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YOU CAN LIVE WITH DIABETES. IT'S NOT THE WORST THING TO HAVE, BUT YOU HAVE TO MANAGE YOURSELF AND HAVE SOME SELF CONTROL. — TONY ROCK
Taking the Sneeze Out of Allergies
BY DR. KRISTEN BOVEE, NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN AT HYDRATE
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very year, patients visit me with the unfortunate plight of spring — sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus congestion due to environmental allergies. Statistics show that one in six people in Canada suffer from hay fever or seasonal allergies. The cause of these annoying symptoms is an inappropriate immunological response to particles in the air. Mast cells, a type of immune cell,
release histamine and causes swelling, mucous, itching and redness. Conventional treatments include the use of antihistamines to mask symptoms, which many people become reliant upon. The other treatment is allergy injections, which can be painful and inconvenient. Below are effective natural approaches to treating seasonal allergies you may want to consider: • Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found
in high amounts in apples and onions, and is an effective natural antihistamine. It slows the release of histamine from our mast cells and acts as potent anti-inflammatory. Quercetin is also found in pill and capsules for concentrated therapeutic doses. • Vitamin C is a bioflavonoid that, when used in combination with quercetin, gives the best antihistamine effect. The best food sources of vitamin C come from cruciferous vegetables and fruits like strawberries and kiwis.
• Nettles are plants found growing extensively in our region. As a weed, nettles can cause dermal irritation, but in tea form, they have a beneficial effect on sinuses and the chest. Nettles are an anti-inflammatory and have antihistamine properties, so they can lessen allergic reactions.
Other supports for allergy prevention include using an indoor air filtre, showering after being outside, keeping your windows closed and using a netti pot. Taking an integrated approach
to the management of allergy symptoms is the most effective way to deal with allergies. With good nutrition and therapeutic doses of nutritional support that’s recommended by your naturopathic physician, you can make the season much more manageable and enjoyable. Dr. Kristen Bovee is a Naturopathic Physician who practices at Hydrate IV Wellness Centre in Victoria. Phone: 250-590-1482. For more info, visit: hydrateiv.ca
Health Care vs Disease Care BY LOUIS HOOLAEFF, HRHCACS
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ur healthcare resources are being pushed to the limit. Rising disease rates continue to result in increasing costs and rising doctor waiting lists. Looking at this logically, what is missing most in our “health care system” is health. If you are interested in participating in
Contact: Margaret Long Phone: 250-380-5246 Email: MLong@timescolonist.com
Obesity, diabetes, cancer and other diseases are increasing at unprecedented rates. High calorie devitalized products drive compulsive overeating behaviour and are destroying the health of an entire generation — especially our children. We are eating more calories than ever before, but the foods we are eating are seriously deficient in vital micro nutrients. High micro nutrient-rich whole-foods are a great way to get essential nutrients while giving us the satiation and ‘full’ feeling our body craves. In the China Study — a book by T. Colin Campbell, Jacob Gould Schurman, Professor Emeritus of
Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, and Thomas M. Campbell II, a physician — examines the link between consumption of animal products (including dairy) and chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancers, etc. The authors conclude that people who eat a predominantly whole-food, plant-based diet, avoiding animal products as a main source of nutrition, including beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese and milk — who reduce their intake of processed foods and refined carbohydrates — will escape, reduce, or reverse the development of numerous diseases. With the influx of imported nonnutritional foods which are picked
unripened and lacking essential enzymes, cooking which destroys enzymes, irradiated - destroying vital nutrients, pesticides as toxins, genetically modified, etc., we need vital whole food supplements that will feed our whole body. The world’s leading researchers stress the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for our cells, as the health of our body is mostly tied to the health of our cells. Evidently, ‘Supplementing With Success’ is more than just popping pills, but rather choosing nutritional supplements that are synergistically compatible, highly bio available and effectively absorbed and utilized by our body. Most important are plant based enzymes. Many people who have
gone the plant-based lifestyle, and who supplement with powerful whole-food supplements were able to eliminate their health challenges. Even some so-called incurable illnesses were eliminated. Enzymes must be in the body first before protein can be effective, and before minerals can be utilized we need protein, and before vitamins can be absorbed, we need minerals. This is the order of nutrients in the body. In fact, if the supplements we consume are not designed according to “The Laws of Nature”, our best intentions and hard-earned dollars are being flushed away — literally. Request an educational health package: 250-220-1262. Visit: LeadingEdgeHealth.org
Managing Diabetes BY JOHANNA BOOY, CPCA, MES
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oday, more than 1.4 million British Columbians, or 29 per cent of the provincial population, are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to Diabetes Charter for Canada. Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a chronic ongoing condition characterised by high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce or respond to insulin. Diabetes puts people at higher risk of serious and costly complications including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease and amputation. Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will choose the best treatment based on the type of diabetes you have, your everyday routine and any other health concerns. Many people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose levels with diet and exercise alone, while others need diabetic medication or insulin injections. There are many factors to consider when exercising to manage diabetes. Senior
Care Victoria’s Aging in Place experts say you can control your diabetes by: 1. Tracking your glucose levels. High glucose levels (hyperglycemia) or low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) can be risky to your health. It is important for seniors to talk to their doctor about how to check glucose levels at home. 2. Making healthy food choices. Learn how different foods affect glucose levels. For weight loss, check out which foods are low in fat and sugar. Let your doctor know if you want help with meal planning. 3. Getting exercise. Daily exercise can improve glucose levels in older people with diabetes, but do not exercise during peak insulin activity periods. Blood glucose level should be between 5.5 and 7.7 mm/dl. Perform exercise at low intensity for a longer duration. Keep a form of fastacting carbohydrates with you to treat low blood glucose. Ask a certified medical exercise specialist to help you plan an exercise program at home or in the gym. 4. Taking your diabetic medication. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects or cannot maintain your medication. Your
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doctor may want you to see other healthcare providers who can help manage some of the other conditions associated with your diabetes. Talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy.
