Merry Christmas and Eat Well!

Merry Christmas!As you make your food choices through the holidays, it is beginning to be very important to know where your food comes from. Unfortunately, not all food is created equal. Knowing where your food comes from and how it arrives on your plate is the only sure way to know you have quality. Accordingly, I have recently included the Eat Well Guide search on my blog:For your searching convenience, this will be permanently on the bottom...

Quote of the Month

"Half the modern drugs could well be thrown out the window, except that the birds might eat them."Martin H. Fisc...

Naturopathic Prescribing Rights

Estimates show that 20-30% of the Canadian population does not have a family MD. Accordingly, Naturopathic Doctors have an opportunity to provide primary health care to many people who do not have a family doctor. With talk of a new version of Bill C-51 being reintroduced to parliament, this position of primary care provider may become even more integral to naturopaths over the next several years. Consequently, CCNM, the Ontario Association of...

Maintaining Naturopathic Standards

Naturopathic Medicine in Canada is continually growing and gaining public support as a viable method of true health care. This trust begins with the quality of Naturopathic Doctors. Today representatives from the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education visited our school. The goal of this council is to provide the public with a standard of quality assurance in regards to the education of Naturopathic Doctors.In an open discussion, students expressed...

Naturopathic Movies IX

Side EffectsThis movie stars Katherine Heigl (of Grey's Anatomy) in a documentary meets chick-flick style film. The plot is closely based on the true story of the writer/director's 10 years experience as a drug sales rep. The movie shows how a 23 year old political science major was not at all qualified to "educate" doctors on the pharmaceutical drugs that she sold and yet she became the top selling rep in her company. There were several excellent...

Naturopathic Movies VIII

Here are 2 movies that reframe the process of natural childbirth in a positive light:1. The Business of Being BornCheck out www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com for more information and take a look at one of my earlier entries on Childbirth if you are interested.2. Orgasmic BirthI found the movie title initially shocking but the documentary is quite fantastic. Check out www.orgasmicbirth.com for a full movie revi...

Quote of the Month

"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."Mark Tw...

Homeopathy in Naturopathy

Today we had a guest presentation by Dr. Peter Fisher who is a Physician to her Majesty the Queen of England. Dr. Fisher practices Classical Homeopathy, although he does not like some of the connotations associated with the word "Classical." Dr. Fisher is also an editor for the journal Homeopathy and has a vast knowledge of the homeopathic research published in conventional medical journals.It is such a privilege to get to see international speakers...

2nd Year Update in Naturopathic Medicine

One thing that pleasantly surprised me about CCNM was that change can happen quickly in response to student feedback. As such, this was the first time that a "midterm exam week" without classes was implemented. So, our class just finished a mental marathon with nine exams in one week (10 if the practical exam in Homeopathy is counted separately). Unfortunately for my year, the change nearly killed us! The second year is notorious for being the...

Exceptional Products VII

Camros Organic EateryThis September, CCNM had the privilege to re-open its cafeteria under the new management of Camros Organic Eatery. This family owned company, from Toronto, shares many of the philosophies of Naturopathic Medicine and what better place to showcase their menu than at the Canadian Naturopathic College. As wholistic nutrition is foundational to naturopathy, I am so proud to have...

Quote of the Month

"In order to change, we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired."Author Unkn...

Book Review 7

real food: what to eat and why by Nina PlanckAlthough this book is a very easy read, I found the author's non-conventional approach to controversial topics quite enjoyable. The focus of the book is on the benefits of traditional foods compared to the the processed, ready-made, convenience foods which are currently so prevalent in North America. She takes the reader through the steps of processing which prepares these foods for mass appeal. In contrast,...

CCNM Guest Speaker Udo Erasmus

What an exciting couple of weeks in regards to amazing speakers at CCNM! This was the first time I met Udo Erasmus although I have read some of his books and began taking "Udo's Choice 3-6-9" oil many years ago. Udo Erasmus, Ph.D. was a pioneer in turning the trend away from fat free products (the idea that all fat is bad) and pointing people towards the necessity of certain types of fat.His presentation today outlined the differences between the...

CCNM Guest Speaker Sam Graci

On Monday, CCNM had the privilege of hearing Sam Graci speak. This man was the inventor of Greens+ and is a phenomenal health expert and researcher. His research covers a huge spectrum of natural health issues from the benefits of high cocao chocolate to the importance of vitamin K in calcium absorption and acid/alkaline biochemistry. I read many of his books ("The Food Connection" is one of my favourites) before I entered naturopathic school...

