Gut permeability, or “leaky gut” (as it is sometimes called), occurs when tight junctions in the gut lining become loose. When tight junctions are working properly, they form a tight barrier to keep unwanted things like undigested food, toxins, and bacteria from getting to the bloodstream. Without proper function of this barrier, these unwanted “visitors” can cause problems in the digestive tract and even other areas of the body, including inflammation-related issues. Eating a healthier diet of nutritious, unprocessed foods and avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and foods high in sugar and saturated fat can ease inflammation and calm the gut.

Dr. Shelin Tkatch earned her MD at the University of British Columbia and went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta. She opened her White Rock/South Surrey practice in 2000 and serves as the Medical Director for Grandview Gynecology and MD Wellness Solutions. In 2013, she earned a Diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff University, Wales. This unique blend of education and experience allows her to deliver excellence in office-based cosmetic dermatology and women’s health procedures. Dr. Tkatch is backed by a team of professionals, including Dr. Ruth Abrahams, Sharon Vandecasteyen, RN, Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, and certified medical aestheticians. Great skin – let us show you how.

“You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes every day – unless you’re too busy; then you should sit and meditate for an hour.” Zen Proverb

Are you living with diabetes and struggling with low energy, numbness and tingling, low libido and poor blood sugar management? Is improving your HbA1C important to you? Did you know that better regulation of blood sugar, improved insulin sensitivity, balanced eating, and nutritional status can determine how well you live with diabetes? A Naturopathic approach includes proper diet and use of supplements, and sometimes IV nutrient therapy. These can play a role in managing symptoms, but the key is an individualized treatment plan that includes a thorough investigation of lab work, and possible use of specialized testing.

Are you planning to travel this summer? Do you have the right medical insurance? It’s important to ensure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that might result from an accident, illness, or injury while you’re away. When you’re dealing with a health issue away from home, you don’t want to be worrying about having to pay for treatment. It’s a good idea to get travel medical insurance even just for short day trips to the U.S., as you never know what might happen. Your insurance advisor can help you find the right travel medical insurance for you and your family.

An adjustment is a unique form of joint manipulation that is specific to chiropractic. Trauma and repetitive bad posture (from sitting and using technology) can cause the joints of the spine to become misaligned (“a subluxation”), which damages muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves. This eventually results in stiffness, achiness, pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. A Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to detect and correct these subluxations with a chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment is tailored to each patient and gently directs the joint into a more neutral position to take pressure off damaged tissues and allow the body to heal.

Daily, outside time, 12 months a year is important to incorporate into your routine. These six months are the easiest time to do that with our nice weather. You can accomplish this while exercising – walking, running, hiking, or playing a sport – but you don’t have to. Sitting outside and reading a book will accomplish the same thing. Fresh air, vitamin D, with nature around us is truly good for the soul and for our mental health.

Whether it is a close friendship or an intimate relationship, social interaction is needed to prevent health decline in seniors. Loneliness is a risk factor for functional decline in adults over the age of 60. Something as simple as a friendship can enhance aging hearts and strengthen the immune system. Companionship can decrease the physical risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. The psychological benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased stress, and a sense of belonging. Older adults can also benefit from having a pet. Dogs, in particular, can open seniors up to new activities and interests.