This week is national Naturopathic Medicine Week!

Join Dr. Arsenault tomorrow May 10th, 2013 at Saint Mary's University from 12:15pm-1pm to learn hear her talk: "Detoxification Explained: How, When and Why to Keep Your Liver Healthy. The talk will be locatedHomburg Centre – Upstairs in the Multi-Purpose Room 213

She will also be at Alderney Farmer's Market in Dartmouth, NS this Saturday May 11th talking about the benefits of naturopathic medicine and answering quesions. Drop by for some gluten-free goodies!

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada. The sad part about it is that it is largely preventable through proper diet and lifestyle management. New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) concludes that the addition of care by a Naturopathic Doctor to a patient's care by a Medical Doctor may reduce the risk of Heart Disease development in high risk individuals.

CBC's Alminac Program recently featured thier in-house Medical Doctor, Dr. Brian Goldman in an interview to discuss the results and significance of this study. Click here to read more!

Dr. William Davis, author of the book "Wheat Belly" is speaking in Halifax this Thursday April 25th, and the cost is only $30! I will be there to see him, and to get an even better understanding of how gluten-free diets are making a huge impact on peoples' health. Click here for more info and ticket sales.

Many people are afraid to make the switch to healthy eating because they think that it will be too expensive. This article demonstrates how marketing can be misleading when it comes to cost comparisons between fast food and food you prepare yourself, and has some good ideas on how to successfully improve your eating habits.

One of my favorite conditions to treat in clinic is without a doubt women or couples who are having a difficult time conceiving. There is so much potential for a total change in health in a relatively short period of time!

It has been amazing to see how some simple dietary suggestions, the right nutrients, stress-reduction techniques and acupuncture can all come together to literally change people's lives. This article on Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture for Fertility does a nice job of summarizing all of the physiological benefits.

Spring cleaning is not just for your home! The spring season is a transitional time between winter and summer when there is natural flux within the environment. This also means that it is a great time to sweep out toxins stored in your body, and prepare for a warmer and more active time of the year. There are many options when it comes to detoxification of the body, and what is best for you depends on your particular state of health, activity level and diet. 

An easy way to stimulate the cells in your body to eliminate the toxins they have stored within them is to drink dandelion root tea. This natural diuretic and cholegogue stimulates the liver to produce bile, and aids in digestion and detoxification. As an added bonus, dandelion root also has anti-cancer effects! 

Check out this article on the amazing properties and emerging research on this plentiful lawn plant, and find a delicious dandelion chai tea recipe here!

I  am thrilled to announce the launch of DrArsenault.com, and my expansion of my practice into Halifax!

I will still be in Dartmouth at Viva Health Centre to serve existing and new patients, however I will now be accepting patients Wednesdays at Sage Elements Naturopathic Clinic @ Spring Garden & Robie! Call or email to make an appointment!

The key to creating lasting health is to identify and facilitate change. Change is difficult for many people, especially when uncertainty surrounds what changes need to be made.

It's often easier to continue to be uncomfortable in familiar settings than to begin the process of healing in unfamiliar territory.

It is the roll of a Naturopathic Doctor to help guide their patients towards achieving their health goals. As the relationship between doctor and patient evolve, the Naturopathic doctor is better able to make suggestions tailored to the unique health needs and personality of the individual, as well as provide ongoing support and education to the patient.

Small changes over time amount to great changes in the long-run. One just has to be brave enough to take the first step, and to stay the course. Uncomfortable feelings will pass with time and patience, and the rewards of making positive adaptations for your health will be well worth the effort.