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naturopathic news
Volume 2, Issue 2
Fall 2009 |
Maple Shores Health Centre
519.832.4500
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 It is hard to believe that my maternity leave is almost up! I will be back in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning October 6, 2009. Ewan will be exactly 8 months old on that day. He is a really happy little guy and Steve and I are having loads of fun with him. I think it will be the perfect setup - I am looking forward to getting back in the office to see everyone, but I will still have lots of time to spend with my little man.
Our office expansion will be completed by the time I return. We have added two more offices, as well as a room with a Far Infrared Sauna (see article below for more information about the sauna) and shower. Tony Kaake will be using both of the new offices to accomodate his osteopathic and laser services. Naturopathic doctor, Stephanie Jennings, will be moving into Tony's current office. Maple Shores Health Centre has definitely grown since Tony and I first started out!
Most of you have probably already met her, but I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Nancy MacDonald, who has been helping Gail out at the front desk for the last few months. She has been doing a great job, and we are happy to have her with us. As of October, the reception hours will be increased to:
Monday: 8 am - 12:30 pm
Tuesday: 8 am - 5 pm (lunch between 12:30 - 2pm)
Wednesday: 8am - 5 pm (lunch as above)
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm (lunch as above)
Friday: 8 am - 12:30 pm
Outside of these times, you can always leave a message on the phone or a written one at the front desk, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. It would also be helpful if supplements could be paid for upon pickup. If you come in when a receptionist isn't working, a cheque can be left in the box. Thank you for your co-operation - it makes our accounting much easier.
Enough housekeeping! Included in this newsletter, you will find an article about the benefits of using a Far Infrared Sauna, a delicious seasonal recipe for Beet Salad and preventative strategies against the Swine Flu virus.
I look forward to seeing all of you soon! Enjoy the wonderful fall weather we have been having.
Jennifer
Far Infrared Saunas (FIRS) 
We have installed a Far Infrared Sauna in our new office addition that will soon be available to patients of Maple Shores Health Center. Research has shown that Far Infrared Saunas are the most effective way to rid our bodies of toxic chemicals including pesticides, heavy metals and hydrocarbon residues. The saunas have had positive results helping people with asthma, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, psoriasia and weight loss. The sauna uses ceramic heaters to produce the infrared rays. The rays penetrate 4-5 cm beneath the skin, triggering the mobilization of chemicals from where they are stored in the organs and fat, releasing them directly into the sweat to be eliminated. FIRS are safer and more easily tolerated by most people than steam saunas because they produce a dry heat, and use a lower temperature. Our sauna is made by SaunaRay (www.saunaray.com) out of poplar wood, w
ithout any plywood or glues, and has a window to allow for air circulation. There is also a sound system so that you can listen music while you relax and sweat. There is a shower in the room, and towels are provided for your use. The cost is $40 for a one hour session.
While even spending a short period of time in the infrared sauna provides some benefit, it is a good idea for most people to do a detoxification program that involves several sauna sessions. Feel free to book a naturopathic appointment to discuss a customized detoxification sauna program. Contact the office if you have any questions about the sauna.
Recipe
 Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Candied Walnuts
This recipe came with my last food box, and I loved it! Fresh beets will continue to be grown locally into the fall, so I am including it for you to try out.
Beets
2 large or 4 small beets
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp water
Candied Walnuts
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp sugar (I used succinat)
1 cup walnut halves
Salad
2 cups mixed greens
125 g goat cheese
Dressing
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1. Toss beets with olive oil and water. Place in a baking dish and cover. Bake at 450F until tender. Let cool and remove skin.
2. Heat oil in a small non-stick skillet over med-low heat, add walnuts and saute for 1 minute. Add sugar and saute until walnuts are coated with sugar and pale gold in colour (about 2 minutes). Don't leave them on for much longer, or they will quickly burn, as I found out:) Quickly remove from skillet and let cool.
3. Place greens in a shallow, large dish. Slice beets very thinly and place on top. Sprinkle with goat cheese.
4. Combine dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad.
Enjoy!!
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What Can You Do to Prevent the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus?
 The Swine Flu (H1N1) virus is mainly spread from person-to-person when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Less commonly, people may become infected by touching something contaminated with the flu virus and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people are contagious from one day before until seven days after symptoms develop. The main symptoms associated with the virus include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, disorientation, chills and fatigue.
Naturopathic Preventative Strategies
Basic Hygiene
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
* Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than into your closed fist or open hand.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Keep Your Immune System Strong
* Get enough sleep.
* Eat nutritiously.
* Replenish any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Vitamin C, Zinc, and B vitamins are commonly deficient and are important for immune functioning. There are several inexpensive in-office tests that can be performed to assess your nutrient status. Call the office to book an appointment to have your levels checked.
* Minimize emotional stress, fear and worry, as these can all depress the immune system. This includes not getting stressed about the H1N1 pandemic! It would be nice if we could avoid all negative factors in our life. A more realistic approach though is to find a way to manage our stress. Yoga, deep breathing, moderate exercise, and journalling have all been found to be helpful in reducing the unwanted effects of stress, while having many other benefits for our well-being.
* Stay Healthy! By dealing with any health issues you have, you will help to keep your body stronger. That is why naturopathic medicine is the perfect approach to preventing further illness - the goal is to get to the root of your concerns, and help you manage it so that you will be happier and healthier.
Call the office today to book an appointment to make sure you are in good shape for the coming cold and flu season.
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