December 18, 2007 Medical Marijuana

The topic is Medicinal Marijuana the issues are de-criminalization, the application process for the Federal license, the application itself, the stigma, the social awareness and the personal responsibilities of self- medicating.

As well as the education of health care professionals, patient awareness, the uses and modalities of Marijuana for medical use and methods of delivery. An over view of a recent tribunal where the denial for the funding to purchase a vaporizer to administer medicinal use Marijuana was over turned, precedence setting.

I have more than twenty-years of experience dealing with these issues, who knows where the conversation will go; tune in to find out.

Pam Edgar

Co-host of Living for the Health of It

Our guest for this show include:

James Breau:

James is a single dad who runs a small computer repair business on Vancouver Island. He has smoked marijuana for 30 years to deal with chronic pain from juvenile arthritis. James has been on Health Canada’s medical marijuana safe access program for 2 years.

He smokes 18 grams a day for relief of the pain caused by juvenile arthritis. He also eats 22 pounds of hemp seed for protein each year. He has lived with chronic pain for 44 years. He says, “Most of my life has been dealing with pain and raising my kids.”

James will discuss how the prescription medications he was prescribed for his pain destroyed his life and how the use of medical marijuana has helped him cope. He will speak about pain relief and drugs that he has taken as well as the problems and side effects from prescription pharmaceuticals for pain.

 Eric Nash:

"I find it rewarding and satisfying to produce quality certified organic medical cannabis that I know is going to help patients in need."

Eric Nash was born in Victoria, B.C. and has worked for the provincial and municipal government for 20 years. Eric has many years of experience in horticulture and a first class honours degree from the University of Victoria.

Media phone contact:(250) 748-8614

Now that Marijuana is legal for medical purposes for all Canadians to help alleviate the pain and suffering from illness, Eric understands that people who wish to try medical marihuana want a process that is as user-friendly as possible to obtain medical marihuana. Eric's site helps to fulfill those needs. Eric feels that it is important to provide a comprehensive and up to date resource so that all Canadians have access to a readily available source of medical Marijuana.

Eric and his team are also very aware of privacy concerns for individuals wishing to obtain information or to try medical Marijuana. Any information that you submit to them will be held in the strictest of confidence. On this show we are providing information primarily to provide you with information on how to apply for medical marihuana use in Canada, and how to find a legal supply. We are aware that many people who want to try Marijuana for medical use do not want to go into production themselves. They also feel unsure about how and whom to appoint a designated producer, as defined by Health Canada.

Contact Eric if you need a legal supply of cannabis.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR LEGAL MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE.

If you need a designated grower or supply, contact them here.

Find out more here...

Jean Crowder:

Jean Crowder was first elected on June 28th, 2004 as the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan, British Columbia. She is the NDP Critic for Aboriginal Peoples Affairs.  She has previously served as the NDP Critic for Health, Community Economic Development, West Coast Fisheries and the Status of Women.  She is also the NDP Deputy Caucus Chair and serves and the NDP BC Caucus Chair.

Jean has a degree in psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, and possesses extensive experience in community development and organization.  

Prior to being elected to the House of Commons Jean served two years as a municipal councilor for North Cowichan serving on numerous committees including, Technical Planning, Administration and Finance, Protective Services, Harbour's Commission and the Community Safety Advisory Committee. She has worked at Malaspina University College,  Human Resources Development Canada the BC Ministry of Skills Training & Labour. 

Jean is a strong believer in community.  She has served on many community boards and agencies including the local chapters of United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, the Volunteer Centre as well as the Pacific Childcare Society.

One of Jean's issues is making marijuana available for medical purposes to those who need to to better manage chronic diseases.

 Past shows

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

This is still Diabetes Awareness month but for this show we will be interviewing Robert Betolas who just completed a ride across Canada to raise awareness of MS and to raise money for MS research. We will also discuss putting self into responsible Self Management of Chronic Disease and Medical self advocate.

Our Guests for this show: 

Robert Bertolas 

Robert has come a long way since he was diagnosed 20 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis. At nineteen years of age, being close to 300 pounds, this was a devastating blow to a young man on the verge of a baseball scholarship and a university degree.

After living with serious setbacks due to the aggression of his MS, being hospitalized and unable to walk or take care of himself, Robert took a long hard look at the possibility of a future where he may be permanently disabled. He then started focusing on a more positive future putting his mind and body to the test to regain his self-esteem and he started eating properly and exercising.  After discovering a hidden passion for running, Robert started slowly conditioning his body to the point where he could run long distances with ease. In the process Robert lost close to 100 pounds, and sent his MS symptoms into remission. With a new found positive outlook on life, and regained self confidence, Robert became a person others looked to for inspiration, not only for people suffering from MS but for those who struggle to deal with everyday challenges.

