Ageless Living Issue 3 by Ageless Living

V i c t o r i a’ s H e a lt h M ag a z i n e ISSUE 3 • December/January 2012-2013

Care For Your Feet:

6 Tips Two Books that Just Might Change Your Life

Hormones

101 Avoiding Perimenopausal Weight Gain

Interview with "Ageless Me" Physician

Dr Kenneth

Smith

Health, fitness & Midlife Balance

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In this issue

>>>

CONTENTS

Managing Perimenopausal Weight Gain

By Shelby Hulowski BSP Manage your weight during hormone fluctuation.

How Can I Train if I Don’t Have Time?

By Ashleigh Gass Many of us struggle to find time for exercise.

Hormones 101: Why Women Are Suffering Needlessly

By Shelby Hulowski BSP Hormone balance for happiness and better sleep.

16 “Fan Favourite” Georgia Murray

Favours Organic Living

By Tracy Pheiffer

Hyperhidrosis: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

By Dr Georges Benloulou Excessive sweating is common – and treatable.

Ask an MD: Dr Kamran Forghani

Ask an ND: Dr Katie Branter

How to Make the Holidays Happy and Healthy: Acupuncture and Immunity

By Sasha Staples R.Ac Boost immunity naturally to ward off cold and flu.

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Ageless Living | Issue 3

y Photograph r, Evenstar :Matt Brouwe Photo credit

Published by True Space Media ™

Publisher

Michael Forbes Bsc. Pharm

Editor

From the Publisher

s a pharmacist who has met hundreds of men and women over the years with similar health complaints, I have learned a great deal about the many ways in which we can help. For eight years now, I have been working toward a cutting-edge concept that has the power to change the lives of these people. And now, finally, it is here: Ageless Me is a fully integrated wellness clinic that combines age management, hormone balancing, cosmetic therapies and all aspects of both inner and outer health and wellness to help men and women feel vibrant, alive and healthy at any age. We are now on the brink of bringing naturopaths and medical doctors into the fold, allowing us a comprehensive scope of treatment. With Ageless Me, I truly believe we are moving mountains. On the cover of this issue of Ageless Living is Dr Kenneth Smith, a classically trained western medicine MD experienced in both general practice and the hospital setting. We are honoured and beyond excited to have Dr Smith joining the Ageless Me team, to bring his knowledge of anti-aging medicine and his understanding of hormone therapies to our clients in need. Dr Smith has spent nine years in hospitals treating the effects of unhealthy, imbalanced living. Now, his aim is to help patients set a different course for their own wellness by promoting optimal health and addressing subclinical issues before they have the potential to develop into disease. Check out the interview with Dr Smith in this issue to find out more about what “age management” really means. If you are lacking the energy levels you used to have, feeling fatigued, overweight, maybe moody, nonsexual, and just not yourself, we can help. These all-too-common problems are not simply a natural part of aging – they are an indication that your systems are out of whack. At Ageless Me, we work with each client individually to address your hormone balance, thyroid and endocrine function, diet and exercise programs and more. We can even tint your eyelashes for you in our luxury spa! This is not just about looking good, and it’s not even about simply feeling good. It’s about long-term, sustainable health and vibrancy for the rest of your life. Each stage of our lives necessitates a unique hormone balance: puberty, the fertility years, menopause or andropause. Hormone Restoration Therapy (BHRT) is CONTACTBioidentical INFO about managing stress, preventing or treating symptoms of hormone imbalance, and reXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX ducing risks. Hormones are restored but not replaced – it is not natural or necessarily safe XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX for a woman in her fifties to try to have the hormone levels of a 25 year old. Bioidentical XXXXXXXXXXXX hormone restoration uses hormones with the exact same molecular structure as what occurs naturally in our bodies, so the results are gentle, safe and effective. Book a consultation or come visit us at one of our two Ageless Me locations. Go to ageless-me.com for more information. We can’t wait to help you transform your life!

Michael Forbes B.Sc Pharm Owner | Pharmacist Forbes Pharmacy www.forbespharmacy.com 250-882-3784 Contact info@truespacemedia.com with your questions and comments.

Liberty Craig

COPY EDITOR Dan Tidsbury

TypesEtting and Design Michelle Beaudry

Contributors Ashleigh Gass, Dr Georges Benloulou, Gregg Turner, Helen Foster-Grimmett, Julie Foreman, Dr Kamran Forghani, Dr Katie Branter, Liberty Craig, Marc Henly, Marcel Pheiffer, Dr. Neil McKinney, Sasha Staples, Shelby Hulowski, Susan Pederson, Tracy Pheiffer

COVER CREDITS: Cover photo: Matt Brouwer Evenstar Photography

Advertising Alejandro Harper

General Manager Brenda Worsfold

Human Resources Tracy Pheiffer

922 Pandora Ave. Victoria BC V8V 3P3 1-888-260-6651 info@truespacemedia.ca

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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

In this issue

>>>

CONTENTS 24

Female Cancers: Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment

Identify (and Rectify!) Your Stress Levels

By Dr Neil McKinney Early detection is still the best tool.

Gluten-Free Recipe for Fall

36 Two Books That Just Might Change

By Chef Marcel Pheiffer

28 Vitamin D: Are You Getting Enough?

By Julie Foreman, B.Sc.Pharm Too much or too little vitamin D can have dramatic effects.

Your Life

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Ovarian Cancer

Achieving Agelessness with Dr Kenneth Smith, MD

By Gregg Turner PhD, CHT, CNLT Simple techniques to counteract the harmful effects of stress.

Ovarian Cancer Canada

43 ‘Tis the Season To Be Jolly…

By Liberty Craig A new approach to balance, wellness and age management.

Or SAD?

By Helen Foster-Grimmett Is it the winter blahs… or are you SAD?

Six Tips for Treating Foot Corns and Callusing

By Marc Henly Care for your feet to reduce painful problems.

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Ageless Living | Issue 3

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From the Editor

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hat is health? Is it completing a triathalon? Drinking kale and spirulina smoothies for breakfast? Or is it the absence of disease? At Ageless Living, we define health as feeling energetic, happy, and full of passion for life. At times in our lives, this isn’t easily sustainable. I know that, personally, if I go too many days without enough exercise and with too many carbs, I can feel that slide into lethargy and moodiness. I know that my hormonal balance has not always been where it should be, and that a thyroid problem only sounds simple – living it is another story. I know the things I can do to make myself feel my best, and I know that I sometimes need help. Think about what health means to you. Think about the last time you felt your absolute, unbeatable best. Then, read Dr Kenneth Smith’s interview in this issue. I suspect it will make most of us reconsider what it means to have a level of wellness in our lives that is balanced, sustainable and complete. In our last issue of Ageless Living, we included a heartfelt thank you from Dave Campbell, father of the youngest child ever to undergo chemotherapy treatment at BC Children’s hospital, Baby Molly. As his daughter approached her second birthday, Dave spoke with us about the incredible support he received from our community during his family’s terrible ordeal with infant Molly’s leukemia. Tragically, ironically, shortly after the article was published, baby Molly relapsed. She is once again facing months of intensive chemotherapy treatment in Vancouver, while her four siblings back home in Victoria get by without their mom, dad and baby sister. Let’s all show our support for Baby Molly and the Campbell family with words of encouragement and donations of any size at molly-campbell.com.

Liberty Craig – Editor

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Ageless Living | Issue 3

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M anaging P erimenopausal

Weight Gain By Shelby Hulowski BSP

erimenopause represents the years in which a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body shifts from more regular cycles of ovulation and menstruation to menopause. Some women will breeze through this time with minimal to no problems, whereas other women will struggle to manage the consequences of changing hormones. One of the most common complaints during perimenopause is weight gain. What causes these unwanted extra pounds to appear, and what can you do to manage your weight? Those Perimenopausal Pounds...

Hormone fluctuations are one of the main reasons for perimenopausal weight gain. Hormones and fat cells are part of a system-

wide biofeedback mechanism that controls appetite, metabolism, digestion, heat regulation and detoxification. Widely fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt communication within this mechanism, leading to symptoms such as weight gain. During the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone increases basal body temperatures and can contribute to an extra 300 calories burned per day. Lower progesterone levels during perimenopause can lead to fewer calories being burned and extra energy or fat being stored. Estrogen levels are often higher upon entering perimenopause and eventually lower as a woman approaches full menopause. High estrogen levels are associated with increased body fat, which can

10 | Ageless Living | Issue 31

lead to a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is necessary for sugar to enter cells, where it can be converted to energy and fuel for the body. During insulin resistance, insulin levels rise in response to increased body fat. Since fat is less sensitive to the effects of insulin than muscle, a body that has more fat requires more insulin. Ultimately, increased insulin output also increases a person’s appetite, which leads to increased food consumption and weight gain. Decreased levels of estrogen can also lead to weight gain. When estrogen is low, the body turns to secondary production sites such as body fat for more estrogen. Body fat then becomes more valuable, and the body responds by holding on to extra weight to preserve estrogen levels. Other than hormones, a variety of lifestyle and genetic factors can contribute to extra pounds. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass. If nothing is done to replace the lean muscle you lose, your body composition will shift to more fat, which slows down the rate at which you burn calories. Genetics can also play a role in weight gain. Women with parents or other close relatives who carry extra weight around the abdomen are more likely to do the same. Stress in any form can play a factor in gaining weight. The stress hormone cortisol can actually inhibit weight loss. When the body is under prolonged stress, it perceives this as going into famine and enters hoarding mode. Most of us are under tremendous amounts of stress, which, over time, can lead to chronic inflammation and adrenal fatigue. Furthermore, many of us combine a high-stress life with low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets, which can exacerbate hormone imbalances. High-carb diets cause neurotransmitter imbalances that lead to food cravings. In this case, the body cannot readily maintain optimal blood sugar and serotonin levels, which results in an urge to indulge in snacks and caffeine to feel better. This habit only exacerbates insulin resistance and adrenal exhaustion while adding body fat. Risks of Perimenopausal Weight Gain

Any type of weight gain can have serious implications for your health. Excess weight increases the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. In turn, these conditions increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Excess weight also increases the risk of various types of cancer, including colorectal and breast cancer. A review in the Cancer Prevention and Detection Journal examined studies that assessed the association between increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer and perimenopausal weight gain. It was found that weight gain in the years leading up to menopause mainly involves abdominal obesity, which is associated with insulin resistance, increased estrogen levels and imbalances in sex steroid levels. These changes were likely to inhibit regression of cancer precursor lesions at menopause, and may lead to late-stage promotion of breast cancer. Preventing Perimenopausal Weight Gain

