HEALTH NEWSLETTER

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather we have been blessed with this year. This summer has been wonderful for the naturopathic profession. Here is why:

In this newsletter:

• News Release For The Naturopathic Profession


• Natural Body Powders To Keep You Dry This Summer


• Delicious Berry Salad Recipe

NEWS RELEASE FOR THE NATUROPATHIC PROFESSION

TORONTO, ON – On behalf of Naturopathic Doctors across Ontario, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) is pleased to announce that after eight years of discussions with the Ontario government, the Naturopathy Act, 2007 was proclaimed today.

Naturopathic Medicine has been a regulated health profession in Ontario since 1925 under the Drugless Practitioners Act. With proclamation of the Naturopathy Act, 2007 Naturopathic Doctors become a self - regulated healthcare profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA), similar to other health care professions such as physicians, chiropractors, pharmacists and dentists.

Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, MPP St. Paul’s and Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care comments: Effective July 1st. 2015, Naturopathic Doctors will be regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), an arm’s-length regulatory body of the government of Ontario with an independent Registrar and Council. CONO’s main responsibility is to regulate the profession of Naturopathic Medicine in the public interest.

“Today is truly a milestone for Naturopathic Medicine in the province of Ontario. Our government respects alternative health therapies and the important services Naturopathic Doctors provide patients. Regulating the profession of naturopathy is part of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, which puts people and patients first, provides better access to quality health services, and protects those services for generations to come. Bringing naturopathy under more robust legislation will ensure high quality care and brings important safeguards to protect patients”.

There have been various changes to our practice in general – with minimal impact to patient care, which always has been our priority at the clinic. However, as of July 1st, 2015, Dr. Shah, ND will no longer be providing B12 shots or suggest Vitamin D in greater that 1000 IU recommended dosage– so if you do need a B12 shot, or need Vitamin D in higher doses, please call the clinic to see what other options are available.

NATURAL BODY POWDERS TO KEEP YOU DRY THIS SUMMER

Body powders are great for absorbing excess perspiration, especially in this summer heat for adults and babies, and also great for reducing chafing and irritation especially in between thighs and under the breasts. Unfortunately for us, most commercial brands contain talc or talcum powder, which is a lung irritant, and quite often contaminated with asbestos and hence toxic. Fortunately you can make your own body and baby powders using inexpensive, natural alternatives such as cornstarch, arrowroot powder, baking powder, and white cosmetic clay, which work well and are safe and non-toxic!

Here are some suggestions to make your own body or baby powders at home - you can make them smell wonderful by simply adding essential oils of your choice – my personal favorite has been jasmine with lavender oil with dried and powdered rose petals and lavender. You can make a jar and leave it in the bathroom for use after showering.

Here are some additional choices to make different body powders for use:

SIMPLE AND EASY BODY POWDER

To make a simple body powder scent, you can use one cup of cornstarch, arrowroot, baking powder or cosmetic clay and simply add 20 – 30 drops of an organic essential oil of your choice. Mix in thoroughly with your fingertips and use when needed.

INVIGORATING BODY POWDER

Neroli, orange and grapefruit essential oils have a refreshing, invigorating and fresh scent that is perfect for hot summer days. Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and clay help absorb excess perspiration and keep you fresh and dry.

• 1/4 cup (50g) arrowroot or cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons white cosmetic clay
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops neroli / orange/ grapefruit/ essential oil

Mix the arrowroot powder, baking soda and cornstarch with the cosmetic clay. Add the essential oils drop-by-drop to the powder; mixing it well with your fingers. Let the mixture sit for a couple of days before using, to allow the oils to fully scent the powders.

CALMING AND SOOTHING BODY POWDER

Rose, jasmine, lavender, ylang ylang, sandalwood create a soothing floral-scented powder.

• 1/4cup of dried and powdered fragrant rose petals
• 1/3 cup (50g) arrowroot or cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon white cosmetic clay
• 5 drops lavender essential oils
• 5 drops rose essential oil
• 1 drop of jasmine or ylang ylang or sandal wood essential oil

Grind the rose petals into the powder in a clean coffee grinder then mix with the arrowroot or cornstarch and cosmetic clay. Add the oils drop by drop, mixing them thoroughly into the powder with your fingers. Store in tightly covered container. Let the mixture sit for a couple of days before using to allow the essential oils to fully scent the powders.

DELICIOUS BERRY SALAD RECIPE

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of blueberries
• ¼ cup of blackberries
• ¼ cup of raspberries
• 2 teaspoons of dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon of pine nuts
• 1 teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of shaved almonds
• 2 cups of arugula
• 1 cup of sunflower seed sprouts
• ½ cup of boiled chickpeas or 4 oz. of meat or fish of your choice.
• ½ ounce of goat’s cheese
• 1 tablespoon of cold pressed olive oil
• 2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• Dash of Sea salt

Instructions:

Mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl, set aside for 15 minutes. Enjoy on a warm summer day with a glass of lemonade.

For any questions, or concerns, or to schedule an initial naturopathic appointment, please contact us at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or email us at [email protected]

* DISCLAIMER: The information on this article is the property of Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases or promote any services or products mentioned on the website.