Q:  Recent news headlines say that processed meat and red meat increase bowel cancer risk.  Should I be worried?

A:  Processed meat has been classified as a ‘definite’ cause of cancer, and red meat as a ‘probable’ cause.  Breakdown products of red meat (N-nitroso compounds), as well as nitrites added to processed meat, may lead to cancer.  High temperature cooking (grilling, barbequing) may also increase cancer risk.

Meat is just one factor in bowel cancer risk, and the amount consumed affects risk.  It is also important to consider each individual’s risk, including family history, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, weight management, and dietary factors such as vegetable and fruit intake.  Overall, moderation is key: cutting down on meat, rather than eliminating it completely, makes sense for most people.

Update:
Dr. Cooper was recently a guest on The Lynda Steele Show on CKNW News Talk 980 AM, where she discussed the connection between processed meat, red meat, and cancer risk.  Learn more by listening to the podcast here.

For further reading, this is an excellent and comprehensive article from Cancer Research UK: Processed Meat and Cancer - What You Need to Know.

As seen in the Cloverdale Reporter...

Q:  I’ve heard that sunscreen can contain harmful ingredients.  Should I be concerned?

A:  Since sunscreens are promoted to protect the skin, it may come as a surprise that many of their ingredients are linked to potential hormone disruption, cell damage, and increased risk of skin cancer.  When choosing a sunscreen, key ingredients to avoid include oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), and parabens.  Safer ingredients to choose are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are mineral compounds that act to reflect, scatter, and absorb UV rays.

In addition, sunscreen inhibits the body’s natural production of vitamin D, a vital nutrient that plays a role in preventing skin cancer, among other benefits.  Diet, supplementation, and moderate sun exposure are appropriate ways to optimize vitamin D levels.

For more information, and to check the safety of your sunscreen, visit the 2015 Guide to Sunscreens from Environmental Working Group.

As seen in the Cloverdale Reporter...

Q:  I’ve heard that exercise can help depression.  Is this true?

A:  Absolutely!  Research has shown that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medications.  The mood-boosting effects of exercise have also been found to last longer; those who exercised were less likely to relapse.

Brisk walking for 35 minutes, 5 days per week, or for 60 minutes, 3 days per week, were both found to significantly improve symptoms in mild and moderate depression.  Exercise may be an acceptable substitute for antidepressants in many cases, especially for those who do not wish to take drugs or experience side effects from them.  In all cases, exercise should be considered as a key therapy in an individualized treatment plan.

As seen in the Cloverdale Reporter...

On June 2nd, 2012, with a 60% majority, the members of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) voted in favor of re-linking membership between the CAND and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), effective as of January 1st, 2013.  Holding the position of the Naturopathic Students' Association (NSA) CAND Representative, I recognize the importance of creating awareness about the re-linking of these two organizations.  To achieve this, there are several important questions I would like to address.

Why should the CAND and OAND be linked?

As a growing profession, there is strength in numbers.  When we stand united, we are able to provide a better representation of the profession to the public, government, other health care professions, and insurance companies, to name a few.  In this way, we are able to create a more positive viewpoint of our profession to these groups.  Division of the CAND and OAND sends a negative message to those we are trying to influence.

From a human resources perspective, linking these two associations will help to reduce duplication of benefits and workload.  It will also help to ensure that both associations will have the financial and human resources required in order to effectively address the challenges that our profession faces on both a national and provincial level.

How will re-linking affect naturopathic doctors in Ontario?  And naturopathic medical students?

Linking of the CAND and OAND essentially means that naturopathic doctors in Ontario who want to be a member of the CAND or OAND must be a member of both associations.  For some, this may initially present a financial challenge as it will require payment of fees to both associations. 

Throughout the re-linking process, the CAND and OAND have put considerable thought into the effects that higher membership fees may have.  Overall, they see the increased fees as an adjustment that naturopathic doctors in Ontario must make in order to help restore the relationship between the two associations; the focus is on working together on behalf of the profession.

The CAND and OAND view remaining de-linked as a risk for our profession not reaching its full potential in the province of Ontario, and thereby being less likely to become a prominent choice in healthcare.  It is important for all members to understand the beneficial effects of having linked membership, and that by the CAND and OAND committing to working together, this will result in improvements in the profession moving forward.  Membership fees go toward marketing and promotion, advocacy, professional education and member support; ultimately, the goal is to ensure the financial resources are available to assist Ontario in reaching its full potential.

