copeman healthcare centre • volume vii issue iv · that was a telling moment for jim who knew he...

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RECENT EVENTS JAN Seminar: Strategies for managing stress with Silvia Henning FEB Seminar: Cardiac Q&A with Dr. Peter House and Hedieh Hafizi, MS, CES FEB Smart Weight Program: Kickstart your (weight) loss program MAR Seminar: Cracking the code on sugar with Leah Perrier, RD & Christine Shaddick, RD MAR Nutrition Month MAR Kidney Health Month APR Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month MAY Copeman Kids Seminar: Concussion Prevention with Trish Stolle, NP UPCOMING EVENTS MAY Seminar: The lastest in Hypertension with Dr. Saul Isserow, Cardiologist MAY National Physiotherapy Month JUN Copeman Kids Seminar: Children's Safety with Amra Dizdarevic, NP JUN Stroke Awareness Month Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV Fat: friend or foe? For the past 50 years, we’ve been told that saturated fats increase our risk of cardiovascular disease, but new research may suggest that this is an over simpli- fied view. Page 5 Smoking cessation: why stop now? No matter what stage of life you’re in or how long you’ve been smoking, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of quitting. Page 2 Fact or Fiction? Your comprehensive guide to common immunization misconceptions In the past 50 years, immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention. So, why are our immunization rates dropping? It is often because of many common misconceptions. Page 3 Hypertensive & pre-diabetic: Speed skating president gets back on track at 65 Prior to Copeman, Jim had not been in for a physical exam in five years. Following his Assessment, he was shocked to learn that he was hypertensive and on the verge of diabetes. Page 4

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Page 1: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

RECENT EVENTS

JAN Seminar: Strategies for managing stress with Silvia Henning

FEB Seminar: Cardiac Q&A with Dr. Peter House and Hedieh Hafizi, MS, CES

FEB Smart Weight Program: Kickstart your (weight) loss program

MAR Seminar: Cracking the code on sugar with Leah Perrier, RD & Christine Shaddick, RD

MAR Nutrition Month

MAR Kidney Health Month

APR Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

MAY Copeman Kids Seminar: Concussion Prevention with Trish Stolle, NP

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAYSeminar: The lastest in Hypertension with Dr. Saul Isserow, Cardiologist

MAY National Physiotherapy Month

JUN Copeman Kids Seminar: Children's Safety with Amra Dizdarevic, NP

JUN Stroke Awareness Month

Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV

Fat: friend or foe? For the past 50 years, we’ve been told that saturated fats increase our risk of cardiovascular disease, but new research may suggest that this is an over simpli-fied view. Page 5

Smoking cessation: why stop now?No matter what stage of life you’re in or how long you’ve been smoking, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of quitting. Page 2

Fact or Fiction? Your comprehensive guide to common immunization misconceptionsIn the past 50 years, immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention. So, why are our immunization rates dropping? It is often because of many common misconceptions. Page 3

Hypertensive & pre-diabetic: Speed skating president gets back on track at 65Prior to Copeman, Jim had not been in for a physical exam in five years. Following his Assessment, he was shocked to learn that he was hypertensive and on the verge of diabetes. Page 4

Page 2: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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Medical Message With Dr. Misagh Ziaei, Family Physician

Misagh Ziaei, BSc, MSc, MD, CCFP is a Family Physician at the Copeman Healthcare Centre in Edmonton. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry (with Honours) from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Science degree in Physiology from the University of Alberta, where he also completed medi-cal school.Though his medical practice is rooted in evidence-based science, he believes that health should encompass the physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of life.

o matter what stage of life you’re in or how long you’ve been smoking, it’s

never too late to enjoy the benefits of quitting.

Cessation will not only stop the daily damage to your body, but will also have an immediate positive effect on every aspect of your health, the health of those around you, and your overall quality of life. As soon as 24 hours after your last cigarette, your risk of heart attack, normally higher than that of non-smok-ers, will begin to drop.

