Ageless Living Issue 5

ISSUE 5 • June/July/Aug 2013

Banish Belly Fat –For Life!

Who Should You See for Your Injury?

Deb

Todd

Fitness & the Law

Progesterone vs Progestin:

Know Your Hormones

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Mittelstaedt, M. (2008). Low vitamin D levels linked to greater risk of heart attacks in men. Globe and Mail, June 10.

Gloth, F.M. 3rd, Alam, W., Hollis, B. (1999). Vitamin D vs broad spectrum phototherapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. J Nutr Health Aging, 3(1):5–7.

Zittermann, A. (2003). Vitamin D in preventive medicine: are we ignoring the evidence? Br J Nutr, May;89(5):552-72.

Heaney, R. (2008). Vitamin D in health and disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol, Sep;3(5):1535-41. doi: 10.2215/CJN.01160308. Epub 2008 Jun 4.

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In this issue

>>>

www.forbespharmacy.ca

10

Raising the Bar: Interview with Leading Family Law Lawyer Debb Todd A force to be reckoned with in the courtroom and the gym!

12

Five Road Signs on the Path to Maintaining Hormone Balance

By Julie Foreman, Bsc. Pharm, PCCA certified Has your road taken you by these warning signs?

14

Grumpy Old Man Syndrome

By Liberty Craig

16 Cäsar Jacobson: Miss Canada

17 Powerful Bum with a Side Order of Lateral Hip Muscles, Please!

By Ashleigh Gass Four weeks to a better bum!

18

Activities To Try This Summer Season

By Tracy Pheiffer From family activities to adrenaline-rushing fun!

20

Who Should You See for Your Injury?

By Dr Jamie L. Grimes, DC The correct treatment is the key to your recovery.

23

Progesterone vs. Progestin: What You Need to Know

By Michael Forbes, Bsc. Pharm, PCCA certified Don’t let these similar-sounding names fool you.

26

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

By Chef Marcel Pheiffer

27

Skin Cancer Alert! Signs and Symptoms www.cancer.ca

28

Cannabis: A Medical Miracle

By Alex Moore Nature’s medicine may be just the solution you’ve been looking for.

30

Enough Beating Around the Bush.

Let’s Talk About Your Vagina Interview with Chia Chia Sun A healthy new approach to vaginal dryness.

32

Banish Belly Fat: The Cortisol Connection

By Julie Foreman, Bsc. Pharm, PCCA certified Balance your hormones for bikini season!

34

A New “Secret Weapon” for Golfers

By Randi Segal Golfers are discovering how compression socks can improve their game and reduce recovery time.

36

How Your Food Affects Your Hormones

By Kristi Meredith Steak and eggs may be more than they’re cracked up to be!

37

Change your Body. Change Your Life. The Forbes’ Weight Loss System with Ideal Protein.

38

Ask an MD: Dr Neil Rockerbie What Is the Best Way to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

39

Ask A Pedorthist: Mark Henley What Is the Best Way to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

40

Vampire Skin Rejuvenation: PRP

By Dr Riaan Van der Wart Frequently asked questions about the blood-sucking beauty treatment.

42

Dentistry Has Quietly Joined the Digital World Interview with Dr Todd Jones

46

Milk Thistle: A Long List of Health Benefits

By Trish Leclair, RNT

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Published by True Space Media ™

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Editor

Liberty Craig

From the Publisher

COPY EDITOR

W

hat makes you feel good about yourself? I’m guessing it’s not feeling fat, lazy, and stuffing your face full of refined carbohydrates as you couch surf night after night! Am I right?

The way you look certainly isn’t everything. But make no mistake: the way you look on the outside is a reflection of the way you look and feel on the inside. Whether you are bogged down by hormone imbalances, eating emotionally, sorely lacking exercise, or just feeling kind of “out of whack,” it will be visible in your face, your skin, your physique and even the way you hold yourself. You will not have that bounce in your step. You will not feel sexy, or even sexual. You will wonder where your former self went, and mourn the likelihood of ever getting it back.

The funny thing is, it’s not as hard as you think. The articles and information in each issue of Ageless Living are designed to help you get on the right track to vitality, good health, and feeling fantastic – at any age. My team and I are also incredibly excited about the work we are doing at Ageless Me, our clinics where we put all this great information into practice. With bioidentical hormone treatment plans, diet and exercise counselling, aesthetic treatments and more, we help our patients rediscover their younger, happier, sexier selves. Every time a person walks out the door feeling better than they have in years, we rejoice. It’s possible, and we can show you how.

Join us at the Millstream Forbes Pharmacy (105-2349 Millstream Road) for our next “Ageless Me” workshop on Wednesday, June 12th, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The workshop will focus on the Forbes Weight Loss System with Ideal Protein. Call 250478-1600 today to book your spot. Or, if you can’t make it, you can book a free consultation by contacting us at idealprotein@forbespharmacy.ca or 250-704-8194.

Our team of specialists wants to help you look and feel better than you have in years!

Michael Forbes Certified in Hormone Restoration, B.Sc Pharm., PCCA Owner | Pharmacist Forbes Pharmacy www.forbespharmacy.com 250-882-3784

Contact info@truespacemedia.com with your questions and comments.

Dan Tidsbury

TypesEtting and Design Michelle Beaudry

Contributors Ashleigh Gass, Dr Jamie L. Grimes, Dr Jessica Chang, Julie Foreman, Kristi Meredith, Liberty Craig, Marcel Pheiffer, Mark Henley, Michael Forbes, Dr Neil Rockerbie, Randi Segal, Dr Riaan Van der Wart, Susan Pederson, Tracy Pheiffer

COVER CREDITS:

Photo by Kyle Robinson kylerobinsonphotography.com Makeup by Julie Sweeney

General Manager Brenda Worsfold

Human Resources Tracy Pheiffer

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

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

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

Ageless Living www.forbespharmacy.ca 8 |

| Issue 5

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

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FEET:

INTERVIEW "AGELESS ME" PHYSIWITH CIAN

DR KENNETH

SMITH

HEALTH, FIT NESS & MID LIFE BALAN CE

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From the Editor

W

hether we want to admit it or not, our lives our ruled, at least in part, by our hormones. Think back to the maelstrom of puberty. For women, consider monthly menstruation. Remember pregnancy, if you’ve gone down that bumpy hormonal road. And then there’s (da da da dum...) menopause. Not only are these hormonal episodes in our lives capable of massive, amazing change to our bodies, from shedding a uterine lining to creating a new life; they are also quite proficient at changing our energy levels, moods, and a variety of other factors as well. Do you know any grumpy old men, for example? Or (be honest!) are you a grumpy old man? Did you know that declining testosterone levels play an enormous role in your mood, especially after age 60?

This issue of Ageless Living is filled with feature articles on your hormones: why you need to understand them, how you can better control them, how you can ensure they have the positive effects they’re meant to have. For example, knowing the difference between the hormones progesterone and progestin can go a very long way in helping you through menopause feeling your best – without compromising your health in other areas.

Understanding how your diet affects your hormones is crucial. Identifying the road signs on the journey to hormone balance is not only amusing; it is greatly beneficial to your wellbeing. We’re also tackling vaginal dryness in menopause and the hormones responsible for belly fat. Hormones! They’re everywhere!

Our cover story this issue, Deb Todd, is an inspiring story of professional accomplishment, health, fitness and fortitude. At age 61, Deb maintains a rigorous workout schedule alongside her demanding legal career, and follows an exemplary diet with just a few “cheat” days thrown in to let us know that she is, in fact, human! Deb’s story is an inspiration to men and women of any age who are struggling to “do it all.”

On a personal note, my own hormonal roller coaster of late is the kind that has to do with pregnancy. I will be stepping away from my role as Editor for the time being, and would like to welcome talented writer and editor Christina Newberry in my place.

I’d also like to thank Michael Forbes and the Ageless Living crew for having me as part of this exciting team. And of course, thanks to all our readers who continue to support the endeavours of Ageless Living Magazine!

Liberty Craig, Editor Ageless Living Magazine

9 |

Ageless Living | Issue 5

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Ageless Living

Interview

“I’ve always understood the role that being fit and eating well plays in my overall well-being, but my understanding of what that means and how to accomplish it has changed over the years.”

Raising the bar

Interview with Leading Family Law Lawyer Deb Todd 10 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

“A good friend said to me recently: ‘the 50s are easy, just try looking good in your 60s!’” laughs Deb Todd, a well known and highly respected lawyer who has been practicing family law, wills and estate law in Victoria for 30 years. Deb has accomplished that coveted life sought after by women everywhere: she built a successful career while raising three children, and managed to maintain a healthy lifestyle on top of it all. Now, at age 61, Deb shares with Ageless Living some thoughts on how she made it all happen.

Life Lessons Learned On the Job

“My work as a family law lawyer and my own life experience has taught me the important role that being in a healthy relationship plays on your overall health and well being. I firmly believe that being in a dysfunctional relationship is damaging to your psychological and physical health. I’ve worked with literally thousands of people and helped them go through the process of separating from their partners. Although often devastated at first, I watch as they rebuild healthy and happy lives. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to know so many people and to be able to help them through this transition.”

The Trap of the Desk

“I’ve worked at a desk for 30 years practicing law. Although it’s a wonderful and challenging career and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, it requires sitting at a desk for long hours most days. I realized from the start that when I was not working, I needed to get moving and be careful to watch what I ate. I’ve always understood the role that being fit and eating well plays in my overall well-being, but my understanding of what that means and how to accomplish it has changed over the years. Now that I’m 61, the importance of health is increasingly evident.”

Variety: The Spice of Life and Exercise

go for a longer run or bike ride from home in the morning, and I swim in a lake during summer. I’m definitely a morning person and I find it’s best to get most of my fitness done first thing in the morning, because you never know what the day will bring and you may not be able to exercise after work.”

