Stressed out

Has work, family, school or something got you feeling stressed out? Over time stress can have negative effects on your health and can contribute to depression, insomnia and even cardiovascular disease.

Anti-depressants and sleeping pills have long been prescribed for such conditions but if you are looking for a natural approach to managing stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances you can get some free advice at an upcoming seminar at the Parksville Pharmasave Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Naturopathic Physician Serenity Aberdour is making a special appearance from 1:30 to 4 p.m. to answer questions and provide evidence-based information about natural medicines.

Parksville Pharmasave Natural Health Educator Lisa Leger said they are lucky to have Aberdour who will be sharing her wealth of knowledge on ways to manage stress.

Leger said while anti-depressants and sleeping pills are the answer for some patients, many people don’t realize that some of the drugs can be habit forming and they run into difficulties when they try to discontinue

using them.

“People are surprised that when they try to stop using them they run into trouble and that is why at Pharmasave we do counsel patients who are trying to switch off of a sleeping aid and want to try different options,” Leger said.

She added “Here at Pharmasave we bring in experts to let our patients know what their options are and we give people the knowledge. If patients know there is more than just the prescription they are better educated and can take control of their own health.”

Aberdour has a Naturopathic practice in Vancouver and is also the Manager of Science and Education at SISU natural health products. Aberdour said her position at SISU allows her to research and develop new products and her clinical practice provides her with hands on knowledge she can use in seminars.

“It’s a really nice balance. I

see what happens in the real world and when consumers call with technical questions I can help with practical knowledge. It is a lot of back and forth,” she said.

Aberdour said in her upcoming seminar she will be going over what the effects of stress are in the body and how it can play into any health concern.

She will be focussing on what nutrients do in the body, why you need them and why you become low in them when you are stressed out.

The use of plants to heal has a long history in most cultures around the world.  Aberdour has extensive knowledge of herbal medicines, and regularly reviews the latest research on their modern uses, while also maintaining her knowledge on the traditional uses of medicinal plants.

Aberdour said L-Theanine is a new and interesting supplement that has shown to reduce anxiety, improve mental focus and make stressful situations more manageable and has no negative side effects.

She will talk about the benefits of L-Theanine for easing stress as well as other herbal supplements that can be helpful in calming you down.

Aberdour said it is an exciting time to be a Naturopathic Doctor in British Columbia where the industry is regulated.

She said last year when they acquired prescription rights it was ground breaking and it put ND’s in this province in a unique position.

“It is good for preserving our scope of practice to access prescriptions the odd time you need them. Ontario is the next province looking at prescription rights. Space is limited for the Sept. 20 seminar at Parksville Pharmasave so register by phone at 250-951-0243.