Counselling Team at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine

During this anxious and unpredictable time in the world, our counselling team is currently offering video appointments (through Skype, FaceTime or what's app) and telephone appointments, so that we can all stay connected, supported and healthy through social distancing. Bookings can be made with any of the counselors by contacting them directly via email, telephone, or text.

Click on the names below to learn more about our counselors, their availability and contact information.

Iva Anderson BSG, MS (psychology)

Victoria Walton MSW, RSW (SK), SEP

Colleen McBride MSW, RSW (SK), SEP

We encourage you to stay in contact with a few people regularly for your own emotional health, especially if you are quarantined. Thankfully, we live in a world where we have technologies available to help use stay close (virtually) while maintaining a safe physical distance.  

Wishing you all good health and support through this hard time.

Secure and Simple Video Telemedicine Consults at Saskatoon Naturopathic

Our secure and simple video telemedicine consults can be done using your smart phone, tablet/ipad, laptop OR any desktop with a microphone and camera.

At the time of your appointment you will be emailed or texted the following link that will allow you access to our virtual waiting room: yxenaturopathic.doxy.me/reception

Upon arrival to our virtual waiting room, you will be asked to type in your name and then wait patiently while your doctor activates the video call.

Note your device may ask you to enable microphone and camera. We recommend you do to allow for the best virtual experience.

At the end of your visit, you will be put back in the waiting room where our receptionists will virtually connect with you to process payment, prepare any orders, and reschedule you for your next appointment.

If you can pick up a phone you can answer a video call from us!

If you wish to make more out of your experience here are some tips and suggestions:

-        Connection: to ensure your video call goes smoothly, use strong Wifi or an ethernet cable, close unused programs and use the most up-to-date version of google chrome or Firefox.

-        Follow up consultations: If your consultation is a follow up appointment complete follow up notes in a separate document then simply copy and paste your notes to the instant messaging window before or during your telemedicine consult. This will allow your Naturopathic Doctor to have all the up-to-date information on your current medication and supplement use, labs and imaging, current complaints and priorities for your visit. Click here to access our follow up forms. If you prefer a word document please contact our office.

-        Secure file sharing: Doxy.me telemedicine system allows for secure file sharing between you and your Naturopathic Doctor. This allows you to easily drag and drop files, including recent blood work and test results, right into the video consult.

-        Screenshots: Your Naturopathic Doctor is also able to screen shot portions of your video consultation. For example: if you have a rash you need the doctor to address or if you have taken your blood pressure at home the doctor can screen shot the image and instantly upload it into your file.

Wet Warming Socks

This remedy is great for:

• Supporting the immune system while fighting a cold or flu

• Decreasing congestion in the sinus, nose, chest and lung

• Relieving headaches, migraines and general aches and pains

How it works:

The body reacts to the cold socks by increasing blood circulation allowing new immune cells to come to the infected area. This hydrotherapy process supports the body to clear congestion in the upper airways and head. It is best to start the wet sock treatment on the first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row.

What you will need:

• 1 pair of very thin cotton socks

• 1 pair of thick wool socks

• 1 set of sweats or pajamas

• 1 bowl of ice water

Instructions:

• Soak the pair of thin socks in the bowl of ice water. then wring the socks out thoroughly so that they do not drip.

• If feet are warm continue to step 3. If feet are cold, warm feet by placing in warm water or take a hot shower/bath. Dry feet.

• Place ice-cold wet socks on feet. Then cover with thick wool socks. Put on pajamas and go directly to bed. avoid getting chilled.

• Wear the socks overnight and in the morning the cotton socks will be dry.

CAUTION:

Do NOT use this remedy if you have asthma, a heart condition, diabetes or other circulatory problems.

Micronutrient Testing at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine

At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine we proudly offer Spectracell Micronutrient testing, one of the most comprehensive nutrient tests to assess the nutrient stores in your body that will keep you performing at the top of your game.

The Spectracell Micronutrient test allows your Naturopathic Doctor to assess how well your body utilizes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites (listed below).

Why is this information important?

 Nutritional balance plays a key role in optimal wellness, chronic disease prevention and managing the aging process. Each nutrient in our body is responsible for specific physiological functions that make them unique and irreplaceable. Virtually all metabolic and developmental processes that take place in the body require micronutrients, and strong evidence suggests that subtle vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant deficiencies can contribute to degenerative processes such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As well, evidence suggests that a lack of these vital nutrients may have a profound impact on the body’s immune system. Eating a balanced diet, exercising and taking a multivitamin may not be enough. Every individual is unique and a micronutrient test will allow your Naturopathic Doctor to see where you might be lacking.

Who may benefit from having the Spectracell Micronutrient test?