Making Adjustments Along the Way

“When I injure one part of my body, it usually means just focusing on a different sport until I’m healed. I’ve recently discovered barefoot shoes and that’s allowed me to run freely without hurting my back (with the minor exception of a recent bout with tendonitis).

I’ve learned that staying healthy is key and now I lift less weight and go shorter distances than I used to, just to ensure I don’t injure myself.”

Diet of a Fitness Buff

“I have been through many different dieting regimens over the years, including low-carb, high-protein diets. Since reading The China Study, my diet is now mostly vegan. I eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, and I make sure I get a lot of flax and other oils every day. I don’t smoke, drink alcohol or eat processed foods, and I avoid caffeine. I do, however, have one or two days a week when I can and do eat whatever I feel like, including meat, fish and desserts.”

The Best Advice

“The best advice I could give is to set up a daily routine for both exercise and diet that works for you, and stick to it. Hiring a personal trainer to get you started (if you can afford it) makes it much more fun. Alternatively, join classes at your gym or rec centre. You will learn how to exercise without hurting yourself and you will make great friends who will encourage you.”

“I started jogging and swimming, and in my mid-40s added weight training, bike riding and yoga. I was lucky enough to grow up on a lake so swimming came easily to me, but everything else I had to learn. As a child I was not particularly athletic. I had the help of a trainer for five years who worked with me six days a week and who taught me an enormous amount. Together we frequented the Y at Royal Roads and later Juan de Fuca Rec Centre. He trained me for triathlons, and although I only competed twice, I still do the training every day. The variety of the four sports (biking, swimming, running and weight lifting) has allowed me to keep going through numerous minor injuries along with the ongoing help of my chiropractor, Dr Jamie Grimes.”

Finding a Balance

Motivation and Moderation

Looking Back; Looking Forward

“I have gone through good times and bad, like anyone else, but staying fit and healthy definitely helps me maintain a positive attitude and lifts my self-esteem. Motivation comes easily for me.

As my trainer said, my problem isn’t motivation, it’s moderation.

I am motivated by the sense of well-being I get from staying fit, and I’m much happier if I stay on track. I am also motivated by the great friends I have made at all the gyms and recreation centres I’ve haunted over the past 15 years. My friends at these facilities have inspired me every day and we have had a lot of fun working out together. The gym has become an important part of my social life and I’d miss it terribly if I stopped going.

“On weekdays I usually get up at 4:45 a.m. and I’m at the rec centre by 5:30 to do weights and swim. I then try to go running, biking or walking when I get home from work. On weekends, I

“It is very hard to balance fitness, career and family. I didn’t really focus on fitness seriously until my late forties when my youngest child turned 16 and got her driver’s license, so I was no longer the chauffeur! Once I was free to arrange my schedule, I started going to the gym and exercising on a regular basis. That’s when I hired a trainer and worked with him almost every day for five years. It was a great way to learn how to exercise properly and it was a lot of fun. My trainer, Mike Maxwell, BHK, DC, was 18 when I met him. He went on to become a chiropractor as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I owe him a great deal for all he taught me.”

“So far, my lifestyle has paid off. At 61, I’m healthy, fit and happy.

I’ve survived two divorces, three children and menopause. I still don’t have grey hair (if I knew why I could make a fortune!) and except for a few wrinkles, I don’t look too bad. Going forward, I hope to continue the work that has been so inspiring and fulfilling to me, and maintain my fitness for many years to come. Hopefully I will be able to say to my friend in 10 years, ‘the 60s were easy, just try looking good in your 70s!’”

Deborah Todd has specialized in Family Law in Victoria for 23 years and has extensive experience in mediation, negotiation and litigation, including marriage, prenuptial agreements and divorce. She endeavours to achieve excellent results in the least possible time and at the least possible cost. www.deborahtoddlaw.com

Ageless Living

Hormones

Five Road Signs on the Path to Maintaining Hormone Balance

By Julie Foreman, B.Sc Pharm., PCCA Certified

W

hen planning a road trip, the first thing most travellers do is map out their adventures. How do we get from departure point to destination? What are the attractions we hope to encounter along the way, and how will we travel the road so we can best enjoy our experiences? The path to maintaining or achieving hormone balance is no different. With a bit of navigation, you can ensure that it’s punctuated by gently rolling hills instead of tightly wound with unexpected turns.

Our hormone-fuelled adventures begin at puberty and last several decades reaching menopause (for women) or andropause (for men). For most of us, our hormones are contemplated as infrequently as an unused map stored under the front car seat. To others, it may be a veritable hormonal rollercoaster ride in which they struggle to keep from screaming. Besides the classic menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and decreased sex drive, what are the road signs you can look for on your road to hormone balance?

Fluctuating or Irregular Periods Ahead

Changes in the balance between your estrogen and progesterone levels during times of stress or during peri-menopause can disrupt the regularity and flow of your menstrual cycle. Irregular, heavy or absent periods can signal deeper concerns with fertility, fibroids or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Navigation tips: Reduce stressors and increase relaxation activities like deep breathing, yoga or meditation to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. There are several contraceptive (i.e., hormonal birth control) and non-contraceptive (i.e., bio-identical progesterone) ways to regulate your menstrual cycle. Speak with your healthcare practitioner to find the best option for you.

Moodiness, Population 1

Depressed, irritable or angry mood swings can take a toll on your enjoyment of life and relationships. Fluctuations or imbalances in

12 |

estrogen, progesterone or testosterone levels during peri-menopause can precipitate sudden changes in moods. If you are feeling depressed or anxious most days of the month, speak with your physician about screening for depression. If you feel balanced most of the time but are feeling out of control the week before your period, you may be dealing with a “back seat driver.”

Navigation tips: Aim for seven to eight hours of restorative sleep every night. Try a B complex vitamin and evening primrose oil, which are commonly used to help balance moods and stress. Several homeopathic remedies plus 5-HTP can be useful for depressed or anxious mood swings. Restoration of estrogenprogesterone balance is essential. Speak with your healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplements.

Fatigue Zone: Slow to 30km/h

Is your battery drained? Are you “tired but wired?” There are many factors that contribute to fatigue: lack of restorative sleep, dehydration, low blood sugar, low thyroid hormone, low iron levels, low vitamin B12 levels, adrenal fatigue, stress and others.

Start by examining your lifestyle truthfully. Are you getting the nutrition and hydration your activity level requires? Is your sleep restful and unbroken? Are you exercising daily? Investigate with your physician or other healthcare provider to ensure that your body is balanced in hormones and essential elements.

Navigation tips: Sleep seven to eight hours every night and drink two to three litres of filtered water daily (or more if exercising). Decrease stressors and do relaxation activities daily. Maintain your blood sugar by eating protein every three to four hours.

STOP Unwanted Hair Loss or Hair Growth

It is normal to shed 50 to 100 scalp hairs daily. Rapid weight loss, hormonal changes due to pregnancy or stress, and imbalances in thyroid hormone, estrogen, testosterone or progesterone can all

Ageless Living | Issue 5

cause excessive unwanted hair loss. On the flip side, imbalances in testosterone levels due to PCOS and other hormonal imbalances can cause unwanted facial or body hair growth. Test for hormone imbalances and restore as needed.

Weight Loss – Expect Delays

Restorative, uninterrupted sleep for seven to eight hours nightly is important for proper metabolism and to prevent high cortisol levels. To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, eat small meals including healthy protein (lean meats, fish, legumes, lentils) every three to four hours. Reduce your risk of insulin resistance by reducing your intake of high-glycemic carbohydrates and high-fat foods and by increasing the fibre in your diet. Incorporate 30 minutes of cardio exercise into your routine five days per week. Add weight lifting and muscle building activities to increase your metabolism while you rest. Muscle tissue uses more calories at rest than fat tissue, and weight training is also a great way to maintain bone density.

Do any of these road signs look familiar to you? Sometimes we need to pass the same sign several times before we realize that we are going in circles. There are a multitude of lifestyle changes, vitamin and herbal supplements and hormone therapies that can help you achieve hormone balance and wellness. Ask your healthcare provider for more details, resources and an individual wellness plan to allow you to navigate your path with ease.

Navigation tips: Hormone testing and balancing should be a crucial part of your belly fat reduction plan. Adrenal supplements that lower high cortisol (holy basil, relora, rhodiola) and herbs that promote healthy estrogen metabolism (Indole-3-carbinol, di-indoylmethane) are key. Create a plan with your healthcare provider.

Julie Foreman is a compounding pharmacist with Forbes Pharmacy in Victoria, BC. www.forbespharmacy.com

Navigation tips: If you are planning to lose significant weight, do so with the advice and plan of a healthcare practitioner. Trace elements like biotin, selenium and a good quality multivitamin can assist with natural hair growth. Ensure that you are getting adequate protein in your diet and work on managing stress.

Physical hair removal, topical eflornithine cream and antiandrogens such as saw palmetto or spironolactone are common treatments for unwanted hair growth. Hormonal birth control, bio-identical progesterone, and maintenance of a healthy weight can help balance hormones in PCOS. Discuss prescription and supplemental options with your physician.

Disruption of many hormones can contribute to stubborn weight gain, often in the belly, hips and thighs. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, high cortisol and imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone or thyroid hormones can alter metabolism, food cravings and your ability to lose fat. An increase in abdominal fat can increase your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Excess fat tissue can cause unwanted conversion of testosterone to estrogen, resulting in further hormone imbalance.

