BT Calgary Blogs

Most women crave long, dark eyelashes. Just look at all the millions of kinds of mascara on the market. Well, there’s a drug that will soon be available in Canada, called Latisse, that claims to do just that. But – it’s a drug! And it has side effects.

Here’s the story.

 Advertisements and reviews of “Latisse” are in all the fall magazines, and women are very intrigued.
But what exactly is it? Opthamologist Doctor Michael Ashenhurst says, it’s a drug used to treat the common eye disease, glaucoma.

“it’s part of a group of drugs called prostaglandin analogs, there’s 3 or 4 different varieties.”

It goes under the brand name ‘Lumigan’ in Canada, and is not yet available as ‘Latisse.’

“It’s an established drug that’s being applied to a new use…the primary effect of all the prostaglandin analogs is to reduce the pressure in the eye which is what we’re doing to treat glaucoma, and it does that by affecting the production and flow of fluids inside the eye.”

But with Latisse, it’s recommended you don’t put the drug actually in the eye. Instead you brush it on the lash lines with applicators.

Doctor Ashenhurst says this product is fairly high maintenance. You have to use it everyday to get the effect, and once you stop using it, the effect goes away. Not to mention the fact, there can be some serious side effects.
That is, if Latisse actually gets into your eye.

“Most people on this drug will get a little redness which may get better with time.”

But that redness can be persistent in some patients. there can also be some burning and irritation. 
It can also change the colour of your eye.

“It can give you some freckling or tanning of the lid skin and it can change the colour of your iris, it can get more brown.”

And….

“In some susceptible patients it can cause swelling in the back of the eye in the retina and that can cause vision problems.”

Which is why Doctor Ashenhurst recommends, you see an eye doctor before trying Latisse.

“For a first time use, in someone who hasn’t had an eye exam, I’d be a bit cautious.”

Yet there’s no doubt, in the majority of cases, your lashes will grow longer, and darker after about 5 weeks.

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For more information on this product visit the website:

http://latisse.com/

A lot of pregnant women are choosing not to get the H1N1 shot, even though it’s recommended by medical professionals. So, I spoke with Dr. Peter Nieman about what else these women can do to help protect them.

Here’s the story.

TRACY WASYLUCHA IS SIX MONTHS PREGNANT AND HER SON ROWAN IS TWO.
BUT AFTER SOME SERIOUS CONSIDERATION, SHE’S NOT GETTING EITHER THE H1N1 OR THE SEASONAL FLU SHOT.

“THERE’S SO MANY CONTRADICTING NEWS STORIES, I DON’T REALLY KNOW WHICH IS TRUE, AND WHICH IS FALSE AND I FIND IT REALLY DIFFICULT TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.”

AND WASYLUCHA IS NOT ALONE. THE MAJORITY OF PREGNANT WOMEN ARE NOT GETTING THE SHOT.

BUT ACCORDING TO THE MEDICAL EXPERTS, DOCTOR PETER NIEMAN, SAYS THAT MAY NOT BE THE SAFEST CHOICE.

“WHEN YOU LOOK AT HEALTH CANADA’S ADVICE, THE CENTRES FOR DISEASE CONTROL, THE AMERICAN PEDIATRIC ACADEMY, THE CANADIAN PEDIATRIC SOCIETY – MY POINT IS MORE THAN ONE ORGANIZATION  ACTUALLY ARE SAYING THE SAME THING – WHEN YOU’RE PREGNANT IT’S VERY VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE PROTECTION FROM THIS VIRUS.”

YET DOCTOR NIEMAN KNOWS, MANY WOMEN ARE STILL HESITANT.  SO FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND WOMEN WITH YOUNG CHILDREN WHO ARE AFRAID TO GET THE FLU SHOTS THIS YEAR, HE RECOMMENDS DOING SOMETHING ELSE TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

BEST PLACE TO START? A GOOD SLEEP.

“NO DOUBT THAT A LACK OF SLEEP IS LINKED TO WEAKER IMMUNE SYSTEM, SO GET YOUR 8 OR 9 HOURS OF SLEEP EVERY NIGHT.”

EASIER SAID THAN DONE FOR MANY PREGNANT MOMS – BUT EVEN A NAP WILL HELP SAYS NIEMAN. ALSO – EAT WELL.

“EAT A DIET RICH IN PHYTONUTRIENTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS. SO EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES.” 
IF YOU CAN’T GET 10 SERVINGS A DAY, NIEMAN SAYS TAKE A SUPPLEMENT.
ALSO MAKE SURE YOU’RE GETTING ENOUGH VITAMIN D.

