Greying Nation: An Aging Population Doesn’t Have to Burden the Health Care System

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by Lorne Swetlikoff, ND

By delaying and preventing the onset of degenerative conditions, naturopathic medicine can enable people to age healthier, delay retirement, and positively impact the sustainability of our health care system.

1 out of 3 Canadians is a Baby Boomer

According to Statistics Canada’s 2006 census, one out of three Canadians is a baby boomer (born between 1946-1965) and make up the largest group in our population. There is significant concern that this demographic shift will place a significant burden on our health-care system challenging its sustainability.

Age-related conditions like dementia, arthritis, and heart disease are common amongst the elderly. These conditions are degenerative and require patients to be continuously engaged with their doctors and health system. If Canadians are aging and older Canadians get age-related conditions, then health-care delivery costs are set to rise significantly. Who is going to pay for this? Certainly not younger Canadians as that population group continues to shrink.

Preventing age-related infirmities is an essential strategy in dealing with this issue. By keeping Canadians healthy, it is more likely that they will live longer, have more productive lives, perhaps retire later, and reduce health-care needs.

How do we keep Canadians healthy?

Recognize that decrepitude and degeneration are not normal aspects of aging but are states of disorder that are diagnosable, treatable, and more importantly preventable.

Our current medical system is focused on diagnosing and treating disease. This is important. but it’ a reactive approach to something that has already happened. To strengthen our system, we need to be proactive and prevent disease. Preventing degenerative diseases requires continuous assessment of health parameters and undesirable trends over the course of one’s life. Intervention then becomes a system of keeping people healthy.

The basic philosophical premise of naturopathic medicine is that there is an inherent healing power in nature and in every human being. The ND’s responsibility is to strive to understand the minimum level of intervention that will stimulate the body’ self-healing processes

Restoring unique biochemical deficiencies to a normal physiological balance and intervening with natural therapies to support a patient’s condition may help make them feel more vital, and energetic, and move them out of their decline.

Some useful steps that you can take to make sure that you increase your longevity and vitality and don’t slide into old age prematurely:

  • Undergo periodic screening for biological health markers like hormone deficiency, vitamin mineral deficiency, amino acid deficiency, chemical toxicity levels, inflammation markers, digestive analysis, blood sugar levels and heart evaluation to determine your current state of health. Such intervention is aimed at restoring the normal physiological balance of the body.
  • Strive to identify the cause of your problem by visiting a naturopathic doctor.  Don’t just treat symptoms, which often allows the real disease to progress past the point of recovery.
  • As appropriate, use natural therapies as a first resort to stimulate the body to heal.  Customize your treatment plan to meet your biochemical needs and re-evaluate that plan to changing circumstances, stresses, and experiences.
  • Keep in mind that prevention is not just taking a test. For example, taking a PSA test to rule out prostate cancer, or a having a mammogram to check for breast cancer are important procedures, but it’s important to determine your individual risk factors for cancer and then make the necessary changes early in your life to enable healing, wellness and longevity.
  • Educate yourself and gain the appropriate awareness to make smart health choices now to increase longevity in the future.

A statistic from the late 90s showed that by delaying nursing home admission by just one month, it would save the U.S. health-care system $3 billion a year. Naturopathic doctors help people get well, and have effective strategies in preventing, delaying, and treating age-related diseases. This can have a positive impact on our aging population and in reducing the associated health-care.

This article originally appeared, in a longer version, on CBC.  Dr. Swetlikoff is a licensed ND in Castlegar and Vancouver.

Keeping the Bugs at Bay this Winter Season

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Dr. Juliet Ghodsian, ND shares these 5 steps to keep your terrain clean and functional this winter. The end result is a happier and healthier you.

A French physiologist, Claude Bernard, once said “The Terrain is everything, the germ is nothing.”

An interesting thought, but what does that mean?

It means that simple exposure to a bacteria or virus does not mean you will get sick.

But isn’t that contrary to most of our beliefs about hygiene and health?

…Wash your hands! Don’t put your fingers in your mouth. Flu season is coming!

Let’s take a step back and explain the most important words in the quote:

Terrain.

The Terrain refers to the internal environment in your body: mucous membranes, digestion, detoxification and elimination organs, immune system cells, and energy production cells.

Germs.

These can be bacteria, fungi or viruses.