13 |

Ageless Living | Issue 5

Ageless Living men’s Health

n a M d l O y p m Gru e m o r Synd

By Liberty Craig

14 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

W

e all know a few grumpy old men. Perhaps you’re mar- terone levels. But men, to honour a well established stereotype ried to one. Perhaps you are one. But before the pro- with strong roots in reality, also tend to have trouble discussing tests of “I’m not old!” come barreling in, consider this: their problems. With age and declining hormones may come the the age at which male grouchiness tends to settle in is 60. Hey feeling of lost masculinity. Add to that the massive transition from baby boomers, that means you! working life to retirement, the profound impact of end-of-life Now, before you wave your cane (just kidding) in my general contemplation, and our society’s emphasis on the value of youth, direction, hear me out. The reason men get grouchy at this (no and it’s no wonder many men find themselves a little morose. longer considered elderly) age is, you got it, hormones. AccordSo what’s the solution? Hormone replacement therapy to top ing to the Mayo Clinic, testosterup those testosterone levels? PsyTh e a g e at w h i c h m a l e one levels fall as men age, and the chotherapy to work through those biggest drop is at age 60. The male grouchiness tends to settle manly issues? “Talking it out” with hormone testosterone is responyour spouse or a friend? Taking on in is 6 0 . H ey baby boomers , sible for muscle growth, fat reducpart-time or volunteer work to feel that means you ! tion, energy and libido, and all of useful again? Sure, all of these apthese factors will change with testosterone decline. “However,” proaches can help. The best thing you can do is speak to a profesnotes New York urologist Dr Ridwan Shabsigh, who is also head sional who can help you find the kind of help you need. The worst of the International Society of Men’s Health, “it also has neural- thing you can do is sit on your front porch and shake your cane psycho effects. And in some men we encounter in our practice, at all those blasted noisy neighbourhood kids. (Just kidding.) It those affects can be mostly visible: low mood and irritability.” may be comforting to realize that most men experience a dip in “Patients with low testosterone tell me they feel less capable testosterone levels that can affect their mood, and a great many of concentration. They feel less capable of tolerating the nuances men also deal with the psychological transitions of age 60 and beof everyday life – from family, friends, colleagues and customers,” yond. Sure, your family might be avoiding you in all your grumpy says Dr Shabsigh. “Whatever you do, you get irritated sometimes. splendor, but the truth is, you’re not alone. There’s plenty of help The ability to tolerate or deal with it is reduced when testosterone available to you... if you’re willing to ask for it! is low.”

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists notes that at least 30 percent of men over the age of 75 have low testos- Liberty Craig is the Editor of Ageless Living Magazine.

www.ageless-me.com / info@ageless-me.com

I AM STILL IT JUST COMES IN FLASHES NOW!

250-590-5787

Ageless Living

interview

Cäsar Jacobson:

S

Miss Canada

porty, humanitarian, with an international upbringing: Miss Canada Globe 2012-2013 is a great deal more than the beautiful exterior that meets the eye. Cäsar Jacobson spoke with Ageless Living about her crowning experience, her diet and fitness regimens, and her thoughts on remaining positive.

Ageless Living (AL): Tell us about your international upbringing!

Cäsar: I lived in Austria until I was four years old, then lived in Norway before moving to Germany to complete university. I graduated university at an early age, and was 21 when I moved to Canada. My mother had already moved to Canada, so I had family waiting for me. Living in and visiting various countries has made me appreciate not just what we have here in Canada, but also that which other countries have to offer.

AL: What did it mean to you to be crowned Miss Canada Globe 2012-2013?

Cäsar: By the time I won the crown I was equally prepared to not win. I was involved in so many wonderful philanthropic endeavors, events, and public speaking opportunities along the way that the title itself no longer seemed as important. However, it was indeed a great accomplishment that took my entire five years of living in Canada, and the ability to be that voice for foreign peoples, young children and people in need really means a lot.

AL: As a pageant winner, you must know a great deal about the tricks of staying healthy and beautiful. What is your exercise regimen?

Cäsar: To become a titleholder takes consistent workouts, regulated diet plans, positive outlook, and day-to-day changes such as minor Callanetics workouts morning and night outside

of the regular workouts. I personally do Kondi Callanetics; she has a hybrid method of various workouts that I highly recommend. Online videos are provided through her website or you can attend her studio in Vancouver. Callanetics is important for targeting areas that need to be worked differently than the general routines provided for both genders.

AL: What does your day-to-day diet include?

Cäsar: Diets can be a funny thing. Everyone has a different blood type and we should try to adhere to what works best with that typology. People who are blood type O have a different set of characteristics than those who are type A or B. Our blood type is, in part, a contributor to personality, stress levels, and energy. People with blood type O should naturally work out a little more as these types need to release their energy to stabilize their mood, and find they’re more productive when doing so – I’ll attest to this. When it comes to diet, type Os should focus on lean organic meats, vegetables and fruits, and avoid wheat and dairy, which can be triggers for digestive and health issues. We should also avoid caffeine – which I don’t always do, but I work out often to offset the energy.

AL: How do you maintain your positive outlook in life?

Cäsar: The key to maintaining a positive outlook is a combination of diet, exercise and watching your negative/positive thoughts on a daily basis. I have always followed these seven tips that were once taught to me: 1. Do not wait for happiness 2. Clarify and prioritize 3. Be resilient 4. Self pep-talk 5. Laugh!

6. Seize the day 7. Be an optimist

16 || Ageless Living || Issue Issue 51 16

Ageless Living

Health

Powerful Bum

with a Side Order of Lateral Hip Muscles, Please!

By Ashleigh Gass

W

hile taking a ride to the beach this morning, I watched dozens of athletes complete the run portion of a race.

Many were wearing knee braces, bilaterally. If you are braced and running with knee pain, here’s a synopsis of the problem and the solution. Variations of this protocol have yet to fail!

We live in a quad-dominant, butt-less wonder society. Sitting, then sitting more, then going to the gym and doing more sitting and poor-quality lunging and squatting only creates more quad dominance, and more of a droopy butt.

As we sit and sit, do badly executed lunges and squats, then try to “run it all off,” tension around the knee builds. The ITB gets tight and ticked off, as do all the quad muscles. Many of you have never been taught how to recruit the glutes, hamstrings, lateral hip muscles, or groin in any of your lower body lifts. As you get older, your knees get worse, and your bum and hamstrings need their own underwear to not fall to your heels!

To clean all this up, you’ve got to reduce tension through the anterior chain (quads, psoas, etc) and ITB. Then, you’ve got to grow a butt! You need to grow some hamstrings, too, and pretty much grow the entire posterior chain. With new clients on the verge of knee replacements, this strategy has been successful in less than four weeks!

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.

17 |

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

Ageless Living | Issue 5

Ageless Living

Health

Activities To Try This Summer Season

By Tracy Pheiffer

A

s summer approaches, the time is now to plan your weekend and holiday activities for the season! Below are some great ideas to get you out and about in the spectacular natural environment that we are so lucky to be able to experience at a moment’s notice.

Car Camping

Looking to get out with the kids or friends? With no shortage of campgrounds within a short drive from your city, car camping is a great way to get outdoors and spend a night under the stars.

Camping is a popular get-away, so be sure to pick your campground and pre-book! Many independent campgrounds can be found by searching the internet and through specialty websites like gocampingbc.com.

Mountain Hiking

With more than 100 kilometres of mountain range between West Vancouver and Whistler, plus Vancouver Island’s beautiful mountain ranges, each day is a new adventure! You never know what wildlife you may encounter while admiring the changes in terrain and surrounded by raw, spectacular nature. Be sure to prepare 18 |

for all weather and know your route in advance. The internet is a wonderful resource for safety tips.

Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball at your favourite beach is a great way to spend a sunny weekend or even an evening after work. You just need a group of friends, a net and perhaps a barbecue and sunscreen!

Geocaching

This real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices is a fun exploration for treasure hunters of all ages and skills. Players attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden in a secret location. Once you find it, sign the guest book; then return the geocache to its original location. Geocaching sites offer a range of levels for treasure hunters from beginner to advanced. This fun outdoor activity can be done with little planning and offers a day of fun for families with children, plus more challenging hunts for the seasoned hobbyist.

Off-road Camping

Are you the adventurous type? Off-road camping provides soli-

Ageless Living | Issue 51

tude, adventure and a workout all in one! BC is world famous for its mountains and offers a plethora of options for spectacular scenery away from vehicle access. Just make sure you’re properly prepared and experienced.

activities in your own community. You could find yourself learning ballroom dancing, participating in water aerobics, or creating your own original artwork.

Boating in BC

With the weather turning, our lakes, ocean beaches, even rivers and streams become popular destination spots for families, couples and friends. Enjoy a picnic at your favourite spot and make a day of it! Please respect our environment and leave nothing behind but your footprints in the sand.

BC is surrounded by water and has many inland lakes, so what better way to get around them than by boat? In fact, we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world… if you ask us! A network of marinas and marine parks make getting ashore easy. If you don’t have your own boat you can rent from charter companies. Independent boating stores offer fishing boats, speedboats and even sea-doos, or you can take a guided cruise.

Cycling in BC

Cycling benefits our environment, and the health of its people and society at large. What more could you ask for? If you are lucky enough to live in this beautiful province, you have options for biking on bike trails to beaches, recreation centres, parks and more. If you seek a thrill, many ski resorts offer downhill mountain biking during the off season. Many also host races and special events for biking enthusiasts.

Recreation Centre Activities

Unsure what you want to do this weekend? Open up your local recreation centre program. Whether you want to stay out of the sun or avoid a rainy day outside, you will find a variety of fun

Swimming

Bear Tours

During the spring months, both black and grizzly bears emerge from hibernation to feed on new growth. This is a great time for observing these wondrous animals in their natural environment, going about their daily lives. In mid-summer, many bears move into timber clearings and feast on berries. There are a handful of tour companies that offer eco bear tours.