Food and Medicine on our doorstep

Today, our Botanical Medicine class was introduced to a new way of appreciating our surroundings. Our naturopathic guide began the tour before we even got 20 feet from the school by pointing to 3 types of herbs bravely growing in one of the cracks in the concrete.Later in the Don Valley, which is across the street from CCNM, we were told the dietary benefits and medicinal effects of Lambs Quarters, Stinging Nettle, Linden trees, Jewel Weed (Touch-me-not),...

Quote of the Month

"You can or you can't; either way you're right."Henry F...

Running Children

Beginning habits at an early age that will lead to a lifelong interest in physical activity is very important. As a relatively new parent, nearly every day I am reminded of how influential a child's brain is and the responsibility that comes with that.There are certainly psychological risks when parents pressure their children to be excessively competitive. Accordingly, the meaning associated with exercise is pivotal with children.As I finished...

Naturopathic Movies VII

Toxic TrespassThis Canadian documentary by Barri Cohen highlights the effects of environmental pollution on children's health. As her own 10 year old daughter was found to have known carcinogens in her blood, she persistently navigates through the dead ends and barriers put up in response to her difficult questions. What I found inspiring was that there were experts in the field of environmental health (in North America) that were trying to make...

The Food of Champions

In addition to the millions of dollars in bonuses Michael Phelps received for winning his 8 Olympic gold medals, his pictures will also appear on the boxes of Kellogg's Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes. I don't know if Michael Phelps begins his day with either of these breakfast cereals but the association will now certainly be there.McDonalds has also capitalized on the Olympics with a commercial showing athletes eating a breakfast chicken sandwich,...

Antiobiotic Resistance

I was first confronted with the reality of antibiotic resistance during the prenatal class my wife and I attended in Toronto. The nurse told us not to touch anything! Not the doorknobs, elevator buttons or railings as hospitals are a breeding ground for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Even in the small town of Invermere BC, there was a case of flesh eating disease last year and people were discussing how serious the problem of antibiotic resistance...

Natural High

Today I went gliding for the first time in my life. Apparently Invermere BC is a gliding mecca that offers tremendous thermals and of course beautiful views of glaciers and the mountains. I had an amazing pilot who asked if I would be willing to "play" on the way back. I had no idea how maneuverable a glider was!! I'm not sure if I am allowed to disclose all the things we did with the plane......

Quote of the Month

"Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money."Cree Indian Prov...

Book Review 6

Last Child in the Woods by Richard LouvAfter the advice of a friend, I picked up this book at the local library and really identified with the content. Some parts of this book felt like the words came from my own thoughts! The author documents the progression from a 3D to 2D world away from nature as the effects of good intentions and fear ultimately have today's youth in house arrest. People do buy SUV's but unfortunately it never even gets to see...

Herbicides

For the past 2 weeks, I had several interesting encounters with the use of Roundup (an herbicide sold by the chemical giant Monsanto - who is still stuck in the false utopia of the "Green Revolution" ushered in by Norman Borlaug). In a conversation, I was told the story apparently used by some agricultural reps that Roundup is safe and could be drank like Iced Tea! Then, I was out for a run and saw a man spraying a chemical that smelled like Kerosene...

Book Review 5

The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D.This book is an inspiring read for those who are interested in psychology and the capability of the human brain. The central concept is "competitive plasticity" of the brain. At times the book is disturbingly descriptive but it presents insights into the scientific processes in neuroscience and also relates some amazing case studies. Furthermore, it challenges some controversial contemporary beliefs....

Preceptoring

Yesterday I spent my first day of preceptoring (job shadowing) with a Naturopathic Doctor in Owen Sound. CCNM requires 100 hours of preceptoring before students graduate (Boucher requires 300 hours). It was a humbling experience to witness someone who is exceptional at their vocation guide patients (with very complex conditions) towards health. I was reminded why Naturopathic Doctors go to school for so long and how much more I have yet to le...

2nd Year Summer Clinic

Last week I finished the 2nd year massage and hydrotherapy clinic rotation. This requirement can be completed any time between the end of 1st year and the beginning of 3rd year. Although getting patients for constitutional hydrotherapy was difficult in the summer, I enjoyed doing the practicals while the theory was still fresh on my mind. Also, doing the clinic in the summer should help ease the volume of second year slightly, I hope.What an amazing...

Quote of the Month

�Health is a matter of choice, not a mystery of chance.� Aristo...

Naturopathic Movies VI

An Inconvenient TruthI postponed watching this movie for quite some time because of all the propaganda surrounding it. Now, I have to say that this documentary hit me in an unexpected way and I'm sad that I did not full heartedly support it earlier. The presentation style and impact of the content was far more profound than I would have anticipated.Please watch and tell others about this movie.www.climatecrisis....

