CHFA launches five-part guide to help Canadians make informed decisions about natural health

CHFA launches the Canadian Family's Guide to Navigating Natural Health

To celebrate Natural Health Products (NHP) Week, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is launching a free, five-part guide aimed at helping Canadian families make informed decisions about natural health. The Canadian Family's Guide to Navigating Natural Health, was developed with nutritionist and author Lianne Phillipson-Webb.  Canadians can download the guide at chfa.ca for practical tips on how to make simple changes in their daily routines to improve their overall health and the health of their families.

The guide is designed to help Canadians sift through the massive amount of existing information on organics and natural health products and help them prioritize where it is most important, as they shift toward natural and healthier options.

"From the household cleaners, to the hygiene products we use, to the food we eat, there are several potentially harmful chemicals and toxins our families touch, breath and ingest," says Phillipson-Webb.  "I love this guide because it's a realistic approach to helping families live healthier lives. By suggesting a number of staple products and small changes to your daily and weekly routines, we hope to make natural health more accessible to your entire family."

The Canadian Family's Guide to Navigating Natural Health focuses on five different areas most Canadian families encounter on a daily basis.  They are:

1. Supplement Essentials - proven must-haves for the whole family
2. Green Cleaning 101 - a crash course of cleaning the natural way
3. Healthy Hygiene - know what you are slathering on your skin
4. Go Organic - get to know your clean 15 and the dirty dozen
5. Natural First Aid Kit - simple at home remedies that work

In each section, CHFA suggest tips for families who wish to make a positive impact on their health by making a few, simple changes. For example, in Supplement Essentials, CHFA recommends supplements every family should consider keeping in their medicine cabinet - Omega-3 fats, Pro and Prebiotics, Vitamin D and Multivitamins.

"CHFA is proud to be spreading the word about Natural Health Products Week by offering Canadians this free guide," says Michelle Book, Director of Communications at CHFA. "NHP Week shines a spotlight on natural health products and their benefits. It's a great time for people interested in healthier living to visit their local health food store to learn more by participating in fun, informative NHP Week festivities."

Canadians and natural health retailers across the country are celebrating Natural Health Products Week from November 4 to 10, 2013.

Some facts about the Canadian natural health industry

• The Canadian natural health industry is now valued at over $3 billion, and employs more than 25,000 people.
• The organics industry is valued at over $3 billion. Approximately 3,900 producers work on 695,000 hectares of land to produce certified organic products in Canada.
• 71% of Canadians have used a natural health product.
• 77% of Canadians agree that NHPs can be used to maintain or promote health.