Happy New Year! We are very exciting to be starting 2026 in a consolidated
fashion! ✨ Doctors Karen and Gurdev Parmar,
Owners/ Co-founders of Integrated Health Clinic | Dr. Ashley Stapleton, ND, completed her four-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, after earning a Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems from the University of British Columbia. Since beginning practice, she has pursued additional training with a
strong focus on women’s health. Dr. Stapleton provides comprehensive naturopathic care with particular expertise in peri- and post-menopause, hormonal health, menstrual concerns, digestive issues, thyroid disorders, and weight management. Her approach emphasizes identifying the root cause of symptoms, finding the best-evidence informed treatments, and, if needed, collaborating with other ND’s to bring you the best care. Depending on each patient’s needs, she may integrate nutritional and
lifestyle counseling, herbal and nutrient supplementation, vitamin and iron IV therapy, prescription medications, Menopause Hormone Therapy/Hormone Replacement Therapy (MHT/HRT), and acupuncture.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Stapleton enjoys time with her four children, friends, and extended family. She loves being outdoors—especially at the beach—cooking and baking with her kids, listening to audiobooks while running, and family movie nights.
Dr. Stapleton is currently accepting new patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can call 604-888-8325 or email admin@integratedhealthclinic.com to book your appointment. Education - Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, CCNM-Boucher, Vancouver, Canada
- Bachelor of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Additional Certification - Cosmetic Botox
- IUD Insertion and Removal
- Vitamin and Iron IV Therapy
- Prescriptive Authority
| Dr. Ali, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special focus on heart and lung health, alongside a broad general practice. With over 14 years of clinical experience as an internist working in the Emergency Room (ER) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Dr. Ali brings deep expertise in managing both acute and chronic medical conditions. He provides comprehensive, compassionate care by integrating evidence-based conventional medicine with naturopathic and lifestyle-focused approaches. His practice emphasizes the prevention, treatment, and long-term management of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, including ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, Dysrhythmias, post-myocardial infarction care, heart failure, asthma, and COPD.
Dr. Ali believes that quality healthcare focuses on the whole person rather than just the condition or its symptoms. His treatment plans are based on each patient’s medical condition, lifestyle, and health goals.
His approach aims to improve symptoms, prevent disease progression, and support long-term health, helping patients achieve better outcomes, greater
confidence in their care, and an improved quality of life. You can call 604-888-8325 or email admin@integratedhealthclinic.com to inquire about his availability. Additional Experience - +14 years of Clinical experience in the ER and ICU
| Exciting News from the CCC! | Dr. Sarah Denotter, ND, has passed the naturopathic oncology board certification exams and is now a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology
(FABNO)! For an ND to qualify to sit the exam they must complete a 2+ year residency, which Dr. Denotter did at Integrated Health Clinic under Dr. Gurdev Parmar.
✨Congratulations Dr. Denotter on this significant accomplishment!✨
| | Dr. Jennifer Kerr, ND, is offering a Free PAP Day on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 Call to book your appointment at 604-888-8325 | A gentle treatment used for Millenia, that has now been translated through
modern science. Acupuncture is a therapy traditionally from Asian medicine that is now widely used in modern integrative care for pain, stress, and overall wellbeing. Research from major medical centers and government health agencies shows that it can be a valuable nondrug option for many people.
One of the bestsupported benefits of acupuncture is pain relief. Studies suggest it can reduce chronic low back and neck pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, tension and migraine headaches, and some forms of postoperative pain, often with fewer side effects than common pain medications. Many patients report improved mobility, less stiffness, and a better ability to participate in daily activities when acupuncture is added to their treatment plan.
Acupuncture may also help regulate the stress response. By influencing the
nervous system and promoting the release of natural painrelieving and calming chemicals, it can support more restful sleep and a greater sense of relaxation. People frequently notice reduced muscle tension and a calmer mood after a series of sessions, which can be particularly helpful during periods of high stress or burnout.
Many of the doctors at IHC are certified in acupuncture and use both traditional techniques such as balance method, five element theory, auricular, as well as more conventional trigger point methods (known as ‘dry needling’ or intramuscular stimulation).
For those looking for a way to invite in a bit of respite from the dreary winter
months of the lower mainland, acupuncture offers a timetested,
evidenceinformed option to help manage pain, stress, and overall quality of life.
✨Book your acupuncture appointment today!✨
Dr. Jennifer Kerr, ND
| Insulin-Glucose Challenge Test (IGC) | This is, by far, one of my favourite tests. There is so much valuable information!
This test will show how your body responds to carbohydrates in real time. It will tell us not only how well your body manages sugars, but also how hard you are working to do so. It is a fasted test, so get to the lab early before you eat breakfast.
It also requires staying at the lab for two hours, so bring something to
do! Studies show that up to 75% of the population has some level of insulin
resistance, so this test is essential in determining how best to help. There is more to know about blood sugar than if you have diabetes or not. What happens in those two hours, gives insight into your stress response, digestion, and (digestive) hormonal signalling. I use this test most frequently for those that are struggling to lose weight, but it can incredibly valuable for those with chronic inflammation, low energy, sleep difficulty, skin problems, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility challenges, perimenopause, and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Figuring out what your insulin is doing can be the piece of the puzzle needed to get to the bottom of your health concerns. Book an appointment today to discuss with your doctor if the insulin-glucose challenge may be right for you.