Quitting smoking can also have a profound effect on the health of your lungs, which have an amazing ability to regenerate and heal. As we get older, our lung function naturally declines. If we drew a picture to describe this, it would look like a gently-sloped tobogganing hill. In smokers, lung function declines at a faster rate; imagine a steep, black diamond ski hill. However, studies have shown that within months after you quit smoking, your lung function begins to look like the toboggan hill again – no matter what your age.

Consider that each day, 100 Canadians die from a smoking-related illness such as cancer, heart disease and stroke; tobacco continues to be the leading cause of preventable death nation-wide, leading to more than 37,000 premature deaths every year. Researchers estimate that, on average, smokers lose about 15 years of their lives.

On the flip side, quitting smoking could also extend the lives of your family and friends, as well as your own. Second-hand smoke is a known risk factor for various cancers, and this smoke (as well as smoke residue on your clothing) can irritate the lungs of those with asthma and other lung diseases. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of sec-ond-hand smoke because the air sacs in their lungs are smaller and less developed.

Because smoking damages the inner lining of blood vessels throughout the body, the smallest blood vessels – such as those in the brain, heart, lungs, genitals, and skin – are particularly vulnerable to damage. Quitting

smoking will improve brain health, leading to positive effects on memory and concen-tration, while also allowing you to increase cardiovascular endurance, enabling you to walk, run, swim, ski, or golf that much longer and that much better.

In addition to an improvement in libido and physical appearance, through looking less aged and developing less fine lines and wrinkles, former smokers also enjoy more disposable income. The financial burden of smoking can further decrease quality of life - according to Health Services Alberta, the average smoker spends over $3,500 per year on cigarettes.

While quitting smoking can be difficult, your team at Copeman is here to help you discover other ways of enjoying life that won’t put your health, the health of your loved ones, and your quality of life at risk. There are multiple strate-gies to quitting smoking, and not all of them require taking pills. Talk to your Copeman care team today.

Smoking: why stop now?

Page 3: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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Health Tips With Amra Dizdarevic, Family Health Nurse Practitioner

Fact or Fiction? Your guide to common immunization misconceptions

In early January, in the wake of a measles outbreak in California, I fielded many calls regarding immunization. I was happy to comfort those who had already been vaccinated, and counselled those who had not, to come in as soon as possible. The efficacy of a single dose of measles vaccine is estimated to be 85% to 95%, and with a second dose rises to almost 100%. This is excellent news for parents and children since measles is otherwise very contagious and spreads easily in the absence of immunization.

Measles is just one example of the diseases that are making a comeback due to decreased immunization rates in our communities. Polio is also on the rise in countries where for many years there had been no reported cases. Whooping cough (pertussis) has made increased appearances in Canada and the United States, and when NHL players were recently diagnosed with swollen parotid glands, mumps has suddenly come back into the spotlight.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, in the past 50 years, immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention. So with such impressive results, why are our immunization rates dropping? It is often because of many common misconceptions.

Getting too many vaccines could overwhelm my child's immune system. FALSE

FACT: By far, the most common misconception - scientific evidence shows that giving several vaccines at the same time has no adverse effect on a child’s immune system. Children are exposed to several hundred foreign substances (antigens) that trigger an immune response every day. Their bodies constantly face things that challenge their immune systems, such as bacteria that lines our skin, nose, throat and intestines, as well as bacteria in food, water and air.

Immunologists and microbiologists looked into the number of im-munological challenges a person can respond to at one time. After considering the variety of compounds in vaccines, they calculated that young children could safely respond to as many as 10,000 vaccines at once. We currently recommend that children get vaccinated against 13 diseases over a two-year period. Also, vaccines have become more refined over time – there are fewer antigens in the vaccines now than there were 20 years ago.

Vaccines can contain ingredients that are dangerous. FALSE

FACT: The one substance parents often hear about is thimerosal. Thimerosal is an organic compound containing a form of mercury (called ethylmercury) that is used as a preservative to prevent contamination.

There is no evidence ethylmercury is harmful, and there has been con-siderable research to prove that.