“THERE’S VERY PROVOCATIVE RESEARCH SHOWING LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS MAKE YOU MORE PRONE TO CATCHING THE H1N.”

SO PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD BE TAKING DOUBLE THE RECOMMENDED DOSE FOR ADULTS, THAT’S 2 THOUSAND INTERNATIONAL UNITS.
AND OF COURSE, DOCTOR NIEMAN SAYS STAY AWAY FROM THOSE WHO ARE SICK. 
WASYLUCHA HAS HER OWN PLAN.

“WE ALWAYS USE HAND SANITIZERS, I TRY TO WIPE HIS HANDS BECAUSE HE STILL LIKES TO PUT HIS FINGERS IN HIS MOUTH AND TOUCH THINGS AND FOR MYSELF I’M ALWAYS WASHING MY HANDS AS WELL.”

SHE’S ALSO GOING TO UP HER VITAMIN D.

“I’M THINKING ABOUT GOING AND GETTING SOME DROPS AND GETTING BOTH ROWAN AND I ON THEM…I’D LIKE TO BE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT SUBJECTING MY UNBORN CHILD TO ANY UNNECESSARY HARM.”
————–

More questions and answers from Dr. Peter Nieman:

WHAT ABOUT THE H1N1 IS SO HARMFUL TO PREGNANT WOMEN?

- JUST BY THE NATURE OF BEING PREGNANT, A WOMAN’S IMMUNE SYSTEM IS NOT AS STRONG AS IT SHOULD BE
- ALSO THEY DON’T METABOLIZE THINGS THE WAY THEY NORMALLY WOULD
- SO WHAT KILLS PREGNANT WOMEN WITH THE H1N1 IS PNEUMONIA – USUALLY IT GOES INTO THE LUNGS
- BEST ADVICE – IF NOT GETTING THE SHOT – GO TO THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF SICK – SO YOU CAN GET AN ANTIVIRAL LIKE TAMIFLU – IT IS ONLY EFFECTIVE IN THE FIRST 2-3 DAYS OF THE INFECTION

IS THE H1N1 SHOT STILL USEFUL IF WE’RE NOT GETTING IT UNTIL MID NOVEMBER??

- YES, WE’RE NOT SURE YET WHEN THE FLU WILL PEAK – AND RESEARCH SHOWS IT WILL PROTECT EVEN IF THE FLU IS ALREADY CIRCULATING

WHAT ABOUT PREGNANT WOMEN WHO SAY THE H1N1 SHOT IS WORRISOME BECAUSE IT’S SO NEW??

- DOCTOR NIEMAN SAYS EXPERTS SAY THEY DIDN’T RUSH INTO MAKING THE VACCINE
- THE VACCINE WAS MANUFACTURED IN THE SAME WAY IN THE SAME PLANTS AS THE SEASONAL FUL VACCINE – WHICH HAS LOTS OF SAFETY CREDIBILITY

WHO SHOULD REALLY AVOID THE H1N1 VACCINE?

- THOSE ALLERGIC TO EGGS – BECAUSE THE VACCINE IS GROWN IN A CHICK EMBRYO
- IT’S THE SAME AS THE SEASONAL FLU SHOT THAT WAY

WHAT ABOUT MERCURY IN THE VACCINE?

- THERE IS MERCURY IN THE H1N1 VACCINE IN CANADA
- THOUGH AGAIN, THE MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY, THE SMALL AMOUNT IN THE SHOT IS SAFE
- THERE IS A NON MERCURY SHOT OPTION AVAILABLE IN THE U-S, BUT NOT HERE
- THERE’S ALSO AN ADJUVANT IN THE CANADIAN VACCINE TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER – THAT’S NOT IN THE U-S VERSION

WHAT ABOUT IF YOU GOT THE SEASONAL FLU SHOT LAST YEAR - DOES IT MAKE YOU MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO H1N1??

NO – THAT STUDY THAT CAME OUT AWHILE AGO – IT HAS NOT STOOD THE TEST OF TIME SAYS DR. NIEMAN – MORE INFO HAS SINCE COME OUT SAYING THAT’S NOT THE CASE – THAT IN FACT – PEOPLE COULD PROBABLY GET BOTH SHOTS AT THE SAME TIME, JUST IN DIFFERENT ARMS

WHAT ABOUT AFTER YOU HAVE THE BABY?

