British Columbia
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors' media contact:
Stuart Watson
20 Holly St., Ste. 200, Toronto, Canada
Tel. 416.496.8633 Toll Free 1.800.551.4381
infoATcand.ca
** Please note that email addresses on this page are not active links due to an onslaught of spam. Please copy and paste the addresses and replace "AT" with the @ symbol.**
Media Kit:
Click here for quick facts about the CAND; the education and training of naturopathic doctors; regulation in Canada; statistics and more.
News Releases:
December 9, 2009 - H1N1: The Naturopathic Approach March 6, 2009 - Bisphenol A - CAND Warns, "People should be concerned" September 2, 2008 - CAND Response to Listeria Outbreak May 4-11, 2008 - Naturopathic Medicine Week April 18, 2008 - CAND calls for the banning of all products containing bisphenol A (BPA) April 1, 2008 - Naturopathic medical approach to treating patients with cancer April 1, 2008 - Potential Interactions between Natural Health Products and Prescription Drugs in Children December 19, 2007 - Vitamin D November 21, 2007 - Pedometers and Weight Loss November 13, 2007 - Fecal Transplants for C. Difficile October 25, 2007 – Influenza Vaccine Efficacy October 7, 2007 - Environmental Toxins June 2007 – Gardasil May 2007 – Lybrel |
December 9, 2009 - H1N1: The Naturopathic Approach
Please link to the CAND's news section or download our patient handout on H1N1 below.
|  | H1N1_Patient_Handout_CAND_DEC09.pdf | 77 K |
For more information on naturopathic doctors, the naturopathic approach to H1N1 or to arrange an interview contact:
Stuart Watson
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
20 Holly St., Ste. 200, Toronto, Canada
Tel. 416.496.8633 Toll Free 1.800.551.4381
infoATcand.ca
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March 6, 2009 - Bisphenol A - CAND Warns, "People should be concerned"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Recent studies investigating Canadians' exposure to BPA suggest the levels detected are “well below" current Health Canada recommendations when it comes to an acceptable daily intake. However, the studies being conducted are concerning to naturopathic doctors (NDs). NDs warn the factors within the study are looked on in isolation and the studies themselves do not reflect a person's weekly consumption of all products containing BPA.
"The research being done is looking at each risk factor in isolation. People may consume just one can of pop per week, but what the study is not telling us is what happens when a person consumes a number of cans of pop and energy drinks, uses plastic bottles and consumes canned vegetables within a short period of time. There is no research looking at the cumulative effects from all sources of exposure. Looking at one item on its own does not reflect real life…" Iva Lloyd, ND
What is BPA and where is it found? BPA is a chemical used in the manufacturing of many everyday products including pop cans, water bottles, energy drink cans, baby bottles, canned foods (including those for acidic fruits and vegetables) and sealants in dental fillings. BPA is also found in rigid, transparent or coloured plastic products identified by a triangle with the number 7 in the center. (Please note: not all products containing BPA carry this identifying symbol).
What is the risk? BPA is a molecule that mimics estrogen in the body. BPA leaches from containers into the contents and is consumed along with the contents. (Containers do not need to be heated for this to occur). BPA has been linked to cancer and reproductive problems. Animal studies have linked long-term exposure to infertility, early puberty and prostate and breast cancers.
Who is at risk? Everyone is at risk - from infants and children, to teens and adults - both in the short-term and long-term. Each age group has its own risk factors.
What can we do? Substitute all BPA products, or any that you suspect may contain BPA, with non-toxic alternatives such as products contained in glass, stainless steel, or cardboard containers. Limit the amount foods and drinks contained in metal containers and pop cans. Choose water, and freshly made fruit and vegetable juices instead of canned options. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Choose stainless steel or glass containers to carry any liquids, and check with your dentist about the composition of chemicals in fillings and dental accessories, such as “night guards”.