Dr. Ashley Stapleton, ND
| IHC Webinar Series Finding Freedom from Chronic Headaches Living with chronic headaches or migraines can feel exhausting, unpredictable, and overwhelming. In this FREE webinar, Dr. Katherine Townsley, ND, will guide you through the most common types of headaches, why they persist and evidence-informed strategies to help reduce headache frequency and improve your day-to-day comfort. By the end of the webinar, attendees will have a toolbox of both at-home management options as well as in-office therapies at their disposal to live their lives pain-free. This webinar will be filled to the brim with information, one you surely do not want to miss! To learn more join Dr. Katherine Townsley, ND, and register for the FREE webinar here: REGISTER Date: Wednesday- January 28th, 2026 Time: 6:30-7:30 pm 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. *All webinars are recoded and posted on our website for viewing post lectures* https://www.integratedhealthclinic.com/ihc-webinars/ For more information or any inquiries, please contact us at 604-888-8325 | After decades of concern and conflicting information, a World Health
Organization-commissioned systematic review and meta-analysis was published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity and found no evidence that menopause hormone therapy increases or decreases dementia risk in postmenopausal women.
The comprehensive review analyzed data from over one million participants
across ten studies (1 clinical trial and 9 observational studies), making it the most rigorous examination of this hotly debated topic to date.
What the Research Found The international research team found no significant association between menopause hormone therapy and the risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. This held true regardless of when women started hormone therapy (ages 45-55 or ≥60), how long they used it, and what type of hormones they took (estrogen-only or combined therapy, no studies evaluated the use of testosterone).
Lead researcher Melissa Melville explained that dementia disproportionately
affects women worldwide, even accounting for longer lifespans, creating an
urgent need to understand what drives this risk. For years, conflicting research left both women and healthcare providers uncertain about whether hormone therapy might help or harm cognitive health.
Why This Matters Now
This study arrives at a pivotal moment. In November 2025, the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration removed "black box" warnings from hormone therapy products, which had included claims about increased dementia risk.
The findings reinforce current clinical guidance that menopause hormone therapy should be guided by perceived benefits and risks, not for dementia prevention. Canadian medical organizations, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), already base their hormone therapy recommendations on an individual risk-benefit assessment and centered on managing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, rather than dementia prevention. This study validates that approach.
Study Limitations and Future Research Needs
While this study provides valuable reassurance, it's important to understand what it can and cannot tell us. The researchers acknowledged several limitations and areas for further investigation:
- Most participants in the reviewed studies were White women, limiting the applicability of findings to women from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds
- There was insufficient data on women who experienced premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause (menopause before age 40 or 45, respectively), where long term health risks are different and hormone therapy is often recommended at higher doses
- The studies varied in how they defined and measured cognitive outcomes, making direct comparisons challenging
- The studies varied in their formulations, including different types of hormones, doses, timing of treatment onset, and delivery methods (pills, patches, gels, vaginal preparations), each of which could have different impacts on cognitive outcomes and need to be assessed individually
- Long-term follow-up data was limited in some studies, which is particularly important since dementia typically develops over many years.
The Bottom Line
For women considering or currently using hormone therapy, this research
provides reassuring clarity that hormone therapy is unlikely to increase the risk of developing dementia. Treatment decisions should focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life during the menopausal transition.
If you're experiencing menopausal symptoms, this is an excellent time to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about all available treatment options, including both hormonal and non-hormonal approaches. The decision should be based on your individual symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences - not on fears about dementia or other risks like breast cancer that have previously been highlighted in the media.
This study was published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity in December 2025.
You can read the full study here 👇
Menopause Hormone Therapy and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia Dr. Sarah Soles, ND, Menopause Certified Practitioner | Doctor Favourite Receipes | Winter Root Vegetable & Apple Tray Bake🥕 | This simple tray bake highlights in-season BC ingredients and comes together with minimal prep, making it ideal for busy winter evenings. It’s also Gluten Free/Celiac safe! Ingredients (Serves 4): - 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 parsnips, chopped
- 2 medium beets, cubed
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 red onion
- 2 apples (Ambrosia, Honeycrisp), sliced
| | For the Glaze, you will need: - 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Whole-grain or Dijon Mustard
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme or Rosemary
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions: - Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) with baking sheet inside oven.
- Prepare vegetables and spread evenly onto the pre-heated baking sheet
(that sizzle means you’re going to get a delicious crisp). - Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over vegetables
- Roast for 30 minutes, stirring once
- Add apples then roast another 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender
and caramelized - Finish with a drizzle of olive oil
Great in its own, topped with feta cheese, or as a side dish with a protein of your choice. Enjoy and stay warm!
Dr. Hillary Godin, ND
| Did you know? - IHC has a supplement dispensary.
- We ship anywhere. For free for orders over $250.
- We keep our prices low, selling below the MSRP for all products.
If you are a patient of IHC and wanting to purchase from the dispensary, please phone/ email the clinic to obtain the link. | Hours of Operation Monday 9am-5pm Tuesday- Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-3pm Online 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 the flexibility to conveniently book follow-up appointments with your doctor at no cost. Click the request registration link button below. On the Clinic/Pomelo/Telus landing page, click the Resend Registration Link just below the login button. Fill in your email address and click the send me instructions 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. | | | | |