The following safe, proven methods of preventing perimenopausal weight gain are strategies that every woman should take into consideration not just for weight control, but for your overall health. 11 |

• Exercise! Aerobic activity can help you shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Be sure to incorporate weight training into your exercise regimen. As you gain muscle, your body burns calories more efficiently, making it easier to control your weight. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity that increases your heart rate in your daily routine, and do strength training exercises at least twice a week. • Watch what you eat. Eat healthy, low-calorie and nutritious foods. Choose lean meats, eggs and fish, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. Matching your intake to your output will also go a long way to help prevent unwanted extra pounds. • Avoid chemicals and toxins. Artificial sweeteners lack caloric content but can mimic sugar so well that the body produces insulin to metabolize them. This can contribute to insulin resistance. By midlife, most women have had years of cumulative exposure to allergens, pesticides, plastics, chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria and other poisons and irritants. Over time, the accumulation of toxins in the system results in a body that just cannot function as well, so watch your exposure. • Seek support. Surround yourself with friends and loved ones who will support your efforts to eat a healthy diet and increase your physical activity. Join an exercise group or commit to healthy eating and exercising with a friend. An exercise partner can help keep you motivated and committed to sticking to your exercise/diet plan. • Take calcium and vitamin D. Research in the Archives of Internal Medicine has suggested that calcium and vitamin D may help prevent weight gain. The beneficial effect was seen primarily in women who had inadequate calcium intake prior to the study. It was recommended that woman take 500 to 700mg of calcium citrate divided into two equal doses, in addition to obtaining calcium from food sources. Women should also take 2000 IU of vitamin D3 for this beneficial effect. Overall, weight maintenance during perimenopause needs to take into account more than just calories consumed and diet followed. Hormonal balance, toxicity exposure, inflammation and body fat all contribute to perimenopausal weight gain. Successful weight loss at any stage of life requires permanent changes in diet and exercise habits. There is no better time than now to begin building a stronger health foundation. Commit to diet and lifestyle changes today and enjoy a healthier you tomorrow.

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 hormone balance and symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. www.forbespharmacy.com

Ageless Living | Issue 3

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How Can I Train if I Don't Have Time? By Ashleigh Gass

on’t have time to work out in the gym? Good news: you aren’t alone. In better news, it has been done before, by many thousands of people with perhaps less time than you! Busy schedules and general confusion about what to do in a gym are the two most common reasons people never really start a training program. There is a strategy that works for those of you with seemingly no time to train due to businesses, jobs, families or all three. This strategy is effective, but it’s also intense. You will need a bit of coaching in order to do this style of training because there are movements that are likely new to you. The movements are challenging and very effective for full-body strength and toning, but require a bit of technical knowhow. I always recommend that you learn the basics of injury prevention (flexibility, tension reduction, warm up drills, etc.) so that you can incorporate all of these elements into your “short and sweet” training program. My quick-start training program addresses these aspects of training as efficiently as possible. A prevalent myth about getting in shape is that it takes several hours per day in the gym. This is false. When you become proficient in the key movements of

strength and conditioning, and combine this with better nutritional habits, your body will change. It will take work and it will take time, but when both the fitness and nutrition regimens are followed correctly, change occurs quite rapidly. This style of high-intensity training requires about 45 minutes, three days per week. On

A prevalent myth about getting in shape is that it takes several hours per day in the gym. This is false. alternate days, an easy, 20-minute walk is recommended. After interviewing hundreds of clients over the years, I’ve safely concluded that everyone has this much time available, every day, to do this. It’ll require varying degrees of re-organization of one’s life, and potentially family life. Less TV, less time wasted on the internet, less time text messaging, and potentially a bit less sleep (exercise programs are often quite effective if completed in the morning, before the day begins). Your morning or evening exercise program would go something like this: general

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Ageless Living | Issue 3

body warm up (five minutes), injury prevention techniques (ten minutes), whole body strength exercises performed circuit style (25 minutes), cool down (five minutes). Twenty-five minutes of whole body strength exercise is extremely challenging when performed correctly, particularly if you were to mix interval style sprint work into the rotation. Although you do not need a gym to train this way, I’d recommend joining one or purchasing some equipment. You will need dumbbells and, as you progress, barbells are very useful. Our local beach gym provides all of this for you, along with a group of encouraging, supportive people! Additionally, if you are interested in becoming part of small group training sessions that operate in this manner, please contact me as we are currently forming these groups. Here’s to your success!

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.

Hormones

101: Why Women Are Suffering Needlessly By Shelby Hulowski BSP

ike it or not, we are run by our hormones. Women in particular navigate a difficult course of hormal dips and surges during the various stages of our lifetimes. Our hormones are brilliantly designed to keep us happy, healthy and fertile. Once fertility is no longer a biological imperative, however, our hormones can all too easily get out of whack. We might feel lethargic, moody, heavy and hot. We might just not feel like ourselves. Two of the key areas greatly affected by hormone imbalance are overall happiness and the ability to get a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep. Individually, and especially in combination, these problems can greatly affect your quality of life. In this article, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look at the hormonal changes that can wreak havoc on your happiness and sleep â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and how to solve these problems once and for all. 14 |

Hormones for Happiness

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that tell our cells what to do and help regulate our major body systems. They affect everything from how we fall asleep to stress, memory, mood, cholesterol levels and the speed at which we age. Hormone levels decline with age, and this produces hormone imbalances. These imbalances may contribute to osteoporosis, depression, heart disease and loss of libido. Most of us are familiar with the link between decreased estrogen and testosterone in aging, but one other noteworthy hormone is DHEA. Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and is converted as needed into other

Ageless Living | Issue 31

hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Low levels of DHEA have been connected to a number of conditions such as depression, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Levels of DHEA peak in early adulthood (mid-30s) and slowly decline as we age. By age 60, DHEA levels are only about five to 15 percent of what they were at their peak. Symptoms associated with decreased DHEA include the following: • Fatigue/apathy • Burned-out feeling • Decreased stamina • Tired but wired • Depressed mood • Dry skin/hair • Joint pains/muscle pains • Decreased sexual sensation/decreased sex drive/erectile dysfunction in men • Memory problems • Thinning skin • Decreased concentration Balanced levels of DHEA have been linked to an increased sense of well-being, relating to improved memory, energy, relaxation and an increased ability to handle stress. Women and men who supplemented with DHEA for six months reported that they slept better, felt more relaxed and could handle stress more easily. DHEA may also play a role in protecting against depression, as it has been shown to increase both physical and psychological well being. DHEA has been shown to improve erectile function and improve sexual dysfunction in areas of desire/interest, arousal, orgasm, and pain during sexual activity. DHEA requires a prescription and may be available as either an oral capsule or topical cream. It is important to visit your physician regarding your symptoms and test hormone levels to determine the appropriate dosage for you.

shown to improve sleep in women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Estrogen deficiency also affects sleep indirectly, as night sweats can make it impossible to sleep through the night. Supplementation with progesterone, particularly oral progesterone, can improve sleep quality. Diminished testosterone is linked to snoring and sleep apnea. When testosterone is balanced, deep sleep is easier to achieve. Bioidentical hormone therapy helps provide relief from these and many other symptoms associated with menopause. At Forbes Pharmacy, pharmacists are available to discuss hormone restoration and sleep, and make recommendations for herbal or prescription therapies that may help. Forbes Pharmacy carries a large selection of homeopathic remedies to gently quiet an overactive mind, without leaving you groggy in the morning. In addition, Forbes pharmacists can provide behavioural “sleep hygiene tips.” Pharmacists at Forbes Pharmacy are also available for hormone consultations. Based on a thorough symptom assessment and lab results, either through saliva or blood samples, we will identify hormone imbalances and determine any supplementation that may be helpful. We offer in-depth hormone counselling and medication review, and work with you and your doctor to determine solutions to better manage your health. With three convenient locations in the Victoria area, Forbes Pharmacy is a community pharmacy that believes in getting to know our customers and working closely with their family physicians to ensure better, faster healthcare. We are a member of the Professional Compounding Centres of America (PCCA) and offer compounding in areas including Dermatology, Pain Management, and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. www.forbespharmacy.com

Struggling with Sleep

Hormone imbalances resulting from perimenopause, menopause and adrenal fatigue may contribute to sleeplessness. Non-hormonal causes may also play a role. Some causes of sleeplessness or insomnia include dietary habits, medications, chronic stress, night sweats and anxiety. Sleep is absolutely essential for repair and rejuvenation of the body. Poor sleep may be associated with any or all of the following: • Mood and cognitive symptoms • Performance deficits • Muscle aches • Tension and irritability • Fatigue and lethargy • Inability to concentrate • Lack of motivation • Difficulty performing tasks • Chronic illnesses, particularly cardiac problems and mood disorders

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• Increased automobile accidents and work-related injuries

To make matters worse, insomnia can intensify hormone imbalance and symptoms of menopause. This is because the body needs sleep in order for hormones to do their job properly. Lack of restorative sleep affects several different hormones, causing them to shift and disrupt appetite, fertility, mental health and cardiac health. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are three hormones that are important in getting a good night’s sleep. Estrogen is a sleep-maintaining hormone and has been

