CARDIAC ATHLETIC SOCIETY EDMONTON

Heart Murmurs
February 2010

 

FEBRUARY 22nd EDUCATION MEETING

Dr. Catherine Phillips will be our guest speaker for our Monday, February 22, 2010 Self Help meeting at 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria of the School for the Deaf (6240-113 Street).

She has chosen for her topic an Introduction to Mindfulness. and will engage us in a few simple exercises. Also, she plans to bring along her program workbook and a few CD's of mindfulness exercises. She pursues an active interest in mind-body medicine, particularly in regards to the effects of stress on Mind and Body. For the past 3 1/2 years she's led groups in the practices of Mindfulness.

She is a native Edmonton, with over 20 years of experience as a psychiatric practioner. She is a clinical lecturer in the Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, as well as a psychotherapy supervisor to psychiatry residents. She conducts seminars in psychotherapy and mindfulness and is a consultant psychiatrist to Mental Health Services, Edmonton Garrison, DND.

NOTES ON THE JANUARY GUEST SPEAKER

The guest speaker for the January 25th Self Help meeting was Dr. Harb Sandhar, one of CanadaÕs foremost specialists in Homeopathic Medicine and Therapeutics. Dr. Sandhar opened his presentation with a discussion of the term homeopathy. He noted the derivation of the word homeopathy comes term from greek word 'homoio' meaning 'similar' and 'pathos' meaning suffering.

Homeopathy has been defined as a system of therapy based on the concept that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute doses) that are thought to be capable of producing the same symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself. Homeopathy is based on the theory that each naturally occurring element, plant, and mineral compound will, when ingested or applied, result in certain symptoms. According to homeopathy, symptoms are the body's way of fighting disease. Symptoms can be encouraged, by prescribing a "remedy" in minuscule doses that, in larger doses, would produce the same symptoms. The use of these remedies is meant to stimulate the immune system, helping to cure the illness.

Homeopathy was invented by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He believed that, by diluting these substances in a standardized manner, one could reach the true essence of a substance. These dilute amounts then could be used to treat the very symptoms they were known to produce.

Dr. Sandhar outlined some of his principles of homeopathy: He believes in only using a single medicine.

He notes that many illnesses are related to eating habits. He commented that western foods place an undue emphasis on meats and processed foods. His observation was that most of our foods have a long list of additives and chemicals that enhance marketability but may have adverse physiological impacts.

He emphasized that people looking to homeopathy should not change their prescribed treatment regimes. Homeopathy seeks to prevent diseases while regular treatment regimes are addressing the diseases that are already present.

He believes that all drugs will create a toxicity in the body which should be addressed by a detoxification regime every six months. He strongly believes that patients should stay on their prescription drugs but have a regular detoxification regime as well.

He suggested a number of products that may be helpful. Hawthorne Berry was suggested as a means to help strengthen and tone the heart muscle. Antioxidants such as
Coenzyme Q 10 and Grapeseed Extract also may be beneficial. Glucosamine-Chondroitin is helpful in the prevention and treatment of joint pain.

Dr. Sandhar discussed the effect of the individual's heritage as it can be tied to blood type. The blood type can have a significant impact on how each person reacts to various foods. This is important in developing appropriate dietary regimes to maintain or improve health.

Blood Type O was the original type from Africa where the life was based on 'hunting and gathering' and the diet tended to be meat based. As migrations left Africa lifestyle changed to more permanent settlements based on agriculture and the diets changed to include grains and vegetables. Their blood type evolved to become type A.

Type B blood developing in the Asian highlands having the flexibility to eat nearly any type of food as well as dairy based foods. Type AB is the rarest and most recent blood type evolving during the last millennium. It combines A and B types. Type AB is the only blood type whose existence is the result of intermingling rather than environment. Thus, they share both the benefits and the challenges of both Type A and Type B blood types.

How a person reacts to diet and natural remedies will be dependant in part upon the genetic heritage reflected in their blood type.

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS AND PAY UP!

