagnosed early enough. The longer the diagnosis of an autistic child is postponed, the more difficult the treatment process becomes.

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TIPS FOR PARENTS The best thing you can do is to start treatment right away!

Ask for help as soon as you feel something is wrong. Do not wait to see if your child will catch up later with his speech or motor skills or outgrow the problem. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child's development and reduce the symptoms of autism. Remember, you are not alone! There are many places that you can turn to for advice, a helping hand, advocacy, and support such as the Autism Family Support Group.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AUTISM Early detection is very important for a successful treatment process. In most cases symptoms begin to develop slowly making it difficult to recognize primary signs before the age of two. In other cases, a child may be developing accordingly but may all of sudden regress and forget skills they once knew, for example, talking and communicating with others. Early signs in children include difficulty keeping eye contact. In many cases kids might look at their parents or siblings for a second and then quickly turn away, or not look at all. However, this is often easily misinterpreted as shyness. Another sign is the constant repetition of one act. A little girl from my practice had the ritual of lining up all her bath toys before going to sleep. The disruption of this line by her mom or another family member will cause her to destroy the whole line and organize the toys in linear formation all over again. Other signs are repetitive body motions or preforming unusual actions, like spinning in circles or not talking. Some children with autism also like to play and spend time alone. These children are not interested in making friends or interacting with peers. Uncontrollable laughter or tantrum without apparent reason are other signs.

The signs in infants are more subtle. Aversion to being held in one`s arms or having close physical contact may be an early indicator. Another sign is a repetitive way of moving arms, hands or feet. Oversensitivity to smells, textures, touch or to loud sounds, such as sirens are other signs.

understanding of their child's behaviour and the reason for their tantrums. The ability to understand and communicate with your child in ways which are comfortable for them will make it that much easier to avoid temper tantrums all together. Also, the emotional state of the parents directly affects the child hence, I have noticed when parents are less stressed the child too feels more at ease. Homeopathic remedies can also help redirect a mom’s or dad’s negative energy, creating a more positive and stress free environment for the child.

HELPFUL BOOKS

Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride about natural treatment for autism and other disorders Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy by Amy Lansky about the incredible story of how she used homeopathy to cure her son of autism Ritalin Free Kids documenting by Drs. Robert Ullman, ND, DHANP and Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman about safe, effective, and natural treatment for children with autism

HELPFUL THERAPIES There are several ways to manage and treat kids with autism. From many of my patients` experiences, therapies such as speech therapy, behaviour therapy, yoga, massage, physiotherapy, feldenkrais therapy, touch therapy and music therapy all help to strengthen social communication and motor skills. But, the most important way to manage autism is a well balanced diet and homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic medicine has a holistic and very individual approach making every patient`s case unique. It addresses a person in totality of his mental, emotional, spiritual and physical spheres, as well as genetic weaknesses. That is why it can truly restore a person's complete being and improve his or her life. I strongly believe that a warm and loving relationship amongst all family members in combination with homeopathic medicine and other therapies will help in the blossoming of your child's personality and his or her undiscovered talents.

FOOD SENSITIVITY In many cases children with autism can be more sensitive to certain foods. In my practice I have noticed many children feel much worse after eating foods that contain gluten and casein. Kids might feel more spaced out and/or experience stomachaches.

Gluten containing foods are wheat, rye, and barley. Casein containing foods are milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

From my experience working with many kids with autism, I have learned that both a strong digestive system and a balanced diet plan play a very important role in treatment. When our bodies produce enough beneficial bacteria (flora), it helps children not only fight colds and the flu easier but also improves their brain function.

REDUCE TANTRUMS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM Some children with autism have uncontrollable tantrums.

This happens for many reasons. From my experience the most common reasons are when a child feels misunderstood and when changes in activities and surrounding environments happen suddenly. It is crucial for parents of autistic children to be HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 37

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FIT FOR LIFE

Exercise Programs Essential for Cancer Patients

The Strong Way Back

By Kelly Putter Regular physical activity continues to emerge as a leading factor in cancer prevention and assisting in the treatment of those living with the disease.

Convincing evidence shows a link between exercise and the reduced risk of breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.

Studies also indicate a connection between physical activity and a reduced risk of prostrate, lung and ovarian cancers (Friedenreich, Neilson, & Lynch, 2010).