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“Fan Favourite” Georgia Murray Favours Organic Living By Tracy Pheiffer

ictoria singer/songwriter Georgia Murray has just secured a coveted spot as one of the top 20 artists in the 2012 Peak Performance Project. She was also awarded “Fan Favourite” at the 2011 Times Colonist Music Awards and was named “Favourite Urban/R&B Artist” at the Monday Magazine M Awards. Her star is shining bright, but this talented performer has firm roots in rich BC soil. Georgia grew up at her parPhoto credit: Liz Rosa ents’ remote fishing lodge in Nimmo Bay, northern BC, where healthy living was a way of life. Learning the basic tenets of a healthy lifestyle from a young age has served Georgia well. Her health is critical to maintaining her hectic work schedule, wherein she might be performing live on CBC television one night and opening for KRS One the next, all while playing an instrumental role in the family business. At the tender age of five, Georgia spontaneously sang a Little Mermaid song for the patrons of her parents’ lodge. Thereafter, she became the resort’s feature performer. These performances At the tender age of five, Georgia Murray spontaneously sang a Little Mermaid song for the patrons of her parents’ lodge… and became the resort’s feature performer. were the building blocks for her singing career today, which has progressed well beyond Disney movie covers. Georgia has opened for artists like KRS One, Warren G, K-OS and Shad, performed privately for Warren Buffett, and earned credit for 16 |

a single by Korea’s biggest star, which copied Georgia’s original song note-for-note and topped Korea’s charts. Georgia’s number-one priority is her health; it is key to successfully maintaining her busy schedule. When performing at clubs, she avoids using her bar tab with the belief that alcohol inhibits vocal chords and slows down reaction. Georgia’s diet includes organic foods with plenty of fish and no red meat. She takes oil of oregano on a regular basis when she feels her immunity might be low. When preparing for a show, Georgia drinks raw ginger and lemon daily for her voice, and takes plenty of vitamin C and slippery elm. Being healthy comes naturally to Georgia; she is inspired by the example her parents set to make good choices. Her mother has a purple belt in Karate and is heavily involved in the community in Port McNeill. She runs daily and attends boot camp fitness classes, and Georgia describes her as “strong and awesome.” Georgia says her mom is a tremendous chef who cooks with fresh, organic vegetables and herbs grown from her own garden. Her family eats free range and organic foods, and lived green before “green” was a topic of conversation. Her parents have always treated the environment with respect and a focus on sustainability. Georgia has inherited her mother’s healthy determination to succeed in her passions, which include her exhilarating singing career and the family’s lodge at Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. She was brought up not to go with the grain, but to forge ahead with fortitude and independence, and with all the outstanding benefits of healthy living. Recently, Georgia was featured on a nationally televised TV show in South Korea on MBC Music and was also written up in Elle Korea Magazine. She has just released the first-ever 360 degree music video by a Canadian artist for her song “Don’t Shut Up” and has been nominated for “Urban Recording of the Year” at the Western Canadian Music Awards for her “Just a Dream” EP. For more on Georgia Murray, including show times and her latest videos, go to georgiamurray.net. For more information on Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, go to www.nimmobay.com.

Ageless Living | Issue 1

Hyperhidrosis:

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff By Dr Georges Benloulou

o you avoid shaking hands with people because you’re embarrassed of your sweaty palms? Do you wear only black so that nobody will notice your sweat-stained armpits? Do you fear that your sweaty brow might convey a false impression of anxiety, nervousness or lack of confidence? You may think you are alone in your predicament, but in fact hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a fairly common problem. Most of those afflicted, however, suffer in silence. Wet with Sweat? Hyperhidrosis refers to sweating that exceeds the quantity required for thermoregulation (control of body heat). About three percent of the population is affected by hyperhidrosis, which can lead to generalized sweating or sweating of the hands, feet, armpits, groin, scalp or forehead, as well as in the creases under the breasts and areas of the back and neck. Men and women are equally affected. Sweating is profuse enough to stain clothing and can cause odour. More than 60 percent of people with hyperhidrosis do not seek help for their condition, either because they are unaware of their treatment options or they are simply too embarrassed to discuss it with a doctor. Hyperhidrosis may be due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, lymphoma or thyroid imbalance. There may be associated triggers such as anxiety, nervousness, caffeine, spices, certain drinks and drug use. It may occur with no warning. The condition can be extremely embarrassing in the context of social and personal settings, and can definitely impact one’s quality of life. Increased sweating can also cause a number of dermatological problems, including nail changes, eczema, athlete’s foot, friction blisters, soft calluses and warts. Sweaty palms can cause problems with activities like racquet sports, playing musical instruments, and even using personal hand-held communication devices, and might make you avoid touch or intimacy. Effective Treatment There are many treatment options for hyperhidrosis – some more effective than others. Anti-perspirants containing aluminum 17 |

chloride hexahydrate are available, but their efficacy is limited and the products need to be applied frequently, which can result in skin irritation. Prescription skin preparations and oral medications are also available, but again, they are less than effective and can cause many side effects. More radical options involve surgery or electrical therapies that disrupt the nerves that cause increased sweating. Perhaps the best option available to treat hyperhidrosis today is one that most people would never have associated with this affliction: Botox injections. Botox is very effective in controlling hyperhidrosis. It has a history of therapeutic use and is also used in the treatment of migraine headaches. For hyperhidrosis, treatments involve multiple injections with very fine needles to the affected areas. This greatly reduces the amount of sweating within six to 10 days and can last for up to six months or more. The procedure is quick, simple and highly effective with no down time. Botox works by inhibiting the sweat glands from working excessively by acting on the small surrounding muscles. The procedure is FDA and Health Canada approved and carries only a small chance of minor side effects such as bruising or inflammation. Treatments take 10 to 15 minutes to complete and are typically required every six to eight months. Many private insurers cover the cost of Botox for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Botox is simple and safe, and studies show it to be highly effective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Imagine the freedom to wear colourful clothing, shake hands with confidence, and appear calm, cool and collected wherever you go!

Dr Georges Benloulou, MD, is a family physician with a special interest in Dermatology. He has been treating patients and cosmetic clients with Botox for more than 10 years. With proper patient diagnosis, Dr Benloulou sees excellent results. For more information or to book an appointment, contact Dr Benloulou at Care Point Medical Centre at Broadmead: (250) 479-7147.

Ageless Living | Issue 3

FEATURE

Ask an MD

QUESTION:

I’m 47 years young. Why can’t my energy bounce back as quickly as it used to?

Ask an MD: Dr Kamran Forghani

ur bodies age according to how we have cared for them. The good news is that it is not too late to treat yourself to a better life at any age, though we all know the earlier we start, the better we feel. Good health is not only about exercise, healthy food choices, entertainment, friends or the books we read and movies we watch; it’s about all of them. We live in a world packed with stress. We are connected 24/7. The cell phone, the pager, the children, the spouse, work… we have learned to deal with all of these demands at the same time at a great expense to our health. Each of us deals with stress in a different way. Some of us even thrive on stress. There is no doubt that a small amount of stress is needed for our daily survival, but when that stress starts to overflow, we are heading to a dangerous zone. This gradual insidious negative phenomenon has a cumulative effect on the body and starts catching up with us as we get older. Stress causes the endocrine system to function below its optimal level for our age. It could be that the thyroid or adrenal glands are not working properly, or it could be an imbalance in the metabolic system. No

18 |

matter which it is,we know that stress has negative additive effects on our main organs, most importantly our brains. The solutions are easy once we are able to make the diagnosis, but we need better diagnostic tools and tests to find the problems. Luckily, more specific tests have become available and treatment is highly individualized. A physician or naturopath who believes the treatment is a collaboration of traditional and naturopathic medicine along with nutritional, physical and mental exercises can help find a solution to help your energy bounce back faster along with a zest for life. We live longer now than a few decades ago, but if we do not have a better quality of life in our later years, then what, I wonder, is the use. 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 31

Ask an ND

Ask an ND: Dr Katie Branter

nergy is like a bank account, if we continue to take from the account without replacing what we take, we eventually find ourselves broke and struggling. Life is busy; we have responsibilities and we must meet those responsibilities. Work, children, relationships, excessive exercise, poor nutrition, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake and particularly chronic stress can all contribute to draining our vital force and energy stores. As a result we find ourselves exhausted and recovery is difficult. Finding balance in our lives can be challenging at the best of times. A good first step in the process of restoring your own energy is asking yourself what areas may be lacking attention in your life. A valuable tool I have all of my patients fill in is a wheel of balance (pictured below). When you look at this wheel, are all areas full or are some lacking in colour?

Creating this awareness allows you to make the necessary changes needed to fill up that cup of vitality so you can afford to

19 |

draw on this energy for basic activities of daily living and bounce back like you used to. Once you’ve filled out the wheel of balance and identified areas that need attention, consider making the changes necessary for improved health and increased energy. Basic changes that often help include: • • • •

Taking time to relax and practicing deep breathing. Making sure you’re getting enough deep, restful sleep. Creating space for joy and human connection in your life. Assessing your nutritional intake and creating a nutrientdense nutrition plan. This can be done by a licensed naturopathic doctor or a holistic nutritionist. • Learning to create boundaries in your life. Before committing to anything, ask yourself: is this serving me and contributing to my vital force? If the answer is no, learn to listen to that. If none of these changes contribute to an increase in your overall energy, I would suggest booking an initial consultation with a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in your area. Energy levels are also closely linked to hormone balance, so I would also recommend having your hormones assessed by an alternative healthcare professional. Saliva and urine testing are the most accurate and the results can reveal a great deal about why your energy is not what it used to be. NDs are extremely skilled in helping patients restore energy levels and thus contributing to optimal health. A list of naturopathic credentials and a listing of licensed NDs in your area are available at www.bcna.ca.

Dr Katie Branter, ND, is the director of naturopathic dermatology & naturopathic doctor at Clear Skin Victoria. www.clearskinvictoria.com

Ageless Living | Issue 3

How to Make the Holidays Happy and Healthy:

Acupuncture and Immunity By Sasha Staples R.Ac

inter is coming and we have plenty of great things to look forward to, like the crisp fresh air, warm winter clothes, homemade soups and stews and all the excitement of the holidays. However, winter does bring with it the dreaded cold and flu season, which can hamper anyone’s love of the season. Acupuncture and Traditional Sasha Staples R.Ac Chinese Medicine (TCM) are great options to boost your immunity and prevent sickness in a natural and safe way so you can enjoy the season for all it has to offer. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture 101 Very simply put, TCM is a whole form of medicine that is based on the concept of “qi” (pronounced “chee”) or energy and its flow through channels or “meridians” in the body. When the body is in a state of health, all the qi is flowing smoothly without obstruction, allowing the body’s energetic systems to function optimally. Acupuncture is one of many tools used in TCM to keep the qi of the body thriving and flowing properly. Your licensed practitioner places extremely fine, disposable stainless steel needles in specifically selected acupuncture points that treat the causes of what you came in for versus the symptoms that arose. The amazing thing about acupuncture is its ability to promote your body’s natural healing reaction, allowing for a state of balance and holistic health.

body, so it is beneficial to go back to your acupuncturist soon after for a treatment to help boost your body’s energy and immunity. Some patients might get instant relief of symptoms while for others it might take a few visits. For best results, see an acupuncturist as soon as possible when you feel a cold coming on. Even better, go see an acupuncturist now to help boost your immune system and avoid getting sick in the first place. I have personally seen how successful these treatments can be! Lifestyle Choices to Boost Your Immunity A few key lifestyle choices will also help to boost your immunity this winter. Make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep as well as allowing your body to relax. Don’t let stress get the best of you. Yoga, meditation and exercise are great stress relievers, but so is any hobby that brings you happiness and allows for a few moments of serenity each day. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet and check out your local market for what’s in season. A few excellent food therapy choices are garlic and onion as they contain both allion and allicin, which have antiviral effects. Raw honey is also antiviral, antibacterial and even anti-inflammatory, making it great for a sore throat mixed with some hot water and lemon. Finally, both ginger and oil of oregano share the properties of raw honey and are excellent early defenses when you feel a cold coming on. Your acupuncturist has knowledge of holistic nutrition and will be able to recommend more immune-boosting foods specific to your needs. Don’t let yourself fall into the winter trend of getting sick when you can make some simple lifestyle choices and have some relaxing visits to an acupuncturist to prevent it. Why not stay healthy this year and try it the natural way by using the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine that has been tried and true for over 3,000 years.