Additionally, with all naturopathic doctors in Ontario supporting the CAND and OAND, the OAND has committed to reducing its fees beginning in 2014.

Students of The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) will not be financially affected by re-linking as they are already members of the CAND, and membership with the OAND is also sponsored.

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For any further questions about the CAND and OAND re-linking, or the CAND in general, please contact me at nsa_candrep@ndnet.ccnm.edu
Sincere thanks to Shawn O’Reilly, Heather Fleck, and Lowell Greib from the CAND for their contributions toward writing this article.

In a perfect world, everything we eat would be organic.  For most people, however, budgeting to eat 100% organic can be challenging.  That's why I love the research done by Environmental Working Group (EWG).  They have analyzed 49 fruits and vegetables for pesticide residue and have published the results on their website to help guide consumers as to which foods are most important to choose organic.  You can read the full list of 'Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce', and the condensed version, 'The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15' in the image below:

Since the benefits of eating non-organic fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of having a diet low in fruits and vegetables, this guide is very useful to help make decisions in the grocery store.  If you're just starting to take interest in organically grown foods, the risks of consuming pesticides may be worth considering:

Since the very nature of pesticides is to kill living organisms ("pests"), and humans are also considered living organisms, pesticides are toxic to us by their very definition.  In particular, the health risks that pesticides confer have been validated by researchers and physicians internationally, as well as by US and international government agencies.  Pesticides have been linked to many health conditions, such as:

• Brain and nervous system toxicity
• Cancer
• Hormone disruption
• Skin, eye and lung irritation

As an investment in our health and our future, a great first step is to be mindful of the produce we are consuming and to make educated choices about reducing our pesticide exposure.  Making small changes such as this can make a big difference when it comes to our long-term health, and so I wish for you good health and happy eating!

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Sources:
http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

There's no doubt of the importance of protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure.  From avoiding skin damage and aging to preventing skin cancer, minimizing exposure to UV rays is key for long-term skin health.  However, there are multiple ways to do so, and if sunscreen is your best option, read on for what to consider when choosing a product!

The Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s recommendations include spending time in the shade and wearing clothing and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes from the harmful UV rays.  They also recommend avoiding indoor tanning - it has been linked to several types of skin cancer, including melanoma (the most deadly form), squamous cell carcinoma, and ocular melanoma (cancer of the eye).

When spending time in the shade or covering up from the sun are just not options, be sure to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.  Building on this recommendation from a naturopathic point of view, it is important to choose a sunscreen that will protect you while not causing absorption of unnecessary chemicals - ironically, often carcinogenic chemicals - into your skin.  

In time for the season, Environmental Working Group has put together a comprehensive 2012 Sunscreen Report, which evaluates over 1,800 sunscreens for their efficacy, ingredients, and any health concerns associated with them.  There is an easy search to learn more about your favourite brands, or you can view the list of Top Sunscreens, which outlines the cleanest products available. 

The best natural sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, mineral compounds which act to reflect, scatter, and absorb UV rays.  Additionally, look for products that do not contain:

• Oxybenzone (may be listed as methanone, 2-hydroxy 4 methyoxydenxophenone, or benzophenone-3): These compounds are potential hormone disruptors and contributors to cell damage, which can lead to cancer.
• Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A): May increase the risk of skin cancer when used on sun-exposed skin.
• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben): Parabens are ubiquitous in cosmetic products, being used a synthetic preservatives.  Unfortunately, they also have undesirable effects such as hormone disruption, which is linked to cancer.

My personal favourite brand of sunscreen is Alba Botanica, a company which makes a variety of natural products.  I find that their sunscreens tend to not be as greasy as some other natural sunscreens, and I find them to work quite well.

With all this in mind, it is important to remember that there are benefits to sun exposure as well.  Our skin synthesizes natural vitamin D when exposed to the sun, a process which is completely blocked by sunscreen.  Interestingly, vitamin D has an important role in cancer prevention, as well as bone health and proper immune system function.  Therefore, moderate amounts of time in the sun can be healthy, while ensuring to be mindful about preventing excessive exposure.

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Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/16/health/sunscreen-report/index.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharynmorrow/154226401/in/photostream/