Spectracell micronutrient testing can be very beneficial for individuals with the following conditions and disease:

            - Cardiovascular disease

            - Diabetes

            - Neurological disorders/Alzheimer’s          

            - Mood disorders

            - Osteoporosis

            - Fertility issues

            - Cancer

 It may also be helpful to get tested if you feel like you are suffering from a nutritional deficiency or just want to stay on top of your health. Some of the signs and symptoms of a nutrition deficiency include: fatigue, anxiety, weight loss or weight gain, loss of appetite, tingling hands, muscle cramping, vomiting, heart flutter, skin conditions, depression, bruising, reduced muscle mass, muscle weakness, diarrhea, hair loss, digestive problems, numbness, nausea, constipation, impaired wound healing, and low libido.

The cost for this test is 620 dollars, which is pricey, but the results may help you save money in others areas by helping you cut out supplements you are currently taking that are not necessary for you at this time, and re-prioritizing the supplements that are truly addressing your body’s needs. For more information on the Spectracell micronutrient test book an appointment to speak to your Naturopathic Doctor or call our office to book in for a sample collection today!

**content adapted from Micronutrient Testing Nutrition at the Core of Personalized Wellness

"TAKE YOUR HEALTH IN YOUR HANDS" - eHealth Saskatchewan

We have some exciting news. The residents of Saskatchewan are now able to access their own health records online! This is an important step in the empowerment of our patients.

As a patient of Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine we strongly encourage everyone to get an account setup with eHealth. This will allow you to update your Naturopathic Doctor on relevant health records including blood work and imagery. Standard blood work and imagery are important in helping your Naturopathic Doctor provide you with a naturopathic diagnosis and properly treat any health concerns you may have.

To set up your eHealth account follow these steps:

1. Go to www.ehealthsask.ca

2. At the center of the page click on the box in middle of the page that says “MySaskHealthRecord”

3. A new page will appear. Click on the green box that says “create account”

4. It will then prompt you to put in your account details

If you have any troubles creating your eHealth account please contact MySaskHealthRecord at 1-844-767-8259.

Creating an account only takes a few minutes and will be very much worth your effort!

Free Talk with Joan Markentin - BScPT, SEP

MIGRAINE PRESENTATION

WEDNESDAY JULY 17, 2019 @ 7 pm

“The Highly Sensitive Brain”

An Update on Migraines from a Functional Medicine Perspective

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew will discuss:

• What is happening in the brain when you get a migraine?

• Common (and not so common) food triggers

• The role of estrogen and progesterone in migraines

• Nutrient deficiencies that can be a factor

• Natural medicines to improve your resilience to stress

• The role of gut health in prevention of migraines

A registration fee of $25 will reserve your spot. All profits will be donated to LDAS

(The Learning Disability Association of Saskatchewan)

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew, ND

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Join us from 7:00-8:00 pm on July 17th at our clinic.

To Register, or to learn more about this presentation:

Call the clinic at: (306) 664-2150

Or email us at: info@saskatoonnaturopathic.com

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Naturopathic Medicine Week Presentation

Integrative Cancer Care and Naturopathic Medicine

Join Dr. Velichka ND on May 16th, during Naturopathic Medicine Week for an informative presentation on Integrative Cancer Care.

Learn about the benefits of having a naturopathic doctor trained in integrative cancer care on your team. Dr. Velichka ND will briefly review the safe and effective use of some natural and supportive therapies that may be used to assist patients through their conventional treatments.

Who: Dr. Amy Velichka ND (Naturopathic Doctor at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine)

What: Presentation on Integrative Cancer Care and Naturopathic Medicine

When: May 16th 2019 – 7pm

Where: McNally Robinson Bookstore on 8th Street in the travel alcove

Welcome Joan Markentin - Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist - Joan Markentin

We are excited to announce that Joan Markentin, PT, SEP, has joined our team at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine. 

Hello! My name is Joan Markentin. I am a Physical Therapist and have been working in Rosthern for the past 22 years. I have just returned from a learning adventure Down Under in preparation for opening my private Physiotherapy Practice, SE Physical Therapy. Somatic Experiencing gives me a new way to work with symptoms such as severe pain that are difficult to diagnose and treat and have not responded to traditional treatments. The symptoms may be labelled as psychosomatic or “all in your head”. They may be related to an injury or surgery but often don’t seem directly connected. Through working with the nervous system, the underlying causes of the recurring symptoms can be identified and worked with.

Sydney, Australia is a place I can pursue all of my favourite activities in, on and under the ocean. In my younger years I was a competitive sailor so it was great fun to jump back in a Laser sailboat to race on Sydney Harbour! Between the fun, I completed my Advanced Somatic Experiencing (R) Training and the Visceral and Deep Shock Module of Kathy Kain’s Touch Skills for Therapists. I am excited to join the team of professionals at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine to put this new knowledge and skill set into practice.

I will be accepting new clients starting on Friday, April 5th. Please contact me directly to book appointments at 306-716-4000.