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A Personal Message
From Dr. Ara Elmajian
Dear Friends
For many of us winter is an exhilarating time and as we head out into cool crisp mountain air to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the season has to offer we are literally charging our batteries.
But for those of you who repeatedly find the lack of light at this time of year affecting your mood and energy levels, you are not alone.
If this describes you please read the article on "Winter Blues"
It is interesting to note in regards to this topic that although the prevalence of people suffering from seasonal disorders live at higher latitudes, Iceland seems to be the exception. A study done in Iceland showed that the symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) when compared to other Nordic countries were unpredictably low in both males and females. Speculation on the reason for these results suggests it may be their high consumption of fish as well as possible genetic components.
New and more sophisticated genetic tests are being developed all the time providing us with increased insight into our personal health predispositions. Genetic testing has optimally increased our potential to influence our own health. To read more about Genetic Testing - click here to go to our website.
In these times when we seem to be on high "infection" alert and many people are getting sick, understanding our genetic predispositions can be beneficial in preventing illness. If you are interested in learning more about your unique genetics you can obtain further information by calling our clinic.
For those of you who have already had the genetic tests and would like to go over your results again we would highly recommend it. The comprehensive report provided by the lab that does the tests can be overwhelming for the lay person and we want our patients to understand their results so they can make appropriate health choices for themselves.
Please call the clinic to set up your complimentary consultation to review your genetic results with Dr. Melanie MacIver or Dr. Jennie Weisenburger.
If you missed our last newsletter click hear to read Dr. Jennie Weisenburger's article on the flu and how to keep yourself healthy.
Now get outside and play!!
Ara
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Wise Choices - Dr. Jennie Weisenburger
As a doctor and parent to a toddler I am conscious of the quality of food, air, and water my daughter is interacting with as well as the toys she plays with. Our children have nervous, immune and endocrine systems that are developing exponentially and in an intricate sequence. This occurs over many years. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of toxin exposure that seems to have permeated our homes and has become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Our homes are meant to be our sanctuary - a place to retreat, rest and heal. I encourage you to take steps to clean up your home by paying close attention to what you allow in.
The Toy Box
You have choices and can greatly reduce your child's toxin exposure by doing your research and being selective about what toys you allow into your home. Educate yourself as well as friends and family members who may be purchasing gifts for you or your family this season.
Check out consumer safety websites for information on companies who are choosing to manufacture their products locally and with safe ingredients to minimize adulteration with toxic heavy metals and chemicals.
Avoid toys containing lead, mercury, arsenic, phtalates, BPA, PVC, brominated hydrocarbons, and cadmium as there is mounting evidence that these are having lasting effects on the health of our children.
Third Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys Released 2009 Holiday Shopping Season
According to our research, lead has been steadily decreasing in toys. In fact, the number of products with lead exceeding current federal standards for lead in toys (300 ppm) decreased by 2/3 (67%) since 2007. However, one in three of all toys tested (32%) this holiday season still contained one or more harmful chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
http://www.healthystuff.org
Here are a few helpful websites to guide your research.
http://www.healthystuff.org
http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca
http://www.leadcheck.com
http://www.cpsc.gov
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Winter Blues - Susan Elmajian
Winter blues and the more serious, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affect many people (especially women) in North America and particularly those living at higher latitudes. Both these conditions can bring on feelings, in varying degrees of depression, lethargy and the inability to concentrate through the darker winter months.
Some theories suggest that the lack of light causes unstable melatonin and/or seratonin levels thereby affecting our moods and our sleep patterns. Genetics, stress levels and hormonal situations could be contributing factors as well.
It is important to recognize the signs of SAD in order to rule out more serious disorders like clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Seasonal disorders occur in people who feel fine for most of the year but become more depressed, less energetic and antisocial during the winter in response to less hours of daylight. Food cravings, headaches and irritability are also common symptoms. If these symptoms do not improve in the spring and summer, when the days are longer it may be a more serious disorder and should be discussed with a health care professional.
The good news is that that 85% of people suffering from the winter blues can overcome these negative symptoms and feel much better by taking the following simple steps:
Go outside - spending as little as 30 minutes outdoors daily, especially in the morning will help balance seratonin levels in the brain and will translate into "feeling good". This will also increase levels of Vitamin D.
Exercise regularly - moderate aerobic exercise can elevate our moods by releasing endorphins any time of the year but will go a long way in combating depression brought on by seasonal changes. Exercising outside is even more effective in improving the winter blues.
Stick to a healthy diet - cravings for carbohydrates and stimulants like coffee are also common symptoms of the winter blues and giving into them will make you feel worse and gain weight. It is important to ensure we are getting adequate levels of nutrients to support the body during the winter months. Eating a healthy diet along with supplementation of fish oil and antioxidants is a great start.
Light therapy - sitting in front of a lightbox daily for at least 2 weeks has shown to improve mood and energy levels in a large percentage of people suffering from the winter blues. Those seeing improvement should continue the light therapy for the duration of the season. Information on light therapy is abundant on the internet.
Natural Mood Elevators - there are many herbal and homeopathic formulas that gently support the body while lifting the spirits naturally.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture - this approach can be very effective in treating the uncomfortable symptoms of SAD by facilitating balance in the body. An imbalance of either yin or yang characteristics can lead to illness.
If you suffer from the winter blues or SAD try implementing some or all of the above suggestions into your routine.
If symptoms persist or are severe set up a consultation with one of our doctors to determine if factors such as hormonal levels, nutritional status or genetics may be an underlying cause.
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Winter and Chinese Medicine - Dr Jeni Lim
Chinese Medicine believes that human beings should live in harmony with the environment. The cold and darkness of winter naturally leads us to slow down.
This is the time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy and conserve our strength.
In Chinese Medicine winter is ruled by the water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. During the winter it is very important to nourish our kidney Qi.
Keeping the kidney areas covered and warm in winter is important.
The adrenals can be supported by minimizing sugar and stimulants like coffee.
The kidneys are also associated with our bones. It is important to nourish the bones through diet, supplementation and daily weight bearing exercise.
Fear and depression are also associated with the kidneys.
Tips for staying healthy in winter:
Get adequate sleep: This will preserve your Yang Qi which is necessary to face the cold.
Reduce stress: Find a way to release and relax on a daily basis utilizing yoga, meditation, sports, reading or whatever works to relieve your stress.
Body and Ear Acupuncture: These effective treatments along with herbal medicine aid specifically in strengthening the kidneys and help us de-stress.
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| Medical News
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Melanie MacIver has returned from her maternity leave. She will be working in the medical clinic on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Dr. MacIver likes to use herbal and homeopathic remedies to support hormonal and emotional balance, as well as supporting pregnancy and preconception preparation. She frequently assists patients with mercury and other toxic metal removal. She uses a full range of conventional and naturopathic testing before beginning her treatments.
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 Herb of the Month - Mistletoe
With Dr. Melanie MacIver
Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant that grows on different tree branches. It has slightly different properties depending on the tree it grows on.
For its mystical powers mistletoe has long been at the center of much folklore.
As a herb it is most commonly used for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure.
Mistletoe for cancer: Special mistletoe preparations can be injected superficially into the skin. This increases the cancer fighting white blood cells, immune regulation, anti inflammatory and pain relieving effects. It can be used by itself, or in combination with other naturopathic or conventional treatments.
Mistletoe is used by almost 80% of all German and Swiss cancer doctors, who report a 50% reduction of chemo and radiation side effects when used concurrently!
Mistletoe injections can also be used for other conditions needing immune activation, like chronic viral conditions.
If you would like more information on mistletoe injections please contact our clinic.
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