Q & A
 You Ask – We Answer!
...your road map to health & wellness.
HAVE A QUESTION? LET US HELP!
We are here to help you with any of your health-related questions
– nothing’s too big or too small!
Our professional expert panel will do our best to provide you with
information, suggestions, and resources.
Please keep all questions reasonable short and we can not guarantee all question will be answered. Any inappropriate questions will result in removal of memberships. If your question is a time sensitive issue or if it is of a serious urgent matter, please seek medical attention immediately or contact your local doctors, naturopath, hospital, or walk-in clinic.
Our Q and A Manager
This column is hosted by our Q and A manager Cindy Atkinson.
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Cindy is passionate about health. Cindy is a Certified Rolfer ®, which is a type of deep tissue manipulation that realigns the body into it's most functional shape and form. Cindy learned about the body and it's cellular structure first while obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology at Washington State University. Cindy has been involved in the health food industry since 2003 and was head of the Vitamin Department for 2 years. She has continued her education on the body and it's systems being certified as a Sports Nutrition Adviser as well as a Digestive Care Aid. Cindy enjoys sharing her knowledge of all things healthy and finds the greatest joy in helping people make positive changes in their lives.
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OK In Health’s Professional’s Expert Panel
Cindy Atkinson -
Certified Rolfer® |
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Dr. Tamara Browne - ND
Naturopath |
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Dr. Sarah Tremblay DC BPHE - Chiropractor |
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Dr. Travis Pillipow DC BSc -Chiropractor |
Sara Fitzharris –
Homeopath |
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Shannon Larrett-Bliss, CNP, ROHP Nutritionalist |
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Maria Carr -
DSA, CCSRI |
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Linda Buhler -
Holistic Pet Practitoner |
Chad Genereux -
Cert. Fitness Trainer |
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Joanne Gagane -
Cert. Fitness Trainer |
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Carole Fawcett -
Psychotherapist & Counsellor |
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Barb DuTot -
Herbs and Herbal Remedies |
Sonya Patrick -
Cert. Fitness Trainer |
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Sheila Kamaraus, -
Cert. Fitness Trainer |
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Michele Harshenin - |
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Beth Hynes -
Cert. Pilates, A.C.E |
Nora Donovan-Ward -
Reflexologists |
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... and selected
OK In Health members |
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ASK OK IN HEALTH
Okay my question is about Calories. With the New Year here, I am starting to reduce my food intake, eat real foods and have started walking. I would really like to lose some weight. I am unsure how many calories a day I should aim for. Do you have any idea of how many calories a woman in her 50’s should take a day? Thank you from Cathy, Oliver
ANSWER
Hello Cathy,
Thank you for this great question. Your daily Calorie intake depends on your current weight and height. One option is to use a personal ‘Women's Calorie Calculator’.
Such as one this web page http://nutrition.about.com/library/bl_nutrition_guide.htm for woman and this web page for a Men's Calorie Calculator. http://nutrition.about.com/library/bl_nutrition_guide_men.htm
All you need to do is add in your current weight, height and your age and it will give you results that will help you determine the calorie count you need to maintain your current weight or to achieve your goal weight in a healthy and steady manner.
Another option is to also look for a health coach or try a fitness class or join a walking group. Having support is an important step to a healthy lifestyle that works best for you.
We invite you to check out our event page http://okinhealth.com/events/penticton-and-south-okanagan and also our wellness directory ‘fitness & Exercise’ page http://okinhealth.com/wellness-directory for your area.
We wish you all the best for your steps towards a healthy weight.