For more information on naturopathic doctors or to set up an interview contact:
Stuart Watson
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
20 Holly St., Ste. 200, Toronto, Canada
Tel. 416.496.8633 Toll Free 1.800.551.4381
infoATcand.ca
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September 2, 2008 - CAND Response to Listeria Outbreak
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Study links colon cancer to processed meats”, “Attack ad targets hot dogs as cancer risk”, “Listeria outbreak linked to recalled meat products”…
As we head into the first week back to school, parents can only be left confused and concerned about what to send with their children for snacks and lunches to keep them nourished and healthy during a busy day. Lunch meats, hot dogs and processed foods in general have been a mainstay in school cafeterias for decades. Should we now be concerned with our children eating these items at all?
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors is sending out this message to parents…
THE BEST DEFENCE IS A GOOD OFFENCE
Eating processed foods is not the primary problem. The bigger issue is what children are NOT eating when they’re including these items in their diet. Most often, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are left on the shelf when kids are enjoying a hot dog day, eating a luncheon meat sandwich, or consuming junk food.
Building a healthy immune system means more than just cutting out a daily hot dog. It means ensuring your body is in optimal health so it’s strong enough to ward off sickness and disease. Naturopathic doctors encourage children and parents to practice a healthy lifestyle which includes:
- Eating a "clean diet" that consists of primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Avoiding the following: sugar, fruit juices, caffeine and processed and fried food
- Eating a moderate amount of protein including legumes, nuts, and seeds
- Drinking at least 4 to 6 glasses of water a day
- Engaging in one hour of exercise a day
- Ensuring adequate sleep each night
- Ensuring healthy mind chatter
- Doing deep breathing exercises for 10 minutes a day
- Proper Hygiene – shower regularly, wash hands thoroughly
Download CAND’s patient guide on listeriosis here. If parents or children are concerned about prevention or treatment of disease, we encourage them to work with a Naturopathic Doctor. Further information on naturopathic medicine can be found on our website at www.cand.ca.
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors welcomes your questions. If you would like to speak to a Naturopathic Doctor, or wish to set up an interview, please contact:
Stuart Watson
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
20 Holly St., Ste. 200, Toronto, Canada
Tel. 416.496.8633 Toll Free 1.800.551.4381
infoATcand.ca
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May 4-11, 2008 - Naturopathic Medicine Week
Naturopathic doctors rally to promote naturopathic medicine on a national level
Naturopathic Medicine Week is an annual awareness initiative, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion from a naturopathic perspective. Naturopathic Medicine Week 2008 runs from May 4-11 with Health Promotion and Disease Prevention as its theme.
Over the course of the week regulated naturopathic doctors across Canada will be providing open house clinic tours as well as public workshops and lectures on topics such as healthy eating, proper sleep habits, and stress management. This is to educate the public on the benefits of naturopathic treatment.
Click here for our Naturopathic Medicine Week national event listing organized by province.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Naturopathic doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent disease using natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, and lifestyle counselling.
Naturopathic doctors are primary health care providers with 7 years post-secondary education that practice safe, effective, science-based natural health care.
Naturopathic Medicine Week is listed on the Health Canada Calendar of Health-Related Days.
For additional information on Naturopathic Medicine Week please contact Stuart Watson (swatsonATcand.ca). For a listing of events organized by province click here. For more information about naturopathic medicine in general visit: www.cand.ca.
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) has been the national voice of the Canadian naturopathic profession since 1955. CAND membership consists of over 1,500 naturopathic doctors and naturopathic medical students.
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April 18, 2008 - CAND calls for the banning of all products containing bisphenol A (BPA)
Ottawa to ban baby bottles containing bisphenol A – Toronto Star, April 18, 2008.
The federal government is to be applauded for taking the first step by banning polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A. However, as research indicates that long term exposure to bisphenol A could lead to infertility, early puberty and breast and prostate cancer the CAND calls for a complete ban of any products containing the toxic chemical.