The World Health Organization, the Centres for Disease Control, and Health Canada looked at thimerosal and reached the same conclusion: no connection to any diseases. However, because some parents were alarmed, thimerosal has since been removed from any of the routine childhood vaccines.

Thimerosal is broken down by the body to ethylmercury, which is different than methylmercury, which is the chemical actually known

to cause harm. To try to equate ethylmercury to methylmer-cury is like saying that ethyl alcohol, which is present in

a glass of wine, is the same thing as methyl alcohol, which is the antifreeze that’s put in a car. They are

not the same thing.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism. FALSE

FACT: This myth started in 1998, when a study authored by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and col-

leagues was published in the medical journal, The Lancet. Recently, the editors of The Lancet

officially retracted the paper, citing evidence that it contained false information. Unfortunately, the

study set off panic, causing vaccination results to drop and rates of measles to skyrocket.

Many other studies, including those published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal, have shown that autism is not linked to the MMR vaccine. One of the largest long-term studies was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002. Following 537,000 children, the study found the rates of autism were the same among kids who had been vaccinated and those that had not. After extensive reviews, the Canadian Pediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organi-zation and other major medical authorities have all concluded the same thing: the MMR vaccine is not causing the rise in autism.

Vaccine-preventable diseases are almost eradi-cated in Canada, so there is no reason to be vaccinated. FALSE

FACT: Although vaccine preventable diseases have become uncommon in many countries, the infectious agents that cause them continue to circulate in some parts of the world. In a highly inter-connected world, these agents can cross geographical borders and infect anyone who is not protected. For example, with the recent resurgence of polio in Israel, we’ve had to ensure students going on school trips receive a polio booster and do not contract this disease while away, and more importantly do not “import” it back to Canada. Successful vaccination programs, like successful societies, depend on the cooperation of every individual to ensure the good of all. We should not rely on people around us to stop the spread of disease; we, too, must do what we can.

Amra graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology & Genetics, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner. Amra maintains a special interest in pediatric health, travel medicine and immunizations. She also has a keen interest in education and is an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Nursing and teaches in the Master’s program.

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Page 4: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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Live Well With Barbara Balfour, Independent Health Journalist

Speed skating president gets back on track at 65

Jim Allison had always been vaguely aware of his own health risks but it became impossible to ignore soon after he turned 65. At an age when he had outlived his own father, the parent of two and president of Speed Skating Canada one day found himself gasping for breath.

“I was with a friend of mine who despite his recent bypass surgery was strolling along beside me carrying a laptop,” recalls Jim. “He began laughing and I thought to myself, here I am, involved in a high perfor-mance sport and I can’t even make it down the street carrying a box.”

That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track.

“I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what the solution would be,” explains Jim,“ But I knew this was one problem that couldn’t wait.”

Enter the folks at Copeman Healthcare.

Comprised of a family physician integrated with dietitians, kinesiolo-gists, and a family health nurse, the Copeman team used a collabora-tive approach to identify Jim’s health risks and develop a personalized plan that fit his busy lifestyle.

In addition to his duties at Speed Skating Canada, Jim owns an asset management company and is a member of the National Board of the Canadian Condominium Institute. He enjoys a busy schedule and prior to his arrival at Copeman Healthcare had not been in for a physical exam in five years.

Following his Comprehensive Health Assessment he was shocked to learn that he was hypertensive and on the verge of diabetes. Partly due to a diet rich in fats and sugar he had dangerously high blood sugar and was treading a risky path.

“I knew I could do better,” Jim admits, “And I was committed to change.”

Thanks to Copeman’s unique approach, Jim was able to get his health back under control by breaking realistic goals down into manageable steps. Within a month, he saw visible results. In six months, he had lost 23 pounds and his waistline had shrunk by almost three inches!

Today, his blood sugar and blood pressure levels are no longer in the danger zone.

