Ageless Living Issue 4

V i c t o r i a’ s H e a lt h M ag a z i n e ISSUE 4 • March/April/May 2013

Combating Oxidative Stress

Fit After

Interview with Victoria-born Actress

Leah Gibson

Forty

Sex Doctor of Desire:

Matters

The Myths of

Hormone Therapy

Heart Health & Hormones: Could You Be at Risk?

Health, fitness & Midlife Balance

Fill up & Slim down with

• Promotes weight loss • Lowers cholesterol • Balances blood sugar • Clinically proven

PGXwillchangeyourlife

@pgxdailylife

pgxdailylife

PGXDaily

pgxdailylife

The PGX support centre is available to answer your questions at: 1-800-895-1470 | support@pgx.com

“ I’m Kathy Smith. For 35 years I’ve been teaching people how to feel good and look great through exercise. Now I’ve found out that PGX is even more important than exercise!”

– Kathy Smith World famous fitness expert

Learn more at

pgx.com

In this issue

>>>

CONTENTS 10

Female Heart Health & Hormones

By Shelby Hulowski BSP Balancing hormones is key to your health.

14

By Darcy Dommett Good posture will improve your quality of life.

22 International Island Girl:

Doctor of Desire: Sex Matters

Leah Gibson

By Dr Diana Wiley, PhD Sexual dysfunction can be physical and emotional.

By Liberty Craig Successful Canadian actress Leah Gibson on career, love, health and happiness.

26 Heart Smart Salmon with Apple Sage Horseradish Reduction

By Susan Pederson At age 70, Joanne Rogers had to redefine what it means to be a mother.

By Chef Marcel Pheiffer www.designbydesirecatering.com

28

Hey Guys! Your Hormones Might Be a Mess, Too

18

Myths and Misinformation about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

13

Wellness Check: Physical Fitness After Forty

By Dr Kamran Forghani Thyroid health is key to overall health.

17 When Life Takes a New Path

ay 20

21

12 Thyroid and Your Hormones

Issu e 004 March /April /M

By Michael Forbes Navigating the tricky subject of hormone therapy.

14

By Michael Forbes “Man-o-pause” is not just a joke.

18 4 |

Ageless Living | Issue 4

22

y Photograph r, Evenstar :Matt Brouwe Photo credit

Published by True Space Media ™

Publisher

Michael Forbes Bsc. Pharm

Editor

Liberty Craig

COPY EDITOR Dan Tidsbury

From the Publisher

L

adies, and definitely gentlemen too, this is what it’s all about. It’s about your sex life.

It’s about your man boobs. It’s about vaginal atrophy. It’s about physical fitness, heart health, and anti-aging secrets you can feel good about. It’s the truth about bioidentical hormones. This issue of Ageless Living is full of answers to all of these issues and plenty of others, too. We’re tackling all the taboo subjects and physical realities of getting... well, not 30 anymore. These are issues that men and women all too often don’t admit to – not to themselves, each other, or their doctors. Why? Because they don’t realize they can get help.

More than half of post-menopausal women, for example, experience some level of vaginal atrophy. Yes, it sounds unpleasant – and it is. But the worst part is that the vast majority of women don’t get help for the problem, even though it’s actually fairly easy to address. People assume that things like sexual dysfunction in both men and women are just a normal part of not being a teenager anymore. But it’s just not correct, and it’s just too bad.

Through Ageless Living Magazine, the dedicated pharmacists at our multiple Forbes Pharmacy locations, and the breadth of knowledge among the team at our Ageless Me clinic, we are putting an end to these outdated beliefs once and for all. We are showing men and women of all ages how to live agelessly – which means living a life that is healthy, vibrant and fulfilling. Feeling fantastic from the inside out. Having energy! Looking great!

Having great sex! We can balance those hormones and address the symptoms of conditions once simply mistaken for “aging.” You deserve to feel your best, so don’t put up with less.

TypesEtting and Design Michelle Beaudry

Contributors Areli Hermanson, Ashleigh Gass, Darcy Dommett, Dr Diana Wiley, Gina Chang, Katie Branter, Dr Kenneth Smith, Liberty Craig, Marcel Pheiffer, Michael Forbes, Shelby Hulowski, Susan Pederson, Trish Leclair

COVER CREDITS: Photographer: Jeff Vespa Collection: Contour By Getty Images

General Manager Brenda Worsfold

Human Resources Tracy Pheiffer

Michael Forbes B.Sc Pharm Owner | Pharmacist Forbes Pharmacy www.forbespharmacy.com 250-882-3784 922 Pandora Ave. Victoria BC V8V 3P3 1-888-260-6651 info@truespacemedia.ca Contact info@truespacemedia.com with your questions and comments.

Are you tired of feeling tired?

VersaBase Cream and Special Micronized Progesterone can help you: • Feel confident that you are getting the best compounded BHRT options and outcomes.

• Potentially reduce your common side effects.

• Administer treatment for those with soy sensitivity or allergy.

Available exclusively from your PCCA member pharmacist!

Looking for a Compounding Pharmacy?

Check out www.findacompounder.com Copyright by

Are you tired of feeling tired?

Unbalanced hormones can make you feel like a stranger in your own skin; and one side-effect of unbalanced hormones can be exhaustion and fatigue.

Anyone who has been through puberty knows that hormones have a powerful effect on one’s body.

Hormones affect many areas of your health, including your mood, your metabolism, and your sexual and reproductive function. If your hormones become unbalanced, whether due to menopause or other factors, you may end up feeling like a stranger in your own skin. However, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a way to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again.

The advantage of compounded BHRT is that it can be adapted specifically to fit each individual’s body and hormone levels. Bio-identical hormones have the exact chemical structure as the hormones in the human body. The body recognizes them and allows them to mimic the function of the hormones the body produces on its own.

Why PCCA VersaBase® Cream?

• VersaBase® Cream is a proven and elegant, extremely durable, cosmetic cream that simulates the natural moisturizing barrier of the skin through its emulsion system. It can be used for a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, and is great for topical hormone replacement therapy.

• VersaBase® Cream has a thick, elegant consistency with a smooth, non-sticky touch, which means its properties are desirable for vaginal as well as topical hormone replacement.

• VersaBase® Cream is non-irritating, paraben-free, and propylene glycol-free, with a pH of approximately 6.

Why PCCA’s Special Micronized Progesterone?

• Special Micronized Progesterone is less than 5 microns versus regular micronized which is usually 20 microns, this affects how well your medicine works.

• Particle size affects the rate and absorption of a drug, so it is important that the particle size be consistent to ensure the patient has a steady response to the drug.

• And, because many patients now have soy allergies or sensitivities, Specialized Micronized Progesterone is from a yam source, not soy.

PCCA ’s VersaBase® and Special Micronized Progesterone are a perfect match and an ideal choice for hormone replacement therapy.

A study by the PRACS Institute confirms that VersaBase Cream with PCCA’s Special Micronized Progesterone delivers up to four times more progesterone to the dermis than commercial base Vanicream®.

For more information, including the results of the VersaBase / Special Micronized Progesterone clinical go to www.pccarx.com/versabase Not all pharmacies can deliver these products to their patients. Only PCCA member pharmacies have exclusive access to Special Micronized Progesterone and VersaBase® Cream.

Make sure you are working with the best pharmacies in the industry, PCCA member pharmacies.

Need to find a PCCA member pharmacy near you?

Visit www.findacompounder.com today!

Looking for a Compounding Pharmacy?

Check out www.findacompounder.com

Copyright by

In this issue

>>>

CONTENTS 30

By Susan Pederson What secrets are you finding in his dirty laundry?

Combating Oxidative Stress: Healthy from the Inside Out

By Areli Hermanson Combat degenerative disease through healthy living.

34 Shingles Vaccine: What You Should Know

13

32

ay 20

37 Pain During Intercourse? What

Does Your Man Have “Bladder Issues�?

Issu e 004 March /April /M

By Gina Chang Ask your pharmacist whether the shingles vaccine is right for you.

Every Woman Should Know about Vaginal Atrophy

By Dr Kenneth Smith Too many women suffer in silence.

39 Six Ridiculously Easy Strategies for

Fat Loss

By Ashleigh Gass Did you leap off the wagon during the holidays?

40 Six Powerful Anti-aging Secrets

By Trish Leclair, RNT The six key tricks for optimal health and disease control.

42 Ask an MD: Dr Kenneth Smith

43

28

Ask an ND: Katie Branter

32 8 |

Ageless Living | Issue 4

43

V I C T O R I A’ S H E A LT H M AG A ZINE

ISSUE 3 • December/J

anuary 2012-2013

CARE FOR YOUR

6 TIPS Vi ct or ISSUE

tH ia ’s He al

mber 1 • August/Septe

n r Wo Me zi ne fo Ma ga HOR

TWO BOOKS THAT JUST MIGHT CHANGE YOUR LIFE

MONES

2012

101

AVOIDING PERIMENOPAUS WEIGHT GAIN AL

s sUn sPonte

FEET:

INTERVIEW "AGELESS ME" PHYSIWITH CIAN

DR KENNETH

SMITH

HEALTH, FIT NESS & MID LIFE BALAN CE

Be Go

From the Editor

A

s you picked up this issue of Ageless Living to find gracing our cover the beautiful, vibrant Leah Gibson, you might have thought: How nice to see a Victoria girl on the cover! How great to see a young woman from Victoria become a successful Canadian actress! What a wonderful example of home-grown talent! But then you might have paused for a moment and wondered: But what is this youngster doing on the cover of an age management magazine?

Well, it’s a fair question. But the reality is, anti-aging practices start young. Many of the best remedies are preventative, like the sunscreen Leah Gibson has slathered on her face every day for many years. As Leah says, at age 28, in some ways it would already be too late for her to be starting this fabulous habit now. Her skin will thank her later, just as taking care of her liver, her heart, and her overall health now will set her up for inner and outer health and beauty long into the future. For Leah, making the switch from controlling the body to nourishing the body has been a fundamental change in focus. With her new holistic approach, her busy career and her main man Adam Beach by her side, life is looking good.

This issue contains a number of important articles on women’s health, and a few on men’s health too. After all, men also suffer from urinary incontinence. They also experience sexual dysfunction. And yes, they even experience a masculine kind of menopause.

If you are a man reading this issue, welcome! We hope you find some useful information in these pages. If you’re a woman, you may want to consider passing on the information (or just the whole magazine!) to your husband, partner or friends. Many people have trouble talking about these issues – but we don’t. If you can’t talk about them, the second best thing is to read about them!

Liberty Craig – Editor

ladies,

enter

ur sTarT Yo !

