CONTENTS
1) Editorial
2) Feature: Are You Up to the Nature Challenge?
3) Issue Updates
--Natural Health Product Use by Canadians: New Survey
--Canadian Trends in Biotechnology
--Out-of-pocket Spending on Prescription Drugs: 1992 to 2002
--Online Petition: Re-examine Fluoridation
--Tell Home Depot You Want Pesticide-Free Lawn Products
4) Media Watch
--Flu Vaccine Only Mildly Effective in Elderly
--Cancer: Intravenous Vitamin C Effective
--Are Cell Phones Safe? Part II
--Are Cell Phones Safe? Part III
--Canada’s Top Court to Rule on Suing Big Tobacco
--India, Canada to Collaborate on Biotechnology, Nanotechnology Research
--Environmental Groups Petition EPA to Retract Fluoride Pesticide Tolerances on Food
--Complicated by GM, Food Labeling Bill Fails
--Codex Should Address Ethical, Ecological Concerns on GM Foods
--Most Newer Schizophrenia Drugs No Better: Study
--Resistance to Anti-Flu Drugs Increases: Study
--Schwartzenegger Signs Ban on Sodas in High School
--Depleted Canada Cod Stocks Face Devastation
--Green Tea Component May Fight Alzheimer’s: Study
--US Medical Research Spending Rises, Results
--Health Tip: Don’t Skip Meals
--Mammograms Cause Breast Cancer (and Other Cancer Facts You Probably Never Knew)
5) Calendar of Events
--Breakthroughs in the Quest to Cure Cancer, Oct 2nd
--Research Discoveries in Targeted Cancer Treatments: Capitalizing on the CYP1B1 Enzyme, Oct 3rd
--First Annual BC Organic Harvest Awards, Nov 5th
--Energy Psychology, Psychotherapy and Self-Healing, Nov 19th
*********************
1) Editorial
While returning from the Okanagan Valley recently, I drove by Skaha Lake. On this particularly windy day, the sandy beach should have been empty of people and nothing visible but waves, yet dozens of wind surfers and parasurfers (with parachutes) whizzed across my view.
I experienced a moment of awe. I was not only seeing a new sport, but I was also pondering the skill required to maneuver this equipment. What a brilliant use of human creativity.
Now several days later, I find myself in awe again. This time, it’s to realize the enormous accomplishments of people such as Dr. Gerry Potter, who spoke at the Point Grey Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, on his research in the treatment of cancer. Another visionary is Dr. Harold Foster, for his breakthrough concepts in the treatment of AIDS. Both men have selflessly worked and followed their creativity, to a logical, reasonable conclusion that is practical for the world.
If you haven’t heard of Dr. Potter’s or Dr. Foster’s concepts, you can watch for details in the upcoming issue of Health Action, due to be mailed to members mid-October.
We hope that you continue to enjoy the HANS e-News. If you have friends or family who would like to receive this bimonthly bulletin, please have them register on our website at www.hans.org. The process is easy and completely free, and a great way to stay in touch with the latest health and environmental news.
All the best,
Lorna Hancock
Founding Member & Director
*********************
2) Are You Up to the Nature Challenge
It could be the most important team you ever join: Team Suzuki, and here’s why. Each year, the average Canadian household is responsible for producing 20,705 kilograms of greenhouse gases, 634 kg of air pollution and 1,430 grams of water pollution.
The good news about this environmentally unfriendly trend is that it’s reversible. Research at the David Suzuki Foundation say our decisions about transportation, food and homes are the most environmentally significant choices we make on a daily basis.
Team Suzuki’s Nature Challenge offers a 10-step personal action plan to help preserve nature. “By taking these simple steps, we can make a huge difference together,” says Dr. Suzuki.
Close to 60,000 people have already signed up, including celebrities such as singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado, author Margaret Atwood, and Hockey Night in Canada commentator Ron MacLean.
