Empowerment

Adapting to the Season

by

A Climate Change Concept ImageRecently, I stumbled across some articles that pointed out some interesting information regarding the changes that occur within our bodies based on the season. The articles pointed out that our immune systems go through several different changes depending on winter versus summer months. Vitamin D levels are very much impacted based on the amount of sun provided, and so, levels are increased in the summer versus the winter. One of the studies also suggested that inflammation in the body is increased in the winter versus the summer. These changes could be due to a number of different things. Many instinctively suggest that the sun causes the changes, but I would also think that the changes that we make as individuals has a part to play as well i.e. diet and lifestyle changes. For example, exercise has a profound effect on our immune systems and level of inflammation in the body. I think it is safe to assume that many individuals are more active in the summer than they are in the winter.

Despite all of this, the article also expressed something very interesting. It stated that different immune system genes are turned on/off based on the season that an individual is in. My interpretation of this is that our bodies know how to respond and prepare for the season ahead of us. I think that this is something that we can take a little further when we discuss an individual’s health as a whole: body, mind, and spirit. Many of us try to keep up with the constant demands on us, regardless of the season. But similar to our bodies, it is important to adjust and adapt to our needs for that season. For example, in winter months, our immune systems may have to prevent a cold as opposed to in summer, we may be more susceptible to parasites because we are outside more. We need to take a similar approach when it comes to our mental health, and appreciate and allow ourselves to accommodate those different seasons. What I am suggesting is that it is okay to slow down, rest, breath and be at peace. However, it is also okay to have stress (in moderation) and be on the go. We need both and we need a state of balance. So often we do not take the time to slow down our pace and rest. If we are always in “fifth gear”, this mentality can only lead to burn out.

With this I prompt you to ask yourself “What season am I in? How do I need to respond to it?”, and to ask your body “What do I need?”, and provide that for yourself.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Elisha Cook via the contact portion of this website.

 

Positive Self – Talk

by

Talking to mirrorWhat is Self – Talk?

Self – talk can be defined very simply, as talking to oneself either internally or externally. Unfortunately, many individuals speak to themselves in a negative way and do not realize it. Many speak such things to themselves as, “well that was stupid”, “how could I be such an idiot”, etc. This form of negative self – talk is not healthy, and can often contribute to and aggravate depression and anxiety. As such, it is important to consider what you are speaking to yourself, and adjust it to have a more positive connotation to it. When individuals engage in positive self – talk, it can have many positive effects including decreased anxiety, decreased depression, increased self- acceptance, increased self – esteem, increased resilience, and improved recovery following traumatic events. Speaking positive and loving words to oneself can often seem weird and be challenging initially, but can begin the steps necessary to recovery from various health concerns. Sometimes you have to “fake it until you make it”. Below, are provided for you various positive affirmations that you can begin speaking to yourself. Choose the ones that you feel you are in most need of hearing, and speak these to yourself at least once per day.

Different Positive Self – Talk Affirmations

The following is a list of different affirmations that you can begin speaking to yourself daily or whenever you need to hear love and encouragement from yourself.

“I am fearfully and wonderfully-made.”

“I am a unique person.”

“I am created an original person.”

“I am created for a specific purpose.”

“I will find my purpose and fulfill it.”

“I will not settle for copy status.”

“I was created to live in wholeness.”

“I am superior, not inferior.”

“I am efficient, not deficient.”

“I am effective, not ineffective.”

“I am competent, not incompetent.”

“I am not my mistakes, I am a competent person.”

“I am sufficient, not insufficient.”

“I am uncommon, not common.”

“I will not be afraid of the day I have never seen.”

“I will not allow fear to rob me of my purpose.”

“I will not condemn myself if I make a mistake.”

“I will find, accept, and work my purpose.”

“I will make right choices but things may never work the way I want them to.”

“Shame and inferiority will not defeat my purpose.”

“I am created to be an answer and I will be.”