Tweezers

to Win

p37

YogaHe for t ages HealtH

s , fitne

es HorMonur and Yooid ThYr lif s & Mid

n e Bala

ce

Limited

time offer

Subscribe today!

Get Ageless Living for

$29.95 + HST FOR 6 ISSUES

9 |

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Send your order to: True Space Media, 922 Pandora Ave., Victoria BC, V8V 3P3

Female Heart Health & Hormones

By Shelby Hulowski BSP 10 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

W

e women pay a great deal of attention to certain health issues, and most of us get our PAP smears and breast exams regularly. But too little attention is paid to the issue of heart health, especially since heart disease and stroke are the number-one killer of women. Every year, heart disease and stroke take one in three Canadians before their time, taking more lives than all cancers combined. In fact, most women have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Women who have diabetes, come from certain ethnic backgrounds or are menopausal are at even greater risk. It is important for every woman to know about their risk factors and recognize the warning signs for cardiovascular disease in order to prevent or manage it.

Take Heed: Warning Signs

It is extremely important that women familiarize themselves with the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, especially since they may experience different symptoms than men, and it is often the men’s symptoms with which we are most familiar. Warning signs of a heart attack may include shortness of breath, light-headedness, nausea, sweating and pain in the arm, throat or jaw that is unusual. The most common symptom amongst both women and men is chest pain; however, women in particular can have a heart attack with no chest pain. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden weakness, headache, trouble speaking, vision problems and dizziness. If any of these symptoms arise, it is important to seek medical help immediately.

The Protective Effects of Estrogen

Women tend to be safeguarded from heart disease prior to menopause because of the protective effect of estrogen. However, premenopausal women with diabetes have a similar risk of heart disease to men of the same age, since diabetes cancels out the protective effect of estrogen. In women who are menopausal, the overall risk of heart disease may be increased due to the reduction in estrogen and progesterone being produced by the body.

As menopause nears, women may experience an increase in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL or the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. Many women also experience a decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL or the “good” cholesterol), a tendency toward higher blood pressure and an increase in central body fat, which may make the body more prone to blood clots and blood sugar problems. Therefore, it is especially important that women who are menopausal or are ap-

11 |

proaching menopause be aware of these potential changes and address them via diet, exercise and, possibly, medication to prevent any future heart disease issues.

Hormone Replacement & Your Heart

Hormone balance with natural hormones in physiologic doses is key for hormone replacement with heart disease in mind. Estrogen has shown cardiovascular benefits. It is necessary to maintain progesterone receptors, and a true estrogen deficiency may compromise the ability of blood vessels to relax and help protect against a heart attack. Conversely, when estrogen levels are too high, its protective value in heart disease is reversed, as the risk of blood clots and fluid imbalances rises. Estrogen supplementation may be given to women with a deficiency in bioavailable estrogen despite receiving physiologic doses of progesterone. However, hormones should not be given if levels are normal, and should not be given to treat heart disease. Progesterone, on the other hand, not only increases the amount of estrogen receptors, but also increases the burning of fats for energy and has anti-inflammatory effects that can be protective against coronary heart disease. Progesterone, a natural diuretic, also promotes better sleep patterns and stress relief, which can be beneficial to the heart. In men, low testosterone levels may be associated with increased risk of strokes, and supplementation may be advised.

The Balancing Act

Balanced hormones may play a crucial part in preventing heart disease, in addition to treating common hormone-related symptoms. Maintaining a proper balance between estrogen and progesterone is key. Other tips for preventing heart disease include following a good diet (low in fat, high in fibre and comprised of foods from each of the four food groups), consuming antioxidants and bioflavonoids as found in fresh fruits and vegetables to strengthen blood vessels, and drinking plenty of water. Exercise regularly to create good blood flow and larger calibre blood vessels. Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, and quit smoking for life.

Shelby Hulowski BSP is a pharmacist who specializes in compounding and hormone restoration therapy. She is a member in good standing with the BC College of Pharmacists and the BC Pharmacy Association. Contact Shelby at Forbes Pharmacy to discuss your heart health, hormone balance and any health concerns or questions you may have. www.forbespharmacy.com

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Thyroid and Your Hormones

By Dr Kamran Forghani

T

hyroid plays an extremely important role in the body, affecting metabolism, thermoregulation, body weight and more. There are two extremes of thyroid abnormality, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and both can cause moderate to severe problems. Any abnormality of thyroid regulation also affects sex hormones in the body, including estrogen, DHEA, progesterone and testosterone. When hormones are affected, body weight and other issues are also increasingly affected. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is most common and can be attributed at least in part to high stress levels in our society. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, depression, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, constipation and cognitive changes.

Often, in women, we see thyroid problems and hormone imbalances occurring at the same time, and it can be hard to say which one comes first. Thyroid plays a major role in the body, and certainly affects sex hormones. Sex hormone problems don’t necessarily mean thyroid problems, and these issues are not always interrelated, but there is usually some relationship between the two. A thyroid gland that is not working properly will often lead to hormone imbalance and weight gain. Weight gain, especially

Presenting Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Saturday, April 27Th at the Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa

No Limit Texas Hold Em Tournament 1 Prize $1000, 2nd Prize $700 3rd Prize $300 Limited to 100 seats st

Includes Casino Entry, Poker, Dinner and Horse Race Pool

Horse Race Pool Included in Both Ticket Options Winner will receive a TRIP FOR TWO to VEGAS! (Over $2000 Value) Odds: 1 in 200

Casino $100 Limited to 100 Tickets Over $3000 in Prizes to be Won! Includes Casino Entry, Dinner and Horse Race Pool

Tickets on sale NOW at www.bcchfvictoria.com

100% of net proceeds will go directly to BC Children’s Hospital

Detecting a Thyroid Issue

The US society of endocrinologists is considering narrowing the range of “normal” in thyroid tests. However, these changed guidelines have not yet come to fruition. As well, conventional testing for thyroid imbalance is inadequate. Typically, a TSH test is ordered. Yet there are two other tests available – the free T4 test and the free T3 test – and all three should ideally be conducted together to see exactly where you stand. If all three levels are within normal range but you are still experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, you may need to look at other hormone levels or other issues. Careful consideration is required before treating thyroid, and though thyroid is often evaluated first, it is merely at the top of a long list of considerations.

Preventative Measures We Can All Take

Healthy lifestyle as a preventative measure is the most important thing. Exercise is very important, but moderation is key. Overdoing it can cause a great deal of stress to the body, which in itself can become harmful. Eating organic is beneficial as it decreases exposure to toxins, pesticides and xenoestrogens. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals on a regular basis to ensure adequate nutrition is also important, and especially so for people under stress. Alcohol consumption should be avoided, as any consumption causes damage to the body. Exercise and proper nutrition are paramount to your health at any age, and the earlier you start, the better your long-term results.

Treating Thyroid Conditions

Save the date! Sell out event!

Poker $200

fat tissue, can lead to increased estrogen dominance in the body, which compounds the problem.

GAmInG HOSTED By

Tournament of Superheroes Event Details: Registration 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Casino Opens 4:30 pm | Poker Commences 5:00 pm (Sharp!)

Casino Games include Roulette, Blackjack, Wheel of Fortune and Slots | Celebrity Players Roaming Appies | Roast Beef Dinner | Cash Bar | Table Concierges | Fantastic Door Prizesl

patricia wade design

For questions or sponsorship opportunities, e-mail us at questions.superheroes@gmail.com.

12 |

There are traditional, synthetic medicines available for hypothyroidism, plus natural thyroid medications from compounding pharmacists. If you go on thyroid replacement medication, you should have your thyroid hormones rechecked within three to six months to ensure your body is receiving the proper amount and that neither hypo- nor hyperthyroidism is occurring. Multiple common medications for other ailments can also affect thyroid levels and cause problems. Your physician should review these medications with you.

It is imperative that we create a balance between all the hormones in the body. As long as balance does not exist, you will never get the optimal result you are looking for. A healthy lifestyle and a healthy hormonal balance are your keys to long-lasting wellness.

Dr. Kamran Forghani, MD, completed his postgraduate medical residency at McGill university and practiced as an emergency room physician at McGill university teaching hospital for three years, then completed a three year family practice specialty at the University of Washington in Seattle prior to his return to Canada.

He has always had a great interest in preventative medicine and believes that we can all be healthier by being proactive rather than reactive to our physical, mental and spiritual health.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Naturally Accelerated System for Outer Beauty and Inner Health Nasobih is a nutra-cosmetic antioxidant system that combines an oral capsule and topical cream to protect and treat the skin from free radical damage. Nasobih Nutra-Caps are also used for cancer prevention, circulatory and inflammatory disorders.

• • • • • • • • •

Protect Your Skin from Oxidative Damage Restores youthful glow by enhancing the tone of small muscles Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Helps to restore collagen and elastin beneath the skin Significantly reduces redness caused by inflammation Reduces the appearance of age spots caused by free radicals Rehydrates the skin Improves general health and feeling of wellness Protects the body from free radical damage

Combat Premature Aging

Nasobih contains Provotin, a trademarked grape seed extract known as one of the most potent grape seed extracts in the world. Grape seed, vitamin C and other citrus bioflavanoids are added to Nasobih for a powerful antioxidant combination that is 20x more powerful than vitamin C alone, and 50x more powerful than vitamin E. Antioxidants fight free radicals that are implicated in most diseases of the body – including premature aging of the skin.

“We all want to slow aging, prevent cancer and other chronic diseases, and look good in the process. I am giving the capsules to all of my cancer patients, and recommend it to everyone to protect and restore cardiovascular health. I am using the products myself, and can report a rapid and significant improvement in my sun-damaged skin, including some pre-cancerous lesions. My patients love this simple and effective system for health and beauty. It offers great value – which to me means both excellent price and performance.”

- Dr Neil McKinney, ND

Healthy from the Inside Out

Resveratrol is thought to be responsible for the “French Paradox.” The French diet is high in saturated fats, carbohydrates and protein – without increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Why? Daily consumption of red wine. Resveratrol is a bioactive ingredient in red wine. The average bottle of red wine contains about 5mg of resveratrol. Nasobih Nutra-Caps contain 20mg of resveratrol per capsule.

Feel the Power... See the Difference

CONTACT US: Email: info@nasobih.com / Ph. (250) 881-8126 / www.nasobih.com

ADVERTORIAL

TM

D o ct o r o f D esire :

Sex Matters

By Dr Diana Wiley, PhD

14 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

Dr Diana Wiley, PhD

G

ood sex alone cannot sustain a relationship, but bad or absent sex can strain it to the point of breaking. In thirty years of practice as a Board-Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the number-one presenting issue is mismatched desire. It is most often the woman in the relationship who has low desire. Her lack of interest can be both physically and emotionally inspired. I collaborate with an MD or an ND, and we help women reclaim their sexuality.

