Fall Into Health
I am enjoying another winter season with my family. I am delighted my youngest one has learned to say and recognize “Santa”. His little eyes are full of wonder with the festive decor and activities. The simple things are precious. I hope that everyone has this opportunity to appreciate the gifts of their everyday life. Thank you to all of my clients for another great year. I am happy to assist you in achieving your health goals! I hope you enjoy the winter edition of the clinic newsletter. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
~ Heather Caruso
Winter Injuries
 Winter is a notorious time for injuries from falls. Car accidents happen when the roads are slick, drive carefully! If you have had an accident and are injured, immediately start using Arnica 30CH, four pellets every half hour until you receive proper medical attention. Arnica is the best remedy for any injury. You can alternate it with other remedies for speedy healing. It is good for strains, sprains, bumps, bruises, cuts and breaks.
Aconite 30CH is helpful to take the edge off the fear and shock after an accident. If you are fearful driving after an accident, take this remedy every fifteen minutes for one hour before your drive. It can help ease your anxiety. (Rescue Remedy is also a very good remedy for fear and anxiety)
Mag. Phos 6X limbers up stiff and sore muscles. It is also useful for leg cramps, sore neck and back. This remedy helps to relax the muscle tissue surrounding the neck and release pressure on the nerves.
Hypericum is a great remedy for any injury where there are a lot of nerves For example, falls on the tailbone or back injuries. Even injuries to the fingers, toes, palms or soles are helped with the use of Hypericum. The characteristic pains of Hypericum are severe and the slightest motion of the arms or neck cause groans of pain.
Symphytum is a good remedy to help knit the bones back together when there is a break or fracture.
Ledum is a good remedy for sprained ankles. The ankle is swollen, bruised and very painful.
You can take these remedies in a12CH or 30CH potency. For acute conditions, take them every half an hour for two hours. After this take the remedies, three times a day for one week. If you find that the remedy has not helped you, contact your homeopath for a proper consultation.
What’s Bugging You?
According to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 50 million school children who are infected with parasites, many of whom go undetected. After researching this article, I realized how many ways we can become infected with parasites without our knowledge. Many people have parasites and don’t know it. It is no wonder with all of the modes of entry!
We can contract parasites through foods, such as produce that was washed in contaminated water or undercooked meat. Drinking water is said to contain parasites, such as Giardia. We can get parasites through our skin, via the swimming in lakes or walking in bare feet. Some insects such as mosquitoes, fleas and lice transmit parasites. Our beloved pets and even other people can be hosts.
Some common types of worms are roundworms (ascarids, hookworms, pinworms, threadworms) and tapeworms. Pinworms are common in children and cause anal itching, insomnia and restlessness. They are 1/3” long and thread like. Hookworms are transmitted through the skin and drinking water. They cause bloody sputum, itchy feet, fever, rash and low appetite. Threadworms are also transmitted through drinking water and through the skin. The symptoms of this bug are cough, bronchitis, abdominal pain, diarrhea and gas. Tapeworms are found in undercooked meat and fish. Signs of a tapeworm are appetite loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Some bugs have more severe consequences as they can cause muscle, heart and neurological damage. Cysts that form from parasites cause obstructions of the intestinal tract, bile ducts and blocked lymph ducts.
Signs and Symptoms of Parasites:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Weight Gain or Loss
- Craving for Fruits, Alcohol or Bread
- Skin Rashes
- Hives
- Bedwetting
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- Joint and Muscle Pains
- Allergies
- Nervousness and Anxiety
- Nighttime Waking
- Teeth Grinding
- Immune Weakness
- Anemia
- Cysts
- Headaches
- Dark Circles under the eyes
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How to Avoid Parasites:
- Wash hands before meals and after touching raw meats, changing diapers or bathroom visits.
- Avoid wooden cutting boards, or clean them with Clorox Bleach.
- Test your well water frequently.
- De-worm your pets, do not kiss your pets or let them sleep on your bed. Pick up their droppings and wash your hands immediately. Don’t let your pets eat from your plate. Feed your pets garlic as it naturally repels bugs.
- Do not wash your contacts in tap water. There is a parasite in tap water that causes corneal lesions.
- Do not eat raw meat or fish. Make sure you cook your meat, not microwave it. Smoked and pickled meats are not cooked and may be contaminated.
- Be sure your child’s daycare takes precautions to avoid the spread of parasites.
- If you travel overseas, be careful to only consume cooked foods and use bottled water. Only eat cooked vegetables and fruits. Fresh produce may be washed in contaminated water.
- If you use colonics, do not use regular tap water as Giardia and other bugs live in tap water.
- If you have poor stomach acid, you are more susceptible to parasites. Stomach acid usually kills any bugs that contact your stomach.
Treatment of Parasites:
Multiple stool samples should be tested by your doctor. Bugs can hide in the folds of the intestinal tract and be difficult to detect. EAV is a tool that can detect if you have an imbalance in your system which can leave you open to infestations. If you are interested in the EAV parasite testing, please contact the clinic for further information.
