H1N1 Flu Prevention

One of the hot topics this season is of course the swine flu and what we need to do to avoid getting it. One of the things I tell my patients is that we need to look at the H1N1 virus like all other flu virus' and practise good prevention. The only real difference is the popultion it seems to hit more, which is the middle age instead of young and old (but anyone can get it). To date, symptoms have been for the most part mild, so the fear we were experiencing several months ago was probably blown out of proportion. One of the interesting facts that has come to light in a recent Canadian study is that individuals who have gotten the flu shot in previous seasons may be at higher risk for getting the H1N1 form of the flu! And of course Health Canada is now promoting the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as the basic flu shot later into the season. Again, what will studies show in the future? For generally healthy individuals, I have some basics I would suggest to protect you and your family:
1. Good hygiene - wash your hands several times a day with soap and water.
2. Moisturize! studies have shown that moisturized hands are less likely to spread germs!
3. Eat well, avoid sugars
4. Stay well hydrated - your mucus membranes are your first line of defense against virus'
5. Make sure you immune system is strong - if you get sick often, see your Naturopath to discuss the MANY options for a strong immune system
6. Vitamin D - studies are showing it may be the vitamin of choice for flu-prevention!

In addition, I highly recommend one of the many homeopathic options for flu-prevention. Children are prime candidates for this type of approach because they respond very well to homeopathic remedies, which are a gentle, safe and natural way to increase the immune response. Guna-Flu, Gripp-Heel and Engystol are just a few of the remedies we offer at the clinic for prevention and treatment of the flu. These come in a gargle, tablet or flu-shot form.
Speak to your ND about the option that would be right for you!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Good-bye Sunshine, Hello Vitamin D

As we move into autumn, one of the most important supplements for Canadians to consider is Vitamin D. While we may replenish our vitamin D levels through diet (salmon, tuna, tofu, dairy, sesame seeds, almonds) and fortified foods (soy milk, almond milk), the amount now recommended by public health groups such as the Canadian Cancer Society make it much more difficult to do so through diet alone.

In 2007 the Canadian Cancer Society recommended that adults take five times more than the government guideline. It recommended that adults with white skin take 1,000 International Units (IU) a day in the fall and winter as a cancer-prevention step while those with darker skin should supplement with at least 1,000 IU year round. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommended that pregnant women take 10 times the amount as suggested by Canada's Food Guide.

Vitamin D is proving to have multiple benefits for young and old:
-powerful immune booster
-protective against heart disease and cancer
-mood regulation (seasonal affective disorder) & memory
-proper bone mineralization/development

Canada is also investigating how vitamin D levels may be protective against the Swine Flu:
“How vitamin D might protect against influenza infection is not fully understood. However new research suggests that vitamin D induces the production of antimicrobial substances in the body that possess neutralizing activity against a variety of infectious agents including influenza virus (Doss, 2009).”

I recommend Vitamin D supplementation to most patients these days, in higher doses than were once acceptable. I would strongly advise everyone speak to their naturopath about the appropriate dose for you and your family!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

David Suzuki at the OAND Convention!

This presentation by Dr. David Suzuki will mark the opening of the OAND (Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors) annual convention, Revolutionizing Medicine: The Connection Between the Environment and Health. Dr. Suzuki will present his keynote address, “The Challenge of the 21st Century: Setting the Bottom Line”.

The OAND is thrilled to provide an opportunity for members, patients and the public at large to attend a live, in-person presentation with Dr. Suzuki. As part of his commitment to reducing his carbon footprint, the majority of his appearances are now via videoconference – so we are proud to present this exclusive event.

Please join the members of the OAND at our Naturopathic Doctor Marketplace before and after the presentation to find out how Naturopathic Doctors are getting at the root of it!

For more information, please visit http://www.oand.org/index.php?page=david-suzuki

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

Now Available! Olive Baby Head-to-Toe Body Wash

I'm very happy to say that Olive Baby Head-to-toe body wash is now available at Vitality for Life. This is the newest Olive baby product and is sure to please! It is a 100% Olive oil based liquid castile soap (unlike other castile soaps which are often made with nut and other seed oils). It is perfect for babies skin and those with sensitive and irritated skin. Our foamer bottle produces a rich foam which is easy to use and makes a wonderful body wash, hand soap or face wash as well!
This makes a wonderful baby shower gift for those expectant moms! (And Christmas is just around the corner!).
It is available at the clinic for $12, and will be availalbe online shortly.

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Flu Prevention starts now!

This season I am offering two different approaches to flu prevention. I am still offering the homeopathic flu vaccine (a course of 3 treatments done monthly starting this fall) as either an injectible or a gargle, but I am also offering an at-home treatment called Guna-flu:
GUNA-FLU is a combination medicine for the prevention and treatment of influenza and cold syndromes. It is considered the homeopathic form of the anti-influenza vaccination. This option is gentle enough even for children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Prevention: 1 dose a week for at least 6 weeks starting from September to October. It offers excellent protection against influenzal and para-influenzal viruses. Treatment: started during the first 12-24 hours from the onset of the pathology, it treats the symptoms of cold and flu.

Make your appointment today to discuss which option is right for you!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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

Apple Picking

This past weekend we decided to go apple picking as a family. We're lucky to be close to a wonderful organic apple farm called 'Avalon' in Barrie. As a naturopath I think it's really important to teach your kids where food comes from and connect to how it grows and what it looks like when it's fresh. My kids loved the experience. They were just so happy to run up and down the aisles and pick their own apples right off the tree. The smell was glorious and the apples were still warm from the sunshine. I felt deeply happy being there and felt a sense of peace watching my children running and playing and getting along! It's amazing what happens when they are in an open space and the normal rules don't apply - it's like their behavioural issues just disappeared, which makes me realize that it's often just the boundaries that we create for them because of the spaces we live in. I think kids really need to be outdoors more, connecting with nature and learning about their environment.
It was a perfect day, and we've been enjoying our apples ever since. I highly recommend this experience for a family outing.
We'll definitely go back for the next varieties around Thanksgiving!

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

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