Team Suzuki’s Nature Challenge
1. Reduce home energy use by 10 per cent.
2. Choose energy-efficient homes and appliances
3. Replace dangerous pesticides with alternatives.
4. Eat meat-free meals one day a week.
5. Buy locally grown and produced food.
6. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle.
7. Walk, bike, carpool, or take the transit.
8. Choose a home close to work or school.
9. Support car-free alternatives.
10. Learn more and share with family and friends.
Be a team player at www.davidsuzuki.org.
*********************
3) ISSUE UPDATES
Natural Health Product Use by Canadians: New Survey
Seven in ten Canadians (71 per cent) have used a natural health product (NHP). Canadians associate NHPs with vitamins and minerals (13 per cent), herbal remedies and teas (12 per cent), additive-free foods (8 per cent), organic food/biologics (8 per cent), and plants/plant products (8 per cent)
More results of this benchmark survey are available at
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/pubs/natur/eng_cons_s....
******
Canadian Trends in Biotechnology
A new compendium provides an overview of biotechnology activities in Canada from 1997 to 2004. It includes information on federal government spending for scientific and technological activities in biotechnology, as well as a portrait of the evolution of Canadian biotechnology firms.
Visit http://bioportal.gc.ca/trends for a free online version of Trends in Canadian Biotechnology Activity, 2nd edition.
******
Out-of-pocket Spending on Prescription Drugs: 1992 to 2002
Household spending on prescription drugs jumped more than 70 per cent in the decade between 1992 and 2002, according to a new Canadian study.
Out-of-pocket spending on medications represented less than one per cent of the family budget in 2002. However, it surged 71 per cent in 2002 dollars during the decade.
Total out-of-pocket spending in 2002 amounted to an estimated $3 billion. Pharmacies filled around 300 million prescriptions, about 10 for each man, woman and child.
Visit http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/050923/td050923.....
******
Online Petition to US Congress: Re-examine Fluoridation
In light of the growing body of research, the Protect Our Water Alliance, a grassroots group whose purpose is to raise awareness about environmental and health concerns of fluoride and fluorine compounds, is urging the US Congress to pass a national moratorium on water fluoridation pending a full investigation.
To add your name to the petition, visit http://www.powalliance.org/petition/index.html.
******
Tell Home Depot You Want Pesticide-Free Lawn Products
The Pesticide Action Network wants retail giant Home Depot to carry a full range of non-toxic, organic lawn care products. Pesticides, they argue, aren’t necessary for that attractive green carpet or lush garden.
To send a letter via e-mail, visit http://ga4.org/campaign/homeDepot/g58w5k42568jn6?.
*********************
4) MEDIA WATCH
Flu Vaccine Only Mildly Effective in Elderly
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?artic...
Cancer: Intravenous Vitamin C Effective
http://healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=7915
Are Cell Phones Safe? Part II
http://www.cancerdecisions.com/091805.html
Are Cell Phones Safe? Part III
http://www.cancerdecisions.com/092505.html
Canada’s Top Court to Rule on Suing Big Tobacco
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&e=1&u=...
India, Canada to Collaborate on Biotechnology, Nanotechnology Research
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseactio...
Environmental Groups Petition EPA to Retract Fluoride Pesticide Tolerances on Food
http://healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=7929
Complicated by GM, Food Labeling Bill Fails
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseactio...
Codex Should Address Ethical, Ecological Concerns on GM Foods
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseactio...
Most Newer Schizophrenia Drugs No Better: Study
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&e=1&u=...
Resistance to Anti-Flu Drugs Increases: Study
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&e=2&u=...
Schwartzenegger Signs Ban on Sodas in High School
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=615&e=6&u=...
Depleted Canada Cod Stocks Face Devastation
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/3...
Green Tea Component May Fight Alzheimer’s: Study
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&e=3&u=...
US Medical Research Spending Rises, Results Lag
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&e=5&u=...
Low-Fat Vegan Diet May Spur Weight Loss
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&e=2&u=...
