Road Tripping Memories

I am so filled with happiness and delight watching today's Marilyn Dennis show. Marilyn and her son did a road trip from Calgary to Jasper and they are chronicling their road adventure on today's show. As I am finishing writing up this month's Zawada Health newsletter, Marilyn is on in the background, Owen is napping in my wrap, and I'm enjoying a cinnamon heart puerh tea from David's! What a great morning. Watching them do their road trip filled my mind and heart with all our family road trips growing up. The Zawada's are master road-trippers. It's truly in our blood I think. If my parents weren't working hard during the season on the tobacco farm, they were throwing us in the car and driving everywhere.... from the Sunday drives in the summer to Kitchener to go to Sportsworld, to the mini road trips to Buffalo shopping, to all the Florida drives, to the cross country trips to Alberta and everywhere in between! There is something special that bonds a family or friends when stuck in the car for hours on end. I remember doing flash cards with my sister in the car, playing helicopter in the car (before seat belts were mandatory!), being threatened to get left at the side of the road if we didn't behave and of course all the stops along the way that cement a trip in your mind. I remember all the music (oh Beyonce!) and all the gas stops and the farm smells driving across Canada with my dear friend Andrea. I remember driving through the night with Chris on the way out East unable to find a hotel to stop, driving with one eye open through the dark, moose-filled highways around a town called Edmunston in New Brunswick. And of course let's not forget as a true Canadian what's a road trip without Tim Horton's along the way! I guess the other reason why road trips are on my mind is because my mom called me this morning and told me that their Ford pick-up truck is 172 km away from turning over to a million km. CRAZY!! I told you the Zawada's are real road-trippers!!! There is something truly special about being on the road and watching the world go by and enjoying either the colour of the leaves in autumn, the snow on the trees in the fall, the smell of the freshly ploughed soil in the spring or the sight of the sun reflecting everywhere in the summer. Now with a 5 month old I cannot wait to start road-tripping and making new memories for our new family of 3!

Food Introduction for Babies!

Last complimentary seminar for the week takes place tomorrow at noon with me! Hopefully those of you that have attended the seminars thus far have enjoyed and learned a few things to keep your kids healthy! Thanks again to some of the companies that have provided samples for the attendees! Thanks to NFH, Olive Baby, Sun Warrior, Seroyal, and of course the practitioners of ZH, Helene, Claire, Tiffany, and Catherine for volunteering their time to make this week a success. “Food Introduction for Infants” – Carol Morley ND, Nov 22nd, 12 pm Are you curious what current trends and acceptable practises are for introducing first foods to your infant? Join new mom and Naturopathic Doctor Carol Morley in a discussion of what are the best first foods and why your choices could result in a healthier immune system and fewer allergies, eczema, and other common childhood concerns for your infant. A draw for an Olive Baby gift basket valued at $35.00. Winter

Want to Know More About Treating Kids and Babies with Osteopathy?

“Osteopathy and Childhood Concerns” – Catherine Cabral-Marotta, Nov 21st, 7 pm This seminar will focus on the benefits of osteopathic manual treatment for the pediatric patient. Information on the benefits of treatment for colic, sleep disturbances, and biomechanical development (specifically toe-in/toe-out gait) will be emphasized. Call or email the clinic today to sit in for tonights seminar!

Healthy Kids and Happy Babies Week - Next Complimentary Seminar Tomorrow!

“Osteopathy and Childhood Concerns” – Catherine Cabral-Marotta, Nov 21st, 7 pm This seminar will focus on the benefits of osteopathic manual treatment for the pediatric patient. Information on the benefits of treatment for colic, sleep disturbances, and biomechanical development (specifically toe-in/toe-out gait) will be emphasized.

Tomorrow's Complimentary Seminar .....