With this tag-team, synergistic approach, we can address these problems. I also assist couples with their relationship and communication issues. Sometimes I do psychotherapy before I can do sex therapy. The relationship and the context of sexuality can be even more critical to satisfaction than the majesty of orgasm!

delivered in part by hormones. Estrogen replacement for postmenopausal women has been shown to restore sensation levels to premenopausal levels. This hormone is associated with lubrication, too.

Blood flow is also important. Both male and female genitals have smooth muscle tissue that engorges with blood during arousal. While many Viagra-enhanced men are happy to get erections, fixing women’s blood flow will cure little if libido-killing stresses still assail the relationship, the home life and the woman’s self-esteem. With my clients, I have found that a woman with these complaints might require BHRT, a weekend retreat or a sex toy, or some combination of the three!

Sexual Dysfunction in Women

A woman who is having problems should have her doctor give her a blood or saliva test to measure her hormone levels. If any of those levels are low, she should consider the pros and cons of replacing those hormones. The woman should make sure her doctor has experience treating sexual dysfunction. Some docs will say, “Have some wine, relax.” You have to advocate for yourself and demand better solutions!

No pill or hormone can help a woman if she hates her partner, however! One problem is that most men experience intimacy through sex. So, he’s not happy – and his unhappiness is making her tenser. The tenser she gets, the worse the problem becomes.

Men tend to want more sex than women, whether it’s at the beginning of a relationship or after 20 years of marriage.

You can see why couples counseling and/or sex therapy might be necessary. As a therapist, I want to see my clients restore emotional intimacy and reach their full sexual potential. Indeed, sex matters!

How do we define sexual dysfunction in women? It’s both a mind and a body problem, and many women experience it at some point in their lives. A “dysfunction” is persistent and causes personal distress. Female sexual difficulties are age-related, progressive and highly prevalent. Women passing through menopause have a high incidence of sexual difficulties, especially desire disorders and orgasmic disorders. In one example, a client of mine, a 55-year-old college professor who lost her ability to become aroused after hysterectomy, stated, “This huge piece of who I am had just gone.”

There are solutions. I know about them professionally – and personally. For the past ten years I have been on BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy). My regimen consists of C-Bi-est (bio-identical estrogen), C-progesterone and testosterone cream. I am a balanced senior woman, healthy, with lots of energy, and I have an amazing sex drive!

I used to work at UCLA’s Female Sexual Medicine Center, where I witnessed many sexual transformations, especially as a result of testosterone replacement. Women produce testosterone in their adrenal glands and ovaries. Around the time of menopause, the amount produced declines, which may lead to a loss of desire, as well as fatigue and sometimes thinning hair. Hormones, to put it simply, are messengers that relay communication between the brain and the body. The lovely warm feeling you get from a lover’s touch is generated by the brain, felt in the body, and

15 |

Seeking Solutions

Dr Diana Wiley, PhD, has been in practice 30 years as a Board-certified Sex Therapist, a Marriage and Family Therapist (licensed in Washington State and California), and a Gerontologist. She also hosts an internet radio show called “Love, Lust and Laughter” on Progressive Radio Network. Dr Wiley has published two studies in medical journals on aging and sexuality, and was appointed as a Clinton Presidential Delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, where she was the only delegate to speak about love and sexuality. Dr Diana is a frequent visitor to Victoria, BC, where her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren reside.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Pharmacy At Guardian and I.D.A. pharmacies, your health and wellness is our number one priority. Our pharmacists are here to answer your questions and give you trusted advice, so you can live the healthiest you can, everyday.

Come in and meet our team today.

www.guardian-pharmacy.ca

www.ida-pharmacy.ca 16 | Ageless Living | Issue 1

When Life Takes

a New Path

By Susan Pederson

W

hen Joanne Rogers’ 42-year-old son, Dennis, injured himself in a diving accident in 2006, it wasn’t just life that changed 360 degrees. Dennis, an outgoing, Victoria-based developer, went from revelling in his busy work activities and active social life to being a quadriplegic, dependent on others for his every need. One of the people he depended on most was his mother, now 70. “When your son, who has been living independently for years, through a traumatic injury is suddenly unable to move from the neck down, the dynamics of the entire family change,” said Joanne. “These are normally the years in which we might look for support from our children, but instead the exact opposite happened – overnight.”

Dennis, known for his perseverance and determination before the accident, wasn’t about to accept the prognosis he received from BC doctors. Because he’d injured his C5 and C6 vertebrae, they said his physical functioning would not improve. Joanne was not about to give up hope, either.

“We had an exceptionally supportive group of friends who put their lives on hold to help him,” said Joanne, and together they discovered a California-based treatment option. Project Walk® Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center is an international non-profit organization that provides an improved quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries through intense activitybased recovery programs, research and development, and education. The treatment was also available in Oregon, where Dennis regained a good deal of ability. Through assisted therapy he regained core strength, which in turn gave him upper-body, shoulder and arm movement, and the ability to use a toothbrush and utensils. He lives his life in a power wheelchair, aided each day by revolving care-workers, helpers, family, friends, and therapists.

Contrary to the doctors’ predictions, he lives independently.

The experience at Project Walk inspired the Rogers family to found P.A.T.H. Spinal Cord Injury Group, a Victoria-based spe17 |

cialized gym, where those who are living with a spinal cord injury can work to regain at least some of what they have lost through their injuries. “They are looking to upgrade their quality of life…

Some of our clients have been injured for 37 years, some as little as two years,” explains Rogers. “The levels of injury and physical condition are all different – some have paralysis through spinal cord injury, some are stroke victims, others have a non-progressive brain injury. We work with them to reactivate their central nervous systems and improve muscle and bone mass, functional co-ordination and circulation.” Clients work through stages of conditioning, with some progressing up to the final stage of rehabilitation: an advanced functional walk, with or without adaptive aids. All have different goals and levels of recovery.

Currently, the gym has approximately a dozen members. The staff includes trainers, a physiotherapist, a kinesiologist and a nurse-aide skilled in working with those living with spinal cord injuries. Treatment is covered under some independent insurance plans, depending on the cause of the spinal cord injury (ICBC also provides coverage if the injury is a result of an automobile accident). “We also formed a society to raise funds to help disadvantaged disabled people access assisted therapy,” adds Rogers. “It’s called the Friends of P.A.T.H. Spinal Cord Injury Society.”

Joanne’s journey through this life-changing event has made her quite an accidental expert. She could easily be mistaken for a trained medical professional while making her daily rounds at the gym. She laughs at the notion. “I volunteer at the gym, but I made up a title for myself: WAEF, which stands for ‘when all else fails.’ But that’s the definition of ‘Mother’ anyway, isn’t it?”

To learn more about P.A.T.H. Spinal Cord Injury Group, visit www.path-sci.com.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Myths and Misinformation about

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

By Michael Forbes B.Sc Pharm

18 |

Ageless Living | Issue 41

H

ormone therapy is a tricky subject for the average person to navigate. The media has had a field day with both bioidentical hormone therapies and the health repercussions of synthetic hormones. The wealthy, powerful manufacturers of some hormone therapies (i.e., the drug companies) have a great deal of influence and a pervasive ability to spread their messaging. Lastly, traditional medical doctors may not be aware of many aspects of hormone replacement therapy, or may have chosen not to embrace bioidenticals.

For men and women with no medical training and only this onslaught of conflicting information and misinformation to rely on, it is practically impossible to determine the best course of action. So first, let’s lay down a few basic principles of bioidentical hormone therapy before moving on to the myths and misinformation that hamper too many peoples’ access to this often very helpful treatment.

BHRT in a Nutshell Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the use of supplemental doses of hormones that have a chemical structure identical to the hormones that the human body naturally produces. Let me repeat that: the hormones are identical to the ones found naturally in our own bodies. But if the chemical structure is exactly identical to the hormones in our bodies, it cannot be patented. Scientists may not patent something found in nature.

Therefore, pharmaceutical companies cannot make money off these hormones (although some have figured out a way to patent the delivery systems). As a result, and understandably, big pharma is not particularly interested in funding studies to explore the use of bioidentical hormones. And unfortunately, they tend to be the moneybags when it comes to funding studies of this kind.

It’s fair to say that big pharma’s disinterest in bioidenticals has heavily influenced the traditional medical community’s understanding of this hormone therapy. There has been a lack of information channelled to allopathic medical doctors regarding bioidenticals. Nowadays, more and more MDs are embracing this form of hormone therapy, but progress has been slow indeed. So even if you go to your family doctor to ask for help with the symptoms of a detrimental hormone imbalance, you may not get the help you need.

Common Myths and Misinformation Let’s look at a few of the myths and pieces of misinformation that have caused widespread confusion regarding the use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

MYTH #1: My doctor can give me a blood test to check my hormone levels.

Some hormone levels cannot be accurately tested in blood work because some hormones need to show the free hormone and unbound hormone levels that don’t appear in serum. Some hormones thus require saliva or blood spot testing to be accurately tested.

MYTH #2: Women in menopause need more estrogen.

The fact is, 80 to 90 percent of women are estrogen dominant.

This is because the foods we eat and our environment are filled

19 |

with something called xenoestrogens, which are synthetic estrogens (found in plastics, pesticides, air fresheners and so on) that are absorbed and assimilated in our bodies. Most women need progesterone to balance their hormone levels – not estrogen.

MYTH #3: Transdermal medications don’t work.

About ten years ago, the big pharmaceutical companies commonly stated that transdermal hormones are not absorbed through the dermis (the skin). Now, however, most drug companies have come out with transdermal estrogens, pain patches and more.

They simply didn’t understand the science yet; didn’t have the data to prove its effectiveness. In the bioidentical industry, transdermal hormone therapy has been in use for more than 30 years.

MYTH #4: Bioidentical hormones are natural because they come from yams.

Let’s set the record straight: bioidentical hormones are not made from mashed yams yanked straight out of the dirt, as some might mistakenly believe. Bioidenticals are made from a chemical extract. It is a highly scientific process. Whether the derivative is yam or not, the end result is a specific molecular structure that is a result of chemistry, not farming! Bioidentical hormones are “natural” because they are an exact replica of the natural hormones in our bodies.

MYTH #5: I can get extra estrogen by eating soy.

Again, time to set the record straight: soy does contain a kind of estrogen, but it is not the right kind of estrogen for hormone replacement therapy. First, estrogen is probably not what your body needs anyway. Second, the estrogen found in soy is not as effective medicinally. It is too “dirty” and does not impact the right receptors to get the right response. Supplemental estrogen or progesterone must have an exact molecular structure designed to have precise effects in your body.

MYTH #6: Bioidentical hormones and pharmaceutical hormones are two different things.

