Top 5 Reasons to Ban Cosmetic Pesticides

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by Nazanine Parent, cancer survivor and Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon volunteer (reprinted with permission from cancergameplan.com)

1. No one should have to worry about children playing in the grass

Children are at greater risk from pesticide exposure than adults because they play closer to the ground and their bodies are still developing. Cosmetic pesticides can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or be swallowed when children place contaminated objects and their hands and in their mouths. Don’t forget about our pets too!

2. It’s a public health issue

There is a growing body of evidence linking pesticide exposure with certain types of cancer, including childhood leukemia and childhood brain cancer.

3. They’re not necessary

Cosmetic pesticides are used to make lawns, gardens and other green spaces look better. We call them ‘cosmetic’ because some think they improve the appearance of lawns and gardens. Regardless, they are not needed for health and safety. Safe and effective alternatives exist.

4. Pesticides don’t stop at the garden gate

Your family can be indirectly exposed even if you do not use cosmetic pesticides. If sprayed, cosmetic pesticides can drift through the environment and mix with the air, soil, or water. Pesticides may even collect on plants & objects we don’t intend to spray.

5. British Columbians support a ban

– 40 municipalities have cosmetic pesticide restrictions

– More than 70% of British Columbians support provincial legislation to restrict pesticide use

– 76% of British Columbians are aware of the link between pesticides & cancer

We’re asking all political parties to support banning the use, sale and retail display of cosmetic pesticides used on public and private lands – something only the provincial government has the power to do.

How can you help? Spread the word, share this blog post with your friends, email BC’s party leaders and find out what they’re doing to help ban the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides.

Authorized by the Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon, registered sponsor under the Election Act, 604-872-4400.

Joyce Murray Supports Naturopathic Medicine

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The federal Liberal party will select a new leader in just a matter of weeks. 

Although there are several candidates running, the front runners are Trudeau and Murray.  The voting process for a leader involves “first” and “second” and “third” choices. In the process of voting it’s highly likely that the successful candidate is not the front runner.

While BCNA is a provincial organization and doesn’t have a stake in the leadership race, we have in the past endorsed Joyce Murray for her strong support towards complementary medicine in general and specifically naturopathic medicine.  She has been a long term and tireless supporter for freedom of choice in health care and for greater recognition for licensed NDs to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

This YouTube video is Murray endorsing Naturopathic Medicine Week, an annual national health event, in federal parliament.

In fact, when Murray was working on her university degree, it was her intention to attend naturopathic college.  But as she noted in a recent SFU interview:

“I did pre-medical undergraduate work at SFU, and I never completed my degree, because I began building a tree-planting business, and that…started to grow very quickly, and I had to make a choice.  So consequently I didn’t—I never continued on my intended path, which was naturopathic medicine… then I went back as a mature student in 1989 and I did an executive MBA program at Simon Fraser.”

If you are considering making a political donation this year, please consider contributing to Murray’s campaign.  Maybe you know a group of like-minded people that would support her platform and want to hold a small dinner, or casual fundraiser, or would like to donate directly: Any amount would be much appreciated.  In addition, tax incentives on political donations are quite generous  For example, a $400 donation provides a 75 per cent tax deduction; so, in the end, a $400 donation only “costs” a person $100.

For more information visit www.joycemurray.ca; for donations, and to tabulate your tax credit, choose the donate tab.

Naturopathic Medicine Week 2013

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BC Naturopathic Medicine Week

May 6 – 12, 2013

Join the BC Naturopathic Association as it celebrates 90 years of advancing primary care in 2013. Naturopathic doctors, clinics, and schools will open their doors to the public for open houses, free doctor visits, seminars, and more.

Get on the Guest List

Subscribe to our blog to receive event invitations by email.

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BC Naturopathic Medicine Week will also be featured on the BCNA’s official Twitter and Facebook page.

