CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE
Enter to Win a Comprehensive Health Assessment worth $1500 from Copeman Healthcare Centre See details inside this issue
THE HEALTHCARE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
PRIVATE HEALTHCARE
TEAM BASED PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE TO REDUCE LONG TERM RISK OF DISEASE By Nicole Aubertin
I
t may sound a bit like a paradox but when you’re healthy that’s just the time to start thinking about a prevention plan. Often when we’re feeling great we fail to consider our wellbeing and ways to continue staying healthy. It’s only when we fall ill that we start thinking about what we could have done better and wondering why we didn’t take steps to reduce our risk of disease. But with a little planning it doesn’t have to be that way.
COPEMAN HEALTHCARE
“
Ultimately our goal is to reduce the long-term impact of disease
”
Dr. Pollie Lumby, Family Physician
Most chronic illnesses occur slowly over many years or decades often without symptoms or warnings. These illnesses progress through some of the healthiest years of life when we’re not paying attention to what we’re eating, how much we’re drinking or how little we’re exercising. When we’re young and getting by on minimal sleep, coping well with stress and still feeling wonderful, it’s easy to believe that it will always be that way. Wouldn’t it be great if we could carry on feeling that way for many, many years to come?
2 CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE | PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | VANCOUVER
www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com
Most common chronic illnesses are a result of lifestyle choices – bad habits that if left unchecked for years or decades eventually catch up with us over time. By adhering to a personalized prevention plan, following a rigorous program of early detection, intervention and management, health risks can be significantly mitigated while continuing to enjoy life to its fullest. It all starts by planning ahead and taking steps today that can pay dividends tomorrow. Copeman Healthcare, a prevention focused medical organization, is encouraging individuals, families and corporations to take advantage of their team-based, inter-professional services by visiting one of their four clinics in Vancouver, West Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary. “Our approach is really quite simple,” says Chris Nedelmann, Copeman Healthcare CEO, “If clients are healthy we want to keep them that way. If they’re struggling with an illness we want to get them timely medical expertise and on the road to recovery. Ultimately our goal is the same for both groups; to reduce the long-term impact of disease, improve our client’s quality of life and assist them in optimizing their health.”
Rachel Francis, Clinical Exercise Specialist
Dr. Elisabeth Sherman Director of Neuropsychology
Sanda Islik Family Health Nurse
COPEMAN HEALTHCARE Toll Free: 1.888.922.2792 Vancouver or West Vancouver Centre: Tia Young: 604.707.2273 Calgary Centre: Cristle Jasken: 403.270.2273 Edmonton Centre: Treena Popowich: 780.392.0716
Kirsten Watkinson Diagnostic & Screening Coordinator www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur
AUGUST 2013 | GOOD LIFE CONNOISSEUR 3
T
he health and appearance of your skin impacts how you look and feel, and may also impact on how others see you. For many, the need to find a good health care provider can be daunting, as it may be difficult to decipher all the advertising claims.
OUR MISSION & VISION
PACIFIC DERMAESTHETICS
Since 2007, Pacific Dermaesthetics skin care centre has provided technically advanced skin care solutions using clinically proven treatments. In 2012, Pacific Dermaesthetics developed a more progressive and focused philosophy: to provide a Dermatologist-directed skin care experience, utilizing comprehensive solutions guided by science, innovation and expertise.
COMPREHENSIVE SKIN CARE What is “comprehensive skin care”? It’s based on a philosophy of integrated skin care, starting with a complete skin health review by one of our board-certified Dermatologists, encompassing cosmetic and medical dermatology, and incorporating a variety of treatment options that meet your specific needs. It not only involves the specialized care of a Dermatologist, but also the care of an extensive team who strive to deliver exceptional patient experiences with optimal outcomes.
