Wellness Blog

Vicky Rizothanassis, Naturopathic Doctor

 Heart disease and stroke are often caused by modifiable risk factors related to poor diet and lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and excess body weight. Many people are walking into my office with multiple health concerns related to these problems. Among the highest are high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These concerns on their own pose risks to one’s your health, however, having more than one of these increases one’s  your risk of cardiovascular disease considerably - so much so that they have grouped them together and given it a name.  

Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, is a group of risk factors that increase a person’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
 
Metabolic syndrome includes three or more of the following criteria:1

• Abdominal obesity (waist circumference: men > 102 cm, women > 88 cm)
• Triglycerides = 1.7 mmol/L
• HDL (men < 1.0 mmol/L, women < 1.3 mmol/L)
• BP > 130/85 mm Hg
• Fasting glucose 5.7-6.9 mmol/L

 
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the American Heart Association recommend lifestyle intervention changes as first-line therapy the first treatment for the management of metabolic syndrome as there is “insufficient evidence to recommend the use of drugs as first-line therapy for treating the underlying causes”.2
 
Implementing strategies for dietary and lifestyle modification to achieve weight loss, blood pressure control, healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels have proven beneficial in reversing and reducing the risk of CVD.3,4

 

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For a personal consultation, please contact Vicky Rizothanassis ND at the West-Island Integrative Health Centre, www.integrativehealthcentre.ca. One of our licensed health professionals will help you make the lifestyle changes needed to be a healthier you. For all your organic nutrition and supplements needs, please visit Healthtree at 3827 Saint Jean Blvd. in Dollard-des-Ormeaux or online at www.healthtree.ca.

Copyright © 2012, Vicky Rizothanassis. The author retains all rights to the published article and the content cannot be altered or edited in any way. The reproduction, distribution and/or sale of this article requires the knowledge and permission of the author; please submit your request in writing to Vicky Rizothanassis, West-Island Integrative Health Centre, 3608 St. Charles Boul., Suite 22, Kirkland, QC, H9H 3C3. A French translation of this article, entitled Au coeur du sujet has also been published by the author.

This blog is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Never undertake any changes in diet, exercise, or medication without first consulting your physician or health care professional, and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author and publisher disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects arising from the use of this information.

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References

1. McPherson R, Frohlich J, Fodor G, Genest J, Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement--recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 2006 Sep;22(11):913-27.

2. Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome: An American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute scientific statement. Circulation 2005;112(17):2735-52.

3. Castro JP, El-Atat FA, McFarlane SI, Aneja A, Sowers JR. Cardiometabolic syndrome: pathophysiology and treatment. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2003 Oct;5(5):393-401. Review.

4. Krauss RM, Eckel RH, Howard B, Appel LJ, Daniels SR, Deckelbaum RJ, Erdman JW  Jr, Kris-Etherton P, Goldberg IJ, Kotchen TA, Lichtenstein AH, Mitch WE, Mullis R, Robinson K, Wylie-Rosett J, St Jeor S, Suttie J, Tribble DL, Bazzarre TL. AHA  Dietary Guidelines: revision 2000: A statement for healthcare professionals from  the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2000 Oct  31;102(18):2284-99.

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Dr. Margaret Varga, Chiropractor

How can chiropractic care help? Beyond providing relief for neck pain, back pain, headaches and migraines, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and various other neuromusculoskeletal conditions, many people ask if chiropractic care can provide benefits for the heart and circulatory system.  

On a physical level, chiropractic care can help to release tension and tightness from the body.  It can help improve blood and lymph flow, providing tissues and organs with more oxygen, enabling them to function better.  When muscle and joint functions are improved, energy levels increase.  Improved circulation and lymph flow facilitates healing, and assists in the elimination of waste materials. 

By relieving tension and improving blood flow, chiropractic care has a soothing effect on the central nervous system.  These treatments are effective in the prevention and treatment of stress and anxiety, aiding in relaxation, thereby being of benefit to the heart and circulatory system.

Chiropractors may also make dietary and lifestyle recommendations to decrease the modifiable risk factors of heart disease, and to improve overall health and well-being.

There are many health care professionals and wellness practitioners who can help you improve your health, as well as many on-line resources.  Check out www.heartandstroke.ca and www.fitin15.ca for some ideas.  Make 2012 your year of health!

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For a personal consultation, please contact Dr. Margaret Varga at the West-Island Integrative Health Centre, www.integrativehealthcentre.ca. One of our licensed health professionals will help you make the lifestyle changes needed to be a healthier you. For all your organic nutrition and supplements needs, please visit Healthtree at 3827 Saint Jean Blvd. in Dollard-des-Ormeaux or online at www.healthtree.ca.

Copyright © 2012, Dr. Margaret Varga. The author retains all rights to the published article and the content cannot be altered or edited in any way. The reproduction, distribution and/or sale of this article requires the knowledge and permission of the author; please submit your request in writing to Dr. Margaret Varga, West-Island Integrative Health Centre, 3608 St. Charles Boul., Suite 22, Kirkland, QC, H9H 3C3. A French translation of this article, entitled Février est le Mois de la Santé du Coeur! has also been published by the author.

This blog is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Never undertake any changes in diet, exercise, or medication without first consulting your physician or health care professional, and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author and publisher disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects arising from the use of this information.

Susan Greenspan, Naturopath & Medical Intuitive

With the synchronicity of breath and focus we allow a release, an opening to the proper flow and beat of the heart.

This organ sits in the center of our being. It pumps our vital life fluids through us day and night and holds the energies of love and playfulness when in health. It is the center connection of body and soul.

Because of unhealthy diets and lifestyles, negative emotions and detachment of body and soul, this precious organ is taxed into illness. Our waters, or blood, are filled with heavy metals and toxins. Holding stories heavy with negative emotions bog down the body into stagnation of heart and soul. This often shows itself in the imprisonments of addictions and harmful behaviors which strain the heart and may lead to heart dis-ease (the illness of an uneasy heart).

Feeding the body good cleansing and nourishing foods, along with exercise, strengthens the potential for a strong heart. Healing the story lines with true forgiveness frees the heart.

Allowing the peace and silence that meditation brings can begin the process of awakening healing hearts.

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For a personal consultation, please contact Susan Greenspan at www.blessedpath.ca. She will help you make the lifestyle changes needed to be a healthier you. For all your organic nutrition and supplements needs, please visit Healthtree at 3827 Saint Jean Blvd. in Dollard-des-Ormeaux or online at www.healthtree.ca.

Copyright © 2012, Susan Greenspan. The author retains all rights to the published article and the content cannot be altered or edited in any way. The reproduction, distribution and/or sale of this article requires the knowledge and permission of the author; please submit your request in writing to Susan Greenspan at www.blessedpath.ca. A French translation of this article, entitled Il faut le prendre à coeur has also been published by the author.

This blog is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Never undertake any changes in diet, exercise, or medication without first consulting your physician or health care professional, and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author and publisher disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects arising from the use of this information.