Squamish Wellness Directory

Parabens in Your Daily Moisturizers!

 Do you know what’s in your skin care and cosmetic products? Unfortunately, most consumers don’t. Over the last few years, a lot of light has been shed on the dangers of conventional skin care products and the preservatives and additives that are used to manufacture them. 

One of the leading questionable types of ingredients is parabens.  Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They are inexpensive and highly effective as a preservative, which makes them a very popular choice among many brands. They are typically found in creams and lotions, which are products that many consumers use multiple times throughout the day!

The problem with parabens, is that all types (methyl, ethyl, etc) have been found to be estrogenic – meaning they mimic female hormones. While parabens have been found in breast tumour samples they haven’t been conclusively linked to cancer. (Vasil, 2007, pg 315) However, estrogenic ingredients can cause hormone disruption which can have various effects on the body and interfere with the normal hormone balance for both men and women.

So how do you spot a paraben? The best way to arm yourself against the use of parabens is to read the labels of the products you buy and switch to brands that do not use these preservatives in the first place.

The VADA Body Care line of products, by OnlyGreen, is made without the use of any synthetic dyes or chemicals, is handmade using only natural ingredients and is 100% paraben free. VADA Body Care products include hair care, face care, body care, baby care and products for men. Click here to connect with your local EcoAdvisor and learn more about how to get VADA products for you and your family. 

Our 100% paraben free facial creams are currently on sale! Give yourself soft, smooth skin, safely, even in the dry winter weather!

Resources:

Vasil, Adria, Ecoholic, 2007

http://ezinearticles.com/

www.onlygreen.com/stacymetz

Owning Your Voice can help you to Kick Start your New Years Resolutions

Creating 2012


Owning Your Voice can help you to Kick Start your New Years Resolutions

Coaching can provide you with the awareness and clarity to move your resolutions and goals into deeper action.

Coaching can help you:

• Remove blocks and move into action
• Deepen goals so they align with your values and purpose
• Discover balance between goals and everyday life
• Create new goals

Email me to book your 30 min. Coaching Session
Cost: $50.00 +HST

 

February Workshop

For February Sarah & I are in the planing stages of a workshop called:

"Be "YOUR" own Valentine
~ Practical guidance for loving "YOU"
 
This workshop will be great for anyone, whether you are in a relationship or not. More info soon.

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Thrive Documentary


I recently shared this documentary with the Squamish Documentary Group and it was very well received. I am currently in the process of organizing a larger viewing in Squamish later in January or early February. If you would be interested in attending please Email Me and I will put you on the list. In the meantime you can go to the Thrive Website to view the trailer and get more information about the movie.

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Walk Off The Earth 

The video link below is an amazing example of what happens when we collaborate and share "Our Voice" . This video went viral very fast and is currently at over 27,000,000 views. Either click on the play button on the image below or follow this link .

 

January Public Laughter Yoga Workshop

 
On Sunday January 29th 2012 I will be co-leading a session of Laughter Yoga with Sarah Tambosso at Sky High Lifestyles

11am - 1pm  Cost: $10.00 / Person (Only 12 spots available)

We will use a combination of discussion and debrief along with the experience of Laughter Yoga

From 1:30pm - 6pm we will be offering the following One on One sessions at Sky High Lifestyles:

For $20.00 you will receive a 15 min. Angel Card Reading from Sarah followed by a 15 min. coaching session from Ross. This amazing offer will provide you with Awareness that you can immediately turn into Action.

The Power of Support & Collaboration with Owning Your Voice

I would like to share with you my excitement as we enter 2012. Way back in May of 2011 a friend of mine posted a photo of me on Facebook and when I saw it I was really shocked. I thought to myself who is that guy. Over the last 10 years I have struggled with weight issues with varying levels of success. Deep down, I always new that when the time was right I would lose the weight easily and effortlessly. I am happy to share that I am currently in that process. I still have a way to go to reach my goals but I can honestly say that I have never felt better. Along with doing my own inner work, I have had the amazing gift of external support that has been unbelievably helpful. My primary support has been working with an Energy Healer ~ Tara Alain www.divinematrix.ca and a Personal Trainer ~ Heidi Stokes from www.garibaldifitness.com and Sarah Tambosso www.ohmsweethome.ca who provided me with much Intuitive Guidance over the last year.  I am truly grateful for their help and support on this journey. A picture is worth a thousand words so in the photos below you can begin to see the results of all the work.
  
