From the monthly archives:

March 2010

“Purple” When It Comes to the Health of Our Children

No matter where you stand politically, “blue” or “red,” surely we all feel “purple” (a unity of red and blue) when it comes to the health of our children. And, it is wonderful to know that our children have a strong advocate in such a powerful position of influence. First Lady Michelle Obama is fighting hard to implement ways to help our children lose the unhealthy and unnecessary weight that impacts their lives now and will add up to disease and disability in their future. She’s making it very clear that her fight against childhood obesity isn’t about appearance, i.e., slender is beautiful, but rather it’s about whether kids have enough energy to be productive at school.

Mrs. Obama spoke recently at a Forum sponsored by Newsweek magazine. She voiced from her own parental experience that every parent is familiar with the difference in a child’s behavior when a child has had a healthy meal and when he or she has eaten a lot of sugar. She suggests that it is more important to give parents information on the ingredients in sugary snacks and how many of them can safely be included in a child’s diet, rather than requiring warning labels on unhealthy foods, an idea she calls “extreme.”

Let’s all join in the good fight, “for” our children and “against” obesity, and help the next generation to grow up to be healthy and strong adults and ready for the world we’ve left them.

 

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Chiropractic Masters Blog Talk Radio

chiropractic News:  Chiropractic Marketing internet radio show, Chiropractic Masters on Blog Talk Radio, interviews expert chiropractors around the country. The first episode featured Ventura Chiropractor, Dr. Steven Alff. Dr. Alff talked about spinal decompression and how it benefits his patients.

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A Walk in the Park May Stimulate Your Immune System

Aah, sunshine. It has gotten such a bad rap in the past few years that that beautiful warm yellow orb has seemed more like an enemy than the smiling friend children often draw. Well, today I read some good news about sunshine, or at least about Vitamin D, that I’m eager to pass along to you. As it turns out, Vitamin D is vital in activating our human defenses.

Danish researchers found that the immune systems’ killer cells, known as T cells, rely on Vitamin D to become active. If Vitamin D is lacking in the blood, they remain dormant and unaware of the possibility of threat from an infection or pathogen. “When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a Vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D,” said Carsten Geisler of Copenhagen University’s department of international health, immunology and microbiology, who led the study. “This means the T cell must have Vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough Vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.”

Scientists have known for a long time that Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, and that there is a link between levels of the vitamin and diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. But, what they hadn’t realized is how crucial Vitamin D is for actually activating the immune system.

And, of course, most Vitamin D is made by the body as a natural by-product of the skin’s exposure to sunlight. Though it can also be found in fish liver oil, eggs and fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel (or taken as a supplement), I would suggest that whenever possible, add a walk outdoors as part of your health regime.

For more on this study, go to: reuters.com

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Getting Slim By Eating Fats? That All Depends…

As a chiropractor, I always advise weight loss for my overweight patients, not only as a way to keep organs such as the heart healthy, but every system of the body, including the musculoskeletal system (my specialty). Excess weight puts a burden on every part of the human body, including the vertebrae of the spine and joints such as those in the knees and hips. My patients tend to take my advice, so many of them ask my opinion on how they can lose weight in a healthy way. I’m always looking for information to share with them that will help to turn their “temporary” diet plan into a permanent lifestyle. The good news is that not everything that tastes good is bad for you, including fats. Recently I read an article that discusses “good” versus “bad” fats that I think you’ll find helpful when choosing a healthy diet.

 

  • Monounsaturated Fat and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids are the so-called “good” or healthy fats. They are referred to as healthy fats because they do not adversely affect your health and may actually contribute to good heart health. These types of fat come mainly from plant sources (e.g., vegetable oil), nuts, and fish (certain varieties).

    Whenever possible, you should try and get your “good” fats from food sources rather than supplements. Eating more fish, walnuts and flax seeds will help. You can also take a supplement, but be sure to talk to your doctor first.

    Add some sources for healthy fats to your next grocery list. These include: Extra virgin olive oil, avocado, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, ground flax seeds, walnuts (and most other nuts).

     

  • Polyunsaturated Fat

    Polyunsaturated fats provide omega-6 fatty acids and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Sources of polyunsaturated fat include corn oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil.

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  • Saturated Fat

    Saturated fat should be limited as often as possible. Diets high in saturated fat raise cholesterol levels and can lead to cardiovascular disease. Saturated fat is found mainly in foods from animal sources. Foods that contain saturated fat include: whole milk, butter, cheese, red meat and coconut oil.

  • Trans Fat

    Trans fat should be avoided as often as possible. Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that actually elevates blood cholesterol levels more than saturated fat.

    Trans fat is typically found in “junk” food, such as prepackaged baked goods and snacks. To locate trans fat on food packages, look for the words “partially hyrogenated oil” or check the nutrition label. Foods that commonly contain trans fat include most margarine, fried foods and commercially-baked goods.

    Trans fat has been widely used in fast food for frying, but is now being limited or eliminated by many fast food restaurants. Ask about trans fat at your favorite restaurant and request nutrition data for their menu items.

You can view the nutrition data, including fat content, for many popular foods, fast food eateries, and restaurants online at About.com’s Calorie Count.

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