wednesday, june 16, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW23

Payment Plans + All Insurance CoverageCall now for your Complimentary Consultation

604.263.7478Emergency Number 778-868-6776

201-2152 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver www.kerrisdaledentureclinic.com

Kerrisdale Denture Clinic

GuaranteedComfortable Fit!

Now accepting new patients Care home visits available

Our team of Denturists are BPS Denture certifi ed to provide you with the latest technology available. Our clinic’s associates have experience ranging from new graduates to 30 years, so you will benefi t from our knowledge and our fresh outlook.

We look forward to achieving the best possible results, while providing the highest professional standards.

BPS dentures are precision dentures that use high standard materials to restore form and function while providing exceptional fi t and a beautiful, natural smile.

Our BPS dentures also come with a 5 year warranty.Please ask us about our Geneva 2000 dentures.

DENTURES

Giao Le B.Sc., R.D.Are your dentures...Over 5 years old?Loose, cracked or stained?Making your mouth sore?Keeping you from enjoying food?

If you’ve answered YES to any of thesequestions... WE CAN HELP!!!

CANADA DAYJuly 1st is coming up and Vancouverites will celebrate this country’s 143rd birthday

like never before. We’ll show you where all the events are taking place, fun celebration barbecue ideas, Olympic legacy moments, plus a chance to win prizes.

Bring on the red and white!

PUBLISHES IN FULL COLOUR ON FRI. JUNE 25, EAST, WEST & DOWNTOWN ZONES.

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPECIAL FEATURE, CALL 604.738.1412

by Helen Peterson

You can’t get through a day without hearing someone mention, or complain about, their back.

They’ve got stiff shoulders, a kink in the back, lower back pain, sciatica, disc issues. Their neck hurts when they turn. Everything hurts after sports, when they get up in the morning, or from using the computer all day.

As a great many of us hit middle age, our backs (also known as the spine and related area) begin to take the brunt of responsibility for our entire skeleton. The muscles and nerves get out of whack or compressed; our posture softens, and not in a good way!

What to do?Many people leave their back issues

to fester for months or years before seeking professional assistance. This is not a good method, as delaying could cause irreparable damage, which can exacerbate chronic pain and spinal degeneration that could possibly have been avoided.

It’s not too late to do something about it.

Read on for some helpful information to take you – “back” to the future.

Back to the Future

Healthwise junespecial advertising feature

EW24 The VancouVer courier wednesday, june 16, 2010

healthwise

O P E N E V E N I N G A N D W E E K E N D H O U R S

kerrisdale cosmetic& general dentistry 2899 West 41st Ave., Vancouver BC

604.263.7355 www.kerrisdaledentist.comNew Patients Welcome!

Dr. Michael Drance Dr. Amin Shivji• Digital X-Rays • Laser Dentistry • One Appointment Crowns• Treatment for high fear patients with various types of sedation

GENTLEDENTAL CARE

Exciting Outdoor Options

It's Fun, Affordable and Accessible

For information on fees, schedules and locations, visit our website or call:

3-1-1From outside Vancouver call:

604-873-7000vancouverparks.ca

Swim into summerEnjoy a fun and refreshing swim at our heated outdoor pools. With locations across the city and a variety of available swim times, leading an active, healthy lifestyle can be easy. Take advantage of our affordable drop-in fees or 10 visit and monthly pass payment options, which provide unlimited admission to all Vancouver Park Board pools, fitness centres and rinks.

LocationsKitsilano 2350 Cornwall Ave 604-731-0011Maple Grove* 6875 Yew St 604-266-9512 New Brighton North Windermere St 604-298-0222Second Beach Stanley Park Drive 604-257-8371

*opens June 19th

Opening later this summerThe new Aquatic Centre at Hillcrest Park with both indoor and outdoor pools opens this summer. Visit our website for updates and facility details.

