Friday, December 14, 2012

Detoxification Foot Baths Do They Work?



I always get asked “do those ionic detoxification foot baths work?”

While there is no concrete evidence that ionic footbaths, can remove toxins from the body.

Researchers from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy conducted a series of tests running a footbath with and without feet and analyzing the water for differences in the level of potentially toxic elements (Arsenic, lead, etc..).
  
“Whether or not the feet were there, the composition of the water was pretty much the same,” said study co-author naturopathic doctor Dugald Seely, director of research and clinical epidemiology at the CCNM and executive director of CCNM’s Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre.

“There was no significant difference in terms of any of the toxic elements being leached out into the water,” he said, listing heavy lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
So what causes the color to change in the water? Well “we found over time was that the array was corroding,” he said.

He noted that it was elements from this corrosion that caused the water to become dirty and cloudy and change colour.

So from that study there were no significant changes in the metals. Although this is just one study and there are always varying opinions out there. But for now this does not help detoxify the body.

To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Cochrane, Calgary area.
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4B 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Neural Therapy, See my video and case on how it Can help you! By Dr. Kin Leung Naturopathic Fundamentals Airdrie

Neural therapy was developed in Germany beginning in the 1920s. Neural therapy is a remarkably safe and simple method of treating many medical problems and is taught in German medical schools.


How does it Work?

Specific homeopathic preparations, chelating agents, vitamins and/or local anesthetics are used in the injection solution.  An injected anesthetic will cause a nerve to be numbed by changing the positive and negative charges on the membrane of the nerve tissue so that no sensation can be passed along such as when your lips become numb after a visit to the dentist. In neural therapy the intention is not to anaesthetize or numb the nerve, but rather to change the membrane potential temporarily, with the expectation that when the anesthetic wears off, the membrane charges and nerve function will return to normal. Neural Therapy is like rebooting the “body computer”, the autonomic nervous system, to reset regulation and normalize function.

Neural therapy is a nervous system regulation therapy, so just about anything short of cancer and metabolic disease can be positively affected. The more common conditions that benefit from it include: back and neck pain, posttraumatic conditions, chronic pain from whiplash and head injury, joint pain, muscle pain, and athletic injuries. Jaw and head pain, post-surgical pain (including dental), digestive disturbances, sinusitis, hypothyroid, muscle injuries, organ dysfunctions and scar disturbances also benefit from neural therapy.




To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.

Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC

Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada

(587) 360-1100

drkinleung@gmail.com
                                                                                                           www.naturopathicfundamentals.com                                                                                                  http://chelationtherapyreddeer.blogspot.com/
http://airdrie-naturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://airdrienaturopath.blogspot.ca/        
http://chelationtherapyairdrie.blogspot.ca/
http://naturopathic-airdrie.blogspot.ca/
www.youtube.com/user/drkinleung

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Naturopathic Fundamentals Dr. Kin Leung, ND B12 Myoden Injections For Weight Loss

B12 Myoden Injections For Weight Loss


Vitamin B-12 and myoden are used in treatments for weight loss. Vitamin B-12 is essential to a number of functions that involve DNA, RNA, hormones, lipids and proteins, and contributes greatly to the chemical reactions necessary for fat and protein metabolic processes. Myoden (Adenosine monophosphate, AMP): This is a precursor to the energy carrier molecule, ATP.   AMP creates energy at the cellular level and increases mitochondrial function.  AMP is required to proper fat metabolism. 



To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.


Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC

Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada

(587) 360-1100

drkinleung@gmail.com

www.naturopathicfundamentals.com

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Intravenous (IV) Vitamins And Minerals For Various Conditions!


IV therapy, Vitamins and minerals
Parenteral therapy or IV therapy can be defined as substances that are given directly and absorbed into the circulatory system, by-passing the “enteric system” or gastro-intestinal tract and liver, thereby increasing the absorption of the substances.
The Parenteral therapy can be delivered Intravenously, intramuscular or subcutaneously. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and homeopathics are easily, safely and effectively delivered to the body.

Why  Parenteral Therapy?
Parenteral therapy is a way for individuals with compromised intestinal absorption or digestive issues (Cancer, Crohn's disease, Irritated Bowl Syndrome, ulcerative colitis, etc.); to have 100% absorption of the nutrients delivered over the conventional oral administration.
As well Parenteral therapy enables rapid delivery of higher concentrations of medicines that may otherwise not be possible by oral means.

