Recruiting female volunteers to participate in a research study for lymphedema that began after treatment for breast cancer.  All assessments and treatments will be provided free of charge.  Research is to be conducted at 465 St Johns Rd, Toronto, ON. Study date:  Fall/Winter 2012.

You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:

1. The symptoms of lymphedema appeared after medical treatment for breast cancer (mastectomy, radiation, and/or lymph node dissection.)
2. The lymphedema is unilateral (one-sided.)
3. You have been experiencing symptoms of lymphedema for 6 months to 5 years.
4. You are a female between the ages of 40-65.
5. You have received no previous osteopathic treatment for lymphedema.
6. You are able to commit to 7 one-hour-long appointments within a 10 week timeframe.

Kerri-Lynn LaPointe, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Toronto.  She has successfully completed 5 years of training at the Canadian College of Osteopathy, and is performing this research study to complete her Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP.)

Osteopathy is a hands-on system of diagnosis and treatment that focuses on restoring proper movement and function to the entire body.  Rather than focusing on the symptoms, the underlying causes of dysfunction are treated: physical injury, poor posture, trauma, emotional stress, etc.  The position, mobility, and quality of the tissues (bones, muscles, and internal organs) are assessed, and focus is placed on the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and self-heal.  The main premise is that structure governs function: any abnormality of structure will create disease.

The big question is, “why do they seek my services?”  There are a few answers.  Many are experiencing aches and pains that no amount of exercise, yoga or meditation can help.  This is where osteopathy and acupuncture are beneficial.  Some have big stressors in their lives and need to talk in order to find their inner guidance.  This is where counseling, homeopathy, and energy work are beneficial.  Although mostly healthy, some have one nagging symptom that won’t resolve.  This is where finding the root cause of the disease, instead of just treating the symptoms, is beneficial.

If any of these scenarios sounds like you, you’re in the right place!  And if you have no knowledge of naturopathic medicine, but you just want to learn how to live better and feel better, you’re in the right place, too!  Naturopathic medicine is safe and effective for all people, in all stages of health, in all walks of life.

If you are interested in learning more about Naturopathy and Osteopathy, please call to book your complimentary 15 minute consult.

- Steve Jobs

-          Use 100% pure fruit juice

-          Use frozen yogurt or crushed ice instead of ice cream

-          Use almond milk instead of milk or cream

-          Use sparkling water instead of pop

-          Limit juice intake to 4 oz per serving

The following is courtesy of the LCBO (www.lcbo.com/socialresponsibility/mocktails.shtml)

Blueberry Ice

Fill tall glass with ice.

Add 1 oz. blueberry juice and 3 oz. white cranberry juice.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Baby Belle

Mix 2 oz. pineapple juice, 2 oz. orange juice, and 1 tsp Grenadine.

Top with 2 oz. sparkling water.

Squeeze in ¼ lemon and ¼ lime.

Add ice.

Mango Mash

Peel 1 ripe mango.

Add ½ cup plain yogurt, ½ cup almond milk, and ½ cup ice.

Blend and enjoy.

Lemonade

Combine simple syrup (2 parts sugar with 1 part water; boil gently until sugar is dissolved) with freshly squeezed lime and lemon.

Add ice.

Garnish with fresh mint.

Berry Delicious

Fill tall glass with ice.

Mix 1 oz. mashed raspberries, the juice of 1/8 fresh lime, and 4 oz. sparkling water.

ENJOY!!!

A recent study published in Pediatrics reports that taking 400 mg of DHA (an omega 3 essential fatty acid) during pregnancy and breastfeeding decreases the frequency and severity of coughing, nasal congestion and runny noses in newborns for the first 6 months of life.  Additionally, DHA boosts neurological development in fetuses and helps to prevent postpartum depression.

http://healthland.time.com/2011/08/01/fish-oil-during-pregnancy-fights-colds-among-newborns/#ixzz1Uksi6oYq

There are two main reasons why most mainstream skin care products do not work:

1.       They strip oil from our skin, causing our glands to produce more oil to repair the damage.  This leads to clogged pores and blemishes.

2.       They contain harmful chemicals.

a.       Even if they are ‘unscented, ’ most contain fragrance.  These fragrances are irritating to the skin.

b.      Sodium lauryl sulphate (a surfactant which causes products to ‘foam’) denatures skin proteins, causing irritation and mimics the activity of estrogen.  An increase in estrogen causes a wide range of health problems, from PMS to fibroids to breast cancer.  Furthermore, foaming does not mean you are cleansing better.  Your skin care products do not need to foam!

c.       Parabens (preservatives) are carcinogenic and also mimic estrogen.

d.      Propylene glycol (found in brake and hydraulic fluid) is a strong skin irritant.

e.      Mineral oil (petroleum by-product from crude oil) blocks pores and prevents oxygenation of the skin.

f.        The list goes on and on…

So, what’s a girl (or boy) to do?  Check out the above website to make sure that your skin care products are non-toxic.  Choose organic and natural products and make-up (be careful to read labels because natural does not necessarily mean healthy.)  For a great skin cleansing alternative, try combining organic coconut oil and organic castor oil and gently rubbing it over your face every night before bed.  Too much castor oil can be very drying, so you may have to experiment to find the right combination for your skin type (I have oily skin and use about 30% castor oil to 70% coconut oil.)  The castor oil penetrates deeply to remove dirt and oil build-up from pores.  The coconut oil is nutrifying and contains many minerals and fatty acids for healthy, glowing skin.  End with a hot cloth applied to your face and gently wipe once the cloth cools.  No need to scrub!  The next morning, you’ll awaken with clean skin and should only need to splash some warm water over your face.

Happy cleansing!

The best ways to consume these types of foods are:

-       Raw salads.

-       Local fruit: berries are a great choice.

-       Juicing.

-       Sprouting grains.

-       Sautéing, blanching, or stir-frying veggies.

-       Eating roti or chapatti instead of baked goods and bread.

Most people should not be eating entirely raw and should incorporate white fish and small amounts of chicken into their diets.  Some people experience a mild detoxification reaction when they begin juicing.  If symptoms such as lethargy or fatigue last for more than one week, I advise eating more lightly cooked foods and less raw foods.

To make a pack, soak a piece of flannel in castor oil and place it on the area to be treated.  Cover with Saran Wrap, then apply a hot water bottle over top. Leave on for approximately thirty minutes.  Be aware that castor oil is messy and will stain.

Castor oil should not be taken internally.  Never apply it to broken skin or fresh wounds.  It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and menstruation, and if there is internal bleeding.

As with any new treatment protocol, please consult with your naturopathic or medical doctor to ensure that your health concerns will benefit from the use of castor oil packs.