I've been watching the news of the accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant with grief and horror.
What will happen next remains unclear. In the best case scenario, every reactor will be successfully cooled, and Japan will be left with a disaster area to contain and manage and try to heal while also recovering from the devastation of the earthquake and the tsunami and with a small to moderate population of people dealing with the after effects of radiation exposure.
My thoughts are first and foremost with the people of Japan, and with the plants and animals and land and water and sky. I have been offering prayers all day to the Great Mother in her manifestation as Quan Yin, Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion.
But I have also been thinking a lot about friends on the Pacific Coast of North America. If a meltdown occurs and the wind patterns are right , radioactive material could potentially reach the west coast of this country.
Whether or not that happens, my focus has been drawn to herbal protocols to minimize the damage from radiation exposure. This is not an area where I have any clinical experience, but here are the suggestions I am sharing with my family and friends:
PROTECTING THE THYROID
Radioactive Iodine 131 is a byproduct of nuclear fission and is be released in the event of a meltdown or possibly in the event that the fuel rods have degraded and fission products are carried with the steam vented from one of the reactors. Iodine 131 has been detected in the area around the Fukushima plant.
Fortunately for those of us in North America, the half-life of Iodine 131 is 8 days, and radioactive material will likely take a week to be reach our west coast if indeed it is carried that far. But there is still some threat of radioactive Iodine exposure for west coasters and certainly a more substantial threat for those in and closer to Japan.
Because the thyroid takes up Iodine, and Iodine 131 is highly unstable, there is a large risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to Iodine 131. The best way to minimize the Iodine 131 uptake is to provide the thyroid with large amounts of Iodine 127. Standard procedure in the event of a nuclear disaster is to distribute Potassium Iodide to people in affected areas. And Potassium Iodide will certainly do the job. (But be careful to make sure you aren't overdoing it!)
Personally, though, I prefer food based sources of Iodine that are gentler on the body.
Seaweeds are the best natural source of Iodine. Larch Hanson says that Laminaria digitata, a Kelp species, has the highest Iodine content, but other brown Kelps are excellent sources as well. Any seaweed will give you some decent amount of Iodine.
Shellfish, ocean fish, and red meat also contain Iodine in lower but appreciable levels. (Make sure your sources are ethically and environmentally clean!)
(One caution: people with hyperthyroid conditions such as Grave's Disease and people taking medications for hypothyroid conditions should not increase their Iodine levels without consulting an experienced practitioner.)
Because radioactive isotopes of other minerals may be released as well its advisable to eat bone broth and/or drink mineral rich herbal infusions (Nettles, Oatstraw, etc.)
Robin Rose Bennet, who has dealt with chronic radiation exposure herself, notes that "Russian scientists have found that sunflower seed pectin offers a great protection against deposition of strontium 90 in the bones. "
MISO
There is evidence that a diet including large amounts of Miso may have reduced rates of cancer and radiation sickness in some Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors. There are a couple of possibilities here: One is that this was simply a factor of increased Iodine intake since Miso was traditionally served with fish and sea vegetables. But it is also possible that the beneficial bacteria in Miso may have played a protective role.
Because Soy is detrimental to thyroid health I would suggest Miso made from other legumes (South River Adzuki Bean Miso is my favorite!) For those who can tolerate gluten, Robin Rose Bennett reports good results with Barley miso.
IMMUNE MODULATING MUSHROOMS
One thing stands out to me in the photos I see of the forests around Chernobyl: the abundance of Chaga. I am struck by the abundance of Chaga in the forests of southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire as well, downriver and downwind from the troubled Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant. Its presence in both places certainly long predated the nukes but it got me thinking.
Beta Glucans in a number of mushrooms including Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Matiake, Mesima,Birch Polypore, Lion's Mane, and Maitake help to modulate immune activity, and have been used with great success by a number of clinical herbalists working with cancer patients. Reishi and Mesima mushrooms have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis (See George Vaughan's great chapter on "Mushrooms in Cancer Therapy" in Margi Flint's The Practicing Herbalist.)
These qualities put medicinal mushrooms on my short list of medicines to look to in cases of radiation exposure.
I personally like Mushroom Harvest's 14 Mushroom Powder which Darcey and I regularly use in our soups, sauces, and gravies. (Thanks to Margi Flint for that tip!)
Other immune modulating adaptogens such as Eleuthero and Ashwagandha may be of benefit as well. I have seen Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) suggested elsewhere but I am wary of it because it is highly stimulating and heating and traditionally indicated only for the weak and infirm. American Ginseng is far less stimulating and would be appropriate here, but remember that it is highly endangered and only buy from cultivated sources.
LYMPH MOVERS AND BLOOD MOVERS
Gentle lymph moving herbs like Red Clover and Calendula are worth using, especially to keep the lymph moving around the head and neck. I might consider a gentle alterative like Burdock as well to support the body's natural detoxification systems as they move any radioactive materials out of the body.
