Cook Street Village Health Centre
200 - 1075 Pendergast St # 200 V8V 0A1 Victoria, BC, Canada

Anyone looking to keep touch with Ian Abbott RMT, R.Ac can do so at www.ianabbottwellness.com or find him on Facebook at Ian Abbott Wellness. Thanks

Our Massage Therapist and Acupuncturist, Ian Abbott, is moving on to a new clinic. We wish Ian all the best in his new venture.

An interesting and timely article from our Acupuncturist, Ian Abbott...

Check out this post from our Acupuncturist - Ian Abbott RMT, R.Ac

Looking for a safe sunscreen for your family? EWG has a great guide. Also check out the "hall of shame" list where it talks about avoiding spray sunscreen, oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. - Dr. Shannon, ND

Passed on by one of our RMTs, Bruce Martell...

Were in print! Check out our ad on page 13 of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalitions magazine - Cycle Therapy - just in time for Bike to Work Week! Happy riding!

From our Chiropractor, Dr. Nick Milton...

Dr. Michael Toews, Chiropractor

We are excited to announce that a new Chiropractor - Dr. Michael Toews - has joined our healthcare team. Dr. Toews brings with him over 12 years of experience and professionalism. Dr. Toews will be working Tuesday through Saturday, with evening appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Book online today!

More great research on the value of Acupuncture. Book in with our Acupuncturist, Ian Abbott RMT, RAc. today!

Have you suffered from Plantar Fasciitis? Check out this awesome video with a new look at what we used to call Plantar Fasciitis, as well as new ways to treat it.

Were thrilled to announce that Alan Cassels, drug policy researcher, will be speaking at our Naturopathic Medicine Week Merchants of Doubt screenings! Cassels is a health researcher at the University of Victoria, an expert on the corporate interests which drive health headlines and, often, medical care. Merchants of Doubt looks at the so-called experts who weigh in on studies, research and advances in science, but who are more often than not paid by corporations for their op...inion. Get your tickets now: ow.ly/LI4ia #NatMedWeek

Only 2 more Saturdays to go! After 17 years of Saturday service, Ian Abbott RMT, R.Ac. will no longer be working Saturdays as of May. Julia Alpini RMT will be taking over Saturdays joining Bruce Martell RMT, as well as Chiropractic. Book online, follow the link www.csvhealth.com

Greetings all, and Happy April! We want your FEEDBACK! For the remainder of April please LIKE, REVIEW, and SHARE our page and be entered to win the treatment of your choice at our clinic. Thanks!

From our Physiotherapist, Sean Douglas - New research finds some encouraging results supporting exercise as an important part of a treatment plan for cancer. The research is still in early days (mice studies) and was directed specifically at breast cancer. Hopefully we will see more studies that can build on their results and provide some guidelines in terms of amount and type of exercise to give the best clinical benefit! Have a read of a summary of the research from the NY Times:

Have you seen a massage therapist lately? To celebrate spring, Julia (one of our wonderful RMTs) has a special offer. Mention Spring Promo when you book in with Julia and get 20% off your next two visits (45 min or an hour). Offer good until the end of April!

Need some spring cleaning for body and mind?! The next session of our Whole Food Cleanse (with yoga!) program will start April 11th. Revitalize your energy, cleanse your body, improve digestion this is just the beginning. This 4 week program will guide you through a restorative whole food and yoga cleanse. Together we will embark on a healing journey. We will explore gentle cleansing yoga postures and talk about using food as medicine, supporting healthy digestion and liver ...function, reducing stress in your life and healing your body naturally. Each session will include a gentle 30 - 45 minute yoga practice and the remaining time will be spent discussing the cleanse and natural ways to gently support your overall health. No previous yoga experience is necessary, this will be appropriate for every body! This is a great opportunity to see how the food you eat affects your health, and supercharge the way you feel. Many people who have followed this program have seen drastic improvements in mood, energy, pain, inflammation, digestion, PMS and many more conditions too numerous to name. Reserve your spot soon. The last session filled up quickly. Details: Saturdays, April 11 - May 2 9:30 - 11:30 am Victoria West Community Centre Cost: $189 for the 4 week program (this may be covered by extended health benefits) How to sign up: If you are interested, please book a 15 minute consult with Dr. Alexis to discuss details of this program and to see if it is appropriate for you. You can book this through front reception at Cook Street Village Health Centre. 250-477-5433.

