« June 2009 | Main | August 2009 »
Being big in the middle may have even more consequences in addition to increased risk of heart disease, ddiabetes and hypertension. In fact, scientists have recently found a link between abdominal diameter aand dementia...yes, dementia.
Over 6,500 patients were studied at the Kaiser Permanente of Northern Californiafor 36yrs. The researchers measured each persons sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) (which is the distance from your back to the front - at the level of your belly button).
They found that the risk of dementia was 2.3 times higher in people who had a big belly (SAD of 25 centimeters plus) and were overweight vs.those who had noraml weight and a smaller belly. Dementia was 3.6 times higher in those with a high SAD and were obese.
Those who were overweight or obesebut did NOT have a high SAD which still 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
So friends, if this doesn't affect you personally, then you may know someone who is overweight and who has a large mid-section - so here is another reason (beyond your heart, blood vessels, blood sugar, joints, quality of life, energy and vitality!) to lose weight - eat less, eat healthier foods and move more - it will save your body AND your mind!
Hey folks!
As promised from last week, here is the "Dirty Dozen" list as posted in the New York Times of the produce items believed to contain the highest amounts of pesticides and therefore are most important to buy organically grown (or locally grown) and in-season.
With summer being here, there are many farmer's markets around the city which are a GREAT source of fresh, local produce. If you can't pull yourself away from the grocery store, I was just at Loblaws yesterday and many of their organic produce was the same price as non-organic! You can't beat that!
Here is the list - print it and stick it on your fridge for your next trip to the market or grocery store!
Strawberries
Bell Peppers
Spinach
Cherries
Peaches
Cantaloupes (Mexican)
Celery
Apples
Apricots
Green Beans
Grapes
Cucumbers
Also, just a point to note - if you're going to buy regular produce, another easy rule of thumb is to try to avoid produce that is coming from outside Canada/US - ie. Chile, Mexico etc. -Their pesticide laws tend to be much different than ours and so, from a safety perspective, better to stick with Can/US. So, check the labels, especially on exotic fruits/melons/berries!
Send me comments on your grocery adventures - share with us where you've found great produce or a farmer's market!
Although there still debate about 'going organic' in terms of food choices, here are a few reasons TO choose organic produce and meats when possible.
Even if you can select a few items in your grocery list that are USDA certified organic, every small step counts towards your health & the well-being of the planet!
So, Why go Organic?
1. Organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, added antibiotics or hormones, genetic engineering or irradiation.
2. They are minimally processed.
3. They have no artifiical ingredients or preservatives.
4. Most organic foods taste better!
5. They are produced without harmful chemicals
6. Organic crop methods are healthier for the land.
7. Organic farming promotes bioloigccal diversity and the recyclicng of resources through such methods aws crop rotation, rotational grazing, planting of cover crops, intercropping, waste recycling, tilling, and adding minerals to crops.
8. Organic fruits and vegetables can be grown by you in your own backyard!
9. Meat can be certfiied 'organic' if the livestock has been raised on organic feedstuffs for at least a year.
10. Fresh and frozen organic foods are becming easier to find, with many more chocies available throughout the year.
Next time you're grocery shopping, check out the organic aisles in the produce section as well as some of the packaged foods many chains now offer - happy shopping!
Here's some trivia: Did you know the average person takes between 3000 and 6000 steps a day! Those engaged in regular exercise might more typically take 20,000 steps a day! The way you walk might be the reason you may be experiencing a variety of symptoms.
You can have pain that is casued by abnormal functioning of the way your feeet move. Lack of proper foot care and ill-fitting shoes are responsible for many problems. (yes ladies - I do mean our beloved heeled shoes!) It is important to understand that your feet have a direct impact on the rest of your body as they support you with each step. A small abnomrality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher up in the body - causing pain, inflammation and discomfort.
If you're experiencing any foot pain or discomfort, having your feet checked by an expert - be it a chiropractor, chiropodist, podiatrist or podorthist - someone who understands the biomechanics and anatomy of the foot is a wise choice. A popular and common solution which can be very effective is custom-made orthotics. Orthotics are medical inserts for your shoes that correct the way you stand, walk or run.
For instance, when you are running, the pressure on your feet can be three or four times your body weight! Even walking can produce more pressure than the sum of your body weight. Custom orthotics can ensure that you disperse these forces evenly and helps to restore normal foot biomechanics where possible.
Remember, your feet are the foundation to your body - take care of them every step of the way!
Recent Comments