The Government of Canada makes the laws for cannabis. The Government wants to make sure cannabis is safe and so it decides which companies will be able to grow it. These companies are called Licensed Producers and there are rules they must follow.3,4 Cannabis for both medical and recreational uses comes from these licensed producers.

Cannabis for medical conditions needs to be approved by a doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) who will then fill out the paperwork and send to a licensed producer of your choice.5 After the paperwork is done, cannabis is ordered online by the patient and shipped to the patient. Patients can also grow their own cannabis or have someone else grow it upon approval by HealthCanada.6,7 In Saskatchewan, cannabis for recreational use can be bought from retailers, either from a store or online. Retailers selling recreational cannabis online in Saskatchewan must also have a store.8

It is important to know the laws if travelling with cannabis. Taking cannabis across the Canadian border is a federal crime, including if it is being used for medical use.9 When traveling within Canada, it is important to know the laws of the provinces you enter because there are differences in the legal age, use in public, and how much you can have on hand at a time.8

You can find information about each province at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/provinces-territories.html.

When flying with cannabis within Canada, you may take up to 30 grams and it can be kept in carry-on or checked bags.10 If you are taking cannabis for medical use, it is important to have documentation from your doctor or NP, especially if you need to carry more than 30 grams.10

Driving while under the influence of cannabis is also illegal. There are roadside tests that test for the effects of cannabis when driving.11 Both medical and recreational cannabis can affect your judgment and ability to react. Users of both types need to make sure they don’t drive while under the effects of cannabis.

Some workplaces may not allow their employees to use cannabis and may not differentiate between medical and recreational use. It is a good idea to talk to your employer about this before starting cannabis for medical use.12

These are some of the things to know if using cannabis. Health Canada has more information at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis.html.

References available upon request.
Written by Alycia Potvin, Pharmacy Intern.
Reviewed by Kelly Kizlyk BSP and Carmen Bell BSP medSask,
Your Medication Information Service
306-966-6378 (Saskatoon) 1-800-665-3784 (SK)
med.Sask@usask.ca
www.medSask.usask.ca

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For this reason, foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir have risen in popularity, and people are again pursuing the kitchen art of home canning. Though the benefits of eating fermented foods are known, there is some confusion around these health benefits and which foods truly confer these benefits. We would like to clarify why you should include fermented foods in your diet and which foods count, ultimately providing the knowledge you need to can your way to better health.

Fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria that arise from the fermentation process. Confusion lies in the terminology used when discussing these bacteria. Contrary to common thought, not all bacteria found in fermented foods are probiotics, though their properties and health effects may be very similar to those of probiotics. What is the difference? In order to be labelled a probiotic, a strain of bacteria must be isolated, identified and scientifically proven to provide a specific health benefit to humans. Many commercial yogurt products are able to claim their product contains probiotics because the company has done the required research. Other foods, however, cannot carry these same claims as the research on the specific strain of bacteria produced has simply not been done. Having said that, fermented foods have been shown to have similar benefits to probiotics, and this hot field of research is expanding as you are reading this article.

To date, studies have shown that eating fermented dairy products (think yogurt and kefir) may be associated with weight maintenance along with reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Similar effects have been shown with regular consumption of kimchi. So with this knowledge at hand, is it enough to pick up a jar of store-bought sauerkraut and expect to receive these health benefits? And do your home-canned pickles count? To answer both these questions, not quite. Products that have been pasteurized (i.e. shelf stable) are not truly fermented. Additionally, ingredients such as vinegar or sodium bisulfate (a preservative) mean the food has not been naturally fermented, so does not contain the beneficial live bacterial cultures. Having said that, many stores are now carrying unpasteurized fermented products in their refrigerator section – look for words “raw”, “unpasteurized”, and “keep refrigerated” on the label. Similarly, you can find recipes to make your own fermented foods at home (see below).

What about other fermented foods not yet mentioned, such as chocolate, wine, tempeh, and sourdough bread? Unfortunately, these foods have been processed in such a way that their live microbe activity has been lost. Keep in mind that these foods still contain some nutritive value and can still fit into your diet, they just will not give you the same additional benefits as other fermented foods.

Ultimately, fermentation has resurfaced as a buzzword in health and nutrition, but it is an age-old process that is actually very simple; very few ingredients are required, and the preparation and processing of these ingredients are minimal. What our ancestors once did to preserve food as a survival mechanism, we now do to promote optimal gut health. Fermented products are readily available in stores, but can also be made at home in your own kitchen. See below for simple directions on how to can your way to better health.

Low Salt Sauerkraut
adapted from https://rosieschwartz.com/2018/07/19/why-not-make-your-own-fermented-food-to-reap-microbial- benefits/?fbclid=IwAR2OOqeZE2imoOyx2JrymaammXCiKmvRSIWoxwd9FCi24LSbTeVkyeLUcEY

Hope Restored Canada (HRC) is a non-profit charitable organization based out of Saskatoon. The vision took flight in 2017 after two years of research prior to launching and incorporating the charity.

HRC believes that all humanity is nherently valued and worthy of respect and dignity. We honor the journey towards restorative justice, which accepts that the holistic well-being of all people is nurtured through reciprocal, relational interconnectedness. Our vision is to create a world where humanity is renewed and restored in healthy relationships. We believe this is possible by eradicating sexual exploitation through the H.O.P.E. model: Holistic Restoration, Outreach, Partnerships, and Education.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

• The average age of recruitment into the sex trade is at 13-14 years old.

• 63% of trafficked victims are between 15 and 24 years of age.

• Victims are forced to earn on average $280,000 per year for their trafficker.