- GET THE SHOT THEN – IT WILL OFFER SOME IMMUNITY TO THE BABY THRU THE BREAST MILK
- AND PROTECT YOU FROM GIVING IT TO YOUR CHILD SHOULD YOU GET SICK

——–

For more information – visit Dr. Nieman’s website:

www.healthykids.ca

There is also a lot of great information on the US Centres for Disease Control website:

http://www.cdc.gov/

Just be aware, the vaccines are different in Canada and the US. So, talk to your family doctor or public health nurse before you make your final decisions.

This woman’s story is mind boggling and very inspiring. Not only has she beaten breast cancer twice, while raising a young son, her husband is also currently battling brain cancer. She volunteers now for Rethink Breast Cancer.  It’s a national charity targetting young women with breast cancer and their unique needs. It’s a great cause and great story.

Here it is.

Tasha Westerman can look at photos now of when she had breast cancer, and see how far she’s come.
Westerman has had the disease twice.
She was first diagnosed when she was 33, when her son was just one year old.

“I didn’t think I was going to die from it, but I did wonder how he was going to react to it. As a mom you’re very worried – what’s he going to figure out, how am I going to tell him this, is he going to know that I’m going to to get thru this?”

She underwent every treatment option available.

“I’ve had 7 surgeries, I’ve done chemotherapy twice, I’ve done radiation, I’ve done all kinds of hormone therapies, my cancer has all the predictors you can find. So I’ve done the herceptin injections , I’ve done things for post and pre menopausal women.”

And the list goes on….but her son gave her strength.

“I had a little boy and he needed a mom, and that was the ultimate thing when on those days when I couldn’t grab that glass of water, when he’d come running in the room and give me that little smile, or laugh, the day to day things that mean a lot to you – that’s what gets you through.”

Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women who are post menopausal, so when women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s get diagnosed they face a unique set of challenges.

“There’s young women who are in new relationships, and their boyfriends don’t know how to deal with it, there’s young newly married couples who always wanted to have children  and now they’re going to go through chemo and that might get rid of their ability to have a child.”

Not to mention concerns about their sexuality, appearance and bank account.

In addition, Doctor Anthony Magliocco, says young women face a different kind of disease.

“Breast cancer in young women can be more aggressive, it can be a higher grade cancer and also young women who have breast cancer, it may be a clue that the breast cancer is a familial gene, that’s in the family that would carry implications for their sisters and children.”

This is why the national charity Rethink Breast Cancer is targetting Calgary – Canada’s youngest city.
Westerman volunteers with Rethink. She’s very excited about how it provides support and fundraising specifically for young women right here in Calgary, specifically ‘Live, Laugh and Learn’.

“It’s a monthly support gathering for young women who’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are going through treatment or even are in remission  and trying to get back to whatever their normal life will be.”

They meet at Lululemon on 4th street, drink wine and listen to guest speakers.
It’s just one way Westerman can make a difference.

“I just want to continue to do things that really take what I’ve been through as an example for others and give them one perspective, I’ve learned and try to make a positive out of a really bad situation.”

———

Rethink Breast Cancer is targetting Calgary this month, our country’s youngest city. For details on events around town and more information visit their website,

www.rethinkbreastcancer.com

Most Canadians think about Hepatitis if they know they’re travelling to a country where the illness is endemic. But a new survey shows, not many Canadians think you can contract it at home. Well, you can. Here’s how, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Here’s the story.

Dominic Antonecci buys fresh produce regularly.
And like most Canadians, he doesn’t think about contracting Hepatitis A – a food born illness – from his food. But it is a possibility, says hepatologist, Doctor Carla Coffin.

“Eating food that may have been contaminated at the point of origin and imported into grocery stores or restaurants in canada, eating food prepared by a food handler or grocery store worker that was contaminated or infected by hepatitis A.”

Though the risk is low, it’s not an illness you want to get.
Doctor Coffin says the symptoms are flu-like and can last a long time.

“Jaundice, fatigue, nausea, about a quarter of people require hospitalization. It can be quite debilitating – it can take several weeks or months for even healthy adults to recover from.”

So even though the risk of contracting hepatitis A from fresh produce in Canada is quite low, Doctor Coffin does recommend we take certain precautions to protect ourselves.

“It’s important to wash your hands before you eat, and after you use the bathroom. It’s important to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables and even packaged fruits and vegetables can be contaminated.”

And if you’re in a high risk group….

“For people who have underlying chronic liver disease, if they’re immuno suppressed, if they’re elderly to think of these risks and how to protect themselves and consider getting vaccinated.”