“Building a Healthy Immune System From the Ground Up” – Tiffany Heikkila ND, Nov 20th, 7 pm It’s inevitable…kids will get sick! They like to play in the dirt, stick things in their mouths and pass germs to each other at school. Luckily, Naturopathic Doctors are well equipped to deal with everything from your typical winter cold to more significant conditions. Learn the best NATURAL and EFFECTIVE ways to boost your child’s immune system, whether they only get sick once or year or are chronically ill. Topics of discussion will include the importance of gut health and probiotics, dealing with fevers (are they good or bad?), treating colds and flus, simple diet changes and the ‘must-haves’ to make your own remedy kit at home.

Fall Reading List Part 4!

Today's post is from Helene Roby, another RMT at Zawada Health! She has two beautiful kids that have inpired her to write about her favourite children's books. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch This is a beautiful story about a mothers unconditional love for her son, and the bond between mother and child. It is full of real life examples of the different stages children hit as they grow up and become adults. It is sensitively written, funny and heart-warming all at the same time. One of the sweetest children’s book out there, makes me cry every time I read it… Hop on Pop by Dr Seuss Hop on Pop is composed of simple, silly rhymes. It’s a bit of a tongue twister but a great fun and easy read for beginner readers. The illustrations are the usual style of funny characters helping the new reader to decode the words. My almost 5 year old daughter really enjoys this book. Mr Brown Can Moo! By Dr Seuss Fun all around for little kids! Good for beginner readers too. Both my kids have loved imitating the sounds the book describes from a very young age and has kept them entertained until now (2 and 5 years). Busy Kitties by John Schindel and Sean Franzen Cute cat pictures illustrating action-words for young toddlers. A Children’s Treasury of Songs from Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. I think every toddler enjoys singing and this compilation of nursery rhymes is awesome. It includes all-time favourites like: “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “Pop Goes the Weasel,” “Row, Row, Row your Boat”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Pat-a-Cake,” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It”. All the songs are great for entertaining young ones on car trips, during play dates, on a rainy day or anytime to cheer up the mood.

Fall Reading List Part 3

Next up is one of our RMTs with her must-have picks for a good yet informative read. Thanks to Kelly Derlago, one of the clinic's most voracious readers, for today's recommendations! The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy, by Vicki Iovine You can read just about any pregnancy book out there, or get advice from your health professional, but some topics or questions tend to be "off-limits", or too embarrassing to bring up. This book tells you everything that only your girlfriends would tell you when it comes to pregnancy -- ALL the gory details! A light, funny, and extremely informative read, to add to your prenatal "to-do" list. Taking Charge of Your Fertility, by Toni Weschler, MPH Many women are completely unfamiliar with their cycles, and the window each month they have to increase their chances of conception, or when to abstain, to avoid pregnancy. This book shows women, step by step, how to monitor their cycle each month, giving them more control of their bodies and health. A must read for every woman, regardless of which stage you are in your life.

Fall Reading List Part 2

Today's book review and recommendation is by another Naturopathic Doctor here at Zawada Health: Claire Girgis. Claire wanted to share a couple of books that she has recently read and enjoyed. Dying for a Hamburger By Dr. Murray Waldman & Marjorie Lamb (2004) This book addressed something very specific: the link between beef consumption and Alzheimer's disease. Although the topic is specific, the book covers many different areas that are important to learn about. It really opened my eyes to the shortcomings of the meat processing industry and the dangers they produce. This book really drives home the importance of knowing where your food comes from and how it gets from the field to your plate. Survival of the Sickest By Dr. Sharon Moalem (2007) This is a fascinating book! I read it some time ago but it still regularly comes up in conversation. The author tackles the question “Why do we have disease”. He explores the idea that diseases occur in a population for a reason. Often, a disease that seems detrimental is accompanied by a genetic change that protects the individual from another condition they may be vulnerable to. This book is great because it offers a new way of looking at disease and a better understanding of health. Next on the book shelf: Omnivores Dilemma By Michael Pollan (2006) This book looks into the many food trends that we see today and how they affect our current health and will affect the species in the long run. Should be very informative!

