NEW DOCTOR JOINING OUR TEAM

We are very excited to welcome a new naturopathic doctor to our team. Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew is a licenced naturopathic doctor in Saskatchewan. Her premedical training was at Queen’s University, graduating with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, as well as a Bachelor of Life Sciences. She spent 4 more years at CCNM in Toronto and graduated with her ND in 2001.

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew practiced in Ontario for 12 years where she held a busy family practice and had the opportunity to mentor with several exceptional NDs. She has enjoyed practicing in Saskatoon since 2013 and recently joined Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine in April 2018.

Her clinical experience over the years has been diverse, although she has worked with many patients with anxiety and migraines. She has also treated many patients with a broad spectrum of digestive concerns including food intolerances, SIBO and colitis. She has helped many patients with eczema and neurological conditions, as these are areas she has personal experience in with her 2 boys. A recent focus has been on autoimmune conditions and helping patients with Hashimoto’s disease has been a prevalent part of her practice in recent years. 

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew looks forward to providing you with exceptional healthcare and is currently accepting new patients. If you are interested in booking an appointment as a new patient or for a follow-up visit, please call the clinic at 306-664-2150. To read her full bio, please click here

MASSAGE THERAPY

Have you ever been on a massage table and feel like you are going to fall asleep or have fallen asleep? You know then how beneficial massage can be for relaxation and for stress reduction. You may also know that the night after receiving a massage treatment you generally sleep better than other nights. 

Many people experience insomnia at some point in time. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. If you experience stress or anxiety this can increase your odds of experiencing insomnia. Relaxation massage can help with insomnia by decreasing stress levels in the body. Your massage therapist may also teach you diaphragmatic breathing techniques. Massage therapy can provide benefits with other underlying pain and stress responses, which can sometimes be caused by a specific conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, or cancer. 

Massage therapy is not only good for patients with chronic illnesses but can also be helpful for the caregivers of these patients too. In a study done by the National Institute of Health, sleep quality improved for family caregivers of patients with cancer after therapeutic back massage intervention. Read more here: https://www.healthcentral.com/article/improve-your-sleep-with-massage-therapy and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26745049

If you experience insomnia, a chronic illness or are going through a difficult time caring for someone affected by cancer, we encourage you to consider massage therapy at our clinic. We currently have two excellent Registered Massage Therapists available and offer several types of massage including relaxation, deep tissue, and myofascial release. Call the office at 306-664-2150 to book your appointment today.

MYERS COCKTAIL

What is a Myers Cocktail?

One of the most common IVs provided by naturopathic doctors across North America is a Myers cocktail. 

What is in this popular IV and what can it be helpful for? 

The Myers cocktail is an intravenous mixture of minerals and vitamins that is administered directly into a vein and is infused over a timespan of 30-45 minutes. It can be effective against asthma symptoms, migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and cardiovascular disease. 

The vitamins in the Myers cocktail include vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium. It is a fairly simple formula. However, taking these nutrients intravenously means they are 100% absorbed into circulation which is dramatically more than the absorption through the gut with oral supplementation. Though the high levels of nutrients provided by a Myers cocktail will only last a few hours in circulation, the benefits can be profound over the long-term. 

Some patients may receive the Myers cocktail weekly or monthly. Naturopathic doctors may recommend this option when a patient has trouble with absorption (including patients with IBS or IBD) or when a patient is chronically ill and a less invasive nutritional plan is not effective.  Naturopathic doctors work with their patients with complex health conditions to identify root cause issues and assess an individuals need for advanced nutritional IV therapy.  Patients who are a candidate for this treatment will be assessed by their naturopathic doctor to ensure safety and to consider any individual modifications to the formula that may be required. 

To learn more about the effectiveness of the Myers cocktail including its history, applications, theory, and research please read the following review by Dr. Alan Gaby, MD —> Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: The “Myer’s” Cocktail.

To find out more if this or other nutrient IVs might be appropriate for you, contact our office to book an IV therapy consult with your naturopathic doctor!

NATURAL REMEDIES TO MANAGE BUG BITES

Summer is in full swing right now and so are the bugs. We have the perfect solution for enjoying these summer days bug free.      