The vaccine is a series of three shots. It’s over 95 percent effective in protecting you from both Hepatitis A and B. And Doctor Coffin says it’s very safe.
Antonecci says for now, he’s fine just washing his fresh produce.

“You don’t know where they come from, if they fertilize, whatever they put on them. There must be something on it.”

Something that might make you sick.

———-

For more information on all the types of Hepatitis and more about the risks and vaccine, visit the Canadian Liver Foundation’s website:

www.liver.ca

A recent poll found people living with arthritis thought exercise, would be harmful for them. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Exercise can help them with their mobility, pain control and flexibility. There’s no cure for arthritis, so even though it may hurt a bit at first, it’s important for these people to keep moving.

Here’s the story.

PHYLLIS COULTER DOES PUSH UPS REGULARLY. THIS SENIOR CITIZEN WORKS OUT WITH HER SON, WHO’S A TRAINER, TWICE A WEEK – EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS OSTEOARTHRITIS.

“I HAVE IT WORSE IN MY KNEES, IN MY BACK, MY WRIST, HANDS AND ITS SLOWLY PROGRESSING THRU ALL MY JOINTS.”

SO NO WONDER, SHE OFTEN FEELS PAIN WHEN SHE’S WORKING OUT.

“SOMETIMES IT HURTS, THE THINGS WE DO, BUT I WORK THRU THEM.”

DOCTOR DIANNE MOSHER, AN ARTHRITIS SPECIALIST, KNOWS EXERCISE CAN HURT A BIT, BUT SHE SAYS ONCE YOU GET MOVING, THE BENEFITS ARE HUGE.

“EXERCISE PARTICULARLY WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE, WILL STRENGTHEN THE MUSCLES AROUND THE KNEE, AND HELP SUPPORT THE KNEE, AND HELPS WITH PAIN CONTROL AND HELPS WITH FEELINGS OF WELL BEING, WE FEEL BETTER ABOUT OURSELVES.”

EXERCISE ALSO HELPS WITH BOTH PAIN AND  WEIGHT CONTROL.
IN FACT A WEIGHT REDUCTION OF JUST 11 POUNDS REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE BY 50 PERCENT. 
IT’S JUST A MATTER OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIND OF EXERCISE, WHICH IS WHY DR. MOSHER RECOMMENDS GETTING STARTED WITH A PHYSIOTHERAPIST OR TRAINER SPECIALIZING IN ARTHRITIS.

“FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU HAVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE YOU MAY NOT WANT TO BE PLAYING BASKETBALL WHERE YOU’RE JUMPING UP AND DOWN. SO OTHER EXERCISES LIKE THOSE IN A POOL WOULD BE HELPFUL OR CYCLING, EXERCISE WHERE IT’S NOT WEIGHT BEARING WOULD BE BENEFICIAL.”

PHYLLIS EVEN DOES SOME MARTIAL ARTS WITH HER SON. IT’S THIS REGULAR EXERCISE THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR HER TO GET TO THE TOP OF MOUNT REVELSTOKE THIS SUMMER – WITHOUT THE SHUTTLE BUS.

“MY FRIENDS I WAS WITH SAID LET’S GO, AND WE DID, AND WENT UP THE PATHWAY AND WITH THEIR HELP CLIMBING OVER SOME OF THE ROCKS, WE GOT TO THE TOP AND IT WAS REALLY GOOD.”

DOCTOR MOSHER SAYS ALL ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS NEED TO KNOW EXERCISE, EVEN THOUGH IT MAY BE PAINFUL AT THE START, WILL HELP THEM LIVE A MORE PRODUCTIVE LIFE – AND PHYLLIS AGREES.

“MOVE. DON’T STOP BECAUSE YOU JUST STIFFEN RIGHT UP AND YOU’RE IN A WHEELCHAIR BEFORE YOU KNOW IT AND WHAT FUN IS THAT?”
———–

The Arthritis Society has a new booklet out on this very topic. To get a copy of this free resource, you can call 1 800 321 1433, or visit the website

www.arthritis.ca

There’s an exciting new study starting up in our province.

It’s called the APRON study – the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition study. It involves 16 researchers – half in Calgary, half in Edmonton. They looking to recruit a whopping 10 thousand prengant women!!

They’re measuring the nutritional habits of these women as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. They will keep measuring nutrient levels until baby is born and then baby up to the age of 3. They want to see how prenatal nutrition affects mom’s and baby’s physical and mental health.

