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Cosmetic & Medical Botox Injections

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:04:44 GMT

We offer Cosmetic and Medical Botox Injections!

Did you know that NP Julie offers Botox® Injections for current patients and their friends and family?

Botox® is used not only for aging and cosmetic reasons, but also for relief of migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ).

NP Julie Botox® history – NP Julie is a licensed Botox® provider and has been administering Botox® for 4 years. Her experience includes being medical director for a medispa as well as a medical aesthetics injector at several clinics in the city. NP Julie’s goal is to restore youthfulness, soften lines and address pain management.

What you can expect for cosm etic Botox®: A short 20-30 min appointment. There is no prep and minimal downtime with Botox®. Results start to show within a week and last 3-6 months. With continued use some people can go longer between appointments.

How much Botox® can you expect to get:

Cosmetic use: approx. 20-40+ units

Medical use:

Migraine use: approx. 155+ units

Hyperhidrosis use: approx. 100 units (typically lasts up to 1 year)

TMJ use: approx. 50-100 units

*Many of these services can be partially or completely covered by 3 ^rd party insurance.*

We have partnered with Capsule pharmacy who will look in to each patients benefits plan to determine if they qualify for coverage.

For what you can expect for medical Botox®: Please book a consultation with NP Julie to discuss your options.

Pricing: Introductory offer: $8 /unit for patients of Dr. Susan, NP Julie, NP Kate (first service only).

Regular price: $10/unit.

Please contact us to schedule your appointment at 587-333-4310 ext. 2

For more information on Botox® click the link below.

https://www.botoxcosmetic.com/what-is-botox-cosmetic/frequently-asked-questions

FOUNDATIONS OF WELLNESS

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 18:40:36 GMT

FOUNDATIONS OF WELLNESS

This online newsletter includes expert guidance and insights on the basics of nutrition, exercise, self-care, prevention and living well from the Wellness Letter in collaboration with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.

Follow the link below to enjoy the (free) Wellness Letter, The Foundations of Wellness.

Click here.

Update on Measles - The World Health Organization (WHO) notes a surge of Measles cases around the world.

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:31:15 GMT

Update on Measles - The World Health Organization (WHO) notes a surge of Measles cases around the world.

We have been studying the recommendations very carefully and are pleased to advise the following:

Everyone should ensure they know their immune status and get immunized or boosted if there is any doubt. Exception - anyone who might be pregnant.

In Alberta, you can get your immunization records online using your MyHealth Records account.

Recommended Vaccine Schedule:

- If born in or after 1970: 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine

- If born before 1970: You are considered immune - as the chances you had measles as a child is very high.

However, If you are planning travel outside of Canada or are a post-secondary student: 1 extra dose of MMR vaccine.

If you are travelling out of the country and have questions about your immunity status, please contact your care team.

***If you would like to proceed with a Measles vaccine, please call 811, as this site will connect you with Public Health.

Healthspan for the Lifespan!

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:20:15 GMT

Healthspan for the Lifespan!

Fall of 2022, I attended a very thought-provoking conference/meeting that was promoting LONGEVITY, sponsored by an organization called ABUNDANCE 360. Although many of the participants spoke about extending their lives into the 100's or even 120's, the message I took away is this:

We have, through modern medical advances over the past several decades, successfully extended our lifespan from the 70's into the early or late 90's - for many of us; what we have perhaps not done so well is to ensure that our Healthspan will equal our Lifespan. However, there is a path to achieve that Healthspan, and describing what we know about that path is my goal in this paper, in order to help myself and others achieve that Healthspan is my goal in life and profession!

THE BIG QUESTION:

HOW DO WE EXTEND OUR HEALTHSPAN TO LAST THE DURATION OF OUR LIFESPAN?

 First, we must examine our MINDSET.

When I introduce the idea that we can anticipate living into our 90's or even 100’s, there is often a sense of panic. The vision that many of us currently hold is of a several years of disability, of pain, of needing to be cared for physically, and the dreaded dementia at the end of that time. Unless a person is already there, or is healthy and almost there, or, has close relatives who have attained their 90's in relatively good health, the reality of living that long has been a shocking and fearful realization for many.

Instead, I am challenging every one of us to imagine that we need to feel productive into our mid 90's. Imagine what we can do with 10, 20, 30 more years of productive life. And then, we need to decide it is important enough that we do not want to be a "burden" if we can prevent it, no matter how long our Lifespan turns out to be.