In fact, the best-selling pharmaceutical hormone right now is bioidentical, in the form of micronized progesterone called Prometrium. The maker was able to patent it because of its delivery system. As a pharmacist, I regularly recommend this bioidentical hormone for progesterone replacement.

Bioidenticals are simply hormones that are identical in chemical structure to the hormones produced by our bodies, without any additives or metabolites that carry the potential of unwanted side effects. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a powerful, proven method for correcting the symptoms of hormone imbalance such as weight gain, mood changes, hot flashes, sleep problems and memory loss. With a course of BHRT tailored to your body’s unique needs, you can feel your absolute best at any age.

Michael Forbes is the owner of Forbes Pharmacies, with multiple locations serving Greater Victoria. As a pharmacist for more than ten years, Michael developed a passionate interest in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy after witnessing first-hand the overwhelmingly positive effects countless patients experienced.

Contact Michael at www.forbespharmacy.ca.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

There’s no beTTer bang for your adverTising buck!

1.

V i c t o r i a’ s H e a lt H M ag a z i n e ISSUE 4 • March/April/May 2013

combatIng oxIDatIve stress

Fit aFter

IntervIew wIth vIctorIa-born actress

Leah Gibson

Forty

sex

Doctor of DesIre:

Matters

the myths of

horMone therapy

heart health & hormones: coulD you be at rIsk?

full-Page ad in ageless Living Magazine

Our 48-page wellness and age management magazine has targeted distribution to medical waiting rooms, community centres, grocery stores, coffee shops and health-care facilities in the greater Victoria area. Distribution is 10,000 copies per issue.

+

HealtH, fitness & Midlife Balance

2.

3.

healthy news digital – continuous distribution

Digital screens deliver continuous targeted advertising to 50+ medical facility waiting rooms in greater Victoria, where visitor wait times average 20 minutes. Your ad will be seen an average of 8 times per patient, and you could reach thousands of potential customers every day!

healthy news newsletter

+

The monthly Healthy News Newsletter has unique, informative content plus advertising, designed to target casual readers in medical facility waiting rooms. 5,000 copies are distributed to over 300 locations.

=

V i c t o r i a’ s H e a lt H M ag a z i n e ISSUE 4 • March/April/May 2013

combatIng oxIDatIve stress

Fit aFter

IntervIew wIth vIctorIa-born actress

Leah Gibson

Forty

sex Doctor of DesIre:

Matters

the myths of

horMone therapy

heart health & hormones: coulD you be at rIsk? HealtH, fitness & Midlife Balance

Three advertising Media for one ridiculously Low Price!

With three effective advertising media directly targeting health conscious clients, for nearly half the price others charge for just ONE advertising media, you’d be crazy to advertise anywhere else!

Call Mike Ageless at 250-882-3784 Living www.truespacemedia.com 20 |

| Issue 1

Wellness Check:

Physical Fitness After Forty

By Darcy Dommett

A

s we get into our forties, fifties and sixties, all those years of desk jobs, lap tops, texting and just general “hunching” have a cumulative effect. The result? Poor posture, which is all too often reinforced by evenings spent lounging in front of the television. Poor posture may seem like a minor problem at first. However, just like a car with a wheel alignment issue, the problem may not be bothersome initially, but after a long road trip your wheels just might fall off!

dio is one step toward improving your posture. Get your heart pumping and fill your body with the good, fresh oxygen that it needs.

The Problem of Poor Posture Both men and women begin to experience a noticeable loss in muscle mass and strength during these decades and, in women, bones can become brittle and weak. Poor posture exacerbates both of these conditions and leads to chronic back pain, sciatica, and transference of stress to adjoining muscles and body parts.

The good news is that, with the right exercise program and dedicated effort, poor posture can be corrected relatively easily. But it’s more than a matter of simply sitting up straight! Below are the five key areas you need to focus on to improve both your posture and your overall health.

Balance and Stability: You may not be ready to think about the years when falling is a major risk, but working on balance and stability now will keep you healthy long into the future. According to Harvard Medical School, at least one out of three people over the age of 65 falls every year. Balance is crucial for good posture, and for good health.

Skeletal Alignment: Skeletal alignment is the positioning of body parts in relation to one another. It is the key to good, strong posture. If you are experiencing chronic neck, shoulder or back pain, you likely need to focus on this area. Some even attribute migraines and fibromyalgia to skeletal alignment issues.

Muscular Balance: Achieving and maintaining muscular balance means eliminating the imbalances that put heavy strain on different areas of the body. Our bodies function optimally when all our muscles, tendons and bones are equally healthy and strong.

When we grow weak in one area, we naturally compensate with stronger areas, which creates an imbalance that over time leads to strain and injury.

Cardio Endurance and Recovery: The cardiovascular system is paramount to overall health. Without healthy blood flow, our muscles and extremities cannot be properly nourished. And since poor posture can hamper your lung capacity, improving your car21 |

Flexibility: Do you feel increasingly stiff as the years go by? Remaining flexible is one of the keys to staying young. A lack of flexibility also contributes to muscular imbalance and results in poor posture.

Standing Strong So how are you going to achieve all these factors that contribute to excellent posture? One way is to consult with a personal trainer who can custom design an exercise program tailored to your specific body and lifestyle, and work with you to achieve your goals.

Other excellent options include yoga, pilates, core strengthening and stretches, all of which will help your body rebalance, strengthen, and improve your posture. For cardio, nothing beats running. If you find that running is too hard on your knees or back, you can try power walking instead (but make it fast!). For a great cardio workout that’s easy on your joints, swim laps at your local pool. Skip the breast stroke – get your heart rate up!

Good posture will reduce those aches and pains created by your body compensating for its own weaknesses and imbalances.

By improving your posture, you’ll find exercise more enjoyable and your overall fitness level improved. Proper posture will truly improve your quality of life.

Darcy Dommett is the owner operator of studio4athletics in Victoria, BC. He is a health and fitness coach, martial arts instructor, dancer and yogi. Contact darcy@ studio4athletics.com or visit www.studio4athletics.com.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Photo Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

International Island Girl:

Leah Gibson

By Liberty Craig

22 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

“I never imagined that I would leave the island. I went straight to university after high school and had plans to stay, complete my degree and buy a house down the street. And then that changed quite quickly for me, and there’s been no looking back.”

V

ictoria-born Leah Gibson has a solid list of TV and movie credits behind her in a career already well established at her current age of 28. She can most recently be seen on CTV’s Arctic Air and is well known for her role in the Twilight series, and has a number of increasingly impressive projects scheduled to appear soon. Ageless Living caught up with Leah from LA, where she’s living with boyfriend and Canadian actor Adam Beach, to discuss her career, her love life, the value of being good to our bodies, and the need for anti-aging endeavours at any age.

Island Girl “I grew up in Victoria and my mom and dad are still there. I never imagined that I would leave the island. I went straight to university after high school and had plans to stay, complete my master’s and doctorate degrees and buy a house down the street. And then that changed quite quickly for me and there’s been no looking back. My life now is at such a pace that I don’t have time to get back as often as I’d like, though I try to come in the summer to meet up with my twin sister, Erin, who lives overseas. I’m very grateful to have grown up in Victoria, on the west coast, in Canada. My relationship with the sea and the beaches and the parts of the city that are unique and beautiful are a part of me. Being an island girl is a special thing!”

Dancing to the Silver Screen “I grew up dancing and was heavily involved in musical theatre during high school. Three years into university, I knew I had to act on that love. So I moved to the ‘big city’ of Vancouver, which at the time was terrifying. It felt like I was moving to Manhattan!

It was my mission to find an agent and be working in film within one year. I had very clear intentions, but I knew nothing about the business side of things. It took me about five or six months to figure things out and get settled. I found an agent and in the late spring I landed a part in a feature film starring Daryl Hannah, with me as the lead. At the time, I probably wasn’t really ready for it, though I also felt completely prepared for it because it was exactly what I’d wanted!”

The Zone of Twilight “Twilight reaches the entire globe – it blows my mind. The recognition I got from the small part I had in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was really outstanding. All of a sudden, I was travelling the world, promoting the show, meeting fans. It was not something I’d experienced before. I’d been working really hard in film for three or four years at that point, and I felt sheepish about promoting something that I had a very small part in. But I was very grateful too. The Twilight fans live and die for the books and the movies, and it was amazing to be part of something that was perceived that way.”

23 |

Going Rogue “I finished filming the first season of Rogue in Vancouver right before Christmas. It opens April third on Direct TV Audience Network and will be airing on HBO Canada as well. My co-star and I are going to be hitting the road for a 15-city tour across the States, just the two of us. Rogue is a character-driven thriller about an undercover cop played by Thandie Newton, who is wonderful. Her character tragically loses her young son and she becomes obsessed with finding out what happened. She leaves the police force and develops a complicated relationship with an infamous crime lord. I play Cathy Laszlo – the devoted mob wife. I absolutely love the show and had so much fun playing the character. She’s strong, powerful, nasty, ruthless. The show is very sexy, edgy, violent.”

No Rest for the Creative “I recently completed a mini-series currently titled Eve of Destruction, which will air in March on Shaw TV. I just finished filming a movie in Ottawa called Crook. It was a total blast to do with a wonderful Canadian filmmaker named Adrian Langley, who I’d been dying to work with. I have a couple of episodes on Arctic Air this season as well. My character, Candi Lussier, was part of the pilot, and it’s been so wonderful to be part of the show from the beginning. Right now I’m promoting Rogue, auditioning in LA, and gearing up to do some travelling. It’s quite chaotic! But I love being busy and am happier when I’m busy. Adam and I also just incorporated our production company, which is called Pipestone Pictures Inc. It’s a new endeavour for me and it’s very exciting.

I have learned that involving myself in other projects – writing, filming shorts – keeps me inspired and connected. And now I get to do it with my partner, too.”

Life’s a Beach with Adam “With Adam, it’s completely effortless. Both of us are very workoriented and family oriented. He has a young daughter, Phoenix, and two older sons, and we spend a lot of time with his daughter, who lives in LA too. When we’re not working it’s family time.

Adam’s heart is in the right place and I’m very grateful to have such an amazing partner who is supportive of me and also understands the ins and outs of the industry. I didn’t know who Adam was when I first met him, while reading scripts for Arctic Air. I’d heard about him, of course, since he’s quite a well-known Canadian actor. But I didn’t have any relationship with his past work or public profile. He was so incredibly sweet and charming when we met, and I thought wow, is he for real? We joke about it now, but I’m glad I didn’t know much about him when I met him, as I had no preconceived ideas about him. I’ve since visited reservation communities with him, which he does a lot when he’s not filming, and the way he’s received in what he calls ‘Indian country’ is

Ageless Living | Issue 4

“I’ve been wearing 100 SPF sunscreen since the moment I roll out of bed every day for the last five years, maybe longer. I never leave the house without it.”

like he’s Brad Pitt! I also receive so much joy from spending time with Adam’s young daughter. It’s an absolute joy that I couldn’t have anticipated.”

