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August 25, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer |
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Yes, you read it correctly. 'Desserts' spelled backward reads 'Stressed'. Coincidence? While I won't vouch for any etymological affinity of these two terms, it is curious, to say the least.
To read up on the emotional affinity between stress and food cravings, check out some of our books on the subject...
August 18, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer |
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Having trouble deciphering nutrition labels? Can't decide which food is more nutritiously sound? There may be help on the way... A new food rating system called "Guiding Stars" is being piloted in some grocery stores which should take the guesswork out of making nutritious choices.
How does Guiding Stars work? The following clip gives you a brief introduction, so check it out...
Even better... visit one of the stores that has the Guiding Stars system in place and let us know what you think by sending us a comment.
You may even want to put the new rating system to the test by comparing actual food labels... To brush up on your food labelling skills check out Health Canada' s Interactive Nutrition Label and take their Quiz. Happy Healthy Shopping!
August 11, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer |
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Yes, we have heard it all before... too much salt isn't good for us. Salt makes our bodies hold on to water. The extra water stored in our bodies raises our blood pressure. The higher our blood pressure, the greater the strain on our heart, arteries, kidney and brain leading to heart attacks, strokes, dementia and kidney disease. But did you know that salt is also responsible for calcium loss?
Doctors have long puzzled over the link between high salt diets and increased incidence of osteoporosis and kidney stones. Now Canadian researchers found a molecular link between sodium and calcium loss. In a nutshell... "sodium lost in the urine drags calcium with it. Therefore, the more sodium out, the greater loss of calcium."
For information on how much salt we really need and ideas on how to 'shake the salt habit', check out one of our books...
August 4, 2012 | marietta forster-haberer |
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According to laboratory reports received by Toronto Public Health, this year could be a bad year for West Nile infections. 24 mosquitoes from 43 traps set up in various locations throughout the city tested positive for the dreaded West Nile virus (WNV). This is the highest recorded rate at this point of the season. Usually, WNV is a late summer phenomenon. Last year's mild winter and subsequent hot weather may be blamed for the spike.
So what are we to do? How can we prevent the spread of WNV? While the city treats 120,000 drain sites and catch basin with larvicide, you can do your share by eliminating standing water containers which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes around your home. Furthermore, public health is asking you to report any dead birds in your area since birds can carry the virus. The number to call is 416-338-7600.
Other precautions include...wearing long sleeves and pants in light colours, avoiding dusk and dawn times if possible, using insect repellents and seeing your health care provider if you suspect that you may have symptoms of WNV.
But not all is doom and gloom. Four out of five people bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito will experience no symptoms nor will become ill. Just like with the common cold and flu, the immune system takes care of the invaders. So your best ally is, you guessed it, a well functioning immune system.
For more information on the West Nile Virus and on strengthening your immune system, check out the following:
- West Nile Virus Fact Sheet - Toronto Public Health
- Status of West Nile Virus - Toronto Public Health
- Health Canada West Nile Virus Information