In 2004 Robert met Suzanne Couchman and they formed the company Crossing Bridges Inc. The company was formed after Suzanne wrote Robert's biography about his life living with MS and as a way to raise funds for MS research. This also helped to raise awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Canadians.

Since March 3rd of 2007 Robert has been running and cycling across Canada to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for MS along with Suzanne and a dedicated team of people. He has reached out to thousands of Canadians, in person, on the TV, radio and in the newspapers, encouraging them to live life to the fullest and to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into it.

Robert has crossed, 9653 km in Canada and completed his ride in St. John's Newfoundland Sunday November 18, 2007.

Robert Bertolas, began his journey with an interview on CHLY with Lynn Thompson on her show Living on Purpose, Pam Edgar was a guest on that show as well.

For more about Robert's incredible life and his battle with MS read the books:

1-866-678-6871 to donate for MS research.

All proceeds will be going to the Myelin Project of Canada.  

For Information contact:

Suzanne Couchman - CAO Crossing Bridges Inc.  1-866-678-6871

The interview with Robert will be followed by more tips on self managing Chronic diseases and the Chronic Disease Self management Program That Pam helps other people with. For this segment we will be interviewing Mark Davies.

Theo Massop

Theo was present when Robert began his ride and played his songs at the kick off events. Theo's songs are inspirational and he will perform live during the show.

Theo's wanting to contribute to the MS Society began with his eldest brother being diagnosed with MS in his fifties. Theo said,'He was not only my eldest brother, but my mentor in the music business. A musical journalist, in the last of his years he also focused on writing articles concerning the access struggles of those with physical challenges. Public awareness, and wheel chair access to public buildings,"

On March 4th, 2007 when Robert Bertolas made his stop in Nanaimo during his fund raising run across Canada, Theo performed at the ceremony in Maffeo-Sutton Park. Maffeo Sutton Park is in Nanaimo, BC.

Two of Theo's songs that have relevant themes to correspond with this show from Theo's my "Choices" CD are, "The Light Within" which is about finding inspiration from others and focusing on your own internal strengths, and the song "Happy Man" which is about how positive thoughts and actions return positive results.

Theo has a new song that has not been recorded that will be performed live on the show. The song is "Memories" that revolves around the theme of how the simple things in life create the best and longest lasting memories. There is a reference to his brother Gerry that came from a real life situation that occured within the last six months of his time here.

The song will be performed in memory of his brother.

The lyric goes;

"I was talking to my brother in the bed where he lay

He said I'm coming near the end of my days

But you could still see the light spark in his eyes

When talked about the things he's done in his life

Now I'm going to miss him, that's plain as can be

Be he'll always be in my heart with me"

The chorus line is;

Some things never lose their shine

Like a sweet memory that puts a smile on your face every time

Some things never lose their shine

Like the time that we've shared and the love between you and I

Theo Massop is a singer / songwriter who has been performing in clubs, pubs, dance halls and festivals around Vancouver Island and the lower mainland for over thirty years. Being the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom were musical performers, he was truly immersed in an environment of love for music and the stage. Under the wings of his older brothers, Theo began performing at the early age of fourteen. His musical journey has taken him from church choirs to dance halls and bars, to festivals and concert venues. Theo released his first recording with the JT Combination band in 1972 and has pursued his passion for recording ever since. 1982 while working as a recording engineer and session player at Ensign Studio, Theo released his first solo effort which garnered a marked interest from the campus / college radio as well as attention from the adult contemporary genre. He has released five singles and two albums. The album Voyager achieved three charting singles in Canada, critical acclaim and international radio play. In August of 2006 Theo released his second album, "Choices".

Mark Davies

Mark coordinates the Chronic Disease Self- Management Program for the Fraser and Vancouver Island Health Regions. From December 2001 to March 2004, he coordinated the Diabetes Self-Management Program throughout the Province. His extensive business background in both administration and people skills has proven to be very useful in the co-ordination of these self-management programs for people, like himself, with chronic health conditions. Mark has a history of volunteerism both in the non-profit, business and sporting fields and is very interested in ensuring pertinent and timely delivery of community- based programs.

More communities on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia will benefit from an expanded series of free University of Victoria courses that empower people with chronic diseases to take charge of their personal health.

