Sarah Wex, RMT

Get to know a local bike shop owner: Tracy A. Myerson of Jett Grrl Bike Studio

Here’s a great local event; Fair Trade Vancouver is hosting a great event right in our awesome hood! 

Here’s a re-post from http://www.ecokaren.com/:

7 Foods Even Food Safety Experts Won’t Eat

Guess what some food safety experts won’t even eat according to Liz Vaccariello from prevention magazine.

1. Canned Tomatoes

The expert: Fredrick vom Saal, PhD, an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studiesbisphenol-A

The problem: The resin linings of tin cans contain Bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Unfortunately, acidity (a prominent characteristic of tomatoes) causes BPA to leach into your food. Studies show that the BPA in most people’s body exceeds the amount that suppresses sperm production or causes chromosomal damage to the eggs of animals. “You can get 50 mcg of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that’s a level that is going to impact people, particularly the young,” says vom Saal. “I won’t go near canned tomatoes.”

And remember my recent post about BPA in toilet paper and I didn’t know what to do with a case of my tomato cans? Well, Dr. Saal’s statement further proves that I should just throw them away and not even donate them.

Update (Nov. 2011) - The NY Times reported a study by Harvard School of Public Health revealed that after eating canned soup for one week, subjects’ BPA levels rose by over 1,200 percent.  

The solution: Choose tomatoes in glass bottles (which do not need resin linings), such as the brandsBionaturae and Coluccio. You can also get several types in Tetra Pak boxes, like Trader Joe’s andPomi

2. Corn-Fed Beef

The expert: Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farms and author of half a dozen books on sustainable farming

The problem: Cattle evolved to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feed their animals corn and soybeans, which fatten up the animals faster for slaughter. More money for cattle farmers (and lower prices at the grocery store) means a lot less nutrition for us. A recent comprehensive study conducted by the USDA and researchers from Clemson University found that compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), calcium, magnesium, and potassium; lower in inflammatory omega-6s; and lower in saturated fats that have been linked to heart disease. “We need to respect the fact that cows are herbivores, and that does not mean feeding them corn and chicken manure,” says Salatin. And according to Food Inc., corn-fed cows are more susceptible to E-Coli colonization in their stomachs, leading to more exposure to E-Coli even before they are slaughtered.

The solution: Buy grass-fed beef, which can be found at specialty grocers, farmers’ markets, and nationally at Whole Foods. It’s usually labeled because it demands a premium, but if you don’t see it, ask your butcher.

3. Microwave Popcorn

The expert: Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group,

The problem: Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, according to a recent study from UCLA. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize—and migrate into your popcorn. “They stay in your body for years and accumulate there,” says Naidenko, which is why researchers worry that levels in humans could approach the amounts causing cancers in laboratory animals. DuPont and other manufacturers have promised to phase out PFOA by 2015 under a voluntary EPA plan, but millions of bags of popcorn will be sold between now and then.

The solution: Pop natural popcorn kernels the old-fashioned way: in a BPA free hot air popcorn maker  or a skillet. For flavorings, you can add real butter or dried seasonings, such as dillweed, vegetable flakes, or soup mix.

4. Non-organic Potatoes

The expert: Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board

The problem: Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. In the case of potatoes—the nation’s most popular vegetable—they’re treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they’re dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting. “Try this experiment: Buy a conventional potato in a store, and try to get it to sprout. It won’t,” says Moyer, who is also farm director of the Rodale Institute (also owned by Rodale Inc., the publisher of Prevention). “I’ve talked with potato growers who say point-blank they would never eat the potatoes they sell. They have separate plots where they grow potatoes for themselves without all the chemicals.”

The solution: Buy organic potatoes. Washing isn’t good enough if you’re trying to remove chemicals that have been absorbed into the flesh.

5. Farmed Salmon

The expert: David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany and publisher of a major study in the journal Science on contamination in fish.

The problem: Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT. According to Carpenter, the most contaminated fish come from Northern Europe, which can be found on American menus. “You can only safely eat one of these salmon dinners every 5 months without increasing your risk of cancer,” says Carpenter, whose 2004 fish contamination study got broad media attention. “It’s that bad.” Preliminary science has also linked DDT to diabetes and obesity, but some nutritionists believe the benefits of omega-3s outweigh the risks. There is also concern about the high level of antibiotics and pesticides used to treat these fish. When you eat farmed salmon, you get dosed with the same drugs and chemicals.

So, do you think GMO salmon is healthy? Of course not.

The solution: Switch to wild-caught Alaska salmon. If the package says fresh Atlantic, it’s farmed. There are no commercial fisheries left for wild Atlantic salmon.

6. Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones

The expert: Rick North, project director of the Campaign for Safe Food at the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and former CEO of the Oregon division of the American Cancer Society

The problem: Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers. “When the government approved rBGH, it was thought that IGF-1 from milk would be broken down in the human digestive tract,” says North. As it turns out, the casein in milk protects most of it, according to several independent studies. “There’s not 100% proof that this is increasing cancer in humans,” admits North. “However, it’s banned in most industrialized countries.”

The solution: Check labels for rBGH-free, rBST-free, produced without artificial hormones, or organicmilk. These phrases indicate rBGH-free products.

7. Conventional Apples

The expert: Mark Kastel, former executive for agribusiness and codirector of the Cornucopia Institute, a farm-policy research group that supports organic foods

The problem: If fall fruits held a “most doused in pesticides contest,” apples would win. Why? They are individually grafted (descended from a single tree) so that each variety maintains its distinctive flavor. As such, apples don’t develop resistance to pests and are sprayed frequently. The industry maintains that these residues are not harmful. But Kastel counters that it’s just common sense to minimize exposure by avoiding the most doused produce, like apples. “Farm workers have higher rates of many cancers,” he says. And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides (from all sources) with Parkinson’s disease.

The solution: Buy organic apples. If you can’t afford organic, be sure to wash and peel them first. And make sure to buy organic apple juice.

Now you know!

Of course, in addition to this list, there is the dirty dozen from Environmental Working Group that includes coventional apples, as mentioned above. But you also have to store them in BPA free glass storage containers to be free of further chemical exposure when storing your foods.

While this list might seem daunting, it is easier for consumers to buy organic and safer foods now a days. So be an educated consumer; shop and store your food wisely.

[All Photos: via Flickr]

Here’s an interview by Karilyn Kempton of The Stoke, a thriving community-minded blog about life in Revelstoke, BC. Although life brought me out of Revelstoke and back to beautiful Vancouver, a lot of this content still applies:

Staying Healthy in Revelstoke: Sarah Wex, RMT

June 22, 2010

The next health care profile on The Stoke is of an incredibly talented Registered Massage Therapist who moved to Revelstoke in December 2009. RMT Sarah Wex now calls Revelstoke home, and offers massage therapy to suit your needs - from rehabilitation to relaxation. Working out of Ambrosia Day Spa, Sarah is available by appointment Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 - 7:00 pm, and is available at evenings and weekends by appointment. Check out her lovely website for more information on how Sarah can help you feel your best.

I sat down with Sarah to ask some questions about her background as a health care professional, her time in Revelstoke, and her love of the outdoors.

Why did you get into massage?

I had a back injury as a tree planter and was referred to a brilliant Registered Massage Therapist. I was so inspired by his knowledge base and the thoroughness of his assessment that I decided to look into the profession. I love sciences and geeking out and have always wanted to do something where I can work with and help people, use my hands and be an entrepreneur. I thought that I would have to choose one or two things from that list eventually, but I can get it all as a massage therapist. I love my job.

Tell me about your treatment modalities. What can people expect? What are your favourites?

I tailor my treatments to the individual that I am treating and I take into account what goals they have and what modalities they like when developing my treatment plans. Some people think that massage has to be painful in order to be effective, but I don’t subscribe to this belief. While some techniques may be uncomfortable or painful at times (especially when dealing with injuries), it’s certainly not a necessity for positive results.

Most of the treatments I give typically involve a form of joint mobilization and myofascial release and I will often include some active or passive stretching because I find these modalities so effective. Most of my patients will also leave with some sort of home care, whether it is a simple stretch, hydrotherapy, modification of daily activities or a completely revamped exercise plan.

Who can benefit from massage therapy?

Everyone! I treat a wide range of conditions and people. Some of the most common conditions I treat in Revelstoke include sprains, headaches, stress, trigger points, disc herniations, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and whiplash (just to name a few).

Who is covered for massage?

There are a lot of Revelstoke residents that have extended health benefits through work that cover massage therapy. I treat a handful of them on a regular basis but I’m surprised by the number of people that aren’t taking advantage of this! Most extended medical plans will reimburse 80-100% of the treatment fees. I really encourage my fellow Revelstokians to check with their plan and come in for a massage. You won’t regret it.

How do you keep your own body and mind healthy so that you can help others?

I have to make sure I take my own advice! I pay close attention to my biomechanics while I’m treating to ensure that my back and wrists stay healthy, and I regularly stretch and massage my arms and hands. I also make sure that I get a healthy dose of massage from other RMTs in town and I see an acupuncturist and chiropractor from time to time. I think the best thing I do for both my mind and body is to go out and play with friends—whether it’s a bike ride, a day at the beach, an afternoon paddle or a clumsy tennis match.