Who Can Benefit from Parenteral Therapy?
Parenteral therapy benefit a variety of conditions. Severe acute and chronic infectious diseases (Mononucleosis, Influenza, and Herpes), autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Psoriasis), Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, acute and chronic gastrointestinal illnesses and cancer are among the most common conditions treated by parenteral therapy. Patients suffering from anxiety, depression, neurological conditions, chronic stress and general poor vitamin-mineral status can also benefit greatly.
Individuals who are interested in “anti-aging” or simply preventative medicine, parenteral therapies offer delivery of high concentrations of potent anti-oxidants to combat oxidative stress which is a marker of premature aging, degenerative diseases and pre-cancerous states.

What Substances are Administered?

The type of Parenteral Therapy will vary depending on the condition and the purpose of the treatment. Naturopathic treatment is individualized according to the patient and the treatment goals. Various vitamins, minerals, and homeopathics can be safely administered parenteraly to enhance the therapeutic response.












To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Cochrane, Calgary area.

Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC

Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada

(587) 360-1100

drkinleung@gmail.com

Friday, September 28, 2012

What is the success of Chinese medicine? Naturopathic Doctors also work with Chinese/Asian Medicine!

Spirituality Key to Chinese Medicine Success: Study Explores Why Chinese Medicine Has Stood the Test of Time

ScienceDaily (Sep. 25, 2012) — Are the longevity and vitality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its holistic approach? Indeed, Chinese medicine is not simply about treating illness, but rather about taking care of the whole person -- body, mind, and spirit. According to an analysis of TCM's origins and development by Lin Shi from Beijing Normal University and Chenguang Zhang from Southwest Minzu University in China, traditional Chinese medicine is profoundly influenced by Chinese philosophy and religion. To date, modern science has been unable to explain the mechanisms behind TCM's effects.


The study is published online in Springer's journal Pastoral Psychology, in a special issue² dedicated to the psychology of religion in China.

The essence of TCM lies in its foundation in spirituality, religion, and philosophy, making it quite different from Western medicine and leading it to be viewed by some as magical and mysterious. Chinese medicine is an ancient discipline with a long developmental history and is very much influenced by religion and spirituality. Shi and Zhang's paper examines in detail six aspects of traditional Chinese medicine: its history; its fundamental beliefs; spirituality in traditional Chinese healing rituals; spirituality in the traditional Chinese pharmacy; spirituality in health maintenance theories; and spirituality of master doctors of traditional Chinese medicine.

For the rest of the article please go to the link below:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120925102517.htm


He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Cochrane, Calgary area.
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100

drkinleung@gmail.com

www.naturopathicfundamentals.com
http://chelationtherapyreddeer.blogspot.com/
http://airdrie-naturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://airdrienaturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://chelationtherapyairdrie.blogspot.ca/
http://naturopathic-airdrie.blogspot.ca/
www.youtube.com/user/drkinleung

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Antioxidants tied to older men's sperm quality: study

New study shows how a healthy diet rich in antioxidants contributes to healthy sperm in men:

For full story go to the link below:

http://news.yahoo.com/antioxidants-tied-older-mens-sperm-quality-study-003547226.html

(Reuters) - Middle-aged and older men who get enough antioxidants in their diets, through eating foods such as broccoli and tomatoes, may have better-quality sperm than men who don't get as much of the nutrients, according to a U.S. study.

Researchers found that among men aged 45 or older, those who got the most vitamins C and E, folate and zinc tended to have fewer DNA-strand breaks in their sperm, according to a report in the journal Fertility & Sterility.

Strand breaks are a measure of the genetic quality of sperm, which is known to decline as a man ages, though the findings do not prove that antioxidants themselves directly improve sperm quality or boost the chance of a healthy pregnancy.

The study included 80 healthy, non-smoking men between the ages of 22 and 80. They filled out a questionnaire on diet and supplement use, and gave sperm samples.

Among men ages 45 and up, those who got the most vitamin C had 20 percent less DNA damage than those who took in less of the vitamin. Men in that high-intake group typically got about 700 milligrams of vitamin C a day. The recommended amount for men is 90 mg, but an intake as high as 2,000 mg is considered safe.

The findings were similar with vitamin E, zinc and folate, though the differences in sperm DNA damage were smaller. Again, older men in the high-intake groups typically got more of each nutrient than is recommended, but were still well within the safe ranges.