4575 Clancy Loranger Way 604-257-8680

I’ve Got Your Backcompiled by Helen Peterson

I would never play favourites when it comes to recommending a physician or practitioner to readers, but when I asked a couple of co-workers where they go for their chronic back aches and pains, the answer was the same:

“We go to see Dr. Hoy!”Dr. Aaron Hoy has been in practice

for 20 years, and his clinic is located on West 7th at Granville. Dr. Hoy says that with weekly regular chiropractic adjust-ments for physical performance and general health and well being, in tan-dem with good lifestyle choices, your body will thank you.

Dr. Laura Clemenhagen is also a chiro-practor at the clinic. She and Dr. Hoy at Westside Chiropractic and Associates offer exceptional chiropractic health care.

“We feel people can benefit from a cooperative interaction with various health and wellness practitioners and therefore will refer them to other profes-sionals as warranted,” say the doctors. “Our approach to your health condition will fall within recognized guidelines, with a holistic outlook and approach.”

Some of the techniques and modali-ties in the clinic includes computerized diagnostics, radiography, chiropractic techniques, soft tissue therapy, rehabili-

tative exercise, etc. One of their specialties is Spinal

Decompression Therapy, consisting of an intensive six-week program of about 20-25 treatment sessions. The treat-ments are a gentle and painless non-invasive option that has been highly suc-cessful in the past, allowing patients to return to a more normal lifestyle. (Note: In B.C., fees apply to all complementary health consults and treatments.)

Reach Westside Chiropractic at 604-738-2503 or visit www.westsidechirp-ractic.com.

Control Your Own ErgonomicsMaintaining your comfort while working at the computer can be difficult. Various factors contribute to an uncomfortable, stress-filled time, or can create easy, ten-sion-free computing. Feldenkrais Centre Vancouver is presenting a workshop on Sunday June 27, 10 am to 1 pm. In this workshop you will learn movement lessons to help clarify the connections between the arm and shoulder; how to use the pelvis properly; and how to support the shoulders, neck, arms and hands while working at the computer.

For more information and to regis-ter for this workshop ($65 fee), go to http://www.feldenkraisvancouver.com/workshops.html, or call 604-729-0060.

Is your SMILE stillYOUR best FEATURE?

Before After

We can help give you your

BEST SMILE YET!Choices range from:

Bleaching and White Fillings to Orthodontics,Invisalign, Implants and Full Mouth Makeovers.

Complete Family Dentistry

For your FREE consultation on any dental subject, please call…

Smile Choices Serving Over 30 years in Your Community www.smilechoices.com

Dr. E. Bruce Kennedy6964 Victoria Drive

778-987-7140

MISSING TEETH?Free Dental Consultations

If you are missing one tooth and Implant is not an option; please discover how easy without damaging your tooth, we create composite “MK Pontic” for the price of $500.

Unconditional 10 years warranty!

We offer family and cosmetic dentistry, braces, dentures, implants and wisdom teeth extractions.

BEFORE

202-2929 Commercial Dr @ 13th Ave. • (604)876-5678

Dr. Marianna Klimek& Associate Dentists

www.mkpontic.com

Janusz BudzynskiDenturistaworldofsmile.com

AFTER

Want Younger Looking Skin?Discover the benefi ts of Facial Massage.This treatment combines traditional chinese medicine with modern skin care technology to fi rm, smooth and sculpt your skin. Treatment includes:

• Therapeutic exfoliating scrub • Nourishing mask of essential oils • Moisturizing antioxidant toner and cream • Uplifting facial, neck and shoulder massage

Introductory Offer | Facial Massage | 50 min. for only $57 (valid until July 31th)

2677 W. Broadway, Vancouver BC604-709-9908 | www.acalanatha.ca

by Jeremy Shepherd, contributing writer

At least one Vancouver optometrist is concerned the provincial government’s lack of vision could result in a real lack of vision for many people who are no longer required to see an optometrist.

