It’s Naturopathic Medicine Week!

May 14-20th is Naturopathic Medicine Week and we want to shout out to all the thousands of awesome patients we have had the privilege of serving in our 17 years of practice in the Georgian Triangle.

This week is a time when we not only try to promote the strengths of our profession, but we all reconnect with the principles that guide us in the work we do–the principles that make naturopathic medicine so helpful to patients.

What are ND’s all about? We believe:

  • In the healing power of nature. Not just using “natural remedies,” but also connecting to the idea that the body can heal itself, it just needs all the right tools to do so.
  • In getting to the root of the problem. Not all patients have headaches for the same reason.  Some have headaches because of a food intolerance. Others due to a nutrient deficiency, some because of a hormone imbalance. The root cause can be different for different people.
  • In treating the individual. For a naturopath, every case is unique. We like to understand what is happening in each individual patient–as a result we ask lots of questions and often do many blood tests.
  • That prevention is the best medicine. Keeping you healthy is a whole lot easier than treating your disease.
  • That doctors are teachers. ND’s are passionate about giving you, the patient, all the information and insight you need to feel in control of your health and your health care decisions.

What Your Friends and Family Should Know

If you know someone that can benefit from naturopathic medicine, but isn’t quite sure, here are a few useful details.

  • ND’s are not covered by OHIP, but many extended health plans are now covering our services. Why?  Because patients of naturopathic doctors are healthier, use fewer prescription medications, and miss work less often.
  • We offer a complimentary “meet-the-doctor” visit with one of our awesome ND’s–they’ll answer any and all questions at no charge.
  • We’re now direct billing to extended health plans making it even easier for you to connect to your health through naturopathic medicine!

To learn more, or to book your appointment, call 705-444-5331, or visit us at www.stonetreeclinic.com. Happy Naturopathic Medicine Week!

Welcome to StoneTree’s Summer Food Guru!

StoneTree Clinic has a new team member. Welcome Bridget McMaster!

Bridget just finished a 4-year program in Food and Nutrition at Brescia College at the University of Western Ontario. She is joining us this summer to be our resident Food Guru at The Pantry.

Making diet changes is one of the most important things we ask our patients to do but it can also be one of the most difficult. Learning to give up dairy or gluten can feel overwhelming.

The Pantry is meant to help with that transition. It is filled with foods that are gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free, and now Bridget will be there full time this summer making sure that all your questions are answered.

Bridget has dealt with her own health issues and knows first-hand that food really is medicine. She’s a wonderful addition to our team!

Drop by and say hi to Bridget. She’ll be doing demos all summer in The Pantry–you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what we’re serving up!

Your Cold and Flu “GO-KIT”

It is not uncommon for the ND’s at StoneTree to get emails or messages over the weekend, after hours, or when they are away from home, from patients who are coming down with cold or flu symptoms and want to get on top of them right away. No one wants a full-blown cold or flu!

Of course, the first thing we always recommend is to get in as soon as you can for in IV Vitamin C drip.

(To learn more, check out this “60 Minutes” documentary on the benefit of Vit C in resolving infection, or this interview with Dr. Marik, MD on the value of vitamin C and sepsis.)

When patients can’t get into the clinic for the “big guns” the first question we ask is, What supplements do you have at home?

As you might imagine, not everyone has a fully stocked cold- and flu-fighting pharmacy at home, and most people didn’t have the best tools at their disposal when they really needed them.

Here is what we wish you had:

  • Zinc. Studies show that taking zinc at first sign of cold symptoms can decrease the duration of the illness. We have definitely seen evidence of this in practice. It’s important to note, however, that more zinc is not always better. Taking too much for too long can create trouble, but taking it acutely for a short period is okay.
  • Oil of oregano. It tastes like a spaghetti monster exploded in your mouth, but this herb is AWESOME at killing all things microbial!
  • Echinacea and Goldenseal. These two herbal medicines together are a double threat to winter illness! Echinacea is the immune booster and goldenseal is anti-microbial. Taking them at first sign of symptoms can often stop a cold before it even starts.
  • Vitamin C. Can’t get in for an IVC? Taking Vitamin C orally can help, too. Taking a 1000mg every hour to bowel tolerance is the way to go. Some people may get an upset tummy but for those who tolerate it, get a chewable option–it feels like you are popping like sweet treats all day.
  • Castor Oil. This magical oil moves lymph, which means it helps the immune system move around. Sore throat? Apply cast0r oil and cover with a scarf. Ear infection? Castor oil to the neck, topped with a gentle heating pad, gets the lymph moving and moves the congestion out.