Anti-aging at Any Age “If you’re not taking care of yourself by the time you get into your late twenties, it’s already getting too late! My New Year’s resolution this year was, instead of depriving my body, to focus on wellness and the holistic nurturing of my body. I just turned 28 and I’m very happy to be where I am in my life, and I feel much more grounded than I did a couple of years ago. Now, I feel more rooted in myself and that influences how I feel in my body. I want to take care of my liver and my bones and my heart. I want to nurture the whole package and it feels good to do that.”

TRUE GRADUATED COMPRESSION SOCkS

Say Yes! To Healthy Legs!

Skincare of Movie Stars “I’ve been wearing 100 SPF sunscreen since the moment I roll out of bed every day for the last five years, maybe longer. I never leave the house without it. Adam makes fun of me because he’s got this beautiful brown skin and I’m so white! But I have sunscreen in my purse at all times and I wear a hat and sunglasses, and I feel like it has preserved my skin even now. I’ve also recently discovered a wonderful new skincare line called Aiona Alive. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and live fish collagen, without chemicals or perfumes. My skin absolutely loves it because I have very sensitive skin, and it’s very gentle.”

Nutrition to Nurture Your Body “I’m doing a gentle cleanse right now to strip away the things that aggravate my skin. When you’re on camera, especially early in the morning, there’s no hiding! And I have sensitive skin. I’m following a natural diet with no preservatives; plenty of fruits and vegetables. Adam bought me a juicer for my birthday and I’ve been drinking these beautiful juices every morning, and they’re just like a hit of sparkle, your body is so happy to have all those fresh enzymes! I love really hearty salads. A few years ago, eating that way would have been geared toward a deprivation mindset; now it’s shifted toward learning about healthy fats, roasted nuts and avocado oil, lean protein. Nourishing myself by changing my perspective. The reality is that my body is always in flux. All women’s bodies are, and we’re so hard on ourselves. But the body is a live organism. You can’t punish it. You have to nourish it and take care of it.”

Fitness in the Family “I’m in love with practicing yoga, and that’s certainly part of being more in tune with my body. But lately it’s been really hard to fit it in. If I have time to myself I will happily work out all day. I’ll go for a long run, come back and go for a swim, do some stretching.

My mom was a marathon runner and I grew up that way. But when it comes down to sleep or exercise, I’ve learned that sleep is what I have to choose – especially when you’re on the road and need to look fresh. My lust for that burst of endorphins is now fulfilled in short bursts, even if it’s just 30-minute sprints on a treadmill.”

Physician Recommended Recommandé par les médecins

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR LEGS with the BENEFITS OF TRUE GRADUATED COMPRESSION THERAPY 15-20 mmHg True Graduated Compression Socks › Increases circulation to help prevent blood clots during long periods of sitting or standing such as travel or work › Increases circulation for faster recovery after sports activity such as running, hockey, golf, cycling and soccer › Reduces swelling and leg fatigue to give your legs increased energy › Assists in the prevention of varicose and spider veins everyday and especially during pregnancy › Special anti-odor properties to help eliminate foot odor › Non restrictive band and toe box for added comfort

15-20 mmHg True Graduated Compression Therapy sales@drsegals.com | 1-855-DRSEGAL | www.drsegals.com

Coming Soon for Leah Gibson “I’ve been acting now for seven years, worked very hard and had some ups and downs, and been very happy with that career choice. But now it seems I’m entering a new phase in producing and co-creating, and I’m very excited about what we’re working on right now. I’m stepping into different roles as an actress this year, starting to explore roles of motherhood, which is something I hadn’t thought of doing a few years ago. I feel that it’s expressing parts of me that are subconscious or maybe just intuitive. I feel stronger and more excited than ever before.”

24 | Ageless Living | Issue 41

Love your home.

Warm up to a contemporary community of custom built single family homes starting from $359,000. To find out more, visit us online or call 250.391.5880 | KETTLECREEKSTATION.com

Heart Smart Salmon with Apple Sage Horseradish Reduction

By Chef Marcel Pheiffer www.designbydesirecatering.com

Mild apple jelly and medium horseradish go well with salmon. Serve with a neutralflavoured side of couscous or rice and steamed green beans.

Ingredients • 1/3 cup apple jelly • 15 ml finely chopped fresh chives • 10 ml fresh chopped sage • 30 ml prepared horseradish • 15 ml champagne vinegar • 2 ml kosher salt, divided • 4 6-oz pc salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick), skinned • 1 ml freshly ground black pepper • 10 ml olive oil

26 |

Procedure Preheat oven to 350°. Combine apple jelly, chives, sage, horseradish, vinegar, and 1 ml salt, stirring well with a whisk. Sprinkle salmon with 1 ml salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add salmon, and cook 3 minutes. Turn salmon over; brush with half of apple mixture. Wrap handle of skillet with foil; bake at 350° for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Brush with remaining apple mixture.

Ageless Living | Issue 41

Serves 4

ADVERTORIAL

The New Face of Hair Removal:

H

The Desloges Method

air removal can be a frustrating, costly and disappointing endeavour. It can even be downright painful. The worst part is that many forms of hair removal simply don’t work – or are not as effective as you might like, given all the time, expense and discomfort you invest. Many men and women find their hair growth problems are solved temporarily, only to maddeningly resurface some time after treatments are completed.

“I finally have permanent hair removal,” says Angela.

Laser hair removal, for example, may well be a hot new fad, but the reality is that it will not deliver permanently hair-free, beautiful skin. In fact, recent studies show that it could actually result in an accelerated hair growth and/or pigment discoloration. After spending two years and $1,800 on laser hair removal treatments and still suffering from unwanted hair in the same spots, Angela MacKenzie turned to Jade Electrolysis because of their unheard of guaranteed permanent results. “I trust Jade Electrolysis completely and, most important, I finally have permanent hair removal,” says Angela.

27 |

Invented in 1869, electrolysis has stood the test of time as the only permanent hair removal solution. With time and technology, it has only improved. By using computerized machines and surgical microscopes, Jade Electrolysis is able to work more accurately to deliver permanent results in less time. Although electrolysis is the only treatment that can promise permanent results, Jennifer Desloges, founder of Jade Electrolysis, says that success is also contingent on the skill of the electrologist. Jennifer explained that electrolysis is the procedure of inserting a very fine needle into the hair follicle (a pre-existing hole) so you should not feel the needle poke or break the skin. Once inserted, the needle delivers a controlled current to “kill” the root. If the current is insufficient, the root will not release the hair and you will feel the hair being “tweezed” as it’s removed. If you feel the needle going in or the hair coming out, the hair will grow back and you could end up with scarring or nerve damage.

Safety is a huge concern with hair removal. Disposable needles, gloves, hospital grade sterilization and other disease prevention protocols must be considered. Only Jade practitioners offer the Desloges Method, which Jennifer developed over 23 years in private practice and teaching. She has trademarked the Jade Logo to eliminate confusion to the public. “Not all Electrologists are created equal; if you don’t see the logo, it is not the Desloges Method,” says Jennifer.

The first Jade franchise opened in 2010, with the 14th clinic scheduled to open in the summer of 2013. Learn more about electrolysis and Jade Electrolysis’s free consultation plus sample treatment for new clients at www.hairfreeforlife.com. Drop by the Victoria location at #204-661 Burnside Road East, or call us at 250-590-4084.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Hey Guys!

Your Hormones Might Be a Mess, Too

By Michael Forbes B.Sc Pharm

G

entlemen: listen up. Has your wife ever accused you of going through “man-opause”? Or attributed your bad mood to “man-struation”? And need we talk about the dreaded “man boob”? Or worse… erectile dysfunction?

Like it or lump it, it’s not only women who battle hormone changes after a certain age; men also face this challenge to a lesser, but often equally troublesome, extent. Colloquially known as “male menopause,” andropause refers to the decline in testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, in adult men. Beginning at around age 35, testosterone levels gradually decline. Unlike menopause in women, where symptoms are comparatively obvious, the

decrease in testosterone is slow, occurring over decades. There are several symptoms associated with andropause, including: • • • • • • • •

decrease in muscle mass decrease in bone strength erectile dysfunction weight gain around the chest and abdomen sweating or flushing aches and pains fatigue decrease in libido

28 || Ageless Living || Issue Issue 41 28

As for those symptoms of “man-struation” you might be getting accused of, it’s common for men in andropause to experience changes in their mood or feeling of well-being. These changes might manifest as: • irritability • stress • depression • memory loss/cognitive change • sleep difficulties Of course, if you’re like most men, you won’t ask for directions and you certainly won’t visit the doctor for almost any reason. After all, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – right? But the symptoms of andropause are not typical of aging and can pose serious health risks if left unattended. The problem with these quiet symptoms is that they have an ability and a tendency to become chronic.

Depression may be treated with anti-depressants (which can exacerbate impotence), but if a low level of testosterone is the actual diagnosis, this raises a man’s chance of heart disease or stroke.

Many men need to start becoming more vocal when it comes to their health.

Increase Your Testosterone Levels

There are natural ways to increase your testosterone levels – remedies that any man feeling sluggish, sleepless or sexless should

explore. Begin with exercise, as it naturally increases the production of testosterone. Cut back on alcohol and eliminate processed foods. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fibre will help raise testosterone, balance estrogen, and protect the prostate gland. Vitamins and herbal supplementation can help men balance their hormones naturally. It is also a wise idea for any man to visit his health care professional for a risk assessment of his health. Tests to ask your health care provider about include the PSA test for prostate health, plus saliva or blood tests for testosterone levels. Your health care provider may recommend other tests that can catch the silent testosterone decline.

Hormone replacement therapy is another valid option for men suffering from a noticeable decline in testosterone levels. By restoring hormone levels to a more youthful balance, many men are able to reclaim their energy and vitality (and did we mention sex drive?!) and just feel like themselves again. Check with your health care professional to see if you are a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy.

Michael Forbes has been a pharmacist for more than 10 years and is the owner of the Forbes Pharmacy chain. With a keen interest in and knowledge of hormone replacement therapies for both men and women, Michael believes that we should all feel our best at any age. forbespharmacy.ca or www.ageless-me.com

ForBes PharMacy Proudly

introduces ideal Protein The fastest growing weight loss protocol in North America

March 6th, 2013 Forbes Pharmacy, Millstream 105-2349 Millstream rd

What: WORKSHOP for interested dieters, learn about the 4 phase diet and book your consultation with an Ideal Protein coach to get started 5:30pm to 7pm hoW: Call Forbes Pharmacy 250-478-1600 to reserve your spot at the Workshop or email idealprotein@forbespharmacy.ca with your name and phone number Bonus: No start up fees ($100.00 savings) and the first 2 months free for your own Body Composition Analysis ($125.00 value).

