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What Is Wrong With Our Canadian Healthcare System?

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BY ALLISON BROWN

Canadians have always felt that they have one of the best healthcare systems in the world.  However we are ranked 10th out of 11th by the Commonwealth Fund. Our Minister of Health Ms. Jane Philpott recently concurred as well.  I read a very interesting article about the five things wrong with our healthcare system and I will use this article written by Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos of The Globe and Mail to comment on those five issues.

Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos stated that, “doctors are selfemployed, not government employees which means that patients are free to choose which doctor they wish to visit, and are entitled to essential physician health services without charge. Self-employed affords them the ability to determine their own hours and work location.  They are responsible for paying their employees, for office space and other overhead expenses. Doctors earn money by billing their provincial government for the services they render to patients.

“Canada has 15 different healthcare systems for each of the provinces and territories. The Canada Health Act outlines the basic tenets for healthcare to be universal and accessible for essential physician and hospital health services across the country. However, the details of how each system operates is under the provincial prevue and additionally, the federal government has responsibility for Aboriginal and Veteran healthcare” as stated by Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos.

In their article Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos, noted that, “funded healthcare services are not provided equally across the country as there is variation across provinces for what is considered an “essential health service” — and even who delivers the care or where care is delivered. For example, some provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, pay for births delivered by licensed midwives, while several provinces and territories do not. Eligible funded therapies for autism vary widely across the country.  

User fees charged to patients are not permitted because insured services (something already covered by the publically funded health system) should not be charged. But some physicians get around this by charging “annual fees” as part of a comprehensive package of services they offer their patients. Such charges are completely optional and can only be for non-essential health options, also noted by Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos

And finally, Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos, pointed out that, “Canada does not truly have a “single payer” system meaning a significant portion of Canadian healthcare comes from both public and private financing Canada has extensive public financing for essential physician services and hospital care — among the highest rates in the world. But most Canadians have to pay for eye and dental care out-of-pocket, and more than 60 per cent of prescription medications are paid for privately in Canada”.

As the close of 2016 approaches, what an opportunity Canada has to innovate its healthcare system.  The healthcare system requires a fresh new approach to challenges that have been existing over decades.  The system needs to address a national pharmacare program, a national senior’s, mental health, and housing strategy to name additional items to the above issues.

We do not have to reinvent the wheel, we can look to many other nations and borrow what works well with some fine-tuned tweaks of our own.  We need the will of those in power to take a chance and see old situations with a fresh perspective.

2017 should be an opportunity for improvement not only in healthcare, but on all governmental fronts.  Healthcare is a very expensive proposition and requires a renewed vision.  What that vision will look like depends on the collective heads of those in power.  Let’s hope that the vision includes all Canadians and promotes equity and access across the nation.

This article is dedicated to all the readers of this past year and the coming year.  Thank you for your continued support and may your experiences with the healthcare system be positive.

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Health

Estrogen dominance and diet: What you can do to reduce risk and bring your hormones back into balance

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BY DR. VIKAS PURI

We need estrogen in order to maintain bone density, positive mood, and healthy cholesterol levels. Too much, however, becomes problematic. More women and men than ever are being diagnosed with too much estrogen in the body. Without proper balance from the other sex hormones, this can lead to an array of unpleasant symptoms. This is referred to as “estrogen dominance”. It can affect both men and women, but it is diagnosed much more commonly in women. Restoring and maintaining hormonal balance is vitally important, since elevated estrogen levels are a risk factor for breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in women, and prostate and breast cancer in men. Between hormones from animal products, synthetic estrogens (aka “xenoestrogens”) found in personal care and cleaning products, and even pesticides, there are many reasons why our delicate hormonal balance can be disrupted.

Some of the most common symptoms of estrogen dominance include:

  • Stubborn belly fat
  • Uneven weight distribution, with excess weight typically found in the midsection
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Fatigue, or chronic fatigue in more extreme cases
  • Thinning hair
  • Headaches
  • Hormonal acne on the face, and especially around the chin
  • Irritability, mood swings or mood disorders
  • Bloating
  • Candida overgrowth
  • Depression or low mood
  • Anxiety
  • Body acne
  • Osteoporosis
  • Low or nonexistent libido
  • Difficulty managing stress
  • Difficulty losing weight, even with exercise
  • Infertility

In women, estrogen dominance can lead to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, irregular menstrual cycles, and thyroid dysfunction. Men may also suffer from enlarged breasts and sexual dysfunction. All of these symptoms, in addition to being unpleasant and affecting quality of life, leave diagnosed individuals at risk of developing more serious conditions later on. If left untreated, hormone-dependent cancers may develop. The good news is that there are many things that can be done to lower our estrogen levels naturally. In order to prevent or reverse estrogen dominance, we first have to understand what causes it.