Now You Can Have the Wishlist On Hand!

For the cold and flu season, we’ve put together a cold and flu “GO-KIT”. It contains:

  • Zinc
  • Oil of oregano
  • Echinacea-Goldenseal tincture
  • An immune booster called Pascoleucyn that is safe and effective for all ages

You can pick up your “GO-KIT” at the front desk for $74.99 + HST. (Bought individually the kit works out to $104.81.)

Questions? Stop by to pick up your kit, or contact the clinic at 705-444-5331.

From Endometriosis to Concussion: What We Learned Last Weekend

Last weekend the StoneTree Clinic team got to enjoy the 2017 annual convention of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors–right here at Blue Mountain Resorts.

It was such a treat to show off the Collingwood area to our ND colleagues. With our amazing community and beautiful natural attractions, they all agreed: we live in one of the BEST places in Ontario to be healthy!

All the StoneTree Clinic docs attended, and here are some of the things we learned:

  • Dr. Candice: Endometriosis in shift workers is 50% higher than in non-shift workers, and correcting imbalances in circadian rhythms with natural remedies can really make a difference.
  • Dr. Maggie: After an awesome lecture on “traumatic brain injury” by Dr. Paul Hrkal ND, Dr. Maggie is excited about the research supporting consumption of omega 3 fats in the prevention AND treatment of concussion and brain injury.
  • Dr. Shelby: Learned about a simple test to determine if a person is being exposed to mold–thanks to the amazing Dr. Neil McKinney ND, one of our naturopathic elders who has been practicing and teaching for over 30 years.
  • Dr. Kendra: Learned from one of the world’s leading experts on probiotics, Dr. Nigel Plummer Ph.D., that patients will have much better outcomes (by having fewer side-effects) when they take probiotics with and after antibiotics.
  • Dr. Tara: Throughout the 2 days, Dr. Tara was reminded about the importance of daily, preventative supplementation. Everyone (including Dr. Tara) should take daily probiotics, fish oils, and vitamin D (at a minimum) to support optimal health.

Our docs are involved in continuing education throughout the year–if you have questions about the latest research, tools, and treatments, contact us anytime!

Cancer Care Comes to StoneTree

For several years, we’ve been looking for an experienced naturopathic doctor whose sole job at StoneTree would be to work with patients with a cancer diagnosis.

We found him!

We are very excited to welcome Dr. Ehab Mohammed, ND to the StoneTree Clinic family. Dr. Ehab is a licensed naturopathic doctor, board certified from the College of Naturopaths in Ontario.

What’s really exciting for us, however, is Dr. Ehab’s long oncology history as a medical doctor in Egypt, where he obtained his medical degree, a master’s in ocology, and a medical doctorate in radiation oncology. Dr. Ehab practiced oncology for over 20 years, published 33 scientific research articles in recognized medical journals.

After graduating from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Dr. Ehab spent a year on the adjunctive cancer care clinic shift where he managed patients under different types of conventional cancer care (chemotherapy, radiation, palliative care and surgery) with naturopathic supportive care.

If you know someone that needs support, our approach to cancer care strives to:
  • Decrease the side-effects of conventional cancer treatments
  • Support the patient’s immune system to avoid additional illness
  • Increase the effectiveness of conventional treatments
  • Improve overall health in an attempt to prevent the spread or recurrence of cancer
  • Help patients navigate the stress, information overload, and difficult choices created by a cancer diagnosis

StoneTree also offers alternative care for those patients who have exhausted all their conventional choices and are seeking new treatment options.

This is very exciting for us. Cancer touches lives every single day here in the Georgian Bay area, and this is something our patients need. We’re fortunate to be able to bring Dr. Ehab’s decades of cancer experience here to StoneTree!

Dr. Ehab will be starting at StoneTree Clinic, Thursday, November 16, 2017.  For more information, book an appointment, or contact the clinic at 705-444-5331.

Join Us for the Be the Change Film RIVERBLUE

“There is a joke in China. They say you can predict the “it” colour for the season by looking at the colour of the river”

 – From the documentary RiverBlue

On October 18th, the Be the Change Film Series kicks off its 10th year with the documentary RiverBlue. The film looks at the environmental impact of the “fast fashion” industry on our waterways, and as a result, our health.

We’re sponsoring the series, and would love to see you there! There are two show times, 5PM and 7:30PM, at the Simcoe Street Theatre. Tickets are $8, and all proceeds go to Elephant Thoughts and The Blue Mountain Watershed Trust.

See the full 2017-18 line-up and buy tickets here!