Robin Rose Bennett also suggests salt water and baking soda baths -- which I agree are excellent for aiding in the body's natural detoxification process. Adding herbs to the bath can be nice as well. Calendula is a wonderful bath herb. I like Chapparal baths for releasing both physical and emotional toxicity.
Contrary to popular belief, Cilantro will not chelate heavy metals. Ground Ivy does appear to help the body flush lead, however, and MAY be applicable in the clearance of other heavy metals as well.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Pam Krause, our Executive Director, comments on the upcoming "Pornified" event
"We know from our work that pornography is having an impact on sexuality in our culture.
By hosting this discussion, we’re not attempting to debate the morality of pornography. Instead, we think it’s important to look at how it is influencing our society – especially youth sexuality – and to start a conversation about what we can do about it."
For more about this event, check out the recent interview with Pam in FFWD Magazine.
The Calgary Sexual Health Centre is proud to present
“A Porn Perspective”
Join us for an evening of engaging discussion with acclaimed journalist and author, Pamela Paul. Often controversial, consistently thought-provoking, Ms. Paul will present her views on the impact of pornography in the 21st century.
The format will encourage an open conversation with the audience.
Pamela Paul is an award-winning author and journalist who writes about social and cultural issues, demographic trends, consumer culture, psychology and health, and family. Ms. Paul is currently a columnist for The New York Times Styles section, where her Studied column, a critical look at recent social science research, runs bimonthly.
Her second book, PORNIFIED, was named one of the best books of 2005 by The San Francisco Chronicle. Using a mix of original qualitative and quantitative research, extensive interviews and vivid narrative, PORNIFIED tells the story of how men, women and children are affected by the ubiquity and mainstreaming of porn.
This event is open to the public.
Admission is free, however donations to support the work of CSHC are greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
John Dutton Theatre
Central Library
616 MacLeod Trail S.E.
For information, contact Pam Krause at pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca.
By hosting this discussion, we’re not attempting to debate the morality of pornography. Instead, we think it’s important to look at how it is influencing our society – especially youth sexuality – and to start a conversation about what we can do about it."
For more about this event, check out the recent interview with Pam in FFWD Magazine.
The Calgary Sexual Health Centre is proud to present
“A Porn Perspective”
Join us for an evening of engaging discussion with acclaimed journalist and author, Pamela Paul. Often controversial, consistently thought-provoking, Ms. Paul will present her views on the impact of pornography in the 21st century.
The format will encourage an open conversation with the audience.
Pamela Paul is an award-winning author and journalist who writes about social and cultural issues, demographic trends, consumer culture, psychology and health, and family. Ms. Paul is currently a columnist for The New York Times Styles section, where her Studied column, a critical look at recent social science research, runs bimonthly.
Her second book, PORNIFIED, was named one of the best books of 2005 by The San Francisco Chronicle. Using a mix of original qualitative and quantitative research, extensive interviews and vivid narrative, PORNIFIED tells the story of how men, women and children are affected by the ubiquity and mainstreaming of porn.
This event is open to the public.
Admission is free, however donations to support the work of CSHC are greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
John Dutton Theatre
Central Library
616 MacLeod Trail S.E.
For information, contact Pam Krause at pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Celebrating Pride. Creating a Culture of Respect.
PRIDE
It is a celebration of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.
It is a recognition of the human rights, equality, and diversity of this community.
It is a recognition of the human rights, equality, and diversity of this community.
In Episode 5 of our “How to be a Sexpert” podcast series, we celebrate Pride. (click the pic below to view our podcast, or check it out on our YouTube Channel.)
LGBTQ pride celebrations happen every year around the world and are a way to celebrate our diversity.
In Calgary, pride events have become a true celebration of the community – a celebration that no longer carries fear of protests and violence. Lesbian and gay activists and their allies in our country have worked very hard to ensure LGBTQ citizens have the same human rights as other Canadians.
But Pride must also be an acknowledgment that in many parts of the world, homosexuality remains illegal, that basic human rights of LGBT citizens are not respected.
“Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride” is a moving documentary that examines the blatant homophobia and violence that happens in many parts of the world. (find it online at http://biggaymovie.com/) Yet, pride marches and celebrations still occur in the face of this homophobia. It is a reminder that pride is about a global fight for human rights.
By celebrating Pride, here at home and around the world, it is a show of our collective commitment to work in solidarity for change.
At the Calgary Sexual Health Centre, we work every day to reduce the impact of homophobia. We offer the DARE (Diversity and Respecting Everyone) program to youth and the “Creating A Culture of Respect” workshop for professionals. Our goal is to reduce the impact of homophobia and heterosexism, and to give our city the tools to be allies to LGBTQ communities.
