Hair Analysis: What can it tell you?

Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, BSc, ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)

Ask yourself:
Do you regularly use antiperspirants or antacids?
Do you have metal tooth fillings or regularly consume seafood?
Do you live or work in an industrial setting?
Do you spend a great deal of time in traffic?
Do you have chronic symptoms that haven't been diagnosed or treated successfully?
Do you have chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or gas?
Do you take minimal amounts of vitamin C?
Do you suffer from periodontal symptoms, allergies, or hypertension?
Do you suffer from mood changes that are difficult to explain?
Do you have trouble with concentration, memory, or learning?
Do you get infections easily or recover slowly?
Do you experience a reduced sense of taste or smell, poor night vision, rough skin, or poor wound healing?

If you answered 'yes' to two or more of these questions you may have element imbalances or excess toxic elements in your system.

Why Hair?
Extensive research has established that scalp hair element levels are related to human systemic levels. Blood is widely used for many medical tests however; it does not always reflect what is going on at the organ level. Since it is regulated by hormone mechanisms that work to keep their levels within a specific ranges and hair is not, deviations in hair element levels often appear prior to blood symptoms. This makes them valuable as a preliminary too for predicting the development of physiological abnormalities.
• Low zinc is associated with poor wound healing, weight problems, depressed libido, hair loss and impotence.
• Low magnesium is associated with cardiovascular problems, depression and anxiety.
• Low copper is associated with joint pain, elevated cholesterol, anemia and reduced resistance to infection.
• Low manganese is associated with back and joint problems, hypoglycemia and allergies.

What about Toxic Elements?
Toxic elements may be up to several hundred times more concentrated in hair that in the blood or urine making hair the choice for detection of exposure to arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury.
• Excess lead is associated with fatigue, constipation, insomnia, emotional disturbances, hyperactivity, and learning disabilities in children.
• Excess aluminum is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and may also lead to the depletion of phosphorus in the body which is critical for bone health.
• Excess arsenic is associated with fatigue, skin problems, and tingling in the extremities.
• Excess cadmium is associated with fatigue, tissue aging, musculoskeletal pain, anemia and hypertension.

When is Hair Analysis the Wrong Choice?
Hair is subject to external contamination, particularly from products such as bleaches, perms or dyes. Hair treated within two months of sampling will not provide accurate information. In these cases, blood or urine test may be better choices.

Please call us at 905.465.4595 for more information
and to book your appointment with Dr. Samantha Ristimaki.

For pricing information please click here.

Walk Now for Autism with Team Wellness for the Body

Autism is the second most common developmental disorder affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

We are participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism.

The 4th Annual Ontario Walk Now for Autism will take place on June 8, 2008 at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto. The walk is not difficult and can be done at your own pace. You may walk as far or as little as you desire. Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to participate.

You can help by doing one or more of the following:

1. Join our team and walk with us on June 8, 2008.

2. Financially support us as we walk -- any donation, large or small, will help fund autism research via Autism Speaks.

3. Form your own team and let’s have a little fun doing competitive fundraising for a great cause!

4. Contact your family and friends and ask them for their support. (Statistics show that 70% of people asked make a donation, so don’t hesitate to ask!)

Please go to our team’s webpage for more on how to take step(s) 1 – 4, or visit the clinic for more information.

Follow this link to visit the team page for Wellness for the Body.
Follow this link to visit Carole Smith's page.

5. If you own a company or know of a company or group that may be interested in helping - we do need Corporate Sponsors---for further information on this just fire an e-mail back and we’ll put you in touch with the office. Corporate Sponsors receive excellent recognition for their support.

Our clinic now offers services for special needs patients, with a focus on children and families dealing with autism. Physical rehabilitation sessions can be beneficial for individuals with physical, developmental or neurological disabilities and musculoskeletal problems. The main emphasis is on the impairments of movement that leads to functional limitations. The following services are offered to special needs clients in our clinic in order to enhance quality of living:

Thank you for taking the time to read this article and we are grateful for your participation in whatever form.

With Our Gratitude,
Dr Carole Smith and Team Wellness for the Body

Please call us at 905.465.4595 for more information
and to book your appointment with Dr. Carole Smith.

For pricing information please click here.

Andreas Adventure!

On April 17th , 2008 I will be leaving for a 5 week tour of South East Asia and will be returning to work on May 26th, 2008. I will do my best to get all of you in for a treatment before I leave so call for your appointment soon. The other therapists at Wellness for the Body are available during my leave of absence to make sure you are well taken care of.

I will take lots of pictures for you to see upon my return and thanks for all the positive encouragement! This will truly be an adventure for me!

Thanks,
Andrea Antaya, RMT, Dipl.S.T.

Purchase Gift Certificates Over the Phone or Online

Now purchasing the gift of health couldn't be any easier! Gift certificates may be purchased over the phone or online for any dollar amount, and can be sent to you by regular mail or email within 2 business days.

For more information call - 905.465.4595