Zawada Health Fall Reading List

There is a chill in the air! What a great time of the year to curl up with a cup of tea (preferably green, white, or rooibus) and a good book. The next few posts will be by different practitioners at Zawada Health and their current reading recommendations. Today we start off with a book review done by Tiffany Heikkila, a Naturopathic Doctor at Zawada Health on the popular "Wheat Belly". Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD ‘Did you know that eating two slices of whole wheat bread can increase blood sugar more than 2 tablespoons of pure sugar can?’ It’s not very often that a Medical Doctor takes a strong stand against the food industry, which certainly adds to the ‘cachet’ of this book. As Naturopathic Doctors, we have been advising our patients against the over-indulgence of wheat for years, so it’s nice to know that the rest of the world is finally catching on. Wheat Belly is not just your typical diet book, but rather exposes the significant health consequences of excess wheat consumption, including obesity, Celiac disease, premature aging, skin conditions, increased cholesterol and of course diabetes. Dr. Davis captivates the reader with his knowledge, expertise and research. He discusses how wheat manufacturing has changed over the past 50 years, with nutritionally void, genetically modified wheat now being the staple in our bread aisle. He goes on to discuss how the push to increase the purported healthy “whole grains” has unfortunately led to the increase in waist size. Not only does Dr. Davis paint a great picture to avoid wheat altogether, he is also kind enough to provide healthy recipes to prove that wheat-free does not mean taste-free. This book is an easy and illuminating read for anyone looking to better their health, lose unwanted pounds and energize their minds!

Electromagnetic Sensitivities Recognized by Women's College Hospital!

While electromagnetic sensitivity is a condition long recognized by the naturopathic profession, it is great to see the condition receiving mainstream exposure and recognition from colleagues of the conventional medical establishment. Here's the article from the hospital website along with the link. The world is becoming dominated by wireless technology which is constantly emanated as micro, radio and extremely low frequency waves through the air. Researchers are studying the effects of constant exposure to these waves and how it impacts the human body. Cell phones, cell phone towers, wireless internet routers, cordless phones and power lines of all sorts have all been recognized as possible contributors to an environmental health condition called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EMS) caused by significant exposure from radio waves. EMS symptoms include poor sleep, fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, memory impairment and skin rashes. Patients’ reactions vary, some requiring life-altering changes to minimize exposures as much as possible. The first step for patients having these symptoms is to see their family physician. From there, they are usually referred to a specialist, like those in the Environmental Health Clinic at Women’s College Hospital (WCH). Our experts understand sensitivities like EMS and are diligently trying to further delineate its complexities, educate the medical establishment and manage patients. That’s why on May 23, our Environmental Health Clinic hosted physicians, experts and patients at WCH for a day of interactive lectures, to share and discuss ideas about the issues surrounding EMS. “We need to create more awareness about this condition,” said Dr. Riina Bray, medical director, Environmental Health Clinic, WCH. “Health-care practitioners need to better understand EMS so they can help their patients prevent and manage their symptoms. The public needs to know how to protect themselves from the broad range of health impacts electromagnetic fields have on their minds and bodies.” Dr. Magda Havas, associate professor of environmental and resource studies, Trent University, presented Electromagnetic sensitivity: Is it psychological or physiological? She challenged the critics’ suggestion that symptoms are solely psychological by providing real examples of patients whose symptoms subsided when wireless technology was removed from their environment. Scientifically sound guidelines for safety were also reviewed, with the knowledge that the standards in North America fall abysmally short of those elsewhere. A grand rounds lecture featuring Dr. Ray Copes, chief, environmental and occupational health, Public Health Ontario, discussed EMS from a public health perspective. Dr. Copes cited the difficulties in comparing research because there is no one universally-accepted definition of the condition. In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to interact in small groups and discuss next steps for patient care, government action and community collaboration. “Women’s College Hospital is leading the way by hosting workshops like this,” said Dr. Bray. “Working together is the first step to creating a mutual understanding of electromagnetic hypersensitivity and being able to care for and treat patients in the best way possible.”

