Reader letters: September 2008

Source: Best Health Magazine, September 2008

Be vigilant about breast cancer

As a young(ish) woman—age 39—diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (“Diagnosis: Breast Cancer,” Premiere, page 88), I urge all women to get to know their breasts. Regular self-exams are important and if you have any worries, have your breasts checked. Get a second opinion and a third if you’re not satisfied with the answers you’re getting. I had a mastectomy, reconstruction and six rounds of chemotherapy, and will be starting radiation in a few weeks. It’s a small sacrifice in return for having the rest of my life ahead of me.
Michelle Dick, Stony Mountain, Man.

Healthy Edmonton

I was disappointed by “Canada’s Healthiest Cities” (Premiere, page 83). Edmonton was portrayed as a winter city, yet it has the longest walking trails of any North American city. They are well-used by joggers, bikers and rollerbladers of all ages during our long hours of sunshine in the summer.
Arlene Bradley, Sherwood Park, Alta.

Natural remedies

I read the articles “Sun Smarts” (Summer, page 44) and “Sneeze Control,” (page 92) with interest. I was surprised that none of the remedies were herbal-based. There are many such sunscreens and allergy treatments that work along with the body’s natural defences. Perhaps you would consider highlighting these.
Don Hughes, Oshawa, Ont.

Kudos

I am not a magazine reader. I simply have never found one that interests me enough to read more than an article or two. But Best Health has inspired me, to say the least. I have had so many questions over the years that I could never seem to find answers for, and you’ve answered every one of them in the first issue. Keep up the great work.
Linda Bushey, Lethbridge, Alta.

I just wanted to let you know how happy I am that I subscribed to your magazine. I already get seven magazines delivered to my house and thought that the last thing I needed was another one. But this magazine is so different from the others. I can hardly wait for the next issue.
Carla Lowther, Fort St. John, B.C.

Thank you for this beautiful, inspiring and knowledgeable magazine. I am hooked. And yes, I did feel like I was at a spa while reading it!
Stephanie Tran, Guelph, Ont.

It is so refreshing to read a magazine that isn’t focused on fad diets, quick fixes and skinny 20-year-olds. There is so much information out there, I don’t know what to believe: home remedies, naturopathy, this book, that book…’. Thanks for producing Best Health.
Sheila Cripps, Kitchener, Ont.

Best Health is fabulous. My three teenage daughters have also read quite a few articles, which is surprising as they are at that age when only teen magazines are popular.
Danuta Gregory, Edmonton

I don’t normally write letters like this, but I had to tell you what a pleasant surprise Best Health was. I have read numerous health and fitness magazines over the years, but I absolutely loved Best Health, and found the articles helpful. Finally, a magazine that speaks to me (at 50-something) and not just those under 35. Thank you.
Judy Green, Richmond Hill, Ont.

I’ve subscribed to magazines in the past and they were okay, but this one is great! It really gets in touch with Canadian women and their concerns. I’m sure you’ve had the experience of reading only bits of a magazine, but not with this one—each page held my interest. Bravo!
Stephanie Legge, Port Williams, N.S.

Thanks, Wendy and Best Health

I just wanted to thank Best Health and Wendy Fox (“It Worked For Me!,” Premiere, page 98) for her article on how she quit smoking after two decades. The day after I read it, I bought the book that helped her quit, Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking—and it changed my life, too. I’m glad to say I am no longer a slave to the smoking monster.
Audrey Snider, Moncton, N.B.

Wendy Fox and Best Health may have saved my life. I was a closet smoker for years, but after reading this marvellous article I went to the nearest bookstore and bought Carr’s book. I read it over one weekend, and was able to turn things around. I’m now officially an ex-smoker. Thank you so much. I’ve also paid it forward to several friends.
C. Campbell, Dartmouth, N.S.

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