One More for the Road! This One's for Trudi

Okay, I'm slipping one under the door for everyone before I leave.

A while back, Saga supporter Trudi H asked us all for input on naturopathic medicine. I didn't get a lot of bites, but Nurit, who lives in Israel, promised to get something to us. It just landed and I am rushing to get this out before I head to Africa tomorrow.

Nurit has her hands full with a very full house, a full client load, a load of Israeli holidays and much more, but she took the time to write this for us. Kind and enthusiastic thanks to her for this. For those who need a reminder, this is Nurit:

About Nurit Amichai | For The Health Of It

I thought that eating well, working out and doing what I knew were the right things for my body was the best I could do for myself, and in part, it was.

For The Health Of It

Here is what this monumentally generous woman wrote for all of us:

Hi Trudi,
I live in a country that respects and includes natural methods of healing, alternative therapies and new research that combines both conventional medicine with natural and alternative therapies as part of the healing modalities to be covered in socialized medicine.  This is the standard here, in Israel, just as it is in Europe.  

As a Canadian-born person who grew up and lived the majority of her younger life in Canada, I share your frustration at the lack of acceptance and the "voodoo" title given to those who are so-called "outside science-based medicine".  The truth is, naturopathy and most alternative therapies are very well scientifically-documented and supported, but Canada's tight fist on the social medicine throat keeps these non-toxic remedies on the witchcraft shelf and outside of financial assistance.  As you say, it's a shame.

I'm going to be 75 in July and I'm strong, healthy, fit, and very happy.  Staying healthy without the use of pharmaceuticals can be a challenge unless you are able to find a doctor who is willing to play ball with you or, alternatively, being able to afford to use natural healing methods outside of the medical benefits programs available.  BC has BC Med and other provinces have their own style of social medicine.  I engaged the services of chiropractors (now covered by some insurance companies in cases of accidental injury) and of course physical therapists - but for the most part, they're paid for by the medical services.  

When it came down to it, using the services and expertise of a naturopathic doctor meant I would have to pay out-of-pocket.  But, my commitment to my own health and well-being as well as that of my family, meant that maybe some other things would go by the boards in favor of non-toxic treatment.

 
The rest of the story looks like this:  I learned how to eat to keep my body healthy and strong.  I have been working out since I was 12 years old and hung out around Vic Tanny's Gym in Windsor, Ontario until they let me in.  I haven't stopped being active, eating well, nourishing my body, mind and spirit with things that enhance my life rather than take away from it. If any of this is new to a person, then it's a wise step to find an expert or professional who really knows how to work with Third Age or de-conditioned folk.  There's absolutely NO reason any of us should age poorly.  Sure, it's work.  But, in my experience, when I work hard for something I respect it more and take good care of it.  That's how we get and stay strong and healthy.

I work with women of all ages, engaging them in empowering strategies to enhance their lives ... mentally, physically, and emotionally.  I've seen women in their 40s and 50s who are burning the candle at both ends, tired, unhealthy, unfit, and lost, regaining themselves and becoming stronger in their lives by simply learning how to take care of their bodies well.  I have clients in their later years who suddenly recognized they were aging and didn't like the way it was looking (literally), and as they worked out and made some mental and dietary changes, their lives became more vibrant and energized.  It's never too late to do what you need to do in order to be able to live life better.

This might be of use to all of us:

https://naturemed.org/the-naturopathic-approach/

Bottom line, while we're not making specific recommendations for anything, the overall message is that we are responsible for learning about and managing our own health. Questioning traditional medicine. Researching the pharmaceuticals our docs press upon on us. Choosing, as much as we can, a more natural approach (food as medicine, reducing toxic chemicals and OTC drugs etc).

Here's another article of value in case you're out shopping:

https://aanmc.org/featured-articles/what-makes-successful-naturopathic-doctor/

I am outta here in 24 hours, but wanted to make sure we got this off to everyone as promised. Again, I am deeply indebted to those of you who take time out of your schedule to add value to each other. Please kindly visit Nurit's website. I plan to visit Nurit in 2023, hopefully not landing right smack on yet another holiday.

That way I can report first hand what it's like to work with a Very Serious Goddess.