Fall is a time of year when many consider a retreat of some kind. It is a time of year of re-evaluating your direction and goals in life. Jennifer Loudon's A Woman s Retreat Book and Mary Caroll Moore's How To Master Change In Your Life can help direct you through the retreat of your choice.

I like to go where 3 meals a day are provided or I can make my own in a kitchenette. This provides minimal contact with people on my retreats. The Haven on Gabriola Island, Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC (requires 2 women minimum to room together), Pacific Sands at Long Beach (in November - February cheapest rates, lovely kitchenettes and suites -- bring your own Presto logs so you can enjoy the fireplace all day! ).

If you are looking for further organization in you life, consider Stephen Covey's First Things First and working with his daytimer system.

Urinary Tract Infections
Lately I have been seeing patients with recurrent cystitis or undiagnosed interstitial cystitis. A book recommended by one of my patients is You Don 't Have To Live With Cystitis by Dr. Larrian Gillespie. In her book are many useful causes and treatments of interstitial cystitis (IC) or recurrent bladder infections. A few of the key issues are is it bacterial or not? How do you alkalinize the urine? What is the volume of urine flow? Do you have a history of a low back injury? Do you have food allergies? Have you tried natural treatments for bacterial cystitis?

Other recommended reading:
1. Overcoming Bladder Disorders by Rebecca Chalker and Kristen Whitmore
2. Take Charge Of Your Body by Carolyn De Marco, MD

Alkalinizing the urine may prove to be more important for the treatment of non-bacterial cystitis. Women presenting with symptoms of urinary tract infection were given 4 grams of sodium citrate every 8 hours for 48 hours. Of the 64 women, 80% had relief of symptoms, 12% had deterioration of symptoms, and 91.8% of the women rated the treatment acceptable. Common sources of these alkalinizing salts are malates, fumerates or succinates, chelated minerals found in multivitamins or mineral supplements.
Alkalization In The Management Of Cystitis J. Int. Med. Res. 12:30-4, 1984

Green tea are fresh-cut tea leaves that are not allowed to oxidize. This preserves the 8-12% polyphenols which are mainly flavonoids with antioxidant properties stronger than vitamins C and E. Human studies which support the concept that green tea can prevent some cancers show that these cancers are gastrointestinal including stomach, small intestine, pancreas and colon; lung cancer, and estrogen related cancers including breast cancer. To achieve protection three cups must be ingested daily or 300-400 mg of polyphenols and epigallacatechin in supplement form.
AmJ of Nat. Med., Vol 4, No 5 June 1997

Zinc deficiency decreases triiodothyronine (T3) and free T4 in serum by 30% compared with zinc adequate control. Selenium deficient animals had lower concentrations of T3 and T4 that selenium adequate animals. Both zinc and selenium deficiency affect metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Horm. Metab. Res. 1996; 28:223-226

Have you tried glucosamine sulphate for the treatment of your painful arthritis and it hasn't worked? Make sure it wasn't the salt free variety and try a more expensive brand. Cost of the product usually reflects the quality. PhytoPharmica products have a money back guarantee. If their glucosamine sulphate hasn't worked at 500 mg, 3x a day within 2 months, you can receive a 100% refund when you present your receipt.

Are you taking DHEA without the prescription of an MD or ND? If so, I caution my patients to have their DHEA blood and urine levels checked before and during treatment. As with other hormone treatments, it is important to monitor a balanced level so that other imbalances don't arise. The cost is $150.00 through a naturopathic doctor. DHEA is not available in Canada, but many people are getting it in the US, across the border.

There is a new treatment for acne rosacea. If what I have prescribed hasn't worked to your satisfaction, St. Francis Herb Farm is promoting an effective treatment called Freeskin. Call me if you are interested in trying it for 3 months, and I'll order it for you.

