Woodford Files

Wow, here we are already a month into 2010, with Chinese New Year just around the corner. Astrologer Neil Somerville predicts that the Year of the Tiger will be a time of change and opportunity.

“It’s a year to be active and alert, and to seize opportunities as they arise,” he says.

In the spirit of the tiger, Vitality is taking the opportunity this month to remind readers of the potential dangers of prescription meds, and the comparable safety and efficacy of natural alternatives. If ever there was clear evidence of the harm done by drugs, it can be found in our feature entitled Detoxing a Nation of Addicts. This actually has two parts: 1) a report from St. Michael’s hospital researchers on the five-fold increase in deaths related to OxyContin (a narcotic prescribed for pain), and 2) a report by me on an unorthodox herbal treatment being used worldwide to help addicts kick their dependency on both legal and illegal narcotics.

I find it tragic that people are turning to painkillers in such high numbers when alternative medicine offers so many powerful and lasting therapies for pain relief. This month we offer three such therapies, two for physical pain (Banish Back Pain and Chinese Medicine for Migraines) along with one therapy for mental pain (Homeopathy for Happiness). Each of the writers shares excellent tips on how these natural methods can be used successfully to bring genuine and permanent resolution to pain from head to toe, with none of the side effects or addictions that accompany a doctor’s prescription.

Add to that the arsenal of vitamins and herbs known to relieve pain by reducing inflammation and clearing toxins from the body, and you have a comprehensive approach to pain relief that leaves drugs in the dust.

Since February is Heart Health Month, we’ve also turned our attention to non-drug treatments for cardiovascular disease. Forget the blood thinners and statins. In his feature on Healing Heart Disease, naturopath Elie Klein points to the research of (Nobel prize winning scientist) Linus Pauling and Mathias Rath, two dedicated researchers who were successfully clearing clogged arteries back in the 1990s with nutrients you can find in any health food store. And Klein is getting great results with these very same nutrients today. Just imagine the money we could save the healthcare system if all patients at risk for heart disease were to adopt these measures.

Klein also shares information on two of the most common dietary causes of heart disease: sugar and trans fats. What I find interesting is that even though margarine, shortening, and hydrogenated oils are identified as the main sources of trans fats, still margarine companies are allowed to sponsor not only heart-healthy events and charities, but also hospital recovery programs for heart attack patients. Where’s the benefit to the public in that scenario? Beats me.

Overall we’ve got a fascinating lineup of articles for you this month, along with all the best products and services to help you reach your goal of optimum wellness in this new year. And we wish you every success as you ride that tiger into a healthy and eco-friendly future.                 

~ Julia Woodford