My perspective on productivity and mindset: How many of us have anticipated retiring from our "productive" work life at about 65, after about 35 years of working life, and then coasting into a life of relative leisure? Now, imagine that you will live that next chapter approximately as long as your working life. Many people do not realize that when they stop their "job", they now have 2000 hours per year that needs to be filled. When it is hard to fill an 8-hour day, 260 of those days is a lot. Many of you have heard me say that "As long as I am your doctor, you are not allowed to retire 'from' something; you have to retire 'to' something".

Thus, we need to ensure that our Healthspan equals our Lifespan.

Regardless, since we may well live that long, so we must ask ourselves:

What are we prepared to do now to ensure we remain highly functioning, productive, and forward looking for all those years? How do we make 100 the new 60!?

There is no question that we will age, but we now have the knowledge and the tools to slow, and soon may have some tools to reverse, many of the aging processes. There is much we can (and must) do to delay aging and be ready for the tools that might reverse at least some of it.

*** If you can imagine that you have been given one vehicle to last your whole life, and if you let it rust, run out of oil or coolant, or allow anything else preventable that puts it in the garage, perhaps with no way to repair it – that is a bit like how we might end up if we don’t take care of our body/brain, rusting out in care! At least, we can try, so we have no regrets if we know what to do…

And Remember: It is FUN to be HEALTHY, at any age!

**************

Once we have really struggled with that mindset, and are really prepared to do something about it, here are the key points:

KEY CONCEPTS – this is what we need:

Healthy brain (physical, intellectual, emotional)

Healthy blood vessels (to every organ in our body)

Healthy gut

Healthy muscles and bones

THE SOLUTION: … . For almost all the above, 95% of the prevention of the diseases and afflictions of aging is accomplished by our Lifestyle/Life Choices!

The Acronym - for Better Brain (and Body) Health - Dr. Rudy Tanzi: "SHIELD":

S - Sleep - get 7-8 hour per day (does not have to be uninterrupted if we have enough sleep "cycles" - the brain pros call them "rinse cycles")

H - Handle stress - develop a formal meditation/mindfulness practice.

I - Interact with and be interested in others

E - Exercise - Both moderate cardio and muscle building something at least 5 days per week, but not to excess or to injury!

L - Learn something new - increase the brain synapses

D - Diet - 5 simple rules:

No sugars or starches most of the time (use the 90:10 rule) - this includes anything with sugar added, anything made with flour, and any alcohol. Dr. Sinclair's lab has shown that we have enzymes that do 2 things: repair damaged DNA (which happens every time our cells multiply, divide and regenerate), or they can deal with sugars/digestion. Thus eating a high sugar diet, having high sugars our system, or eating too much in general will distract these enzymes from repairing the minute damage to our DNS (and thus lead to ageing).
Intermittent fasting (do not eat 3 meals per day; go hungry often). See 1. above.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work
Mediterranean/MIND/Anti-inflammatory Diet (real food - not processed or chemically derived; little red meat; more fiber, vegetables, fruits, nuts, leafy greens, olive oil; some whole grains; antioxidant foods)
https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/anti-inflammatory-diet-pyramid/what-is-dr-weils-anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid/ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mind-diet
Supplement those things that are not adequate for us in our diets (due to increased need, decreased absorption, decreased nutrient density in our foods)
https://aileenburfordmason.ca/eat-well-age-better
Maintain hydration

AND: No smoking, breathe clean air, drink clean water, get fresh air, and control risk factors with medically proven therapies and medications: for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vascular (heart and brain) disease.

To know how we are doing:

MONITORING HEALTH MARKERS:

All the longevity/age reversal scientists insist that unless we are measuring our progress, we will not know how we are doing (how much sleep, how much activity, how many hours fasting, etc.) we will not be able to adjust our program. We need to regularly measure these and our biomarkers (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, blood sugar levels, blood count, liver, kidney, and Vitamin levels, to name a few…) to know how our unique body is responding to what we have already done to it, and how it responds to any changes we make. Without measurements, we cannot know.

There are several ways to measure our behaviors/lifestyle in use now: FITBIT, OURA RING, APPLE WATCH, InsideTracker, BioButton and many more technologies that are emerging as “wearables”, all linked through AI and data analysis.

