Dr. De Marco, ND., now offers Iron Infusion IV Therapy!
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world. So many of us are iron deficient and don’t even know it. But how does this impact you, and what can you do about it?
For starters, it is important to know that iron deficiency by and large affects the female population: 1 in 4 women are iron deficient.
Iron is a big deal. It is needed to carry oxygen in our red blood cells around to all our tissues. It helps to create energy in the mitochondria, and is also needed for DNA synthesis, as well as healthy thyroid function.
 
What does iron deficiency look like? Well, when we think of someone who is low in iron, we might conjure up an image of someone pale and exhausted. While this can be true, having low iron can also cause a number of other problems. 
Here are some to watch out for:
* Feeling cold all the time                                 * Brain fog
* Hair loss                                                            * Headaches
* Short of breath                                                * Dizziness
* Heart palpitations                                           * Depression, anxiety
* Getting sick frequently                                  * Feeling weak
* Brittle nails                                                      * Mouth sores / canker sores, smooth tongue (loss of papillae)
 
If you have any number of the above symptoms, please get your iron levels tested! Ask your Naturopath or GP to test your Ferritin and your CBC panel. CBC stands for “Complete Blood Count,” which lets us see how many red blood cells you have, how much hemoglobin is in those red blood cells, and how big or small the red blood cells are. Your ferritin and CBC can help us determine whether or not you have iron deficiency and how far it has progressed.
 
Supplementation
It can be difficult to get the proper amount of iron through our diet. For women, add to that iron loss every time you have a menstrual cycle, and you can be left feeling like you’re running on a hamster wheel, supplementing iron to top up your daily needs but never adding enough to fill the tank.
Oral iron should always be the first place you start if you discover you have an iron deficiency.  Nowadays, we have formulations of iron that are much more gentle on the digestive tract, making it easier for you to absorb.
Many of us, however, still suffer from significant side effects from oral iron, and struggle to get enough through diet. Oral iron supplementation can also take up to a year to get iron levels back to normal. And for those of us with extreme low ferritin and hemoglobin levels, supplementing with oral iron is just not good enough. In these situations, having access to iron infusions can be a game changer.
 
Iron is an essential aspect of Women’s Healthcare and Pregnancy Care
One crucial area of concern for adequate iron levels is during all stages of pregnancy, including pre-conception. Before conception, it is important to check your iron levels to set you up to have the best start to your pregnancy. 
During pregnancy, women can lose up to 1000mg of iron. That is also a lot!! Research shows that up to 65% of pregnant women are iron deficient by their third trimester. During labour, women can lose another 500 mg of iron with a C-section, and 250 mg with a vaginal birth. 
This level of iron loss can be very difficult to overcome through diet and supplementation alone, and having iron deficiency while pregnant is a risk factor for preterm delivery, low birth weight, and health concerns after delivery. Iron infusions can be a safe and effective alternative to correct this.
 
To be considered iron deficient and a candidate for an IV infusion, you must have a ferritin value of under 50 within the last 3 months, which you can bring with to your screening visit. If you do not have any recent blood work, a requisition can be ordered for you here at Evergreen.
 
FAQ
1) How frequent are infusions? 
Often a patient will require only a single infusion, and in some cases a second visit 4-6 weeks later may be indicated.
 
2) What type of iron do you use?
Monoferric is used for non-pregnant patients, and Venofer is used for pregnant patients.
 
3) How do I know if I will only need one infusion?
After your first IV, you are given a requisition to have your ferritin levels re-tested in about 4-6 weeks. Based on these results, we can determine if a second IV infusion is needed.
 
4) What are the costs?
Costs vary based on amount of iron that is needed. Your iron is sent in as a prescription to Pure Integrative Pharmacy, and may be partially or fully covered by most drug coverage plans.
Monoferric 1000mg is $532, Monoferric 500mg is $277. 
Venofer is sold in 100mg vials and are $55 each; so Venofer 500mg is $275 ($55 x 5), roughly the same cost as Monoferric.
 
5) How long do infusions take?
Expect to spend 30-90 minutes in the IV room – this will vary greatly based on amount of iron required.
 
If you are interested in learning more about iron infusions, please book in for a free 15 minute Iron Infusion screening visit (in person, virtual, or over the phone). 

​​It is the time of the year when the insects are everywhere we go; while some are very beneficial, some of them we do not want around.   
Some over-the-counter insect repellents/coils may contain harmful chemicals/insecticides, such as DEET and Pyrethrins, which, depending on the product, can also be deadly to other insects (i.e. pollinators, which we need), and toxic to children (higher doses) and pets.   For this reason, many of us would prefer to find an alternative to using these types of products to avoid any potential adverse reactions (i.e. allergies, skin reactions, neurological issues (with severe exposure), death of bees/pollinators, etc.).
 
Here are some ideas of what you can use in place of chemical/insecticide products:
1. Natural repellents (i.e. CitroBug, BuzzPatch) can be found at health food stores, etc.  

2. You can also make your own; here is a simple recipe:
* 4 oz. Distilled water                         * SAFE for kids & pets too *
* 4 oz. Witch Hazel
* 30 drops of essential oils (combo. of Citronella, lavender, clove peppermint, basil, black pepper,     
         lemongrass, eucalyptus, & geranium)
 * Mix in a spray bottle.

3. A diffuser in your outside space (patio/deck, etc.).  If you do not have one, you can also make your own with Himalayan salts (ensure no pet access to the salts), bamboo reeds, etc.  
My favourite combination of oils to deter mosquitoes and wasps: Clove, Citronella, and Geranium (the mosquitoes hate the Citronella and the wasps hate the clove and geranium).

4. Anti-Mosquito devices: These can be found online and in almost any store that carries outdoor stuff.
 
We wish you a Summer full of fun without the bites ;)  
Remember that the honey & turmeric/curcumin salve (we featured in May) works wonders, in case you get bitten/stung.

Summer is on the way, which also means that mosquito bites, and other insect stings, are as well.
 
We all know that curcumin/turmeric have become extremely popular in dealing with inflammation internally; but did you ever consider using it externally? 

I've got a story to share regarding this...
 We were in Mexico, recently, and those bloody suckers (Mosquitoes) ate us alive, even with repellents.  
So thankful for my Mother-in-law; she always has just the perfect remedy.
She made a salve that consists of curcumin and honey (she keeps it in the fridge due to the heat).   
 It actually makes perfect sense that it would work as curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents and honey has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent infection.

I usually swell a lot with any bites, and I forgot my remedies at home, so I was definitely giving it a go.   I dabbed a little bit onto my bites and left it on.
 What an incredible difference! 
This mixture started to take the inflammation, swelling, and itch away within the first day; and completely within 2 (which is unheard of for me). 
  
It would also work well on any other type of bite/sting and, even, cuts. 
And it can also be used on children and pets :)

Would be interesting to know if it works on stinging nettles/poison ivy too?  Anyone feel like testing that theory?

Want to make it yourself?  A good ratio is 1-2 Tsp. curcumin/turmeric for every 1/4 cup of honey (raw/manuka).
 
~ Violet
 
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Got any ‘Wellness Wisdoms’ you would like to share?  
Email (info@doctoryam.com) us and, if we choose to feature yours in an upcoming newsletter, then you will receive a $50 gift certificate for our clinic.

Common and Preventable Health Concerns and What You Can Do Stay Healthy
Come and learn the risk factors for common chronic diseases, early symptoms, how to properly interpret your Lifelabs test results, and what to do in order to take charge of your health.


Chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems facing Canadians today. We know that approximately 1 in 3 (1 in 3!) Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and that just under 10% of Canadians are diagnosed with heart disease every year, leading to many tragic, premature deaths. Health Canada estimates that approximately 14 Canadians over the age of 20 years old with diagnosed heart disease will die every hour. 

The good news is that these diseases, while common, are also among the most preventable.  
The onset of these conditions can be delayed or even reversed through lifestyle changes such as diet and nutrition, movement and exercises, nutrient supplementation and stress management. And this all starts with understanding what are the causes of these disease, and what can be done about it.

We know that the impact of chronic diseases becomes more challenging with age, and can severely affect quality of life. Understanding how your body works and what the risk factors are for developing these conditions will allow you to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to live your healthiest life. 

I will be hosting a series of educational talks at Evergreen Wellness over the following months to teach and share with you what I know about a different chronic health concern.  This will occur roughly every month and each topic will be a two-part series:
 
The first session (1.) we will:

• learn the basics of what causes each health concern;
• early-stage symptoms and what to watch for;
• appropriate tests to ask your ND, MD or nurse practitioner for; and
• how to interpret blood work for early warning signs that sometimes go under the radar.

The second session (2.) we will:

• discuss holistic, naturopathic approaches to addressing each disease;
• learn about diet and nutrition, the foods you should be eating or avoiding;
• provide recipes to take home and implement;
• learn how to make a Heart-Healthy smoothie and common mistakes; and
• learn about herbal and nutraceutical supplements for each condition and how to take them properly 

These workshops are for you if you:

• have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or heart disease
• have struggled with weight gain throughout life or after menopause;
• have been feeling low energy or unwell and would like to learn more about common health concerns; 
• have a lot of stress in your life and would like to know how stress impacts chronic health concerns;
• have a Family history of Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, other heart conditions.;
• want to learn about your health and how to keep yourself healthy into your golden years; and/or
• are interested in preventative medicine.

The workshops will be held on Wednesdays, from 6:30-8pm at Evergreen Wellness:
 
Diabetes and Pre-diabetes
1. January 25th
2. February 8th

High Cholesterol and Heart Disease
1. March 8th
2. March 22nd

Weight Gain
1. April 12th
2. April 26th

The cost is $25 dollars per person, per session. Light refreshments and tea will be served and recipe handouts will be provided.
Please RSVP in advance by emailing us at info@doctoryam.com or calling us at 250-881-7800.
I really look forward to seeing you there. 

Happy Holidays to everyone and to all of your loved ones; may this holiday season be restful and full of joy.
In health,
Dr. Katia
 
​

Dr. De Marco, ND., offers in-office nutrient intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injection therapies.  
They are useful when malabsorption or gut issues are a concern: chronic digestive concerns often decrease the ability of nutrients to be absorbed into the body, creating nutrient deficiencies and making it that much harder to heal.   IV and IM therapies bypass the gut, allowing nutrients to be delivered directly into the bloodstream, or muscle, maximizing the beneficial effects of each vitamin and mineral.

Intramuscular (IM) Injections: this involves the injection of a particular vitamin, or mineral, into muscle (i.e. arm). The two that we do most often are:
A.  Vitamin B12 Injections:
B12 is necessary for proper red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and proper formation and metabolism of cells.
When levels are low, you may experience:
– anemia
– fatigue
– brain fog
– low mood
– tremors or other neurological symptoms

A B12 injection can help:
– prevent anemia caused by low red blood cell formation which requires B12
– improve energy levels as more red blood cells means more nutrients and oxygen delivered to
    the rest of your body
– improve cognition, memory and brain fog by supporting new nerve cell growth
– improve mood, as B12 is linked to proper serotonin production
​
* “Normal” levels on your bloodwork may still be suboptimal for health, so be sure to have your levels assessed by a naturopathic doctor or functional medicine doctor.

B. Vitamin D Injections:
Vitamin D is so very important, and as Canadians living in more northern latitudes, many of us run the risk of being low in vitamin D levels.
It is involved in many critical processes in the body, including:
production of our sex hormones, maintaining healthy bones, and is critical for an effective and balanced immune system, especially in cases of autoimmunity or chronic disease.

When vitamin D levels are low, injections can help to:
– support the immune system when fighting colds and flus
– support the immune system in cases of autoimmunity such as psoriasis, IBD, MS, and     
       Hashimoto’s or Graves disease.
– reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease |
– improve cognition and brain health, and decrease the risk of dementia
– improve mood, depression and anxiety
– improve hormone imbalances
If you are supplementing with oral vitamin D and your levels are still low, there may be an underlying issue with absorption through the gut, which injections can help to correct.


Intravenous (IV) Therapy: this involves the slow injection of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream (via a vein).

IV therapy helps to restore nutrient deficiencies and to rehydrate cells back to optimal function.
This can be of benefit in a number of health concerns and conditions, such as:
– chronic fatigue
– recovery from surgery
– chronic infections
– autoimmune diseases
– post-partum depression and anxiety
– dysautonomia
– macular degeneration
– Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
– many other conditions.

What to expect during a session:
Nutrient IV therapy is tailored to each individual patient. This is done through a thorough intake and history during your first visit, which includes a health history, current medications, lifestyle goals and expectations.  From this, we determine the right IV therapy protocol, including the number and frequency of treatments, risks and benefits, and what type of changes to expect over the course of the therapy.

IV insertion:
IV insertion involves placing the IV line into a vein, which is usually found in the crease of the elbow, although this location can vary
from patient to patient, and from day to day. On the day of an IV visit, make sure to be properly hydrated prior to your appointment, to ensure easy access to a vein.  Wearing a top that provides comfortable and easy access to the forearm and elbow crease is also recommended. The IV infusion is done through a catheter needle, a more gentle option for IV therapy than a traditional metal needle.
Once the IV is in, the infusion generally takes between 45 minutes to one hour to complete, and is for the most part an opportunity to sit back and relax.


If you are curious if IV or IM therapy can be helpful for you, please reach out to us by phone: 250-881-7800; or by email to: drkatia@drkatiademarco.com.

​

NATUROPATHIC WALK-IN CLINIC
Dr. Katia De Marco will be starting a walk-in style clinic at Evergreen Wellness to address your acute healthcare needs.
 
At the heart of naturopathic medicine is the goal of addressing the root causes of illness in a patient. To achieve this, naturopathic visits are often 60-90 minutes, which provides the time necessary to conduct a thorough health history. Gathering information on lifestyle, diet, exercise, sleep, and past medical history allows us to see a clearer picture of each person’s individual story, and an understanding of not only what has brought a patient to their current state of health but also ultimately how to start addressing their health concerns.  This is especially useful for more chronic or complex health issues, as well as patients with multiple health concerns.
 Naturopathic medicine is also a great option for supporting you in your immediate healthcare needs. 
  
Appointments can be made over the phone, with Violet or Lynda, or on a walk-in basis
(may have to wait depending on availability for that day).
 
 
 EVERY Friday (Starting Friday June 11, 2021)
10am - 2pm
Appointment length:  25 minutes
Fee: $80
 

The Walk-In Clinic is here to support patients with singular health concerns such as:
* Cold and flu symptoms  
* Headaches, migraines
* Insomnia and other sleep concerns
* Anxiety
* Allergies
* Eczema
* Urinary Tract Infections
* Yeast infections
* PMS
* Painful periods
* Low back pain
* Muscle and joint aches and pains
… and any other acute, non-emergency health concern.
 
 
Treatment plans for your visit may include diet, herbal medicine and supplement recommendations. 
Acupuncture may be offered as part of your visit if appropriate, and the addition of B12 or adrenal/stress support injections are also available if indicated.
 
 
Walk-in visits can also be used to review supplements being taken. Recommendations may include discontinuing or starting certain supplements, as well as recommendations for diet and further testing if necessary. For these visits, please bring with you your written list or pictures of supplements (including brand, ingredients, dose).

Returning patients, that wish to address a single specific concern, are also welcome to book during these walk-in clinic hours.
  
* If you are experiencing cold and/or flu symptoms, we can also book a phone or virtual appointment for you.