Orthomolecular Health would like to express its sadness at the loss of a Canadian medical icon who dedicated his life to the research and development of alternative medical therapies for psychiatric patients.

Naturopathic doctors and those who practice Orthomolecular Medicine are urging Canadians to be mindful of their diets to help treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. One in every one hundred Canadians, or 300,000 people, are diagnosed with schizophrenia, a very complex mental disorder which can affect a person physically, mentally and emotionally. It can change the way a person hears, sees, tastes, thinks and feels.

Dr. Abram Hoffer, 90, of Victoria has won the inaugural Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for his work using nutrition and vitamins to treat and prevent disease. The $250,000 award, funded by the Vancouver-based philanthropic Hecht Foundation, is the first award of its kind in Canada, and the largest in the world.

The perceived over-prescribing of medication, a lack of emphasis on natural or alternative therapies and general frustration with Canadian healthcare are contributing to the idea that the current system is not meeting Canadians' expectations.

Toronto, April 19, 2007. The International Schizophrenia Foundation (ISF) is pleased to announce a major grant of $1.6 million by Calgary philanthropist, Allan P. Markin. The grant will spearhead an ambitious national educational program aimed at improving public awareness of the many health benefits of orthomolecular medicine and orthomolecular psychiatry.

Seventy per cent of Canadians believe prescription medications are prescribed more often than necessary and one third does not believe the Canadian healthcare system meets their needs, says a recent Leger Marketing study.