To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary, Cochrane area.

Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC

Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada

(587) 360-1100

www.naturopathicfundamentals.com
http://chelationtherapyreddeer.blogspot.com/
http://airdrie-naturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://airdrienaturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://chelationtherapyairdrie.blogspot.ca/
http://naturopathic-airdrie.blogspot.ca/
www.youtube.com/user/drkinleung

Monday, September 17, 2012

URMC Geneticists Verify Cholesterol-Cancer Link



For the full article go to the link below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/250266.php

University of Rochester Medical Center scientists discovered new genetic evidence linking cholesterol and cancer, raising the possibility that cholesterol medications could be useful in the future for cancer prevention or to augment existing cancer treatment.

"Scientifically it is very satisfying to have data that support longstanding ideas about cholesterol in the context of cancer," Land said. "Our paper provides a rationale for cholesterol targeting as a potentially fruitful approach to cancer intervention or prevention strategies."

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance supplied in foods and made in cells throughout the body. Too much cholesterol is bad for the heart and vascular system. It is typically measured as serum cholesterol by routine blood tests.

Unlike serum cholesterol that is bound to proteins, however, cholesterol also hides inside cells. While locked inside cell membranes before it is eventually exported, cholesterol has an impact on cell growth and survival. A gene, known as ABCA1, is at the crossroads of the process that shuttles intracellular cholesterol outbound.

Several years ago while conducting unrelated experiments that were published in the journal Nature, Land and colleagues first noticed the importance of ABCA1. At that time, they identified a network of approximately 100 so-called "cooperation response genes" that mediate the action of cancer genes. ABCA1 was found among these genes and is frequently turned off in presence of other mutant cancer genes.

The proper function of ABCA1, in fact, is critical for sensing of cell stress. If ABCA1 function is lost in cancer cells, cholesterol is allowed to build up in the cells' mitochondria, or energy centers, making their membranes more rigid. This in turn inhibits the function of cell-death triggers that normally become activated in response to cell stresses, as for example cancer gene activation. Therefore, when functioning properly ABCA1 has anti-cancer activity - in the sense that by keeping mitochondrial cholesterol low it protects the functioning of cellular stress response systems and acts as a barrier to tumor formation and progression.

Land, however, urges caution and further study. Doctors do not know the appropriate statin dose for cancer prevention or treatment of cancer-related conditions. Side effects cannot be ignored either, and little research has distinguished between the responses among people who take statins.

"The link between cholesterol and cancer is clear," Land said, "but it's premature to say that statins are the answer."


To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.

Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC

Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada

(587) 360-1100

drkinleung@gmail.com

www.naturopathicfundamentals.com
http://chelationtherapyreddeer.blogspot.com/
http://airdrie-naturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://airdrienaturopath.blogspot.ca/
http://chelationtherapyairdrie.blogspot.ca/
http://naturopathic-airdrie.blogspot.ca/
www.youtube.com/user/drkinleung

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

NEW STUDY Flu shot linked to higher incidence of flu in pandemic year

New studies have shown flu shot increases likelihood of getting the flu, as the article below states:



Flu shot linked to higher incidence of flu in pandemic year

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/09/10/flu-shot-pandemic.html

A strange vaccine-related phenomenon spotted at the start of the 2009 flu pandemic may well have been real, a new study suggests.

Canadian researchers noticed in the early weeks of the pandemic that people who got a flu shot for the 2008-2009 winter seemed to be more likely to get infected with the pandemic virus than people who hadn't received a flu shot.

Five studies done in several provinces showed the same puzzling and unsettling results. But initially, research outside Canada did not, and the effect was dismissed as "the Canadian problem."

News of the unexpected findings broke at a time when countries in North America and parts of Europe were getting ready to start vaccinating their populations against the pandemic virus.

Some jurisdictions were also trying to figure out whether to offer the seasonal flu vaccine they had purchased — similar to the 2008-2009 shot — along with the pandemic vaccine, in case the seasonal flu viruses continued to circulate. Quebec opted not to offer the seasonal vaccine because of the concerns raised by the studies.


He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.
 
 
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100
 

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Alkaline Diet Best Solution

Alkaline Diet

 I have many patients that ask about Alkaline diets and "what's the best way to get more alkaline?"