My friend Lynda Austin is a channel and I remember her source "Essence" saying "You don't get extra points for doing it alone" The support and guidance I have received on this journey have been critical on my path towards success. I noticed that I really need to surround myself with support that is energetically walking with me on that path. I also noticed that this is what I do for my coaching clients. What emerges in both cases is a space of trust, non-judgement and most importantly an energy of LOVE. So thank you to Tara, Heidi & Sarah for your providing me with your continued support! I would also like to Thank all my friends who have witnessed, cheered me on, listened and been there for me constantly over the last year. It's so much fun and easier when you don't have to do it alone. 2012 is already shaping up to be an amazing and exciting year. Below you will find information for some exciting things that I will be offering this month & next as well of a link to an amazing example of collaboration and sharing "Our Voice" ~ Happy New Year

www.owningyourvoice.com

Recipe of the Month: Banana Spelt Pancakes

1 cup (250 mL) raspberries

1/4 cup (60 mL) maple syrup

1 cup (250 mL) spelt flour

1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder

1 ripe banana, mashed

1 tsp (5 mL) Cinnamon

1/2 cup (125 mL) milk or unsweetened rice or soy milk

1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped Walnuts 1 large egg, beaten

In blender, combine raspberries and maple syrup. Blend until smooth, set aside. In bowl, mix together spelt flour and baking powder. Add banana, cinnamon, milk, walnuts, and then egg. Mix until smooth with no clumps. If needed, slowly stir in more milk until you get desired consistency.

Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Drop batter onto skillet with 1/3 cup (80 mL) measuring cup and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until nicely browned on both sides. Top with raspberry syrup.

Save extra syrup and stir into yogurt.

Makes 6 pancakes.

 

The Goods on the Ingredients:

Raspberries: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants which can strengthen one’s immune system and prevent infection. They are also rich in fiber to promote regular bowel movements and eliminate toxins. Raspberries contain lutein which is important for proper vision. Berries also are important at preventing and treating cancer.

Maple Syrup: Contains manganese – for energy production and antioxidant defence – and zinc, important for men’s reproductive health. Maple syrup is a good alternative to refined sweeteners such as white sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

Spelt Flour: A glutinous grain that can be used as an alternative to wheat. It has a nutty flavour and is high in protein and fiber. Spelt can be helpful to reduce heart disease and protect against colorectal cancer.

Banana: High in fiber and potassium. Good for your heart and lowering cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon: A very warming herb that can be used to help with circulatory disorders as well as balance blood sugar levels for those suffering from insulin resistance or diabetes. In Chinese medicine, this herb is used for colds, digestive disorders or painful menstrual periods.

Walnuts: Considered to be the oldest tree food known to man. They are extremely nutrient-dense: high in antioxidants, vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats (‘good’ fats), protein, and fiber. Walnuts can help with lowering cholesterol and reducing heart disease.

Rice Milk: A good alternative for people having trouble digesting dairy. A source of protein, calcium and B vitamins.

Eggs: A high-quality complete protein, and an excellent source of vitamins K, D, and the B vitamins.

 

www.garibaldihealthclinic.com

What is Neural Therapy?

Neural therapy is the injection of local anaesthetics into peripheral nerves, scars, acupuncture points, trigger points and other tissues to relieve pain and dysfunction throughout the body. Neural therapy’s healing effect is believed to work by normalizing the function of the nervous system. It is based on the theory that any trauma, infection, or surgery can produce long-standing disturbances in the electrochemical or electromagnetic function of tissues.

