George Street Naturopathic Newsletter
Dear Your Name Here
Welcome to the first edition of the George Street Naturopathic Medicine e-newsletter. I hope that you find it both interesting and informative. Pass this along to anyone who you think could benefit from learning more about health from a naturopathic perspective.
In this inaugural issue:
• Getting enough of the “sunshine vitamin”
• Winterize yourself against colds and flu
• Use your benefits before year-end
• Upcoming events
Vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin”
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that has many important functions in our body. It is best known for its impact on calcium absorption and its role in preventing weakening of the bones. Recent research shows that vitamin D is very important in the prevention of common types of cancer, including colon cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. One study showed taking 1000 IU per day of vitamin D lowers the risk of developing cancer by over 50%!
So how do we get vitamin D? It is added to several foods such as cow’s milk, almond milk, rice milk, and soy milk. It is also found in fish such as herring, mackerel, tuna and salmon. Eggs and meats contain a very small amount. Fruits and veggies don’t contain any. When exposed to sun, our skin makes vitamin D. Twenty minutes of sun exposure on our face and arms will lead to the production of about 200 IU per day. In the winter months, our sun exposure tends to be much less, which is why many practitioners recommend extra vitamin D from November to April. In light of the new research on this nutrient, the guidelines for vitamin D supplementation have recently changed both for children and adults. Speak to a naturopath for a prescription that is right for you.
Winterize yourself against colds and flu
T’is the season…for coughs, colds, runny noses, sneezing…
Particularly if you have small children, you are well aware that cold and flu season is back in full force. Here are some tips to help you and your family this winter season.
1. Eat a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and 100% whole grains.
2. Avoid refined sugar (found in sweet cereals, baked goods, pop, candy) as much as possible. Sugar has a negative impact on the immune system by causing a drop in white blood cells.
3. Stay well hydrated to strengthen your body’s defences. Water, herbal teas (sweeten them with honey for the kids), and diluted fruit juices are the beverages of choice to keep you healthy.
4. Wash your hands several times per day. Many viruses are transferred by direct contact.
5. When you do have a cough or cold, avoid dairy products - they contribute to mucus production.
6. Consider using a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom or your child’s bedroom during colds. The extra humidity helps to thin the mucus and eases breathing.
Use your benefits before year-end
Does your health-benefit plan cover naturopathy and/or registered massage therapy? Did you know that unused benefits from 2007 will expire at year-end? Don’t lose your benefits! Treat yourself this holiday season to a relaxing massage or an invigorating acupuncture session. If you haven’t had the pleasure of a treatment by Melissa or Lisa, our two highly skilled Registered Massage Therapists, don’t wait any longer! Lisa can also fit you for orthotics, and Melissa has taken additional courses in pregnancy massage.
Call the clinic at 519.575.6016 for more information.
Upcoming Events
Monday January 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Grand River Stanley Park Community Library, 175 Indian Road
“An Ounce of Prevention for Cold and Flu Season"
Join us to learn more about how to best protect you and your family during the winter months. Register at the library in person or by phone 519.896.1736.
Saturday January 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
George Street Naturopathic Medicine, 8 George Street
“Healthy Snacks for Kids”
I am very excited to be teaming up with my friend and neighbour, Cynthia Wikkerink, to present this informative hands-on workshop. Cynthia specializes in creating healthy and delicious food through her business Divinely Raw (www.divinelyraw.ca). Together we will be presenting information about nutrition for children, and then heading into the kitchen where Cynthia will show us how to prepare some simple and very nutritious snacks. Space is limited, so call the clinic to reserve your spot, 519.575.6016. Cost is $20 per person.
Please have a safe and healthy holiday season. Indulge in some dark chocolate (one small square per day can lower blood pressure), take a nap (those who nap regularly are shown to have less heart attacks) and enjoy some time together with your family. I look forward to seeing you at the clinic soon.
In health,
Dr. Joanna Thiessen, Naturopath and Doula
Director, George Street Naturopathic Medicine
8 George Street
Waterloo, ON N2J 1K5
t: 519.575.6016
w: www.georgestreetnaturopathic.com
Disclaimer: The information presented herein is not a prescription and does not substitute the consultation of a health care practitioner.
