Deborah Ferguson

"Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child" (2nd edition) by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, M.D., and Rachel Walton, MSN, CRNP, , written by a naturopathic physician, a medical doctor, and a pediatric nurse, is useful in combining the best of conventional and alternative approaches to create thriving good health for your child. The text is organized as an A to Z reference guide and covers everything from chicken pox to thumb sucking.

Small amounts of Vitamin D are found in fish oils, eggs and salmon, but a supplement should be taken in the winter.

Many insurance plans re-set in the New Year. If you've been saving your health insurance, it's time to schedule check ups with your health care providers.

How much protein do you need? Aim for a minimum of 20-25 grams per meal for an adult.

What are the symptoms of fatty liver? Fatigue, loss of appetite and/or elevated insulin levels are warning signs.

How can you improve your digestion? A supplement like Garden Essence by Nature's Sunshine can help. Garden Essence can be purchased via my web site.

Many people find holiday shopping to be stressful. If this is you, get started early so you have time to make thoughtful choices. Consider shopping locally for unique gifts that support your neighbours and your community.

When we eat too much sugar and processed refined carbohydrates, too much fat is produced by the liver. This fat builds up and in time, fatty liver can occur.

As we age, our natural production of enzymes that are necessary to digest our food start to decrease. Stress, poor food choices, eating too quickly and antibiotic use (which alters the flora of the bowel) can also have a negative impact.

The holidays are supposed to be merry...so why do so many of us feel like Scrooge instead? It's not uncommon to feel extra stress at this time of year. This week and next I'll share tips to help brighten up the holidays.

While it’s a myth that alcohol is the only cause of fatty liver, it’s true that excessive alcohol consumption is bad for your liver and heart. If you drink, do so in moderation.

What should you do if you're concerned that your digestion isn't what it should be? My contact information is available on my web site: http://www.deborahferguson.ca

Another book I recommend is "Anti Cancer (A New Way of Life)" by David Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph. D. Dr. Severan-Schreiber is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine. Servan-Schreiber was diagnosed with brain cancer. In his unique position he had access to the latest research on cancer and the integrative and complimentary approaches to its prevention and treatment.

The goal of a multivitamin is to strengthen the immune system, which will assist in protecting the body from disease, increasing energy and enhancing overall health.

Stomach Comfort by Nature’s Sunshine is more than an ordinary antacid. It contains herbs that soothe mucous membranes and support digestive processes, and calcium carbonate to neutralize stomach acid and relieve the discomfort of indigestion.