For this imbalance to occur, either estrogen is too high, or the hormones which balance it are too low. In women this means progesterone is too low; in men, testosterone. This can happen to women if they have taken hormonal birth control. Harmful “endocrine disruptors” (man-made compounds that interfere with the function of estrogen and other hormones) are found in plastic products such as plastic water bottles, in many personal care products, on receipts, in heavy metals, and in pesticides and herbicides. These compounds negatively affect hormonal balance even in small doses. Try to purchase natural cleaning and personal care products. It is the estrogen found in the food we eat, however, that has the largest impact on estrogen levels.

Animal products, especially dairy, chicken and fish contain high amounts of estrogen. People who eat meat regularly are exposed to high levels of these natural sex steroids. It’s important to note that estrogen hormones can be thousands of times more estrogenic than man-made endocrine disruptors. That’s right- thousands of times more than synthetic chemicals that are found to be harmful even at low doses. Yikes!

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ghee are innately high in hormones even if synthetic hormones aren’t added. It’s important to consider the compounded effects of both synthetic added hormones and natural estrogens in livestock feed and medications. Chickens tend to excrete the most estrogen in their urine, indicating the highest levels of any animal raised for meat. Fish, beef, eggs, and pork are all high-estrogen foods as well. If you are wondering if this could affect you, it’s important to note that chicken estrogen is the same molecule as human estrogen. Heavy meat eaters have high levels of estrogen in their urine as a result. If you have been diagnosed with estrogen dominance, reducing or eliminating your intake of animal products is a great way to help bring your hormones back into balance.

Another important strategy for balancing estrogen levels is simply maintaining a healthy body weight. Our fat tissues absorb and store estrogens that circulate in the bloodstream. Weight loss will cause the fat cells to shrink and empty out, sending estrogen and toxins to the liver to be processed and removed. High estrogen levels can unfortunately cause the body to create more fat cells, thereby producing more estrogen- a vicious cycle! For sustainable weight loss, focus your diet around fresh fruit, vegetables, and nutritious grains like quinoa. Eat healthy fats from plant foods such as avocados, tahini, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, or coconut. These fats contain fibre, unlike fats from animal products, which makes it easier to control hunger and support weight loss. Eat plenty of leafy greens vegetables to help protect liver health. A well-functioning liver is important for breaking down estrogens. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, and bok choy all contain a compound called “sulforaphane” which supports your estrogen receptors.

Finally, lowering stress levels can also help with hormonal balance. If you cannot remove certain stresses from your life, utilize strategies to assist the body in dealing with stress more effectively. Consider activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or taking a walk in nature. Be patient during the healing process, reduce your intake of animal products whenever possible (especially factory farmed animals where hormones are used), try to avoid pesticides, and seek out natural products for personal care and cleaning.

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Treating “Erectile Dysfunction” with TCM and Nutrition

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BY DR. VIKAS PURI

Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called “impotence”, is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

Between 15 to 30 million men (in USA) suffer from erectile dysfunction. In older men, erectile dysfunction usually has a physical cause, such as disease, injury, poor nutrition, or side effects of drugs.

Erection begins with sensory or mental stimulation, or both. Impulses from the brain and local nerves cause the muscle of the corpora cavernosa to relax, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erectile is reversed.

Damage to the nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, and fibrous tissues, often as a result of disease, is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Disease such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, MS (multiple sclerosis), atherosclerosis, vascular disease and neurological disease, account for about 70% of ED (erectile dysfunction) cases. Smoking, being overweight  and avoiding exercise are possible causes of ED. Blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, anti-depressants, and cimetidine can produce ED as a side effect. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, lower self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause 10-20% of ED cases.

Is acupuncture effective for erectile dysfunction?

The traditional Chinese medicine method of using needle is the primary type of “acupuncture” that’s been studied for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It is thought that the release of hormones and increase Qi (energy) blood circulation and flow that helps with erectile dysfunction.  The benefits of acupuncture for ED are also focused on psychological erectile dysfunction.

Also, Chinese herbs are used as an alternative therapy to increase the curative effect for erectile dysfunction.  For example: red ginseng and herbs that tonify kidney Yang and Qi.

In Chinese medicine, there are many different reasons why a person might be dealing with erectile dysfunction, everything from stress, anxiety, or reactions to medications that they are taking.

So through the addition of acupuncture treatment, herbs and lifestyle changes, we can actually get some wonderful results from those who are suffering or experiencing erectile dysfunction.

