Garbage In Garbage Out.

Toronto city workers are currently on strike. This affects many city services but most prominently in the news is the issue of garbage pick-up. Reports came in that people began dumping their garbage in rivers and parks after only one day of the strike!

Certainly baby diapers in an apartment without air conditioning makes for a very uncomfortable situation. However, now is the perfect time to recognize how many other things we purchase that are just thrown out. We will not need a list because we can see it. This "garbage crisis" puts us in an uncomfortable situation that forces us to stop our current out of site out of mind philosophy.

Annie Leonard does a really great job of comically getting our attention on this fun animation, www.storyofstuff.com. When people positively change their buying habits, ecological and healthy change will happen.

HBBH Business Workshop

Naturopathic Doctors (ND's) face unique business challenges after graduation including the fact that, in Canada, Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by the Provincial Government's health care system. This means that in order for ND's to do what they were trained to do, they are required to become an entrepreneur. The latest statistics show that about 20% of ND graduates do not work in the field. What is really sad is when an excellent, caring doctor has to close up their practice.

I cannot imagine trying to begin a practice without knowing what I learned this weekend (and this is only the 1st of 4 seminars). Health of Business, Business of Health (HBBH) is taught by Andre Belanger and Dr. Dickson Thom. These 2 men are very passionate about helping ND's succeed in their business and ultimately want to ensure that ND's are able to help others. Planning and preparation is key. Don't wait until you graduate to take these courses.

New NPLEX study website

New this year is for ND students is, ND Online Learning Center (NDOLC).

Before I was aware of the NDOLC, I paid for both NPLEX 1 prep courses offered. As I am detail oriented, I value classroom learning for providing me with the big picture. Additionally, I bought the Healing Mountain study manual. As such, I think that my bases are covered and am not going to purchase this new online learning package. However, if you are currently using NDOLC, it would be great to hear your comments. "Written by ND's for ND's" and the $50.00 price tag does seem enticing.

New Journal for Naturopathic Medicine

The first publication of the International Journal of Naturopathic Medicine was just launched this June. The Journal's site states that subscribers will, "Receive an environmentally-friendly print journal and have access to state-of-the-art practice and research in the field of naturopathic medicine..." I'm familiar with at least 5 of the names on the Editorial Board (Faculty of CCNM or guest speakers in my classes) and am certain that the journal will be of the highest quality.

An arena for peer reviewed research will most certainly benefit the continued advancement of naturopathic medicine.

Note: Subscriptions are $149.00/year or 2 years for $129/year.

Naturopathic Movies 11

FOOD INC.

This movie premiers on June 12 and from the looks of things, it will be a tremendous paradigm shift in the way many people view food. The timing is interesting for many reasons, one of which is that stocks in agriculture and agricultural loans are reaching an all-time high. Furthermore, people are becoming aware that their food selections do affect the availability of better food choices in the grocery store or local farmers market.

To view the trailer, visit: www.foodincmovie.com.

UPDATE:

After seeing this movie, it met my expectations and I highly recommend it!

Naturopathy in Hawaii

My family and I just returned from the beautiful island of Maui where I had the privilege to preceptor with a Naturopath there. Naturopathic medicine is regulated in the state of Hawaii and the people are very receptive to preventative and complimentary medicine.

On the beach we were talking to some amazing volunteers who were protecting the coral reefs, "for the future generations" by educating the tourists and providing coral friendly sunscreen for free (most sunscreens are petroleum based and toxic to the coral). Everywhere we went in Maui, we noticed the themes of beauty, health and peace and were very sad to leave.

NPLEX Preparation

Naturopathic students have 2 sets of licensing exams to write called NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations). The first one is written after completing second year and includes the Basic Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry. Then, after completing the 4 year program, the final NPLEX is for the clinical sciences.

This week, I am taking the first NPLEX prep course with many of my colleagues taught by Dr. Paul Anderson, ND from Bastyr University. The amount of information we need to know is phenomenal but exciting at the same time. Most students study full-time for the two months prior to the August 4th exam date and I plan to do the same. No rest for the dedicated!!