Chris just emptied out his work bag - he was taking out some paper, some pens and out rolled out 10 or 15 little homeopathic pellets all over the living room hardwood.
We looked at each other and I must have had an annoyed look on my face because he said, "How can you be upset... it's homeopathy! You should be pleased I'm using it!!!" He proceeded to rant about how difficult the dispensers are to get the silly pellets out of the bottle.
True enough....
About Me
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Short Arms, Short Memory?
Ok this study is random.
I'm always trying to keep up-to-date with new studies that are being published. I have a few journals that are sent to me as well as a few email newsletters that give a quick synopsis on the study.
In Neurology, a recent American study of 2800 older subjects, concluded that the risk of dementia was significantly higher among women with short arms and legs. In men, only arm length correlated with dementia risk.
A possible explanation suggested by the researchers is that poor nutrition and lack of medical care in childhood might not only produce shorter limbs but also increase the risk of dementia in later life.
??
I'm always trying to keep up-to-date with new studies that are being published. I have a few journals that are sent to me as well as a few email newsletters that give a quick synopsis on the study.
In Neurology, a recent American study of 2800 older subjects, concluded that the risk of dementia was significantly higher among women with short arms and legs. In men, only arm length correlated with dementia risk.
A possible explanation suggested by the researchers is that poor nutrition and lack of medical care in childhood might not only produce shorter limbs but also increase the risk of dementia in later life.
??
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Headaches and Weather
For the first time a large scale study has been published in the Journal of Neurology confirms that my husband and MANY patients are not joking when they have a headache with weather changes!
There has never really been alot of concrete evidence to back up claims until now. The study found that for every 5 degree increase in temperature there is an 8% increase in risk of headache.
In the Globe and Mail today the study was explained:
"The study found that of all the environmental factors tested, higher air temperature in the 24 hours before a hospital visit was most closely associated with headache symptoms.
Lower barometric pressure also appeared to be a trigger, though the association was not as strong. There was no evidence that air pollutants played a role in sparking headaches, but bigger studies are needed to exclude this as a problem, the researchers added."
Acupuncture is one of the best treatments for chronic headaches or migraines alleviating alot of pain and even preventing a headache from happening. More and more patients are coming every week for acupuncture, preventatively, knowing that their headaches cause them pain and days off work.
There has never really been alot of concrete evidence to back up claims until now. The study found that for every 5 degree increase in temperature there is an 8% increase in risk of headache.
In the Globe and Mail today the study was explained:
"The study found that of all the environmental factors tested, higher air temperature in the 24 hours before a hospital visit was most closely associated with headache symptoms.
Lower barometric pressure also appeared to be a trigger, though the association was not as strong. There was no evidence that air pollutants played a role in sparking headaches, but bigger studies are needed to exclude this as a problem, the researchers added."
Acupuncture is one of the best treatments for chronic headaches or migraines alleviating alot of pain and even preventing a headache from happening. More and more patients are coming every week for acupuncture, preventatively, knowing that their headaches cause them pain and days off work.
Friday, March 6, 2009
A True Rice Pilaf
A lot of the times when I cook lately I'm just throwing things together to see what combinations will work.
However today I actually followed a recipe that was a true rice pilaf with the addition of swiss chard.
What makes a pilaf? Cooking the rice in butter or oil (I used olive oil) and often onions or other vegetables, before adding other ingredients like stock.
I started by heating some olive oil (about 3 Tbsp) in a medium-sized pot and then added 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 cups of chopped swiss chard. I cooked the onions for 5 minutes before adding 1 1/2 cups of basmati rice and 2 minced garlic cloves. I stirred everything coating the rice with the olive oil and onion mixture then added some sea salt and pepper and turned the heat to low and added 2 1/2 cups of vegetable stock. I let everything cook with the lid on for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid was absorbed, then turned the heat off and let the pot rest for another 30 minutes.
It was delicious.... so flavourful!
However today I actually followed a recipe that was a true rice pilaf with the addition of swiss chard.
What makes a pilaf? Cooking the rice in butter or oil (I used olive oil) and often onions or other vegetables, before adding other ingredients like stock.
I started by heating some olive oil (about 3 Tbsp) in a medium-sized pot and then added 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 cups of chopped swiss chard. I cooked the onions for 5 minutes before adding 1 1/2 cups of basmati rice and 2 minced garlic cloves. I stirred everything coating the rice with the olive oil and onion mixture then added some sea salt and pepper and turned the heat to low and added 2 1/2 cups of vegetable stock. I let everything cook with the lid on for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid was absorbed, then turned the heat off and let the pot rest for another 30 minutes.