4 CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE | PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | VANCOUVER
www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com
SCIENCE, INNOVATION & EXPERTISE We believe it is essential to keep abreast of the latest scientific and technical advances in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Our leader and chief innovator, Dr. Jason Rivers, is a respected Dermatologist who has been in practice for over thirty years. His Associate, Dr. Marcie Ulmer is a Clinical Instructor at the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia. Both physicians are Canadian and American boardcertified Dermatologists, with expertise in all types of conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails. Incorporating multiple therapies such as lasers, Thermage®, dermal fillers, and Botox Cosmetic®, Xeomin®, and Dysport® injections, they aim to provide natural appearing outcomes. Pacific Dermaesthetics skin care clinic has been a leader in the industry by actively participating in research of new technologies, injectable fillers and neuromodulators. Pacific Dermaesthetics was the first to offer Fraxel® CO2 laser technology and the first to implement non-invasive ultrasound-based body contouring in Vancouver. With science, innovation and expertise as our foundation, we continue to offer the most modern treatments in cosmetic skin care using the latest clinically-proven techniques and equipment.
SKIN CARE IN VANCOUVER: THE DIFFERENCE There has been a surge in cosmetic skin care establishments, making it a challenge to find a reputable and knowledgeable clinic. The aesthetic industry is loosely governed with few regulations required for training. Pacific Dermaesthetics provides integrated expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. This combination uniquely positions us to offer a wide range of procedures using techniques and products that will optimize your experience while safely delivering the results. We are committed to helping you choose the procedure that best suits your skin type and lifestyle. Our approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques for skin rejuvenation and we work with you to implement preventative strategies to maintain healthy, younger-looking skin. For your comprehensive assessment with Dr. Ulmer and Dr. Rivers please call Pacific Dermaesthetics.
PACIFIC DERMAESTHETICS WE KNOW SKIN. www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur
Suite 1790 - 1111 West Georgia Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3 604.682.7546 AUGUST 2013 | GOOD LIFE CONNOISSEUR 5
FALSE CREEK HEALTHCARE CENTRE:
A world-class, fully accredited, private medical facility in Vancouver. Since being founded in 1996, False Creek Healthcare has become one of Canada’s most renowned private health providers. This state-of-the-art centre is more than just a private clinic; it offers world-class service to individuals seeking immediate access to the best medical care Canada has to offer, utilizing the most advanced medical technology and techniques available.
A soothing atmosphere greets patients.
SURGICAL
Orthopedic Surgery Neurosurgery Male Urology Female Urology Otolaryngology/ENT/Sinus Gynaecology Women’s Health General Surgery Colonoscopy/Gastroscopy Bariatric/Lap-band Pain Management Reconstructive Surgery Plastic Surgery
SPECIALISTS
Cardiology Gastroenterology Neurology Dermatology Sports Injury Internal Medicine Psychology Endocrinology Respirology Rheumatology Nephrology Hematology
What sets it apart is its comprehensive vision of care: Executive health, wellness programs, urgent care, family practice, diagnostics, specialists and surgeons are all under one roof. False Creek’s team of over 60 physicians and surgeons are leaders in their fields, with the highest degree of surgical skills, experience and knowledge available. State of the art operating rooms.
SURGERY With four state of the art operating rooms, thousands of procedures are performed at the centre every year. Hundreds of procedures are available and range from simple endoscopic procedures to advanced minimally invasive surgeries. For patients requiring overnight stay, private, well appointed, individual overnight stay rooms are provided. Learn more
COSMETIC SURGERY Cosmetic surgery has long been a staple of False Creek, which is why the centre’s team of plastic surgeons is one of the largest and most renowned in Canada, offering a substantial range of options. Non-surgical treatments (such as Botox®) are a popular alternative, with treatments administered by experienced cosmetic surgeons for the best outcomes.
6 CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE | PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | VANCOUVER 2 CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE | PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | VANCOUVER
Learn more
www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com
EXECUTIVE HEALTH
The Executive Healthcare Assessment is tailored with today's leadership in mind, identifying medical concerns early, when disease is most easily prevented and managed. The assessment includes a complete blood profile, physician assessment, urinalysis, metabolic syndrome screening, and cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, abdominal, dermatological and musculoskeletal assessments. Patients undergo tests including ECG, Cardiac Stress test, visual acuity testing and comprehensive physical examination, complete lab work, ultrasounds of the abdomen, pelvis and carotid arteries. Individuals receive a report with exam and test results, along with recommendations for achieving optimal health. Learn more
FAMILY PRACTICE The Family Practice program offers rapid access to patients requiring prompt attention. By limiting the number of families per physician, doctors and patients are able to develop a close, trusting relationship. With one-hour appointments, patients never feel rushed and are able to discuss all of their concerns.
