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Botanical Medicine Mississauga

Summer Tick Tips

Summer Tick Tips

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Ticks are becoming increasingly more prevalent especially in our local parks. Please CLICK HERE to see a map of Ontario Lyme disease Risk Areas. Certain ticks can transmit Lyme disease. Below are our tick tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

  1. Ticks love bushy areas and tall grass. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites. If you are spending time in woody or bushy areas make sure to wear long pants and sleeves and inspect your body and your family for any sign of a tick or tick bite after coming indoors.
  2. Wear insect repellent if you are going to be spending time outdoors at parks or wooded areas.
  3. If you or a family member gets a tick bite it is important to act right away and remove the tick. Tweezers are a great option for removal. It is important to get the entire tick out. Make sure to wash the site where the tick was with rubbing alcohol.
  4. Keep the tick once it has been removed in a sealed bag or container so that it can be assessed for Lyme disease.
  5. Please contact your health care provider to discuss next steps.
  6. Naturopathic Doctors can help support your immune system to implement protocols to prevent complications that can arise from a tick bite.
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Top 5 Reasons To See A Naturopathic Doctor During Pregnancy

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Finding out you are expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also become one of the most overwhelming times. Having a professional to guide you through this next chapter in your life is invaluable. From the moment you find out you are pregnant a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) can help answer your questions and get you started on a prenatal plan. As a mother of two and Naturopathic Doctor I have listed the top 5 reasons to include an ND in your prenatal care team.

1. Immediate Care

Most women do no see their Obstetrician or Midwife before approximately 10 weeks of pregnancy. During the first 10 weeks, moms and partners have a lot of questions. Some of these questions are related to food, exercise, sleep, morning sickness, fatigue, etc. Naturopathic Doctors are there for you from week 1 and can answer all of your questions. Not only is it important have these questions to get answered, there are also critical nutrients and factors to consider for healthy baby development in the first trimester (weeks 1-13).

2. Discuss nutrition, healthy weight gain and additional supplement support

Understanding what to eat, what you can eat and what foods, if any, you should be avoiding can be confusing especially if you are experiencing nausea! It is important to ensure you are getting enough carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats as well as ensuring you are getting your micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). With your ND, you will discuss: plate proportions, foods to limit or avoid, foods you should include in your diet and healthy weight gain during each trimester.

When taking supplements and prenatal vitamins, it is important to understand what you are taking. There are 3 things to be mindful of when it comes to your supplements:

  1. The forms of the vitamins/minerals that are in the product, as some forms are easier absorbed and are better tolerated by the body, which will ensure your body is using what you are taking.
  2. The doses of the vitamins/minerals/herbs in the product. Each vitamin/mineral/herb will have a therapeutic dose and some products do not contain enough of each ingredient to provide a therapeutic value.
  3. The product does not contain fillers and chemicals. It is surprising, but some of the products on the market contain added fillers and chemicals that you do not want to be putting into your body, especially when pregnant. This is why it is so important to seek professional advice when choosing supplements.

3. Pregnancy Expectations and Common Pregnancy Related Complaints/Conditions

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but there are symptoms that may arise especially as the woman nears the end of her third trimester. Even though these symptoms/conditions are common, they can cause quite a bit of stress for mom. But do not worry! There is support. Naturopathic Doctors can help prevent as well as guide you through the treatment options when it comes to conditions of pregnancy. These conditions can include: Heartburn, Urinary Tract Infections, Morning Sickness, Insomnia, Constipation, Headaches, Restless Legs, Gestational Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Group B Strep and Stretch Marks.

4. Birth Preparation

Birth preparation is very important and patients tend to not know that they need to train their muscles for birth much like they would if they were running a marathon. Starting around 36 weeks, Naturopathic Doctors will shift their treatment plan to support the birth. This will include supplement changes, acupuncture and some herbal preparations to help ripen the cervix and strengthen the uterus in preparation for delivery. Research shows that pre-birth acupuncture can shorten the second stage of labour (pushing).

5. Optimal Postpartum Care

The postpartum period, often called the 4th trimester, is a joyous time as well as a busy time. It is so vital that mom’s needs do not get forgotten, as everyone is excited over the new arrival. Postpartum care is very important in helping prevent and support postpartum blues, postpartum depression, milk supply, iron and nutrient levels, stress management and thyroid health. Booking a follow up with your Naturopathic Doctor around 6 weeks postpartum is recommended. As the body can take a full year to recover from pregnancy and birth, Naturopathic Doctors will see you and you baby beyond 6 weeks postpartum and continue care for you, your baby and your family as needed.

Welcoming a new member into the family is such a special time. The greatest gift you can give your baby is a healthy start as well as a healthy mom! If you want to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine, please visit the “Services” section of our website. We look forward to meeting you and your growing family.

