Welcome back to Active Life Health Clinic's June newsletter.

Happy Canada Day! 

I just squeaked in on the last day possible for my June e-newsletter. Oh, how time flies! Since most of us have a
shortened work week and thus, for many of us, busier work
days, I will keep this newsletter brief.

In recognition of that aforementioned sense of time flying, I would like to remind everyone that I have signed up as a superhero for the Easter Seals Drop Zone for children with disabilities. I need to raise a minimum $1500 and am just over a third of the way there. A big thank you to those who have donated! This is a great cause and an exciting chance to get to raise money so disabled children will be able to attend Easter Seals camps. When I raise the $1500 I will rappel off the side of a building in downtown Vancouver in September, perhaps dressed as a superhero! To learn more or to donate (and get your tax receipt), please click on this link or call me so that I can help you arrange payment by mail or in person. If your company can offer sponsorship, please let me know.

A summary of health news for June (click on links for more details):

• B.C. has finally decided to ban junk food and sell only more wholesome foods in vending machines in hospitals and public buildings. They still haven't gotten it quite right as aspartame and many other chemicals are present in these foods, but it's a start. What do you think about this? 

• A randomized controlled study of 160 patients found acupuncture to be effective in treating migraines. Do you know anyone who gets headaches or migraines?

• The Bill C-51 issue continues. The public is speaking loudly and being heard, but it is not over yet. The bill is undergoing a "revision", but keep this in mind, "Since 2004, Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations Have Forced Over 20,000 Products Off the Canadian Market." How will this affect you?

• The American Medical Association (AMA) is working to try to limit the title of "doctor" to only MDs, dentists, and podiatrists. Click here for their proposal. In response, the Coalition for Patients' Rights (CPR) has formed to prevent the limitation of patients to choose their practitioners and allow qualified practitioners to practice as fully as possible. While it is currently a U.S. issue, do you think this might eventually affect Canadian health care?

• We hadn't had much sun in Vancouver, but hopefully our summer has now begun and this cartoon can be left in our past (at least for awhile).

And finally, let us know your birthday
so we can email you a birthday card and gift at the right time!