How to Survive A Doctor Who Hates Alternative Medicine
Because I write and publish many educational articles on natural medicine and have an active homeopathic practice, I have many interactions with M.D.s. Communication is typically pleasant and related to patient care. Only a minute number of doctors, I would classify as against alternative medicine. These types believe that diet or natural remedies are quackery and substandard to pharmaceutical treatment. I decided to write this article with hopes of opening communication between patients and these doctors. Maybe it will help a few disgruntled doctors as well!
Surveys have shown that when a doctor is openly opposed to natural remedies, people don’t stop using their supplements. They simply stop communicating with their M.D. This can pose a problem with supplement-drug interactions. Studies also show that more people are turning to alternatives because they want more from the medical system. Statistically people who seek alternative medicine are middle age, college or university educated and higher income class. The typical alternative health consumer is not a poor sucker being sold a snake oil.
 Some disgruntled doctor’s arguments against natural medicine are as follows:
1. People don’t get proper diagnosis and treatment. The law in Ontario states that an alternative practitioner cannot legally “diagnose” a disease but they can treat it. Be sure to see a practitioner who is a member of an association that holds high standards and is properly trained. This way you can ensure that they will refer you to an MD if you have symptoms that need further medical attention. No alternative practitioner should request a patient not do regular check ups with their Doctor.
2. I know nothing about natural remedies, so you shouldn’t use them. If a Medical Doctor doesn’t know about natural medicines, there are training facilities within the medical community that can enlighten them. Many pharmacies have manuals of drug-vitamin-herb interactions and are easily accessible. Many doctors feel rushed and only spend two to three minutes per patient. This time frame makes it impractical to discuss diet and supplements.
3. Natural remedies are not standardized and there is no study on complimentary medicine. Supplement companies are now required to submit products to the government for a approval and receive a number similar to a “drug identification number”. Many products have been standardized and are pharmaceutical grade. There are companies that do laboratory testing on their products to ensure their quality, for example AOR, Genestra, Douglas Labs and Metagenics. There is more interest in funding for pharmaceutical drugs because herbs, vitamins and food extracts cannot be patented. The majority of the interest lies in what products are profitable to manufacture. There has been scientific study of many natural supplements; certainly there is no comparison to budget for the studies on drugs.
Pay Attention to Attention Deficit Disorder
More and more children are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. In my opinion this is the same thinking in the diagnosis as “Irritable bowel syndrome”. We are unsure what is wrong and it needs a name. Labeling my help the child receive special attention in the school setting or community support. Children are often diagnosed with a one page questionnaire and put on trials of medication. Many times parents cannot afford to pay the thousands of dollars for private assessment and our taxed school systems only send the severely handicapped for testing. This is why our family physicians are diagnosing ADD and recommending medications. Many kids do not respond well to medication and suffer with decreased appetite and lethargy. Often after taking this they have no relief with their ADD behavioral concerns.
I have other theories about the causes of “ADD” like behavior. In practice I find many children have food sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies. Often times these kids need extra zinc and essential fatty acids. They may be deficient with other nutrients as well. They often show oppositional behavior and stubbornness. These are signs of discontent. Constitutional remedies are very helpful for balancing or grounding an ADD child. Children respond very quickly to homeopathy.
On a social level, I recommend a book by Gabor Mate, called “Scattered Minds”. It opened my eyes to the dance between parents and children. He sees ADD as a developmental delay not a disease. The frontal lobe is not developed fully due to a lack of proper “attunement”. You can read more about this from the local library.
An overview of ADD treatments, eliminate food allergens, correct nutritional imbalances, supplement with essential fatty acids and have a constitutional remedy prescribed. There are many social aspects to ADD which cannot be controlled with a magic pill. Families must develop some coping strategies for their youngster.
WHERE CAN I GET REMEDIES?
It is sometimes difficult to find a good selection of homeopathic remedies. Many health food stores only carry a small selection. If you have a store you like, you can ask them to order certain remedies you need. They should be able to accommodate you. I usually work with two stores where I keep office hours.
TRADITIONAL HOMOEOPATHY in Guelph, Willow West Mall, 519-822-0742.
They have the largest selection of homeopathics in the KW region. They also carry supplements, essential oils, natural beauty products, teas and books. They also sell higher quality professional supplement lines.
Perks: They give a 10% discount for orders over $200.00 and 15% discount for orders over $400.00.
Wednesdays seniors get 10% off. Delivery service is available.
HOOPER’S PHARMACY, at 88 Lakeshore Rd East, 905-278-4242
Hooper’s is a medical pharmacy and a natural apothecary. This concept is still new to Canada but it is working well for the Port Credit community. They have a great selection of homeopathics, natural supplements and teas, plus all of your other health and beauty needs.
Perks: They always have a pharmacist on site and a Homeopath on Fridays and Saturdays.
10% Discount is given to seniors every day on non sale merchandise |