It was delicious.... so flavourful!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Lecture to Medical Students
Well yesterday was an eye-opening experience for me. I went to the University of Toronto, downtown campus to speak to some of the first year and second year medical students about what naturopathic medicine is, and how I treat patients clinically. It gave me a better sense of how medical doctors are 'bred' and their fears and concerns with naturopathic doctors.
I had a powerpoint presentation about the basics of naturopathic medicine like the principles (doctor as teacher, do no harm, treat the whole person, find the root cause, the healing power of nature, etc) and the therapies (acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy, herbs, lifestyle counselling, physical medicine). I spoke about the education that I received at CCNM: 3 years of courses that include basic medical sciences like anatomy and physiology, and clinical courses like physical diagnosis, obstetrics, pediatrics, and of course the naturopathic courses like nutrition, acupuncture, etc. I also spoke of how I would treat typical conditions I would see in my practice like chronic ear infections in children, dysmenorrhea, constipation, and of course the elusive 'fatigue'.
After the presentation I answered some of their questions and spoke to a few afterwards. Many were surprised that people would pay for health care and one great question was if I thought there was a deficit in the present conventional medical system that drove patients to come see me and potentially pay for bloodwork. I can only speak from my 6 years of experience in seeing patients and listening to their complaints of their 'conventional healthcare experiences'. Most patients are frustrated in trying to find a medical doctor, then finding a medical doctor that listens to them, then being frustrated in having 5 minutes to discuss 1 health concern and feeling rushed, frustrated with waiting over an hour for a scheduled appointment....... the list goes on.... When patients come to see me they have time to talk about all of their health concerns and they also receive great education in what potentially is going on with their health. When people come to see me for high cholesterol and we do bloodwork, or they bring in a copy of bloodwork from their MD, I sit down and actually explain their results and explain potential problems and their risk factors for heart disease.
Granted these students have not seen any patients and haven't been exposed to the healthcare system in action, they certainly had preconceived thoughts regarding naturopathic medicine and how NDs treat. I think the key is that they really don't understand the education we receive and how we are trained to know when to refer. I know what I can and can't do as an ND. If I received bloodwork and thought cancer was likely I would write a letter to their MD regarding my findings and refer the patient back to their primary care physician.
Do I think my education is adequate? Most definitely. I would like to see the program become a 5 year program with more of a compulsory residency program but I have every confidence that I can be a primary care giver and know when to refer. I gave the example yesterday of how I broke my wrist 2 years ago. A ND doesn't know how to cast.... I went to the ER, got xrays, my wrist was set properly and casted and then did follow-ups with the orthopedic surgeon. But did I use any pain medications? None. I used different homeopathic remedies along my recovery as well as traditional Chinese herbs.
I think it's fascinating to be able to step into another person's world and see where they are coming from .... I also think if both 'worlds' had a better understanding of the potential of working together a huge burden would be lifted off the present healthcare system and patients would be happier and healthier overall.
I had a powerpoint presentation about the basics of naturopathic medicine like the principles (doctor as teacher, do no harm, treat the whole person, find the root cause, the healing power of nature, etc) and the therapies (acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy, herbs, lifestyle counselling, physical medicine). I spoke about the education that I received at CCNM: 3 years of courses that include basic medical sciences like anatomy and physiology, and clinical courses like physical diagnosis, obstetrics, pediatrics, and of course the naturopathic courses like nutrition, acupuncture, etc. I also spoke of how I would treat typical conditions I would see in my practice like chronic ear infections in children, dysmenorrhea, constipation, and of course the elusive 'fatigue'.
After the presentation I answered some of their questions and spoke to a few afterwards. Many were surprised that people would pay for health care and one great question was if I thought there was a deficit in the present conventional medical system that drove patients to come see me and potentially pay for bloodwork. I can only speak from my 6 years of experience in seeing patients and listening to their complaints of their 'conventional healthcare experiences'. Most patients are frustrated in trying to find a medical doctor, then finding a medical doctor that listens to them, then being frustrated in having 5 minutes to discuss 1 health concern and feeling rushed, frustrated with waiting over an hour for a scheduled appointment....... the list goes on.... When patients come to see me they have time to talk about all of their health concerns and they also receive great education in what potentially is going on with their health. When people come to see me for high cholesterol and we do bloodwork, or they bring in a copy of bloodwork from their MD, I sit down and actually explain their results and explain potential problems and their risk factors for heart disease.