The best answer time and time again I always say is: "eat lots of veggies and fruits" which are alkaline. Decrease consumption of large amounts of meats and processed foods which are acidic.

There are no short cuts, some people ask about drinking baking soda. Drinking baking soda is not a good idea as it will buffer the acid in the stomach, which neutralizes the pH in the stomach and  inhibits your digestion from breaking down foods.

The best way is changing your diet.



Yours in Health, 
 
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100
Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.
 
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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Anti-aging Airdrie

New article on anti-aging:

 

Dermatologists' Tips to Reduce the Signs of Aging

ScienceDaily (Aug. 14, 2012) — Getting better results from your anti-aging products can be as easy as following simple tips from dermatologists.

"People often think that the more expensive a product is, the more effective it will be," said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City. "That's not always the case. People need to shop smart since there are some very effective, affordable products in the skin care aisles of their local stores."
To get the most from age-fighting products, Dr. Taylor recommends people also follow these tips:
1. Wear sunscreen every day since the sun's rays can accelerate signs of aging. Use a sunscreen or facial moisturizer that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
2. Do not tan. Getting a tan from the sun or a tanning bed exposes you to harmful UV rays that can accelerate aging, causing wrinkles, age spots, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer.
3. Moisturize. Moisturizing traps water in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of some fine lines and make your complexion look brighter and younger.
4. Test products, even those labeled "hypoallergenic." To test, dab a small amount of the product on your inner forearm twice a day for four to five days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely safe for you to apply to your face.
5. Use the product as directed. Active ingredients can do more harm than good when too much is used. Applying more than directed can cause clogged pores, a blotchy complexion, or other unwanted effects.
6. Stop using products that sting or burn unless prescribed by a dermatologist. Irritating the skin makes signs of aging more noticeable.
o Some products prescribed by a dermatologist may cause stinging or burning. When under a dermatologist's care, this can be safe and effective.
7. Limit the number of products. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, tends to irritate the skin. This often makes signs of aging more noticeable.
"It's very important that people allow time for the product to work. While a moisturizer can immediately plump up fine lines, most products take at least six weeks to work and sometimes it can take three months," said Dr. Taylor. "See a dermatologist if after following these tips you still do not see the expected results," said Dr. Taylor.



To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.
 
 
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100
 
 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Check me out in the local paper: New provincial regulations applauded by local naturopath


http://www.airdriecityview.com/article/20120801/ACV0801/308019962/-1/ACV/new-provincial-regulations-applauded-by-local-naturopath

New provincial regulations applauded by local naturopath

Aug 01, 2012 07:23 pm | By Dawn Smith | Airdrie City View
Airdrie’s newest naturopath is happy with a new provincial regulation that establishes the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta and gives the body the authority to self-govern.
“It basically means that we will have more access to (medical files),” said Dr. Kin Leung, who is in the process of opening a new naturopathic clinic located in northwest Airdrie.
“Right now we can’t access files like normal medical doctors.”
The change also gives the college the authority to establish requirements for entry into the profession and ongoing professional development.
Leung said the change is positive. The regulation will also allow the College to set standards for professional practice, investigate complaints and govern use of protected titles, including Naturopath and Naturopathic Doctor.
“There are a lot of people that call themselves naturopaths,” he said. “Now that it is regulated, people can’t claim to be naturopaths. It protects the public as well.”
According to Leung, who has been practicing for five years and is opening a new clinic on Aug. 1 that will specialize in cancer treatment, the new regulation also brings credibility to the profession.
Becoming a naturopath requires four years of medical training just like someone who practices traditional western medicine, he added.
The Province made the announcement to changes under the Health Professions Act on July 25.
“Our government recognizes that Albertans want choice when it comes to their health, especially in the areas of wellness and illness prevention,” said Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne.
“More and more people are relying on the services of naturopathic doctors, and they can now be assured that the practitioner they visit has the competency and skills required to practice in Alberta.”
“Today, Albertans can have confidence when they reach out to a member of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, that they have a naturopathic doctor who meets stringent competency and practice requirements,” said Dr. Allissa Gaul, founding president of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta.
“We offer Albertans a distinct system of primary health care that is an art, a science, a philosophy and a practice of diagnosis and assessment, treatment and prevention of illness, and we applaud this government for making health and wellness a priority to benefit Albertans.”
Naturopathic doctors focus on health promotion, illness prevention and treating disease using natural therapies.
In addition to authorizing self-governance, the regulation also describes the restricted activities naturopathic doctors registered with the college are permitted to perform, including injections, minor surgeries, obtaining skin samples for biopsies and doing sutures, ear examinations, cerumen management, nasal lavage and placing herbs in nasal passages.
With additional training approved by the college, naturopathic doctors are also able to perform alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, intravenous administration of ozone, chelation therapy or supplemental vitamins and minerals.
Naturopathic doctors are not permitted to prescribe drugs, order X-rays or ultrasounds or administer intravenous nutrition. There are 144 practicing naturopathic doctors in Alberta.
Minimum educational requirements are three years of pre-medical education plus completion of a four-year professional program at an approved, accredited naturopathic college or university.
Naturopathic services are not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
Professional regulation also facilitates registration of naturopathic doctors, allowing Albertans to claim naturopathy costs as a medical expense on their personal income tax returns.