Guest Blogger on Live Blood Cell Analysis

By Jessie Hawthorn, B.A, CNP, ROHP When I first learned about Live Blood Cell Analysis I was so intrigued. I knew it was something I wanted to incorporate into my nutritional practice. Viewing your own blood cells live during the appointment is fascinating! Being a visual learner myself, I really enjoy and appreciate the education it delivers for the client and the practitioner about the client’s health. I find that it also provides clients with a powerful motivational tool to make the correct changes needed to improve their health. Over a period of time positive changes can be seen in the blood and this gives the client a visual confirmation (and additional motivation) that their efforts have paid off. Your blood serves as a predictor of your health and provides an indication of illness well before symptoms appear, thus making live blood cell analysis an early detection tool. At times the blood may show many abnormalities, yet the patient feels terrific, therefore we are being forewarned by the blood to make some life changes before disease conditions occur. Some of these conditions include: vitamin and mineral deficiencies; toxicity; poor circulation and oxygenation; abnormal blood-clotting; abnormal liver function; arteriosclerosis; allergic reactions; abnormal immune system function; abnormalities related to hormonal imbalances; pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, fungi, yeast); acid/alkaline balance; and digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid deficiencies. Clients need and want education regarding preventative health, something that I personally believe the current medical world is not providing. Live blood analysis is an amazing educational tool because it is an interactive process. The client and the practitioner are both viewing the live blood sample during the appointment. Analysis is provided immediately; there is no need to wait for lab results. For pricing and to book your appointment for Saturday June 16th with Jessie call Zawada Health at 905-804-1752.

Exciting Week Ahead at Zawada Health

Happy Naturopathic Medicine Week! Lots of exciting events at the clinic this week and I hope you will join us when you can! First up is Claire Girgis (ND) -- She will be doing a complimentary evening seminar (7-8 pm) tomorrow night (Monday) on 'Everything You Need to Know about Supplements'. She'll explore fish oils, multi-vitamins, and probiotics among others and explain important things to look for. Next is Tiffany Heikkila (ND) -- She will be doing a complimentary evening seminar (7-8 pm) on Tuesday night on 'Waist Management', where she talking about fad diets, boosting metabolism and weight loss. Finally the last of the evening seminar series will be me, Carol Morley (ND), on Wednesday night (7-8 pm) where I will explain the ins and outs of diabetes, natural ways to support and how to support while on medication and why. I will also repeat this seminar at noon at Whole Foods Square One on Friday. All of the evening seminars will take place in the reception area of Zawada Health and there is a limit of 15 people for each talk. Sign up by emailing info@zawadahealth.com or call the clinic at 905-804-1752. Tuesday May 8th is the big wellness info day at the clinic. I hope you will join us and some partners in the community for a fun-filled day that will provide a wealth of information. Every hour (11 am, noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm) there will be a 15 minute chat on a topic. Look to the May ZH newsletter for the line-up! (http://zawadahealth.com/docs/Zawada_Health_Newsletter_May_2012.pdf ) Throughout the clinic there will also be tables of information set up so you can chat with people from the community.... sample some Vega protein smoothies, chat with the Whole Foods Square One body and skin care people, chat with Leona Zakaib from Norwex about healthy cleaning options, get your blood glucose and body fat checked by one of our NDs, and of course last but not least sample some tasty treats and tea! Have a wonderful week!

So I'm 28 Weeks Pregnant.....

