The Complementary Clinic at HSC
Mature Women's Program fights for survivalBy Anna Olson
Complementary and mainstream medicine are working happily together at the Mature Women's Program at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, but possibly not for long.The program for high-risk menopausal women was developed in 1994 in conjunction with the Ambulatory Care Department of Women's Hospital and Dr. Richard Boroditsky. The clinic is staffed by coordinator Teri Ibbott, BN, RN, and a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The current personnel have been loaned to the Program from within the Health Sciences Centre, but there is a real and present danger that the other departments will call them back and the Mature Women's Program will have to be disbanded.
"The importance of preventative health care and education is paramount," says Teri Ibbott, who with other members of the team is urging the provincial government to step in with funding to continue the Program and improve its accessibility. At present, only women referred by their doctors can attend the clinic, and the waiting period is usually three months.
Menopause can be a difficult time for some women. Ibbott meets with "high risk women" and helps them reassess their lifestyles. Together they look at diet, exercise, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), and nonhormonal alternatives such as vitamin E, evening primrose oil, black cohosh, calcium and vitamin D. The importance of weight-bearing and strengthening exercises and relaxation techniques is emphasized.
"The majority of patients derive tremendous benefit from this holistic approach to care," states Ibbott. "Here at the clinic, it's all about choices and empowerment. The Program is based on a nursing model and incorporates a unique approach to care which differs from the traditional medical model."
Ibbott does not automatically recommend hormone replacement therapy but has each patient complete a personal health questionnaire. Based on individual risks and benefits, the nurse counsels each woman and helps her to determine appropriate interventions.
The Mature Women's Program also offers one-day seminars for women with osteoporosis and, whenever possible, travels to rural communities to do public forums on menopause.
Rand Smith, a local herbologist, is one of several CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practitioners who have participated in the Program's seminars. Smith has discussed the use of herbs like St. John's wort, Dong quai, black cohosh, and Vitex (agnus castus), phytoestrogen-rich soy products, and assorted vitamins and minerals to help relieve or prevent such menopausal and postmenopausal conditions as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, fatigue, depression, insomnia, lack of sex drive, osteoporosis, and cancer. A 54-year-old client of Smith's had suffered from hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and anxiety for four years. Four months after Smith recommended she take Soya Defense (a soy supplement) and Vitex, the woman reported she was sleeping better, and the hot flashes and night sweats had disappeared, along with 30 of her 50 excess pounds. Only a bit of anxiety remains, for which she is seeing a counsellor.
The Women's Health Program (of which the Mature Women's Program is a part) and Dr. Boroditsky have met with the new Minister of Health, David Chomiak, and are awaiting word on funding. They hope that "stacks of testimonials from appreciative clients" will help convince the provincial government it's important to keep the Mature Women's Program going.
"If women want this Program to continue and to grow," says Ibbott, "they need to lobby Health Minister David Chomiak." Chomiak can be reached by phoning 945-3731, faxing 945-0441, writing to 302 Legislative Building, 450 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0V8, or by e-mail. To contact the Mature Women's Program, phone 787-1903, fax 787-2314, or write c/o The Clinical Practice Unit, 4th Floor–810 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, R3A 1R8.
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