“Copeman’s approach was about what I wanted to do, rather than the traditional lecture about what I should do,” he says. “It was about educating me on the changes that were necessary, encouraging me to make positive choices and helping me stick to them.”

At Copeman Healthcare Jim never felt like he was on the clock. His questions weren't limited and his appointment times were ample. The staff attended to him promptly and courteously and never left him waiting.

“If my appointment is at 9 a.m., it’s really at 9 a.m. Staff are very pro-fessional, welcoming, and make you feel comfortable,” says Jim. “And they truly collaborate with each other which is incredibly helpful in terms of pooling their expertise.”

As part of a blood pressure monitoring program, Jim sees a nurse every six weeks, which allows him to keep on top of vaccination and flu shots at appropriate times – something he had never done before.

At one of these visits, Jim casually referred to a stressful period he was experiencing.

“I mentioned it was one of those crazy months where everything that could go wrong, did. Two days later I received a phone call from the doctor – ‘Ashley, your nurse, mentioned you were having some recent challenges. We’d like to suggest you come in to discuss how to cope with the stress.’

“I was so impressed.”

A committed Copeman client for life, Jim can’t believe the changes he’s seen in his health so far. He is looking forward to getting into road biking and spending many more years ahead with his children.

“I have more energy, I feel better about myself - and my employees all say I am much easier to get along with! And my kids are just delighted; they want me to be around a little longer.”

“When I see my colleagues and friends not getting answers and being bounced around in the conventional system, it’s so great to be able to offer them a solution like Copeman Healthcare, which has done so much for me.”

If you have a health story that could inspire others, please speak to your care team or contact: [email protected]

Page 5: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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Food for Thought With Nina Hirvi, Registered Dietitian & Director, Clinical Service Integration

Fat: friend or foe?

For the past 50 years, we’ve been told that saturated fats increase our risk of cardiovascular disease, a view that has been adopted by organizations ranging from Health Canada and the American Heart As-sociation through to the World Health Organization.

Today, research has emerged suggesting that this may be an over-simplified view, and that different types of saturated fatty acids in fact affect blood cholesterol in different ways.

It may come as a surprise that not all fats are bad for you. For example, stearic acid, a fatty acid found in beef, is known to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The consumption of eggs, a signifi-cant source of dietary cholesterol (170mg per egg), has not been cor-related with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in the context of primary prevention.

On the other hand, it is well established that Trans Fatty Acids are known to unfavourably elevate LDL cholesterol and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. As a result, since 2006 government bodies have regulated food manufacturers requiring them to reduce their use of modified fats in items such as margarines and baked goods to bring estimated intake to 3.5 grams/day. Critics argue this does not go far enough and suggest Canada should ban trans-fat altogether to match US action taken in 2013.

When it comes to fats, marketing programs often confuse the facts on what drives optimal health. For instance, in the 1990’s an abundance of marketing hype surrounding fat-free foods cultivated the perception that healthy eating meant avoiding all types of fats, all the time. “Fat-

free” bagels, cereal, jelly beans and even cooking spray soon appeared on the market without regard to food quality or quantity.

While it is not always clear which fatty acids serve our health best, evidence suggests that a diet higher in protein and fat largely derived from plant-based and unsaturated sources such as nuts, avocado, olive and canola oil, results in fewer cardiovascular risks compared to a diet higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat.

It is important to remember chronic disease is rarely the result of one nutrient or one risk factor. Health risks may have less to do solely with the intake of saturated fat and more to do with the specific nutritional requirements of the individual. Patient risk needs to be considered on a case by case basis and dietary requirements assessed in the context of that individual’s overall risk. As we have found at Copeman Health-care, personalized care and attention is an essential component when developing care plans including dietary recommendations.

As the science of nutrition has evolved, marketers eager to sell food products have played with messaging that may have confused the facts about healthy eating. The truth is much simpler than it seems - the more we eat fresh whole foods and less processed, refined products the healthier we will be.

Nina Hirvi is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Clinical Integration at Copeman Healthcare in Vancouver. She has provided realistic nutrition solu-tions to several thousand clients through both individual counseling and seminars throughout Canada.