We feel pain and itching sensations from bug bites and stings due to irritants left behind in the skin after the bite/sting. The immune system identifies the irritant left under the skin and responds with inflammation and histamine release. There are several natural remedies which provide anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-itch effects. Many of these remedies also draw out the irritants that are left under the skin leaving less behind for the immune system to react to. When you have a bite or sting, remember to limit scratching the bite to avoid infection at the site. In the case of a sting, ensure the stinger is removed prior to applying a topical treatment.

Note - The following remedies are for uncomplicated bug bites or stings with no associated allergy, fever, or risk of serious infection.

PLANTAIN LEAF

Plantain is a common weed found in many environments throughout North America. You may find it near sidewalks or pavement, on the roadside, or in the backyard, garden or park. Look for a wide, oval shaped leaf with five to nine conspicuous veins. Each vein runs down the length of each leaf. When you break the stem, you will see fibers which resemble the fibers found in celery. Mature plants will have small greenish-brown flowers with purple stamens.

How to use Plantain for bug bites or stings? Crush the leaf by rolling in between your fingers. Apply to the affected area. Cover with a full leaf, gauze or bandage until you find relief from the bug bite/sting. If itchiness or inflammation begins to return, use a fresh leaf and repeat above steps.

Note – Chickweed can also be used in the same way to soothe and heal bug bites/stings.

ALOE LEAF

Break aloe leaf and rub the inside gel directly to the bite. Enjoy the soothing, cooling and healing effects provided by this remedy.

CHAMOMILE TEA BAG

Soak a tea bag in water and apply to the bite. The anti-inflammatory properties will help ease the pain and swelling while the anti-microbial effects will help reduce chances of infection. Chamomile tea bags will help speed up the healing process.

Note - Chamomile may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceace family. These reactions, however, are extremely rare.

OATMEAL COMPRESS

Ingredients:
½ cup oatmeal
1 clean sock
1 rubber band

Fill the sock with oatmeal and attach around the faucet, securing with the rubber band. Fill the tub with the water that runs through the oatmeal sock. Soak for 10-20 mins. The anti-itch properties from the oats will help to sooth and heal your bug bites. You can also use the sock as a poultice or loufa moving it over the affected area(s). This remedy is also highly recommended for children with eczema, rashes or irritated, inflamed skin.

HOMEMADE ANTI-ITCH CREAM

Ingredients:
2 tbsp - Witch hazel liquid extract/astringent
1 tsp - Baking soda
2 tsp - Bentonite clay or green clay
1 tsp - Fine sea salt
5 drops - Tea tree oil
5 drops - Peppermint oil
Optional – Add 1 tsp of vegetable glycerine for smoother consistency

Mix all ingredients together and apply directly to the bite or sting. Repeat every few hours as required. This soothing remedy effectively draws out the substance causing the itch and provides anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects. Start using it as soon as you can after the bite or sting. This remedy can be kept in the fridge in a small jar for approximately 1-2 weeks.

Tip – Keep dry ingredients in a small jar in your first aid kit at home. When you need to use it, just add the liquid ingredients. Water may also be used instead of witch hazel if this is all you have available.
 

SCENT-FREE POLICY

LEAVE YOUR FRAGRANCE AT HOME

We kindly ask that you refrain from wearing scented products when visiting our clinic. These products can include: 

• perfume and fragrances
• cologne and aftershave
• deodorant
• scented soaps, lotions and creams
• hairspray
• shampoo and conditioner

Scented products can cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress. Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine is a fragrance-free environment as we strive to keep our air clean for those with severe sensitivities. We appreciate your cooperation.

MOVIE SCREENING: THAT SUGAR FILM

You are invited to celebrate NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE WEEK by viewing THAT SUGAR FILM on Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 pm at the Broadway Theater. Cost $10.

The film will be followed by a 20 minute panel discussion of NDs on the topic: “What REALLY is a healthy diet?” Call 306-664-2150 today to purchase your tickets. Also available online through Broadway Theatre at https://broadwaytheatre.ca/films

FREE SEMINAR - TOP 5 TIPS TO PREVENT CANCER

Presentation - Wednesday, May 10 at 7:00 pm at McNally Robinson, Saskatoon

Come join Dr. Amy Velichka, ND during Naturopathic Medicine Week 2017 for a free presentation on the Top 5 Tips to Prevent Cancer and Reoccurrences of the Disease. Dr. Velichka, ND will be presenting on common modifiable risk factors for developing cancer, ways to minimize these risk factors, and how to build up your own anti-cancer defenses naturally. Leave feeling motivated, empowered and inspired to make healthy choices that will help you feel your best while reducing your risk of this prevalent disease.