What conditions can Neural Therapy treat?
• Scar disturbances

• Post-surgical pain

• Asthma

• Menstrual pain & irregularity   

• Hormone imbalances including thyroid, adrenal & ovarian hormones

What can I expect from a treatment?

After an initial assessment the patient lies on the treatment table while the doctor uses small needles to inject local anaesthetic into the identified areas of dysfunction. The effect of the treatment often produces immediate relief of symptoms. The patient can experience a feeling of euphoria, energy going to the head (‘lightening reaction’), and/or emotional release. All responses are important in the healing process.

One of the beautiful things about neural therapy is that it can go directly to the site of the problem and clear it out, relieving toxic burden that can build up. A typical course of neural therapy treatment is about six sessions.

Dr. Jennifer Moss has received specialized training in Neural Therapy and sees patients at Garibaldi Health Clinic on Thursdays and Fridays. www.drjennifermoss.com

Allergy Testing and Treatment offered at Garibaldi Health Clinic

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Itchy, watery, red eyes; runny nose, sneezing, sinus pressure/pain, itchy throat, blocked ears, headaches, and fatigue? Are you tired of taking antihistamines and not getting to the root of the problem?

Garibaldi Health Clinic is now offering allergy testing (via diagnostic scratch testing) to determine if you have allergies (and the severity) to the following: grasses, trees, weeds, ragweed, dust mite, cats, dogs and/or mold.

Treatment using SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy):

Sublingual immunotherapy, given as drops under the tongue, treats the cause(s) of allergies by giving low doses of the allergen (for eg. cat dander) to the patient. Repeated exposure over time to these small doses, increases one’s tolerance to the allergens and reduces allergy symptoms. SLIT re-trains your body not to be allergic in the first place.

SLIT is similar to allergy shots in that they both change the body’s ability to react to allergens. Allergy shots are very effective but they need to be given in a physician’s office which is often inconvenient for patients resulting in not finishing the treatment course. SLIT is more convenient than shots as the patient can self-administer the drops at home.

Patients that undergo SLIT treatment report a better quality of life - fewer sick days from work and school, improved sleep, and a drastic reduction or elimination of allergy symptoms. Many patients are dependent on antihistamines to function, and are happy to not need them anymore.

SLIT has been studied in over 60 clinical trials over the past 15 years proving efficacy, safety, and tolerance to the treatment. It is now the most widely prescribed form of allergy immunotherapy in Europe. SLIT is Health Canada and FDA approved, and is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for allergies. Research shows that committing to the full therapy can result in permanent symptom relief – no more suffering from allergies!

It is suggested to start SLIT 30-60 days prior to allergy season. In B.C. tree pollen comes out as early as February and so treatment can begin in January.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Garibaldi Health Clinic – 604.898.1999. Dr. Ashely Gordon & Dr. Jennifer Moss are trained to perform the scratch testing and write patient prescriptions for SLIT drops.

Chemicals in Personal Care Products

The chemicals used in Personal Care Products (PCPs) are mostly unregulated and untested. It has only been in the past five years that it has been mandatory for companies to include a list of ingredients on product labels – however, it is not a requirement to list the amount of each ingredient. It is this low-level, long-term exposure to chemicals that is being linked to more and more chronic health issues.

Some Facts – did you know?

• It was found in a recent report titled “Heavy Metal Hazard” from the Environmental Defence, that cosmetic products contain heavy metals, even though this has been banned. The main metals present include arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
• The average consumer (including teens) uses 15-25 cosmetic PCPs a day, which amounts to an exposure rate of approximately 200 chemicals per day!
• Side effects of synthetic PCPs include: mild to severe allergic reactions, disruption of hormonal, nervous, respiratory and immune systems, and cancer-causing properties with long-term exposure.
• Many of the toxic chemicals in PCPs are acidic (low pH). When the pH of the body is disrupted, minerals will be pulled from nearby sources in order to balance the pH. This creates a deficiency of minerals in the body.