Annual dues were payable to CASE on, or before, February 1, 2010. It is essential that your medical records be updated when you pay your fees. Even if there have not been any changes in medications in the last year, the form must be signed again and dated in 2010 with a note that there have not been any changes. The forms are available on the stage at the front of the gymnasium at each exercise session.

The basic dues are $15.00 for all members (exercise and social) and an additional $138 if you are participating in the exercise program. Thus, for exercise members fees total $153.00 for 2010. The fees should be paid to CASE. Ron Kirschner will take cheques or cash in payment of the fees.

WINNERS...

Marion Hushagen won the free breakfast at the November social breakfast and Donna Anstey won at the January event.

AND LOSERS... THE 2010 CASE WEIGHT CHALLENGE

On January 14th, twenty eight members weighed in for the 2010 Weight Challenge. The person who loses the greatest percentage of their initial body weight by May 13 wins the Challenge. If you want to compete for the fabulous prizes (and better health) there is a $5.00 entry fee and your initial weigh in must be recorded before the end of January!

Regular weigh-ins to check your progress are scheduled for February 11, March 11, and April 8 with final standings determined at the May 13 weigh in.

For the participants information we are also calculating their Body Mass Index and changes over the period of the Challenge. It is safe to say that most of us could stand to lose a few pounds.

HEARTS AND FLOWERS

If you are aware of any member who is ill, confined to their home, or hospitalized, please e-mail this information info@edmontoncase.org or call Phil Bradshaw at 780 434-1349 or Glen Gregory at 780 434-3336.

 

 

TIPS FOR WALKING OFF THOSE EXTRA POUNDS

Walking is the most popular weight loss activity. It requires no expense or equipment, can be done anywhere and is one of the safest and easiest ways to burn extra calories. Walking is also an ideal way to relieve stress and one of the best ways to get into the habit of exercising if you arenÕt already doing so. A 150-pound person walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes burns an average of 150 calories, and if performed daily, can expect to lose 12 pounds in a year. Ideas to obtain the greatest benefit from walking include pumping your arms, bent to about 90 degrees, to burn an additional 5 to 10 percent more calories with each step and periodically taking a different route, which will add hills, time, and change the speed or frequency of your walks.

Exercise equipment that focuses on walking includes the treadmill and the elliptical trainers. One of the best ways to make your treadmill workout more challenging is to increase the level of incline. The greater the degree of gravity your body must work against, the greater the calorie burn and the stronger and more toned the legs will become. DonÕt make the mistake of upping the incline drastically as this can bring about shin splints and other problems. Instead, take it up gradually. The elliptical trainer is easier on the joints than many other types of cardio equipment because it is a non-impact activity.

Both walking on a treadmill and the elliptical trainer are examples of weight-bearing activities, which help to build bone density and fight osteoporosis. An advantage of elliptical trainers is that they allow for movement of both legs and arms in a motion similar to cross country skiing. A 150-pound person can expect to burn about 300 calories per half hour if exercising at a moderately winded pace. Another advantage of using an elliptical trainer is that it can be pedaled both forward and backward, allowing you to use different muscles. For greatest benefit, keep an upright posture with shoulders back and head up and avoid slouching when pedaling.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

 

Event	Date	Time	Place
Social Breakfast	Wed Feb 17	9:00 AM	SEESA
Education Self Help Session	Mon Feb 22	7:00 PM	ASFD
Social Breakfast	Wed Mar 17	9:00 AM	SEESA
Annual General Meeting and Education Self Help Session	Mon Mar 22	7:00 PM	ASFD
Social Breakfast	Wed Apr 28	9:00 AM	SEESA
Barbeque 2010	Friday Jun 4	TBA	Malmo
Christmas Party 2010	Sun Dec 5	TBA	Malmo

 

Notes: SEESA:            The South East Edmonton Seniors Assoc.   address is 9350 82nd Street, Edmonton

            ASFD:                        The Alberta School for the Deaf                 address is 6240-113 Street, Edmonton

            Malmo:            Malmo Community League                       address is 11525 48th Avenue Edmonton