Terry Fox Run: September 17, 2017

Getting our kids moving is SO important for their overall health and success. In fact, movement is important for all of us–especially getting outside for fresh air and nature.

This Sunday brings a great community based opportunity to get outside and to move as a family, all in support of one of Canada’s heroes, Terry Fox.

The Marathon of Hope

It’s astonishing to look now at photos of Terry back in 1980. He was just 22, and running a marathon a day with an artificial leg that he dipped in the Atlantic in April before setting out to do the same the Pacific after running across the country.

Sadly, on September 1 of that summer, coughing and suffering severe chest pains, Terry’s run ended near Thunder Bay. His cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.

Terry died the following June. During his Marathon of Hope, he had run 5,737 kilometres in 143 days, inspired a nation, and kicked off what would become the single largest one-day cancer fundraiser in the world.

To date, more than $750 million has been raised worldwide.

Terry Fox from Nick Schelle on Vimeo.

You can help continue Terry’s legacy by participating in this year’s run. Registration for the Collingwood event is here.

Run Details

  • Sunday, September 17, 2017
  • Registration: 8:30 am
  • One Start: 10 am
  • Location: Harborview Park (behind McDonald’s Restaurant – Look for the tent for Registration)
  • Main intersection: First Street and Cedar Street
  • Free parking and public transit accessible

What to Bring

  • Dress appropriately for weather (can be cooler at the bay)
  • Water, snacks, warm-up, and music will be provided
  • The event is bicycle, stroller, and wheelchair accessible
  • And dog-friendly, too!

This event has no entry fee and no minimum fundraising amount. There are no barriers to entry. You don’t need a particular level of fitness. You can walk, run, jog, bike, or otherwise roll your way around the 2.5 km loop.

Register here.

It’s Here! The Pantry at StoneTree Clinic

We are so excited to introduce the newest service here at StoneTree Clinic!

The Pantry at StoneTree is a food resource for our patients who need to make diet changes, and for anyone who wants to find healthy food ingredients and pre-made meals that they can trust.

Improving nutrition is one of the cornerstones of what we do as Naturopathic Doctors. We almost invariably use diet change with our patients, and it’s great to see that the popular opinion is shifting to the realization that food is indeed medicine.

Of course, the idea of diet change is simple. But actually doing it? It’s one of the hardest things we ask our patients to do. Ask anyone who’s done an anti-inflammatory diet, or gone gluten- or dairy-free for any period. It’s not easy.

To help, we wanted to give our patients a resource to help make diet change a little easier.

The Pantry at StoneTree is a food store where ALL the things for sale are gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free. In addition to cooking ingredients and snacks, there are pre-made freezer meals that have all been taste-tested and are delicious. Now, you can have a week of meals ready to go that are filled with the right ingredients to get you started on your diet change.

Drop by the clinic to watch The Pantry grow, to try some delicious and healthy food, and to give us ideas for new foods. We’ll be adding new products all summer, filling the shelves with helpful ways to support your healthy changes!

Happy Birthday Canada!

We have a lot to celebrate!

  • Canadians are living longer than ever with an average life expectancy of 82 years.
  • Almost 90% of Canadians reported feeling in good to excellent health—the highest proportion of people among G7 countries.
  • 70% of Canadians considered their mental health to be either very good or excellent.
  • The proportion of Canadians who smoke is decreasing overall. Just under 4 million Canadians currently smoke – in 2002 there were 5.4 million.
  • More Canadians are completing their high school and post-secondary education than ever before—in 2015, 90% finished high school and 66% were a post-secondary graduate.

For this and so much more we are grateful to call this great country home.

Keep up the great work!

June 3rd is National Health and Fitness Day!

Let’s make Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth!

We write an annoying amount a lot about the many health benefits of exercise.

It really is one of the most important things to do for our overall health, so when we became aware of the Canada’s National Health and Fitness Day we just had to share.

The first Saturday in June, National Health and Fitness Day (NHFD), is an initiative to mark one day to promote Canadians getting out and getting active in any way they wish.

Springboarding off the spirit of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, former MP John Weston and Senator Nancy Greene Raine have worked to involve the 338 MPs and 100 Senators to encourage their local communities to proclaim the day and mark it with local events. Hundreds of communities have already proclaimed the day and the National Health and Fitness Day Act, Bill S-211, became law in December 2014!

Our community is hosting a MOVE walk/run, and a MOVE showcase of booths, demos, and activities. It all shakes down this Saturday, June 3rd from 9 AM to 1 PM at Central Park in Collingwood. Get all the details here!

Maybe you can use this to jump start a year of exercise. It’s the best 30-minute daily investment you can make!