Regulations came into effect on May 1, 2010 that allowed for eye exams to be done with automated equipment that essentially removed the human element from the examination, according to the BC. Associa-tion of Optometrists.

The B.C.A.O. has expressed concern new regulations allow-ing people to order glasses and contact lenses online, and with-out a sight test, could result in serious health problems.

Dr. Mini Randhawa, who’s been working as an optometrist for four years, said the move could have disastrous results for many people. “You could be going blind from glaucoma right now and you would have no symptoms,” she said.

Randhawa said increased fluid pressure in the eye can do considerable damage, and the condition is even more dan-gerous because the pressure is not perceptible. She said an optometrist can diagnose a potential problem in a five minute eye exam.

“We are able to treat [glauco-ma] very effectively if we catch it in time,” she said.

Randhawa said without a brief, comprehensive eye exam done at least once every two years, patients are at great risk. “We’ve diagnosed tumours.”

She said you only have to spend a few minutes with some-one who has lost their sight due to glaucoma or diabetes to see how completely altered their life is. The new regulations also allow sellers of glasses and con-

tact lenses to deal with cus-tomers without contacting the optometrist to see if the pre-scription is correct.

Randhawa expressed con-cern that the new regulations could also result in eye damage as the result of improper use of contact lenses. “People who wear contact lenses often for-get that it’s a medical device,” she said.

Randhawa said that approxi-mately 40 per cent of contact lens wearers have suffered from some type of complication. It’s critical for contact lens wearers to see an optometrist to make sure the fit is right and no dam-age is being done to the eye, according to Randhawa.

Dr. Randhawa, who practices on 49th Avenue and Elliott Street, realized she’s wanted to treat patients and make con-nections with them in an old-fashioned community eye cen-tre since she was in the fourth grade!

Visit this website for further information: www.eyedentityeyewear.ca.

Your eYesIGht: take care easY as… a-B-seeOne in five children has a vision disorder. not knowing any differently, many of these children accept poor vision and other eye problems as normal. if left unchecked, serious long-term effects can result.

With the support of essilor canada, the B.c. association of Optometrists (BcaO) has created the a-b-see campaign to help identify these children early and raise awareness among parents, teachers and children themselves.

Why? Because good vision and eye health are critical to a child’s development. More than 80 per cent of a child’s learning is based on vision.the a-b-see campaign is geared towards kindergarten and preschool-age children. identifying eye health issues at this age is critical, as they can begin to affect children’s academic and social development.

the campaign includes information for parents, resources for teachers and fun, interactive games for kids.

for tips on how to detect symptoms of visual disorders and diseases in your child, download Your child’s eye Health from www.optometrists.bc.ca. this pdf brochure gives you essential information on children’s eye exams and the importance of vision to childhood learning. it also lists common children’s visual conditions and their warning signs.

as part of a-b-see, BcaO is distributing complimentary a-b-see Kits to preschools and child-care centres. the kits contain important information on common eye diseases and disorders, warning signs and first-aid instruction. the kit includes activity sheets and materials for the kids.

parents, taKe nOte, and speaK tO YOur cHild’s scHOOl Or daYcare aBOut tHis prOgraM. prescHOOl and Kindergarten classes and cHild-care centres can request a cOMpliMentarY Kit BY eMailing aBsee@OptOMetrists.Bc.ca.

wednesday, june 16, 2010 The VancouVer courier EW25

healthwise

EW26 The VancouVer courier wednesday, june 16, 2010

healthwise

DENTURISTS ARE DENTURE SPECIALISTSNeed Dentures? Denture Problems? We can help you!

Certified BPS Denture Centre

Free Consultation CALL TODAY!(604)255-9433Hastings Denture Clinic

2609 E. Hastings St. Vancouver (at Penticton St.)

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For your free consultationplease call 604-325-1914

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Friedrich H.G. BrummD.D. B.A.Denturist - 24 yrs exp

Who says you can’t teach a mind new tricks, at any age? Recent research shows that we have the power to positively influence our brain function throughout life—an important realization for the more than 14 million baby boomers in Canada.

