Newsletter May 2026: A reminder that your health doesn't abide by a calendar
- PCNM
- May 1
- 4 min read
Dr. Tapp's Thought's
A few weeks ago, I wrote about being a little behind with planting my seedlings. I’m pleased to report they’re doing well!
A few are also, apparently, “leggy.” A term I’ve only just learned, which sounds far more charming than it is. In practice, it means they’ve stretched a bit too eagerly toward the light and, in doing so, sacrificed some structural integrity.
It’s fixable, of course, or at least that’s what I’m hoping. I’ll give them a little more light, reposition them slightly. Paying attention early before it becomes a bigger issue...sound familiar? Maybe a little like naturopathic medicine?
There’s a lesson in there.
March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. We’re technically late to the conversation, but colorectal cancer doesn’t care much about calendars. Early-onset colorectal cancer is rising…in a very measurable, slightly alarming way.
Rates are increasing by 3.4% per year in those under 40.
In the 20–24 age group, data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program show a 6.5-fold increase over the past two decades.
In 2022, it became the leading cause of cancer-related death in men aged 20–49.
This is no longer a disease we can file under “later in life.” And yet, our screening guidelines are still behaving as though it is. Our current guidelines in Ontario are as follows:
Average risk → screening starts at 50 with a FIT test (poop in the mail test) every 2 years
Family history → colonoscopy at 50, or 10 years earlier than your relative’s diagnosis
If they were diagnosed Before 60 → scope every 5 years
After 60 → every 10 years
Meanwhile, in the U.S., screening now starts at 45. The Canadian Cancer Society is suggesting we Canadians follow suit; hopefully, our government will listen. It’s a reasonable suggestion. Even so, sometimes you can convince your MD to refer you for a colonoscopy even if you don’t fall into these guidelines. I’ve experienced it firsthand with my husband. It’s worth a conversation.
Colorectal cancer is not particularly subtle, but we are remarkably good at ignoring it.
Most common symptoms include:
Rectal bleeding, especially blood mixed into the stool in your toilet bowl, not just on the TP
Abdominal pain or cramping
Changes in bowel habits
Iron deficiency anemia
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Less common, but not optional to ignore:
Abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting
Dark, tarry stools
That persistent sense of “I’m not done” after a bowel movement
Loss of appetite
Back to the seedlings… If a plant in your care starts looking a little off, even just a bit “leggy”, you don’t reassure yourself that it’s probably fine and check back in six months.
You adjust the light. You change the conditions.
You intervene while it’s still easy to correct.
We should be applying the same logic to our bodies. If something feels off, it deserves attention. If you have symptoms, they deserve investigation. And if someone tells you that you’re “too young” to look into it, that’s not reassurance, it’s a missed opportunity to catch it early.
Please advocate for yourself, ask for the test. Push a little if you need to.
Because in both gardening and medicine, early action isn’t just helpful, it’s often the whole game.
Clinic News
An Exciting Milestone For Dr. Cara MacMullin, ND
We’re excited to celebrate Dr. Cara MacMullin, ND, who has officially earned certification as a Microbiome Clinical Science Practitioner (MCS-P) through The Biome Learning Centre. She is one of the first practitioners in Canada to complete this advanced training.
This certification was part of an inaugural, graduate-level program focused on the latest developments in microbiome science and a clinically grounded, microbiome-centered approach to complex cases. The curriculum explored a wide range of topics, including digestive health, immune function, metabolism, mood, and the gut-brain axis.
Spanning several months, the program included nearly 80 in-depth lessons, over 25 expert-led trainings, and a comprehensive final examination, highlighting the depth and rigour of this rapidly evolving field.
As our understanding of the microbiome continues to grow, it’s becoming increasingly clear that it plays a foundational role in chronic and complex health concerns, as well as in building long-term resilience and wellness. Dr. MacMullin, ND is excited to bring this advanced knowledge into her clinical work and continue supporting patients with a root-cause, terrain-focused approach to health.
Update To Follow-Up TCM Acupuncture Appointment Pricing
Beginning June 1st, the fee for follow-up TCM acupuncture appointments with Courtney Cartmel will be adjusted to $95.
This change applies to follow-up visits only and allows us to continue providing high-quality care and support for your ongoing treatment plans.
If you would like to book a follow up appointment, you can view Courtney's availability here.
ND Acupuncture Price Update Starting June 1, 2026
Beginning June 1st, the fee for acupuncture appointments with our Naturopathic Doctors will also be adjusted to $95.
When we think about health, we often focus on symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, weight changes, brain fog, hormone imbalances, or recurring infections.
But increasingly, research shows that one of the most important places to look is somewhere many people (and practitioners) overlook: the gut microbiome.
These microbes are not just passengers, they function like a parallel organ system, influencing nearly every aspect of health.
Your gut microbiome helps regulate digestion, immune function, inflammation, metabolism, hormones, detoxification, mood, cognition, and even how we age.
Let's Explore This In More Depth
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