Welcome back Dr. Gurdev Parmar! We are thrilled to have Dr. Parmar back from sabbatical! He stepped away for 3 months to complete some other projects, ie course development and another book!! We have missed him around the clinics, and are thrilled to have him back. | IHC Webinar Series Thriving After Breast Cancer - What's Next? Wednesday, May 22, 2024 Hosted by Dr. Sarah Soles, ND CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW The prevalence of Canadian women over 20 years of age with a breast cancer diagnosis in the last 15 years is 2.1%. Most of these women will survive their breast cancer treatments and go on to live long lives beyond their diagnosis. Aside from using medications to reduce the risk of recurrence, many breast cancer survivors feel lost and anxious, unsure as to how they can protect their future health. Join Dr. Sarah Soles in learning about naturopathic approaches to reduce breast cancer recurrence and treatment-associated side effects like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and sexual dysfunction. This lecture will highlight actions that can support long-term health in breast cancer survivors, including people undergoing active breast cancer treatment and those with a previous breast cancer diagnosis. Registration: To secure your spot, please register for the free webinar here Date: Wednesday- May 22, 2024 Time: 6:30-7:30pm Duration: 1 hour Platform: Zoom Webinar Spread the Word: Help us reach a wider audience! Share this webinar with friends, family, and anyone who may benefit from this valuable information. Additional Free Learning Opportunity!! | Join Dr. Erin Rurak when she is interviewed on Five to Thrive Podcast- May 14th! | Acupuncture The term "acupuncture" comes from the Latin words "acus" (needle) and "punctura" (penetration). Dating back approximately 2500 years in China, acupuncture stands as one of the oldest medical practices globally. At Integrated Health Clinic, we offer acupuncture both as a standalone treatment and as part of a comprehensive care plan addressing various physical, mental, and emotional concerns. Despite its ancient origins, modern research supports acupuncture's effectiveness, earning it a respected place in complementary care. Though skeptics may question its workings, numerous scientific studies have demonstrated acupuncture's safety and ability to prompt the body to release endorphins, its natural pain-relievers. Additionally, acupuncture has been found to positively impact connective tissue like fascia and to reduce neurogenic inflammation contributing to pain. One of acupuncture's greatest strengths lies in its holistic approach to healing. Rather than merely alleviating symptoms, acupuncture targets the root cause of imbalances, promoting long-term wellness. Over the years, thousands of controlled trials have investigated acupuncture's safety and efficacy for a range of conditions, including: - Pain (osteoarthritis, low back pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia)
- Hormonal health (hot flashes and painful periods)
- Gastrointestinal health (constipation and IBS)
- Mental health (anxiety, depression, and insomnia)
During an acupuncture session, you will undergo a complete health assessment based on the four pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine: inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation. Next, fine metal needles are precisely inserted into defined points on the body, typically using 5-20 needles per session. Each session lasts around 30-60 minutes, during which you'll relax with the needles in place for 10-15 minutes at a time. Sessions occur one to two times weekly, with the total number tailored to your specific needs. Because this treatment plan is individualized, points may be changed as the treatment progresses. If you're curious about acupuncture’s benefits or interested in exploring integrative healthcare options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Integrated Health Clinic. Our team includes certified Naturopathic Physicians and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, ensuring safe and effective treatments that may be covered by extended health benefits. To explore whether acupuncture is right for you, call 604-888-8325 and book your initial visit today. In health, Dr. Hillary Godin, ND References - Manheimer E, Linde K, Lao L et al. Meta-analysis: acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee. Ann Intern Med 2007;146:868-77.
- Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM et al. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med2017;166:514-30.
- Vickers AJ, Rees RW, Zollman CE, et al. Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care: large, pragmatic, randomised trial. BMJ 2004; 328:744.
- Zhang XC, Chen H, Xu WT, et al. Acupuncture therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Pain Res 2019; 12:527.
- Cho SH, Whang WW. Acupuncture for vasomotor menopausal symptoms: a systematic review. Menopause 2009; 16:1065.
- Proctor ML, Smith CA, Farquhar CM, Stones RW. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002; :CD002123.
- Yang Y, Rao K, Zhan K, et al. Clinical evidence of acupuncture and moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1022145.
- Li M, Liu X, Ye X, Zhuang L. Efficacy of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30076.
- Armour M, Smith CA, Wang LQ, et al. Acupuncture for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2019; 8.