Zip Lining

For the thrill and excitement of an adrenalin rush, this is a popular choice! Zip lining is available across BC, allowing you to glide through majestic forests, mountain ranges, and over snow banks and water! Zip lining combines the thrill of flying with the security of being safely tucked into a harness. Some destinations offer zip lining year round. This thrill ride promises to get you laughing out loud with the whole family.

women & Financial health

T

imes have changed. In the 21st century, women are retiring differently than previous generations. Almost half of Canadian women over 65 are divorced or widowed and on average women live about six years longer than men, requiring women to be financially well-informed. It’s time to plan YOUR retirement!

Female earning Power

We’ve made great strides and broken glass ceilings, but there are still significant differences between men’s and women’s earnings.

You may also have taken a few years off to care for children. With lower lifetime earnings, many women have less savings.

a longer retirement

Women tend to retire younger and live longer than men. That means a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a longer retirement.

However, you must plan very carefully to ensure your wealth is available to you throughout your lifetime.

Plan For the Future

Women today are better prepared for retirement, better educated and more financially independent. Women are more likely to enlist the assistance of a financial advisor in planning their retirement – a strong step in the right direction.

1.855.405.2487

are you ready? meet our team and let us helP you!

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

Ageless Living

Health

Who Should You See

for Your Injury?

By Dr. Jamie L. Grimes, DC

?? ??

“I’m injured and in pain! Who should I see to fix it?” This is probably the most common question clients ask our office assistants.

It’s a really tough question for them to answer because there is so much overlap in methodologies and techniques between the different types of musculoskeletal practitioners. Chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, massage therapists and others are using a lot of the same techniques nowadays. To complicate matters further, there are many new and incredibly effective treatment modalities and technologies available that did not exist even 10 years ago. Without a background in pathology, years of clinical experience and an understanding of how the treatments work at a physiological level, it’s really hard for staff to give good answers.

One of the things you learn after 15 years of clinical practice is that no matter how good or how nice we are as practitioners, we still won’t achieve results for our patients if the correct treatments aren’t chosen. The treatment must address the actual source tissue that is causing the pain or dysfunction, and a problem will not stay resolved if the root cause of the tissue injury itself isn’t discovered and removed or prevented.

Step 1: Diagnosis

No matter what type of practitioner you see, we all have to diagnose the injury and determine what exact tissue types are dam-

aged or injured, and what types of injury they received. The more specific we can get about the tissue types injured, the more specific the treatment will be and the more specific the result will be. General diagnoses lead to general results, and nobody is ever satisfied with that. Understanding how and when the injury, dysfunction or cause of pain occurred is critical in choosing the best treatment at the time of exam.

Commonly injured tissues include sprained or torn ligaments, overstretched ligaments and joint capsules, restricted and shrunken ligaments and joint capsules, strained or torn tendons, degenerative tendons, muscle tears, fascia tears, scar tissue adhesions, compressed nerves, torn cartilage, avulsed bone fragments, bone fractures, bone enthesopathy (fibres pulling off their attachments to the bone membrane), herniated discs, degenerative cartilage (arthritis) and blood vessel entrapments.

Step 2: Choosing Treatment Type

When choosing a treatment type, we first need to determine whether the injury is acute or chronic. Acute injuries are either new or re-injured chronic injuries. They are generally inflamed, swollen, and red and often have a sharper or more intense pain.

With acute injuries, the body’s inflammatory repair system is very active. In this phase of healing, the goal is to allow a healthy

20 | Ageless Living | Issue 51

amount of inflammation, which is the body’s natural healing process, and control or limit excessive inflammation so that the body doesn’t over-produce scar tissues. Every tissue type responds to inflammation differently. Tissues with more circulation, like muscles, tend to get more inflamed than white tissues with less circulation, such as ligaments. The general treatment protocol and home care advice for acute injuries is RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate) to control inflammation, swelling and avoid worsening the injury further. More effective and specific treatments can be used once the practitioner determines the source tissues that are causing the pain.

Chronic injuries are older and have already gone through the body’s acute repair and healing process, yet something didn’t heal properly or the injury never quite finished healing. Sometimes the healing process goes wrong and creates a new problem or new pains. Chronic injuries are generally less inflamed and sometimes not inflamed at all. Treatment at this point can often be more aggressive without causing further damage or injury. The general goal is to remove the sources of the chronic pain or dysfunction, and re-stimulate healing where the body didn’t finish or where the initial healing went wrong. Many times our role is simply determining whether the client’s daily activities are keeping the injury sore, especially when the initial cause is not obvious.

Choosing a treatment type is the crucial decision that determines how successful and how fast the desired outcome of the therapy is going to be. Often, a single injury requires several treatment types because more than one tissue is injured. Since the body is a web of intertwined connective tissues, it is very rare that we don’t damage or cause pain to an adjacent tissue. For example, in patients suffering a bone fracture, it’s likely they’ve also injured muscles or ligaments. Below is a list of treatment types that have been both clinically and research proven, time and experience confirmed, and are known to have high success rates when used for the right tissue and injury types. It’s impossible to include all therapies within this article; however, when performed by a licensed and experienced professional, these are some of the most effective therapies available today.

Treatment Types for Pain and Injury Active Release Techniques (ART) • Releases shortened, tight, scarred muscles • Releases peripheral nerve entrapments • Breaks adhesions and scar tissues in ligaments, fascia, joint capsules and nerves • Releases trigger points and muscle knots • Releases compressed arteries and veins Shockwave Therapy • Regenerates the bone at its attachments (enthesopathy) with tendons, ligaments and joint capsules • Regenerates tendons and nerves • Regenerates bone injuries (shin splints, stress fractures, enthesopathy) • Turns off muscle knots/trigger points • Blocks pain pathways in neuromas, ganglions and arthritis • Releases Dupytrens contractures • Releases scar tissue adhesions 21 |

• Increases blood vessel growth in tendons, bone, ligament and joint capsules • Assists in scar tissue breakdown Spinal Mobilizations, Manipulations & Manual Therapy • Breaks scar tissue adhesions in joint capsules, fascia and ligaments • Removes pressure from compressed nerves and cartilage • Restores normal joint biomechanics • Restores lost joint motion • Temporarily releases reactive muscle spasms and muscle guarding Ultrasound • Excellent for healing tendons and muscles (acute and chronic) • Stimulates desired type 1 collagen during acute injury repair • Assists in the removal of undesired scar tissues • Increases circulation to speed healing Prolotherapy • Stabilizes loose or hyper-mobile joints • Reduces excessive joint motion • Shortens and tightens elongated ligaments, fascia and joint capsules • Thickens and strengthens weakened tendons, fascia, ligament and joint capsules Microcurrent • Stimulates healthy collagen production • Reduces swelling, inflammation and pain • Excellent for ligament sprains • Mildly assists in bone repair Spinal Decompression or Traction • Reduces pressure on spinal nerves from disc bulges or herniation • Reduces size of disc bulges or herniation • Reduces compression on painful degenerative joints, inflamed joints and cartilage • Stretches and elongates shortened and scarred joint capsules and ligaments Traumeel Injections • Natural anti-inflammatory stimulates healing in chronically injured ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage, muscles, fascia and tendons • Reaches hard to get to tissues like inside joints • Triggers healing responses in low circulation, slow healing tissues Graston Technique • Breaks and removes large restrictive scar tissues from muscle tears • Excellent for thinning and smoothing out painful, thickened tendons (i.e., Achilles, rotator cuff tendons) • Restores normal flexibility to shortened ligaments, tendons, fascia and joint capsules • Releases fascia restrictions and adhesions

Ageless Living | Issue 5

Ageless Living

Health

Acupuncture • Increases circulation • Restores blocked “Chi” energy (Chinese Medicine) to diseased or damaged tissues • Reduces and often blocks nerve pain signals • Reduces muscle spasm • Stimulates organ functions • Stimulates endorphin release (natural pain killers) Interferential Current • Improves circulation • Releases endorphins for pain killing • Reduces muscles spasms • Stimulates muscle recruitment in weakened or inhibited muscles • Assists in rebuilding muscle strength Neural Mobilizations • Lengthens shortened and stiffened nerves • Mobilizes restricted nerves pinched by tight muscles • Releases adhesions and scar tissues attached to nerves • Moves compressed nerves away from disc bulges and bone spurs

Prescription Orthotics • Restores foot, knee, hip and pelvic alignment • Reduces fatigue on foot, calf, knee, hip and lower back muscles • Creates joint movement efficiency • Releases pressure on neuromas, spurs and pain points • Reduces cartilage wear and tear, preventing arthritis

For more details about how these and other treatments work, or to find out if they can help your own pain or injury, please visit the services page on our website at www.synergyhealthmanagement.com, email us your questions at info@ synergyhealthmanagement.com, or book a pain and injury evaluation at 250-2723737 Ext 2.

Dr Jamie Grimes, DC, is an experienced Chiropractor with a primary focus on soft tissue injury repair and recovery. In addition to 15 years experience practicing in Victoria, Dr. Grimes has also worked internationally at several Olympics, World Championships, European Championships, National Championships and World Cups in track and field, beach volleyball, cycling and triathlon, and has worked with professional athletes in the Ultimate Fighting Championships, NHL, Major League

For all your insurance needs please call

250.388.5555

830 Pandora Avenue, Victoria BC V8W 1P4 Tel: 250.388.5555 / Fax: 250.388.5959 www.hsminsurance.com 22 |

Ageless Living | Issue 51

Ageless Living

health

Progesterone vs. Progestin:

What You Need to Know

By Michael Forbes, B.Sc Pharm., PCCA Certified

A

s a practicing pharmacist and founder of Ageless Me, it is important to let people know that the progestins regularly prescribed for hormone replacement or fertility reasons are not the same as progesterone. They are often assumed to be interchangeable, but in fact they have very different effects on the body. From birth control to treating hot flashes, progestins, although useful in some cases, can cause side effects. Progesterone, on the other hand, is a natural hormone produced by the body that can have the opposite effect of progestins.