The mounting body of evidence that shows the cancerfighting benefits of exercise is leading health professionals to rethink traditional treatment methods. "We need to integrate exercise into standard care for cancer patients because the evidence is so strong," says Daniel Santa Mina, a PhD candidate in kinesiology at York University. "We need to integrate it as we do with cardiac care."

Regular exercise appears to not only help prevent cancer, it also appears to slow its growth, says Santa Mina, a certified cancer exercise specialist who manages the Survivorship Exercise Program at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.

In addition, physical activity helps with many of the negative side effects associated with cancer and its treatments. Santa Mina says exercise improves fatigue, anxiety and depression which contribute to an improved quality of life.

There is mounting proof that regular exercise after the diagnosis of breast cancer can increase survival. According to a 2005 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association of nearly 3,000 women, their survival increased by 20 to 40 per cent when they were routinely active (Holmes, Chen, Feskanich, Kroenke, & Colditz, 2005). And similar findings have emerged for colorectal and prostate cancers (Kenfield, Stampfer, Giovannucci, & Chan, 2011; Meyerhardt et al., 2006).

"The prevailing dogma is you have cancer; so, you need to rest," says Santa Mina. "But it's a vicious cycle. As people 38 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

Exercise Improves Fatigue and Anxiety !

rest they become increasingly de-conditioned and with that the side effects can become worse."

"Fully integrating clinical exercise programs into cancer treatment and recuperation is a priority for the Ontario Kinesiology Association," say Janice Ray, the association's president. "As governments continue to look for new ways to improve patient outcomes, clinical exercise programming should become a fundamental treatment and rehab tool as well as a preventative method in the remission stage."

The research also indicates that physical activity prevents the development of several cancers by beneficially augmenting hormone levels, lowering insulin levels, improving overall immunity and helping deter weight gain and weight loss and excess body fat (Ballard-Barbash et al., 2012).

The role of exercise in the prevention and care of other chronic conditions and diseases has been long documented. Staying fit reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. It is also known to fight heart disease and to control weight gain, a known risk factor for certain cancers such as breast, kidney and colon, which is why the Ontario Kinesiology Association is also advocating to have exercise specialists integrated into Family Health Teams.

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Wellspring, a network of nine community based cancersupport centres in Ontario and Alberta, has emerged as a leader in the field of cancer rehabilitation, supporting over 850 patients since 2009 in the development of personalized exercise programs.

Heather Simpson, with the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, believes that "exercise in cancer rehab and recuperation today, is where it was with cardiac care 20-years ago." Wellspring is currently working with the University Health Network and University of Toronto to develop a research protocol to assess the clinical success of the program.

The problem, according to Simpson is that "physicians don't know where to refer patients for safe treatment; exercise practitioners, like kinesiologists, don't know about the specialized training that is available; and patients don't know where to go and are apprehensive and intimidated."

Wellspring's CancerSmart Rehab is a safe program that helps cancer patients increase mobility, increase strength and reduce some of the side effects associated with cancer and its treatment. The free 30-week program is led by a Kinesiologist and Physiotherapist. "It is the most successful program Wellspring has ever launched," says Simpson.

"The program promotes a healthy lifestyle members can learn to do on their own," says Kate Buchanan, the manager of Wellspring's Halton-Peel location. "Everyone in the program loves it and many have gone on to join gyms. We have many success stories."

For Christine Fenn, who was diagnosed with three different cancers in as many years, Wellspring was a sanctuary that offered physical, emotional and spiritual support. The 56-yearold Oakville resident felt physically weak after radiation therapy so she began a strength-and-aerobics exercise plan at the HaltonPeel Wellspring centre.