For more information on this study – visit:

www.apronstudy.ca

For info on participating in the study if you’re in Calgary: you can call 403-955-7365 or email infocalgary@apronstudy.ca

I’m 8 months pregnant too and I”m not sure I”d see a chiropractor to relieve any pain. However, if I was, Dr. Judy Forrester is certainly the doctor I’d choose. The bottom line, a lot of pregnant women receive great relief seeing a chiropractor. Just make sure the one you see specializes in pregnancy.

Here’s the story.

Kari Schweigert is eight months pregnant.
This is her third pregnancy – and the most comfortable one.

“I had hip pain in my first and second pregnancies probably from the second trimester right through the baby being 2 months old and with this pregnancy I’ve had no hip pain.”

Schweigert attributes this to seeing her chiropractor, Dr. Judy Forrester every two weeks.

“The range of options we have for them focus mainly on the chiropractic adjustment,” explains Forrester, “where we’re starting to relieve some of the pressure on their bones and joints, getting them moving better, getting some better stability and support and balance and support in muscles.”

Dr. Forrester says she focuses mainly on the pelvic floor area when it comes to pregnant women and she says there’s no risk to the mom or the baby.

“We can very confidently assure mom and dad that there is no stress on baby that’s unnecessary or any risk of any injury to mom.”

But you can expect some cracking sounds with those adjustments. However, Schweigert says, “it doesn’t feel like anything  -it’s very comfortable – there’s no pain whatsoever.”
 
Relief can be immediate, or take awhile, depending on the patient.

“Some women will have a locking in the sacroiliac joint and one adjustment will make them feel like they’re ready to walk out of here on air, other women with perhaps underlying chronic issues previous to their pregnancies or they’ve left it for a long time and it’s become quite severe and we’re dealing with a lot of inflammation in the musculature and then it may take a little bit longer.”

The goal is to get pregnant women stable by 28 or 30 weeks gestation.

“Then we know we can help keep the baby head down and help mom have an easier labour and delivery because it’s these bones and joints that guide baby through the birth canal as it’s being delivered.”

Schweigert is looking forward to her delivery, crediting her chiropractic care with making this pregnancy as pleasant as possible.

“I’ve been coming right through my whole pregnancy and it’s by far the most comfortable of the 3 that I’ve had.”
——

For more information on Dr. Forrester’s credentials and her clinic visit the website:

www.synergea.ca

This thirteen year old is a mini expert in diabetes management. Why? Because he was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 6. And though we’re not sure why, type one diabetes is on the rise. Here’s a look at what life is like living with the disease.

Here’s the story.

Brett Shearer often has a juice box and granola bar by his side. That’s because he has to eat regularly to keep his blood sugars in check. He has type one diabetes.

“It’s somewhat difficult but not too much, it’s mostly school and taking my blood and trying to hide it from other students,” says Brett.

And he checks his blood sugars four times a day.

“I do it at breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and in the evening.”

It’s what has to be done, says pediatric diabetes specialist Doctor Daniele Pacaud. Otherwise patients are at risk of serious complications.

“Increased rate of kidney damage, increased rate of eye damage that can lead to blindness, increased rate of heart disease, increased rate of foot problems.”

And that can lead to amputation… which is why it’s so important to keep the disease under control… like Brett does.

Brett says he can live a relatively normal life with his type one diabetes but does say it’s nice to have a couple of buddies on board especially when he’s at school.

“I’ve got a couple of friends and they just support me all the way,” he explains, “and I’ve got one friend  he could care less and just treats me normally and that’s good.”

But the question remains – why is type one diabetes on the rise? Doctor Pacaud says, they’re still not sure.

“We’re thinking it’s something more related to the environment- to the interaction between the pool of genes and environment  in our modern society rather than just a change in the genetic background overall.”

So why do kids get it? They have to be genetically predisposed and then the immune system has to be triggered.

“The immune system which is there usually to fight bacteria, viruses and infection for whatever reason, starts to recognize the cells that produce insulin as foreign to the body and starts destroying them.”

Which is why there’s nothing parents can do to prevent type one diabetes. All they can do is be aware of the symptoms… increased drinking and urination. 

“If a child never used to get up and starts getting up 2-3 times to go to the bathroom,” says Pacaud, “that would be a cue – we need to see what’s going on.”

Because as with many diseases, the earlier a diagnosis the better. Brett was diagnosed when he was 6. So he’s an old hat at keeping his blood sugars where they should be, which allows him to do pretty much whatever he wants.