The most powerful difference that I tell patients is that one causes death and one causes life. Let me explain. When a pregnant woman is given high doses of progestins (the morning after pill), it can disrupt the lining of the uterus and cause the lining to shed to prevent pregnancy. If progesterone is given to a woman, fertility is enhanced and a pregnancy is more likely to be carried to term. When it comes to sleep, there are similarly opposing differences. Progestins can cause depression, anxiety and insomnia, whereas progesterone has sedative properties and causes relaxation.

Whether you’re interested in hormone replacement therapy or another form of hormone treatment, it is essential that you are aware of the marked differences between progesterone and progestins (or MPA). Progesterone is naturally produced by your body and is the gentler, healthier option. They may sound similar, but their effects on your body are worlds apart!

Michael Forbes is the owner of Forbes Pharmacies and Ageless Me. As a pharmacist for more than ten years, Michael developed a passionate interest in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy after witnessing first-hand the overwhelmingly positive effects countless patients experienced. Contact Michael at www.forbespharmacy.ca or visit www.agelessme.com to learn more about living well at any age.

Natural progesterone is also beneficial for healthy cholesterol levels and liver function, whereas Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA), or progestin, has a negative effect on both. Progesterone has antihypertensive action and can be used to treat preeclampsia, whereas MPA may cause fluid retention and edema. MPA increases the incidence of heart disease and stroke, and diminishes the cardio-protective effects of estrogens. Natural progesterone, meanwhile, enhances the beneficial effects of estrogen on exercise-induced myocardial ischemia (an imbalance between myocardial supply and demand) in postmenopausal women. MPA negatively affects glucose tolerance, while natural progesterone augments the pancreatic response to glucose and increases the healthy release of insulin. MPA negatively affects bone health; natural progesterone has positive effects on bone health. You get the picture: wherever MPA, or progestins, have a negative effect on the body, natural progesterone seems to have a positive effect.

Natural progesterone has proven extremely beneficial in the treatment of menopause symptoms – especially in comparison to MPA. In a recent study by pharmaceutical group Custom Medicine, women using natural progesterone in hormone replacement therapy were compared with those using an MPA-containing program. The natural progesterone group experienced significant improvement in symptoms, and 80 percent of participants reported overall satisfaction.

23 |

Ageless Living | Issue 5

Love your home

KETTLECREEKSTATION.COM 24 |

Ageless Living | Issue 1

Love your

Marketing by Turner Lane Real Estate Services, Inc.

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Ageless Living

Recipe

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

By Chef Marcel Pheiffer Design by Desire Food Service www.designbydesirecatering.com

Makes: 6 servings Prep: 15 mins

2 oz thinly sliced red onion 2 oz fresh strawberries 2 oz sliced almonds 1 small red or yellow pepper, thinly sliced

Poppy Seed Dressing 6 oz low fat Miracle Whip salad dressing 2 fl oz 1% milk 2 oz honey 45 ml white wine vinegar 45 ml poppy seeds 5 ml dry mustard

Directions Place Miracle Whip in bowl, add in remaining ingredients, and mix until completely smooth. Set aside in container. Place spinach in large bowl. Start with fresh sliced strawberries, then place sliced onions and almonds on top and drizzle poppy seed dressing over top. Serve.

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing 32 oz baby spinach

Serving Suggestions: Add grilled boneless, skinless chicken, hot or cold; chilled fresh shrimp or grilled salmon.

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Ageless Living | Issue 51

Ageless Living

Cancer

Skin Cancer Alert!

Signs and Symptoms www.cancer.ca

Did You Miss A Spot?

People often forget these areas when applying sunscreen: Tops of feet, tops of ears, backs of hands, back of neck, chest, scalp/hairline

A

s summer approaches, the risks of skin cancer increase. The Canadian Cancer Society reminds us how to determine our own risk levels, and what to look for to detect any issues as early as possible.

What to watch for: • Any change in a birthmark • A mole that changes shape, colour, size or surface • Any new growth on your skin • Any sore that doesn’t heal

• An area of skin that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches or is red and bumpy

Excerpted from the Canadian Cancer Society’s “Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer.” www.cancer.ca

Who’s At Risk?

Who’s at risk of developing skin cancer?

Everyone under the sun! Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and whether your skin is fair, medium or dark, you’re at risk. UV rays from the sun can damage anyone’s skin over time, but skin cancer can be prevented.

Do you…

• Have light-coloured skin, eyes and hair?

• Work, play or exercise in the sun for long periods of time?

• Have a history of sunburns in childhood?

• Take drugs that make you extra sensitive to UV rays?

• Use tanning beds or sunlamps?

If so, your risk of skin cancer is higher than the average person’s risk.

Check Your Skin!

If found early enough, most skin cancers can be cured. Checking your skin regularly is your best defence against skin cancer. Have someone else check places that are hard for you to see, such as your back and the back of your neck, ears and legs. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.

Your age.

Your secret.

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Your secret’s safe at the Baker Rejuvenation Centre. Schedule your confidential consultation today.

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BAKERREJUVENATION.COM 302-1625 OAK BAY AVENUE PH 250.382.0392

Ageless Living

Health

Cannabis: A Medical Miracle

By Alex Moore

M

edical marijuana is an effective natural treatment with deep roots in historical medicine. Its therapeutic use can be traced back through many centuries, and this natural substance was readily used by physicians throughout Western and Eastern medicine until the early twentieth century.

Renowned for its antiemetic, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory and appetite-stimulating properties, medical marijuana is supported by an increasing body of clinical research as a viable alternative to certain pharmaceutical options. In 2001, it was approved by Health Canada for the treatment of arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, depression, end-of-life care, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea and spinal cord injury/disease.

Most pharmaceutical drugs are derived from natural sources.

Penicillin, for example, is a fungus used to kill bacteria. Botox is a natural poison used by millions of people worldwide for cosmetic use, migraines, cerebral palsy, muscle spasms, overactive bladder, and hyperhidrosis. In many instances, Western medicines complement natural approaches to wellbeing. Unlike the pharmaceutical options for treatment, however, medical marijuana is

an effective and safe form of treatment and does not come with the long list of dangerous, sometimes life-threatening side effects that accompany many traditional medications.

Unfortunately, the widespread negative effects of recreational use of marijuana often form the basis of public perception regarding the medical administration of this natural resource. It is important to understand, however, that illegal forms of marijuana are completely unregulated in their production and distribution and often contain higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the component that makes you “high”) content strains. Medicinal strains of marijuana, on the other hand, are closely regulated and developed to reduce the THC content while alleviating specific, targeted symptoms.

In 2001, Health Canada developed its MMAR program in response to the overwhelming evidence that medical marijuana is a viable form of treatment for certain conditions and symptoms, if administered under the supervision of a medical doctor.

The growing popularity of the program speaks to the increasing awareness amongst the medical community of this alternative form of treatment. However, the program’s accessibility to legal

28 || Ageless Living || Issue Issue 51 28

treatment of medical marijuana is still extremely limited, and patients who are interested in pursuing this form of treatment are often worried about speaking to their medical provider for fear of moral judgment.

The concern is not unfounded. Physicians and medical specialists regularly refuse access to this form of treatment, largely due to a lack of knowledge regarding the body of medical research and skepticism with regard to the MMAR system itself and the possibility that access will lead to system abuse. Unfortunately, however, the medical community is not fully aware of the substantial difference between the low risk of medical marijuana abuse and the rampant misuse of commonly administered pharmaceuticals (with dangerous side effects and substantial risk of overdose), such as Hydromorph, Tylenol 3, and morphine.

In addition, the administrative hurdles that a prospective patient must overcome are extensive: multiple, detailed medical forms; long processing times (eight to 10 weeks), and the possibility of having the application denied due to a form’s error or incompletion. Health Canada is currently reviewing its problematic application process, but as it stands, the barriers to access are substantial enough that many patients who would qualify for this safe, natural and effective form of treatment decide it’s not worth the hassle. Once licensed, however, a patient can obtain permission to grow nature’s medicine and save a substantial amount of money in comparison to the ongoing, steep costs of pharmaceutical treatments – not to mention the immense satisfaction of using safe and effective medical resources grown in the backyard!

There is an online community committed to cultivating

awareness of the benefits of medical marijuana, easing the administrative complications surrounding Health Canada’s MMAR application process, and empowering our community to live a good life, naturally. It is called Simetra. The medical physicians and specialists with Simetra.ca are members of the International Cannabinoid Research Society and the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, and are dedicated to providing access to individuals whose family doctor may not be receptive to this form of treatment.

We advise all interested patients to speak first with their primary health care provider to learn more about this form of treatment, but also offer an approachable, friendly and knowledgeable alternative to individuals who are curious as to whether they would qualify for Health Canada’s MMAR program and need assistance to gain access to a licence. We provide online consultation with a medical doctor, online fillable and editable forms, and guaranteed form assessment and submission, as well as access to our growing consultant, a State Certified Cultivator of Medical Marijuana and State Certified in Bud Tending.

Growing medicine yourself is empowering. Finding a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals can be life-changing. Nature’s medicine may be just the solution you’ve been looking for.

Simetra Medical LTD is Canada’s leading online medical marijuana access Program.

Simetra aims to re-introduce nature’s finest medicine to those who need it most: our patients. We provide comprehensive assistance through Health Canada’s complex Medical Marijuana Access Regulations (MMAR), guaranteed application assessment to avoid resubmission or denial and convenient online doctor consultations, accessible anywhere across Canada. www.simetra.ca or 778.410.5144.

WE CAN HELP

www.ageless-me.com / 250-590-5787 / 1-888-271-9209

Ageless Living

Interview

Enough Beating Around the Bush.