Health Tip: Don’t Skip Meals
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?artic...
Mammograms Cause Breast Cancer (and Other Cancer Facts You Probably Never Knew)
http://www.newstarget.com/010886.html
For more current stories, check out “News” at www.hans.org.
*********************
5) Calendar of Events
Breakthroughs in the Quest to Cure Cancer
Who: Dr. Gerry Potter, BSc, PhD
When: Sunday, Oct 2nd
Time: 2 – 4pm
Where: Harbour Room, Dorchester Hotel, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC
Contact: Brian at 250-479-8646 or brian@aiinc.ca
DR. GERRY POTTER, BSc, PhD, is a professor of medicinal chemistry and director of the Cancer Drug Discovery Group in Leicester School of Pharmacy at De Montfort University, England. He holds 20 patents for cancer therapeutics.
******
Research Discoveries in Targeted Cancer Treatments: Capitalizing on the CYP1B1 Enzyme
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Who: Dr. Gerry Potter, BSc, PhD
When: Monday, Oct 3rd
Time: 7 – 9:30pm
Contact: University of Victoria Continuing Studies at 250-472-4747, Course code HPPD127 2005F1 CO1
DR. GERRY POTTER, BSc, PhD, is a professor of medicinal chemistry and director of the Cancer Drug Discovery Group in Leicester School of Pharmacy at De Montfort University, England. He holds 20 patents for cancer therapeutics.
******
First Annual BC Organic Harvest Awards
When: Saturday, Nov 5th
Where: Coast Plaza Hotel, Vancouver
Join this celebration of great organic food, fine local wine and good company, which promises to be BC’s leading industry event. There is much to celebrate! We will recognize members who have made a difference; those who’ve established strong, profitable businesses, and those who’ve launched innovative concepts to increase our growth.
Applications for each category are available on the COABC web site at www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 30, 2005. There is no application fee.
What categories?
Best non-alcoholic beverage
Best alcoholic beverage
Best bakery product
Best dairy producer
Best dairy product
Best livestock producer
Best processed meat product
Best horticultural producer
Best retailer
Best processed (non-livestock product)
Best direct farm marketing business
Best farm-based home delivery business (CSA/box program)
Best integrated-farm system
Best home-delivery system (non-farm)
******
Energy Psychology, Psychotherapy and Self-Healing
Who: Lee Pulos, PhD, ABPP and Heather Fay, MD
When: Saturday, Nov 19th
Time: 9am – 5pm
Where: Vancouver Masonic Hall, Watson Room (2nd Floor), 1495 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $125/person before Nov 4/ $135 after Nov 4
(Pre-Registration Required)
Phone: 604-688-1714
E-mail: admin@hypnosis.bc.ca
Web: http://www.hypnosis.bc.ca
This seminar will be 80 per cent experiential or “hands on” and 20 per cent will provide history, theory and background to the energy psychology therapies. There will also be an emphasis upon how to identify (and correct) subconscious blockages to successful treatment and the unresourceful beliefs that contributed to failure in the past.
LEE PULOS, PhD, ABPP, is a clinical psychologist in private practice and Clinical Assistant Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry, UBC. He has also held clinical appointments at Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin medical schools and has been awarded a Diplomate (clinical) by the American Board of Professional Psychology. In addition to his clinical career, Dr. Pulos has written two books, Beyond Hypnosis and Miracles and Other Realities.
HEATHER FAY, MD, spent the first part of her career as a family physician and during those decades took training in and used many complementary therapies especially in the area of the mind/body/spirit connection. She has been featured on Discovery Channel as a resource for alternative and complementary medicine. Dr. Fay is on the clinical faculty of the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BC). She utilizes hypnosis with the meridian therapies in her practice of integrating western and eastern medicine for mind-body healing.
**********************
Founded in 1984, Health Action Network Society is a membership-based, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to gathering and disseminating health promotion information.
| . |
|
. |