New MS Treatment!
In the spring 1997 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine an article on the electronic device called the Enermed has shown some beneficial effects for patients with MS; namely in helping to control the bladder, cognitive functioning, spasticity and fatigue. Dr. Martin Lappin, research director for Vancouver's Energy Medicine Developments, manufactures the device. He observed that although the treatment is not effective for everyone, when the treatment helps, it really helps.
BC Woman. June 1997

Breast Cancer prevention or post operative recurrence prevention treatment protocol: avoid herbicides and pesticides in the food source (see: Diet for a Poisoned Planet - David Steinman); drink water purified by distillation or reverse osmosis; diet free from exogenous estrogen, alcohol and fat which according to research all result in high estrogen activity; monthly breast self exam; regular massaging of breasts to keep the lymphatic tissue draining their toxins; avoid the use of a bra as much as possible, detoxification programs at least 2 times a year; and the following daily supplement program: vitamin C to bowel tolerance; vitamin E 1200 IU; selenium 200 mgm (the West Coast soils are particularly deficient in this mineral); natural carotene complex 50,000 IU to 150,000 IU; vitamin D 400 IU (women in northern climates have a higher rate of breast cancer than women in southern climates); 3 cups of green tea a day (polyphenols of green tea inhibit estrogen with its receptors, thus have an inhibitory effect on the growth of mammary cancer cells); 1 tbsp freshly ground flaxseeds (lignans in the flax bind with estrogen producing bacteria in the large intestine and promote their excretion); CoQ10 30 mg - 400 mg (has been used to treat and prevent breast cancer.)
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communication 1996; 212(1):172-7
John Bastyr Research Council 1996-1997

In our society of increasing incidences of Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder, it has been made clear by many researchers that essential fatty acids deficiency is to blame. All cells throughout the human body are enveloped by membranes composed of essential fatty acids called phospholipids. The type of fat consumed determines the type of cell membrane produced in a state of omega 3 essential fat deficiency. These saturated fats, cholesterols, and trans fatty acids make membranes that are much less fluid than they should be and these cells lose their ability to hold water, vital nutrients and electrolytes. They also lose their ability to communicate with other cells, and to be controlled by regulating hormones. Linoleic acid or omega 6 fats such as safflower, sunflower, and soy oils impair cognition. In contrast, fish consumption or omega 3 oils improve cognition.
Am. J. Epidemiol 145:33-41, 1907

Selenium is a mineral that will kill virtually every virus on the planet. Herpes, HIV, coxsackie, Hepatitis B&C, colds and flu viruses. A virus which is generally harmless in well nourished animals can mutate into virulent strains in selenium deficient animals. Recommended dosages are 200 mcg in adults, 100 mcg in children, especially through the winter. Available in tasteless drops, 46 mcg per drop.
Nature Medicine May 1997; 1(5): 433-6

Are you getting ready to do a fall detoxification program? Have you completed your yearly parasite cleanse? Add to your two week program a parasite cleanse that includes wormwood, black walnut, and grapefruit seed extract. Continue for a total of 4 weeks along with a fibre such as psyllium or flax seeds. Available from my office - Paraguard, 3 a day at a cost of $74.00 for the month.

New Products
Do you get sick with some virus or bacteria every winter? Dr. Peter Pang of HerbTech has formulated a ginseng product that can be taken once daily or intensely for a few days to prevent or treat viruses or bacteria. COLD-FX, 20 capsules for $20.00 for those hard to treat immune systems.

PRESSURE-FX, another product by Dr. Peter Pang has shown great efficacy in the treatment of hypertension. REMEMBER-FX actually helps to grow nervous tissue in the brain and is effective in the treatment of memory loss. It is currently being studied for the treatment of attention deficit disorders.

New Blood Test Offered
Available through my office is a blood test called the Cardiovascular Risk Profile. This measures levels of homocystene which is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease), levels of calcium, magnesium, and antioxidant levels. This test is $275.00 and takes 3 weeks to get results. Know where you stand against the number one killer!