From OK In Health e-Magazine
February 15, 2012
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QUESTION:
Hello OK In Health,
I am a newcomer to the OKanagan area and just found out about your magazine at a health food store. Have you ever had articles about alkaline diets. I am pre-diabetic and trying to follow an alkaline diet to avoid taking pills. Thanks, Dee
ANSWER:
Hello Dee,
Welcome to the Okanagan. Yes we do have some articles such as:
The Acid/Alkaline Balancing Act By Lila Elliott
The body needs acid and alkaline in a careful balance. Most people don't know that the pH of the blood and tissue is the single most important measurement of the body.... http://okinhealth.com/articles/acid-alkaline-balance
What's Blood Got to Do with It? By Lila Elliott
In a word, EVERYTHING. Blood's central role in your health makes sense when you consider just how much of it your body contains.....
http://okinhealth.com/articles/whats-blood-got-to-do-with-it
Glycemic Index By Brad King
A new meal planning tool called the Glycemic Index is talked about a lot these days. But there is also a lot of misunderstanding about the GI, which has actually been around for more than 20 years ....
http://okinhealth.com/articles/glycemic-index
Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Elevated Blood Glucose by Dr. Tamara Browne
Disorders of blood glucose are reaching epic proportions and account for a great number of chronic degenerative diseases. Elevated blood glucose is toxic to organs, especially the heart, kidney, and eyes.....
http://okinhealth.com/articles/diabetes-insulin-resistance-and-elevated-blood-glucose
We also have a section on our recipe page for Diabetic recipes... http://okinhealth.com/domains-okinhealth.com/recipes/index/diabetic
Yours In Health
From OK In Health eMagazine
January 24, 2012
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QUESTION:
Hello OK In Health,
I am a newcomer to the OKanagan area and just found out about your magazine at a health food store. Have you ever had articles about alkaline diets. I am pre-diabetic and trying to follow an alkaline diet to avoid taking pills. Thanks, Dee
ANSWER:
Hello Dee,
Welcome to the Okanagan. Yes we do have some articles such as:
The Acid/Alkaline Balancing Act By Lila Elliott
The body needs acid and alkaline in a careful balance. Most people don't know that the pH of the blood and tissue is the single most important measurement of the body.... http://okinhealth.com/articles/acid-alkaline-balance
What's Blood Got to Do with It? By Lila Elliott
In a word, EVERYTHING. Blood's central role in your health makes sense when you consider just how much of it your body contains.....
http://okinhealth.com/articles/whats-blood-got-to-do-with-it
Glycemic Index By Brad King
A new meal planning tool called the Glycemic Index is talked about a lot these days. But there is also a lot of misunderstanding about the GI, which has actually been around for more than 20 years ....
http://okinhealth.com/articles/glycemic-index
Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Elevated Blood Glucose by Dr. Tamara Browne
Disorders of blood glucose are reaching epic proportions and account for a great number of chronic degenerative diseases. Elevated blood glucose is toxic to organs, especially the heart, kidney, and eyes.....
http://okinhealth.com/articles/diabetes-insulin-resistance-and-elevated-blood-glucose
We also have a section on our recipe page for Diabetic recipes... http://okinhealth.com/domains-okinhealth.com/recipes/index/diabetic
Yours In Health
From OK In Health eMagazine
January 24, 2012
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QUESTION:
Hello OK In Health eMagazine,
As I start the New Year, I am looking for some ideas for my new resolutions. It seems there are so many things I could do. Do you have some suggestions?
From Nicole, Salmon Arm
ANSWER:
Hello Nicole,
Everyone wants to live a fulfilling life. Our purpose is to be all that we were intended to be and to reach our full potential. In this month's articles section we have a few ideas for you such as a list of healthy-aging secrets By Caroline Sutherland
Top Ten Healthy Aging Secrets –
http://okinhealth.com/articles/top-ten-healthy-aging-secrets-with-caroline-sutherland
Also Raina Dawn Lutz talks about Top Ten for Diet & Lifestyle Changes and Inspirational Ideas for a New Year – 2012
http://okinhealth.com/articles/top-ten-for-diet-lifestyle-changes
No Need for YOU to Store Up Fat This Winter by Dr. Christiane Northrup
http://okinhealth.com/articles/no-need-for-you-to-store-fat
We hope these might offer you some suggestions for your New Year.