Congratulations! Naturopathic Medicine can provide you and your family support during this exciting time. Giving your baby the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle right from conception is the best gift you can give your child. Below is a description of our Pregnancy Program.

1st Trimester:

  • Treatment plan to support appropriate diet and supplement regime
  • Management of symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness, constipation, headaches, etc.
  • Informative consults during the early weeks of pregnancy before you are able to see your midwife or Obstetrician
  • Discuss appropriate caloric intake and healthy weight gain
  • Recommend books and mommy must haves
  • Stretchmark prevention
  • Discuss the importance of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic care during pregnancy

2nd Trimester

  • Urinary tract infection prevention and treatment
  • Natural support for GERD/heartburn
  • Identification, treatment and prevention of typical nutritional deficiencies
  • Uterine support in preparation for labour

3rd Trimester

  • Birth plan development and finalization
  • Preparation for labour
  • Herbal prescriptions and perineal healing protocol
  • Acupuncture and acupressure treatments
  • GBS+ prevention and treatment
  • Breech presentation management
  • List of items you will need for a home or hospital birth
  • Labour induction

4th Trimester/Postpartum Care

  • Lactation Support
  • Identification, treatment and prevention of typical nutritional deficiencies
  • Prevention and treatment of postpartum blues and depression
  • Adrenal support
  • Newborn assessment and well-child check
  • IV Therapy
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Remedies On-The-Go

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Life hacks seem to be taking over social media in an attempt to make life just a little smoother, and save a buck when you can. I love a natural hack, but especially ones that help prepare for the unexpected, especially if you’re travelling with kids. I have added these to my first aid kit and don’t travel far without them.

Tea Tree Oil

A natural antiseptic for cuts as well as fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Tea Tree oil is also great for combatting head lice. Use several drops in a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.

Lavender Oil

I love this oil, its a must have in our home and for good reason. It can be used for easing pain, calming burns, and relieving a bruise. It is also known as a headache aid, mosquito repellent, and relieves the itch of bug bites. Lavender oil can also be used as a gentle sleep aid

Peppermint Oil

As a headache sufferer, I do not travel without my roll on bottle of peppermint. Avoid contact with eyes and don’t apply to open wounds, but roll it on your temples or base of your neck when you feel a headache coming. It is strong – you may turn heads as your headache eases!

Arnica

For all things “boo boo”. Bruising, swelling, bites, skin irritations. Arnica can be bought at all health food stores and many health sections of your local grocery store. Look for it in a cream or gel form.

Herbal Teas

I am always stashing individually wrapped teas like ginger and peppermint to ease upset stomach, nausea and vomitting. We are always never without a good chamomile tea for anxiety, and sleep. Come pick from our loose leaf teas at Abaton.

Enjoy! Martina

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Summer Safety With Essential Oils & Homemade Bug Spray

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Essential oil safety is important because each essential oil is pure and very potent. Some oils may increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause irritation (photosensitivity) so caution should be taken during summer months. When UV radiation, a form of radiation which makes up approximately 10% of sunlight, comes in contact with particular substances it can initiate a series of chemical and biological reactions. This immune reaction is known as photosensitization. Some essential oils contain organic compounds that make some people’s skin more sensitive to the effects of UV radiation. When photosensitive skin is exposed to UV radiation, it may cause damage to cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins. This may result in temporary darkening of skin pigment and irritation, much like a sunburn. More extreme exposure may cause hives or burns. Here are a few safety tips to keep your essential oil experiences positive this summer.

  • Look at the labels and follow direction closely, especially if you are trying oils for the first time.
  • Many oils need to be diluted with carrier oils like olive, coconut or jojoba.
  • Essential Oils to be used with caution during the summer include: cinnamon bark, clove, citronella, cumin, lemongrass, lemon, oregano, bergamot and thyme.
  • If you have applied phototoxic essential oils to your skin do not expose your skin to UV light for 12-18 hours
  • Oils that are easily tolerated include; marjoram, frankincence, German chamomile, myrrh, thyme and lavender.

To practice essential oil safety it’s important to use oils in the appropriate way. Essential oils may be applied on the skin, inhaled, diffused or taken internally, but the best application depends on the specific oil. Come see Martina at Abaton Integrative Medicine for more information on how to include oils in your daily routine. Homemade Bug Spray Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Witch hazel water
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 40 drops Essential Oils (Eucayptus, Lemongrass, Citronella, Lavendar or Tea Tree
  • 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions:

  1. Mix witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils in the 8 ounce glass spray bottle.
  2. Spray over all portions of the body but avoid repellent in eyes and mouth.

Martina Tecic Microscopist

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