- Yin X, Gou M, Xu J, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med 2017; 37:193.
| From the Cancer Care Centre | Palliative Care RE-Defined So, the sabbatical has come and gone. The biggest ongoing project I intended to complete during my sabbatical, “the course” as so many of my patients know it, was successfully completed, launching later this month. Finally! The course is called the Advanced Integrative Oncology Palliative Care Course. This course teaches doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers everything there is to know about the 26 most common symptoms experienced by people living with chronic serious illness. This is a topic I am very passionate about. It is sadly misunderstood by most people, both patients and healthcare providers alike. Most people associate palliative care with the end of life. This is not the case at all! Palliative care should be initiated as early as possible in the care of people living with any “serious illness”. From the time of diagnosis, palliative care improves the quality of life, and as some studies show, it also can improve overall survival. With some extra training in palliative care, healthcare providers can contribute to the excellent and coordinated care of the seriously ill, with multiple providers involved. A serious illness is defined by the W.H.O as any “health condition that carries a high risk of mortality and either negatively impacts a person’s daily function or quality of life, and/or excessively strains their caregiver.” Palliative care is not just for those with metastatic cancer. The symptoms experienced in advanced cancer are like those in advanced cases of heart (CHF), lung (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis), renal (late-stage CKD), and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s). Now, what is palliative care? - Is applicable early in the course of illness, in conjunction with therapies that are intended to prolong life and includes all investigations.
- Used along curative or life-prolonging treatment (as opposed to hospice care).
- Provided over time based on needs, regardless of prognosis.
- Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
- Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of care.
- Offers a support system to help persons live as actively as possible.
- Offers a support system to help the family cope during the person’s illness and in their own bereavement.
- Uses a team approach to address the needs of persons and their families, including bereavement counselling, if indicated.
- Will enhance quality of life and may also positively influence the course of illness.
Remember, that the word palliative stems from the word 'palliare' which means 'to cloak' or 'to cover' in Latin. Here is a nice analogy from my friend, medical oncologist and palliative care physician Dr. Joe McCollom: “Imagine someone standing out in the pouring rain, and you walk out into the rain, take off your coat, and wrap it around them. You do not stop the rain, but you offer something critical they needed. The coat = symptom management. Walking into the rain = therapeutic presence. When I'm a medical oncologist I try to alter the weather. When I'm a palliative care physician, I'm the guy out in the rain." Here are at IHC, we provide the very best practices in palliative care and ultimately quality of life for all our patients diagnosed with any serious chronic diseases requiring ongoing management. We have learned a lot of the past 25 years and continue to strive to provide the highest standards of health care. If you or anyone you know are suffering poorly managed symptoms such as pain, insomnia, depression, nausea, neuropathy, etc., come talk to one of our experienced doctors, led by myself and palliative care specialist Dr. Kevin Sclater, MD, CCFP(PC). I am certain that we can help. Sincerely, Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO(USA) | Turkey Tail for Cancer and Beyond Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom. It is also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, and Yun Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine. Turkey tail is most commonly used in cancer care to help stimulate the immune system, directly inhibit growth of cancer cells and slow progression of disease as well as overall improve quality of life by reducing side effects of conventional treatments and cancer-related symptoms. Dr. Sarah Denotter, N.D, Msc IHC Oncology Resident of Dr. G. Parmar Click to Read Full Blog Post | | Benefits of a Hormonal IUD for Women During Perimenopausal Years Many women suffer from heavy, irregular periods during their perimenopausal years. This study compared the use of oral or transdermal progesterone verses a Kyleena or Mirena IUD in this patient population. It was found that the hormonal IUD prevented the heavy bleeding better than the oral or transdermal progesterone with less unwanted side effects. The progestin IUD can also be continued into the menopausal years to protect the uterine lining when initiating estrogen therapy. Benefits of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device Use vs. Oral or Transdermal Progesterone for Postmenopausal Women Using Estrogen Containing Hormone Therapy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8127097/ Dr. Karen Parmar, ND | Doctor Favourite Receipes | Best High Protein Baked Breakfast Oatmeal Directions 1. In a big bowl...mix: 2 cups MILK (very forgiving - use whichever you like) + 6 EGGS 2. Add the following: - 1/2 cup maple syrup (optional - if you're going to add protein powder it might already be sweetened!) - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 tsp baking powder - optional- protein powder (may need to add 1-2TBSP of water to hydrate) 3. Stir in 3 cups OATS (I use the sprouted oats, but you might choose GF) 4. Pour into a glass baking dish/pan 9x9 inch -greased with butter, coconut oil or avocado oil. (We double - hench 9x13" pan!) 5. Sprinkle top of oatmeal liberally with FROZEN BERRIES. 6. Bake 35 minutes at 350F. (or + 10 min for doubled recipe) optional: add chopped nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds...etc. Enjoy an easy breakfast to fuel you and your family with protein! This recipe also freezes well if it's more than you can manage to eat in a few days. Inspired by: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/baked-oatmeal/ Dr. Nicole Duffee B.Sc., N.D. | Hours of Operation - Fort Langley Monday & Tuesday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Thursday & Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Hours of Operation - White Rock Monday - Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm On Line Follow-up Bookings For all existing patients, we suggest you take 5 minutes and register below for our online booking platform. This will give you better flexibility to book your appointments 24 hours/ day, 7 days a week at no cost. Click the registration request link below, on the clinic page click the send registration just below the login button. Click to Request Registration Link | We care about you. We approach every patient as a unique individual with needs specific to your health. Expect a caring approach from us all. Visit our website to learn more. | | | | |