Vegetarianism

There are many benefits to eating a plant based diet. However, there are some special considerations that vegetarians need to be aware of in order to be proactive towards preventing long-term deficiency problems. The following articles are not an exhaustive list of the necessary considerations but indicate some important precautions (please see a Naturopathic Doctor or Registered Dietitian for information specific to you).1. "Dietary Iron Intake...

Child Birth

This subject is still very fresh in my mind with the birth of my son on February 6, 2008. At the time of our prenatal classes, my wife was one of only two women (out of thirteen) who were planning on at least trying a natural childbirth. At the end of the session, one other couple (after finding out that the epidural had an effect on the infant) thought that they might try a natural birth.Now, new statistics show that cesarean section birth is...

Exceptional Products VI

Natural cleaning and body care products:Green Beaver CompanyThe founder of this company gave a presentation at our school that really impressed me. Also, this company is Canadian. Read their story on www.greenbeaver.comSeventh GenerationWe use their laundry detergent, soap and the diapers. The seventhgeneration.com website is very informative and shows practical ways that we can stop polluting the home of our childr...

Diabetes Prevention

Here are 2 articles published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing the powerful effect of lifestyle modification towards preventing diabetes. Lifestyle modification had almost double the incidence reduction of diabetes over the most popular drug Metformin (which some sources report a side effect rate in 50% of patients - mainly diarrhea and GI upset).The first article is called, "Reduction in the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes with Lifestyle...

Bill C-51

UPDATE ON BILL C-51 (September 7, 2008): As the Prime Minister announced that Canada will be having a federal election on October 14, Bill C-51 is dead. However, we need to watch for furhter Bills of the exact same nature in the future.The proposed Bill C-51 has the potential to restrict the access of some natural health products (herbs etc.) to Naturopathic Doctors. These products will follow under the same category as some drugs which require a...

Naturopathic Movies V

The 11th HourThis movie is a fast paced documentary filled with profound sound bites of information from many experts of environmentalism (Produced and Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio). Remember to watch the special features as they are also interesting. This movie is so extremely pertinent to everyone of us. It is hard to be healthy in a sick planet.Time is ticking...Visit, The 11th Hour Official Websi...

Exceptional Products V

Patagonia outdoor clothing and gear.It may seem odd that I included a clothing/gear company, but we have tremendous power for change when we vote with our dollars by supporting companies with a good philosophy. This company makes top of the line expedition quality clothing that I have personally trusted in the wilderness. They are pioneers in the outdoor industry and were one of the first to make fleece, but more interesting was that they used...

Naturopathic Movies IV

Shark WaterThis documentary was not only visually stunning, and exciting to watch, I was shocked about how important the ocean life is to the survival of humans. This Canadian film was written by Rob Stewart who also takes some substantial risks to film the illegal practice of shark poaching.www.sharkwater....

Exceptional Products IV

6. Sambazon A�a�: www.sambazon.comAlthough this product travels a fair distance to get to Canada, the philosophy of this company is extremely noble. Furthermore, the a�a� berry is very nutritious and their fruit smoothies are exception...

Quote of the Month

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know,it's what we know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain ...

Exceptional Products III

5. Saugeen Country Yogurt: www.saugeencountrydairy.comThis yogurt is real! Made from whole milk unprocessed straight from the cow. For a plain yogurt, it has an amazing, soft flavour. Furthermore, it is organic (I like to mix it with fruit and a little maple syrup!). I toured the facility many years ago and was impressed by the simplicity of it and their philosophy. Interestingly, some Naturopaths believe that yogurt is the key to the health of...

Exceptional Products II

If you choose to eat meat (for a complete protein source, vitamin B12 and Iron) then eating grass fed, free range or organic meat ensures that your selection will be free of the hormones and the subtherapeutic antibiotics required to grow conventional meat animals.My favourite meat is Buffalo (Bison) which is very lean and unlike beef, does not marble. Buffalo are more efficient eaters than beef cattle and produce a healthier meat (slightly higher...

BIOMERIDIAN Machine

Recently, at a conference, I had myself checked via the BIOMERIDIAN machine. This machine measures the electrical impedance corresponding to 14 organs/systems in the body. Of all the machines that I had researched, this one made the most sense to me. The representative was a very personable lady and performed a simple procedure of checking my Acupoints (on both hands and feet) with a noninvasive...

Hamilton Health Symposium II

Although waist circumference (WC) does not distinguish between subcutaneous and visceral fat (or a person's frame size), research shows that WC is highly correlated with visceral fat. Furthermore, Kuk et al. (2006) showed that "Visceral fat is an independent predictor of all cause mortality in men." Accordingly, WC should be taken very seriously and become another target of health promotion and disease prevention.However, when a person is put on...