Additionally, our usual lab testing of various types will measure the metabolic functions: HbA1c (average blood sugar over 90 days), liver and kidney function, thyroid, vitamin levels, etc.

SCREENING for EARLY DETECTION of any DISEASE:

Whether imaging, lab, or interventions such as colonoscopy, these are imperative. Their frequency is determined first by “average risk”, then modified depending on previous experience, and genetic factors.

As the most important member of your health care team, you have the choice to participate and take action to extend your Healthspan.

BOTTOM LINE: There is a good chance we will live far longer than we have ever thought likely. IF we take care of our body and brain – by taking care of our DNA, our cells, and our neurons – we will make that Lifespan a Healthy one! My role, as your physician, is to help monitor, to educate, and to cheer you on, so that you have the best chance of achieving that goal. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Because this subject can take up several books, I have added the following for additional information and details. I continue to study all of these and will eagerly share my learnings as more information becomes proven.

Please meet some of the people who are leading these studies, and some of the more advanced information that is being developed:

  Dr. David Sinclair (Author of “Lifespan; Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To”):

I was fortunate to meet and hear Dr. David Sinclair speak. His research lab at Harvard Medical School has been recognized as being at the forefront of understanding the concept of ageing, how it may not be inevitable, and how we might prevent it. Among other progress, he has been able to reverse Macular Degeneration in mice, is currently working on other mammal models, and soon believes he can start testing on humans. IF he succeeds, it will be an amazing proof of concept that will lead the way to reversing many other age-related diseases.

Here is link to a presentation he made at Harvard:

Dr. Rudy Tanzi (Preventing Alzheimer’s Dementia):

One of the foremost authorities on Brain Health- he believes we should not just have a Body Health measure, but also a “Brain Health Score” done annually. (I am looking into a tool that be useful.) He Director of Genetics and Aging Research at the McCance Center for Brain Health in Boston, and has prepared these papers and the YouTube interview to explain his findings, especially regarding Meditation (interviewed by Deepak Chopra):

https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/mccance-center/research/shield

https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/SCA_Tanzi_09_25_19.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcMGYcu2j34

Some Extras for Prevention:

MICROBIOME SUPPORT:

We have all heard about PROBIOTICS - which are designed to temporarily replace missing or insufficient Gut Bacteria. These are still very important as a supplement especially for almost anyone with a "leaky gut syndrome", recent antibiotic use, recent illness, or taking some medications. More and more, however, PREBIOTICS are recognized as vitally important. These are what allows our own guts to nurture the good gut bacteria and organisms (and fight the overgrowth of others - the "bad" bacteria, etc.).

Number one PREBIOTIC: Fiber! Our modern diets are extremely low in fiber compared to traditional or evolutionary diets. Just think how little we need to do any chewing.

Number two PROBIOTIC support: fermented foods - pickled cabbage (unpasteurized sauerkraut), olives, kefir, probiotic yogurt, kimchi, miso, kombucha (but watch the sugars!), tempeh, natto.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/

ANTIOXIDANTS/ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS:

Like most things, always best in your diet where possible , as they come with the phytonutrients that naturally allow them to be more useful in your body. Berries (especially dark pigmented blue and black berries), Dark chocolate, Green tea, Tomatoes (lycopene), Watermelon, Cauliflower, Carrots and Leafy Greens, Nuts and seeds (via Omega-3's)

https://aileenburfordmason.ca/eat-well-age-better  

ANTIOXIDANTS/ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPLEMENTS:

These have been somewhat controversial, but increasingly proven to be helpful.

OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids: Many, many benefits: EPA 750 mg; DHA 500 mg daily seems good for most unless you are on blood thinners, then may increase bleeding

RESVERETROL, VITAMIN C, VITAMIN E (Mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols), Co-Q10, QUERCETIN, Green Tea Extract

https://aileenburfordmason.ca/eat-well-age-better

HORMONES:

There is a growing philosophy among those who study aging that we were not meant to live half our biological lives without some reasonable level of reproductive hormones (Estrogen for women; Testosterone for men). The thinking is that in an evolutionary sense, we were not meant to live much longer than our reproductive years (age 50's). Now that we are far outliving that, perhaps we should ensure we maintain sustainable levels … not reproductive levels, but supportive levels.

****We need to be aware that there is a risk that we may encourage reproductive organ malignancies - breast and uterine cancers, prostate cancer. Current research still suggests the risks of long-term hormone replacement outweigh the benefits. This is a longer conversation!