From OK In Health
December 21, 2011
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QUESTION:
Hello OK In Health eMagazine
I was wondering about some health tips for my pets during the holidays? I have a 5 year old cat and also a 18 month old dog who is inclined to get into everything. I also heard that dogs shouldn't eat chocolate and certain plants are dangerous. Do you have some healthy tips for our furry little friends during this busy family time.
From Dee, Calgary
ANSWER:
Hello Dee,
Thank you for this great question and especially at this time of year. Holiday hazards abound at Christmas time for pets and now is a good time to warn you of what to be careful of. You are the guardian of your pets and you are shouldered with the responsibility to protect them from harm, including harmful behaviour. The more obvious hazards include chocolate, tinsel and electrical cords, but there are others. Below is a summary of what to watch for, what to avoid and what to do if you suspect a problem.
Christmas Holidays and Pets - December 2011 By Dr. Moira Drosdovech
http://okinhealth.com/articles/Christmas-holidays-and-pets
December 1, 2011
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QUESTION:
Hello
I was wondering what age does the cancer screening start.
From Jamie A, Nelson
ANSWER:
Hello Jamie,
The main purpose of cancer screening is to detect early disease before it is clinically evident/palpable. If you have any concerns please make an appointment with your doctor. Here are a few of the recommended testing.
Screening for Breast Cancer
There are numerous modalities that have been used for breast cancer screening,
such as mammography, MRI, thermographs, clinical breast exam (CBE) by a health profession and breast self exam (BSE)
Recommendations (Canada)
• Mammogram every 1-2 years from age 50-69
• clinical breast exam yearly from ages 50-69
• self-breast exam monthly
Pap - screening for Cervical Cancer
• First PAP is generally 3 years after the onset of sexual activity and no later than age 21.
• Screening should be annually for at least 3 consecutive normal smears , then every 3 years or at the discretion of the physician.
• High-risk patients should continue to have yearly smears.
• Screening until age 65 and 70 respectively.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
• PSA testing should be offered along with DRE annually to men 50 yrs of age and older.
• High risk patients should be screening beginning at age 45.
Colorectal cancer
• The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that average risk patients age 50.
For more informatiion please contact your doctor or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Thank you for your question.
October 28, 2011
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QUESTION:
I know that only a certain amount of your calories should come from fat, but how do you calculate that percentage? and what is the difference from good fats and bad fats?
- Amy, Vancouver
ANSWER:
It is recommended that we get about 25% to 35% of our total calories each day from fat — and most of that fat should be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
Saturated fat and trans fat can raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease, so they should make up less than 10% of a person's daily total calories.
Individual foods may contain more or less fat, but it's easier to control total fat intake if you're aware of the fat content of the foods you eat. To get this percentage, divide calories from fat by total calories (this information appears on the food label) and then multiply by 100. For example, if a 300-calorie food has 60 calories from fat, you divide 60 by 300 and then multiply by 100. That food has 20% of its calories from fat.
For more information on the benefits of 'Good Fats' check out this month's article by Dr. Melissa Bradwell.
http://okinhealth.com/articles/health-benefits-of-good-fats
September 29, 2011
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QUESTION:
I know that only a certain amount of your calories should come from fat, but how do you calculate that percentage? and what is the difference from good fats and bad fats?
- Amy, Vancouver
ANSWER:
It is recommended that we get about 25% to 35% of our total calories each day from fat — and most of that fat should be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
Saturated fat and trans fat can raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease, so they should make up less than 10% of a person's daily total calories.
Individual foods may contain more or less fat, but it's easier to control total fat intake if you're aware of the fat content of the foods you eat. To get this percentage, divide calories from fat by total calories (this information appears on the food label) and then multiply by 100. For example, if a 300-calorie food has 60 calories from fat, you divide 60 by 300 and then multiply by 100. That food has 20% of its calories from fat.