What to avoid:

The chemicals that are the most important to avoid are those that have a name ending in ‘acid’, as well as alcohol, parabens, phthalates, sodium laureth (and its derivatives), propylene glycol and synthetic colours and fragrances.

Other concerns about chemicals in PCPs:

• Medicated soaps destroy beneficial bacteria on the surface of the skin
• Alcohol in products contribute to skin dehydration. Some mouthwashes contain even higher concentrations of alcohol than beer, wine, or liquor. Long- term use of alcohol-based mouthwash has been linked to increased risk of oral and throat cancer.
• Oils in bathing products and moisturizers clog the skin pores reducing waste transport from the tissues.
• Petroleum-based ointments (ie Vaseline) coat the skin surface with an insulating film which prevents evaporation of secretions and the release of heat.

The Bottomline:

It is of utmost importance that consumers learn to understand labels in order to choose products that contain few or no harmful chemicals. It is beneficial to support the health of the skin by drinking adequate water, maintaining a regular exercise regime, dry skin brushing, and consuming ‘good’ fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil) to keep the skin hydrated from the inside out.

For more information:

The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database: www.ewg.org/skindeep The Environmental Defence: www.environmentaldefence.ca

www.garibaldihealthclinic.com

Health Tip: Friendly Fevers

To reduce a fever, drink a couple of glasses of water, apply a cold wet compress to the forehead and chest and take a long tepid bath or sponge bath. Rest, drink plenty of fluids and limit food intake until the fever breaks. Fevers below 39C (102F) are seen as “friendly” and a normal reaction of the body to eliminate toxins.

www.garibaldihealthclinic.com

The Common Cold By Dr. Ashely Gordon

A virus is a submicroscopic parasite that can reproduce only within the cells of a living organism.  Of the countless viruses on Earth, rhinoviruses - the primary cause of the common cold - are the type which most frequently infects humans. 

How common is the common cold?  Each year there are over a billion cases in North America alone.  The incidence of colds is highest in autumn and winter, which may correlate with more time spent indoors.  Winter air can also lower the temperature of the nasal passages to the 33-35°C range in which rhinoviruses multiply.

Transmission of cold viruses occurs via respiratory droplets and, more frequently, from contaminated surfaces.  The mucous membranes of the eyes and nose are a receptive environment for viruses, so touching the face greatly increases the chance of infection.  Wash your hands frequently, especially if you've been in public places such as washrooms, stores or public transit. 

A rhinovirus will attach to receptors in the nose within fifteen minutes of entering the upper respiratory tract, and over 50% of people will experience cold symptoms within two days of infection.  Symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and sneezing.  Headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in the head/neck, plugged ears, muscle aches and loss of appetite are also common.  Infectiousness is highest in the first three days and symptoms usually disappear within one to two weeks.

Conventional treatments include antihistamines, decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications.  These drugs may reduce symptoms but do not shorten the duration of the virus and may produce a range of side effects, including drowsiness, sleep disturbance and digestive complaints.  There is no cold vaccine and antibiotics have no effect.

There are, however, other ways to help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.   Protein-rich foods such as fish, seeds and legumes bolster the immune system, and fluids help create a less hospitable environment for the virus.  Fruits and vegetables provide vitamin C, which has both antiviral and antihistamine properties.   Dairy products, on the other hand, create mucous - the perfect environment for a virus - and should thus be avoided, along with refined sugars. 

Light exercise during a cold can help flush pathogens from the body.  Vitamin A and zinc inhibit viral reproduction and boost the body's defences.  Many herbs may reduce symptoms, including echinacea, goldenseal, oil of oregano and ginseng.

The best defence against the common cold is prevention.  Eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake.  Reduce stress through yoga, meditation and regular exercise, and be sure to get plenty of sleep each night.  Avoidance of allergenic foods may also reduce the incidence of colds.

For anyone in good physical condition an occasional cold is more an annoyance than a serious health concern.  Whenever the immune system battles a virus it produces antibodies to combat that particular viral strain.  The next time you encounter the virus, your body will be much better able to fight it off.
©Dr. Gordon, 2012.