Well, we are halfway through the year of the Tiger! Change and learning are hard work but they are worth it in the end. Take time this summer to do some serious healing and enjoy the aftermath of El Niņo! I look forward to your comments and questions. Enjoy my newsletter.

Living in the moment means being aware of your power in the present.
.....Jeff Davidson

Meditation Technique

Going to a Spiritual Spa: Before you fall asleep, ask to be taken in your dreams to a healing place in one of God's heavens. Imagine you are arriving at a beautiful Grecian temple bathed in soft colours by the evening sun. You are escorted into the temple, and you lie down on a low bed in a room with tall windows. Let the golden light of the setting sun flowing through the windows bathe your body. Imagine a special column of light focusing on your heart to promote peace and well-being. When you finally fall asleep, keep this image of the healing temple.

After trying this exercise, be sure to write dreams down when you awake.
.....How to Master Change in Your Life, Mary Carroll Moore.

Suggested Reading

• The Cure is in the Cupboard, by Cass Igram. The active ingredient in oregano oil is carvacrol, a phenol with antiseptic and powerful antifungal properties. Medicinal grade is available from North American Herb and Spice Company. In vitro the oil inhibits bacteria such as S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and fungi such as C. albicans.
• Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, by Zand, Walton and Rountree. A parent's guide to safe and effective relief of common childhood disorders using nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathy, acupressure, diet and conventional medicine. This book is unique because of its explanation of any type of treatment; you choose whether alternative or mainstream.
• Natural Woman, Natural Menopause, by Marcus Laux. A very good overview of the whole topic from the viewpoint of a naturopathic physician.
• It's all in Your Head, The Link Between Amalgams and Illness, by Dr. Hal Huggins.

Web Sites to Visit:

• http://www.rheumatic.org/mednews.htm ... Current Health News You Can Use
• http://www.nordicnat.com/adental.htm ... Proalgen: Dental Amalgum Mercury Detoxification.
• http://www.hotwired.com/drweil ... Dr. Andrew Weil's site.

Summer Hints:

Natural Insect Repellant: Buzz Away is formulated with citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint. It is rated and registered by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as being the most effective DEET-free insect repellant available.
http://www.QuantumHealth.com
.....Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, #179, p.22

Natural Sunscreens: Sunscreens are not adept at blocking long wave UVA radiation that penetrates deeply into the skin and is present at intense levels all year round - even on cloudy days. UVA is less likely to cause sunburn but still damages the skin's elastic fibres and collagen, accelerating aging signs such as blotching, leathering, yellowing, and wrinkling and playing a significant role in melanoma. UVB radiation is short wave radiation which damages the skin surface and produces the obvious effects of sun exposure such as burns. Two good UVA shields are avobenzene (Parsol 1789) and benzophenone. Physical barrier sunblocks such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide both UVA and UVB protection. These are also less allergenic and irritating. Avoid products containing octyl dimethyl PABA (Padimate O), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). These react with nitrates added to the products to form nitrosamines which are highly potent cancer agents that are rapidly absorbed by the skin. If you can't find brands without these, make sure they contain antioxidants such as Vit C and E which limit formation of nitrosamines. Sunscreens that are the least irritating, offer substantial sun protection and contain healing herbs and nutrients are offered by Aubrey Organics and Earth Preserv.
..... David Steinman M.A.
Box 97073, Washington, D.C. 20090

Are you concerned about damage and aging spots on your face? A new product by Jason Natural Cosmetics contains Ester C and other antioxidants which help nourish damaged cells. Contact your local health food store. Taking micellized Vitamin A increases the absorption of Vitamin A over 500% and is very good for treatment of skin disorders. Klaire Labs brand (only available from professionals) costs $20.00.

If you are travelling to areas where you may be exposed to giardia or parasites, I recommend that you take citricidal 3 caps a day and Natren's superdophilus one cap a day for two weeks prior to departure and the entire length of your trip.