• Out of 100 women in prostitution in Canada, 76 have been raped and 91 physically assaulted while in the industry.

• Trafficked women and girls are often forced to perform sex acts 365 days per year and are required to hand over all or most of the money to their traffickers. RCMP Investigations have revealed a victim can make up to $2,000 in one day. Women and girls from Indigenous communities, migrants, at-risk youth, runaway youth, and girls in the child welfare system are especially vulnerable.

*(Stats taken from a variety of sources including the Joy Smith Foundation, Canadian Women’s Foundation (2013, 2016-2017 Tip Report), SHIP Need and Demand study for HRC, (2016), National Task Force Report Report of the National Taskforce on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada.)

 

WE HAVE A SOLUTION: H.O.P.E.

Together we can change the ending for those impacted by the devastating crime of sex trafficking through:

• HOLISTIC RESTORATION through recovery tools, support groups, mentorship, access to transitional housing and case planning.

• OUTREACH programs including a 24/7 support hotline, outreach workers, and referrals or access to individualized social supports and exit strategies.

• PARTNERSHIPS with affiliate organizations, service providers, investors and members.

• EDUCATION programming including public awareness, educational sessions, and training for service providers on sexual exploitation and trafficking.

 

Partner with Hope Restored Canada

The need is great! Saskatchewan has identified many gaps in supports for those who have experienced sex trafficking/exploitation. To create sustainable solutions, please consider supporting our life-changing programs in Saskatchewan. As we envision a community where peoples’ lives are being renewed and restored in healthy relationships, we have hope that together we can change the ending for those impacted by the devastating crime of sex trafficking. Help us make a home! Hope Restored Canada is ready to move into a house! We need your help to fully stock our house with new or gently used items that will turn our house into a home. More information is available online with ways to Act Now and be apart of the solution for those affected by sexual exploitation and trafficking in our community.
Simply visit us at www.hoperestoredcanada.org and click "Act Now".

If you have questions about how to donate, ways to volunteer or how to set up donation drop off time for household items, contact 306-371-4673 (HOPE) or info@hoperestoredcanada.org

 

For Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking

We have a list of resources on our website including definitions of degradation, sexual exploitation and human trafficking www.hoperestoredcanada.org/what-is-human-trafficking If you have been exploited sexually or are at risk of being sexually trafficked (or know of someone who is and would like to assist them) HRC has an outreach arm called Lilies of Liberty, offering caring and supportive friendships in the sex industry.

 

Lilies of Liberty

1-833-283-SAFE (7233)
www.liliesofliberty.org
plus the Canadian Center to End Human Trafficking has a national hotline where response advocates will connect callers to support and services
and will also take tips, answer questions and forward information, when appropriate, to law enforcement.
www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/nationalhotline/

 

THE FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION REQUIRES US TO MOVE...

...to not remain naive or unaffected, but to become passionately committed to pursuing positive change for all. Of course, we can't do this alone. We need others in the arena, fighting the same fight and sweating for the same cause. As we partner together, as individuals and organizations, we work to form a united movement. A united body, for the purpose of eradicating sexual exploitation.

Offering a way out, a place where hope lives, a refuge to allow women to dream again. You can play a part in her dream being realized!

 

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Does menopause actually cause weight gain?

While weight gain has definitely been found to increase as we age, it does not appear to be a result of menopause, but rather part of the natural aging process. Menopausal women often tend to be less active and eat more calories than they need to. Fewer calorie needs usually result from a decrease in physical activity, loss of lean muscle mass, and a subsequent reduction in energy needs.

While some risk factors linked with aging and menopause can’t be changed, good nutrition can help prevent or ease certain conditions that may develop during or after menopause, including unwanted weight gain. But it is usually not the time to start the newest fad diet which can be challenging to follow, can sometimes be unsafe and most often does not lead to long term weight loss.

Eating well by making small diet changes that you can maintain will help over the long term. Managing portions, consuming regular meals and limiting foods high in saturated fat, sodium and sugar can all help. Consuming more fibre in the form of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and legumes is a great way to feel full and manage cravings. The new healthy eating plate encourages us to fill half our plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains and a quarter with lean proteins at each meal, including breakfast! It also tells us to aim for more plant based proteins and to make water our drink of choice. Cooking more meals at home can help manage portions and limit excess sodium and fat.

Sugar sweetened beverages can unknowingly contribute many excess calories to the diet. Sugar found in these drinks can often be very high and have damaging effects on our metabolism and hunger. Many people have an idea that a regular can of pop contains about 10 tsp of sugar. But what many don’t know is that drinks marketed as ‘healthy’ such as 100% juice contain the same amount. Watch out for other drinks such as alcoholic beverages or sweetened coffee drinks which also add up quickly. Filling a water bottle and reminding yourself to finish it two times throughout the day is a great way to stay hydrated and prevent yourself from reaching for a drink that may unknowingly add 300 calories to your day.

Don’t forget about physical activity which is very important. Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Pick activities you enjoy and get moving with friends or family. Aim for strength-building exercises at least twice per week which can help replace lost muscle mass and also helps to slow mineral loss in your bones.

Although these tips will help you get started, eating well to maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and bones often requires an individual approach. For more information, call 1-833-966-5541 to talk to a registered dietitian Monday to Thursday 10 am - 4 pm.  

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Mid-Life Matters Series

Watch for Dr. Renee Morissette on CTV News at Noon with Jeff Rogstad. A series of short segments, Midlife Matters, on women’s health topics will be presented on some Tuesdays during the noon show. Each topic will have a handout which will be on our website www.menopausecentre.org.