Let’s Talk About Your Vagina

Interview with

Chia Chia Sun “Enough beating around the bush; let’s talk about your vagina.”

“Get ready to feel like a teenager again – but with better judgement.” “Drier than a British comedy? Honey, you are not alone.”

These are the hilarious captions that blare across the top of the Mae by Damiva website, where vaginal dryness is no longer a humourless secret. Ageless Living spoke with Mae creator Chia Chia Sun about her experience on Dragon’s Den and her quest to help menopausal women everywhere.

Mae has only six ingredients, all of which are rated low-hazard (0 or 1) by the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetics database. Mae is also hormone-free and can be used by women who are on hormonal regimens. Women across Canada have called me to tell me that Mae has provided relief for them, after years of enduring the discomfort of vaginal dryness and after trying many different products. A common phrase I hear is: “Sex was like knives.”

Ageless Living (AL): What led you to create a new vaginal lubricant product?

AL: How did your Dragon’s Den experience solidify your belief in your product?

Chia Chia Sun: As a scientist and pharmaceutical executive, I was researching the vaginal dryness associated with chemotherapy and, much to my surprise, discovered that 85 percent of postmenopausal women have vaginal dryness symptoms and 40 percent have pain with intercourse. I’m a peri-menopausal woman with three graduate degrees, and I still had no idea! These high numbers were astounding to me and made me realize that most women likely suffer these symptoms in silence. I started speaking to menopausal women, realized what a taboo topic vaginal dryness is, and wanted to do something about it. I started researching available drugs and products and could not find an all-natural lubricant suitable for long-term use. I was determined to formulate a lubricant with unique qualities.

Chia Chia Sun: It was an important validation by the most senior Dragons of the great demand and need for the product.

Three of them – including Kevin O’Leary, the most skeptical – acknowledged the significant issue and the lack of solutions. As you can imagine, it was nerve-wracking to go on national television and talk about vaginal dryness! But after the show aired, although CBC highlighted some of the humour, it was clear that the important messages about the product and the need came through.

Mae is now in more than 70 stores in Canada, and adding more each day.

AL: What makes Mae by Damiva different from other products out there?

Chia Chia Sun: Our goal was to make sensitive topics real and cheeky, while respecting the issues we all face as women as we age. We want to talk about these issues openly, not broach them with euphemisms or mask them with “cosmetic” solutions. With Mae and other Damiva products, we hope to create a new product category that will satisfy women’s health needs as we age. Mature women are a major part of our society; dealing with our problems and empowering us to have healthy lives will benefit everyone.

Chia Chia Sun: There is no formulation like Mae worldwide.

Mae contains no water or alcohol, both of which dehydrate the mucous membrane over the long-term. Instead, Mae has emollient butters. Similarly, we use vitamin E instead of chemical preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Each ovule is also sealed air-tight in a plastic suppository to prevent degradation. The emollient butters provide a silky lubrication. Mae is optimized to a pH of 3.7. When the vaginal pH increases, the risk of bacterial vaginosis increases.

30 |

AL: Your marketing approach is funny and direct. Tell us about your messaging.

Learn more about Mae by Damiva at www.bydamiva.com.

Ageless Living | Issue 5

CELEBRATE

REMEMBER

FIGHT BACK

Date: Saturday, June 15 –16 Location: Westhills Stadium at City Centre Park Time: 6 pm to 6 am YOUR PARTICIPATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It is an opportunity to get together with family and friends and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back in the hope of finding a cure for this terrible disease.

Relay For Life is fun, fulfilling, and your participation gives strength to our mission to eradicate cancer. Walk with us in this inspirational 12 to 24 hour event as we come together and fight to make cancer history. There will be laughter and fun, joy and sorrow but mostly, conviction that cancer can be kicked out of our lives and communities —if we act together.

To register a TEAM or participate as a SURVIVOR please contact us at victoriawestshorerelay@bc.cancer.ca

relayforlife.ca

Ageless Living

Health

Banish Belly Fat:

The Cortisol Connection

By Julie Foreman, B.Sc Pharm., PCCA Certified

L

ove it or loathe it, bathing suit season is upon us. Despite the known health risks of excess abdominal fat, it’s usually body image that motivates us to revisit this topic every summer. Do you have a bikini body goal? Are you following a healthy diet and exercise program, yet still battling the bulge? You may be missing a sneaky piece of the puzzle: the cortisol connection.

Weight gain around your middle (think apple versus pear body shape) and internally around your organs (dreaded visceral fat) can increase your risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Fat tissue can increase insulin resistance and can convert testosterone to estrogen, causing hormonal imbalances. Metabolism and fat storage are both governed by many hormones. An imbalance in cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, tes32 |

tosterone, DHEA, insulin, thyroid and other hormones can increase the storage of calories as fat instead of delivering them to muscles for fuel. It’s time to stop your energy from being smuggled into your fat cells!

Cortisol Control Cortisol is an important hormone that is produced by your adrenal glands. Cortisol’s main roles in your body include metabolism, correction of low blood sugar, and the fight or flight response during stress. Cortisol is also an anti-inflammatory. What happens when stressors such as lack of restful sleep, low blood sugar, physical or emotional trauma, or financial, professional or social pressures are constantly bombarding you? Sounds simple

Ageless Living | Issue 5

– your body increases cortisol output to deal with the offending stress. This is a life-saving biological response if your stress involves occasionally running from a hungry sabre tooth tiger as in “caveman days.” In our not-so-simple, fast-paced, plugged-in, nodowntime lives, our continually elevated cortisol levels can wreak havoc on our body compositions and circadian rhythms.

How do you find out what your cortisol level is? Your healthcare provider can arrange saliva testing or 24 hour urine testing with a reputable lab. Blood tests for cortisol allow for a large range of “normal” and are more useful for diagnosing seriously low or high levels of cortisol (i.e., Addison’s or Cushing’s conditions).

Ideally, your lab work will measure your cortisol at several points throughout the day so that you can see whether your cortisol is following a natural pattern. Normal cortisol is highest in the morning and tapers slowly towards evening, allowing the hormone melatonin to initiate your sleep cycle. Balanced treatment for chronically high cortisol includes both lifestyle and supplemental therapies. For more detailed information, check out two excellent resources: Adrenal Fatigue by Dr. James Wilson and The Cortisol Connection by Shawn Talbot.

Balance Cortisol, Banish Fat The following quick tips will help you balance your cortisol levels and take charge of stubborn belly fat: • Get 7-8 hours of restorative sleep every night. This is key.

Lack of sleep has a big impact on stress, increased cortisol production and your metabolism.

• Control your blood sugar. Eat healthy, hormone-free protein every three to four hours (lean meat, fresh fish, legumes, lentils, nuts). Look up the glycemic index for carbs and stick with low glycemic (increases blood sugar slowly) and high fibre choices.

• Increase your monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and decrease your animal fat intake. Olives, avocados, nuts, flax and sunflower oils are all examples of tasty MUFAs. • Fall in love with tall, dark and leafy! Lower fruit intake and go for vegetables with naturally intense colours, especially dark green. Food as medicine is the best way to get your trace elements and antioxidants (including vitamins A, C, E, selenium and others).

• Watch your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine will further stimulate your adrenal glands, thereby raising your cortisol.

Green tea, matcha tea, or one to two cups of coffee daily are okay.

• Enjoy your exercise. Challenge yourself with exercising at least 5 days per week. Exercise is a great stress reliever and building muscle has benefits for bones, fat loss and metabolism. Find the right program for your body that includes cardio and strength training. Walking counts! If you have access to a personal trainer, create a plan to achieve your belly fat busting goals.

• Cultivate a reduced stress environment. Avoiding physical space clutter, unhealthy relationships and environmental toxins like pesticides, parabens, BPA and heavy metals is wonderful for stress prevention.

• Practice relaxation every day. Everyone needs downtime away from responsibilities and electronic devices. This can be any practice that allows you to feel restful and to breathe 33 |

deeply. Reading, gardening, yoga, meditation, a hot bath or sauna session are just a few ideas for relaxation activities.

Bonus points if you avoid judging your relaxation activity and simply enjoy it! Supplement for preventative health.

Basic adrenal support for stress includes B complex 100mg, vitamin C 1000mg and magnesium citrate 300mg taken daily. Create a wellness plan with your healthcare provider if your lab work shows high cortisol or if you are experiencing constant sugar cravings. There are several herbs known as adaptogens that assist with lowering cortisol, balancing blood sugar and supporting the adrenal glands. Holy basil, relora, rhodiola, ashwagandha, ginseng and schisandra are examples of adaptogens. Consult a physician, naturopathic physician or other healthcare provider before considering an adaptogen supplement.

For women, concerns about body image can be one of our biggest and most constant emotional stressors. Love the belly you have and don’t forget that it’s not about sporting a six pack, but about being mindful of stress and how it impacts your health.

I hope to see you this summer enjoying some relaxation at the beach!

Julie Foreman is a compounding pharmacist with Forbes Pharmacy in Victoria, BC. www.forbespharmacy.com

Ageless Living | Issue 5

ADVERTORIAL

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By Randi Segal

C

ompression socks, long associated with the treatment of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis, are now becoming mainstream in the world of golf. Many golf professionals such as Brittany Lincicome and George Howard are now using compression socks to boost their performance and decrease recovery time.

The science is simple. Graduated compression socks increase circulation. This brings more oxygen to the working muscles, flushes out lactic acid, which is responsible for that heavy, fatigued feeling, and reduces swelling and pain in the lower legs.

Golfers who wear compression socks have noted that their legs feel more energized and experience less swelling and leg pain.

They are, therefore, able to concentrate more on their game, giving them a mental edge. Studies also show that by flushing out lactic acid from the calf muscles, golfers will experience a faster recovery time, allowing them to get out on the course sooner with decreased muscle soreness and increased comfort during play.