"It definitely made me stronger," says the former healthcare manager. "You feel very powerless with cancer so doing things like exercise helped me with my diagnoses. It gives you back a bit of power and control." Wellspring currently offers their CancerSmart Rehab at two Toronto locations as well as Brampton, Oakville and Niagara. For more information contact: Heba Ahmad, OKA Director of Marketing and Public Relations info@oka.on.ca or John Armstrong (905) 327-2600 john@armstrongcommuications.ca

References:

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1) Ballard-Barbash, R., Friedenreich, C. M., Courneya, K. S., Siddiqi, S. M., McTiernan, A., & Alfano, C. M. (2012). Physical activity, biomarkers, and disease outcomes in cancer survivors: A systematic review. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 104(11), 815-840. doi:10.1093/jnci/djs207 Friedenreich, C. M., Neilson, H. K., & Lynch, B. M. (2010). State of the epidemiological evidence on physical activity and cancer prevention. European Journal of Cancer, 46(14), 2593-2604. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2010.07.028 Holmes, M. D., Chen, W. Y., Feskanich, D., Kroenke, C. H., & Colditz, G. A. (2005). Physical activity and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. JAMA, 293(20), 2479-2486. doi:293/20/2479 [pii] 10.1001/jama.293.20.2479 Kenfield, S. A., Stampfer, M. J., Giovannucci, E., & Chan, J. M. (2011). Physical activity and survival after prostate cancer diagnosis in the health professionals follow-up study. Journal of Clinical Oncology. doi:10.1200/jco.2010.31.5226 Meyerhardt, J. A., Giovannucci, E. L., Holmes, M. D., Chan, A. T., Chan, J. A., Colditz, G. A., & Fuchs, C. S. (2006). Physical activity and survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 24(22), 3527-3534. doi:10.1200/jco.2006.06.0855

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7

BREAST HEALTH

Reasons to Consider

Breast Thermography REASON 7 – RISK ASSESSMENT Someone who is assessed as high risk will be asked to escalate to physical examination and structural testing to make sure that they get a full and complete evaluation.

REASON 6 – LONG-TERM TRACKING Once a baseline condition is established, any future changes can be detected and tracked to determine if the condition is stable, improving, or deteriorating.

REASON 5 – ALL SHAPES AND CONDITIONS Thermography can be used to test all women regardless of breast size or shape, as well as women with breast implants, or a fibrocystic condition.

REASON 4 – MONITORING Thermography is crucial at assessing the effectiveness of treatment, as well as any hormonal influences and their affect on breast health.

REASON 3 – EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

by Alexander Mostovoy, HD, DHMS, BCCT The time has come to reassess whether universal mammographic screening should be recommended.

According to Dr. Peter Goetzsche, a Director of the Nordic Cochrane Collaboration in Copenhagen, Denmark, "The time has come to realize that breast cancer screening programs can no longer be justified."

In his recently published book Mammography Screening: Truth, Lies and Controversy, Dr. Gotzsche presents a compelling argument – that in 10 years of using mammography, we may save one woman’s life for every 2,000 tested – but harm 10 others.

In my opinion, the current approach for the “early detection” of breast cancer – indiscriminate screening – is inadequate at best and dangerous at worst. By the time a lesion is detected using mammography, it has actually been developing for approximately 8 to 9 years. This is not “early detection” by any stretch of the imagination. When you realize the benefit that thermography offers, you will see it as an essential part of a regular health maintenance program.

When assessing the risks involved with breast cancer, Thermography is a highly predictive tool which provides you with an early warning system.

REASON 2 – MEASUREMENT OF FUNCTION Thermography can detect physiological changes - how your breast functions - usually many years before any structural change take place.

REASON 1 – 100% SAFE Thermography measures naturally-emitted body heat. No radiation is involved, it is completely non-invasive and it poses absolutely no risk or pain to the patient.

Since a mammography test can sometimes be inconclusive (a “detectable size” may take 8 to 9 years to develop) it makes more sense to first test using thermography, and then to follow up with other tests (such as mammography) for those deemed to be “high risk”. At this point the best approach would be to first evaluate the reasons why a person is “high risk”, then develop a preventive program to help reduce their risk factors. This makes much more sense than screening women indiscriminately, which may cause pain or harm, as well as confusion and fear due to inconclusive or “false-positive” results. Thermography is safe screening approach to proactive breast health.

Thermography Clinic Inc. is the leader in breast thermography with over 35 locations worldwide. Visit us at ThermographyClinic.com to find an imaging center near you.

HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012 41

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SPICE OF LIFE A Spice as Good as Gold

Saffron

By Mark Schnedier, C.N.P. As much as we prize botanicals for their health benefits, it’s rare to hear of a plant that is often treasured on par with gold, unless we’re talking about the exotic spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.). One of the world’s most revered and valuable spices, saffron is obtained from fragile red-coloured filaments picked off tiny flowers that bloom for less than one month a year. The saffron filaments (or threads) are actually the dried stigmas of the saffron flower. Each flower contains only three stigmas. These threads must be picked by hand from each flower, with more than 75,000 of these flowers needed to produce just one pound of saffron. This labour intensive and careful extraction process is one reason why saffron is considered by many to be the most precious spice on Earth.

Saffron originated in central Asia, and is now widely cultivated in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Its name is derived from the Arabic word za'faran meaning yellow. When dried, the stigmas produce the very potent carotenoid compound α-crocin, which gives the stigmas their characteristic golden yellow colour. It also contains other carotenoids including zeaxanthin, lycopene, αand β-carotenes. These are important antioxidants that act as immune modulators and help protect the body from oxidative stress, cancers and infections.

Saffron has been prized for its flavour, colour and medicinal properties in healing traditions throughout the world. It is naturally rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. It is also a good source of important vitamins including vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and folic acid. The active components in saffron have many therapeutic applications including antidepressant, antiseptic, digestive, anticonvulsant, anti-spasmodic and aphrodisiac properties.

In Ayurveda, saffron is used to counteract inflammatory conditions associated with excess Pitta (fire), while powerfully stimulating circulation and regulating the spleen, liver, and heart.

Because saffron is a blood purifier and an enhancer of blood flow, it

is often used as a cardiac tonic for those with heart disease. Other health issues for which it has found a use in traditional medicine include digestive problems, insomnia and menstrual pains.

Saffron is also reputed to help keep vision sharp. Test findings suggest this spice reverses age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.

Research studies have shown that safranal, a volatile oil found in the spice, and α-crocin, a non-volatile compound, both have powerful antioxidant, antidepressant and anti-cancer properties.

Crocetin, another important carotenoid constituent of saffron, has shown significant potential as an anti-tumor agent in animal research.

Saffron may also inhibit the aggregation and deposition of beta amyloid in the human brain and may therefore be useful in Alzheimer's disease. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 46 patients over 16 weeks found that patients receiving 30 mg of saffron per day demonstrated significantly better cognitive function than patients receiving a placebo. The authors concluded that saffron is both safe and effective short-term in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Although commonly found bearing a yellow hue, saffron is considered most powerful and valuable when it is reddish-orange in colour, with many considering this variety to be the only true saffron. As a general rule, the redder the strands, the better the quality. Saffron is available both in filaments and powder, though the long, deep red filaments are usually preferable to the powder as the latter can be easily adulterated with other spices.

One of the world’s most revered botanicals Traditionally used to uplift mood; To alleviate depression; Used as an aphrodisiac.

Contains protective carotenoid antioxidants.

Add a pinch to teas, rice, smoothies or any recipe.

Certified Organic saffron from Kashmir India.

Available At Your Favourite Health Food Store 42 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS August/September 2012

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Quenching Quince

The perfect choice for a dry throat, fiery stomach and longing heart.

Just Juice offers you the opportunity to enjoy the legendary juice of quince, revered by many cultures for centuries. Quince (Cydonia oblonga) also commonly referred to as the “golden apple” is one of the earliest-known fruits. Believed by some to be the forbidden fruit, eaten by Eve in the Garden of Eden, Quince was also the mythical prize given to Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, in celebration of her astounding beauty. Quince has continued through the ages as a symbol of temptation and love, likely in part due to its incredibly delicious and healthful juice.

Although similar to pears and apples in shape and appearance, the unique flavour and fragrance of quince, hinting of pineapple, guava and pear, can reportedly perfume a room or the breath of those that consume it. To this day, Quince juice is recognized by Unani Medical Practitioners as a key component of stomach ulcer therapy. The juice is also recorded as having been used, traditionally, as a mouthwash or gargle to treat mouth ulcers, gum problems and sore throats and was consumed for its digestive and blood lipid lowering properties.

Although the quince has been cultivated for thousands of years in Asia, it has largely retained the character of a wild fruit. Just Juice captures the ancient tradition of this juice by using only fruit grown organically in the Caucasus region, where the quince originated.

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