Boost Your Immunity with Acupuncture Chinese medicine looks at infectious diseases and their causes quite differently than Western medicine does. Instead of diagnosing disease as being caused by a bacteria or a virus, TCM understands it as being an imbalance of the strength of our own body’s qi (more specifically defensive qi or immunity) versus the strength of an external climatic factor. This is due to the simple fact that when Chinese medicine arose over 3,000 years ago, there was no knowledge of bacteria or viruses. Our body’s defensive qi could be weak due to several things (poor diet, lack of exercise, stress) and, if it is attacked by a more powerful external factor, the body’s defenses will not be strong enough to prevent the invasion. Even relatively healthy people can become sick if the pathogenic factor is stronger than their own defensive qi, resulting in a cold or flu, depending on the pathogenic factor. That is why preventative medicine is an important part of Chinese medicine, and why it is beneficial for helping boost your immune system. Staples R.Ac is a Registered Acupuncturist practicing traditional acupuncture, During treatment, the practitioner will select acupuncture Sasha facial rejuvenation acupuncture and holistic nutrition consultations at the points based on the specific pattern of symptoms you are exhibit- designHouse Salon. Contact 250-882-7274 or sashastaplesacupuncture@gmail.com ing. Points will likely be selected to drive the pathogen out of the for more information, or check out www.designhousesalon.com. 20 | Ageless Living | Issue 1

Enrico Winery & Vineyards,

in beautiful Mill Bay, British Columbia.

3280 Telegraph Road | Mill Bay, BC (250) 733-2356

ired of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on salon facials or treatments such as laser, Botox® and chemical peels? Can’t find 30 minutes for a complicated, multi-product skin care regimen? Save time and money with Skincerity – the world’s only patented, breathable mask that rehydrates your skin by holding in your body’s natural moisture throughout the night while still allowing vital oxygen to reach the skin. Skincerity does the work of four products in one: it deep cleans, moisturizes, exfoliates and releases antioxidants to the skin. Skincerity takes only seconds to apply at bedtime and fits your busy lifestyle.

Please join us in our Cantina for a wine tasting and stroll through our picturesque vineyards. Relax in the picnic area and sip a glass of our Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Ortega, Cabernet Foch, or Cabernet Libre by the trout pond.

We would love to meet you and show you around.

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Beauty Sleep Redefined. Skincerity… • • • • • • • •

Rehydrates, rejuvenates and repairs Rapidly hydrates and nourishes dry skin Improves rough, sun-damaged complexions Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Reduces the appearance of enlarged pores Diminishes facial redness Accelerates healthy cellular turnover Can be used on face, hands, neck and chest to prevent the signs of premature aging • Safe to use on all ages and skin tones • Clinically tested. Dermatologist recommended.

Retail/Wholesale Opportunities Available.

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At Kettle Creek Station your home should reflect who you are. We will work with you to create the perfect home, with all the custom finishes you desire.

The possibilities are endless! Change the Layout

Glass Backsplash?

Add Quartz Counters

Hardwood Floors...

Sales Centre and Show Homes 2903 Burlington Crescent Langford, BC, V9B 0K6 250-391-5880

Open Daily 11am - 4pm

Take Highway No.1 North to West Shore Parkway and follow the signs to Kettle Creek Station.

www.kettlecreekstation.com 22 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

Customized new homes built around you.

If we don’t have your dream on the custom upgrade list, or to discuss floor plan changes, please contact us: Phone: 250-391-5880 or Email: info@kettlecreekstation.com

The possibilities are endless!

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Here are some of our popular custom upgrades: • • • • • • • •

Wood cabinets Quartz countertops Hardwood flooring Appliance upgrades Skylights Vessel Sinks In home audio Tile shower with rainfall shower head • Built in electric fireplace • Additional square feet • Floor plan changes

Upgrade Appliances

Sales Centre and Show Homes 2903 Burlington Crescent Langford, BC, V9B 0K6 250-391-5880

Open Daily 11am - 4pm

Take Highway No.1 North to West Shore Parkway and follow the signs to Kettle Creek Station.

www.kettlecreekstation.com

Female Cancers: Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment By Dr Neil McKinney

t is tough to hear a diagnosis of cancer and not panic, but it’s better to hear it at a curable stage than stall until the disease has become a real menace. There is no gain in denial, stoicism, fear or bravado. Cancer can be beaten, but cures happen most often in early stage cancers. Cancer can happen to anyone. In the course of my career, I have seen many patients develop cancer despite their very commendable lifestyles. I can guarantee they will benefit from good health and fitness and habits they bring to the start of the cancer journey. The better their constitution and vitality, the quicker their recovery. In this article, we will look at vital information on female cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge and awareness are the best tools we have in the fight against cancer. 24 |

Detecting Cancer

Most of the recent gains in reducing cancer deaths come from better screening, rather than significant changes in therapy. The American Cancer Society uses “CAUTION” to help us remember the seven “cardinal warning signs” of cancer: C = Change in bowel or bladder habits A = A sore that does not heal U = Unusual bleeding or discharge T = Thickening or extension of a lump I = Indigestion or difficulty swallowing O = Obvious change in a wart or mole N = Nagging cough or hoarseness If you experience any of the “CAUTION” symptoms, sudden

Ageless Living | Issue 31

weight loss or any disturbing health change, investigate them. Recently, there has been an advisory that monthly breast selfexaminations by women are not as reliable at finding cancers as an examination by a skilled nurse or physician. While I agree with that, I do not agree that women should not be encouraged to examine themselves! I have had a huge number of women come in with breast cancer they found themselves. Please, let’s all do our part: self-care and professional care are not mutually exclusive. Mammograms have been controversial for decades. They do detect cancers, and are a net benefit in women over age 50. However, the radiation is a concern to many. Fortunately, modern imaging technology allows a very low dose to be used. Most abnormalities found on screening mammography turn out to be benign when followed up with a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, needle biopsy or other more precise investigations. This means a lot of women get scared out of their wits for a few weeks over nothing, in order that a few cancer cases may be found and lives saved. The minority who do get a diagnosis of cancer can be reassured they are curable more often than not. British Columbia has been a pioneer in providing the PAP smear screening for cervical cancer, and it has been very successful. In the coming years we may see the PAP smear replaced by human papilloma virus (HPV) testing. HPV strains can cause squamous cell cancers in other organs, such as head and neck. These are less common, but we would like to be able to cure more of these. Since colon cancer often results in microscopic blood in the stool, screening for fecal occult (hidden) blood will pick up many early cases. Test annually after age 50. A family history of colon cancer may persuade the doctors to do a screening colonoscopy. Some families have a gene increasing risk of colorectal, breast and ovarian cancers. Ovarian cancer is a little harder to screen for. The first signs and symptoms are often vague bloating and other common annoyances. Various panels of private lab tests are possible, but none are widely accepted as reliable. I would recommend spending the money for some emerging tests if there is a constellation of strong family history and personal risk factors.

Diagnosing Cancer

Diagnosis of cancer is made only by a medical specialist called a pathologist, who looks at cells under a microscope. The sample of your cells may come from a PAP smear or needle biopsy. The most shocking words you may ever hear could be: “You have cancer.” At this point, your life becomes “medicalized” in a hurry. Usually, a more complete open surgical biopsy is needed. With breast cancer, this may be a lumpectomy (the surgical removal of a tumour) plus a little more tissue to make sure. Tests are done on the surgical material to see if the cancer has invaded the nerves, blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. This helps judge the risk that cancer cells have escaped to form metastases, or new tumours in other places. Receptors for estrogen or other growth factors may also be tested. While removing the cancer sounds like a brilliant idea, if there is evidence of tumours in distant places, it is best to leave them in place. If you take out a solitary cancer, it can be cured by 25 |

surgery alone. However, removing a tumour while leaving others can accelerate the growth of the scattered, metastatic tumours. These are often the most mutated and dangerous ones. Staging tests are done to look for these possible “mets.” X-rays of the adrenal gland area, bone scans and sometimes PET scans will be performed.

Cancer Treatment

Surgery is the best single therapy for curing early cancers. In some cases, where a cure is not possible, it can still reduce the tumour burden, lessening pain, toxicity and metabolic effects. Radiation therapy will substantially reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer in that spot. The harm it can do depends largely on the dose, and that in turn depends on the volume of tissue needing treatment. For example, partial breast irradiation to a lumpectomy cavity is relatively benign; but if the armpit, collarbone and chest wall are involved, it is more likely to have serious consequences. Chemotherapy drugs go almost anywhere in the body to chase down hidden cancer cells. Today, the careful monitoring of patient immune health and dose adjustment makes fatalities rare, but people can feel quite ill for a time. Natural medicines that are proven to be helpful and safe supports for radiation and chemotherapy include mistletoe lectin injections, astragalus-based herbal formulas, melatonin, and medicinal mushroom extracts. The immune system must be functional to kill the cancer cells and mop up all the debris from these strong therapies. Integration of nutritional, psychological and naturopathic supports can double response rates while significantly reducing side effects. There are many new “targeted therapies” that are highly specific for certain cancers, or certain growth factor receptors the cancer depends on. Tamoxifen for estrogenic cancers is an example. While often improving disease control, and less acutely toxic than most chemotherapy drugs, these targeted therapies are still capable of causing great harm. Overall cancer survival rate improvement does not come from this class of therapies. The key to moving forward in beating cancer must come from better efforts at prevention. There are insidious threats like the radiation still circulating from Chernobyl, and from DDT used in the 1950s and 1960s. We all consume hormone-disrupting plasticizers from food wrappers and squeeze bottles. Dioxins and flame retardants are not just in our orca whales. Detoxification, exercise, good nutrition, good mental hygiene, reducing chaos in our lifestyles, letting go of the incessant pursuit of affluence, and activities that help express our unique and authentic being are some key elements for resisting cancer.

Dr McKinney began a career in biophysical (radiation) cancer research and went on to graduate as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1985. Dr McKinney concurrently trained for three years in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. He has served many roles in the regulation and advancement of the profession, including Registrar of the BC College of Naturopathic Physicians and accreditation evaluator for CNME, plus lecturer, author, and founder of the BC Naturopathic Association (www.bcna.ca) and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (www.binm. org). Dr. McKinney practices with a focus on integrative oncology in Victoria, B.C. www.drneilmckinney.ca

Ageless Living | Issue 3

Gluten-Free Recipe for Fall By Chef Marcel Pheiffer www.designbydesirecatering.com

Time to tuck into some nutritious meals to warm us from the inside out as the weather gets colder! Below is a scrumptious way to have your turkey and eat it too – even if you have gluten sensitivities – from Design By Desire chef Marcel Pheiffer. Turkey Glazed with Pomegranate & Roasted Fennel Turkey cutlets with roasted fennel and a pomegranate pan sauce combine for a healthy elegant dish. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds when available. They are in season from September until January. Ingredients 4 25 ml 2.5 ml 5 ml 1 ml 4 8 fl oz 2 oz 5 ml

medium fennel bulbs, cored and thickly sliced canola oil, divided chopped fresh thyme, plus 1 sprig kosher salt, divided freshly ground pepper, divided turkey cutlets, 1/4 inch thick (1 pound) pomegranate juice reduced-sodium chicken broth, or water cornstarch

Procedure • Preheat oven to 450°F. • Toss fennel, 15 ml oil, chopped thyme and 2.5 ml kosher salt and .5 ml pepper in a medium bowl. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring twice, until tender and golden, about 25 minutes. • Sprinkle both sides of turkey with the remaining 2.5 ml kosher salt and .5 ml pepper. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, 1 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. • Add pomegranate juice and thyme sprig to the pan; bring to a boil. Boil, stirring often, until reduced to 60 ml, 6 to 10 minutes. Discard the thyme. Whisk together broth (or water) and cornstarch; add to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 15 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, return the turkey and any accumulated juices to the pan, turning to coat with sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Serves 4

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Ageless Living | Issue 31

ADVERTORIAL

A New All-Natural Market and Deli Opens in Cook Street Village. Natural Foods, organic produce and local products: it makes a difference.

other Nature’s Market and Deli opened its doors on August 9th, 2012. The locally owned and operated store features all-natural foods, nutritional supplements, bulk foods, local and organic produce and offers a full service deli complete with all-natural, raw foods and vegan items as well as gluten-free items, breads, meats, meal solutions and snacks. The store hosts daily product tastings and has already hosted two instore education sessions on “Demystifying Gluten-Free Flours.” Plans are in the works for future events and in-store sessions. Practice Awareness and Avoidance with Mother Nature Buying and eating foods that are as close as possible to the way nature grows them is not only good for your health and the health of the environment; it boosts and supports the local economy as well. Toxins in the food supply are detrimental to our health. Hormonal growth promoters, antibiotics, pesticides and herbicides used in food and animal feed production enter the food chain and end up on our plates. Fortunately, the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is prohibited for use in Canada (rBST increases milk production in cows); however, six hormonal growth promoters (three natural and three synthetic) are permitted for use in Canadian beef cattle production. What the animals consume (or are administered) we ultimately eat; in a sense, “we are what they eat.” The benefits of consuming free range, ethically harvested meats and dairy are far reaching, from limiting one’s exposure to exogenous hormones to decreasing the risk of antibiotic re-

sistance. The knowledge that the animals we consume have lived in humane conditions, have eaten wholesome foods and received ethical treatment when harvested is something we can all feel good about. More and more people are becoming aware that they feel better when they avoid certain foods. For instance, limiting or avoiding foods containing gluten from modern wheat varieties and dairy may help people feel healthier and more vital. How do you know? In the case of gluten, it is essential to receive a diagnosis through screening and biopsy in order to protect your health. However, there is something else you can do; that is, notice how your body feels when you eat. Does your food leave you feeling energized and vital or lethargic and depleted? Being aware of how food affects your digestion and sense of vitality offers key information for potential allergies or intolerances. Talk to the Healthy Living Specialists at Mother Nature’s Market and Deli for tips and ideas on how to ensure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs to thrive. Customers have been raving about Mother Nature’s Market and Deli and the offerings found at the store. Locals and visitors alike are pleased to support local growers and producers and enjoy the health and lifestyle benefits of natural foods. Mother Nature’s Market and Deli is a wonderful addition and complements the already vibrant shopping, dining and retail area of Cook Street village. Be healthy, go natural. Stop by the Cook Street Village store to find the best that Mother Nature has to offer.

The Essentials on Mother Nature • Started by five Greater Victoria families. • Committed to its vision statement: Healthy store, happy staff, exceptional customer service, sustainable products, and satisfied customers. • Offers an all-natural, organic, and local concept and a wide selection of ethically-raised and/or ethically-caught, nonmedicated meats, fish and poultry. • Is a shopping destination for gluten-free and non-allergen products. • What you won’t find: artificial ingredients, additives, preservatives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or herbicides and pesticides. 27 |

Ageless Living | Issue 3

Vitamin D: Are You Getting Enough? By Julie Foreman, B.Sc.Pharm

itamin D intake has been a hot topic lately, especially for those of us living above the 49th parallel. With new and better research being done about the benefits and recommended intake of vitamin D, we are starting to see a clearer picture of how this nutrient affects our health. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. Its main roles in the human body are to assist with intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, and to help these minerals in building bone density. Think of minerals like calcium, phosophorus and magnesium as the building blocks of bone tissue. Vitamin D is like a tool that helps with the building process. Vitamin D is also involved in the processes of normal cell growth and function, immune system and neuromuscular function, as well as reducing cellular inflammation. Vitamin D enters the body through the intestines (dietary intake) or is produced in the skin following sunlight exposure. In both cases, vitamin D is in an inactive form when it first enters the body. Conversion to an active form of vitamin D must occur in the liver and/or kidneys before vitamin D can be useful. Too Much or Too Little of the Sunshine Vitamin Vitamin D deficiency can occur if intake is low either through limited sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake, or impaired dietary absorption in the intestine. Diets that limit dairy intake due to lactose or milk protein allergy as well as vegan diets can result in low vitamin D levels. Certain bowel conditions can damage the ability of the intestine to absorb dietary vitamin D. Older adults often have lower production of vitamin D due to aging skin. People who do not have much sun exposure in the warmer months are also at risk for low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency can also occur if the incoming vitamin D is not converted to its active form in the liver or kidneys due to impaired function of these organs. Low vitamin D blood levels can result in calcium being pulled from bone tissue into the bloodstream. This decreases bone density and can be a risk for serious conditions such as rickets (soft bones and skeletal deformities in children), osteomalacia (soft bones in adults) and osteoporosis (low bone density often resulting in fractures). Recent research suggests that vitamin D may affect the risk of some cancers. Vitamin D may play a role in prevention of breast, colon and prostate cancers. More data is needed to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases cancer risk, what level of vitamin D is considered protective or preventative for cancer risk, and whether high vitamin D levels are a concern for increasing cancer risk. Other research suggests that vitamin D may have a preventative role for other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis. High blood levels of vitamin D can cause high blood levels of calcium, which contributes to hardening of blood vessels and damage to the heart and kidneys. Very high blood levels of vi-

tamin D can also cause symptoms of toxicity including loss of appetite, weight loss, frequent urination and heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats). Excessively high vitamin D levels are rarely obtained through sunlight exposure or dietary intake and are mostly associated with unnecessarily high doses of supplemental vitamin D. Determine Your Vitamin D Levels Vitamin D levels can be measured by looking at the sum of dietary intake or through serum blood tests for 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D. Serum blood tests are the most accurate measurement as they take into account both dietary and sunlight sources of vitamin D. The test is not covered by MSP and is not commonly performed unless you are investigating malabsorption issues, or kidney or bone diseases. Vitamin D supplementation within the recommended guidelines is very safe and does not require testing for healthy people. Medications including oral steroids like prednisone or dexamethasone can contribute to vitamin D deficiency with longterm use, as can drugs that reduce dietary fat absorption like cholestyramine or Xenical. If you are taking these medications, ask your physician about your vitamin D needs. Supplemental Vitamin D Infants who are breastfed require 400IU of supplemental vitamin D daily as human breast milk contains low levels. Infant formulas are fortified with vitamin D. Your primary healthcare provider may recommend that you supplement at higher doses than the dietary reference range due to certain medical conditions or a confirmed vitamin D deficiency. Most sources agree that a daily vitamin D intake of 1000 to 2000IU is appropriate for most healthy adults. See Table #1 for the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D that is right for you. Dietary Sources of Vitamin D Dietary vitamin D can be obtained through natural food sources and by consuming foods fortified with vitamin D. Table #2 and Table #3 provide both natural and fortified foods that are good sources of vitamin D. It is important to read manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food labels carefully, as individual products may contain different amounts of vitamin D. It is difficult to meet the daily recommendations for vitamin D through diet alone. Sun exposure, specifically exposure to UVB rays, stimulates production of vitamin D in your skin. Ten to fifteen minutes twice a week of summer sun exposure without sunscreen can be enough to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in the warmer months. Overexposure to sunlight without sunscreen poses its own risks of sunburn and skin cancer, however. Tanning beds, seasonal affective disorder lamps and sun exposure during the months between fall and spring do not cause production of significant levels of vitamin D.

28 | Ageless Living | Issue 1 28 | Ageless Living | Issue 3

Table #1: Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin D Age Group

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) per Day

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) per Day

Infants 0-6 months

400 IU (10 mcg)*

1000 IU (25 mcg)

Infants 7-12 months

400 IU (10 mcg)*

1500 IU (38 mcg)

Children 1 to 3 years

600 IU (15 mcg)

2500 IU (63 mcg)

Children 1 to 4 years

600 IU (15 mcg)

3000 IU (75 mcg)

Children & Adults 9 to 70 years

600 IU (15 mcg)

4000 IU (100 mcg)

Adults > 70 years

800 IU (20 mcg)

4000 IU (100 mcg)

Pregnant & Lactating Women

600 IU (15 mcg)

4000 IU (100 mcg)

Source: The U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on the review of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for vitamin D and calcium on November 30, 2010. * Adequate Intake; DRA not set for infants

Table #3: Dietary Sources of Vitamin D (Fortified)

Table #2: Dietary Sources of Vitamin D (Natural) 1 tablespoon

1360

Cottage Cheese

½ cup

120

Salmon, sockeye, canned

75 grams

585

Milk

1 cup

103

Sardines, Pacific, canned

75 grams

360

Rice or soy beverage

1 cup

Salmon, Atlantic, cooked

75 grams

246

Yogurt

¾ cup

Trout, cooked

75 grams

210

Orange juice

½ cup

Halibut, cooked

75 grams

144

Margarine

1 teaspoon

Tuna, yellowfin (albacore, ahi), cooked

75 grams

105

Mackerel, cooked

75 grams

Tuna, canned, light or white

75 grams

Liver, beef, cooked

75 grams

1 yolk

75 grams

Cod liver oil

Egg yolk Beef, cooked lean

Source: Canadian Nutrient File 2007b & Manufacturer Product Information * Approximate levels of fortification; except for milk and margarine, not all brands for each product will be fortified.

Source: Canadian Nutrient File 2007b

Supplemental vitamin D is a great addition to your intake. Look for over-the-counter supplements that contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – you may have to read the fine print. (Some prescription versions of vitamin D exist in other forms that are easier for the kidneys to convert). Supplements exist in various dosage forms such as vegetable oil-based drops or capsules, tablets or flavoured chews. Remember that vitamin D absorbs best in the presence of fats so if you are using regular tablets or chews, take them with a meal that contains some vegetable oils or small amounts of animal fat. Taking vitamin D at the same time as calcium-rich food or calcium supplements will assist with calcium absorption. Now that you are armed with information about vitamin D, you can assess your own needs for the winter months. Receiving vitamin D through natural food sources and fortified foods is ideal, with supplementation of vitamin D3 coming in a close second. Discuss your vitamin D needs with your physician, dietitian or pharmacist for more information tailored to your own health. Julie Foreman is a compounding pharmacist with Forbes Pharmacy in Victoria, BC. www.forbespharmacy.com

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Achieving Agelessness

with Dr Kenneth Smith, MD By Liberty Craig

Photo Credits: Matt Brouwer - Evenstar Photography

solutions that can be greatly beneficial to people if we can work with them earlier on and more closely. By having the patient engaged in the process, trying to address illnesses before they begin or when they’re still subclinical, we can change the course of that person’s health and life.”

r Kenneth Smith is a traditional medical doctor with classical training. He has worked in hospitals for the past nine years, prior to which he ran a family practice for four years in Victoria and worked in Oregon and Boston. He is an MD first and foremost, and that mindset hasn’t changed. Yet after years of working in a hospital setting and, day after day, encountering the ravages of disease and poor health, Dr Smith began to suspect there could be more to a physician’s role. He began to think of medicine in terms of wellness, which necessitated a shift in focus from treating a disease to treating a person’s overall health – even when no illness is present. As our population matures and we continue to live longer and longer, Dr Smith has become fascinated by the concept of age management. As he celebrates the opening of his new practice at the “Ageless Me” clinic in beautiful Victoria, BC, Dr Smith discusses his stateof-the-art approach to health, wellness, and vitality at any age. Journey to Age Management “I’ve practiced in many areas of medicine, from obstetrics to emergency to family

practice to hospital-level care. One of the things that really stood out for me as a family practitioner was that I just didn’t have the tools to deal with some of my patients’ complaints. I’ve come to realize that age management and hormone restoration had the potential to address the symptoms and problems those patients were having. Certainly, my time in the hospital has shown me what happens in the end. I see all the phases of a disease in progress and I can’t help but think: there’s something we can do earlier on.” Of Symptoms and Diseases “There are so many issues you can see coming for a patient: genetic risk factors or lifestyle risk factors, the course of which we can significantly change with timely intervention. But the patient must be proactive. You can dispense a lot of advice as a physician, but unless you have a patient who’s engaged and willing to be proactive with you, it can be very difficult to achieve success. Sometimes patients need a little extra help. That quick visit to a doctor’s office can allow physicians to tell patients to lose weight, but really we need to help them lose weight. There are techniques and 30 |

Ageless Living | Issue 3

“People can become profoundly run down, and traditionally we just called this stress.” “People tend to come in with an array of symptoms – loss of energy, fatigue, weight gain, foggy thinking – and once we start addressing these issues, we can also begin to address the big risk factors like cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. These are the prevalent diseases that we spend a tremendous amount of our time treating in traditional medicine. However, once we begin paying attention to the earlier symptoms, we have significant abilities to alter these processes.” Ageless Me “There is such an interest, need and demand for this way of looking at health that I and a like-minded physician are creating a comprehensive care team under the Ageless Me banner to care for our clients. We’ll do some cosmetic work – Botox and fillers – but equally important as outside beauty is feeling good inside. We will offer antiaging medicine, dietary counseling, weight management, hormone balancing and restorative hormone therapy. Some people are already 90 percent of the way there; other people need quite a bit of help. That’s why at Ageless Me, we’re using a team approach, so clients can work with dieticians or trainers while also getting medical attention.” Finding Balance “We tend to be fairly sedentary and we have a lot of processed foods in our diet that contain things like high-fructose corn syrup, which helps create the tidal wave of

diabetes and metabolic syndrome. More than that, we live a very stressful lifestyle with chronic sleep deprivation, high-intensity days, kids, activities and work schedules, and it runs our bodies down physically and emotionally. We’re very hard on our bodies. We have to try to find a balance and also to maximize the way our bodies are functioning to deal with that stress.”

“People are living longer and longer, and in these later decades we want to live quality, healthy lives.” “When patients come in feeling fatigued or having gained weight, we need to really dig in and look at what types of things are draining their energies, what recharges them, what they are doing right with diet and exercise, what their work is like, and what their individual lifestyle issues are. The stress we put on our bodies does drain us, particularly if we add in major life events like car accidents, divorce, moving, a death in the family or a major surgery. People can become profoundly run down, and traditionally we just called this stress. If they get unwell enough, I might have said in the past that they’re depressed and put them on an anti-depressant, which isn’t always the answer. We know that these major life events can affect the body’s function and increase the risk of getting cancers or autoimmune diseases. There really has been little attention paid to why this happens, and too often, we don’t try to mitigate the effects of these stressful events in people’s lives. If we can rebalance our patients’ personal lives as well as their endocrine systems, look at their adrenal gland function, and make sure their bodies are functioning at an optimal level, they should become less susceptible to some of the illnesses that can crop up after major stresses.” Hormone Balance “Hormones require balance, but it’s also about optimal levels of hormones. We’re not looking to see if a patient is defined as normal or abnormal in the classic sense. We want to balance hormones and also bring the patient up to an optimal level, which will be different for each patient, so that the body is functioning at its best. Patients come in with a very wide range

of symptoms and the symptoms can often indicate which hormones they might need more of to make their bodies function properly and feel well. We use different types of testing depending on what we’re looking for and how we want to look for it, including blood, saliva, blood spot or urine testing.” Bioidentical versus Conventional Hormone Therapy “Conventional therapy, which is much less common now, used synthetic hormone molecules, but the literature in the past decade has strongly suggested that this has not been as beneficial as was originally hoped. In some cases it has actually been detrimental to patients’ health. Bioidentical hormone molecules, on the other hand, are identical to what your body makes, so the effects they have on your body are more natural. They are becoming more popular and gaining much more acceptance. There is more and more research being done in this area and it’s looking very positive – and I am not surprised by this. It’s taking time to come into mainstream medicine largely because there’s no reason for the big pharmaceutical companies to fund any research or education in this area, especially since they can’t patent a bioidentical molecule – you can’t patent nature.”

A Doctor of Age Management Medicine “People are living longer and longer, and in these later decades we want to live quality, healthy lives. The media barrages us daily 31 |

Ageless Living | Issue 3

with information about what helps your health or prevents or causes cancer – it can become quite overwhelming. In age management, we look at each patient’s genetic risk factors, epigenetics (what you do in your life or environment that affects how your genes are expressed) and risk factors each person has for aging, and try to prevent obvious illnesses that might be in their paths or change the course of those illnesses. We utilize anti-oxidants, vitamins, coenzymes, natural minerals and herbs, hormone rebalancing and other techniques to maximize the way their bodies are functioning. It’s very individualized and we need to be proactive with each patient’s health and well being. We need to look at each patient’s particular history and try to ascertain what’s going to be best for that person going forward to maximize the quality and quantity of their life and decrease illness.” A Patient’s Road to Age Management “Often, folks come in with vague, subclinical symptoms for which traditional ways of looking at lab tests and histories wouldn’t provide answers or treatments. These can range from lack of energy, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and weight gain to perimenopausal symptoms in women and andropause in men. It all links to overall general health. Abdominal weight gain might be tied to metabolic syndrome with high lipids, which can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome and insulin have been closely linked to a person’s body weight, especially abdominal weight, and if you can start to address the balance in a person’s life and in their endocrine system, you can help change that pathway. Many illnesses are linked to our immune system’s function – or, more accurately, dysfunction – which is severely affected when we become run down or face chronic or acute stress.”

“Why would you want to put up with just feeling not good, not your strongest, your sharpest, your best?” “The complexity is that it’s all intertwined and we can’t look at problems in the traditional way where it’s just your

get us through our reproductive years in top health, to procreate and continue the species. After these years are over, as we go through our forties and fifties, our bodies go through dramatic changes and our hormone levels fall off at different rates for different people. If you can balance those out and restore them to a more youthful level, the body will respond and you will feel much better.”

thyroid or your insulin, just this or that. The hormones within our bodies work in concert with one another. However, there are some general syndromes we talk about. If a person is particularly fatigued or stressed, their adrenals and immune function may have become insufficient or low, and we can help with that. Sometimes patients’ thyroids are not functioning properly to begin with and then it’s made worse by other imbalances. By correcting the imbalances, you can make their thyroid medications work better. Sometimes it has to do with our natural aging process. The major sex hormones – estrogen, progesterone and testosterone – are designed to

Proactive Steps We Can All Take “We should all endeavour to bring our lives into balance in three distinct areas: We need to work on diet and exercise. We need to work on relationships and a spiritual side to life. And we need to work on making sure our bodies are in complete balance – making sure we’re getting the nutrients we need, our endocrine systems are in balance, and so on. These are the most important things people can do to address health risks down the road. I encourage people to become more proactive in their healthcare and take a front seat in driving their health toward a more fruitful and happy existence. Relationships are probably the most important part of our existence. Keeping our relationships strong is a critical part of life balance.”

Nature versus Nurture “Aging is a natural process. Then again, death is a natural process. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are natural processes. Most of the major illnesses that the medical establishment is trying to address are natural processes. Age may not be the same as disease. However, traditional medicine is busy treating diseases as they occur. The goal of age management is to prevent these diseases from happening. It’s not about simply trying to extend people’s lives; it’s about ensuring they are living vital, highenergy, high-quality existences while they’re still alive. “For instance, if you’re in your forties, fifties or sixties and your sexual function is waning, you can correct much of that, enjoy an active sex life with your partner, and maintain that tremendous sense of intimacy. Why wouldn’t you want to do that, rather than face 40 years with decreasing libido and intimacy, and the relationship problems that go along with that. Why would you want to put up with just feeling not good, not your strongest, your sharpest, your best?” Contact Dr Kenneth Smith at 1-888-271-9209 or info@ageless-me.com or go to ageless-me.com.

Baby Molly Relapses “Our worst fear has come true again,” writes Dave Campbell in his Baby Molly blog. Just days before her second birthday, little Molly’s leukemia has relapsed. Molly requires intensive chemotherapy to try to get her back into remission. The Campbell family is once again torn apart as Dave and his wife Rebekah stay in Vancouver with Molly, while the family’s other four children remain home in Victoria. The Campbell family needs your love and support once again. Molly’s community is a big part of the reason this family survived

32 |

their first battle with leukemia; your love will get them through this again. Please take time to comment on their website. Your thoughts and prayers are, as Dave says, “such a source of strength.” Even the smallest donations can help relieve the financial stress of this five-child family. Go to molly-campbell.com to comment or donate now. molly-campbell.com

Ageless Living | Issue 3

Six Tips

for Treating Foot Corns and Callusing By Marc Henly

t’s an icky topic, I know, but many of us have foot corns or callusing that can be uncomfortable and painful. Corns and calluses are a thickening of the skin as a reaction to abnormal pressure. This can be caused by footwear that is too tight, walking on rough surfaces or your individual foot biomechanics causing high pressure areas. The body attempts to protect itself by forming a layer of armor, which often results in pain at the site. Those with severe corns or callusing have difficulty finding comfortable footwear. Corns and callusing are more prevalent in the elderly and females, but can affect all ages and genders. Here are a few tips to help you care for your feet and reduce pain and inflammation. • Use a pumice stone: Pumice the area every few days after a bath or shower. (Do not try to remove them yourself with a knife or razor blade, especially if you are diabetic.) • Moisturize: Moisturize the area every day (Vicks VapoRub is a good treatment). • Wear the right shoes: Wear shoes that are the proper width as well as length. When buying new shoes, look for a shoe company that offers their styles in different widths. • Add a buffer: Try a gel corn pad or toe sleeve over the corn or callused area to ad a buffer between the sensitive area and your footwear. • Try deep treatment: For stubborn corns and callusing, see a foot care nurse regularly for deep treatment on the area. • Consult an expert: For severe corns and callusing, consider seeing a Pedorthist for recommendations on over-the-

counter orthotics, custom orthotics, metatarsal padding and toe crests, as these devices can help to off-load weight from sensitive areas. Proper foot care is essential to preventing and treating painful corns and callusing. Don’t let your foot problems “run” out of control before you address the problem! Marc Henly is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist and owner of Dynamic Footworks, which specializes in custom-made orthotics, medical bracing and footwear, with three locations on Vancouver Island. Contact info@dynamicfootworks.ca or 250391-1812 or visit www.dynamicfootworks.ca.

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

Identify (and Rectify!) Your

Stress Levels By Gregg Turner PhD, CHT, CNLT

Alleviate Depression, Anxiety, Stress

veryone has some stress. Stress is a necessary part of life, and without it, life would not be the same. There is good (joyful, exciting) stress and not-so-good stress (trauma and drama). Habitual, ongoing stress will cause reactions within our bodies and minds.

Diagnosis: Stress

DecreasedDepression Depressionin Decreased Journal of Instructional Psychology University 22:308-319,Students 1995 THROUGH TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

Changes in Subscale of Duke Health Profile

Scientific Research on the TM Technique: • 50% reduction in depression • Improved hormonal balance • Increased alertness and creativity • Decreased stress

2.5 0

Control 1

Transcendental Meditation

Control 2

-2.6 -6.0 -7.6 -10.0

p=.002

Please contact us for a complimentary appointment or lecture ph: 250.383.9822 email: mec-victoria@telus.net

www.tm-women.org

How can you tell if your stress levels are too high? Some of the signs of stress include foggy thinking and issues with attention, concentration, and memory. Increased irritability, anger or frustration is common. People under stress may experience anxiety or feel full of fear and worry. Physical symptoms related to stress include headaches, neck pain, backaches, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, belly pain or GI problems, along with fatigue, increased perspiration, rapid pulse or pounding heart, challenges breathing, poor appetite and tension in the body. If you have high stress levels, you might feel sad or overly emotional, or have a hard time controlling your thoughts or coping. You might exhibit excessive behaviours – overeating, drinking, smoking, using medications or drugs. You may experience unusual body symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, twitches, muscle tension or skin conditions. You may lose interest in sex as well as social activities, hobbies or other interests. Simple Ways to Reduce Your Stress

Thankfully, even in our high-stress society, there are a number of effective things we can do to mitigate our stress levels and lead happier, more balanced lives. Breathe: Deep breathing exercises help to decrease tension and improve circulation as well as brain and thinking functions. Deep breathing helps us to relax and calm down. Even taking just three deep breaths can help to “reset” your body, mind | Ageless Living | Issue 1 and emotions.

Progressive relaxation exercises: Focus on breathing and consciously instruct the muscles of your body to relax. Start with your face and neck, relaxing the jaw, letting the shoulders drop. Continue scanning your body and notice its response. Relax your arms, back, chest, tummy, hips, thighs, knees, lower legs, calves, ankles, feet and toes. Talk it out: Find a friend or professional with whom you are comfortable talking it out. Make sure you select a positive-minded friend who cares about you and is a good listener. A professional has tools and resources to assist your progressions. Express feelings you have been holding in to release your stress. Write it out: An easy way to release stress is to keep a journal and “write it out.” You can release internal tension to paper; just let the thoughts flow. Writing on paper serves you better than typing on a keyboard, because it engages more senses. Be aware: Be aware of your internal self talk. Shift it to the positive: things you want to happen, have or be. Move your focus away from the negative, or what you don’t want. What you focus or dwell on will determine how you feel. Might as well make it something that feels, looks and sounds good! Laugh and have fun: Do something that makes you smile and laugh. What do you find fun and funny? Watch or listen to a comedy. Read something funny. Hang out with a funny friend. Laughter is truly good medicine because it releases chemicals in the body that help us feel happier and more content.

Pay attention to your diet: This is key, especially when you don’t feel like it! Choose healthy snacks and meals, and make sure you are getting good nutrition. If you’ve lost your appetite, select a protein or vitamin drink. Hydrate: Keeping hydrated is important at all times, but especially when under stress, as it allows your body to eliminate unhealthy chemicals more easily. This also allows your brain to function better, which assists with emotional balance. Muscles and joints also benefit. Get your rest and sleep: Periods of sleep and rest are when the body and mind do so much recovery, filing, deleting and replenishing. Get a proper sleep each and every night, and don’t be ashamed to lie down in the day! Slow down and be grateful: Slowing down is a part of calming down. Notice the good that is around you, even if it may be hard to see, experience or notice. Acts of kindness, gratitude and appreciation can release positive chemicals in the body and make you feel wonderful.

For more information about personal sessions or for a free phone consultation, contact Gregg Turner at Solution Innovators: 250-380-0702 or SolutionInnovators@ shaw.ca, or visit www.ResultsNow.ca.

ircumstances can change in life – sometimes unexpectedly. Statistics show that more than half of Canadian women over 65 are divorced or widowed. Interestingly, women tend to invest differently than men, and often have different financial needs and concerns.

EmpowEring womEn At the Verch Group, our primary focus is empowering women to take control of their finances. We develop long-term relationships and help you build and navigate your “Life Plan” to achieve your unique goals. It’s about so much more than your finances.

proactivE planning The investment decisions we make together are thoughtful and deliberate. We take a proactive approach to customized planning and goal setting to ensure that your plan is implemented and monitored closely for ongoing delivery.

Your trustEd council As your financial realities and personal circumstances evolve over time, your priorities and goals in life will change. We will be your trusted council that will see you through those changes. 1.855.405.2487

takE thE timE now to plan Your FuturE. wE can hElp. the verch group of raymond James / www.theverchgroup.com suite 1000 - 1175 douglas street i victoria, Bc i v8w 2E1 t: 250.405.2480 toll Free: 1.855.405.2487

Two Books that Just Might Change Your Life Bombshell: Explosive Medical Secrets That Will Redefine Aging By Suzanne Somers

The Hollywood superstar and author of Sexy Forever and Ageless is back with her latest book on aging gracefully, beautifully – and unbelievably slowly. In Bombshell (Crown Archetype, 2012), Somers discusses her personal experiences in life, career and health that have led her to where she is today, and to the creation of this book. She reveals the groundbreaking stem-cell treatments for her own breast cancer that allowed her to achieve what many had considered impossible. She employs her extensive research, knowledge and star power to conduct interviews with leading experts in anti-aging medicine who reveal cutting-edge scientific advancements such as: • How bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help us sustain youthful levels of health, looks, vitality and sexual desire.

Your local source for custom orthotics and medical bracing

Ph: 250.391.1812 Fax: 250.391.1813 Email: info@dynamicfootworks.ca

www.dynamicfootworks.ca

• How nanobots injected into the bloodstream will one day wipe out our most common fatal diseases. • How our bodies’ own stem cells can prevent disease and even re-grow our body parts. • How white blood cells may be the answer to a cure for cancer. • How “telomeres” may be the key to literally reversing age. Somers also reveals her “18 Age-Reversing Ideas to Consider” and “Advanced Age Reversal Techniques” to give readers access to the anti-aging revolution she is not only living, but helping to spearhead.

Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy--Until You’re 80 and Beyond By Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD

Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You’re 80 and Beyond by motivational speaker Chris Crowley and Dr Henry S. Lodge, MD (Random House, 2004) has revolutionized the way we think about aging. “What most of us call aging is decay, and decay is optional; it’s under our control,” says Dr Lodge. Dubbed the “Boomers Bible” for health, the book has sold over a million copies and been translated into 20 languages worldwide. By living life according to the rules set forth in this book, you will feel better, longer. Easy as that. The rules are simple and they are harsh. And “harsh” rules doesn’t mean gruelling workouts and diet plans – it means the harsh edicts of nature. We are programmed to be active people, to hunt and gather, to do the physical work our bodies were designed to do and are innately capable of doing. When we are no longer able to perform these tasks, historically, we slow down, become old, and eventually die. The problem with our society today is that we are inactive much of the time – which signals to our bodies that it’s time to slow down. This is one of the basic premises by which the authors motivate us to get off our literal and proverbial butts and do what is necessary for good health. “Regular strength training for life sounds stupid, nasty and scary. And we wouldn’t even mention it if it were not one of the best pieces of advice in the whole damn book,” says Chris Crowley. Chief among “Harry’s Rules” is the need to exercise six days a week for the rest of your life, including four days of aerobic exercise and two days of strength training. The other major rule? Quit eating crap. Again, simple as that. Harry’s rules are uncomplicated and impactful, based on the premise that 70 percent of premature death and age-related decay is caused by lifestyle and can be delayed until the final moments of our lives. By embracing this philosophy, we can all live healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives well into our golden years.

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What is Bipolar Disorder?

. r a l o p bi r. t e o d n r o m s di I a r a l o p i b e v a h I

y name is Andrea, and I have bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed at 26, having gone through intense mania, depression, even psychosis and a suicide attempt. But I have overcome my shame and learned that living with bipolar disorder doesn’t have to be a bad thing. And I wanted to help others do the same.

Bipolar Babe to the Rescue!

As a project one day I made myself a “Bipolar Babe” t-shirt with a cool superhero girl stomping out the stigma associated with mental illness. I thought it would be a conversation starter. I believed it would show people I’m not ashamed, and get people to ask questions. I was right. Many people were passionate about my project, which turned into a web site, then a non-profit society (the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC), then became a registered charity. Along came the media attention, and people just wanted to talk about the subject of mental health. We started doing community presentations and now we have initiatives throughout Victoria to support people living with a mental health condition and to help our community achieve greater awareness and understanding. “My aunt has bipolar disorder, so I am so happy to know a little more about it. This was one of the best presentations my class has ever had. You are a true example of how people with mental disorders can not only fit into society but can flourish and really excel too. THANK YOU SO MUCH!” - Natasha*

Learn more about bipolar disorder, get help for yourself, a friend or family member, or make a donation at

www.bipolarbabe.com

• Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that results in extreme changes of mood, energy, and affects one’s ability to function. • More than 2% of the Canadian population has bipolar disorder. • Proper treatment and support enables more than 75% of people with bipolar disorder to maintain gainful employment. • Bipolar disorder does not discriminate among gender or ethnicity. • The average age of the onset is late teens to early twenties.

Bipolar Babe peer support groups • •

Teens2Twenties Support Group Women’s Peer Support Group (for women 25+) The Bipolar Babe Peer Support Groups are open to anyone who needs the support of their peers. Forming friendships with others who struggle with mental illness is a wonderful and healing experience. This is a place where you are free to be yourself without fear or shame, sharing your challenges and triumphs with others who know.

Bipolar Babe Presentations

• Classroom Presentations • Community Presentations Our presenters want to come into your workplace, classroom or community organization to engage in a conversation free of the stigma surrounding mental health. We’ll share our personal stories and invite your questions to facilitate knowledge and acceptance.

What Every Woman Needs to Know

About Ovarian Cancer Ovarian Cancer Canada / www.ovariancanada.org

varian cancer is the most serious of all gynecological cancers. Over 2,600 Canadian women are diagnosed every year; and every year 1,750 women succumb to this disease. Symptoms are varied, vague and easily missed. There is no screening test to detect it. But when found early – and treated – ovarian cancer survival rate is 90 percent.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

There is no one specific symptom for ovarian cancer. The symptoms are generally vague, non-specific and can be mistakenly attributed to other causes. Just because you have the symptoms, it does not mean you have ovarian cancer. Symptoms that are more severe or frequent than expected and of recent onset warrant further diagnostic investigation because they are more likely to be associated with both benign and malignant ovarian masses. (University of Washington School of Medicine, 2004.) Common Warning Symptoms

• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen • Pelvic discomfort or heaviness

• • • • • • •

Back or abdominal pain Fatigue Gas, nausea, indigestion Change in bowel habits Emptying your bladder frequently Menstrual irregularities Weight loss or weight gain

Other Symptoms

• • • •

Mass or “lump” in your pelvis that you can feel Inability to eat normally Pain with intercourse Vaginal bleeding

If you have one or more of these symptoms and these symptoms persist for three weeks or longer, see your health practitioner immediately.

For more information and resources, please visit www.ovariancanada.org.

WHAT EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER • • •

• • •

•

• •

There is a lifetime risk of 1 in 70 that you will develop ovarian cancer. Many doctors are unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and fail to consider it as a possible diagnosis. Failure to find the disease in its early stages is partly due to (i) lack of sensitive detection tests and (ii) health care providers and even women themselves may ignore warning symptoms. A Pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer. Pain in the abdomen is not necessarily a symptom of ovarian cancer – even if you have no pain, your doctor cannot rule out ovarian cancer. Even though ovarian cancer is known as the “disease that whispers,” the majority of women with ovarian cancer report symptoms, including women diagnosed at an early stage. Ovarian cancer rates rise after menopause, peaking from age 60 to 75, although it can occur at any age. The hereditary form, found in families where many close relatives have had breast and/or ovarian cancer, tends to occur at an earlier age.

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Saddled with Stuff but with No Place to Go?

New mortgage rules mean delayed first-time home purchases.

ou’ve been renting for years and saving up your money to put a down payment on your first home. As your savings grow larger, so does the accumulation of possessions you own: the furniture, artwork, sports equipment and storage items, not to mention motorcycles, tools and machinery that your bigger home will accommodate one day. But now, in light of the recent changes to the CMHC mortgage rules, you might not have a new home for all that stuff – or for yourself – any time soon. Sound familiar? Many people are in the same boat. The new mortgage rules reduced the maximum amortization period from 30 to 25 years and made changes to the allowable debt service ratios for borrowers. What this means in the short term is that home buyers have less buying power and pay higher monthly mortgage payments. In the long term, they may be financially better off, but the change has been a devastating blow to many prospective first-time buyers. So, then, you need to wait a little longer to buy your first home.

In the meantime, fewer first-time home sales mean a greater demand in the rental market, so you might as well toss out those dreams of moving into a larger apartment, too, and just stay put for now. But what to do with all that extra stuff? It may be time to call West Coast Super Storage. West Coast Super Storage can pick up your extra items directly from your residence and store them until you have the space you need. Or, try the self-storage package that comes with a free U-Haul truck rental. Multiple container sizes allow you to store anything from your car, boat or RV to heavy equipment, furniture or just those extra boxes of stuff. With the largest facility on Vancouver Island at the lowest rates, West Coast Super Storage provides safe and secure storage for Victoria, Sooke and south Vancouver Island. Call 250-642-5551 or email info@westcoastsuperstorage.com, or visit us online at www.westcoastsuperstorage.com for all your storage needs today!

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Ageless Living | Issue 1

‘Tis the Season To Be Jolly…

Or SAD? By Helen Foster-Grimmett

onight, my husband told me that this article lacked pizzazz. I said: “Sorry, my serotonin is seasonally challenged – no sparkle.” I find myself standing in front of travel agency windows mesmerized by posters of sun-drenched Hawaii, Mexico, Barbados. Mauritius looks delicious. By Christmas – the season to be jolly – some people have been feeling sad, down, or downright depressed since the onset of autumn. And they’ll motor on through to the first buds of spring feeling the same way. If you are one of those people, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, about five million Canadians experience the “winter blues,” a mild form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. At least two to three percent have symptoms severe enough to be diagnosed as “SAD” – an apt acronym. People with SAD often feel a sense of happiness on a cloudy day when the sun peeks through the clouds, then deflated when the clouds cover the sky again. It’s as if the clouds are a manifestation of their minds. For people with SAD, those inner clouds can be dark, and they sometimes don’t lift until the spring flowers bloom and sunshine is more constant. The Canadian Mental Health Association tells us that women are more at risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder than men: eight times as many women as men report having SAD. Although the reasons for this are not defined, one suggestion is that women may spend more time indoors with their children than men and, therefore, less time in sunlight.

Sunless and SAD

Experts are not sure what causes SAD, but they generally link it to lack of sunlight. SAD is rare in those living within 30 degrees of the equator, where daylight hours are consistently long and bright. It is more common in northern countries, including Canada, where bright winter sunlight is sparse. Lack of light may upset our cycles and other rhythms. It may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin, which affects mood. People with mild winter blues manage to cope throughout the season. However, those diagnosed with SAD could feel more severe symptoms, including: • Depression, apathy, negative thoughts, loss of self-esteem • Sleep problems • Lethargy, fatigue

• Overeating or little appetite • Difficulty with concentration and memory • Withdrawn - finding it hard to be around people • Anxiety • Inability to deal with stress If you are affected by any of these symptoms, take heart: there are remedies that work wonders for SAD. Relief for SAD Symptoms

Millions of people with SAD have been helped by the work of Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a world-renowned psychiatrist. Rosenthal and his team at the National Institute of Mental Health pioneered research that first led to describing Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the use of light therapy to treat it. According to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association in the UK, “light therapy has been shown to be effective in up to 85 percent of diagnosed cases.” Light therapy is now routinely prescribed for SAD in northern countries, but at the time Rosenfeld and his team first used it, the results were dramatic. In his New York Times best-selling book Transcendence, Dr. Rosenthal recalls a comment from one of his colleagues. He had noticed a remarkable change in a patient who had been having light therapy for SAD for just one week: “I don’t know what treatment she is receiving, but she’s blooming like a rose!” A vivid metaphor for our need for light from the life-giving sun. Dr. Rosenthal’s other guide for readers who suffer from SAD is called Winter Blues. This book provides a self-test that readers can use to evaluate their own seasonal mood changes, presents remedies for SAD, research on the use of medication, and new recipes to counterbalance unhealthy winter food cravings. A cautionary caveat: if you or someone you know is seriously depressed, it is imperative to seek professional advice, as depression can be debilitating or even life-threatening. The good news? The incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder decreases with age. So for all you seniors out there, as we approach the holiday season, ‘tis truly the season for you to be jolly!

Helen Foster-Grimmett writes on issues of health, education, and stress management. These days you may find her outside travel agency windows, looking wistful. Article references available upon request.

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Interview with Victoria Business Woman

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2012

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• Wellness Check: Your 2013 Health Barometer • February Is Heart Health Month! Heart Health for Women 40+ • Sex After Menopause: Spice It Up! • Bioidentical Hormones: The Ultimate Guide • Hormone Restoration for Men

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