Breast Cancer and Oral Contraceptives
According to Dr. Louise Brinton, epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute, taking oral contraceptives for five years or more increases estrogen levels associated with breast cancer.
..... Oral Contraceptives and Cancer, by C. Chilver
Lancet #9344, 1994

More Books on Breast Cancer:

• The Breast Cancer Prevention Program: The First Complete Survey of the Causes of Breast Cancer and the Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risks, by Samuel Epstein, M.D. and David Steinman.
• Breast Cancer: Poisons, Profits and Prevention, by Liane Clorfene-Casten

According to these publications, the risk factors that we are all familiar with only account for 30% of the breast cancer cases. The other 70% are related to environmental toxicity; i.e., PCB's, DDT, Chlorine, electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation, exogenous estrogen, bovine growth hormone.
- ed.

Canola Oil is the highest vegetable source of omega 3 essential fats. It has high oleic acid levels similar to olive oil which decreases cholesterol levels, decreases platelet aggregation, decreases triglycerides, and improves general heart health. Heating canola oil distorts the fatty acid turning it into trans fatty acids such as found in margarines. Most oils on the market are highly refined and heated in the process. Unless you buy canola oil in a dark bottle that has been dated, there is no advantage to using canola oil.
..... Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, #179 p18

Triglyceride levels may be more indicative of heart disease than cholesterol. Normal ranges are 100-150. If too low or too high it signifies a problem with carbohydrate metabolism. High triglycerides are related to high insulin levels. You can lower triglycerides very quickly by eliminating all grains and fruits until normal levels are achieved. This includes breads, pastas, rice, potatoes, corn, bagels, cereals, and crackers.
..... Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, #179 p28

Vitamin D Deficiency is more common than thought. Suggested adult dosage is 800-1,000 IU according to a Harvard Medical School Study. Watch for serum levels of calcium below 9.3 and supplement.
NEJM, Mar 19,1998;338:777-783, 828-829

Interferon and Depression
Interferon alpha IFa is used to treat adult leukemia, kidney cancer, melanoma, hepatitis B and C. The side effects include depression, paresthesia, impaired concentration, amnesia, confusion, and anxiety. Factors that increase these side effects are length of treatment, prior brain radiation, dosage and previous psychiatric illness.
..... Seminar in Oncology:1998; 25:39-47

Immunization Risks
There is more evidence that MMR immunization can cause autism and inflammatory bowel disease. According to Dr. Andrew Wakefield, 39 out of 40 patients exhibit the combination of intestinal disorders and behaviour symptoms including autism, disintegrative psychosis, and post viral or vaccinal encephalitis after MMR vaccination.
..... The Lancet, 1998; 351:5611-612,637-641

Cold FX
This new product for the treatment of colds has been gaining popularity over the last few months and is used by the Edmonton Oilers. The head coach, Ron Low, swears by the stuff. I am getting very good results in my practice. Every medicine cabinet should have a box in stock. It works best when you take it immediately with the first symptoms. It may keep you awake if taken after six p.m.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
I have just written an extensive article on the subject. If you would like a copy, call my office. If you are on the net, it is available through the Eagleye at http://www.eagleye.com/~eagleye/journal/ee24.html

Available Through My Clinic:

NEW TESTS...

• Salivary Hormone Testing Update: Estriol, estradiol, estrone, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and melatonin levels can be evaluated. Results take about three weeks to arrive. Price varies depending on number of hormones tested.
• Blood Typing A very quick and easy test performed in the office with immediate results and handouts based on the book Eat Right for Your Type, by Dr. D.Adamo, included. Cost $25.00.

NEW PRODUCTS ...

• ProAlgen is an Algae product developed in Norway to combat the ill effects of Chernobyl. Extensive research over the last 10 years has indicated good results in detoxifying heavy metals and radioactivity from the body, and it has been implicated in the treatment of breast cancer and psoriasis. A bottle of 55 capsules is $32.00 and the recommended dosage is 1-2 caps with each meal. To determine heavy metal status in your body, hair analysis is an excellent screening test. It will tell your mineral status as well. After washing your hair with Johnson's No Tears for three weeks prior, a sample is taken from the nape of your neck. Results take three weeks and the cost is $100.00.
• Pill Case Stackers: 5 separate pillcases which twist-lock together. Each set costs $14.00.