We look ForWard to helPing you Fall in love With your Body all over again!

Does Your Man Have

“Bladder Issues”?

By Susan Pederson

Y

ou’ve finally gotten him to open up about his feelings, and now you want him to talk about his leaky bladder?

We can’t give you advice about how to broach his bladder troubles (perhaps leave this article in the bathroom), but we can tell you that, according to the Canadian Continence Foundation, between 15 and 30 percent of men suffer from some form of urinary incontinence (UI).

According to Dr Michael Putnam, a GP in Victoria, BC, the list of possible causes for male incontinence is long: advanced age, prostate disease, history of urinary tract infections, physical limitations, neurological disorders, constipation, depression, diabetes and sleep apnea. As with UI in women, seeking proper diagnosis is critical to finding a treatment. Some men prefer to ignore or attempt to hide their symptoms, but anyone who has washed a load of underwear recently can likely tell if it’s time to make an appointment with your man’s doctor. UI symptoms range from small leaks to large “accidents,” and everything in between. Still, says Dr Putnam, “UI is a complex topic with no easy answer. Treatment is always tailored to the underlying cause of incontinence.”

Warning signs

As a man gets older, the prostate may become enlarged and block the urethra or bladder. Although upsetting, this is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is not cancer. Because the symptoms of BPH are similar to the symptoms of prostate cancer, testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the

30 |

most diagnosed cancer in men – and is also the most curable.

Treat it Right

BPH can be treated with drugs in many cases, or with minimally invasive surgery. Prostate cancer treatments might include any combination of drugs, hormones, radiation and surgery. Dr Putnam points out that prostate surgery or radiation can also cause incontinence. Mercifully, this is usually a temporary condition.

For other types of UI, treatments vary from behavioural, where an attempt is made to “retrain” the bladder, to drug therapy, appliances to stop the flow of urine, and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Kegels for Guys

According to Shannon Bourassa, physiotherapist and pelvic floor rehabilitation therapist with Parkway Physiotherapy and Performance Centre in Victoria, men who have had prostate surgery often have an area of weakness as a result of an enlarged prostate (that has now been rectified) or as a result of the radiation or surgery itself. Bourassa says this area of weakness can be strengthened by doing Kegel exercises similar to the ones women do, with the added benefit of being sure they are doing the exercise correctly. “When men do a correct pelvic floor contraction, there is a testicular lift,” says Bourassa. But the good news doesn’t end there. “There is evidence that pelvic floor contractions can also help men with erectile dysfunction,” she adds. “The results can be comparable to Viagra.”

All right, gentlemen, that’s one, two, three...

Ageless Living | Issue 4

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Raymond James Ltd., presents the second annual “Real Women Real Success.”

Real Women.

Real Success.

DATE: Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 TIME: 5:00PM – 7:00PM VENUE: Alix Goolden Hall

907 Pandora Ave., Victoria, BC TICKETS: $15 (available through www.ticketweb.ca) GUEST MC:

GUEST SPEAKER:

Robin Farrell of Kool FM 107.3

Karen McCoy of McCoy Fitness

Check out www.realwomenrealsuccess.ca for updates on the other guest speakers.

ABOUT KAREN Karen is a certified trainer, sports nutritionist, athlete, author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, wife and mother. She started McCoy Fitness & Health in 2001, in an effort to reach as many women as possible and to teach them about real, science-based training, nutrition and body/mind practices.

Raymond James Ltd. Suite 100 – 1175 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2E1 T: 250-405-2480 // TF: 1-855-405-2487

Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

ADVERTORIAL

How to Make Your Wedding Magical... and FUN!

I

Casino Royale Rentals promise the perfect “something extra” for your wedding day.

t’s wedding planning season! Your special day will be beautiful, memorable and full of emotion. But it’s also going to be a great party... right?!

As the sentiment of the wedding ceremony turns to evening, your guests will settle in for a good time. Sure, you will have dinner and dancing. Maybe there will be a game or a really funny emcee. These things are great, but they are standard fare at most weddings. Why not spice things up – and make sure your guests have the time of their lives!

Glamorous and exhilaratingly fun, Casino Royale Rentals promise the perfect “something extra” for your wedding day.

Vegas-style casino equipment will be brought to your wedding venue, including blackjack and poker tables, roulette and other accessories, plus experienced dealers dressed in professional black and white attire. Let our professional dealers entertain your guests while you are posing picture perfect for your bridal photos, and add to the cocktail hour with a little game of cards. You won’t hear any complaints of a lull between the ceremony and dinner!

Just relax, and let us do the work! Certified event planners can also be provided to help you plan your big day.

Be unique, be creative and, most of all, make your big night memorable and fun with a classy, exciting Casino Royale wedding party! Your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.

Dates are booking fast so contact Casino Royale Rentals before it’s too late! Phone 250-721-3423 or go to casinoroyalerentals.com. All Wedding Party bookings come with a complimentary Manicure or Pedicure offered at Ageless Me Medi Spa.

Combating Oxidative Stress:

Healthy from the Inside Out

By Areli Hermanson

32 |

Ageless Living | Issue 4

O

ur bodies are made up of 100 trillion cells that perform billions of reactions per second each and every day. Oxidation is a normal process by which our bodies use oxygen (hence the term oxidation) for energy metabolism. During virtually every cell function, including the creation of ATP (our body’s energy currency), electrons are passed back and forth between atoms. Free radicals are formed as a by-product of these reactions. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons which are highly unstable and short lived. That being said, the damage from free radicals is self-perpetuating.

Once a molecule is oxidized, it reacts with its neighbouring molecules (i.e., it robs an electron from a neighbouring atom) and causes a cascade of damage. Every structure and every substance produced by the cells in the body are susceptible to damage. It is thought that each cell of the body receives an estimated 10,000 hits by free radicals each day. Normally, our cells can handle free radicals generated by physiological activity, but if the production of free radicals becomes excessive or there isn’t a sufficient supply of antioxidants, the body is overwhelmed and oxidative damage and chronic systemic inflammation results. Chronic systemic inflammation is the root of degenerative disease.

Causes of Oxidative Stress

Many factors cause oxidative stress via free radical damage. Some of these factors are: • Energy metabolism • Detoxification • Stress (physical, mental or emotional) • Poor diet including highly processed, high fat, high-glycemic foods

• Inadequate amounts of physical activity • Smoking • Environmental contaminants from air, water and soil

Decreasing Oxidative Stress

There are a number of choices you can make to combat oxidative stress and ensure that you are healthy from the inside out. From your diet and supplements to the state of your liver, it is up to you to be aware of the health of your body and the healthy choices that make it function optimally – and make you feel great. The following suggestions will put you on the right track to decreasing oxidative stress.

Eat a healthy diet. Make healthy choices about what you eat and be sure to get a steady supply of antioxidants (vitamins and other substances that donate electrons to free radicals and stop the cascade of damage). Unlike free radicals, antioxidant nutrients are stable in either form (i.e., they don’t become free radicals upon donation of one of electron). Antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E, selenium, grapeseed extract, resveratrol, catechins, quercetin, polyphenols, alpha-lipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and others. Choose foods rich in antioxidants, including richly coloured vegetables and fruit, dark chocolate and cocoa powder, red wine, and white, green and black teas. Consume healthy fats found in fatty fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocado. Maintain normal blood glucose levels; eat regularly, eat low-glycemic foods, avoid trans fat and watch the amount of saturated fat you eat.

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Lose weight if appropriate for optimal health.

Eat less, move more, and build enjoyable physical activity into daily living. Ac-

knowledge and manage your stress levels.

If you smoke, reduce the amount and seek help to quit.

Give your liver a helping hand. Practice awareness and avoidance when it comes to chemical, environmental and food-based toxins that can be harmful to your liver. Consider what you clean your house with, how your food is grown and processed and what you put on your skin.

Remember that all cells, especially your liver, produce free radicals in the process of detoxification. Everything we eat, breathe and absorb is filtered through the liver. If you drink, consume alcohol in moderation. Men should have no more than two drinks per day; women should have no more than one per day. Talk to your doctor or naturopath about the health of your liver.

Supplement your diet with highquality nutritional supplements. Our fast-paced lifestyle and poor dietary habits make it so that most people need supplementation. When choosing your dietary supplements, be aware that all products are not created equal. Look for a complete, balanced supplement that offers the desired nutrients at optimal levels. The ingredients should be bioavailable, potent and safe. Always check with your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian before starting a supplement regimen, especially if you take medications of any kind.

Areli Hermanson is a Registered Dietitian (RD) licensed to practice through the College of Dietitians of British Columbia and is a member of Dietitians of Canada.

Areli has been practicing as a dietitian since 1999 and is the owner of Eat it Up! Nutrition Counseling. She lives in Victoria with her husband and two sons.

Shingles Vaccine: What You Should Know

By Gina Chang

34 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

“Have you heard about shingles?” When I ask patients this question at the pharmacy counter, I am surprised by the number of affirmative replies I receive from young and elderly patients alike.

I often receive a bonus story of an unlucky neighbour or relative who had a terrible case just last year. But the specifics of the affliction and the ways in which we can treat and prevent it are too little understood.

What Are Shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster, or HZ) is a reactivation of the latent chicken pox virus (varicella zoster, or VZV), often decades after the primary chicken pox infection. HZ causes a painful, vesicular eruption on one side of the body. The outbreak typically lasts seven to 10 days and takes two to four weeks to completely heal.

It may result in serious complications such as potentially blinding eye infections (zoster ophthalmicus) and central nervous system infections. The most common complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN): a prolonged and often debilitating neuropathic pain that continues after the infection in 10 to 30 percent of shingles cases. Antiviral treatment should be initiated within 72 hours to minimize the severity, duration and complications of shingles.

Fortunately, shingles are not contagious, although exposure to shingles can cause chicken pox in an individual who has not had chicken pox or been immunized against it. Not only elderly people can experience shingles, although incidence does increase with age. The average lifetime risk for shingles is between about 10 and 30 percent. Each year, there are 130,000 cases of shingles and 17,000 cases of post-herpetic neuralgia in Canada.

antivirals, cannot be taken concurrently with the vaccination. If you are on any medications, speak with your pharmacist about contraindications. Side effects of the immunization are typically limited to local injection site reactions, including redness, pain or swelling.