To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100
www.naturopathicfundamentals.com
http://chelationtherapyreddeer.blogspot.com/
www.youtube.com/user/drkinleung

Friday, August 3, 2012

Want Better Grades? Stay Healthy!

New Article:

 

Students With Strong Hearts and Lungs May Make Better Grades

ScienceDaily (Aug. 3, 2012) — Having a healthy heart and lungs may be one of the most important factors for middle school students to make good grades in math and reading, according to findings presented at the American Psychological Association's 120th Annual Convention.

"Cardiorespiratory fitness was the only factor that we consistently found to have an impact on both boys' and girls' grades on reading and math tests," said study co-author Trent A. Petrie, PhD, professor of psychology and director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas. "This provides more evidence that schools need to re-examine any policies that have limited students' involvement in physical education classes."
The researchers gathered data at five Texas middle schools from 1,211 students, of whom 54 percent were female with an average age of about 12. Overall, the group was 57 percent white. Among the boys, the breakdown was 57.2 percent white, 24.2 percent Mexican-American, 9.1 percent African American, 1.1 percent Asian-American and 1.2 percent American Indian. For the girls, 58.6 percent were white, 23.4 percent were Mexican-American, 9.2 percent were African-American, 2.3 percent Asian-American and 0.6 percent were American Indian.
While previous studies have found links between being physically fit and improved academic performance, this study also examined several other potential influences, including self-esteem and social support. It also took into account the students' socioeconomic status and their self-reported academic ability, Petrie said.
In addition to cardiorespiratory fitness, social support was related to better reading scores among boys, according to the study. It defined social support as reliable help from family and friends to solve problems or deal with emotions. For girls, having a larger body mass index was the only factor other than cardiorespiratory fitness that predicted better reading scores. For boys and girls, cardiorespiratory fitness was the only factor related to their performance on the math tests. "The finding that a larger body mass index for girls was related to better performance on the reading exam may seem counterintuitive, however past studies have found being overweight was not as important for understanding boys and girls performances on tests as was their level of physical fitness," Petrie said.
From one to five months before the students were to take annual standardized reading and math tests, they answered questions about their level of physical activity, and how they viewed their academic ability, self-esteem and social support. The school district provided information on the students' socioeconomic status and reading and math scores at the end of the year.
To determine students' physical fitness, the researchers worked with physical education teachers to administer a fitness assessment program widely used in U.S. schools. The program includes a variety of tests to assess aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. The assessment provides an objective measure of cardiorespiratory fitness through the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, or PACER, and body composition through measuring BMI, the study said.
"Because this is a longitudinal study, these variables can now be considered risk factors in relation to middle school students' performance on math and reading examinations," Petrie said. "And that is essential to developing effective programs to support academic success."
Presentation: "Physical Fitness and Academic Performance: A Longitudinal Investigation," Sudhish Srikanth, lead author, Trent A. Petrie, PhD, Christy Greenleaf, PhD, and Scott Martin, PhD, University of North Texas; Session 2120, Friday, Aug. 3, 10 -- 10:50 a.m. Convention Center, Room W310A, Level III.


To book an appointment call 587-360-1100
He is your Airdrie Naturopath and serving the surrounding, Olds, Didsbury, Drumheller, Calgary area.
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Allergies? Your Sneeze Is a Biological Response to the Nose's 'Blue Screen of Death'


New interesting article:

ScienceDaily (July 31, 2012) — New research suggests that sneezing is the body's natural reboot and that patients with disorders of the nose such as sinusitis can't reboot, explaining why they sneeze more often than others.