And these are some of the things I've realized so far: 1. Golf is never easy but with a belly and a new center of gravity it is not fun. Chris and I went on Easter weekend and I that's when I realized how much core is involved in golfing and how little I have of it anymore. 2. I thought I'd be one of those pregnant ladies running around in my heels until the very end. I've always loved wearing heels to work but I realized early (around 10 weeks), and with help from my osteopathic doctor, that it wasn't a great idea for me and it actually was making my nausea worse. 3. I may know a lot from a textbook perspective about pregnancy and prenatal care but when you are experiencing it, it takes it to a whole other level. My training as a Naturopathic Doctor has helped not only me but many women in the past 9 years of practice, going through preconception healthcare, prepping the body for pregnancy, and throughout the trimesters. I even did a doula course because I started to become more and more interested in pregnancy and wanted to be able to offer even more to my patients. I don't attend births but the knowledge I've gained has helped countless women throught the barage of information or lack of information about pregnancy and childbirth. I always knew this is truly a miracle of life from a medical perspective but to actually experience the nausea and fatigue (and have no control over it!) and the kicking and stretching (I swear this baby does downward dogs all day) from inside is amazing. 4. One thing has been solidified in my mind: preconception healthcare is the most important thing a woman can do. How many times have I heard from women in their first trimester "But Dr. Carol I just can't eat my dark green veggies", "I just want carbs not fruits", "I'm struggling with protein" and I've gone on to give countless tips on how to incorporate these things in different ways while explaining how important what you eat during pregnancy is and why. You want to set the baby up for nutritional success I say! However full disclosure here: I can't believe how many times I had to run to Tim Horton's for a bagel in my first 16 weeks because that was the only thing that was going to make my nausea settle. Those times of guilt, sitting eating my bagel, all I could think about was thank goodness this baby has so many good reserves to go on and I was thankful that I had been eating so well before and taking my folic acid and prenatal well in advance. The egg takes 120 days to mature so I usually say to women you need at least 4 months of preconception work for good healthy eggs. Sperm maturation takes 90 days so men have to be equally vigilant for good sperm. I've seen women that struggle with nausea and vomiting for longer than the first trimester... heck even all the way until the last few days and this struggle for good nutrition for the developing baby can be really compromised. 5. I miss my moksha hot yoga! Even though I've been doing it for 10 years I still knew the heat could compromise the baby's development and it could increase risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester and I knew myself well enough that I wouldn't be able to go and do a 'toned down' routine. I also thought I was going to be one of those pregnant ladies that would be running and not really skip a beat when it comes to my exercise routine. Well I was wrong and my feelings have really changed ... you have to do what feels right for you and baby. There are countless research articles on the benefits of exercise throughout pregnancy and staying active not only for mom-to-be and her labour and delivery but also for the baby! My general rule for patients was if you have been doing a particular exercise for at least 3 months before conceiving you can easily continue into pregnancy with probably some modifications. Nothing new. For the first 18 weeks I didn't do a lick of exercise. Only a little bit of walking on the weekends. I just didn't feel well enough. Then all of a sudden a switch turned and I could function again and surprisingly my body was trained enough that I just slid back into a exercise regime doing a vinyasa yoga at home and power walks outside. Although I've always loved to run it didn't feel right for me so I just went with the flow. 6. I love my midwife. She is wonderful and Chris and I have loved our visits, getting 45 minutes to chat through things and prepare. Each time I go she gives us the scoop on any upcoming testing and why it is necessary or why it's not .... it's all about informed decision making which is so powerful. I always recommended midwives before for normal low risk pregnancies and now it's wonderful to have an experience to base that feeling on. A obstetrician from the UK was telling me that midwives only deliver all low risk babies over there. OBs only come into the picture in high risk pregnancies or when there needs to be a transfer of care or an assisted delivery. When she came to Canada and started practicing in Toronto she was so surprised to see how many normal low risk pregnancies were being delivered by OBs. Also very interesting when you put that into the context of how high our C-section rate is here in Canada (almost double of the World Health Organization's recommended rate of 15%)!! 7. One last thing.... there is an amazing culture of mothers that was foreign to me. It's kind of like a secret club. I have been surrounded by so much love and support by not only my friends and family but people I had never expected. Patients dropping off maternity clothes, random people at make-up counters (yes I've already gotten some breastfeeding tips from the lovely ladies at one of the makeup counters at Holt Renfrew!), friends sharing experiences that I guess I wasn't ready to hear before..... It is truly the lovely feeling of being part of a village. And even before this lovely baby arrives I already feel like I have a better understanding of the saying "It takes a village to raise a child". Stay tuned.......