Brain Health With Dr. Marianne Hrabok, Neuropsychologist

Three common myths about your brain

As a complex and mysterious organ, the brain has been subject to numerous myths and misunderstandings. As we continue to learn more about its intricate operation with every passing day, we now know enough to dispel some of the most enduring myths. Here are three you may have heard:

You only use 10% of your brain.

Imagine our potential if this were true! We actually use virtually all brain regions throughout the day for most activities. Brain stem and lower brain areas help us maintain basic functions (e.g., breathing), while our cortex, or upper brain regions, help us to remember, comprehend, and understand the world around us.

Alzheimer’s Disease and de-mentia are just part of aging.

Although age continues to be the biggest risk factor for the development of dementia, the illness is far from inevitable. In fact, research has suggested that health and lifestyle choices can impact our risk of developing dementia in the future, including: physical activity, diet, and management of car-diovascular risk factors, to name a few.

Getting an assessment of your thinking skills is only for people with cognitive problems.

A baseline cognitive assessment in people without cognitive difficulty can provide a reference point in the case of major illness

or brain injury, and can help your healthcare team focus on specific areas when develop-ing a treatment and prevention plan.

Getting a baseline can be useful for anyone in all phases of health, but is most useful for those interested in early detection, preven-tion, and maximization of health assessment. Other excellent candidates include: people in their late 50s or older, patients with a family history of neurologic conditions, or those who are involved in activities that put them at increased risk for head injuries through sports or work.

For more information on early detection, pre-vention and brain health assessment services, please contact your nearest Copeman Healthcare Brain and Psychological Health department.

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Dr. Marianne Hrabok is a board-certified neuropsychologist in the Brain & Psychological Health department at Copeman Healthcare Centre in Edmonton. Dr. Hrabok achieved her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Neuropsychology Specialization at the University of Victoria, her pre-doctoral residency at BC Children’s Hospital, and post-doctoral clinical and research fellowship at Alberta Children’s Hospital/Research Institute.

Page 6: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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Fitness Forum With Kylie Morrison, Clinical Exercise Specialist

Three fitness misconceptions put to rest

Whether you’ve set your sights on achieving a certain fitness goal or on sculpting the body of your dreams, you might be hearing advice that could be getting in the way of your workouts.

Widespread, though well-intentioned, fitness myths could hinder your performance, cause injury, or decrease the effectiveness of your fitness program. We’ve taken a look at three of the most common misconceptions to help you get the most out of your workout.

Kylie Morrison is a Clincal Exercise Specialist at Copeman Healthcare in Edmonton. She completed her Bachelor of Physical Education (Sports Perfor-mance Concentration) at the University of Alberta. Kylie went on to earn her Clinical Exercise Specialist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. She is skilled at fitness testing, prescribing and super-vising exercise, instructing strength training and helping clients progress and succeed with their exercise programs.

MYTH:I can reduce fat in certain areas of my body by targeting specific muscle groups.

TRUTH: A common example of this “spot reduction” theory is the belief that perform-ing hundreds of sit-ups and other abdominal exercises will lead to a decrease in belly fat. Though not completely wrong, as performing abdominal exercises will lead to an increased caloric expenditure and potential weight loss, it is misleading. Your body’s fat storage is predetermined, and so losing fat follows the same idea. A recent study analyzed this theory by having subjects exercise only their right leg. Over time, their full body fat per-centage had decreased, but their right leg had not changed. To simplify this; one may do abdominal exercises every day only to find that their arm circumference has reduced and their waist circumference hasn’t changed. The bottom line? You need to reduce your overall fat percentage to get that waistline to where you want it. Ask your Copeman Kinesiologist for guidance on where to begin.

I don’t strength train because I don’t want to get “bulky” or gain too much muscle mass.