“The fear of memory loss and losing brain capacity looms large among the minds of boomers,” said Majid Fotuhi, M.D., Ph.D., leading neurologist and author of The Memory Cure. “But we can maintain and even improve our brain health as we age. In fact, our brains have the ability to grow and change throughout life.”

Dr. Fotuhi debunks five common myths about the brain and aging:

1. The brain stops growing after childhood.A decade ago, many experts would have scoffed at the idea that the brains of adults, particularly older adults, could grow or develop in any significant way. But that has changed. Research increasingly suggests that each time a new skill is learned, such as playing an instrument, speaking a foreign language or even danc-ing, new pathways are formed and areas of the brain may grow, even well into the later years. Physical and mental exercise can alter specific brain regions, mak-ing radical improvements in cognitive function. Brain growth isn’t just for kids.

2. Once I start experiencing memory loss, it’s all downhill and there’s not much I can do.Actually, good research has shown that there are a number of things you can do to improve your mem-ory throughout life, even if you are already noticing changes.

Exercise, challenging mental activities, social engagement, and diet have all been shown to have positive effects on cognition and memory. In fact, a new study published online in “Alzheimer’s & Demen-tia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association” showed that healthy people with memory complaints who took algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo, a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger.

DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid and a crucial building block for the brain. Products enhanced with the same algal source of DHA used in the study, called life’sDHA, are now available (a listing of products can be found online at www.lifesdha.com).

3. Memory problems must mean Alzheimer’s disease.Many people, young or old, worry that mild forgetful-

ness must be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But most people are worrying needlessly – research shows that more than 80 percent of us will never get Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news? We have the opportunity to influ-ence our brain health and function by incorporating lifestyle factors like exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction, and intellectual and social engagement. Regardless of family history, the choices we make in life may be able to slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline or help prevent it altogether.

4. Brightest equals youngest.The majority of legislators, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, judges, economists and CEOs are not in their 30s or 40s, but seasoned veterans who bestow several decades of experience and expertise. Along with gray hair comes both knowledge and wisdom, and you do not have to look far to find have inspiring stories of accomplishment, creativity, and reinvention in the second half of life.

See inspiring profiles of aging, and learn more about the actions we can take to ensure that we build and maintain minds that are healthy and beautiful for an entire lifetime online at www.beautiful-minds.com.

Article & photo courtesy www.newscanada.com.

MInD controLMyths About the Aging brAin

wednesday, june 16, 2010 The VancouVer courier W27

healthwise

• preventive dentistry, laser gum treatment• restorative (biocompatible non mercury fillings)• cosmetic (laser bleaching, veneers, etc.)• crown and bridge• orthodontic• Open Saturdays• new patients always welcome

Free parking at Shopper’s Drug Mart lot at Dunbar & 28thAccept Visa, MasterCard and dental insurance plans

Dr. Daisy Tang, DENTIST4210 Dunbar St., Vancouver • 733-1616

For your oral health and wellness we provide:

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5710

The Pacifica is a zen-infused spa-inspired environment that relaxes your very soul. Whether you’re looking for independent or assisted living, the Pacifica offers both options along with unmatched affordability and flexibility. Amenities abound, including first class service, 5-star meals prepared by award winning Red Seal Chefs, enriching social activities, wellness programs and much more. Our luxury facilities and spacious deluxe suites are unmatched anywhere in the retirement industry. Come discover the Diamond Standard of resort retirement living at the Pacifica.

All Inclusive, from $2,300 per month.Call 604.636.1943

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Treasure the past. Embrace the future.Show off your granddaughter.

Call nowfor 2

BedroomSpecials

Prostate cancer awarenessA MAn’s ConCernFather’s Day is upon us, and the focus is on the men. And this is a good time for the men to focus on themselves, in a meaningful way.

The Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) out-lines some of the stats. It’s not all bad news, but as is the case with most health issues, proactive health (not delaying visiting the doctor, knowing your family his-tory, watchful eye on your physical symptoms) goes a long way to helping to have a positive outcome, and a long, vibrant life.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men (excluding non-melanoma skin can-cer). In 2010:

• An estimated 24,600 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 4,300 will die of it.

• On average, 470 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every week.

• On average, 80 Canadian men will die of prostate cancer every week.

One in seven men will develop prostate cancer dur-ing his lifetime (the risk is highest after age 60), and one in 27 will die of it. There has been an overall upward trend in the incidence rate of prostate can-cer since 1980, which is likely due to increased early detection or possible changes in risk factors.

The cause of prostate cancer is not known but research suggests genetics, high-fat diet and lack of exercise may play a role. (The growth of cancer cells is stimulated by male hormones.)

Note: PSA tests in B.C. are not covered by the Medi-cal Services Plan (MSP). Prostate cancer is a “silent disease,” and the best chance for a cure is through early detection before the onset of symptoms. The

PSA test is the single best blood test for detecting tumours in all forms of cancer. PSA tests are covered if you have a history of prostate cancer in your family. See your doctor for details.

What You Need to Know • Abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland• Diet can help prevent prostate cancer• Family history is an important risk factor• Early detection is important in successful

treatment• B.C. offers world class treatment options

saFewaY Father’s DaY waLk/run 2010Honour the men in your life and join in on June 20th at Burnaby lake for the 12th annual event. choose from a 10k run, a 5k walk, or a 2k stroll. there will also be a tot run, live music, free barbeque lunch, 100’s of prizes and special guests. it’s a fantastic party that you won’t want to miss.

to register for the Metro vancouver event, go to www.prostatecancerbc.ca.

wednesday, june 16, 2010 The VancouVer courier E27

healthwise

Prostate cancer awarenessA MAn’s ConCernFather’s Day is upon us, and the focus is on the men. And this is a good time for the men to focus on themselves, in a meaningful way.

The Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) out-lines some of the stats. It’s not all bad news, but as is the case with most health issues, proactive health (not delaying visiting the doctor, knowing your family his-tory, watchful eye on your physical symptoms) goes a long way to helping to have a positive outcome, and a long, vibrant life.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men (excluding non-melanoma skin can-cer). In 2010:

• An estimated 24,600 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 4,300 will die of it.

• On average, 470 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every week.

• On average, 80 Canadian men will die of prostate cancer every week.

One in seven men will develop prostate cancer dur-ing his lifetime (the risk is highest after age 60), and one in 27 will die of it. There has been an overall upward trend in the incidence rate of prostate can-cer since 1980, which is likely due to increased early detection or possible changes in risk factors.

The cause of prostate cancer is not known but research suggests genetics, high-fat diet and lack of exercise may play a role. (The growth of cancer cells is stimulated by male hormones.)

Note: PSA tests in B.C. are not covered by the Medi-cal Services Plan (MSP). Prostate cancer is a “silent disease,” and the best chance for a cure is through early detection before the onset of symptoms. The

PSA test is the single best blood test for detecting tumours in all forms of cancer. PSA tests are covered if you have a history of prostate cancer in your family. See your doctor for details.

What You Need to Know • Abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland• Diet can help prevent prostate cancer• Family history is an important risk factor• Early detection is important in successful

treatment• B.C. offers world class treatment options

saFewaY Father’s DaY waLk/run 2010Honour the men in your life and join in on June 20th at Burnaby lake for the 12th annual event. choose from a 10k run, a 5k walk, or a 2k stroll. there will also be a tot run, live music, free barbeque lunch, 100’s of prizes and special guests. it’s a fantastic party that you won’t want to miss.

to register for the Metro vancouver event, go to www.prostatecancerbc.ca.