Shingles prevention has an important role in the well-being of the aging generation, especially those with pre-existing chronic pain, severe depression or other ailments. Patients require a prescription, and the vaccine is not currently publicly funded. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether the shingles vaccine is right for you. Your local pharmacist is an excellent resource on the risks of shingles and the benefits of vaccination, and can open a broader dialogue of preventive medicine and ensure that your health concerns are addressed.

Gina Chang is a pharmacist currently working for Safeway. She volunteers for the Canadian Diabetes Association as a community presenter and for the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy as a learning review panelist.

Contact Gina at jcginachang@gmail.com.

Citations available upon request.

Vaccinating Against HZ

A shingles virus vaccine was introduced in Canada in 2008. It is similar to the chicken pox vaccine, but with a different virus concentration, and was initially approved only for adults aged 60 or over. The vaccine greatly reduces the risk for shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, according to the largest trial to date, the Shingles Prevention Study. A booster is not currently recommended until further data is presented, though follow-ups have proven the vaccine’s efficacy for up to four to seven years. In 2011, Health Canada expanded the target age to include people aged 50 to 59, based on a study that demonstrated the vaccine’s safety, immunogenicity and efficacy in this group.

The shingles vaccine is not necessary for those immunized with the chicken pox vaccine, as they are not at risk of severe HZ. Those who have an unknown history of chicken pox can still receive the shingles vaccine, according to the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization, since nearly all Canadian adults in the indicated age group will have had prior varicella exposure. Those with a history of shingles may not require the vaccine, though recurrence is possible and there are no safety concerns with administering the vaccine to adults with a history of shingles.

Side Effects and Risks

Contraindications to the shingles vaccine include a history of anaphylactic reaction to gelatin or neomycin, or those with a current immunodeficiency or pregnancy. Certain medications, including

35 |

“...our aim is to enable all people to regain the joy and comfort of natural motion”

Ageless Living | Issue 4

www.ageless-me.com / 250-590-5787 / info@ageless-me.com

I AM STILL IT JUST COMES IN FLASHES NOW!

www.forbespharmacy.ca

NEW

FREE*

Easy and accurate:

A powerful combination

Easy-to-use features and next-generation accuracy for confidence in your test results

Bayer’s CONTOUR® NEXT EZ meter uses only Bayer’s CONTOUR® NEXT test strips

Designed for next-generation accuracy

bayerdiabetes.ca

Client: Bayer Inc. – Curtis Gillespie Date: Oct. 12/2012 File: 5421 BAYER Contour Next EZ Flyer Size: 8 X 10, NO BLEED

Colours: CMYK Line Screen: 150 Proof #1 Approved:

®

*With Purchase of 100’s CONTOUR® NEXT strips. © 2012 Bayer Inc. CONTOUR, CONTOUR NEXT, CONTOUR NEXT EZ, and No Coding & Design are trademarks of Bayer HealthCare LLC, used under license by Bayer Inc. Bayer and Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer AG, used under license by Bayer Inc.

Introducing Bayer’s CONTOUR® NEXT EZ

Pain During Intercourse?

What Every Woman Should Know about Vaginal Atrophy

By Dr Kenneth Smith

walls. It can result in day-to-day discomfort and odour, pain during intercourse sometimes followed by bleeding, and can affect urinary system health. The most common complaints of mild vaginal atrophy are burning and itching sensations; more severe cases can result in a tightening and shortening of the vaginal canal, to the extent that intercourse becomes impossible.

A

woman’s hormone levels go through dramatic changes before, during and after menopause. That much we all know. However, too few people are aware of the prevalence of an unpleasant side effect of hormonal change: vaginal atrophy. Note that I said we are not fully aware of the prevalence of this condition; the problem itself is known to far too many women, many of whom continue to suffer in silence. Some sources state that more than 50 percent of post-menopausal women experience vaginal atrophy, and a great many never seek help for the problem. Yet the condition can and should be treated. Vaginal atrophy can be uncomfortable or downright painful. It can cause increased urinary tract infections. It can make a woman feel less sexual and affect her sense of self; her lack of interest in sex can have dramatic effects on her relationship as well.

Causes & Symptoms Vaginal atrophy is caused by a decrease in the sex hormone estrogen, which leads to thinning and inflammation of the vaginal

What You Can Do There are a number of successful remedies for vaginal atrophy, so do not be reluctant to discuss the condition with your doctor or naturopath. Though the problem is natural and some might find it embarrassing, there is no need to let it hamper your feelings of wellness. The following list of remedies for vaginal atrophy can help you lead a pleasurable, fulfilling sex life through your vibrant fifties and well beyond.

Quit smoking! Smoking has adverse effects on blood flow and on estrogen levels, and is a contributing factor to vaginal atrophy. For this and so many other reasons, it’s time to butt out for good.

Lubricate. An over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer or lubricant may be all you need to mitigate the discomforts of mild vaginal atrophy.

Medicate. Oral or vaginal estrogen can help a great deal for those suffering the discomfort of vaginal atrophy. Vaginal estrogen (in cream, capsule or “ring” form) can provide direct relief of symptoms without much estrogen entering the bloodstream.

Oral estrogen requires higher doses and results in higher overall estrogen exposure 37 |

Ageless Living | Issue 4

– which may not be desired.

Get active! And that means sexually active! Increased sexual activity (with or without a partner) will increase blood flow to the vaginal area and help keep surrounding tissues healthy.

Find your balance. If you are experiencing the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in combination with other signs of menopause including hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes and memory loss, ask your healthcare provider about your hormone balance. A course of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may benefit a great deal more than just your sex life. In my own practice, I have been using a specific combination treatment with very good success.

There is no need to suffer in silence with vaginal atrophy. This common, treatable affliction affects far too many women, wreaking havoc on their sexuality, their self-esteem and their relationships. You are entitled to an active, enjoyable sex life at any age. Don’t let a little hormone variation get in the way!

Dr. Kenneth Smith graduated from the University of British Columbia Medical School in 1992, and became a board certified member of the American Board of Family Medicine after completing a Family Practice residency at Boston University in Massachusetts. He has worked in the area of emergency medicine, family practice and hospital-based medicine. His cumulative medical experiences have led him to his interest in restorative hormone therapy and age management medicine. He has come to believe strongly in proactive health management to ensure healthy living.

Contact info@ageless-me.com or visit us online at ageless-me.com.

ADVERTORIAL

For the Health of Your Legs...

Reduce Leg Fatigue with Dr Segal’s 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks!

Question: Every day, my legs feel tired and achy, and my feet and ankles become swollen. What is the cause of this and what can I do to help fix the problem?

Answer: Tired, achy legs accompanied by swelling in

the legs, ankles and feet are symptoms of poor circulation associated with vein disease. Although family history is the most common risk factor in the development of vein disease, there is clear evidence that prolonged sitting or standing, aging, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy and hormonal factors are all contributory factors. Most people are not even aware of the symptoms of vein disease. Often, the first signs are simply pain in the legs associated with a tired, achy, heavy feeling. This heaviness is a clear indication that there is a problem with the return of blood to the heart. Left untreated, vein disease can lead to varicose veins, ulcers and blood clots.

Compression socks are the most effective method of provid38 |

ing relief from pain associated with poor circulation in the legs.

The extra compression helps support the vein walls and helps boost blood circulation to ensure that blood does not pool in the lower legs, reducing blood clots and the incidence of varicose and spider veins.

Dr Randi Segal’s 15-20 mmHg True Graduated Compression Socks are available to treat and help prevent vein disease. These socks are easy to put on, extremely comfortable, provide excellent prevention and therapy and, most of all, are the only compression socks on the market with exciting fashion flare. Now you can enjoy the benefits of true graduated compression therapy and be proud to show off those socks! www.drsegals.com

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Six Ridiculously Easy Strategies for

Fat Loss

By Ashleigh Gass

Y

ou didn’t fall off the wagon during the holiday season, and you certainly weren’t pushed off. You flung yourself off, didn’t you! Fun, wasn’t it? Then you made great New Year’s resolutions. Really good ones. But by the beginning of February, they weren’t getting much air time – not to mention gym time.

Now it’s back to reality. Welcome back to the gym, to work, to healthy eating, regular sleep, and the desire to look good naked.

I’d really like to assist you with the latter. Good news: it’s easier than you think. Bad news: all of your herculean goal setting efforts won’t work if you are still guzzling low-fat instant oatmeal for breakfast every day.

These six ridiculously easy strategies will, if followed, result in fat loss. I’ll just condense years of formal education and complicated biochemistry into a few bullet points for you. Here goes:

1. Coffee and a Jog

Upon rising, have your normal cup of coffee. This time though, after drinking it, head outside and do a 20 minute walk/jog session.

The caffeine tastes good, and helps mobilize fat. Already complaining about lack of time to do this? Get up earlier. You want to look good naked, remember! The other option is to get your weight training session completed during this early time-frame.

2. Pack Protein, Fat and Veg

When you are finished, head to work with food to go. Rules: you must eat protein, healthy fat, and vegetables – preferably green vegetables. Oatmeal, or any other concentrated carbohydrate source, will shut down fat-burning hormones immediately. Only eat a huge bowl of grains if you desire obesity and diabetes.

39 |

3. Keep It Up

Throughout the day, continue to eat meals that consist of proteins, fats and lots of vegetables.

4. Hit the Gym

After work, hit the gym (if you haven’t done so already). Hitting the gym doesn’t mean having social hour. It means training with intensity. If you aren’t certain about your level of intensity, come work with me and you will soon understand.

5. Eat a Healthy Dinner

Go home, and eat a meal rich in proteins, vegetables, and good carbohydrate sources such as yams, squash and sweet potatoes.

6. Get Enough Rest

Go to bed, and repeat this cycle three to four days per week.

Truthfully, sticking to the above six points is as complicated as you make it. Doing this long enough to see results (and you will) will earn you a spot in the “Club of Complicated,” where you can begin tinkering with different nutritional protocols, supplements and so on. Until then, keep it simple.

Ashleigh Gass is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a Medical Exercise Specialist, and a Certified Sports Nutritionist. She is located at Muscle City Fitness on Clearwater Beach. Ashleigh is available for training and nutritional education consultations, and can be reached via email at ag@brilliantfitnessandnutrition.com.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

Six

Powerful Anti-aging Secrets

By Trish Leclair, RNT

I

n our western culture, we have a “quick fix” mentality. We have been programmed to mask or numb our symptoms. We tend to focus on treating symptoms rather than finding out the root cause.

As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, I am trained to educate clients on the root causes of their symptoms. I say educate because there are many causes for a symptom. Each person is biochemically unique, has been exposed to various environmental chemicals, has a different lifestyle and way of dealing with stress.