Over time, people with diabetes may need both lifestyle and medication changes. At first, learning all you need to know about diabetes may seem daunting, perhaps even a little frightening. Fortunately, many services are available to help you learn more about diabetes and what you can do to help manage the condition. Learn as much as you can about diabetes. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to make the lifestyle adjustments that come with good diabetes management. Senior Care Victoria Aging in Place experts from Care & Company Oak Bay are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your aging adult will remain safe and comfortable. To learn about their premier in-home care and exercise options, call: 250- 382-2328.
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“A LOW-CARB, KETOGENIC DIET NEEDS TO BE HIGH IN FAT, NOT PROTEIN, TO PRODUCE ADEQUATE KETONES.” —JIMMY MOORE, KETO CLARITY: YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE BENEFITS OF A LOW-CARB, HIGH-FAT DIET
The Ketogenic Diet BY YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD HEART PHARMACIST
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hat is a pharmacist doing giving advice about diets? Pharmacists do have a basic education about diet and nutrition, but not as much as a nutritionist. If you have in-depth questions about nutrition, then you should speak to a dietician. In B.C., you can talk to a registered dietician by dialing 8-1-1. Pharmacists do have an interest in diets, especially when it may affect your medication. There are a few diet systems that have been promoted over the years. Their overall focus is to help people lose weight. This is what sells books. Some great diets help reduce the risk of heart disease, but they are often overlooked. A couple of diets that are helpful for overall health improvement are the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. These diets focus on meals high in fruits and veggies, low in
salt, low in saturated fats, and moderate amounts of grains, fish and poultry. One of my favourite authors is Dr. Dean Ornish. His diet recommendations are reasonable and beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease. You can find his books at the public library or in used book stores. The ketogenic diet, ‘keto diet’ for short, uses a bodily metabolic trick to help your body burn fat. A keto diet is a very low carbohydrate diet, which emphasizes an intake of higher fat foods. Your body runs on two fuel sources — glucose and ketones. In a balanced diet, your body digests complex carbohydrates into simple sugars as a fuel source. When your diet is restrictive with carbohydrates, your body must produce ketones for fuel. Your liver creates ketones from stored body fat. This is a very simplified description of the diet, but I hope you get the idea. Does a keto diet work for weight
loss? It does, but the results are not miraculous. The diet is also quite restrictive and can be hard to maintain. Regrettably, as with most short term dietary changes, once you return to your previous dietary
“THE KETOGENIC DIET, ‘KETO DIET’ FOR SHORT, USES A BODILY METABOLIC TRICK TO HELP YOUR BODY BURN FAT.” habits, your body may return to it’s previous weight. So why would a pharmacist be concerned about your diet and desire for weight loss? There are a few reasons. Warfarin is the first. Pharmacists often lose sleep when thinking about blood thinners and dietary interactions. The dose of warfarin is a tight balancing act between your diet, vitamin K and other factors. If
you were to suddenly switch to a keto diet, this will most certainly impact your warfarin dosage. Many of the permitted foods in a keto diet are high in vitamin K. Foods such as avocados, kale, broccoli and spinach make the list. Not to mention that when you eat foods higher in fat, your body absorbs more vitamin K. More vitamin K from your diet means that your body’s ability to form blood clots increases, and your dose of warfarin will have to change to accommodate this. If you were to go off your keto diet suddenly, then this switches in the other direction. Short answer — if you plan any extensive changes to your diet, speak to a physician or pharmacist first. Keto diets tend to be lower in dietary fibre and certain vitamins and minerals, while higher in protein. People with kidney disease might run into health issues trying to process the diet’s extra protein.