Granted these students have not seen any patients and haven't been exposed to the healthcare system in action, they certainly had preconceived thoughts regarding naturopathic medicine and how NDs treat. I think the key is that they really don't understand the education we receive and how we are trained to know when to refer. I know what I can and can't do as an ND. If I received bloodwork and thought cancer was likely I would write a letter to their MD regarding my findings and refer the patient back to their primary care physician.
Do I think my education is adequate? Most definitely. I would like to see the program become a 5 year program with more of a compulsory residency program but I have every confidence that I can be a primary care giver and know when to refer. I gave the example yesterday of how I broke my wrist 2 years ago. A ND doesn't know how to cast.... I went to the ER, got xrays, my wrist was set properly and casted and then did follow-ups with the orthopedic surgeon. But did I use any pain medications? None. I used different homeopathic remedies along my recovery as well as traditional Chinese herbs.
I think it's fascinating to be able to step into another person's world and see where they are coming from .... I also think if both 'worlds' had a better understanding of the potential of working together a huge burden would be lifted off the present healthcare system and patients would be happier and healthier overall.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
24
Totally not health related.... Last night's 24 episode was great. There is something about Jack Bauer that makes him such a great character!!!!
Ok I'll make this at least a little health related ....
Last night is what happens alot of the time at our house. I finished work at 6:30, got home at 7, cut up some brussel sprouts (put olive oil, Herbamare and pepper and some dijon mustard on them) and sweet potatoes (olive oil, Herbamare, pepper, rosemary, and oregano), placed them on 2 baking sheets in an oven at 450, and then went to pick up Chris at the subway. We got home at 7:40 took out the 2 sheets of veggies and put a rainbow trout fillet (olive oil, dill, and pepper) on HI broil for 5 minutes. We ate, caught up on each others day and were ready for Jack Bauer.
So yes you can get home even at 7 pm and still have a healthy homemade dinner with time to spare so you can watch your favourite 8 pm show whether it's 24 or Campbell Brown's No Bias, No Bull on CNN.
Ok I'll make this at least a little health related ....
Last night is what happens alot of the time at our house. I finished work at 6:30, got home at 7, cut up some brussel sprouts (put olive oil, Herbamare and pepper and some dijon mustard on them) and sweet potatoes (olive oil, Herbamare, pepper, rosemary, and oregano), placed them on 2 baking sheets in an oven at 450, and then went to pick up Chris at the subway. We got home at 7:40 took out the 2 sheets of veggies and put a rainbow trout fillet (olive oil, dill, and pepper) on HI broil for 5 minutes. We ate, caught up on each others day and were ready for Jack Bauer.
So yes you can get home even at 7 pm and still have a healthy homemade dinner with time to spare so you can watch your favourite 8 pm show whether it's 24 or Campbell Brown's No Bias, No Bull on CNN.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Home Energy Audit
Yesterday Chris and I got a home energy audit. What a great thing to do!
It cost $325 and there is a rebate of around $100 from the Ontario government. We got the company Enwise to come in and complete the 2 hour energy audit.
There was some picture taking, some measuring of house dimensions, etc... The most fascinating was when the guy, opened our front door and created a new door frame and placed a fan in the middle of it to create a negative pressure. After a certain pressure was reached we walked through the house to see where all of our 'drafts' were.
A couple of spots we knew were bad but then there were some areas, like the electrical outlets throughout the house that were blowing lots of cold air in. Another surprise was some of our windows (all new) had a few cracks in the frames (from a dry environment) that were blowing cold air!
Well worth it and hopefully after sealing a few things we can save a bit of money on our energy bills!
It cost $325 and there is a rebate of around $100 from the Ontario government. We got the company Enwise to come in and complete the 2 hour energy audit.
There was some picture taking, some measuring of house dimensions, etc... The most fascinating was when the guy, opened our front door and created a new door frame and placed a fan in the middle of it to create a negative pressure. After a certain pressure was reached we walked through the house to see where all of our 'drafts' were.
A couple of spots we knew were bad but then there were some areas, like the electrical outlets throughout the house that were blowing lots of cold air in. Another surprise was some of our windows (all new) had a few cracks in the frames (from a dry environment) that were blowing cold air!
Well worth it and hopefully after sealing a few things we can save a bit of money on our energy bills!
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