It is also vitally important to look at the role nutrition plays in relation to erectile dysfunction (ED). There is a direct connection between heart health and sexual health. The same plaque that clogs arteries and leads to heart disease also hinders blood flow to the penis, making it harder to get and maintain an erection. Because of this, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of heart disease. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction it is a good idea to get screened for heart disease as well. Luckily, the early signs of heart disease and erectile dysfunction can be addressed at the same time. A 2013 Canadian study published in Urology[1] found that participants had a 10% lower risk of erectile dysfunction with every additional serving of fruit and/or vegetables. Reducing your intake of saturated fats and adding more fruit and vegetables will reduce the risk and improve overall health. Common dietary sources of saturated fat include dairy products such as cheese, butter, ghee, milk, yogurt; meat such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken skin, lard, and processed meats; as well as fried and processed foods including deep fried foods, palm oil, cooking margarine, cakes, pastries, pies, donuts, and other high-fat snack foods. Clogged arteries from these foods can lead to erectile dysfunction, and can eventually block blood flow to the heart and brain. Fortunately, arterial blood flow can improve rather quickly simply by changing your diet. A low fat, mostly plant-based diet is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and can be paired alongside treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments for a quicker recovery from ED.

The amino acid L-arginine has been found to be helpful in treating ED, as it converts to nitric acid in the body to reduce blood vessel stiffness. It can help relax blood vessels, including those around the penis. Beneficial foods that contain L-arginine include seaweed, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, peanuts, tofu, chickpeas, spirulina, and lentils. Considering adding these foods into your diet while reducing saturated fat and processed food intake, and get the blood flowing!

[1]Urology. 2013 Dec;82(6):1330-5. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2013.07.061

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Health

Scoliosis can be treated by chiropractic treatment

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BY DR. VIKAS PURI

Scoliosis can be tragic. It has the capability of causing both physical and emotional suffering. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Mild to moderate curves may be undetectable or appear as postural distortions. More serious curves, however, can create gross physical deformity and even interfere with the lungs, heart, and many other vital organs. There is hope. While curves between 20 and 40 degrees require a body brace to be worn, and larger curves necessitate surgical insertion of steel rods into the spine, curves less than 20 degrees can respond well to chiropractic care.

There are two general treatment options for scoliosis bracing:

Full-time bracing. These braces are designed to be worn 16 to 23 hours a day. The goal is to wear them all the time with exceptions for bathing, skin care, and exercising.

Nighttime bracing. These braces use hyper-corrective forces (which put the body out of normal balance and cannot realistically be applied while a person is standing and/or performing daily activities) and are to be worn at least 8 hours a night.

Scoliosis surgery typically has the following goals:

Stop the curve’s progression. When scoliosis requires surgery, it is usually because the deformity is continuing to worsen. Therefore, scoliosis surgery should at the very least prevent the curve from getting any worse.

Reduce the deformity. Depending on how much flexibility is still in the spine, scoliosis surgery can often de-rotate the abnormal spinal twisting in addition to correcting the lateral curve by about 50% to 70%. These changes can help the person stand up straighter and reduce the rib hump in the back.

Maintain trunk balance. For any changes made to the spine’s positioning, the surgeon will also take into account overall trunk balance by trying to maintain as much of the spine’s natural front/back (lordosis/kyphosis) curvature while also keeping the hips and legs as even as possible.

Scoliosis generally affects children, particularly girls between the ages of 8 to 18. The cause varies. Some are born with this spinal deviation (congenital), which can be hereditary, or from trauma during the birthing process. Others get it from acquiring poor posture (habitual). One major cause of postural problems in young people is backpacks. Kids should use both shoulder straps on their backpacks and the load should not exceed 15% of their body weight.

Sadly, in many cases, the cause is still unknown (idiopathic). Some theorize that child “walkers” may prematurely interrupt the crawling stage that is essential for proper spinal development.

In the beginning, when easiest to correct, scoliosis is rarely symptomatic. However, an alert parent may notice that a high shoulder or low hip makes clothing fit poorly. Back and leg pains may develop but are often overlooked as “growing pains”. Neglect is the biggest danger.

In young people, their abnormal physical posture and gait lead to depression and low self-esteem. It is important that alongside physical treatment counseling be carried out to manage and optimize mental well-being.

In older adults, scoliosis can be caused by degenerative (arthritic) changes in the spine. The shape and size of the vertebrae and discs in the spine change and abnormal curvature results.

Chiropractors are specially trained to examine and detect scoliosis in its early stage. Wise parents consult our office soon after their baby is born and follow up with periodic chiropractic checkups during the growing years to ensure their child’s spine develops properly. A properly functioning spine ensures there is no abnormal stress on our spinal nerves that would otherwise impair our organs and overall vitality.

If scoliosis is found, chiropractic treatment involving spinal adjustments and specific exercises have been shown to slow, stop or even reverse the condition. These treatments improve joint motion and stretch muscles, thus helping to decrease the abnormal curvature.

To ensure your child’s well being, get a chiropractic check up today!

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