Hamilton Health Symposium

Sprint interval training or High Intensity Training (HIT) is very applicable for cardiac patients. It is similar preparation for activities of daily living (e.g. Climbing stairs) and psychologically, the shorter term duration may help adherence.Research shows HIT exercise is very comparable to endurance exercise in regards to cardiovascular benefits (the newest research is done by Dr. Gibala at McMaster in Hamilton):1. Gibala et al. Similar metabolic...

Naturopathic Movies III

Here are some animated movies/commentaries that are humorously educational:1. The Story of Stuff www.storyofstuff.com2. The Meatrix www.themeatrix....

Principles

These principles were formally codified in 1989 and form a framework by which naturopathic medicine operates:1. First Do No Harm2. Identify and treat the cause of disease3. Teach the principles of healthy living4. Heal the whole person through individualized treatment5. Emphasize health promotion and disease prevention6. Support the healing power of nat...

ND Program

ND Education (Curriculum)Click on CCNM courses or BINM courses for a complete course listing of the ND Programs in Canada.As stated earlier, a 4 year Bachelors degree, with the specific prerequisites, is required. Then, throughout the 4 years of school in Naturopathic Medicine, many courses are the same as that of conventional medicine including: physiology, anatomy, embryology, immunology, histopathology, biochemistry, microbiology, differential...

Running and Memory

Recent studies (published in Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol, 2007 & Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 2007) show that high impact running increases the release of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This neurochemical is responsible for increased production of proteins that are responsible for remodeling the brain and increasing its function.Check out, "High impact running improves learning" published in Neurobiology of Learning...

Our Drinking Water

Recent findings are showing a list of pharmaceuticals are turning up in the drinking water. As many pharmaceuticals are not metabolized well in the body, and are difficult for water treatment to remove, the concentrations are beginning to rise.Here are 2 newspaper articles from Toronto that discuss the subject (there is a lot more info to be found by doing a simple Google search).www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/350146www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/05/20/5614526-sun.htmlFresh...

Glycemic Index Old Paradigm

Here is an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition with a surprising finding about the Glycemic Index (GI). It suggests that we need to rethink the supposed insulin sparing effects of what have been called low GI foods. Blood samples taken showed the low GI of some foods was due to a higher insulin response, thereby keeping the blood glucose levels lower.http://www.ajcn.orgThe article is called, "Different glycemic indexes...

Book Review 4

The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuck, O.M.D.If you are very interested in understanding Chinese Medicine, this book is for you. It explains the deep immersion of Chinese Medical thought in Taoism and how the the relationships and patterns of the Chinese organ systems work with acupuncture and herbs. Additionally, it does make interesting comparisons/contrasts between western and eastern medici...

Book Review 3

Fats that Heal Fats that Kill by Udo ErasmusUdo Erasmus was one of the pioneers in turning the trend away from fat free products (the idea that all fat is bad). Science has gone a little further than what is in this book but, it was a beacon of light at the time and is still an excellent read to understand the basics of fat biochemistry and how it effects health.Here is a link to a website for this bo...

Activites and Interests

ActivitiesBeing in the outdoors is one of my favourite places. I thoroughly enjoy mounting biking, rockclimbing, snowboarding/skiing, hiking and camping. I do run but purely for the sake of fitness. I never got overly involved in team sports but do enjoy playing soccer and volleyball with friends. If I am indoors, I love to play table tennis. Also, I play the guitar when I have time and enjoy jamming with my wife who plays excellent piano....

Naturopathic Movies II

BBC Planet Earth This 5 disk series will show you our planet like you have never seen it before! This is the most amazing documentary I have ever seen. It is visually spectacular with footage that few humans will ever experience.Every person should see this series to appreciate the awesome beauty of our planet and also to be informed about the issues surrounding conservation that are so time sensitive.The series is available on DVD at many stores...

Movies

Here is a list of movies that resonate in some way with naturopathic philosophy:1. Who Killed the Electric Car?2. SuperSize Me3. The Corporation4. The Matrix (the first movie only - the last 2 deviate substantially from productive philosophy!)5. The Road to Wellville (Comedy- you may need to be a naturopath to find this movie funn...

Biography

It took years of searching to find this profession which greatly embodies many of the philosophies that I strongly believe in. My search began when I moved from Ontario to BC and began a forestry job that was exciting and extremely physically demanding. During the winters, I worked as a snowboard instructor and I thought that things were in perfect balance with 2 exciting seasonal outdoor jobs. However, this changed when the effects of the suffering...

Plastic Drinking Bottles

Bisphenol-A is a xenoestrogen found in Nalgene and other polycarbonate water bottle products. Earlier this year, MEC pulled Nalgene from their shelves. I found it interesting that the U.S. T.V. show, "The Biggest Loser" (where contestants compete to loose the most weight) teamed up with Nalgene and Britta water filters to reduce the environmental impact of bottled water sales. This is a very noble cause indeed, except for the potential side effects...

Honey Bee Disappearance

The honey bee disappearance is a phenomenon that is being witnessed in several parts of North America. No one as of yet knows the cause for their mysterious disappearance. The bees do not swarm (as when a second queen bee develops and part of the hive leaves with her) but seem to just disappear. Some agricultural experts have already calculated the financial impact the loss of honey bee pollination would have; it's astounding of course (Source:...

Book Review 2

Eating Alive by Dr. John Matsen NDThis is a comprehensive yet easy to read book that I believe is foundational to naturopathic medici...

Book Review 1

Nature Doctors by Friedhelm Kirchfeld & Wade BoyleIf you enjoy history and want to get an understanding of the trials and persecution that naturopathic medicine (and the nature cure forefathers) survived, then this book is a mu...

Who are Prospective Patients?

Naturopaths are primary health care practitioners that are trained to treat the root cause of disease. As such, many patients of Naturopaths are those who have some type of chronic condition that has not responded to other forms of treatment. However, Naturopathic Doctors also treat a variety of acute conditions.For a list of conditions treated by Naturopaths, please visit www.ccnm.edu (Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, Health Concerns treated...

Exceptional Products

Support your local health food store. The first �Health Food Store� was started by a Naturopath, Bennedict Lust in the early 1900's in New Jersey. New Chapter Vitamins. So far, I have yet to come across a more innovative nutraceutical company. They also use Organic ingredients: www.new-chapter.com**Note: all the products listed here I have personally encountered (I do not get paid to put these products on this blog-I just really like the...

What to Expect

If you are new to naturopathic medicine, here are some things to expect.1. Time! Most Naturopaths offer between 1-1.5 hours for the initial visit. Bring your questions.2. Cost. Naturopathic appointments typically cost between $80-150 depending on time.3. Length of treatment. Although a Naturopath may prescribe a treatment to immediately help reduce acute symptoms, fixing the route cause of the problem may take a while. It may also be very difficult...

Are You Prepared?

Here are some tips beyond General Requirements to ensure that you are prepared for school in naturopathic medicine. Also, if you have not been to see a naturopath yet, click on the What to Expect link under Prospective Patients.Academic PrerequisitesAll the naturopathic schools have very similar entrance requirements. Unlike other Canadian Medical schools, an undergraduate degree is mandatory for entry into both Naturopathic schools in Canada. ...

Student Life

Here is a brief overview of my experience with student life up until 4th year Internship.As I mentioned earlier, the workload of the schooling is probably double the volume of undergrad. At CCNM, there are points during the year where a student will be taking up to 11 courses at once. So, there is not a lot of time for life outside of school - although the Naturopathic Students Association (NSA) and Social Class reps do a great job of setting...

Accredited Schools

There are currently 6 accredited Naturopathic schools in North America:1. Bastyr University (Seattle, Washington)http://www.bastyr.edu/2. Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (Vancouver, BC)http://www.binm.org/3. Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, ON)http://www.ccnm.edu/4. University of Bridgeport (Connecticut)http://www.bridgeport.edu/5. National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland, Oregon)http://www.ncnm.edu/6. Southwest...

Quote of the Month

"And we have made of ourselves living cesspools, and driven doctors to invent names for our diseases." Plato...

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine 2007 � present4 year Naturopathic Doctor�s programUniversity of Calgary 2003 - 2007Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology� Exercise and Health Physiology Major� Presented research on snowboard wrist injuries at the AB Athletic Therapists AGMUniversity of Northern British Columbia 2002 - 2003 �Biology (101 & 102) and Chemistry (100 &101)� English (170 & 270) and Math (115) CERTIFICATIONSCertified...

History of Naturopathic Medicine

This is a very, very brief summary. Please read the book Nature Doctors by Friedhelm Kirchfeld & Wade Boyle to get a good understanding of where naturopathy came from. The term naturopathy (a hybridization of the Latin-natura and the Greek-pathy) was first coined in 1892 by John Scheel, a MD in New York. Benedict Lust, a German immigrant who had been helped by Father Sebastian Kneipp's water cure, came to America in 1896 to teach Kneipp's...