Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Clinic: Active Health Centre, Markham, Ontario

Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic: (905) 294-0454

e-mail: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.facebook.com/lifelongwellnesscentre
www.twitter.com/lifelongwell



Friday, January 21, 2011

Naturopathic Medicine and Comprehensive Lab Analysis offered by R. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND

Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic: (905) 294-0454

e-mail: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.facebook.com/lifelongwellnesscentre
www.twitter.com/lifelongwell

Clinic Fees

Initial Appointment: $189
Between 1-1.5 hours and includes a full naturopathic intake, physical exam, lab interpretation (of existing lab reports), in depth nutritional assessment.  Treatments include nutritional (diet, nutritional supplementation) and/or herbal advice based on individual findings.  Physical medical advice such as specific exercises may be recommended as well.

Follow-up Apppointments: $79
Typically 30-45 minutes

Initial Acupuncture: $80
Customized acupuncture protocols designed to treat the individual based on traditional chinese medical findings (symptoms, tongue, pulse) as well as modern naturopathic findings. 

Follow-up Acupuncture: $50

Lab Work: These tests can be incredible tools to help you on your journey to promote lifelong wellness!
Please e-mail me if you have any questions: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com.

Urinary Thyroid: $255:
urine sample collected over 24 hours that measures free T4, free T3, selenium.  The avantage is that instead of a blood test (a snapshot at that moment), this urine sample can give an idea of how the thyroid functions over a 24 hour period.

Salivary Hormone Tests

Complete Estradiol and Progesterone Profile: $354:
takes samples of saliva over a 31 day period and then plots estradiol (most potent estrogen) against progesterone in a curve.  The advantage again is instead of people measuring a snapshot at that moment from a blood sample, a woman can obtain a measurement of these two hormones as they function pretty much over the course of their entire menstrual cycle.  This is a huge plus for women who are menopausal, women who are trying to conceive, women who have other menstrual irregularities (symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle: PMS, fertility concerns, menopause, etc.).

4 Point Cortisol Curve $249:
Cortisol is one of our major stress hormones.  When there is a stressful situation, we need this hormone to actually be stressed in the first place and adequately cope with it.  If someone is stressed all of a sudden for a short while, this hormone may increase too high (not good).  Conversely if someone is chronically stressed for a long period of time (many months or years) this hormone may be too low (not good).  Naturopathic Medicine can help!  People can measure cortisol in the blood through their MD, however again (only a snapshot).  This curve is at 4 different times of a day and taken from saliva (less invasive).  Cortisol should be highest in the morning and then decrease towards the night, so that our major sleep hormone melatonin can take over so that we can get a nice restful sleep.  As you can see, sleep and stress are intimately connected!

Female Panel + Cortisol $435:
we just went through cortisol.  The other hormones measured are Estradiol (major estrogen), Progesterone, DHEA, and Testosterone.  All of these hormones are useful in determine a baseline for wellbeing.  This is an excellent test for someone who wishes to see where they are hormonally as a general check.  DHEA is a measure of adrenal function (to compliment the cortisol) as well as potentially sign of aging. 

Male Panel + Cortisol $373:
same as female but without progesterone and also contains the cortisol curve.

DHT $93:
This hormone is a biproduct of testosterone.  Testosterone can be converted to DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase.  If DHT gets too high, it can be linked with many health related concerns (both male and female); notably regarding prostate health, male pattern baldness, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fertility, acne.

Hair Mineral Analysis $102:
This is a fantastic test for detecting toxicity; notably heavy metals.  People may wish to obtain this test to assess their general health, signs/symptoms associated with heavy metal toxicity (lead, mercury, arsenic, etc.).  Someone who may want to go on a detoxification program may want to look at this test.  Even someone who has been living in an old home (pipes, paint, etc.).
If you or someone you know are on medications that they would like to wean off; pain meds, anxiety/depression meds, etc., consider booking in for an initial visit.  Often naturopathic medicine can even compliment conventional medications to help them work more effectively, and alleviate many of the side effects!  15 minute consults can be booked either in clinic or over the phone for anyone interested and they are free of charge.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Promote Lifelong Detoxification!


Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic: (905) 294-0454

e-mail: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.facebook.com/lifelongwellnesscentre
www.twitter.com/lifelongwell
 
Now that the new year is in gear, we all know people that are bringing up the topic of detoxification.  The problem with detoxes in boxes or 'fad' detoxes such as the master cleanse, is that they fail to address the individual.  People detoxify but then experience symptoms such headache, nausea, etc., which the industry calls the 'healing crisis'.  This is the result of the body's detoxification methods being manipulated out of balance.  Too much phase 1 detox and not enough phase 2 is a common example.  This can be avoided with a responsible detoxification program.  I offer a comprehensive hair mineral analysis, which evaluates people for certain toxins (lead, mercury, other mineral contents, etc.). 

My custom detoxification programs are in depth, including a full intake, physical exam, and nutritional work up.  I treat using acupuncture and herbs in addition to nutritional recommendations that are specific to the individual's case.  These therapies are designed to improve and rejuvenate the major detoxification organs (liver, kidney, skin) to promote energy, vitality, and to empower people to move forward with their goals. 

Common skin ailments (eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea) can be treated very effectively.  Overindulgence can be effectively treated (alcohol, smoking, weight gain).  People suffering from migraines, chemical sensitivities, digestive concerns should consider my comprehensive detoxification program designed for them.  I encourage you to speak to your family members, friends, patients about supporting lifelong detoxification.  I am available for free 15 minute consults and as always anyone can reach me anytime at info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Foods You'll Want to Think About; Energy and Mental Well-being

Robert W. Horovitz, B.Sc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor
The Lifelong Wellness Company Inc.
Active Health Centre
5871 Hwy 7 E
Markham, ON L3P 1A3
Clinic: (905) 294-0454

e-mail: info@lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.lifelongwellnesscentre.com
www.facebook.com/lifelongwellnesscentre
www.twitter.com/lifelongwell
 
Green Tea: For centuries, green tea has been revered for its energizing properties.  Whole green tea, a source of caffeine interestingly contains L-theanine, revered for its ability to calm the nerves and promote restful sleep.  5-10 cups per day long term has only shown benefit for the heart and the mind. 

Kale: High fiber, combined with powerful disease fighting glucosynolates, is a hormone balancing must have!  Kale is also a very good source of b-vitamins, which are energizing and help support a healthy functioning nervous system

Cacao: High in theobromine, an energizing compound, cacao is also a source of the amino acid tryphtophan, which promotes relaxation and increase the natural production of endorphins.  Combine whole, organic raw cacao nibs with organic goji berries, and you’ll have one of my personal favourite snacks for both energy and mood. 

Wild, Alaskan, Salmon Oil: Omega-3 essential fatty acids contained in fish have been well researched for their ability to nourish the nervous system and improve mental well being.  Did you know that whole salmon does not just contain omega-3 fatty acids, but rather an array of other fatty acids that may have profound health benefits?  Omega 5 and 7 are two such examples.  Moreover, whole salmon oil contains a powerful orange pigment called astaxanthin as well as naturally occurring vitamin D, which have mood modulating properties. 

Sprouted Organic Chia: Chia is a great source of magnesium, b-vitamins, and insoluble fiber.  Additionally, this superfood contains omega-3 fatty acids and is a potent antioxidant reaching an ORAC value that is approximately double that of non-sprouted chia.  For PMS and other potential hormone imbalances, consider a good fiber source such as chia. 

Organic Brown Rice Bran: This food tastes incredibly sweet and is a winner in my opinion in any shake or smoothie.  Having a high b-vitamin content, it is also incredibly versatile in its nutrition.  Compounds such as inositol-6-phosphate are used by the body to coat our nerves and promote a healthy immune system.  It looks great, tastes, great; it is great!

Whey Protein Isolate: Whey is an incredible full spectrum amino acid containing food from dairy.  Whenever analyzing mood disorders, I am compelled to discern whether a patient is consuming enough good quality amino acids throughout the day.  Amino acids are required by the body to produce neurotransmitters and hormones in general so protein adequacy is a must!  Whey protein isolate is relatively low in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol.  Alongside a good fiber source, protein can help to balance blood sugar for long sustained energy.

Camu camu: A berry from Peru that is one of the highest known vitamin C containing foods in the world.  With an array of other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Camu camu has been shown to provide benefit in people suffering from depression.  Interestingly, vitamin C is also required by the body to produce cortisol, one of our main stress supportive hormones.