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...