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Ageless Living

Health

How Your Food

Affects Your Hormones

By Kristi Meredith

H

ow does food affect your hormones? We’ve all heard it said: “Eat what you want now, kid; your metabolism won’t be the same in 20 years.” But how much of that weight gain is due to generic growth and metabolism, and how much is due to hormonal changes and food choices?

Fact: A person’s metabolism is higher earlier in life. How many calories are burned to grow bones, not to mention the rest of your body? A lot! Once the body has stopped growing, significantly fewer calories are needed to support your daily lifestyle.

Adapting to this change can cause weight gain while caloric balance is achieved; however, weight gain can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Hormones for Dinner Enough about metabolism; let’s talk hormones. The three main sex hormones in the body are estrogen and progesterone (predominantly female) and testosterone (predominantly male).

Does food affect hormones? Absolutely! But the real question is how food affects hormones – and how we can manage the effects of this.

Menopause is the most well known hormonal change in women. Fluctuation in hormones can cause a variety of transformations, including weight gain. As a woman’s body enters perimenopause, her estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels drop. Estrogen is produced by fat cells, and when hormone levels drop, the body adapts by increasing the amount of fat cells in the body. The result: weight gain! Testosterone, in both male and female bodies, is involved in muscle cell production. As testosterone levels drop, muscle mass drops and subsequently, metabolism decreases. The result: more weight gain!

As menopause is natural, unfortunately so are the effects of hormone depletion. However, awareness of your body’s decreased metabolism and propensity to produce additional fat cells gives you an advantage. Now ladies, if you have that overwhelming urge to consume foods high in estrogen or phytoestrogens, please don’t! Increasing estrogen can cause already decreased levels of testosterone to become inactive, effectively decreasing 36 |

your metabolism even more. Be proactive! Avoid refined sugars, processed foods, foods high in fat (especially saturated fat), and adopt an active lifestyle. Kick weight gain in the butt!

Hormones for the Bedroom Do you want to be a superhuman in bed? Now that I have the attention of all the men out there, let’s talk about testosterone. Fact: the more testosterone you have flowing through your body, the higher your libido. However, food can significantly affect testosterone, both decreasing and increasing levels. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived xenoestrogens that function as the primary female sex hormone, estrogen. Phytoestrogens are not produced within the body, but are consumed. The consumption of phytoestrogens causes testosterone to become inert. Libido plummets! Some common sources of phytoestrogens to avoid include soy, soymilk, licorice, turmeric, thyme, oregano, bloodroot, and hops. Hops?

Sorry guys, beer itself lowers testosterone in men.

Now that you know what foods to avoid, I’m sure you’re dying to know how you can increase your testosterone levels through diet. Testosterone is derived from cholesterol, which is produced at night. A small dose of cholesterol before bed, and you will be your nineteen-year-old self the next day! Tip: instead of eating eggs for breakfast, make an omelet for that midnight snack.

Your food intake has a definite impact on your hormones.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet is the best way to avoid unwanted hormonal changes in the body. Avoid foods high in phytoestrogens, refined sugar, and saturated fats. And boys, midnight might just be your favourite time for a little steak and eggs… ladies, watch out!

Kristi Meredith is an aspiring dietitian with a special interest in sports nutrition and Type 1 juvenile diabetes. After being diagnosed with celiac disease and lactose intolerance herself, plus caring for diabetic children, Kristi’s passion for nutrition evolved even further. Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Kristi is also a recreational triathlete. She hopes to share her knowledge and appreciation of health, diet and fitness with others.

Ageless Living | Issue 5

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FEATURE

Ask an MD

What Is the Best Way to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Ask an MD: Dr Neil Rockerbie

P

lantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain. The plantar fascia is connective tissue that runs from the heel of the foot to the forefoot. Pain is most commonly referred to the heel or arch of the foot and may radiate towards the toes.

Pain is typically worse with the first few steps in the morning after arising from bed. There is no one cause of plantar fasciitis, although some predisposing factors may include increased body mass index, high arched feet and long periods of weight bearing.

The condition tends to be difficult to treat, lasting from month to years, and is prone to recur.

General treatment of plantar fasciitis includes avoidance of excessive weight bearing activity, icing the affected region and stretching exercises. Footwear with good arch support or insertion of insoles with arch supports can give some pain relief.

Custom-made orthotic inserts may offer some pain relief, although there is debate as to whether long-term use of orthotic inserts will prevent further episodes of plantar fasciitis. External shockwave therapy has been used to treat plantar fasciitis and is offered by some health care professionals. This tends to be an expensive treatment and its effectiveness is not well supported by clinical studies. Medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, 38 |

anti-inflammatory medication, and topical anti-inflammatory ointments may offer some short-term pain relief, but have little long-term benefit. Using a night splint foot orthotic can help as it stretches the plantar fascia; however, the splint can be uncomfortable to wear and needs to be used for a number of months. Corticosteroid injection to the inflamed plantar fascia can also help resolve the condition, but it can be painful to perform and often needs to be repeated. Injections carry a small risk of rupture of the fascia and should be performed by an experienced physician.

In general, plantar fasciitis can be painful and temporarily disabling, but does not usually result in any long-term degenerative changes to the feet. There is no single proven successful treatment modality. I recommend footwear with supportive arches, stretching exercises, and limitation of aggravating weight-bearing activities. For persistent cases, I recommend a night splint and corticosteroid injection. I would also advise that recurrence of the condition is common.

Dr Neil Rockerbie, MD, is a family physician with the Westwind Medical Clinic in Victoria, BC. Contact 250-478-1764.

Ageless Living | Issue 5

Ask a PEDORTHIST

What Is the Best Way to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Ask a Pedorthist: Mark Henley

P

lantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the fascia tissue around the heel of the foot and sometimes into the arch.

Symptoms can include pain on the inside bottom of the heel; arch or heel pain that tends to be worse with the first few steps after rest or long periods of standing; or pain in the heel after or during exercise. It is one of the most common foot problems seen by Canadian Certified Pedorthists each year. The condition can result from a variety of issues, including poor foot mechanics, improper footwear and changes in physical activity that overload the plantar fascia. There are a number of methods used to treat plantar fasciitis, all with varying success rates depending on the individual. The three recommendations I generally make are: 1. Stretching: Stretching is very important and can go a long way in reducing symptoms. Draw the alphabet with your foot; rub the base of your foot along a tennis ball or water bottle; and massage the tissue at the source of pain. The goal is to increase blood flow to the foot and stretch the arch.

2. Footwear: A properly fitting, well built shoe is necessary.

Look for a strong heel counter to hold in and support the

39 |

heel and ankle, good cushioning, limited flexibility and the right level of motion control for your gait.

3. Foot Orthoses: Whether over-the-counter or custom made, orthotics can be most effective in treating plantar fasciitis and preventing reoccurrence. An orthoses will take pressure off the heel, support the arch and provide cushioning under the area of irritation.

Remember that everyone heals at a different rate. How long you’ve had plantar fasciitis and how diligent you are with treatment will impact your recovery. Normally, four to six weeks is a good amount of time to gauge how the treatment is working.

Marc Henly is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist specializing in orthopaedic devices, foot orthoses and footwear. He is the primary Pedorthist at RebalanceMD, Victoria’s newest musculoskeletal care clinic, helping patients reduce pain, manage injuries, and maximize participation in activities of daily living. www.dynamicorthotics.ca

Ageless Living | Issue 5

Ageless Living

skin

Vampire Skin Rejuvenation: PRP

By Dr Riaan Van der Wart

P

latelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used in skin rejuvenation around the world since 2006. This revolutionary natural procedure offers incredible skin rejuvenation. We recommend this treatment for individuals looking for gradual but noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone, and colour with minimal or no recovery time. The procedure involves drawing your own blood and then preparing the platelet rich plasma (PRP) to be reinjected into your skin. Platelets in your blood contain numerous platelet derived growth factors (PDGF). These growth factors stimulate a proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which produce collagen and keratin. PDGF have a significant role in blood vessel formation, the cellular division of fibroblasts (the most common cells in connective tissue), and in synthesizing collagen and the extracellular matrix, including hyaluronic acid. As we age our skin loses collagen. Restoring collagen production helps correct the visible effects of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid has been shown to increase skin tone and volume, providing a more youthful appearance.

The PRP procedure is not a surgical face lift and it does not create the same effect as a face lift. The procedure helps restore or enhance areas that require volume, and improves skin texture and tone. The results can be noticeable within three weeks and improvement continues for the next eight months as more collagen and keratin are laid under the skin. The results typically last two years or longer. Areas of treatment include the cheeks and mid-face, wrinkling around the eyes, smile lines, nasolabial folds, neck and jawline, chest, acne scarring, hands and more. The process takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the area treated. For the best results, we recommend three to six treatments, four to six weeks apart.

What happens during PRP treatment?

After an initial consultation with the doctor, the procedure begins with cleansing and preparing your skin, followed by application of a topical local anesthetic cream. Nerve blocks may also be given. Blood is then taken from your arm, processed and activated with LED light. For treating the entire face, PRP is injected with a syringe and applied to your skin. For treating specific areas such as around the eyes and laugh lines, PRP is carefully injected to the target area.

Is the procedure painful?

Numbing cream is applied to the face 45 minutes before the procedure, making the treatment very comfortable. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well.

How long is the recovery time for PRP Skin Rejuvenation?

Typically, there is little to no downtime associated with the PRP treatment. Some redness of the treated area may last a day after 40 |

treatment. As with any injectable procedure, minor bruising may occur, but clears up in about a week and can be concealed with cosmetics. Normal activity can be resumed immediately, but your face should be protected from the sun.

How long is the treatment?