TRUTH: Strength training is an important part of fitness. It is associated with numerous health benefits such as lower risk of mortality, lower risk of developing physical limitations, increased muscular strength, and improve-ments in body composition, blood pressure, and blood glucose control. It isn’t uncommon for individuals - especially women - to avoid strength training because they believe they will gain too much muscle mass. What these individuals do not understand is that the muscle growth that they are avoiding requires specific training performed at a higher frequency than what general guide-lines suggest. Those who desire an increase in muscle size plan their repetitions, sets, and rest periods to cater towards their goals. Their dietary intake is strategic in order to support their muscular gains. General strength training recommendations are designed to increase muscle strength, endurance, and power. While muscle growth will occur when an in-dividual adds weight training to their exercise program, this will not occur to an extent that is commonly perceived.

If I get the recommended 30-60 minutes of exercise five times per week, I can be lazy for the rest of my time.

TRUTH: Recommendations for aerobic exercise are as follows: 3-5 moderate intensity exercise sessions per week that last 30-60 minutes. Following these recommendations leads to health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, blood glucose control, decreased cholesterol and an increased fitness level. However, it is important to consider what else you are doing with your time. “Activities of daily living” are generally less intense, short bouts of physical activity that still affect your health and fitness. It is important to maintain these daily levels, even when you add vigorous exercise to your routine. Examples include taking the stairs, household chores, and choosing to walk instead of drive.

Get on the right path to a healthier, safer and more enjoyable workout. Contact your Copeman Healthcare Kinesiologist today to answer any questions you may have or to help you make the most of your fitness plan.

MYTH: MYTH:

Page 7: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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Health Tips With Michele Tavernini, Registered Dietitian & Associate Director, Clinical Services Integration

Six tips to help you make safe & informed supplement choices

The use of supplements or Natural Health Products (NHP) is a multi-billion dollar industry. Thanks to popular television shows and the internet, numerous products are promoted to well-meaning people hoping to positively influence their health. Unfortunately, conscientious consumers often choose supplements based on clever marketing, anecdotal evidence and testimonials, rather than on sound scientific evidence.

It is important to know that makers of supplements are not bound by the same rules as drug manufacturers, and do not have to show that their products are safe or effective before selling them. Fortunately, Health Canada responded to this concern by forming the Natural Health Products Directorate.

Regulations are in place to ensure that Canadians have ready access to NHPs that are safe, effective and of high quality. The regulations require that NHP health claims be supported by specific standards and that products are made according to good manufacturing practices in licensed facilities. Products approved will have a DIN (drug identifica-tion number), NPN (natural product number) or a DIN-HM (drug identi-fication number – homeopathic medicine) on the label.

Supplements are a good option when you need them, but whole foods are best. Studies consistently show that vitamins and minerals in food are superior to supplements, so eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains will provide most of the nutrients for maintaining health and well-being. Supplementation of large amounts of some vitamins or minerals can have harmful effects. Your Copeman Registered Dietitian can advise whether or not you need to add supplements to your diet and help you navigate the claims made in popular media.

Michele Tavernini is the Associate Director, Clinical Service Integration, a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Diabetes Educator at Copeman Healthcare Centre in Edmonton. Michele has an extensive background in nutrition, having spent 17 years in a gastroenterology research lab before returning to school to study Food and Nutritional Science. Michele enjoys dispelling myths, providing sound nutrition advice and counselling clients to appreciate the incredible machine their body is and the importance of providing premium fuel for optimal performance.

tips to help you make a safe and informed choice

1. If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. Are the claims exaggerated or unrealistic? Be skeptical about anecdotal information from people who have no formal training in nutrition or from personal testimonials about the incredible benefits or results obtained from using a product.

2. Avoid chasing the latest headline. Sound health advice is based on a body of research and not a single study. Remember, science proceeds by conducting many studies that build toward a consensus.

3. Natural does not mean healthy and safe. The use of “natural” on labels is not well-defined and can sometimes be used to imply unsubstantiated benefits or safety.

4. Don’t assume that any supplement is harmless. When taken in high enough amounts, for a long time or in combination with other substances, all chemicals can be toxic.

