Ontario Prescribing & Therapeutics Exam

Many of you know that I have spent the majority of 2016 studying for the Ontario Prescribing and Therapeutics exam and I am excited to share with you that I found out yesterday that I passed! I am so thankful for all of the support that I received from my family, friends,

colleagues and patients … in the stressful days preparing for the exam and in the weeks while I waited for the results. Thank you so much for the confidence you had in me.

What does this mean FOR YOU moving forward?

I am now able to do the following: 
 Access and use the substances and medications on the Schedules of the Controlled Acts Regulation (a complete list can be found in the schedules listed at  http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/150168

These substances and medications include: 

-injections (vitamin B12)

-vitamin D over 1000 IU
-vitamin A over 10 000 IU
-desiccated thyroid 
-topical bioidentical hormones (estrogen, progesterone)
-Have an in depth understanding of the evidence based application of pharmaceutical drugs that patients may have had prescribed by other practitioners

Many of you know that over the last 2 years in addition to having a family-based practise I’ve had a special interest in working with Women. It’s been my passion helping women realize their full potential in life by feeling healthy, confident, energized and strong. I witness the effects of poor health on a daily basis (and the impact it has on the different areas of a persons life - work, relationships, family etc), and it has become my mission to continue promoting prevention, balance and healthy lifestyle.
I feel that having passed this exam I now how a greater variety of tools at my disposal and can better address the population that may require thyroid and hormonal support, which seem to be prevalent issues. I’m excited to put these tools to work!

For those of you who are interested in knowing more about why this exam became an option for Naturopathic Doctors, here is a quick recap of what has been transpiring over the last year in our profession:

Effective July 1, 2015, Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario were moved from being regulated under the Drugless Practitioners Act to the Registered Health Professions Act (RHPA). The initiative to move the regulation of Naturopathy in Ontario began more than two decades ago. While there have been some transitional challenges, this change is a positive step forward. It recognizes the Naturopathic profession as an equal partner alongside other health professions, expands the lab testing we can order and allows for designated prescription rights. Among other benefits, these will ultimately enhance the quality of naturopathic care for patients.

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
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Shiatsu - what IS it and what can you expect??

I have to tell you - until Gracie Hvidston started working at Vitality for Life as our Shiatsu therapist I didn't know much about this ancient Japanese body therapy. Well I finally experienced it for myself and I really wanted to share with you my experience.

First off, here's a quick explanation of Shiatsu - Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure” - it is a therapy with it's roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a non-invasive physical therapy aimed at relaxing the body’s nervous system from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state. Pressure is applied with the thumbs, palms, elbows and knees and held at specific acupuncture points along the meridians.

So what can you as a patient expect? Here's what happened during my treatment:

The room is set up similar to a massage therapy room - a massage table is used, the lights are low to create a peaceful environment and there is soothing music playing in the background.

After the paperwork in which your medical concerns are described have been taken, the therapy begins. The interesting thing about Shiatsu is that you do NOT need to disrobe. The therapy is performed right through the clothing.

I started in a seated position and Grace started to work on my shoulders and back. She used her thumbs and forearms to press into hundreds of points, moving efficiently over all the muscles. After 5 minutes I went into a side-lying position and she continued to work along my spine, then hips and legs. She also stretched my arms into a few different positions and pulled them gently which felt great. I turned to the other side and the same motions were repeated. I then laid on my stomach and she worked along my entire back, shoulder and back of legs and feet. It felt incredible. Her thumbs are surprisingly strong - I thought she was using her elbows but she said that doing Shiatsu for over a decade has built her strength in her hands. 

Her thumbs press down and move to the next point usually each second, it's quick but very relaxing. VERY relaxing. With each press I felt the tension melting away and the trigger points disappearing. I was thinking about how great a runner would feel having Grace work on their legs, as she treated my tight calves and hamstrings!

I then turned onto my back and Grace worked on my shoulders again but this time UNDER my back - Grace explained to me that she targets the same muscles but in all different positions because muscles are 3-dimensional and each position allows her to work on different aspects of that muscle.

She then worked on my scalp which was my FAVORITE!! Who knew so much tension was held there, but the pressing and kneading released so much tightness and felt wonderful. We finished with some work over the belly (I had complained of some chronic digestive issues). That was a different experience than anything I'd ever had. 

The whole treatment was one hour in length and felt simply amazing. Grace uses Shiatsu to treat a variety of conditions (migraines, hormone imbalances, stress, mobility issues, digestive issues etc) but also helps people maintain great health. For those of you that could benefit from acupuncture but are scared of needles, you can get many of the same benefits from Shiatsu! I HIGHLY recommend you try it, and you may be surprised to learn that it may be covered under your health benefits!

Next, I may be seeing Grace for a Reiki treatment or some cupping (those services are also currently being offered)! We are thrilled to have Grace part of our team and to be able to offer Shiatsu therapy in Barrie!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
We're On Facebook!