We’re here to help.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Upcoming Event: A Porn Perspective
Calgary Sexual Health Centre presents
A Porn Perspective
An evening with Pamela Paul
Journalist and Author of “PORNIFIED”
Join us for an engaging evening of discussion
with acclaimed journalist and author, Pamela Paul, as she presents
her views on the impact of pornography in the 21st century.
Often controversial, consistently thought-provoking,
Pamela Paul will challenge you to consider your own perspective on porn.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
John Dutton Theatre
Central Library
616 MacLeod Trail S.E.
Admission is free.
Donations to support the work of CSHC are greatly appreciated.
For information, please contact Pam Krause, Executive Director of CSHC at
403-283-5580 ext 314 or pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca
About “PORNIFIED”
Using a mix of original qualitative and quantitative research, extensive interviews and vivid narrative, PORNIFIED tells the story of how men, women and children are affected by the ubiquity and mainstreaming of porn. Visit www.pamelapaul.com/book/pornified/ for more info about this book and the author.
About Pamela Paul
Pamela Paul is an award-winning author and journalist who writes about social and cultural issues, demographic trends, consumer culture, psychology and health, and family. Paul’s writing is often controversial, consistently thought-provoking, and always driven by in-depth reporting. Her second book, PORNIFIED, was named one of the best books of 2005 by The San Francisco Chronicle.
She is currently a columnist for The New York Times Styles section, where her Studied column, a critical look at recent social science research, runs bimonthly. She frequently writes for The New York Times Book Review and The New York Times Magazine. Paul has been a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Early Show, and Politically Incorrect, and has made regular appearances on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
Friday, February 11, 2011
This Valentine’s weekend, nothing says I love you like NOT spreading an STI!
February 12th is Sexual and Reproductive Health Day in Canada. This year, we are drawing attention to the increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Statistics reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada indicate that rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis continue to be a public health concern in Canada and, while 15 to 24 year olds continue to bear the highest burden of these infections, there has been a significant increase in these STIs among middle-age adults (40-59 years) over the past decade.
Don’t give your lover an STI for this Valentine’s weekend! Why not get tested together?
Our 4th episode in the “How To Be A Sexpert” podcast series covers the subject of STI Testing. The podcast shows the experience of two of our Sexperts as they go for STI tests.
Check it out at www.calgarysexualhealthpodcast.ca - or click on the image below. It is also available on our YouTube Channel or on iTunes.
You can also visit our website at http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/sti_intro.html for more info and FAQs on STI prevention.
Have a safe and happy Valentine's weekend, everyone!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Quiffs and other quagmires
Our recently released podcast, Quiffs and other Quagmires, takes a look at the more awkward, and realistic experiences that occur during sex. Sexperts take to the streets and talk to people about some of the less sexy moments during sex.
We are bombarded by messages of what sex should be like.
The portrayal of sex on TV and in movies is not how it often plays out in real life. Sex should be a fun, intimate experience, free of unrealistic expectations of yourself or your partner.
Sex for the first time, and every time after, should be consensual and you should always feel permission to stop when you don’t feel comfortable doing something.
Communication is the key. When you discuss sex with your partner, it will be sexy like on TV.
Check out our website for information and support when exploring sexual relationships.
We are bombarded by messages of what sex should be like.
The portrayal of sex on TV and in movies is not how it often plays out in real life. Sex should be a fun, intimate experience, free of unrealistic expectations of yourself or your partner.
Sex for the first time, and every time after, should be consensual and you should always feel permission to stop when you don’t feel comfortable doing something.
Communication is the key. When you discuss sex with your partner, it will be sexy like on TV.
Check out our website for information and support when exploring sexual relationships.
New study reveals implications for those working with youth
Lack of consistent condom use places many young adults at high risk for STIs. The incidence of common bacterial and viral STIs are highest among this population.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, Vol 19(3) 2010 points to a factor contributing to these high STI rates: the discontinuation of condom use.
The qualitative study of young women found that discontinuation of condom use appears to be perceived as a sign of commitment in the relationship, and movement to a more formal relationship status. However, assessment of STI risk should still be considered first.
For professionals working with youth, this is a clear reminder that this conversation is worth having with young people and it is an opportunity to encourage partners to go for STI testing before tossing out the condoms.
Read the study>>
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, Vol 19(3) 2010 points to a factor contributing to these high STI rates: the discontinuation of condom use.
The qualitative study of young women found that discontinuation of condom use appears to be perceived as a sign of commitment in the relationship, and movement to a more formal relationship status. However, assessment of STI risk should still be considered first.
For professionals working with youth, this is a clear reminder that this conversation is worth having with young people and it is an opportunity to encourage partners to go for STI testing before tossing out the condoms.
Read the study>>
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