5. Discuss taking supplements with your doctor, as many supplements can interact with medica-tions, be harmful to people with certain medical conditions, or be dangerous when undergoing surgery.

6. Does the supplement have an NHP number? Check the label for a DIN (drug identification number), NPN (natural product number) or a DIN-HM (drug identification number – homeo-pathic medicine).

Page 8: Copeman Healthcare Centre • Volume VII Issue IV · That was a telling moment for Jim who knew he had to get himself back on track. “I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALGARY Welcome Family Physicians, Dr. Margot Wilderdijk & Dr Ali Abdalvand.New faces also include Client Services Coordinators, Roxanne Sigouin, Julia Smail, Marina Bertram & Robin Donaise; Kinesiologists, Karen Fox & Kathryn Moncks and Family Health Nurse Practi-tioner, Devon Weaver.

EDMONTON Coming soon: Smart Weight Program, a complimentary weight loss program open to all LifePlus clients.

VANCOUVER Welcomes Family Health Nurse, Krista Johnston to the team.

WEST VANCOUVER Welcomes Family Physician, Dr. Sarah O'Connor to the team. Family Health Nurse, Carlina Jow is now available Mon, Wed & Fri. Lab hours extended to 2:30pm Mon, Wed & Fri Healthy Aging Chair Exercises every Tuesday at 9:30am. Contact Hedieh Hafizi.

Daffodil BallOrganized by the Canadian Cancer Society, Daffodil Month is a national fundraising campaign that supports the vital fight against cancer. To aid in the fundraising efforts in Vancouver, the Canadian Cancer Society holds the annual Daffodil Ball. Copeman is pleased to be an annual donor to this event.

Community Involvement

An Evening to Conquer Oral Cancer Prevention, early diagnosis and awareness are the key messages organizer, Brenda Currie hopes people will take away from An Evening to Conquer Oral Cancer - a message Copeman Healthcare was proud to support as an annual donor. The gala raises funds toward The BC Cancer Agency’s Oral Cancer Prevention Program.

Ovarian Cancer Research DinnerCopeman Healthcare was proud to donate to the annual Edmonton Eskimo's Women's Dinner in support of ovarian cancer research. The event will be held on May 7th in honour of Pam Monastyrskyj, a longtime employee and friend of the sports organization. To date, they have raised over $250,000 towards long-term, sustainable funding for researchers at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.

CALGARY 4th Floor, 628 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB, T2R 0H6 403-270-CARE (2273)

EDMONTON Suite 700, 10216 124 St. Edmonton, AB, T5N 4A3 780-455-CARE (2273)

VANCOUVER 4th Floor, 1128 Hornby St. Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2L4 604-707-CARE (2273)

WEST VANCOUVER Suite 200, 545 Clyde Avenue West Vancouver, BC, V7T 1C5 604-669-CARE (2273)

www.copemanhealthcare.com

@CopemanClinic

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Joey Mo completed his Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. His primary areas of interest include manual therapy, dry needling,

neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Joey’s background includes experience at the University of Alberta Hospital in cardiac sciences, orthopae-dic surgery, neurosciences, intensive care, and transplants, as well as several years in outpatient sports in both Edmonton and Leduc. He is certified as a K-Taping Specialist through K-Taping Academy Canada, as an acupuncture practitioner through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute, and is a Kinetacore functional dry needling graduate. Joey is trilingual, speaking Eng-lish, Mandarin, and French.

Joey has a keen interest in staying connected to the literature. He has a paper on lumbar spinal stenosis published in Physical Therapy, and is particularly interested in developing best practice protocols for physiotherapists practicing acupuncture and dry needling.

If you or someone you know is looking for an experienced physiotherapist in Edmonton, please contact the Copeman Healthcare Centre in Edmonton and ask to see Joey Mo or Lauren Jenkins. Physiotherapy services are also avail-able in Vancouver and Calgary.

New Physiotherapist in Edmonton: Joey Mo

Copeman Healthcare offers monthly payment options for the LifePlus Program