"We're setting up new courses in the Nanaimo and Parksville areas and wherever we can to meet the demand for this hugely-successful program. Eventually we'd like to offer them in every community," says Mark Davies, coordinator of the Chronic Diseases Self-Management Program. "Participation makes a real difference in the quality of people's lives."

Established by the UVic Centre on Aging in April 2000, the program uses trained volunteers to assist people, their families and caregivers to access an array of tools to deal with the challenges of living with various chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, fibromyalgia, mild depression and asthma.

The six-week courses are delivered by certified local volunteers, many living with chronic conditions themselves. Sessions offer practical skills for coping with the emotional and physical challenges of day-to-day living with chronic conditions, boosting participants' self confidence and enabling them to gain control over their diseases.

Email: mvdavies@dccnet.com

Phone:604-940-3580 or1-866-902-3767

 Mark V. Davies, CoordinatorChronic Disease Self-Management ProgramUniversity of Victoria, Centre on AgingTel (604) 940-3580 Fax (604) 940-2099Toll Free line: 1-866-902-3767Website: www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp

Podcasts

Dec 11, 2007 Mental Health Hygiene for the Holidays

This show was not aired as scheduled due to a lightning strike that took us off the air. The transmitter has been repaired and we will be back next week.

This show has been rescheduled for December 11,2007 

We are in the holiday season. The presures are mounting and can be very overwhelming for some people. We will talk about strategies for maintaining good mental health through the holidays and what to do if it becomes overwhelming.

Our Guests for this show are:

Dr. Paola Lake

Ph.D., R. Psych.

Dr. Lake works with adolescents, individuals and couples.  She has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).   She provides interventions such as Hypnosis and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), an approach that is very effective in working with trauma and a variety of disruptive emotions such as depression and anxiety.  She also is skilled in providing several therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural, narrative, solution-focused, and psychodynamic, allowing her to tailor interventions to her clients needs.

As a registered psychologist working in private practice, Dr. Lake has a passion for helping individuals create positive change in their lives. With over 11 years experience in the mental health field, Dr. Lake’s varied background includes working with accident victims, psychiatric clients, individuals with adjustment issues and survivors of abuse and trauma.  She has helped couples in conflict and individuals with problems such as eating disorders, unfinished business related to the past, grief, low self-esteem, interpersonal problems, fears and anxieties.  Dr. Lake has a special interest in helping individuals achieve goals and dissolve barriers that interfere with personal success.

Dr. Lake obtained her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Saskatchewan.  She is a member of:

• the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis,

• British Columbia Psychological Association,

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association  the American Psychological Association. 

• Registrant with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Dr. Lake also has a strong interest and fondness for Community based volunteer radio and has been involved in the past with community based radio

Dr. Lake can be reached at:

Mailing Address

Bellerose & Lake
Raincoast Executive Centre
201 Selby Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2

Telephone

250 755-7746

Fax

250 755-7711

Website: http://belleroseandlake.com

During this show we will also be talking with David Reid RPN

David is on our show representing:

(VIHA)VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH AUTHORITY - CRISIS SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS - CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS (CRT)

Nanaimo's Mental Health & Addiction Outreach Team is known as the Crisis Response Team or CRT. The Nanaimo Crisis Line has been in partnership with the Crisis Response Team as of October, 2000. The Nanaimo Crisis Line is the public access point for people in the community to reach CRT because the professionally trained crisis workers are qualified and available in the community for people at risk of suicide 24/7. Call 754-4447

The Crisis Response Team provides assessment, stabilization and referral for those experiencing a crisis. The aim of this team is to assist people who can stay home to do so and to provide support for those who must be hospitalized to get to the hospital.  CRT is mobile 7:00 am to 10:30 pm 7 days a week

There walk in Crisis Counselling Clinic is open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Friday.

203 - 2000 Island Highway North

Brooks Landing mall

Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W3

They also have units in:

Duncan  which operates 8:30am to 10pm. Call the Cowichan Crisis line at 748-1133 Monday to Friday and weekends 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Parksville Parksville Mental Health & Addictions has an Outreach Team that operates  from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Frida. Any member of the public  needing to access the Crisis Response Team can call the District 69 Crisis Line at 248-311. After hours, the Nanaimo Crisis Response Team will respond to pages via the crisis line at 248-3111.

Email: info@cvics.ca

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1118

Nanaimo BC V9R 6E7

Website: http://www.cvics.ca  

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