The Naturopathic Perspective
 | There are over 80,000 industrial chemicals in use in North America and it is no longer a question of if these chemicals affect health, but to what degree. |
| BPA is a chemical molecule that mimics estrogen in the body. This xenoestrogen is an endocrine disruptor that may potentiate the risk for developing hormonally based cancers, including breast, prostate and endometrial and may even lead to infertility or affect the onset of puberty. |
| Select fresh foods especially fruits and vegetables or those that have been frozen without additives. Choose foods packaged in glass or cardboard containers. Substitute all BPA products with non-toxic alternatives such as glass or stainless steel. |
| A naturopathic doctor assesses the impact exposure to toxic chemicals has on your health and they support the body’s ability to remove toxins and improve overall health. |
| See also the CAND's bisphenol A patient guide. |
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April 1, 2008 - Naturopathic medical approach to treating patients with cancer
Overall approach:
Naturopathic doctors work directly with patients and work collaboratively with other medical practitioners in order to provide patients with optimal health care. The focus of naturopathic treatment is to:
| Provide a holistic approach to patient care by treating the psychological, functional, and structural concerns. |
| Support the healing ability of the body. |
| Identify and treat any contributing factors, both internal and external. |
| Reduce the adverse effects and maximize the therapeutic benefits of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. |
Treatment Options:
Naturopathic Medicine has a range of treatment options that are beneficial in the treatment and management of patients who have cancer. They include:
| Clinical Nutrition focuses on specific foods and eating patterns in order to maximize the nutrients available and to support the healing process. |
| Nutritional supplementation targets specific biochemical pathways and reduces the progression and development of cancer. Some nutritional supplementation is used concurrently with chemotherapy and radiation in order to reduce the adverse effects of treatments, such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and inflammation, or to address nutritional deficiencies. |
| Botanical Medicine is used to support the immune system, to decrease inflammation, and to support specific organs and functions of the body. |
| Homeopathic Medicine is a gentle, yet effective treatment for many aspects of patient care. |
| Counselling and Lifestyle Management addresses the mental and emotional impact that cancer has, and recognizes that dealing with cancer involves many aspects of an individual’s life. |
| Hydrotherapy and Infra-red Sauna treatments are often used to support the healing ability of the body. |
| Intravenous Therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the progression of cancer, improving recovery time, and in increasing an individual’s overall quality of life. |
A complete listing of the treatment options utilized by naturopathic doctors can be found at www.cand.ca or by contacting the CAND at 416.496.8633; toll free line: 1.800.551.4381.
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April 1, 2008 - Potential Interactions between Natural Health Products and Prescription Drugs in Children
The Toronto Star reports on a new study done out of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children regarding health product and drug interactions in children www.thestar.com/living/article/407647
The Naturopathic Perspective
| Naturopathic Doctors are Primary Care Providers, leaders in natural medicine and well versed with respect to the potential interactions of drugs OTC and natural health products. |
| Naturopathic Doctors treat children (and adults) with a wide variety of health care concerns. As a part of any patient assessment Naturopathic Doctors review all current medications and ensure that any prescribed natural health products are safe and effective when taken alone or in combination. |
| NDs advise all patients to inform all health care providers of the drugs and/or natural health products their children are taking and are available for consultation. |
For information on naturopathic medicine, Naturopathic Doctors and to view the Naturopathic Guide to Botanical Medicines and Drug Interactions download the CAND's Naturopathic Guide to Botanical Medicines and Drug Interactions.
Research continues to be conducted at a number of institutions on the interaction between drugs and natural health products. For further information contact the Research Department of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine at 416.498.1255 ext 387.
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December 19, 2007 - Vitamin D
A recent article in the Globe and Mail looks at a University of Toronto study on insufficient vitamin D levels in non-white Canadians.