Learn more
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS With some of the most advanced equipment in clinical use in Canada, False Creek’s patients have immediate access to the best MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound and X-Ray technology available. Specialty screening programs are available including: Cardiac CT angiography, virtual colonoscopy, lung cancer screening, brain injury MRI and interventional radiology. A new alliance with the prestigious Vancouver Imaging, the largest radiology group in BC, combines the expertise of Vancouver Imaging radiologists with False Creek’s state-of-the-art equipment and exceptional specialists. Learn more
The GE 3.0 Tesla MRI system is the only 3.0T system in clinical use in BC. It produces images faster, with twice the detail of other systems. It performs large body scans that other MRI systems would do in sections. MRI with sedation is also available; a unique feature of False Creek.
The LightSpeed 64-Slice CT scanner has thinner slices and a much lower radiation dosage than other CT systems. Scans are faster, even occurring between breaths, resulting in sharper image quality and fantastic detail.
False Creek Healthcare is a Centric Health Company, and part of the Extended Patient Choice Network, providing patients from across Canada with choice in accessing out-of-province health solutions.
FalseCreekHealthcare.com
CentricHealthEPCN.ca
CentricHealth.ca
604.739.9695 - 6th floor - 555 W. 8th Avenue - Vancouver, BC
www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur
AUGUST 2013 | GOOD LIFE CONNOISSEUR 7 AUGUST 2013 | GOO D LIFE CONNOISSEUR 3
IS STRESS REALLY THE CAUSE OF OUR PROBLEMS?
M
IRENE LYON
ost people think that stress is to blame for many of our disorders, and that if we remove or minimize the stressors in life and add in some healthier substitutes such as improved diet, more physical activity, mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation, and maybe get more sleep or take “stress leave” from work, that all will be well and health will beam through us like sunshine rays. Of course, all of these pieces are important and will aid in the process towards complete health, but the truth is that it isn’t the stress that is the big issue; it is how our brain and our nervous system have been wired to handle stress. Back in the day of the hunter and the gatherer, some ten thousand years ago, the stressors and tasks of daily life were very simple. We needed to find food and shelter and stay safe from predators. If a saber-toothed tiger chased us, we were either eaten or we would get away, and if we got away, the stress of the chase would not stay living inside of us. The ability to let go of stress—the instinct to literally run it off and shake it off, which all animals have—was still intact at that time we allowed ourselves to be the human animals that we still are.
8 CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE | PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | VANCOUVER
www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com
Nowadays, our world is more complex, and the pressures of socialization have inhibited and weakened our instinctual abilities. We are keeping our stress responses—also known as our fight, flight, freeze responses—trapped inside of our bodies. Keeping this energy trapped inside makes it harder for us to successfully handle future stress. It’s a vicious cycle that leads to stress-related illness and psychological and emotional difficulties. Some of the manifestations of held stress in the body are chronic anxiety, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle pain, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and, in the worst-case scenario, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you are struggling with mysterious body pains or psychological upset that won’t resolve even after years of therapy and treatment, if you’ve “tried everything” with little result, then it is likely that the way your body is wired to respond to stress could use a tune-up.
