Friday, September 24, 2010

Kickstarter


I was reading an article in the New York Times yesterday and I stumbled onto Kickstarter.

Kickstarter is this amazing website focused on supporting creative ideas by giving them an accessible platform. Artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, illustrators, explorers, curators, performers....anyone with an idea can apply.

Here's the lowdown:
Every project has a funding goal (any dollar amount) and a time limit (from 1 - 90 days) set by the project creator. When the deadline is reached, there are either of two results:

1. Funding Successful: If a project has met or surpassed its funding goal, all backers' credit cards are instantly charged and funds go directly to the project creator. Project creators are then responsible for completing the project and delivering rewards as promised.

2. Funding Unsuccessful: If a project has not met its funding goal, all pledges are canceled. That's it.

The best part is all the money raised for a particular project goes directly to the project creator. Kickstart doesn't take a single penny!

What an amazing, creative positive thing to put out into the world.

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

Thursday, September 23, 2010

If you don't know, now you know...


Body Blitz!

If you haven't been yet and live anywhere CLOSE to the Toronto area I highly suggest a trip.


A hydrotherapy spa for women right in the heart of downtown Toronto, body blitz is situated in an 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse space. With a dead sea salt pool, hot green tea pool, cold plunging pool, aromatherapy steam room and infrared sauna it is one of the most relaxing days I have spent in a long time!

Try the ' hydrotherapy circuit'; in addition to a tailored detoxification protocol of supplements and herbs prescribed by your ND, it is an amazing additional way to detoxify the body at a cellular level.

With a $38 all day deal on Tuesdays, you have no reason not to give it a try!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

EBOOST


I recently discovered a great new supplement called EBOOST.
Packed with Vitamin C, B6, B12, Zinc, and more... this orange flavoured effervescent tablet is a great afternoon pick-me-up!

So, okay, it has a bit of caffeine in it...but skip that afternoon espresso and get the same boost with the added bonus of helpful vitamins and minerals.

Here's what you call a 'happy medium'. I like it!

Please use caution if pregnant or breastfeeding (as with most supplements!)

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Skin Deep: Are your cosmetics toxic?


I recently stumbled across a GREAT resource - and oddly enough Global Television was airing a segment on them the very next night!

"Skin Deep" is part of the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database. The short of it? - You can take a look at the toxic content of the skin cream you apply, the toothpaste you brush with, or *gasp* the hairdye you use.

If you can't find the product you're looking for in their extensive list of cosmetics, you can enter it in yourself and the website immediately generates you a report - - which you can save by creating a free profile!

For Example: Did you know that 'Colgate Flouride Toothpaste Regular' is rated as less toxic than its popular counterpart 'Colgate Total Toothpaste'??

Visit: Skin Deep and give it a try!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

Thursday, September 9, 2010

New Practice Location!




Hello All,


I hope this Summer has been an enjoyable and relaxing one and that each of you have found the time to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

I wanted to let everyone know that effective September 1st 2010, I will be moving my Medical practice to The Health Loft; a beautiful multidisciplinary clinic located in the Thompson Hotel at King and Portland in Toronto, ON.

I am thrilled to be joining such a vibrant clinic and to be practicing in the downtown core once again!



I will be available for appointments on the following days:

Mondays: 2pm - 8pm
Tuesdays: 2pm - 8pm
Wednesdays: 8am - 2pm
Thursdays: 8am – 2pm

Please visit www.thehealthloft.ca for more information - while on our website follow the links to book an appolntment in 'real time'!


Best of health to all in this transition season,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

What should you look for in a sports beverage?


There are an enormous number of sports drinks on the market and it is so difficult to tell which are the best ones. As a general rule, those drinks are high in sugar, without an especially high mineral content.

A good goal is to look for 6-10% carbohydrates as a percentage of the total drink. The preferred carb form for easiest absorption is in the form of glucose, maltodextrin or sucrose. Look for those on the label. As well, you are looking for about 100mg of sodium (salt) to about 50 mg of Potassium.
AVOID high fructose corn syrup and glycerol.

Hey - why not consider making your own!
4 1/2 cups of H2O – 5 tbsp of honey - 1/4 tsp of sea salt will do the trick!

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fish Oils: One size does NOT fit all


Essential Fatty Acids are something that I prescribe regularly in my practice - and I know I am not alone. The benefits of fish oils are undeniable! I would even venture to say that they could very well be one of the most prescribed supplements by Naturopathic Doctors.

I recently signed up for a 'webinar' to brush up on my knowledge and see if there was anything I was missing - maybe I was wasn't prescribing them at the optimal dose - I was giving most everyone the same amount! This didn't sit right with me, as it is something that I never do! As ND's, we aim to treat the root cause of illness. I have many examples of patients who come to see me with the same 'illness', but are prescribed completely different protocols. Why would fish oils be any different?

Well, it's true. They aren't.
Fish oils can be used for a variety of conditions, from Cardiovascular Disease to Depression. It is also very helpful for general inflammation and is great in pregnancy for the developing fetus.
They are not a one-size-fits-all supplement. They are indeed to be prescribed at different doses.
For example, it is important to get a DHA heavy supplement in pregnancy, an EPA heavy one in Cardiovascular disease.

Here's something else I learned: liquid fish oils are generally to be avoided as they oxidize too quickly. Stick with the gelatin capsules. But be careful - don't refrigerate them as gelatin doesn't do well in the cold! They are best stored at room temperature in a cool dark place.

Well consider me schooled.

In good health,

Dr. Stacey Welton, ND