We are covered with germs inside and out all the time! Why do some bugs make us sick, but not others? Why did you get sick but not your neighbour?

The answer is simple. The health of the Terrain of your body determines how responsive your immune system will be to infection, and how effective it is at beating it. Boosting your immune health to keep the bugs at bay this winter involves more steps than just “Take some extra vitamin C!”

Here are the top 5 things you can do to clean up your Terrain and super-charge your immune cells for the fall and winter season:

  1. Secure the Borders: Protect your Skin!  Keep hydrated and eat plenty of healthy omega 3 oils to preserve the integrity of your skin, mucous membranes, and the internal skin that lines the entire digestive tract. This is your # 1 defence against invaders.
  1. Take out the garbage: Detox and Eliminate.  The chemical exposures that your body has to process from air, food and water contamination are a real concern. They often surpass the liver’s ability to metabolize, and we end up with deficiencies and backlog of toxins. These toxins cause disruptions in energy, hormone and immune cell production leaving you more susceptible to infection. Visit your naturopathic doctor to discuss the most effective ways to keep your system clean this season.
  1. Stock the arsenal: Keep you diet clean and green.  Be sure to provide your body with plenty of clean, organic produce to make sure you have enough antioxidants and minerals available for immune cell use. Green smoothies and kale chips are great ways to get kids eating superfoods. Come in for an IV vitamin infusion of vitamin C and B complex to start you off on the right foot.
  1. Prepare for Battle: Stay Calm!  Studies have shown that stress causes increases in the hormone cortisol which in turn depress your immune response. Take a deep breath and book in for Bowen therapy or Craniosacral Therapy to balance your nerves and get your cortisol levels under control.
  1. Send in the troops: Immune support.  Naturopathic medicine has a treasure trove of herbal, homeopathic and nutritional substances that will prime your immune cells and prepare them to respond quickly and effectively to any invaders. Talk to your ND today and find the best remedies to fit your constitution and lifestyle.

This article by Dr. Juliet Ghodsian, a licensed naturopathic doctor at Sage Clinic in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood. www.drghodsian.com

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 Week Starts Monday!

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BC Naturopathic Medicine WeekJoin us and celebrate Naturopathic Medicine Week in British Columbia next week, May 7-13 2012.

Naturopathic clinics are opening their doors all over BC with open houses, free seminars, and complimentary consultations and testing. The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (New Westminster) is also opening its doors to the public. There are also movie screenings (Richmond and Kelowna), a radio show, and there’s a special event at a community center in Nanaimo.

Some Naturopathic Doctors are even cooking up their favorite recipes; others have teamed up with other local healthy businesses to provide samples. Naturopathic Doctors will even be at your favourite stores for free consultations or seminars.

Event Listings

Today we posted a complete list of events by city. You can also plan your week with our calendar, which lists events by day. Please note, some events are by appoinment only or require pre-registration – call now to reserve your spot!

5 New Events

Here are 5 new events just listed today:

Complimentary Health Checks in Langford

In celebration of Naturopathic Medicine Week, Dr. Hadikin ND is offering complimentary 15 minute health checks by appointment for new patients at West Shore Family Naturopathic.

This includes a blood pressure check or Chinese tongue and pulse check as well as a chance to ask questions about Naturopathic Medicine. By appointment only, visit the event listing for more information.

 

Open House in Gastown in Vancouver

Dr. Angèle Besner, B.Sc. ND is celebrating Naturopathic Medicine Week at her clinic. Join her on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at The Tea Room at Gastown Wellness for an open house, with free body composition analysis, herbal tea tasting, Q&A and 20% off initial consults booked at the event. Please visit the event listing for more information.

 

 

Forks Over Knives Movie in Kelowna

The Core Centre of Health Presents a Movie Screening – Forks Over Knives to celebrate Naturopathic Medicine Week, May 10th.

Forks Over Knives is a film that examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. There will be a brief Intro on Naturopathic Medicine presented by Dr. Emina Jasarevic, ND, prior to film viewing. Please visit the event listing for more information.

Free EMI Tests in Vancouver

Electro-meridian Imaging examines the meridian system of the body through electronic measurements. According to acupuncture these meridians are invisible channels through which Qi (pronounced “chi”) circulates throughout the body. The EMI machine will assess and give a report how each organ system is functioning.

