Kootenai Health News 1
Clinic News
The Doctor Is In!
After several extended absences from clinical practice, I am pleased to announce that my baby growing days are behind me and I am ready to shift my focus back to my practice. It is only by your unwavering support and encouragement that I have been able maintain my practice while also having the freedom to be a constant presence in the lives of Felix Jasper (now age 2½) and Leisl Soleil (now 11 months old). I am grateful for your patience during this time of transition. I’m so looking forward to seeing your familiar faces and meeting some new ones as well.
My new hours are as follows:
- Tuesday 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday 9am to 5pm
- Thursday 11am to 8pm
Harmonized Sales Tax
As of July 1, 2010, naturopathic consultation fees, as well as supplements, will be subject to 12 percent HST. The British Columbia Naturopathic Association is currently working with the provincial government to exempt naturopathic visits from this combined tax. I will keep you informed of events as they progress.
Seasonal Allergies
Quercetin, nature’s anti-histamine
Many vegetables and fruits are rich in QuercetinUbiquitous in our food supply, quercetin is renowned for its use in cataract prevention, cardiovascular protection, as well as anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-allergy, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activity. Its unique flavonoids are founds in commonly consumed foods such as apples, onions, tea, berries, and brassica vegetables, as well as many seeds, nuts, flowers, barks, and leaves. It is also found in medicinal botanicals and is often a component of the medicinal activity of the plant.
Quercetin has a mast cell (cells that release histamine) stabilizing effect, making it an obvious choice for anyone that suffers from seasonal allergies. Quercetin is best taken with bromelain as this helps to improve its absorption which on its own is quite poor.
If you’re interested in finding out more about quercetin or about naturopathic approaches to seasonal allergies, call me at the clinic anytime. I would be happy to answer your questions.
Eat Locally: Homegrown Goodness
As Canadians, we are acutely aware of our growing season; it is short. As a result we have become dependent on produce that has traveled from far away places to reach our plates. By the time those exotic fruits and vegetables reach our northern climes they have little if any nutrition left having been picked too early and allowed to ripen in transit versus on the plant. There are also the hidden costs to consider. Grapes from Chile may be cheap, and by all accounts delicious, but what about the fossil fuel it took to bring those grapes here? How does that bode for the health of our planet, ourselves?
We can mitigate these costs both tangible and intangible by EATING LOCALLY. With the summer sun melting down on us and local gardens bursting with produce there couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of what a Canadian summer has to offer; Homegrown Goodness. In our valley there are many ways to enjoy local produce whether it is by starting your own garden, heading down to the Invermere Farmers’ Market or visiting Edible Acres, WinValley Farms, Hopkins Harvest or one of the many other farms or produce stands in the valley. By eating locally we act globally by reducing the carbon emissions that result from transporting food over large distances as well as by supporting and maintaining the infrastructure of our beautiful Columbia Valley.
- Edible Acres – Lin Steedman & Liver Egan – edibleacrescsa@gmail.com – (250) 342-7472
- Hopkins Harvest – just off 93/95 Highway by the Windermere Fire Hall – (250) 342-6437
Products For New Moms
Here are just a few items that may be of use to you as you carefully navigate the health choices available to you and your newborn.
Nursing tea
A soothing, safe and effective herbal lactation formula helps moms to quickly improve the quantity and quality of their milk supply.
Vitamin D drops
From Biotics Research, supplies vitamin D3 in an emulsified form providing 400IU per drop. Just one drop for baby to take off the nipple is all you need to ensure that optimal vitamin D levels are met.
Baby probiotics
From Genestra, provides a highly concentrated combination of friendly bacterial strains essential to the development and maturation of the newborn’s immune system thereby assisting in the prevention of allergies and infectious disease.
Castor oil
An incredibly easy to use yet potent remedy that strengthens the development of baby’s immune system, prevents constipation, treats both diarrhea and colic and feels lovely to baby to boot. A quarter sized amount, rubbed in a clockwise over baby’s belly nightly (or almost nightly) is all you need.
New Gluten-Free Recipes
When I counsel people on making changes to their diet in order to achieve some therapeutic goal, my crestfallen clients invariably ask me, “What’s there to eat?”
The answer: Lots! Dietary changes are by no means punitive and can actually be a fun and exciting opportunity to find new ways to titillate your taste buds. What follows is the beginning of a new resource that I intend to archive for my clients. Enjoy.
Warm quinoa and spinach salad with grape tomatoes
From Gluten-Free Goddess
This naturally gluten-free salad is dairy-free and vegan. If you do eat dairy, a crumble of goat cheese or feta would also be fabulous.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup cooked quinoa per person
- 1 generous cup washed organic baby spinach leaves per person
- A handful of organic grape tomatoes per person, halved
- 1 scallion per person, washed, sliced
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Sprinkle of nutmeg
- Sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs- parsley, thyme, basil, or mint
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (or Champagne vinegar if, like me, you’re allergic to lemon)
Gently heat a large pan. Pour in some extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic; stir and warm the oil for a minute. Add the cooked quinoa and heat through. Add the baby spinach leaves, tomatoes and scallions. Season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Sprinkle with nutmeg and herbs. Stir to mix. Sprinkle with lemon juice and stir. When the spinach begins to wilt remove from heat.
Serve in a bowl. Dig in. Be happy.
