Discussions regarding topics in the current issue of Open Magazine

Things to do, places to go, and people to see!

A satirical look at life around us!

Cynthia Love, BA, R.N.C.P, is a Registered Nutritional Consultant, certified through the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants of Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of York, majoring in Psychology and has over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector. As a nutritional consultant, Cynthia guides her clients to make nutrition and lifestyle choices, empowering them to take an active role in their health. She is committed and passionate in her goal to help individuals reach their 'optimal health'.

Dr. Rankin DC, ART, BSc, is a graduate of the National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, Illinois. He has been in practice since 2002, working with individuals ranging from the young and elderly to amateur and professional athletes. Since graduation he has continued to expand his knowledge base, receiving post-graduate training in Active Release Techniques (ART®), Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Personal Training, and Orthotic assessment. His unique approach to health incorporates nutrition, body mechanics, and physical conditioning into each treatment in an attempt to reach each individual’s optimal health and performance.

Hugo Ramiro, D.TCM, D.Ac, has been practicing Chinese Medicine since 1998. Hugo received his training at The Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Toronto, and continues his apprenticeship training into the present day. He has received his diploma in both acupuncture and Chinese herbology. Hugo’s further training includes Tui Na (Chinese massage), Shi Liao (Chinese dietetic therapy) and the specialized treatment of musculo-tendinous injuries. His clinical experience has led him to believe that education is one of the most important factors in health, and he builds his practice in accordance with that idea. Over 25 years of training in Chinese meditation and martial arts provides a foundation out of which his medical practice grows.

Maralyn Wilson, RSW, RT-CRA, is a social worker and energy medicine practitioner who has enjoyed working in various settings throughout her career. She provides traditional psychotherapy and counseling and has extensive experience in bereavement counseling, work related issues, relationship issues, eating disorders, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Maralyn has also worked in palliative care, serving both patients and their caregivers. Maralyn has taken advanced training in Therapeutic Touch, Emotional Freedom Technique and she has become a Reiki Master/Teacher. Her approach to counseling is personalized to her clients’ needs and choices. She also offers counseling techniques including meditation and visualization.

Dr. Raffaele Filice, M.D., is the first Canadian physician to graduate from the Clinical Fellowship of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona directed by Dr. Andrew Weil. In the fellowship Dr. Filice was able to nurture his passion for learning about the mysteries of health and the healing arts from the fundamentals of sound nutrition and a balanced lifestyle to the complexities of the mind-body-soul connection. He incorporates modalities such as hypnosis, guided imagery, energy psychology and energy medicine such as Reiki in his healing practice. His goal is to empower his clients to find the healing potential within themselves. As an Integrative Medicine consultant he can help to identify obstacles standing in the way of your achieving the healing that you seek and to assist you in evaluating the myriad “alternative medicine” choices available to you today. Dr. Filice strives to maintain openness towards all possibilities in healing acknowledging that while sometimes a cure may not be achievable, healing is.

Steve Cagalj, R.M.T., began his career as a Registered Massage Therapist in 1999. Before receiving his degree in Massage Therapy from Kikkawa College, he attended Brock University and completed his B.A in Physical Education. Steve met his spiritual mentor while at Brock; it was this meeting that changed the course of not only his career, but his life. Steve is a Certified Medical Laser Therapist and has also successfully completed Levels 1 and 2 Reiki which add to his unique style and approach to Integrative Care. His work experiences are well rounded and include Chiropractic Clinics, Sports Rehab Centres, Physiotherapy Clinics, Spas and Sports teams. Along with massage, Steve also incorporates stress management, awareness techniques, home care and stretching programs for his clients. Steve brings his distinctive blend of treatments to his work, providing high quality health care and education while promoting optimal health with knowledge, compassion, and a healing touch.

Dr. Tracy Malone, B.Sc., N.D., received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree in 2005 after completing four years of post-graduate medical education at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. Prior to attending CCNM, Dr. Malone obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier University, where she graduated as an Academic All-Canadian, combining scholastic achievement and varsity athletics. Tracy's Naturopathic practice focuses on Functional Medicine, a science-based approach that treats illness by promoting wellness and uncovering the cause of disease. Assessment of the unique biochemical and genetic aspects of each patient is considered. This allows for individually tailored interventions to restore physiological, psychological, and structural balance. Dr. Malone's practice offers several unique services such as Parenteral Intravenous Therapy, Therapeutic Lifestyle Change, Body Composition Analysis, and Cosmetic Acupuncture. Tracy has great interest in the mind-body connection and has studied at The Harvard Mind Body Institute of Medicine. During her internship at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tracy practiced at the Sherbourne Health Center in Toronto a free clinic for patients with HIV. Dr. Malone believes that integrating Naturopathic medicine and Conventional medicine provides a comprehensive approach to preventative health care. This progressive medical model equates with optimal health for her patients.

"The true philosopher and the true poet are one, and a beauty, which is truth, and a truth, which is beauty, is the aim of both." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. " ~ Winston Churchill