BERRY GOOD ANTIHISTAMINE SMOOTHIE

FEATURED RECIPE: BERRY GOOD ANTIHISTAMINE SMOOTHIE

This spring weather makes us crave this delicious smoothie berry much. It is full of quercetin and other bioflavonoids which help stabilize histamine responses and inflammation in your body. It can be used as a pretreatment for those moving into the allergy season over the next couple of months. Stock up on your natural antihistamine nutrients before the season hits! 

Berry Good Antihistamine Smoothie Recipe

½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
½ apple (cored and sliced into blendable chunks)
½-1 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 cup coconut milk or coconut water
Optional – 10-20 grams of protein powder of your choice              (whey, hemp, rice, soy, etc)
Ice as preferred (if using fresh berries)

Blend until smooth, then enjoy!
 

MYOFASCIAL MASSAGE THERAPY NOW AVAILABLE

Myofascial Massage Therapy Now Available

We are excited to announce that Jordan R. Smith, RMT has joined our team here at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine. 

Jordan R. Smith has been a practicing member of MTAS in Saskatoon since graduating from the McKay Massage and Hydrotherapy Program in 2011. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside chiropractors, and continues to be referred by many general practitioners. In 2014, Jordan was elected to the Board of Directors of MTAS (Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan). He continues to be quite active within the sub-committees to further the advancement and benefits of Massage Therapy and Public Knowledge.

In 2013–2014, Jordan has had the privilege teaching Anatomy, Systemic Anatomy and Physiology to the undergraduates of the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program at McKay Career Training. To further his passion of healthcare research, Jordan continues to be heavily involved within the MTAS community by periodically facilitating intensive workshops in anatomy held at the U of S.

Today, Jordan focuses his work around the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach®. Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) is a gentle hands-on treatment that gradually softens, lengthens, and realigns your fascia to promote healing and relieve pain. It Is an effective treatment for unexplained spinal, muscle and joint pain, and other complex conditions with multiple symptoms of pain and dysfunction. The fascial system is a 3D web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body from head to toe. It is what holds us together and gives us shape. Trauma, poor posture and inflammation can cause restrictions in the fascial system that bind down like a straightjacket on pain sensitive structures like nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones and organs. Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) has uncovered the cause of most pain and dysfunction that is invisible to standard medical tests.

John Barnes Myofascial Release Training Credentials: Myofascial Release Therapy I (2012), Myofascial Release Therapy II (2015), Fascial Pelvis (2016)

Since having received training from John F. Barnes’ himself, Jordan has discovered that Myofascial Release has done more to support healing and improve movement ability in his clients than any other therapy technique. Jordan works throughout the year to continually advance his skill set to keep up with the ever evolving needs of patient care and to bring those skills into a the treatment room with each and everyone he sees. With this skill set, he focuses on the causes of your current symptoms, rather than the symptom itself to create a lasting effect and relief. In the words of John F Barnes, "Begin with the area of pain and look elsewhere for the cause."

Jordan’s clients range from young infants to the elderly (all varying in conditions, including lower back pain, fibromyalgia, acute/chronic injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ, headaches, whiplash, postural dysfunction, pelvic imbalances, neurological conditions, scars, sciatica and sport injuries). Jordan is very passionate about his patients’ health and places a strong emphasis on individualized education about the body and self-care recommendations such as stretching, strengthening and postural awareness.

Jordan's office hours will be on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. If you would like to book an appointment with him, please call the office at 306-664-2150. 

FREE SEMINAR: EAT TO PREVENT CANCER AND CHRONIC DISEASE

JOIN US FOR A FREE SEMINAR ON APRIL 6th AT 7:00 PM

Dr. Velichka, ND will be leading a small group session at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine on how to Eat to Prevent Cancer and Chronic Disease.

This presentation will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 7:00 pm. Attendees will learn what the current research is saying about the Mediterranean diet and how this may be helpful in preventing cancer and other common chronic diseases.  

Join us and learn helpful tips to help maximize the benefits you can receive from the foods you eat. Space is limited. Please call the office at 306-664-2150 to reserve your spot today!