Symptoms of a heart attack in women often dont resemble the classic symptoms that you see in Hollywood movies. Men and women may present very differently, and due to the gender bias in medical research this was not understood until relatively recently. This is an important article for women to know what signs to watch for. - Dr. Shannon, ND

Lets talk about the sunshine vitamin! Are you supplementing with vitamin D? Has your immune system been low this winter? Do you have a family history of auto-immune, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes or cancer? If so, you may want to have your vitamin D level tested (now is the best time). We have reached the time of year that your D levels are at their lowest. Canadians are at high risk for deficiency and it increases your risk for a whole host of health concerns. Read ...my article below! I have just started testing patients and many of them (even the ones who have been supplementing) are deficient. The best way to guide dosing recommendations is through individual testing. That way you can see if the dose that you have been taking throughout the winter is the right dose for you. I will be testing my whole family this week-end. Send us a message if you would like info on testing. Yours in health, Dr. Shannon, ND

The Environmental Working Group has released an updated "Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Produce List" for pesticides. What does this mean? It means that you will make the biggest impact in reducing pesticide exposure by choosing organic for the "dirty dozen" foods. Small steps can add up over time. Dr. Alexis & Dr. Shannon, Cook St Village Naturopaths

Great News! We are now able to direct bill Blue Cross! If your extended medical is provided by Blue Cross simply come in for your visit and only pay the difference between the cost of your visit and the amount covered. Ask at our front desk for more details.

From our Physiotherapist, Sean Douglas - Lack of exercise is responsible for twice as many early deaths as obesity! A new large scale study out of the University of Cambridge has found that a brisk 20-minute walk per day could be enough to reduce the risk of early death, regardless of that persons body mass index (BMI). Those with a healthy BMI who were also active had the greatest reduction in risk.

Need some inspiration in the kitchen? Dragon Bowls have become a favorite for me. Colorful, versatile and oh so delicious. Here is my latest blog post. Dr. Shannon, ND

I talk about probiotics and the importance of gut health on a daily basis in practice. Here is some of the science behind it. Dr. Shannon

Check out the link for our new online booking page! You can now book through Facebook or Google. If youve used our online booking before you will have to create a new username and password. Happy booking!

"Studies show that many of these nutrients have a clear link to brain health, including omega-3s, B vitamins (particularly folate and B12), choline, iron, zinc, magnesium, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), vitamin D, and amino acids. Dr Sarris, an executive member of the ISNPR, believes that it is time to advocate for a more integrative approach to psychiatry, with diet and nutrition as key elements."

Are you lacking spark in your love life? Our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Shannon takes a look at some of the underlying causes for low libido and tips nourishing and nurturing healthy desire.

Heres our latest article from one of our naturopathic doctors, Dr. Alexis. If youre experiencing a bit of the winter blues, read on...

Dr. Shannons most recent article explores why we get sick. Many people lay the blame on those pesky little germs, but here we explore the naturopathic concept of "terrain" as a cause of illness. This article will be of interest to you if you suffer from chronic concerns with bacterial infections, yeast/fungal overgrowth, herpes virus or even inflammation and cancer. "From this perspective; bacteria is most problematic to a malnourished immune system, yeast will take the oppo...rtunity to grow when blood sugar is high, and a cold sore will make a sneak attack when you are under high stress." Included are 5 tips for optimizing your "terrain". - Dr. Shannon, ND

Is 2015 the year you will start/add to your family? Heres some advice from our naturopathic dcotors.

Another great article sent to you by way of Sean Douglas, Physiotherapist. For those looking for the fountain of youth, perhaps they should look no further than a bicycle!

Natural ways of reducing inflammation and pain. - Dr. Shannon, ND

If you are suffering from the respiratory virus that is going around, I hope you are making good use of ginger. It is a great anti-inflammatory and is restorative for your lungs and sinuses. To make ginger tea, grate 1-2 inches of ginger and steep it in hot water with honey and lemon. - Dr. Shannon, ND

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Give the gift of health! We have gift certificates available, and were open until 7 during the week and on Saturdays for your convenience!

Please welcome our new Massage Therapist, Julia Alpini RMT, to our clinic! Get to know Julia here: A recent graduate of Victorias West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Julia believes touch is an integral part of healing and well-being. Her experience has led her to treat in various settings from care homes to sporting events, especially with the Victoria Jr. Shamrocks.... Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Julia enjoys casual hikes, watching cooking shows and experimenting with new recipes. She is excited for the opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills with continuing education courses, learning from her peers, and growing as a therapist. Julia is looking forward to building clientele and welcomes all.