August 15, 2010

Contents:

1. Free tickets to The Total Health Show!!!
2. Natural health products safer than pharmaceuticals
3. Boost immunity now for fall season
4. Say 'No' to the Raven Coal Mine on Vancouver Island

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Free tickets to The Total Health Show!!!

The first 5 HANS members in good standing to email our HANS events coordinator (events@hans.org) will receive 2 complimentary tickets valued at $20, to The Total Health Show in Vancouver, September 25-26, 2010.

To become a HANS member go to: http://www.hans.org/membership/

For more information about the Total Health Show go to: http://www.canwestshows.com/health---vancouver

To win tickets: Email

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Natural health products safer than pharmaceuticals

by Shawn Buckley, for The Calgary Herald

On June 24, the Herald ran a column by Kashif Ahmed and Eric Miller criticizing the federal health minister for Bill C-36, the proposed consumer safety legislation. Their criticism focuses on an amendment to the Bill which explains that it does not apply to natural health products (NHPs).

They assert this leaves a "safety" gap. This is unfair criticism of the minister. Bill C-36 was first introduced as Bill C-52 in April of 2008. The bill in its original form never covered NHPs or anything else regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. The amendment did not "exempt" NHPs as the authors claim. Rather it restated the obvious.

It is also difficult to understand how Canadians would be served by subjecting NHPs to consumer protection legislation which is not structured to regulate health products. Currently NHPs are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and the NHP Regulations. Contrary to the assertion of Ahmed and Miller, NHPs are not exempt from safety regulations. Before an NHP can be licensed for sale, both its safety and its efficacy must be proved. The complaint of a large number of Canadians is not that the regulation of NHPs is too soft. Rather the complaint is that regulation is so strict that the majority of NHPs are being taken away.

NHPs are not being driven off of the market by Health Canada for safety concerns. This is not surprising. As far as I am aware, there has never been a documented death caused by a natural health product in our 143 years as a country.

To read the full article go to: http://www.calgaryherald.com/story_print.html?id=333...=

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Boost immunity now for fall season

by Dr. Shyrose Karim

It will soon be back-to-school season and whether you're a student or not, that means it will soon be cold and flu season, too, so start boosting your immunity now.

The immune system is the body's protective mechanism against viral and bacterial infections. Its functioning can be influenced by a variety of factors including nutrient deficiencies; contaminated food, air and water; unhealthy lifestyle habits; and too much exposure to harmful microbes. Simple changes to one's diet and lifestyle, along with some specific supplements, can truly strengthen resistance to colds and flus.

DIET
A well balanced diet is essential to a healthy immune system. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as they provide the body with the necessary nutrients to function properly.

Inadequate nutrition and excess intake of sugar depresses the immune system. So, avoid sugar, processed foods and highly refined foods to stay healthy. 

Include in your diet foods that are high in vitamins A and C and in the mineral zinc. These nutrients play a vital role in boosting the immune system. Vitamin A regulates the immune response to infection and protects the brain. Cod liver oil is a good source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A in large amounts can be toxic, therefore, it is important to follow dosage recommendations for specific ages. 

Two-time nobel prize winner and famous scientist the late Linus Pauling, stated that vitamin C is very effective in reducing the duration of the common cold and the severity of its symptoms. This has been confirmed by double blind studies. Good food sources of Vitamin C include red sweet peppers, kale leaves, broccoli, cauliflower, citrus fruits, strawberries, elderberries, and mangos. 

Oysters are the best-known food source high in zinc. Other sources of relatively high concentrations of zinc include fish, red meats, whole grains, nuts (pecans, brazil nuts, almonds), and seeds (pumpkin seeds).  Alternately, zinc supplements may be used based on dosage recommendations for specific ages. 

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are important for a healthy immune system.  They are metabolized into prostaglandins with the help of vitamin cofactors: B6, A, C, E and mineral cofactors: magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium.  Prostaglandins regulate the activity of white blood cells, which make up the immune system. Good sources of omega 3 include flax seeds, fish and eggs.  Sources of omega 6 include safflower, sunflower, pumpkin, borage oil, and sesame seeds.

FOOD ALLERGIES
Allergies can make the immune system work overtime not allowing it to effectively fight off the invading virus or bacteria.

Most common food allergies or intolerances include dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, and nuts (especially peanuts). There are additional foods known to cause allergies such as shellfish, fish, chocolate, and citrus fruits. Avoid known food allergies as well as food additives, food colourings or chemicals since these can also produce intolerances or allergies in the body. 

SLEEP
Proper sleep is essential to healthy immune function. Inadequate sleep also depresses the immune system. On average, children need about eight to ten hours of sleep per night. Adults usually require seven to nine hours.

DIGESTION
Proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system is important for immunity and overall health. Regular bowel movements (one after each meal) are important in eliminating toxins from the body. Furthermore, probiotics are very important in supporting healthy intestinal bacteria, which can regulate immune function as well. Sauerkraut and yogurt are good food sources of probiotics. A supplement of probiotics may be needed in certain instances. 

Homeopathic remedies can be used to support and boost the immune system during the flu season.  It is important to consult a naturopathic physician to get the right protocol for you and your family.

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Dr. Shyrose Karim practices at Park Royal Village Medical Centre in West Vancouver.  No physician referral is required.  To book an appointment, please call 604-451-7786 or 604-922-7372.  Dr. Karim is offering 10% off for first visits.

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Say 'No' to the Raven Coal Mine on Vancouver Island

by Wilderness Committee

Take Action by September 20th

It's time to take action to stop the proposed Raven Coal Mine project planned for the Comox Valley. This mine proposal threatens sensitive salmon habitat, local air and water quality and the world famous Fanny Bay shellfish industry. Coal has no place in a climate friendly future, and clean air and clean water are more important than a dirty coal mine.

Currently, the federal Environmental Assessment process does not consider the impacts that projects like this will have on climate change. The coal from the mine would add over more than 80 million tonnes of climate-change-causing greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. A process that cannot assess this deeply concerning environmental impact is simply unacceptable.

From the Comox Valley to Port Alberni, local citizens are standing up to this destructive project. Stand up with the people of these communities and say "No" to Raven Coal.

For more information and to email your comment by September 20th, go to: http://wildernesscommittee.org/write_wild_raven_coal...

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