Who would have thought that our noses and Microsoft Windows' infamous blue screen of death could have something in common? But that's the case being made by a new research report appearing online in The FASEB Journal. Specifically, scientists now know exactly why we sneeze, what sneezing should accomplish, and what happens when sneezing does not work properly. Much like a temperamental computer, our noses require a "reboot" when overwhelmed, and this biological reboot is triggered by the pressure force of a sneeze. When a sneeze works properly, it resets the environment within nasal passages so "bad" particles breathed in through the nose can be trapped. The sneeze is accomplished by biochemical signals that regulate the beating of cilia (microscopic hairs) on the cells that line our nasal cavities.
"While sinusitis rarely leads to death, it has a tremendous impact on quality of life, with the majority of symptoms coming from poor clearance of mucus," said Noam A. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. "By understanding the process by which patients with sinusitis do not clear mucus from their nose and sinuses, we can try to develop new strategies to compensate for their poor mucus clearance and improve their quality of life."
To make this discovery, Cohen and colleagues used cells from the noses of mice which were grown in incubators and measured how these cells cleared mucus. They examined how the cells responded to a simulated sneeze (puff of air) by analyzing the cells' biochemical responses. Some of the experiments were replicated in human sinus and nasal tissue removed from patients with and without sinusitis. They found that cells from patients with sinusitis do not respond to sneezes in the same manner as cells obtained from patients who do not have sinusitis. The researchers speculate that sinusitis patients sneeze more frequently because their sneezes fail to reset the nasal environment properly or are less efficient at doing so. Further understanding of why sinusitis patients have this difficulty could aid in the development of more effective medications or treatments.
"I'm confident that modern biochemical studies of ciliary beating frequency will help us find new treatments for chronic sinusitis," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, "I'm far less confident in our abilities to resolve messy computer crashes. We now know why we sneeze. Computer crashes are likely to be a mystery forever."

 Your Airdrie Naturopath
Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100
 www.naturopathicfundamentals.com
                                                               drkinleung@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Use of melatonin

The Use of Melatonin

We live in a world where 10% of the adult population suffers from chronic insomnia which affects people’s psychomotor performance, causes sleepiness, accidents, and memory impairment. Shift workers are also in this situation where they cannot sleep during normal hours and these are usually hospital and airport workers to name a few. So what else happens when you have continuously loss of sleep? Well in 2001, a study has found that increased exposure to light has an increased risk of breast cancer (1). This is due to the fact that with light exposure there is a decreased melatonin production in the pineal gland. Melatonin is our natural sleep hormone but it also is an antioxidant (2). So how do you minimize disruptions to our natural circadian rhythms (sleep patterns)?

 A study in 1993 showed that melatonin supplementation helped improved sleep and alertness (5). In addition, another study conducted in 1997, also showed benefits for jet lag and shift work (6). another easy way to increase melatonin is making sure your room is pitch black.


Although the safety of melatonin has been researched, it would be in your best interest to consult your physician or doctor before attempting any drugs or supplements as reactions can occur with any medication.

By Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
your Airdrie naturopath


Dr. Kin Leung, B.Sc., N.D., CCT, CPCC
Naturopathic Fundamentals Wellness Clinic
191 Edwards Way SW, Unit 103
Airdrie, AB
T4E 3E2
Canada
(587) 360-1100


1) Scott Davis, et al. Night Shift Work, Light at Night, and Risk of Breast Cancer. JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst (2001) 93 (20): 1557-1562.
2) Dun-Xian Tan, et al. Melatonin: a hormone, a tissue factor, an autocoid, a paracoid, and an antioxidant vitamin. Journal of Pineal research, Volume 34, Issue 1, pages 75–78, January 2003.
3)T.Roth. Insomnia: Epidemiology, characteristics, and consequences. Clinical Cornerstone, Volume 5, Issue 3, Pages 5-15.
4)Josephine Arendt, et al. Safety of Melatonin in Long-Term Use(?). J Biol Rhythms December 1997 vol. 12 no. 6 673-681.
5) Simon Folkard. Can Melatonin Improve Shift Workers' Tolerance of the Night Shift? Some Preliminary Findings. Chronobiology International 1993, Vol. 10, No. 5 , Pages 315-320
6) Josephine