Irene Lyon Irene works with self-aware people who are suffering from mysterious health issues and are ready to give up because nothing in Western, Eastern and alternative medicine has helped them. Her clients come to her when they feel like they’ve tried everything and they are afraid they will have to live like this forever. She helps them resolve their most pressing health issues so they can become completely healthy and free from their pains. She holds a masters degree in the health and biomedical sciences and a bachelors degree in exercise science. She is a certified practitioner of The Feldenkrais Method and Somatic Experiencing. 604.838.0424 #313, 119 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1S5
www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur
AUGUST 2013 | good life connoisseur 9
ADVANCING CANCER CARE
CENTER FOR ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS
IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
T
THE POWER OF KNOWING
he Canadian Healthcare system has much to be proud of. We enjoy equal access to state of the art medical treatment with the highest level of medical professionals. As well, critical illness does not have to go hand in hand with financial ruin. It does however, have its shortcomings…
“against cancer. Know all you can. ” Knowledge is power in the fight
Increased immigration with an aging population has put pressure on all aspects of our healthcare. Budgets are strained and medical staff is often overwhelmed. Despite significant efforts, wait times remain at undesirable levels for certain procedures. Diagnostics are no exception and MRI and CT scans are often delayed for many months at a time. Immediate diagnostics can be critical to your cancer outcome and delays can be deadly. Some patients undergo several CT scans during initial treatment, exposing them not only to long delays, but to large doses of radiation as well. PET/CT can often reveal a more accurate diagnosis with one quick scan. We have been leading PET imaging since 2001 when our founder brought the first clinical PET scanner into Canada and began scanning for the BC Cancer Agency. There are 2,272 Medicare approved PET centres in the United States, only 5 are in Western Canada. PET/CT can help physicians and surgeons obtain vital information needed to monitor and plan rapid and effective treatment and avoid harsh and invasive therapies. • “PET/CT, as the most comprehensive diagnostic tool in oncologic imaging, has invigorated nuclear medicine” - JNM • “PET imaging with 18F-FDG diagnoses, stages, and restages many cancers with accuracies ranging from 80% to 90%”. - JNM • “FDG PET is superior to that of conventional imaging for many cancers”. - JNM At our patient-focused state-of-the-art facility, patients have copies of their results on DICOM disc the same day.
10 CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE | PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | VANCOUVER
www.GoodLifeConnoisseur.com
Both a Radiologist and a Nuclear Medicine Doctor, our Medical Director is uniquely qualified to provide you with one comprehensive report within 24 – 48 hours.
WHAT IS PET/CT? Positron emission tomography, or PET, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. The patient is administered a small amount of a radioactive material called FDG, a radioactive sugar that has a rapid uptake in cancer tissue. Results can pinpoint molecular activity within the body, identifying disease in its earliest stages. Computed tomography, or CT is a method to obtain anatomically precise images. PET/CT combines the metabolic PET scan with the anatomic imaging obtained by CT. The two exams can be correlated and interpreted into one image, leading to more precise information, superior treatment monitoring, and accurate diagnoses.
CANADIAN PET/CT REPORT: • In 90% of cases PET results helped Dr.s avoid additional imaging tests and procedures prior to devising treatment strategy. • In 70% of cases PET leads to cancellation of costly, high risk surgical intervention that might not help. • PET is the NORMAL, STANDARD of care in diagnosis staging and treatment in most developed countries. • PET is capable of detecting cancerous cells at stages before they congregate to form a mass, or tumor. • In Canada, information dervived from PET imaging changed treatment plans in 50% of cases (study done in 2010)
CENTRE FOR ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS 3rd floor, 3185 Willingdon Green Burnaby, BC V5G 4P3 Canada Phone: 604.678.9274 Fax: 604.678.9279 www.facebook.com/GoodLifeConnoisseur
AUGUST 2013 | GOOD LIFE CONNOISSEUR 11
CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE
PRIVATE HEALTHCARE ENTER TO WIN A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH ASSESSMENT WORTH $1500 FROM COPEMAN HEALTHCARE CENTRE
Stay informed on all the latest developments in Private Healthcare by subscribing to Connoisseur’s Choice Private Healthcare and win a Comprehensive Health Assessment
ENTER TO WIN - LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGES & PRESS HERE TO SUBSCRIBE Also receive your complimentary digital edition of Good Life Connoisseur Magazine.
Copeman Healthcare Centre Comprehensive Health Assessment The certificate will provide you with a physician-led, 4 hour comprehensive health assessment which includes complete evidence-based screening & diagnostic tests and in-depth medical, dietary and fitness consultations. Certificate holders may apply the $1,500 value (plus taxes) towards the LifePlus Program at the Centre of their choice.