“I do not have to let my emotions control me.”

“I am in control of my emotions.”

“I am good enough.”

“I am strong, confident, capable, and able.”

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.

 

Vaccines: Are Naturopathic Doctors against them?

by

Vaccine - a doctor giving vaccination girl, health, prevention

In wake of the recent debate regarding whether to vaccinate or not, many people would assume that Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) in general, being the glorified hippies and witch-doctors (please note the hint of sarcasm here) that they are, would be against vaccinations. I wrote this blog to clear the air on what stance Naturopathic Doctors might take on this debate (Please note that I have attempted to be as un-bias as possible in the writing of this article, but if my opinions have come through, please be aware that they are merely my opinions and do not reflect that Naturopathic profession as a whole).

Recently, the Dean of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine released the following statement to all of the interns, including myself, that work at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic:

“As many of you may have noted, there is considerable discussion in the media these days with respect to childhood vaccination. Given that childhood vaccination is discussed in a variety of areas in the curriculum, students may not feel as clear about our official curriculum position on vaccinations as they should be. Specifically, although all medical treatment should be administered in a manner that reflects the individual needs of the patient, CCNM is supportive of childhood vaccinations in general, including the recommended vaccination schedules. Interns are reminded that we have a policy on this in our Clinic Standards Manual 2014/15:

2.1 Vaccination is a population‐based strategy to protect a whole population or defined risk group or an individual against significant infectious diseases. In addition to vaccination, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and lifestyle choices can also play a role in the prevention of contagious diseases as well as limiting their spread.

2.2 While it is recognized that vaccinations can be associated with self‐limiting (i.e., minor) adverse reactions, and even rare severe adverse reactions, the safety and benefits of vaccinations in reducing risks of diseases that were previously widely prevalent and caused substantial morbidity and mortality, are vastly superior to any other method currently available. Currently, no other strategies have been shown to offer equal protection to either the population or the individual.

2.3 It is the responsibility of the health‐care provider to report adverse effects to vaccinations and educate their patients. Health‐care providers at CCNM and CCNM teaching clinics should thoroughly review the most current version of the guidelines set out in the Canadian Immunization Guide which includes educational material as well as forms on how to report suspected or confirmed adverse reactions to vaccinations.

2.4 Some naturopathic doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments as alternatives to vaccinations.

2.5 The use of homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments for the purposes described in 2.4 is not permitted at any of the CCNM teaching clinics.

2.6 The use of homeopathic remedies and/or other naturopathic treatments to provide immune support is acceptable.”

This statement may come as a surprise to most people, thinking that Naturopathic Doctors would be strongly opposed to vaccinations, because it’s a conventional means of treating. Naturopathic Doctors are not opposed to conventional medicine. As I tell many patients, there is a time and a place for antibiotics, surgery, and even, anti – depressants [gasp] to name a few. In the case of vaccines, they were created as a public health measure to protect against different diseases. That being said, some may be necessary and some may not be based on individual preference and opinion. It is the job of your health care provider to help you make an informed decision as to what you feel your family needs for their health. This is where informed consent comes in.

The bottom line to this discussion is simple: patient education and informed consent. Informed consent is at the heart of all medical procedures and needs to be obtained in all circumstances. Informed consent involves informing patients of all risks, benefits, complications, and alternatives to any medical endeavor. Unfortunately with the lack of time spent with health care providers, it can be challenging for parents to become completely informed as to what their options really are and the truth behind all of the research that exists in favour of or opposed to different procedures. The clear need that stands out in this debate of pro-vaccine versus anti – vaccine is that there needs to be more patient education in regards to their choices. One does not have to strictly get all the vaccines or no vaccines at all. You have a choice and you should feel empowered to choose what is best for your family and community. Informed decision making does not just involve vaccinations, but all other medical procedures as well. Naturopathic Doctors may have individual opinions on the issue, but the common thread that connects all is pro – informed-decision-making.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.