METFORMIN:

Several intriguing studies are showing that this medication - which we commonly use as first line for anyone with rising blood sugar levels, or type 2 Diabetes - has a very important anti-inflammatory effect, as well as some other yet to be determined mechanism, in increasing health span in almost everyone as they age.

*** currently being studied (TAME Trial) for anti-aging, so not yet for general use, and thus I am not prepared to prescribe it solely for "anti-aging". However, if your sugars are on the high side (HbA1c over 5.7), it might be worthwhile for blood sugar control reasons. Again, this is a longer conversation!

OTHER COMPOUNDS : (being studied, but not yet approved for general use):

NAD (or NMN) - see Dr. Sinclair's book

RAPAMYCIN - see Dr. Sinclair's book

Personalized approaches:

PERSONAL GENETIC TESTING:

A rapidly growing and useful tool! When the first human genome was sequenced in 2003, it took 15 years and cost approximately 2.7 billion dollars - and that was only 90% of it; today, technology has advanced to the point where it can be done in a matter of weeks at a cost of $200-$500! What we are mostly looking for is "Mutations of Significance" - meaning individual mutations which could lead to a higher (or lower) risk of certain conditions and diseases. Previously, family histories and data generalized from the "general" population were the only useful tools to advise us on the correct screening intervals for certain tests (mammograms, PSA tests, colonoscopies, for example). Now, a genetic profile allows us to move to personalized screening and intervals for individuals and their family members.

GENETIC TOOLS CURRENTLY IN USE:

Additionally, genetic profiles are being used extensively in cancer treatment (where the cancer's unique genetic profile is dictating the exact anti-cancer drugs used to treat it).

Such tools as CRISPR and AAV(Adeno-Associated Virus) Vector are already identifying and replacing faulty genes in order to cure some serious genetic diseases - for example a genetic disorder that causes young children to lose the ability to walk: Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Many more are in the works.

 GENOMICS:

Different than GENETICS, Genomics science looks at all of a person’s genes, including interactions of those genes with each other and with the person’s environment. This knowledge is expanding very rapidly, so that we are discovering markers that help us understand how we uniquely metabolize the things we put into our bodies - whether food or chemicals/medications we ingest, or the air and "pollution" we breath. Emerging tools looking at our genome and what our environment has done to our genome (Epigenome) will allow us to personalize our approach to diet, exercise, diagnostics, medication, and treatment.

Tests such as 23 and me, Ancestry DNA, Color Genetics, Genecept , and Nutrigenomics are all consumer products that have some usefulness. If you are interested, let me know as I am gathering information about these all the time.

Your Spring Cleaning Reminder for Nutritional Success!

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 21:16:48 GMT

Your Spring Cleaning Reminder for Nutritional Success!

Yes it is true, your environment dictates a good amount of your nutritional success and will set the tone for future wins. Excess clutter in your external environment can actually result in cluttering the mind. Have you heard the saying before that “your external world is a reflection of your internal world”?

Look around you right now. What does your current kitchen/food preparation environment look like? Can you say in full confidence that your fridge, freezer, pantry, and cupboards are organized? Adequately stocked? When was the last time you checked the best before/expiry dates?

FYI:

Best Before Dates: foods labeled with a best before date are usually safe to consume in a day or two past if the item has been stored properly. The quality of the product diminishes after this date.

Expiry Dates or Use-By Dates: once this date passes the food is considered no longer safe to consume. To reduce food waste, put these items in the freezer before this expiry date.

Just like we take time to ‘spring clean’ our closets or the garage; we must do the same within the kitchen setting where we prepare and eat food. My suggestion is to attack one or two areas at a time. Maybe recruit your partner or children to help with this task!

Let’s work on creating space – a healthy space to thrive in.

Pharyne Hrywkiw BSc RHC

Nutritional Therapist

Oat Banana Fiber Blender Muffins

Simple, quick, minimal cleanup, plus good source of fiber and protein. These blender muffins might make for a great addition to your breakfast or snack post-long weekend!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups rolled or quick oats (gluten-free certified oats if necessary)

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 eggs (or 2 flax eggs = 2 tbsp. ground flax meal mixed with 6 tbsp. water. Stir and allow to sit for a few minutes before using in recipe)

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey

• 1 tbsp. chia seeds

• 2 tbsp. hemp hearts

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• Optional add-in: 1/3 cup fresh/frozen blueberries or raspberries

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350F and add muffin liners to your muffin tin or lightly grease the spaces

• Add all ingredients (except berries) to a high-powered blender

• Blend all the ingredients together on medium speed until the batter is smooth. Fold in the berries gently if you wish

• Pour batter evenly into muffin tin spaces; fill approximately 3/4 full

• Bake for 12 minutes or until muffin tops are lightly browned

• Let the muffins sit to cool before removing from the muffin tin. Enjoy!