Dips for the Summer

• 500 grams 2% yogurt
• 1 cucumber, peeled & grated (excess liquid discarded)
• 3 large cloves garlic, grated
• 1 small sweet white onion, finely chopped.
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt

• 3/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp tamari
• 1/2 c finely copped parsley
• 1 large lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 c tahini
• several dashes cayenne pepper

"Toxin found in flour may explain rise in neurological disease," says UBC researcher. A chemical once found in white bread may have played a role in the increased incidence of some neurological diseases, according to researchers at the University of British Columbia. "We think we've found a smoking gun," says Christopher Shaw, an associate professor of Ophthalmology. "There is a very suspicious correlation between the characteristics of a chemical once produced in the manufacture of white bread and those of substances known to be toxic to the nervous system. My concern is what this tells us about the presence of other toxins in processed foods," says Shaw. "I think this is the tip of an iceberg." The incidence of neurological disease, notably amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been on the upswing for the last 50 years. Shaw and fellow researchers think the culprit might be methionine sulfoximine (MSO), a toxic byproduct of nitrogen trichloride which was used to bleach unprocessed wheat flour. By 1950, the process was banned in the United Kingdom and the United States. Canada only stopped using it in 1968. In the late 1940s, scientists discovered that dog biscuits made from bleached flour produced canine epilepsy. A risk for humans via white bread was suspected but the exact toxic effects of MSO had not been investigated until neuroscientist Shaw and colleagues from the University of Tampere in Finland and Dalhousie University in Halifax began their investigation last month. Scientists have understood since 1976 that MSO acts to inhibit the production of two molecules critical to the healthy functioning of the nervous system, glutathione and glutamine. Cells in the nervous system are particularly sensitive to a decline in either of these two molecules. Shaw and his research team have found that MSO also overstimulates neurons. This phenomenon is known as excitotoxicity or exciting the nerves to death. MSO directly turns on a toxic cascade of events which can lead to neuron death, according to Shaw.
UBC Media Release: "Toxin Found in Flour"
Thursday, April 29, 1998
Contact Assoc. Prof. Christopher Shaw, Ophthalmology Dept. (604) 822-6612
Another example of the Health Protection Branch taking care of us! It took 18 years for Canada to follow the lead of the United Kingdom and the U.S.
- ed

Naturopathic Physicians have been applying to the government for a pharmacopoeia, from which they can legally prescribe, for over 50 years and it has not been granted yet. Our Canadian Naturopathic Association is currently working on this ongoing issue. For more information on the Submission to the Standing Committee on Health Feb 1998, see my web site http://www.DrPincott.com under the Politics heading.

Politics of Natural Medicine

You probably haven't heard much lately about the restrictions of herbal products on the market of late. This doesn't mean that nothing is happening in this multi-billion dollar industry which the government wants to control.

I have circulated a copy of Reform Bill C-307 to many of my patients. The following are some concerns regarding this bill about which I would like each and every one of you to write a letter to Grant Hill. The price of being complacent is that many, if not all, of the herbal remedies; i.e., gingko and St. John's Wort, that you have come to rely on, will become prescription drugs available only through a medical doctor. This will drive the price up and make them difficult to get. Tryptophan is an example of such a natural substance gone the way of prescription.

Here are some suggestions for your letter (taken from Citizens' Voice http://www.citizensvoice.org)

I support Dr. Grant Hill's C-307 to the extent that it represents an effort to protect dietary supplements and other natural products from overreaching regulation by Health Canada, but parliament can and must do better. I want legislation adopted that:

• clearly defines supplements and other natural products as foods under Section 2 of the Act
• allows dietary supplements and other natural products to make some claims like reasonable wellness and structure/function claims and some (but not all therapeutic claims) without automatically being classified as drugs.
• requires truth in labelling; that is, requires manufacturers to list all of the ingredients in their products including additives and fillers.
• sets reasonable manufacturing standards and requires the keeping of manufacturing records by all food producers including dietary supplement companies.
• requires Health Canada and the Health Protection Branch to prove actual and substantial injury before natural products are removed from the shelves.
• does not inadvertently let loose genetically engineered products without proper labelling or strip Health Canada from exercising the precautionary rule in conformity with the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures as to brand new and novel products where there is insufficient evidence to prove safety.

Upcoming Radio Shows

CFWB Call-In Talk Shows
July 2......... 11:00am September 3.... 11:00am October 1...... 11:00am