www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071219.wvitamin19/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home
The Naturopathic Perspective
| Adequate amounts of Vitamin D can be achieved through sunlight exposure to bare arms hands, legs and face at least 3-5 times per week, depending on geography, season, age and ethnicity. |
| The Canadian Cancer Society has recommended, “Whites should take supplements containing 1,000 international units (IU) a day during the fall and winter. Those with dark skin, who don’t go outside frequently or wear full body clothing for cultural or religious reasons, such as veiled women, should take 1,000 IU year-round.” The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends 200 IU Vitamin D per day for those aged 1-50, 400 IU for those aged 51-70 and 600 IU for those aged over 70. The current maximum safe dose in Canada is set at 2000 IU per day. |
| Maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels has been recently shown to decrease mortality rates and increase life expectancy by 3-5 years as well as reduce the incidence of certain cancers by over 60%. |
| Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, cancers, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and other conditions like hypertension, autism, psoriasis, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight in infants. |
| A sunscreen of an SPF 8 rating or higher applied according to manufacturers instructions will decrease the body’s synthesis of Vitamin D by 80-95%. |
| Certain medications significantly decrease the body’s level of Vitamin D. |
| Working with a Naturopathic Doctor can help one determine how to achieve optimal Vitamin D levels. |
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November 21, 2007 - Pedometers and Weight Loss
CTV reports on a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association that pedometers may encourage weight loss. www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071121/weight_loss_071121/20071121
The Naturopathic Perspective
| Increasing your physical activity using the pedometers also lowers your blood glucose levels, which can be excellent for people with Type 2 Diabetes. |
| Public Health authorities suggest 90 minutes of exercise daily broken up into manageable segments as the new fitness maintenance recommendations. A pedometer can help you determine how many steps are taken in 90 minutes, and you don't have to do it all at once. For example, one could take a 20-minute walk to and from work, a 15-minute walk on breaks and lunchtime, and maybe 10 minutes at home to achieve that 90-minute recommendation. |
| Start your walking program with reasonable goals to avoid injury and discomfort from doing too much too soon. If you are obese, do a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) with a regulated health professional. |
| Research has shown that walking programs are more successful when done in a group setting. A group increases motivation, relieves stress, and makes the time pass quickly. |
| Make sure that you are walking at a pace, which ensures your ability to carry a conversation. If you are unable to do so, slow down. On the other hand, if you are able to sing or whistle a tune, you may need to speed up a bit. The goal is to break a light sweat after about 10 minutes of walking and be able to maintain that pace. |
| Make sure that you stretch your legs and upper body after 5 minutes of walking, and to do so again after the walking has stopped to prevent muscle cramps and tightening. |
| Walking (or any regular aerobic exercise) is a great way to improve lymphatic circulation and help your immune system circulate white blood cells, which helps the body eliminate viruses and bacteria better. |
Visit our promotional materials page for information about ordering CAND branded pedometers as well as our other promotional items.
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November 13, 2007 - Fecal Transplants for C. Difficile
The CBC reports that fecal transplants can cure 90% of C. Difficile infections. www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/11/13/fecal-transplant.html
The Naturopathic Perspective
| The beneficial use of healthy fecal material points out that, if our gastrointestinal tracts are healthy, so are we. The stronger and healthier that we keep the gastrointestinal tracts of children, the less likely they are to get sick. Recent research confirms a link between unhealthy gastrointestinal tract flora and allergies, eczema, ADD, and autism, to mention a few. |
| A much more palatable and accessible option than feces implants for most people would be a mix of commercially available probiotic bacteria. This is a research project just waiting to be funded and done to give a viable, cost-effective treatment for C. difficile. |
| Acknowledging that antibiotic use leads to a decrease in healthy gastrointestinal tract flora and sets up a milieu in which organisms like C. difficile can thrive and that implanting healthy fecal implant can eradicate C. difficile leads to an obvious pro-active health policy. A reasonable treatment would be, not waiting until C. difficile infection has occurred but, instead, making implantation of healthy flora rectally the standard for care whenever strong, repeated or long-term dosing of antibiotics is used. |
| Feces are up to 80% bacteria. The healthier that bacterial population is in each person, the less dangerous feces are to public health. Encouraging a healthy gastrointestinal bacterial population will contribute to increased public health. |
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October 25, 2007 – Influenza Vaccine Efficacy
The Globe and Mail reports that this years flu vaccine will probably not be as effective as hoped
www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071025.wlflu25/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home
The Naturopathic Perspective