All these factors need to be taken into consideration when trying to determine the potential causes of a symptom. By educating my clients, I empower them to take responsibility for their health. In this article, we will discuss some of the key secrets to aging well.

ANTI-AGING SECRET #1:

Give your body the right building blocks!

One of the most important anti-aging secrets is to support the functions of our organs and our body systems. All of our cells have a lifespan. Once they die, new cells get created. In order for the body to create healthy new cells, we need to provide it with the right “building blocks” while also removing stress on the body as much as possible. The building blocks for our cells come in the form of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). These are needed for energy production and for building healthy new cells. The best sources of these nutrients come from food that is organic, free of hormones and antibiotics, and free of chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, additives and preservatives. Avoiding boxed, processed and refined foods is best. Eat natural foods such as lean meats, vegetables and fruit, and you will be safe. Avoid fats such as deep fried foods, sources of trans fats and hydrogenated fats such as margarine.

Fats are needed to help build your cell membranes; eating the right foods will help to have strong, healthy cells.

ANTI-AGING SECRET #2:

Eat foods high in antioxidants!

Another anti-aging secret is to provide the body with foods that are high in antioxidants. As we age, our bodies accumulate free radicals. A free radical is any atom or molecule that has a single unpaired electron in an outer shell. This unpaired electron is unstable and will “steal” electrons from other molecules, causing a cascade of imbalances in the body, leading to a symptom or disease such as cancer or heart disease. Antioxidants are found in plant foods, such as fruit, vegetables and herbs. They help to eliminate free radicals by donating one of their electrons.

ANTI-AGING SECRET #3:

Exercise!

Exercise is a great anti-aging secret! That’s because exercise helps the body in so many ways. It helps improve circulation, thereby increasing oxygen levels in the blood and helping the tissues to detoxify more efficiently. When you move those muscles, you will help your body eliminate any toxins that it is holding onto, in ad-

41 |

dition to allowing room for nutrients to enter the cells. Exercise also helps the body detoxify by increasing elimination of toxins through the skin when you sweat. Exercise is helpful for reducing stress hormones, excess blood sugar and insulin levels. Do any type of exercise that makes you feel your best!

ANTI-AGING SECRET #4:

Support your liver!

This anti-aging secret is very powerful. The liver has over 700 functions in the body. It is involved in digestion as well as detoxification. The more you provide high-nutrient foods that are also high in antioxidants, the more effectively your liver will be helpful in detoxifying your body. The liver is weakened by high exposure to chemicals from our food and the environment, and from a poor diet that is low in nutrients. When this happens, all toxins to which you are exposed will get stored in your tissues, leading to high levels of free radicals. To support your liver, eat a diet of healthy proteins, fats and carbs, in addition to eating foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (such as fruit, vegetables and herbs).

ANTI-AGING SECRET #5:

Be positive!

Being positive is very healing for the body. Surround yourself with people that support and encourage you. Use positive affirmations and have them all over your house or place of work. This can make a difference in your state of health. In Chinese Medicine, anger and resentment are associated with poor liver function. Poor liver function leads to the accumulation of toxins in your tissues, leading to high free radical activity and, eventually, diseases such as cancer.

ANTI-AGING SECRET #6:

Find out your food sensitivities!

This is an important step in optimal health. Many “healthy” foods can actually lead to symptoms if you are sensitive to them. Rocky Mountain Analytical Lab and similar labs now offer to check for IgG and IgA antibodies to at least 96 different foods. When you are sensitive to a food, your immune system produces IgG or IgA antibodies, known as “delayed” food sensitivities. These antibodies are different than a typical allergy that is caused by IgE antibodies, found in typical allergic symptoms. When the body produces IgG and IgA antibodies, the symptoms appear as conditions that we typically get medicated for, such as arthritis, blood sugar imbalances, depression and anxiety.

Take control of your aging process by giving your body what it needs to function at its best. You will feel spectacular!

Trish Leclair is a Registered Nutritional Therapist with Balanced Concepts Fitness and Wellness in beautiful Victoria, BC. Contact Trish for more information on how you can improve your health and experience the vitality and high energy levels you deserve! Contact 250-478-7142 or visit www.balancedconcepts.net.

Ageless Living | Issue 4

FEATURE

Ask an MD

How to Find the Right Physician For You

Ask an MD: Dr Kenneth Smith

T

rying to find a primary care physician and having trouble?

You are not alone. Finding a family doctor to care for you and your family is important, but with the recent shortage of doctors, it is becoming more and more difficult. Many people have resorted to the stop-gap measure of using walk-in clinics.

Although walk-in clinics serve an important role, they are not a substitute for a family doctor who will follow you and your family through any and all health issues, and has access to medical specialists and their expertise.

All physicians are qualified, as they undergo rigorous training and are licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons. The College has stringent rules and regulations to oversee physician behaviour and treatment, with the primary role of protecting the public and patients. Unfortunately, in British Columbia, there are currently not enough family physicians to serve the needs of the population. Patients often find that the family physicians in their area are not taking on new patients, as their practices are busier than one family physician can handle. Many family doctors have overstretched their practices to accommodate as many patients as they can, but the signs of strain on a doctor’s practice are evident

when it’s difficult to book a timely appointment with your doctor, or when you walk into a very busy waiting room. The majority of doctors do their very best to find a delicate balance, with their patients’ best interests as their top priority.

The website for the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons has a “Find A Physician” page listing physicians in your area that might be taking new patients. Some primary care physicians do their best to take on family members of their patients. While not all doctors fit all patients, and not all patients fit all doctors, if you have a physician with whom you have a good working relationship, value that relationship. It is difficult to know when this shortage of primary care physicians will let up.

Dr. Kenneth Smith has worked in the areas of emergency medicine, family practice and hospital-based medicine. His experiences have led him to his interest in restorative hormone therapy, age management medicine, and proactive health management to ensure healthy living. Contact info@ageless-me.com or visit agelessme.com.

42 | Ageless Living | Issue 41

Ask an ND

How to Find the Right Naturopath For You

Ask an ND: Katie Branter

Y

ou’re struggling with a health issue and have been thinking about seeing a naturopathic physician, but you don’t know where or how to start. You just aren’t sure what qualifications and education to look for, or even how you could access this information. Sound familiar?

Many people have no idea how to go about finding the best naturopathic physician for their needs. But not to worry – there are excellent resources available to help you take this proactive step in safeguarding your health.

Start by visiting the website for the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors at www.cand.ca. This is the official national association for Canadian NDs. The website includes an informative section on naturopathic doctors and their education, plus a comprehensive database of all the licensed practicing NDs in Canada. Next, explore the British Columbia Naturopathic Association’s website at www.bcna.ca. This site also has a great section on ND qualifications and credentials in British Columbia. The scope of practice differs slightly from province to province, and understanding what your ND is qualified to do may play a role in helping you find the right ND. Make sure your potential practitioner is licensed in your province, has completed the required training and has attended one of the five accredited North American naturopathic schools.

Naturopathic doctors go through rigorous medical training and are licensed by their provincial licensing boards. In BC, NDs 43 |

have a large scope of practice and are the only ones in Canada with prescriptive authority. This designation can be extremely helpful for you as a patient, especially if you’re looking for BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy). Not every ND in BC, however, has completed the required training and examination process for prescriptive authority, so keep this in mind when considering practitioners. NDs use various modalities to help their patients achieve optimal health. A few of these include: lifestyle and nutritional counselling, botanical medicine, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The doctor search in the BCNA database is a great place to find the various treatment modalities offered by each doctor in your local area.

If you are considering working with an ND as your primary care practitioner, ask them about their qualifications to determine if they match your healthcare needs. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family if they have worked with and can recommend an ND. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways of finding a qualified and reputable naturopathic physician.

Dr Katie Branter, ND, is the director of naturopathic dermatology & naturopathic doctor at Clear Skin Victoria. She is also a bioidentical hormone specialist at the Ageless Me clinic in Victoria. www.agless-me.com

Ageless Living | Issue 4

WE CAN HELP

44 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

Photo Credit:Kamloops Camera House

Coming Next Issue: V ic t ISSUE

o r ia tember

ust/Sep

1 • Aug

al ’s H e

tH

a z in Mag

r e fo

WoM

Interview with

Karen Forbes

en

2012

Plus...

s sPote sUnG on

• Healthy Outdoor Activities We Know You’ll Love!

• The Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Local • How to Prevent Female Hair Loss • Dos and Don’ts of Detox • Ask an MD/Ask an ND: Osteoporosis

Be

es,

laTdYiour sTareezers!

Tw es Monu r Hord Yo id an Y o Th r

r entein to W

p37

Karen Forbes

Yoga He foret s ag Hea

ltH

n , fit

ess

id & M

life

Bal

anc

e

If you are not storIng wIth

wCss your're payIng too muCh!

3220 Otter Point Road Sooke BC, V9Z 0K8

(250)642-5551 e

e r f

Half-Price Storage

aND We’ll Move You for Info@westCoastsuperstorage.Com www.westCoastsuperstorage.Com

free!

* must be mInImum 6 months storage

––– ––– ––– –––

30 Trucks Serving VicToRia and the WeSTSHoRe since 1973

Doing it Right!

Lockouts - Flat Tires Gas Delivery - Battery Boosts Accident Towing Upon Request Free Scrap Car & Truck Removal

250-475-3211 Light Duty Towing & Recovery

Medium Duty Towing & Recovery

Medium Duty & Flat Deck Towing

Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery

®

BCAA Members Call

1-800-222-4357

46 |

24Hours

Ageless Living | Issue 1

www.totemtowing.com 3333 Tennyson Ave. Victoria, BC V8Z 3P5

Your Compounding SpeCialiStS Specializing in Bioidentical Hormone Restoration, Pain Management, Pet Medications and Child-friendly Medications.

Forbes Pharmacy - Millstream 105-2349 Millstream Road Victoria, BC V9B 3R5 250 478 1600 millstream@forbespharmacy.ca

Forbes Pharmacy - Gorge 603 Gorge Road East Victoria, BC V8T 2W7 250 590 8811 gorge@forbespharmacy.ca

Forbes Pharmacy - Goldstream 111-755 Goldstream Ave Victoria, BC V9B 2X4 250 478 7300 goldstream@forbespharmacy.ca

www.forbespharmacy.ca

PROUD TO SERVE ALL OF YOUR

TRANSPORTATION NEEDS In these fast paced times when family and friends are often busy, you can rely on Yellow Cab to get you to your chosen destination safely and quickly!

* Over 100 Eco-Friendly Vehicles *

* Wheelchair Accessible Vans Upon Request * * Friendly and Helpful Drivers * * Serving all of Vancouver Island *

250-381-2222 WE ACCEPT DEBIT, VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS & TAXI SAVERS