What brought you to Revelstoke?

Mostly the mountains (of course). I have some friends and family here and came to visit occasionally to ski or just spend time outside. Each time I left, I always found myself saying “I wish I could live here!” Finally, my brother replied with “Why don’t you?” and that was enough of a nudge for me to make the move from Vancouver to Revelstoke.

I have been here for six months, had an amazing ski season, and so far, I’m really enjoying everything Revelstoke has to offer in the summer.

Are you planning to stay in Revelstoke?

I sure am! I already bought my ski pass for next season.

What’s good about your location at Ambrosia Day Spa?

The Spa is a really fantastic place. It’s beautifully decorated and just feels luxurious and peaceful from the moment you step in the door. As a primary health care professional, it’s really wonderful to have the opportunity to establish a successful therapeutic practice in such a relaxing and elegant space.

Tell men why they shouldn’t be afraid to come get a massage at the Spa!

Spas aren’t just for women anymore! Actually, about 40% of my regular clientele is made up of men. The Spa isn’t a particularly girly place and no one is going to put curlers in your hair without your consent.

What are your hours and how can people book an appointment with you?

I work from 10am - 7pm Tuesday to Friday. I also schedule the occasional evening and Saturday appointments when required. Call Ambrosia Day Spa to book an appointment at (250) 837-3688.

Here’s a fun article from the October 2, 2009 archives of the Los Angeles Times:

Source:

This is unrelated to massage therapy except for the fact that I have been known to play Bon Iver in my treatment room from time to time. This is just beautiful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I continue to.

The long-awaited Winter 2012 Newsletter has been sent out and can be viewed here. If you would like to sign up for a quadannual subscription, click here.

The current edition has some great tips from Dr. Karina Wickland, ND about inflammation, and how to control it with diet, and an article from Cynthia Jengseen, TCM about the treatment of hemmorhoids with acupuncture. All that and more for the low price of zero dollas!

Another beautiful afternoon in Strathcona! Taken Feb 6, 2012.

Here’s a great article from CBC, February 1st 2012

Works like anti-inflammatory pills

Massage helps relieve pain in damaged muscles by sending anti-inflammation messages to muscle cells, Canadian researchers have found.

Athletes have long sought massages to relieve pain and promote recovery. Despite reports that long-term massage therapy reduces chronic pain such as back pain, the biological effects of massage on muscles weren’t known.

Now scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton have found evidence at the cellular level that massage blunts muscle pain in a similar way to anti-inflammatory pills.

The study in Wednesday’s issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine examined the effects of massage therapy versus no treatment on the quadricep muscles of 11 young men who were recreationally active.

Scientists studied samples from the men before they exercised to the point of exhaustion, just after and then 2½ hours afterwards.

Massage could also help the elderly, those suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and people with chronic inflammatory disease, although that idea still needs to be tested, cautioned the study’s lead author, Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky of the pediatrics department at McMaster.

Massage seemed to blunt muscle pain using the same route that anti-inflammatory pain relievers do. (Jack Dempsey/Associated Press)

The study does offer evidence that massage is a safe and viable option to use in medical practice, he said.

“We know that exercise is a panacea of goodness,” Tarnopolsky said in an interview. “Massage might enhance some of the favourable benefits that we get from exercise.”

When the researchers analyzed the muscle tissue samples for tears and signs of damage in the cells, they found massage seemed to blunt muscle pain using the same route that anti-inflammatory pain relievers do.

What’s more, Tarnopolsky said, the anti-inflammatory signals released by massage also improved the ability of muscle cells to make new mitochondria — the furnaces that convert food into energy.

That could explain how massage seems to speed up recovery in athletes with injured muscles, the study’s authors said.

Tarnopolsky, who normally treats muscular dystrophy and mitochondrial disorders, became interested in investigating massage after he tore all of his hamstring muscles while waterskiing. He received massage therapy as part of his physiotherapy following surgery.

Massage is a safe and viable option to use in medical practice, said Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky.(CBC)

The analysis also suggested that one commonly held idea about massage isn’t true: the researchers found no evidence that massage helped clear lactic acid from tired muscles.

None of the researchers knew which leg was massaged except the massage therapist and the leg that was massaged was randomly selected — two experimental steps that add validity to the findings.

The convenience factor of pills, the expense of massages and whether they are covered by provincial health plans are deterrents to greater use of the therapy, Tarnopolsky acknowledged.

“Definitely, [massage] is tiring the muscles out so they can relax and recover,” said Jaqueline Gradish, a personal trainer in Toronto who lifts at least 1,000 pounds a day with her clients.

The study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Warren Lammert and family.

Copyright © CBC 2012