“Going skating, tobogganing or just basketball or soccer, I can do whatever.”
————–

There’s a fundraiser for diabetes on tomorrow (Friday Sept 18) at Eau Claire Market. For more information on the event or how you can donate visit the website:

www.jdrf.ca

This bus is one of those resources that really seems to work. Having spoken to the clients who use it, the bus and the people who work on it, go well beyond the call of duty. Let’s make sure it stays on the road.

Here’s the story.

Diane Mellec and Les Mcintyre are very familiar with the Alex Health Bus.
That’s because they lived on and off the streets for the last 7 years and accessed the bus regularly.
Mcintyre gets emotional – just thinking about all the help he received.

“The amount of stuff they’ve done for us is just unreal.”
Mellec agrees.
“Knowing they’re out here gives you a little bit of hope.”

The pair received crisis counselling as well as all kinds of medical help.

McIntyre explains, ” I have chronic pain in my legs – I’d get acetaminophen from them, maybe a small hamper from them, clean socks, gloves, toques whatever you needed in the winter.”

The totally refurbished, 35 foot RV hits the streets 5 days a week, visiting 10 locations around Calgary. It has 2 private exam rooms and a waiting area.

It makes about 11 thousand contacts per year, explains Wes Lafortune, the bus’ Team Lead.
 
“It delivers direct health care, there’s a nurse on board, there’s a crisis counsellor on board so you get immunizations, educational health services, referrals… it could be basic multivitamins to a physician doing a full health assessment.”

The Alex Health Bus is not just a medical facility on wheels. As the people who use it say, it’s also a place of friendship.

“It gave you something to look forward to, knowing they were out here, even just somebody to talk to – you know where they are and you know they’ll always welcome you on the bus,” says Mellec.
McIntyre, “even if we weren’t needing anything, we’d see the bus and stop in and say hi.”

It also gave these two the incentive they needed to change their lives. Since last december, they’ve been living off the streets.

McIntyre says, “since we’ve been off the street, it’s actually been very good for us, we’re getting our health back, we’re eating regular and if it wasn’t for this bus behind me all of this wouldn’t have happened.”
Mellec says, “they’re just very good people, they’re like a godsend.”

——-

For more information or to make a donation to the Alex Health Bus visit their website:

www.thealex.ca

It’s the time of year when teenagers are being exposed to new ideas and new challenges. One of them, might be becoming a vegetarian. Here’s what you need to know if your teen decides they want to go down that road.

Here’s the story.

Jennifer Goring loves eating at this vegetarian restaurant, The Coup. She’s gone without meat for about a year.

“At first I thought it would be hard to make the change but I found the change has been easy, I don’t miss it and I feel better for it.”

Goring got onto the veggie diet as an adult, but many teenagers try it out. And parents don’t need to worry, says dietitian Andrea Holwegner.

“The best thing to keep in mind as a parent, is don’t freak out.  Sometimes it’s temporary, sometimes they’ll stick to it for lifelong habits- regardless the best thing to do is educate yourself and have them educate themselves.”

And start slowly.

‘”Start as a lacto ovo vegetarian, keep milk and eggs in your diet, maybe even chicken or fish and slowly transition.”

Because they’re going to need to get their protein elsewhere.

“If not eating meat, chicken or fish you need to be taking in beans and lentils or chickpeas twice a day, so that’s some at lunch and supper. That’s a huge difference.”

And those food items may be harder to digest.  But they need to be there, because Holwegner says, being vegetarian is not about cutting out foods, but simply replacing them.

“So protein rich foods, iron rich foods, calcium rich foods and those things like beans, lentils, chickpeas, soy, seeds and calcium rich fortified soy milks.”

The other thing to consider if your teenager decides to become a vegetarian is whether they have an eating disorder. It’s not a huge issue but it is a red flag – because basically when someone starts removing items from their diet you have to wonder whether there’s an issue around eating.

Holwegner says just watch your teen for any changes.

“We’re also going to be looking for things around body image, how they’re feeling about their health, their weight and also any odd eating behaviours, skipping meals or dieting.”

Goring says becoming vegetarian does take a shift in thinking, and planning but it’s well worth it.

“It took me a couple months to find some interesting foods that were replacing the protein but I think I’ve got the hang of it now and it’s been really good.”

———–

Andrea Holwegner recommends this book, written by two vegetarians who are also dietitians, if you’re looking for more information:

Becoming Vegetarian by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis