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As we enter the Summer season, it's vital to prioritize the health and well-being of our skin. While sunscreen is an essential part of our sun protection routine, many commercial sunscreens contain synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to both our bodies and the environment.
Choosing natural sunscreen allows us to embrace sun protection without compromising our health or the environment. By opting for mineral-based sunscreens, we can shield our skin from harmful UV rays while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful synthetic chemicals.

What Is Natural Sunscreen?
Natural sunscreen, often referred to as mineral sunscreen or physical sunscreen, is formulated with mineral-based ingredients that act as physical barriers to UV rays. The two main minerals used in natural sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals work by sitting on the skin's surface, reflecting, and scattering UV rays away from the skin.

By choosing natural sunscreen, you can enjoy a range of benefits:
* Safer Ingredients: Natural sunscreens are formulated without harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially disrupt hormone function.
* Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Natural sunscreens are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin types since they don't contain common irritants found in chemical sunscreens. They are often fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
* Immediate Protection: Mineral-based sunscreens provide immediate protection upon application, unlike chemical sunscreens that require around 20 minutes to activate.
* Environmentally Friendly: Synthetic chemicals found in many conventional sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been shown to harm marine life. Natural sunscreens are safe for water dwelling life, making them a more environmentally conscious choice.

Consider the following factors when selecting a natural sunscreen:
* Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure the sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays by checking if it is labeled as "broad-spectrum."
* Check the Ingredients: Read the ingredient list and choose sunscreens that contain non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. Non-nano particles are larger in size, reducing the risk of absorption into the skin.
* Organic, Reef-safe, and Non-GMO Options: If you prefer an extra layer of assurance, opt for natural sunscreens that are certified organic and non-GMO, as they are made from ingredients grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms.

Application Tips for Natural Sunscreen: to maximize the effectiveness of your natural sunscreen:
* Apply Generously: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your body thoroughly. Remember, a little goes a long way.
* Re-apply Regularly: Natural sunscreens, like their chemical counterparts, require reapplication every two hours or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming.

Complementing Sun Protection Measures:
While natural sunscreen is an excellent choice, it's essential to remember that sun protection involves more than just applying sunscreen. Here are additional measures to embrace:
* Seek Shade: Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
* Wear Protective Clothing: Cover your skin with lightweight, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to provide extra protection.
* Eat a Sun-Smart Diet and Drink Plenty of Water: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can support your skin's natural defense against sun damage. Also make sure to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Want to Make Your Own Natural Sunscreen?   There are many recipes out there; try this one:
Shea Butter – ¼ cup
Coconut Oil – ¼ cup
Zinc Oxide – ¼ cup
Olive Oil – ½ teaspoon
Avocado Oil – ½ teaspoon
Carrot Seed Oil – ¼ teaspoon
Jojoba Oil – ¼ teaspoon
Raspberry Seed Oil – ¼ teaspoon
Essential Oil of choice – several drops (optional)

Melt all ingredients in a pot (or use a double boiler or glass measuring cup in a pot with shallow water) on low temperature until they are all combined. Then let cool. The mixture will thicken upon cooling. You can also cool in the fridge, then whip with a beater/mixer for a more whipped consistency.
Store in an airtight container/jar.
Apply as needed – if you are prone to burning, then apply each hour.
This natural sunscreen is waterproof.

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.

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Educational series w/ Dr. Katia

12/6/2022

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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

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We Offer Nutrient Intravenous (IV) & Intramuscular (IM) Therapies

4/6/2022

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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.

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"NEW" Naturopathic walk-in clinic

6/3/2021

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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.

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Vaccine Tips

5/12/2021

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We know many people have already had their first dose of the COVID vaccine but as it ramps up and second doses are coming, we thought we would provide some tips that can help people that may experience symptoms after having their vaccination.
Side effects are generally mild and can include pain or discomfort at the site of the injection, fever, fatigue, and headache. While these side effects generally disappear in less than 48 hours, it is possible to develop a rash that lasts up to a week on the arm that was injected.

Here are some ways to minimize and, hopefully, avoid any negative side effects:
Before Injection:
1. Ensure adequate hydration by making sure to drink lots of water leading up to getting the shot. Ideally at least 2 litres in the 24 hours prior. Avoid alcohol consumption leading up to your appointment as this can increase the chances of experiencing side effects.
2. Ensure you are well rested by getting a good night sleep the night before.
3. Make sure to have a healthy light meal prior to getting the injection so you are not hungry during your appointment.
4. Days before the injection it is a good idea to make sure to be taking supplements that will help reduce inflammation such as, Curcumin, Quercetin, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
5. Other supplements which can help to prevent side effects, and repair tissue damage would include: Vitamins B, C, D, & E, Magnesium, Astaxanthins, Collagen, Zinc and Selenium. – a good multi-vitamin should cover most of these.

During Injection:
1. Try to relax as much as possible.
2. Make sure to focus on your breathing.

After Injection:
1. Make sure to limit any stressful activities right after receiving the shot. It would be best to take off the rest of the day if you are able.
2. Make sure to move the arm that was injected as much as possible as movement will help to reduce soreness and stiffness of the arm.
3. Icing or using a cold pack compress on the injection site directly after can reduce the amount of inflammation post-injection.
4. Continue to drink adequate water and continue taking the supplements recommended prior to injection.
5. Avoid things like alcohol and excessive consumption of stimulants (coffee, tea, nicotine, etc.) for the rest of the day. Oils that are high in Omega 6 (corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, canola, and peanut oils) may increase inflammation, so they are best avoided as well.
6. Try to ensure an early bedtime for a good night’s sleep after but if needed do have a nap after the injection if needed.

Again, although it is normal for some of the side effects of the vaccine and symptoms of Covid 19 to overlap (like muscle weakness/soreness, fever, fatigue), if you do experience very strong or long-lasting side effects, it is important to contact your health care provider, especially if there is shortness of breath or chest pain.

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Slowing Biological Aging

5/17/2018

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Dr. Peter Yam N.D.

As soon as we reach adulthood, the entire body begins to age!

Generally, aging is a gradual process, except in the cases of cancers, heart diseases, stroke, depression, and Alzheimer's. In these lethal illnesses, people experience large bursts of aging mainly due to the defaults of the brain's neurotransmitters. These electrical signals directly affect negatively in regulating all organs, hormonal glands, and the entire body system. These electrical signals either slow down or speed up in various body parts, thereby accelerating the aging process. Symptoms present themselves in stopping or pausing every part of the body. This occurs through multiple 'pauses,' starting in our brain, immune system, heart, blood vessels, hormonal/endocrine system, bones, muscles, skin, senses, lungs, nutrient absorption/assimilation, kidneys, bladder, and DNA/gene decline.

Today's health care system has been conditioned to address a specific disease or part of the body with medication or surgery and to patch the problem returning to health! However the real fact is that our entire body and internal organs, from head to toe, do not function independently but rather intricately interconnected: each one could be the catalyst that signals a downward spiral of deteriorating health.

Slowing the rate of aging starts with the brain by improving its electrical voltage through dopamine; speed of transmission through acetylcholine; rhythm by gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) - the calming chemical; and synchronicity through serotonin.Nutrients and supplements can increase your brain power and speed of neurotransmitters as well as address specific illnesses.

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WELLNESS WISDOMS

Natural Sunscreen

CUrcumin/Honey Salve

Educational series w/ Dr. Katia

We Offer Nutrient Intravenous (IV) & Intramuscular (IM) Therapies

"NEW" Naturopathic walk-in clinic

Vaccine Tips

Slowing Biological Aging

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