March is Nutrition Month

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:13:50 GMT

March is Nutrition Month

Hi There,

My name is Pharyne, and I have recently joined Dr. Susan’s Integrative Medicine team as her ‘in-house’ Nutrition Therapist. As part of her program, I will meet with any of Dr. Susan’s interested patients for a 1-on-1 nutritional assessment (in-person or virtually) and follow-up sessions. My nutrition philosophy aligns with Dr. Susan’s belief that a healthy gut is essential for lifelong health and optimal wellness. I am very excited to coach her patients on a path to learning and further understanding their personal nutritional needs. If you are interested in booking a nutritional assessment with myself, please get in touch with us!

Pharyne Hrywkiw BSc RHC

Nutrition Therapist

Dr. Susan's Integrative Health Program

March aka Nutrition Month – Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow is the theme for 2022. Each year for the month of March, nutrition professionals highlight a different area within the exciting field of nutrition. This Nutrition Month, the theme explores topics ranging from food safety and sovereignty to food literacy, tips on making sustainable choices, and information relating to nutrition care and prevention.

There are tons of good, reputable resources online. If you are interested in exploring more, search Nutrition Month 2022 Canada or US to find thought-provoking articles and delicious recipes.

It is the little things (the little ingredients, choices, and habits) that you make on a daily basis that can help to improve your energy levels, mood, digestion, sleep, and the list goes on and on!

In honor of Nutrition Month, I am sharing a couple of my recipes with you. Each recipe is nutrient dense, a source of high-quality protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins & minerals – all necessary “Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow ”.

Simple Quinoa Salad (4 servings)

· 2 cups quinoa, cooked

· 1 avocado, diced

· 1/2 English cucumber, diced

· 1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved

· 2 tbsp. hemp hearts

· Squeeze of lime juice

· Sea salt & black pepper to taste

1. Cook the quinoa on the stove over medium heat, until all the water evaporates. Set aside to cool

2. On a cutting board - dice up the avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes

3. In a large mixing/salad bowl - add the cooled quinoa, all the diced vegetables, hemp hearts, lime juice, salt and pepper. Gently mix until well combined

4. Serve immediately as a side dish to your lunch/dinner or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Enjoy!

Dr. Susan's Anti Inflammatory Nutrition Plan

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 04:53:11 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Welcome to our blog with Dr. Susan’s Integrative Family Practice. Seeing as this is our first blog, let’s get right down to the core of healing ourselves from the inside out: The gut.

Creating a healthy gut is often the first initiative we can take when we want to repair our bodies. Your stomach is the heart of immunity, illness and infection; ultimately your digestive system affects your health.

Attached you will find Dr. Susan’s Anti inflammatory Nutrition Plan . Maybe you’re reading this because you’re dealing with fatigue, food intolerances or unintentional weight changes. Maybe you’ve had a discussion with Dr. Susan who is recommending this food plan for you. Whatever the reason you’ve found yourself here ready for change.

Steps for success:

Educate yourself
Read the food plan, become familiar with foods on the yes/no list

Meal Prep!
This one is crucial. A failure to plan is a plan for failure – find foods that fit your routine and stick to them.

Hydration
Drink all the water, your digestive system depends on it! A good way to calculate your daily water requirement is to divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water per day. Ex: 150lbs / 2 = 75 ounces per day.

Find a friend
It’s helpful to surround yourself with people who have a similar mind set as you. It’s going to be hard eating your protein and veggies when your friend is eating pizza during your dinner.

Have fun!
Try new recipes, find new ways to eat the same foods. Zucchinis make great noodles or should I say “zoodles” by using a spiralizer and grated cauliflower is an amazing substitute for rice.

Ask Questions
Please, if you have any questions, just ask. We are here to help and we want you to succeed.

You’ve got this!

Download a .pdf of Dr. Susan’s Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan here!