Become A Sponsor

Contact Us

Last year, other local businesses that support healthy lifestyles teamed up with their naturopathic neighbours. There was a Ladies Night Out health expo at a pharmacy in Victoria, a Tasting Day featuring free samples from a bakery and health food store in Campbell River, and Free Seminars and ‘Meet the Doctor’ consultations at grocery stores, yoga studios, and a herbal dispensary. If your business is interested in hosting an event or providing free samples or other goodies, please contact us!

More Information

Visit the BC Naturopathic Medicine Week page for more information.

Sharing is Caring

Click on the share button to the left of this article to tell the world about this upcoming event!

BC Doctor Speaking at Film Festival

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Some folk run for fun, some for the competition, others find inner peace and spirituality in running.  BCNA member Dr. Pushpa Chandra is a woman of small stature and great accomplishments.  She has run in some of the most harsh conditions on some of the most difficult terrain on the planet.  This year, at the 16th Annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, Dr. Chandra has been chosen as a guest speaker to highlight her running career.  On February 10 at the North Vancouver Centennial Theatre, Pushpa will share some images from her running adventures to Antarctica and the North Pole and interpret how these accomplishments have changed her perspectives on life.

Female World Record Holder for Antarctica Run 

Dr. Pushpa Chandra is a 55-year-old Vancouver-based naturopathic doctor, Ironman Triathlete and ultramarathon runner.  To celebrate her 50th birthday in 2008, she decided to run trails on all seven continents and participate in some of the most extreme running events in the world including: The Mount Everest Marathon, the Open African Safari, the Antarctica 100 km and the North Pole marathon.  She was the first Canadian to run at both the North Pole and in Antarctica, and her accomplishments include overall female winner of 2009 North Pole Marathon and female world record holder of the Antarctica 100 km.  Pushpa’s inspirational stories have been featured on CBC National TV, CBC Radio, CTV , The Vancouver Sun, The Georgia Straight , Shared Vision, Global TV and The Globe and Mail.

Naturopathic Medicine and Cancer

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Across the province, patients undergoing standard cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are seeking out naturopathic doctors (NDs) for adjunctive care.  Many of the immune-supporting therapies NDs provide can help patients recover from cancer treatment faster and support overall health.  Commonly called “adjunctive” cancer therapy, NDs focus on decreasing negative side effects of conventional treatment; balancing a patient’s immune system; and providing concrete strategies for cancer prevention and health maintenance.

The protocols and therapies NDs employ may include botanical medicine (herbs, plants and plant extracts), clinical nutrition (using nutrition not to simply modify diet but prevent disease and improve overall health), as well as physical modalities, Asian medicine, homeopathy and counselling.  Some NDs work closely with oncologists and others in the cancer community to facilitate patient care.

However, navigating the diverse range of adjunctive cancer care available can be daunting.  Fortunately, BCNA member Dr. Neil McKinney has published the second edition of his Naturopathic Oncology: An encyclopedic guide for patients and physicians.  Dr. McKinney’s book has proven to be a very popular and practical guide to clinical success with cancer treatments.  His revised edition adds new therapies, refinements of protocols, expanded references and builds on his personal expertise focused on cancer care and advanced scholarship.  The comprehensive text outlines very detailed protocols to integrate support for surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and targeted adjunctive therapies.  It also goes into all the leading naturopathic medicines for a wide range of cancers, for complications and co-morbidities, as well as cancer emergencies.  Doctors find it a practical resource, as well as providing detailed information on mechanisms of action, scientific references and examples of protocols that have actually worked with cancer patients.  But while it is a succinct handbook for practicing clinicians, it’s also a useful resource for patients who are looking for qualitative information on alternatives and support to standard medical care, and a better understanding of the options available outside of common treatments.

Naturopathic Oncology: An encyclopedic guide for patients and physicians

by Dr. Neil McKinney

drneilmckinney.ca

Tel. 888-722-4401

ISBN# 978-1-894953-98-6