My Top 6 List for Cholesterol-Busting Foods

If you come to see me about your high cholesterol you are going to get a whole lot of education about food and exercise and of course how your liver breaksdown cholesterol. My top 6 list to lower cholesterol is:
10-15 almonds a day, an apple a day, 2 tbsp ground flaxseed, steel cut oatmeal you make on the stove not in a microwave 3-5x/week, salmon 1x/week, and beans for the great soluble fiber at least 2-3x/week.

Of course there are the foods that you should be avoiding or limiting as well: beef, fried foods, cheese, pork .... AND if you love your artificial sweeteners like your diet pop, crystal light, or splenda in your coffee, STOP! With high cholesterol your risk for heart attack and stroke increases and as recent as last year there has been research to show that artificial sweeteners increase your risk as well! Water and green tea I always say!!

Whole Foods Square One Seminar Tomorrow!

On February 11, Whole Foods Mississauga will be hosting a 3 part seminar to rejuvenate every aspect of your life. Join the ladies of Zawada Health for an educational afternoon of exciting health information to start the New Year off right. 2:00-4:30 pm. Admission is $15, and you will receive a $10 whole foods gift certificate.

From breakfast to side dishes to desserts, Naturopathic Doctor, Carol Morley will show you how to experience a new zest for life by gaining a better feeling of wellbeing - all by detoxing through diet. Through a cooking demo you will sample a dish from her cookbook, Delicious Detox and learn how detoxing can be easy and delicious.

Naturopathic Doctor, Tiffany Heikkila will then discuss how to help you overcome the winter blahs this year. Tiffany will explain the specific reasons as to why you are fatigued and overwhelmed and the best ways to boost your energy and mood. From easy dietary changes, to supplements and herbal remedies, Tiffany will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on the rest of the winter months.

To cap off the afternoon, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Catherine Cabral-Marotta will help you move like you’re 20 again! There’s no need to wake up in the morning feeling stiff, or grumble at your sore low back as you lean over to brush your teeth or tie your shoe. Catherine will teach you simple and easy techniques that can be done to help your body regain its mobility, improve digestion, facilitate good posture, and feel young again.

Craving Mashed Potatoes?

I'm in heaven right now. I was totally craving my mom's mashed potatoes today. Maybe it was the snow outside but instead of going out and buying potatoes I steamed a head a cauliflower (15 minutes) and then put it in the food processor with some sea salt and pepper, 2 garlic cloves and a touch of butter. Pureed until smooth and oh my it tastes like potatoes. Maybe I'll be able to fool Chris tonight :)

Beating Colds and Flus Naturally

We’ve all been there…waking up in the morning with a stuffy nose, sore throat, hacking cough and body aches. What would you normally do? Before reaching for your over-the-counter medication, why not try something different this time? Try something that is effective and NATURAL!

Join Naturopathic Doctor Tiffany Sahakian Heikkila and Registered Massage Therapist Erin Chaisson, both of Zawada Health clinic, as they discuss the best ways to boost your immune system and fight off colds and flus. Learn about specific supplements, herbal concoctions and even sinus and lymphatic massages to help get you through it.

Admission is free!!!

When: Saturday, January 14, 2012
Where: Mississauga Central Library
301 Burnhamthorpe Rd W
CL2, 2nd Floor
Time: 2 pm - 3:30 pm
To register: 905–615–3500 x 3589