Keto diets tend to be lower in fibre and magnesium, which can also lead to constipation. This could be troublesome with people who suffer with irregularity or hemorrhoids. If a person has Type 1 or 2 diabetes, they should definitely speak to a dietician before embarking on a carbohydrate restricted diet. While there are some benefits to a keto diet, there are also some risks for certain people. I’m a fan of moderation for all things. There are some good points to take from a keto diets. Diets that are limiting in simple sugars, while incorporating healthy fats, can be beneficial to your health. Before you consider any radical changes to you lifestyle, talk to a physician, dietician or pharmacist. They may be able provide you with balanced ideas for a healthy diet and weight loss. heartpharmacy.com
Pros and cons of joint replacement surgery
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o people outside the medical field, joint replacement surgery might sound like a solution that’s considered only after all other options have been exhausted. But joint replacement surgery has become very common, even though some studies suggest certain procedures are being performed unnecessarily. A 2014 study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology found that one-third of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery may not be appropriate candidates for the procedure because their symptoms are not severe enough to merit aggressive intervention like surgery. The decision to undergo surgery is always a patient’s to make. Weighing some pros and cons of joint replacement surgery can help
patients make the most informed decisions possible.
PROS The Cleveland Clinic notes that many patients who have undergone joint replacement surgeries have experienced dramatic improvement within a relatively short time after undergoing the surgery. Much of that improvement is related to pain, which for many people becomes overwhelming prior to surgery. Another benefit to joint replacement surgery is the recovery time. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that patients who have knee replacement surgery are usually standing and even moving the joint the day after their surgeries. Within six weeks, those same patients are typically walking comfortably with very little
support. While each patient is unique, any fears that joint replacement surgery will require patients to be immobile for months after surgery are unwarranted.
Joint replacement surgery also can be a long-term solution, whereas the alternatives might not be. The Cleveland Clinic says that roughly 85 per cent of knee
implants will last 20 years, and that life expectancy figures will grow as technology advances.
CONS As beneficial as joint replacement surgery can be, it’s not without downsides. Hip and knee replacements in Canada: Canadian Joint Replacement Registry Report, July 2018, states that “The number of Canadians having joint replacement and revision surgeries has increased over the past five years. With an average inpatient cost of more than $9,000 per surgery, more than $1 billion is spent in Canada annually. Almost 56,000 hip replacements and more than 67,000 knee replacements were performed in Canada in 2016–17. This represents five years.”
“For knee replacements, sex, age and extent of procedure influenced the risk of having an early revision surgery.”(Canadian Institute for Health Information). Another potential disadvantage to going under the knife, especially for those who are borderline candidates for replacement surgeries, is the likelihood that surgery won’t have a significant impact on quality of life. A 2017 study published in the journal, BMJ, found that knee replacement had minimal effects on quality of life, especially for patients whose arthritis was not severe. Joint replacement surgeries are common. When deciding if surgery is their best option, patients should consider the pros and cons of going under the knife before making their final choice. —MC
Reduce your mortgage stress Victoria’s hidden gem in Fairfield • Natural Cosmetics? Find them here! Look for brands like: Elate, Mineral Fusion, Nena, Emani, Viva, Skin N.V., Mad Hippie & Anne Marie Borlind
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ortgage renewal got you stressed? It doesn’t have to be this way. As our lives get busier, it can be ever so tempting to sign the mortgage renewal offer when it arrives in the mail. All it takes is one signature, and then you don’t have to deal with it again for another five years. This is what 80 per cent of people do. The reality is that the renewal offer sent out almost never represents the bank’s best offer, and usually it’s not even close. Talking with a licensed mortgage professional at renewal time can literally save you thousands of dollars. Not only will they help you negotiate the best possible interest rate, but they will also help you find a mortgage that suits your specific goals and needs. Best of all, the service is 100 per cent free.
After accepting a full athletic scholarship at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he graduated with bachelor degree in Business Marketing, Jesse Fibiger went on to play professional hockey in the US and Germany, including time in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks. For the past 11 years, as licensed mortgage professional with Dominon Lending Centres, Jesse has helped people across Canada save more money on their mortgages. He brings a strong work ethic to his career, and takes pride in making sure his clients are well taken care of through the ever-changing mortgage process. Jesse welcomes new clients and can be reached at: 250-508-3050. 207-3531 Uptown Blvd., Victoria.
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