| The Globe and Mail reports, “there are mismatches between the strains the vaccine protects against and those actually circulating in the community.” The last time that there was a relative mismatch between the strains of influenza used in the vaccine and the actual strain(s) of influenza affecting Canadians was during the 2003/ 2004 flu season. At this time, a study done in Toronto “failed to demonstrate any statistically significant effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing ILI (influenza-like illness) in residents of long-term care facilities in Toronto.” Furthermore, “These findings concur with another study of influenza efficacy in a children's hospital in Denver, where the preliminary data suggested that the 2003-2004 vaccine had no or low efficacy against ILI.” |
| There have been several recent reviews that question the actual ability of flu vaccinations to prevent mortality in the elderly, the most vulnerable population for significant disease following an influenza virus infection. |
| There are many natural health products that have shown efficacy in strengthening the innate immune system and therefore, providing the best prevention from influenza infection. A balanced, strengthened innate immune system also will decrease the likelihood of acquiring a secondary bacterial infection, the most common cause of morbidity and mortality following an influenza virus infection. |
| There is evidence that a compromised host’s nutritional status not only lowers immune defenses but also results in much more virulent, harmful viruses if infection does occur. There are a number of natural health products that have been shown to decrease the likelihood that a person will develop significant signs and symptoms of influenza even if an infection does occur. |
| Public health policies encouraging the proper methods of hand-washing, sneezing and coughing and staying home to reduce public exposure when sick with the flu are some of the most effective ways to prevent transmission of the influenza virus between susceptible persons. |
| There are numerous well-designed epidemiological and observational studies demonstrating the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in preventing and treating influenza. |
Click here to view and download the CAND's position paper on flu vaccines.
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October 7, 2007 - Environmental Toxins
The Calgary Herald quotes study claiming environmental toxins claim 25,000 Canadian lives per year.
www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html
The Naturopathic Perspective
| The link between environmental pollutants and chronic diseases is no longer hypothetical, however, the allopathic approach has a very difficult time diagnosing and treating these conditions. |
| There are over 80,000 industrial chemicals in use in North America and It is no longer a question of if these chemicals are in our bodies but rather are they causing illnesses or obstacles to recovery. |
| It is becoming increasingly clear that very small amounts of multiple chemicals can be just as harmful as large amounts Nutrition, genetics, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, age, gender and the timing of the exposure all factor into susceptibility and the development of chronic disease. |
| It is through the application of healing traditions, such as sauna, colon hydrotherapy, herbal and nutritional supplementation that support the body’s inherent ability to remove wastes from the body that these environmental toxins can be removed, improving health, preventing illness and treating disease. |
| Cleansing can range from basic dietary strategies to aggressive protocols. The nature of the program is highly dependant on the severity of the illness. |
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June 2007 – Gardasil
Gardasil is a vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) manufactured by Merck & Co. It is marketed as an “Anti-Cancer” vaccine to females 9-26 years of age. www.gardasil.com
The Naturopathic Perspective
| It is important to note that there is no cervical cancer epidemic in Canada, and that Canada has some of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world. |
| 70% of women with HPV infection clear it spontaneously within 1 year; 90% within 2 years. This means that even if a woman has a high risk strain of HPV there is a very good likelihood that their immune system will be able to resolve it naturally. |
| The risk of any cervical disease is greatly decreased with a yearly Pap smear and safe sexual practices. |
| There is a concern that this vaccine will give women a false sense of security and decrease yearly Paps and safe sexual practices. |
| There are other factors that increase the risk of cervical cancers; such as, long-term contraceptive use, poverty, stress, smoking and nutritional deficiencies. Addressing these factors, irrespective of vaccination, is very important. |
| There are 15 different types of HPV that might cause cancer. Gardasil was developed to address only 4 types. |
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May 2007 – Lybrel
Lybrel is a low-dose prescription oral contraceptive marketed as a "no period pill" by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. www.wyeth.com/news
The Naturopathic Perspective
| No studies have been done to determine the risks of not menstruating for prolonged periods of time. |
| No independent studies have been done to determine if indeed Lybrel will relieve cycle-related headaches, breast tenderness, cramps or nausea. |
| Adverse reactions similar to those associated with use of any birth control pills can occur. |
| Women are cyclical, and the body is meant to change cyclically - disturbing that bio-rhythm can set a woman up for many different health concerns. |
| Menstruation is a natural process. |
| There are many tools within the scope of naturopathic medicine which can be used to modify, and balance a woman's cycle. |