On treatment day, the entire visit lasts about two hours. The actual procedure requires only about 20 minutes.

Is it safe?

PRP treatment is extremely safe. Because PRP is produced from your own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. In addition, PRP contains a concentrated amount of white blood cells, your natural defenders against infections. As a result, infection is extremely rare with the PRP treatment.

Are there any contraindications?

People with active skin infections, acne, skin disease (SLE, porphyria, allergies), cancer, severe metabolic and systemic disorders, abnormal platelet function (i.e., blood disorders) underlying sepsis or who are undergoing chemotherapy are not candidates for PRP. How much does PRP therapy cost?

An entire facial rejuvenation treatment, including an initial consultation, costs $800. For smaller areas, the treatment cost is less (around the eyes, for example, costs $450). Treatment packages are available with reduced rates. As PRP Skin Rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by health insurance.

How many treatments are needed?

Initially, three to six treatments, four to six weeks apart are recommended for optimal results. Thereafter, maintenance treatments are recommended every one to two years depending on skin type.

Dr Riaan Van der Wart was born and raised in small town South Africa and graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pretoria. After completing his internship and community service at 2 Military Hospital in Cape Town, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he worked in various specialties in the NHS (National Health System) before embarking on a career in cosmetic dermatology, training in New York under world-renowned Cosmetic Dermatologist and Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai hospital, Dr. David J. Goldberg. He then returned to Europe, where he acted as Medical Director for some of the largest cosmetic clinics in the U.K. He has a special interest in the use of platelet rich plasma in skincare, and is constantly researching innovative products for optimal skin rejuvenation. Dr Van der Wart regularly travels between North America and Europe to stay ahead of the constantly evolving field of holistic healthcare. ageless-me.com

Ageless Living | Issue 5

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Ageless Living

Interview

Dentistry Has Quietly Joined the Digital World Interview with Dr Todd Jones

C

omputers have produced revolutionary changes in all aspects of our society – and dentistry is no exception. The benefits of computers have been incorporated in the dental office for years. Finally, the cost of computerized 3D imaging has been reduced to a level that allows it to be incorporated into the dental office. Dr Todd Jones has been an early adopter of new technology throughout his 23 years of dental practice. As a board certified dental specialist in the field of periodontics, he has received advanced post-doctoral training in surgery. Over the past decade, he has incorporated various advances in technology into his practice. A large part of his practice is the surgical placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth or to retain a denture.

For the past four years, Dr Jones has used 3D Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT), commonly called a CAT scan, to produce precise 3D images of the patient’s anatomy to reveal bone structure and nerve locations. This greatly reduces the risks of accidentally causing nerve trauma during surgery. Using highly accurate 3D imaging, it is possible to place an implant within 0.1mm of its planned location. Whereas conventional 2D XRays are susceptible to distortion of measurements, the 3D cone beam imaging is used to determine precise depth, width, bone density, and even sensitive anatomical landmarks such as nerves.

This allows for extremely accurate planning and placement of dental implants.

Dr Jones has also adopted the use of the iTero Digital Scanner.

This device produces a 3D image of the patient’s dentition like a traditional dental impression, but it is a highly accurate digital

image. The iTero Digital Scanner can send an image by email to a dental laboratory, where technicians can manufacture a model, crown, or surgical guide using the image data. Computer controlled milling machines can produce various dental products with extreme accuracy and precision. Many of the traditional laboratory steps are eliminated, thereby removing sources of error that affect the accuracy of the fit.

When combining these technologies, it is now possible to capture digital 3D x-ray data to produce a 3D image of the patient’s anatomy and capture digital 3D images of the existing dentition to form a precise surgical guide and a crown that fits the dental implant and the patient’s dentition prior to the surgical appointment. At the time of surgery, the implant can be placed with such precision that a temporary crown can be placed on it immediately. This is a significant advancement in implant dentistry and is called Computer Guided Surgery. Dr Jones has been using these systems since 2010 for situations that demand exact precision. This allows for the placement of dental implants in situations that were previously considered too risky to attempt, such as narrow spaces or spaces in close proximity to important anatomical structures. This greatly reduces the risk of complications or adverse outcomes during surgery.

Ageless Living (AL): What exactly is a periodontist?

Dr Jones: A periodontist is a dentist who has undergone three additional years of university training after dental school, and

42 | Ageless Living | Issue 51

AL: What are the overall advantages of implant dentistry?

Dr Jones: Dental implants are the best way to replace a missing tooth in almost all situations. They have mechanical, hygienic, and aesthetic advantages over traditional dentistry and they are extremely successful.

AL: Do all dentists place implants?

Dr Jones: No. The surgical placement of dental implants is not a procedure currently taught at dental schools. Specialty programs provide instruction for implant surgery. In addition to these university programs, there are a great number of courses available for dentists to learn the necessary skills needed to place implants.

These courses vary from half-day seminars to multi-day, handson courses. Mini-residencies exist that will provide part-time instruction over the course of a year. Also, full-time programs exist at universities that provide excellent high-level training. During my career, I have placed approximately 5,000 implants. This is a procedure we perform every day.

The patient can choose their level of sedation to make the experience manageable.

AL: What is the post-surgery experience like?

Dr Jones: The majority of our patients take Advil for two days following implant surgery. Some of the more advanced procedures require more powerful medications. There is very little risk of complication. Our infection rate is approximately one percent, which is very good in the world of surgery. Our bleeding rate is less than one percent. Those are the two most common complications.

AL: How long do the implants last?

Dr Jones: Our goal is for every implant placed to last the patient’s entire life. Research shows that implants are approximately 90 percent successful over a 30 year period. This is very good. Few things in life function well for 30 years!

Dr Jones practices in Victoria, BC. He is a board certified dental specialist in the field of periodontics. Dr Jones is one of 34 Canadian dentists to hold a fellowship in the International Team for Implantology. This organization promotes the development, research, education, and fosters the distribution of information regarding implant dentistry. Dr Jones is currently the President-elect of the Canadian Academy of Periodontolgy. Dr Jones can be contacted at 250-475-1996 or drj@implant.co.

AL: How has computer guided implant surgery changed your practice?

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Dr Jones: Using a CBCT scanner to obtain 3D images was an absolute game changer. This has allowed us to definitively diagnose tooth fractures, cysts, abscesses, tumors, and a vast array of dental problems where, in the past, we would have waited or watched for additional symptoms. The 3D scan is an excellent diagnostic tool. The availability of 3D imaging has allowed us to place implants confidently in challenging places and be sure of the final implant location. So this allows us to treat cases that traditional imaging would have deemed too risky.

AL: How long does it take to place a dental implant?

Dr Jones: We typically schedule one hour of surgery time for one or two implants and two hours for multiple implants. We typically spend 30 to 40 minutes to place the implant and then use the remaining time to discuss post-surgery care.

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AL: Is the surgery done in the hospital with the patient under general anesthesia?

Dr Jones: No. The surgeries are performed at my dental office with the patient awake, like a normal dental appointment. When the patient identifies themselves as anxious we can use a sedative to reduce their anxiety. When they identify themselves as very nervous we arrange for IV sedation by a physician. Most of our patients are able to drive themselves home after our procedures.

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then completed the national dental specialty board examinations to be certified as a specialist. Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the teeth and supporting tissues, the most common disease being gum disease.

Periodontists are trained in surgery to treat advanced gum disease, extract teeth, place dental implants, and perform skin grafts, bone grafts and sinus augmentation.

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Health

Milk Thistle:

A Long List of Health Benefits

By Trish Leclair, RNT

M

ilk thistle is spiny, prickly and looks like a nasty weed, even with its somewhat pretty purple flower. But this potent antioxidant has actually been in use for centuries as a natural remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders. In more recent years, it has become well known as a therapeutic herbal nutrient for hepatitis C, jaundice and cirrhosis. That’s not all: this poky little plant has been shown beneficial for arthritis, diabetes and certain cancers, too.

Milk Thistle Super Compound #1: Silymarin The seed of the milk thistle plant – and more specifically, the seed shell – contains an active flavanoid-lignant group of constituents called silymarin. The powerful health properties of silymarin have been known since ancient times and studied in modern medicine. It has been shown to have the following properties • Has anticancer effects against prostate, breast and cervical cancer cells.

• Improves symptoms of acute clinical hepatitis.

• Improves the condition of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

• Repairs and detoxifies the liver, improving overall liver function.

• Has anti-inflammatory activity superior to the leading prescription drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

• Shows substantial antiviral effects against hepatitis C. • Inhibits prostate cancer cell growth.

• Causes cell cycle arrest and induces programmed cell death in human colon cancer cells.

• Compares favourably with a leading prescription medication in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Milk thistle has also been shown to reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis of the liver.

In active hepatitis patients, the efficacy of milk thistle in improving liver function has been clinically proven. Milk thistle is also known to lower cholesterol levels, and its powerful antioxidant properties make it an excellent tool for fighting inflammation and improving overall health. Milk thistle can be eaten but its restorative properties are most beneficial in extract form. Choose a supplement with the freshest, purest ingredients and the least amount of fillers. Speak with your naturopathic doctor or pharmacist about whether milk thistle is right for you.

Milk Thistle Super Compound #2: Silibinin Another beneficial compound found in milk thistle is called silib- Trish Leclair is a Registered Nutritional Therapist with Balanced Concepts Fitness and Wellness in beautiful Victoria, BC. Contact Trish for more information on how inin. It is well tolerated by the human body and has a long list you can improve your health and experience the vitality and high energy levels you of benefits: deserve! Contact 250-478-7142 or visit www.balancedconcepts.net 46 | Ageless Living | Issue 51

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IntervIew wIth vIctorIa-born actress

Leah Gibson

Forty

sex Doctor of DesIre:

Matters

the myths of

horMone therapy

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

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