Dr. Sandeep Sangra invites you to set up your appointment for a Free EMI test, May 10 and 11, 2012, at the Naturally Well Health Centre. Please visit the event listing for more information.

Free EMI Tests at Famous Foods Vancouver

Dr. Sangra will also be at Famous Foods conducting EMI testing on May 13, 2012. Please visit the event listing for more information.

Free Blood Typing in Victoria

Dr. Penny Seth-Smith is offering free blood typing at Ingredients health Food Store and Café on May 13, 2012.

Summary sheets of foods considered beneficial, neutral and harmful for your blood type according to the “Eat Right For Your Blood Type” theory will also be provided. On a drop-in basis, please visit the event listing for more information.

5 More Events in Vancouver

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You have done the research.

You know you need to consult with a naturopathic doctor to take charge of your health.

You are ready to improve your health today!

Events At Agape Natural Wellness Centre

Dr. Vicky Radhakrishnan, ND and Dr. Kris Bentz, ND of Agape Natural Wellness Centre are celebrating Naturopathic Medicine Week with the following 3 events:

2 for 1 Initial Consultations

2 initial consultations for the price of 1 if booked and paid for during naturopathic medicine week.

Take advantage of our once-a-year promotion, great for Mother’s Day! Bring your Mother, family member, friend or an acquaintance and get 2 initial consultations for the price of 1.

Cost for 2 initial consultations $130

Note: only if booked and paid for during naturopathic medicine week, after May 13th – it will be $130 each.

Call our clinic for more information. 604 737 2273

Agape Natural Wellness Centre
102-2245 West Broadway,
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4
604 737 2273
info@agapenatural.com
www.agapenatural.com

Free 20 Minute Naturopathic Consultation

Dr. Kris Bentz, ND & Dr. Vicky Radhakrishnan, ND are offering free 20 minute consultations.

Are you concerned about your health? Interested in finding out more about how a naturopathic doctor can help you?

Come have your questions answered regarding your main health concerns.

During your 20 min’s you can expect the following:

1. Your blood pressure will be evaluated.
2. A basic case-history will be taken.
3. You will be given a Naturopathic Treatment Plan which will outline how you can start improving your health concerns.

May 8, 2012 11:00 – 6:00pm

May 11, 2012 11:00 – 6:00pm

Call to book your consultation: 604 737 2273

Agape Natural Wellness Centre
102-2245 West Broadway,
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4
604 737 2273
info@agapenatural.com
www.agapenatural.com

Free Public Lecture

Do You Suffer from Stress, Fatigue, Insomnia, or Digestive Disturbance?

Find out how these issues are related and steps you can take to start improving your health immediately!

Dr. Kris Bentz, ND will host a talk on how adrenal stress leads to fatigue, insomnia, and digestive disturbance, followed by a Q & A period

where you can have specific questions answered about your health.

May 11, 2012, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Important: Must book-in advance, limited seating! 604 737 2273

Agape Natural Wellness Centre
102-2245 West Broadway,
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4
604 737 2273
info@agapenatural.com
www.agapenatural.com

2 More Events With Dr. Bentz

Are You Concerned About Your Health?

Come have your questions answered regarding your main health concerns during free 20 minute consultations at the following 2 locations:

During your 20 min’s you can expect the following:

1.) Your case-history will be taken

2.) You will be given a Naturopathic Treatment Plan

Free 20 Minute Consultations at Cedar Integrated Medical Clinic

Dr Kris Bentz, ND is offering Free 20 Min. Consults at Cedar Integrated Medical Clinic.

May 11, 2012 3:00 – 6:00pm

Call to book your appointment: 604 875 1151

Cedar Integrated Medical Clinic
4209 Fraser St
Vancouver,BC
604 875 1151

Free 20 Minute Consultations at YYoga

Dr. Kris Bentz, ND is offering Free 20 Min. Consults at the YYoga in Burnaby.

Located at the Burnaby YYoga (Highgate, Above Shoppers Drug Mart in Highgate Village)

May 12, 2012 10:00am – 2:00pm

YYoga
7155 Kingsway
Burnaby,BC
604 525 8777
www.yyoga.ca

Check out our complete list of events by city. You can also plan your week with our calendar, which lists events by day. Please note, some events are by appoinment only or require pre-registration – call now to reserve your spot!