September 2, 2008

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:

Lisa Westlake
Communications Officer
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
1255 Sheppard Ave. E. Toronto, Canada M2K 1E2
Tel. 416-496-8633 Toll Free 1-800-551-4381
lwestlakeATcand.ca