Magnesium and Heart Disease
There are a long list of abnormalities of the cardiovascular system created by a magnesium deficiency including: constriction of blood vessels, reduces myocardial blood supply, produces high blood pressure and increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. If magnesium is given intravenously immediately after infarction (heart attack) it appears to reduce the incidence of tachycardias (rapid heart rate) and the size of the infarction. Dosage should be 400 to 600 mg a day, preferably with calcium in a malic acid chelate. Watch out for diarrhea as the only side effect.
J. of Am. Med. Assoc. 273(S): 612, Feb. 22, 95

SPLIT PEA SOUP
from Hearty Vegetarian Soups & Stews
Jeanne Marie Martin

Serves 8 -10
1 lb (2 1/4 - 2 1/2 cups) naturally smoked dry green split peas
7 - 9 cups of water or vegetable stock
2 medium onions, very finely chopped
1/4 cup butter or
1 -2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 -5 tsp tamari soy sauce
2 tsp parsley
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 -2 tsp honey
1 tsp each of basil, oregano, and mint leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp each thyme and sea kelp
1/4 tsp each marjoram and savory
several dashes of cayenne pepper to taste
1 -2 potatoes and/or carrots, finely chopped and pre-steamed 7-10 minutes before adding the onions (optional)

Swirl the peas around by hand in a large pan of water, changing the water several times to remove the bubbly liquid from the peas, which can cause gas. Drain the water off, then add the 7 - 9 cups of fresh water of stock the recipe requires.

Cook the peas in a large pot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours on medium heat or until the peas completely dissolve into the liquid. Stir occasionally. Then add the onions, herbs, and vegetables (if any), butter or oil, and cook over a low to medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes longer to develop the flavors. Keep stirring the soup occasionally, leaving the heat low so it simmers and does not stick or burn.

Each serving may be topped with a bit of green onion or a small handful of alfalfa sprouts. Keeps refrigerated for 6 - 7 days and may be frozen.

The threat of HPB and the larger issue of CODEX has not gone away. There has been a temporary stoppage of hassling product crossing the border of products not available in Canada and raiding of physician's offices and health food stores. January 1st, 1998 they will strike again, with a deadlier force, when the public is preoccupied with the holiday season.

Anything worth attaining is never easy to get i.e. saving Clayoquot Sound, Strathcona Park, or Stein Valley. The June 1st meeting is available on audio or video cassette from HANS; presentation by Dr. Brill Edwards, an ex-HPB employed doctor of particular interest. The observation of some of my patients is that DIN approved products prescribed by an MD are covered by their extended health plans. The long term truth is that MD'S are not prescribing these natural medicines because they don't have the training or time to learn; that takes years to acquire; about naturopathic and complementary medicine. Therefore, natural medicine will no longer be readily available or within financial reach of the average Canadian. Health Freedom is a subject that we can all agree on, and thus the Canadian voting public has tremendous power to keep that freedom.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE YOUR LOCAL MLA AND FEDERAL MP AND SEND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO FREEDOM FOR HEALTH CHOICE (604-685-7835) OR THE CANADIAN COALITION FOR HEALTH FREEDOM (1-800-667-3355). BOTH OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS ARE DOING GOOD WORK TO STOP THE HPB WITH LAWSUITS AND AUDITS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT UNTIL NOW, AND YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

UPCOMING LECTURES
Location: North Island College, Campbell River, BC
Registration: Phone 923-9700
Cost per Lecture: $26
Times: 7 pm and 10 pm

The Use Of Homeopathy In The Home
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7th
Content: Learn how to use homeopathic and
naturopathic remedies in the home for common ailments.

Menopause Naturally/Reversing and Preventing Osteoporosis
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 14th
Content: Learn natural ways to treat symptoms of
menopause and prevent the two major concerns of
menopause; heart disease and osteoporosis.

Superbugs and How to Fight Them
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 4th
Content: In the face of drug-resistant bacteria, learn
how to improve your immune system to protect yourself
against these superbugs.

How to Give Your Immune System a Boost
Date: Thursday, Nov. 6th, 7-10 pm
Location: North Island College, Port Hardy
Cost:TBA

Homeopathic R Natural Treatments in the Home
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19th, 7-10 pm
Location: Carson Graham School, N. Vancouver
Registration: Phone (604) 986-8888
Cost:$29.00

This is YOUR newsletter. Please send in your experiences with naturopathic medicine and I will include the information in my newsletter. I am also calling for letters of testimony.