Wild or Farmed Salmon?

With the tremendous health benefits offered by eating cold water fish, it is important to consider where the fish come from. Unfortunately, there are some major differences between Wild and Farmed Salmon. The arguments for Wild versus Farmed Salmon are somewhat analogous to that of Free-range versus Feedlot beef. However, the consequences with the fish may be greater. Both the Wild Atlantic and Wild Pacific Salmon are in danger from fish farms. As a David Suzuki Foundation Brochure points out, we are not saving wild salmon by eating farmed.

Below are links to some of the most important issues on the topic:

1. Cross breeding of farmed genetics with wild
2. Contaminants in farmed Salmon
3. Spreading Diseases from farmed to wild (Sea Lice and Parasites)
4. Chemicals used and Effect on the Sea bed
5. Excellent overview of all fishing practices

Is Naturopathic Medicine a difficult program?

This semester has been exceptionally busy and I have not had any time to spend on this blog. Last week we had 9 exams in 5 days with some of the exams worth 40% of our final mark. March's quote of the month captures some of that feeling!

I have received a lot of questions recently asking if naturopathic school is easier than conventional medical school. Although I can't say for sure, because I haven't attended conventional medical school, what I can say is that it is much more work than a Bachelors of Science Degree. I did my undergraduate at the University of Calgary and my program certainly was not easy either. So far this year, several of my colleagues have dropped at least one course to continue at a part-time load and the program will now take them 5 years. I have often said that if it wasn't for the supportive atmosphere created by my colleagues (and certainly the support of family) the program would have a much higher dropout rate.

Actually, there are new curriculum changes planned for CCNM to streamline and make the program more tolerable. I have to give a little plug for the Boucher school here (and the other colleges that have a longer school year). There is certainly a tremendous learning benefit to an extra month (or 2 in the case of Boucher) of class time. Also, I noticed that Boucher now has a six year part-time program which is an interesting option for some people.

For more information, one of my colleagues just created a website, gouldingnd.com which describes in detail her experience at CCNM. I highly recommend reading, "Realistic Challenges of Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor."

Quote of the Month

“There ain’t much fun in medicine, but there’s a heck of a lot of medicine in fun.”

Josh Billings

Finally some good Press!

The submission for prescribing rights has envoked some resistance against this opportunity for Naturopathic Doctors. After reading several negative articles over the past month, it was nice to get this positive outlook from New Brunswick.

Take a look at The Daily Gleaner for their thoughts on how Naturopaths will help the Canadian health care system.

Quote of the Month

"It's bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children's health than the pediatrician."

Meryl Streep

Naturopathic Movies 10

FLOW

This award winning documentary highlights an issue that we so often take completely for granted in Canada - WATER. Fresh, unplolluted, drinkable water to be specific. Without drinkable water, there can be no life. Unfortunately, this neccesity provides an opportunity for tremendous control and profit for unscrupulous companies. Can anyone really own water?

I found that the film starts a little slow but end up presenting interesting perspectives from both scientists and community activists. Also, in case you were not ready for more bad news, the film does offer some solutions and includes ways that we all can help.


For a preview, visit FLOW online at: http://www.flowthefilm.com/

CCNM Naturopathic Student Highlight

Rachelle de Jong is currently a full-time 3rd year student at CCNM. Rachelle was born on Vancouver Island, went to high school in Regina and then did her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria in Biology.

After competing at the elite level in rowing for 11 years, Rachelle made the pinnacle of athletic dreams - The Olympics! Rachelle took last year off school to represent Canada at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the Heavyweight Women's Quad Rowing class. CCNM is very proud to say that one of our students represented Canada on the international stage.

Next year Rachelle will take another exciting step in life by marrying her fiance who proposed on the Great Wall of China last year.

Although Rachelle likes sports medicine, she is currently most interested in other areas including Women's Health and Dermatology. She will graduate in 2010 and has an amazing, caring and approachable personality that will definitely bring patients into her practice.

Quote of the Month

"Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So, overweight people are now average. Which means you've met your New Year's resolution!"

Jay Leno

Merry Christmas and Eat Well!

Merry Christmas!

As you make your food choices through the holidays, it is beginning to be very important to know where your food comes from. Unfortunately, not all food is created equal. Knowing where your food comes from and how it arrives on your plate is the only sure way to know you have quality. Accordingly, I have recently included the Eat Well Guide search on my blog:



For your searching convenience, this will be permanently on the bottom left of the website. (To find local produce, click on the submit button before entering a keyword.)

Quote of the Month

"Half the modern drugs could well be thrown out the window, except that the birds might eat them."

Martin H. Fischer