For more information on the benefits of 'Good Fats' check out this month's article by Dr. Melissa Bradwell.
http://okinhealth.com/articles/health-benefits-of-good-fats
September 29, 2011
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QUESTION:
Hello OK In Health.
My question is about my ears. I often get a ringing or hissing in my ears. Mostly just one ear, that is louder at night. It sometimes keeps me awake.
Betty, Armstrong, BC
ANSWER:
Hello Betty,
Thank you for asking a question to our Q and A section. It sounds like Tinnitus. Your doctor or Naturopath will be able to tell you for sure. In the meantime, I would recommend you read this article by our OK In Health columnist David Dixon as it is very informative.
Go to: http://okinhealth.com/articles/what-is-tinnitus-diet-supplementation
September 1, 2011
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QUESTION:
We would like to start a low salt diet. What is the difference from Low sodium, No sodium and less sodium labels?
ANSWER:
Planning what you eat and balancing your meals are important ways to manage your health. Eating healthy often means making changes in your current eating habits. A registered dietitian can provide in-depth personalized nutrition education, tailor these general guidelines to meet your needs, and help you begin a personal action plan. Some evidence suggests a daily sodium restriction to 1500 milligrams (1.5 grams) may benefit patients with cardiovascular risks including heart failure, hypertension, kidney disease, African-American ethnicity, and all middle aged and older adults.
The best way to start is to read your labels. The sodium content is listed on the food label per serving size. Ignore the % daily value and focus on the amount of mg sodium per serving. Decrease the total amount of sodium you consume to 2,000 milligrams (mg) or 2 grams (g) per day or less.
Foods labeled Low sodium are 140 mg or less per serving.
No sodium have less than 5 mg per serving.
Less Sodium can still be very high. It just means they lowered the salt in the product from what the regular product has.
A good idea is to keep a record of the amount of sodium you consume every day. Write down the amount in mg after each meal or snack.
July 28, 2011
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Connect with Us
 | Salt Substitutes | | Use salt substitutes sparingly, if at all, unless you consult with your doctor. Some salt substitutes contain very high levels of potassium. This may be unhealthy for those with certain medical conditions. Instead of relying on a salt substitute, try seasoning foods with pepper, flavorful herbs and spices. |
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 | Ilona Peet, DCH ~ The Homeopathic Practice |  Specialty: Homeopathy
At The Homeopathic Practice in Kelowna, Ilona Peet, DCH, provides homeopathic care to you and your family. Homeopathy is a natural, safe and effective way to whole health and well-being. | | View Details |
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 | Vernon Women in Business - Workshops Series |  Date: Mar 9, 2012
Location: Vernon & North Okanagan
Vernon Women in Business (VWIB) is offering six workshops will run between January 20 and March 16 at the Schubert Centre on Friday afternoons between 1:00 and 4:00pm | | View Details |
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| Time Crunch is Stealing Healthy Years from Canadians |  The Heart and Stroke Foundation is reaching out to Canadians with a powerful message and a vision for the future.... getting more time... more Hours in a day. More days in a year. More years in a life. “Tackling the time dilemma is absolutely critical,” says Dr. Beth Abramson, cardiologist and HSFC spokesperson... | | Full Article |
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| Pineapple Pecan Muffins | Category: Gluten-Free
Description: Gluten-free Muffins.
These were a pleasant surprise as they have only honey as a sweetener. They do brown quickly but don’t be fooled. Allow them to bake for their full time.
Pineapple is one of those foods that is heaven to eat. A good, juicy ripe pineapple can satisfy a sweet craving as well as any chocolate bar. In addition to being a delicious food, there are many health benefits of pineapple.
Pineapple is Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals. The obvious benefits of pineapple are all the vitamins and minerals the fruit is loaded with. Its nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. In addition it is low in fat and cholesterol. | | Full Recipe |
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