Monday, 17 September 2012

Claudette Says....

....Check out these links!

Here are some link with interesting information that may answer some of your questions regarding NIS therapy.











Have any questions regarding what you read? Do you have questions that still were not answered?


Feel free to contact Claudette to ask her questions and how NIS therapy can help you!


Email: cvarleynis@shaw.ca

More Matters--Blueberries

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries, those small little berries pack a punch! Blueberries are part of the super fruits, and are full of micro-nutrients and antioxidants. Because blueberries can be sold in many forms, there are tons of ways to incorporate these little guys into your diet. You can find them in fresh, frozen, in jams, dried, in yogurt, smoothies, cereals, and even in baked goods. Of course, you will reap the most benefits eating them raw. Have a handful a day with breakfast or lunch for a little immune fighting benefits, anti-inflammatory products, and stress relief...not to mention, blueberries taste wonderful!

Here are a few tasty recipes you can try now:



Nutrients, phytochemicals and research

Blueberries, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy239 kJ (57 kcal)
Carbohydrates14.5 g
Dietary fiber2.4 g
Fat0.3 g
Protein0.7 g
Vitamin A54 IU
lutein and zeaxanthin80 μg
Thiamine (vit. B1)0.04 mg (3%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)0.04 mg (3%)
Niacin (vit. B3)0.42 mg (3%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.1 mg (2%)
Vitamin B60.1 mg (8%)
Folate (vit. B9)6 μg (2%)
Vitamin C10 mg (12%)
Vitamin E0.6 mg (4%)
Vitamin K19 μg (18%)
Calcium6 mg (1%)
Iron0.3 mg (2%)
Magnesium6 mg (2%)
Manganese0.3 mg (14%)
Phosphorus12 mg (2%)
Potassium77 mg (2%)
Zinc0.2 mg (2%)
Percentages are relative to
US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database
Blueberries have a diverse range of micronutrients, with moderate levels (relative to respective Dietary Reference Intakes) of the essential dietary mineralmanganesevitamin Cvitamin K and dietary fiber (table).[24] One serving provides a relatively low glycemic load score of 4 out of 100 per day.
Blueberries contain anthocyanins, other pigments and various phytochemicals, which are under preliminary research for their potential role in reducing risks of diseases such as inflammation and cancer.[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Similar to red grape, blueberries may contain resveratrol.[32]
Most studies have been conducted using the highbush cultivar of blueberries (V. corymbosum), while content of polyphenols and anthocyanins in lowbush (wild) blueberries (V. angustifolium) exceeds values found in highbush cultivars.[33]
In preliminary research, feeding blueberries to rats reduced brain damage in experimental stroke[34][35] and may cause increased production of vascular nitric oxide that influences blood pressure regulation.[36] Additional research showed that blueberry consumption in rats altered glycosaminoglycans that are vascular cell components affecting control of blood pressure.[37]
Other animal studies found blueberry consumption lowered cholesterol and total blood lipid levels, possibly affecting symptoms of heart disease.[38]
Supplementation of diets with wild blueberry juice may affect memory and learning in older adults, while reducing blood sugar and symptoms of depression.[39]

-Nutritional information provided by wikipedia.com

Thursday, 13 September 2012

More matters--Cauliflower


CAULIFLOWER

In continuation of our More Matters Blog, we will try and educate you on some vegetables and fruits that you can incorporate into your diets! One of my favorite overlooked vegetables that are high in nutrition are cauliflower! Cauliflower comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, including: white, orange, green and purple. (Remember, more color usually means the more nutrition packed it is!) Cauliflower is a great option for those picky eaters, because it can be cooked and put into many recipes without even being noticed! It does have a bland but slight taste to broccoli. One of my favorite ways to serve it is steamed with garlic butter, or cheese sauce! MmmmMmm! For a more hidden approach, steam it and puree it into a soup base, or pasta sauce. Sick of the same old stir fried veggies, change it up with some cauliflower.
Here are some fun cauliflower recipes:


Nutrition

Cauliflower, raw (edible parts)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy103 kJ (25 kcal)
Carbohydrates5 g
Sugars1.9 g
Dietary fiber2 g
Fat0.3 g
Protein2 g
Water92 g
Thiamine (vit. B1)0.05 mg (4%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)0.06 mg (5%)
Niacin (vit. B3)0.507 mg (3%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.667 mg (13%)
Vitamin B60.184 mg (14%)
Folate (vit. B9)57 μg (14%)
Vitamin C48 mg (58%)
Vitamin K15.5 μg (15%)
Calcium22 mg (2%)
Iron0.42 mg (3%)
Magnesium15 mg (4%)
Phosphorus44 mg (6%)
Potassium299 mg (6%)
Sodium30 mg (2%)
Zinc0.27 mg (3%)
Percentages are relative to
US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database
Cauliflower is low in fat, low in carbohydrates but high in dietary fiber,
folate, water, and vitamin C, possessing a high nutritional density.[citation needed]
Cauliflower contains several phytochemicals, common in the cabbage family, that may be beneficial to human health.
Boiling reduces the levels of these compounds, with losses of 20–30% after five minutes, 40–50% after ten minutes, and 75% after thirty minutes.[14] However, other preparation methods, such as steaming,microwaving, and stir frying, have no significant effect on the compounds.[14]
A high intake of cauliflower has been associated with reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer.[1












- Nutrition Information provided by Wikipedia.org

Monday, 10 September 2012

It's that time again--Are your kids' backpacks ready?



Dear Parent,
All across Canada, children struggle with their overloaded backpacks on a daily basis- as they stuff the necessities of schoolwork, spots gear, food and drinks into the smallest possible space before heading off to school. New research indicates that there are long-term health risks associated with youth wearing a poorly designed or overloaded backpack or in carrying too much weight for their growing spinal columns. In fact, over 50% of Canadian youth will suffer at least one back pain episode during their school years.
A recent study at Queen’s University has found that choosing the right backpack and taking care to distribute the weight evenly can make a big difference in avoiding painful injuries. However, most parents and students are not aware of the weight they are carrying on a daily basis and the possible long-term damage-which may result in poor posture, neck, shoulder, spine, and joint injury. Not only are these injuries painful, but also they impact directly on the enjoyment of leisure and sports activities…a critical part of a young person’s life!
We have become concerned with the alarming trend in avoidable injuries to the neck, shoulders, and back. We are teaming up with parents to discuss ways to help your children carry their loads comfortably and safely. For instance, did you know that?
• Elementary students should not carry more than 10% of their body weight and secondary students should avoid weight exceeding 15% of their weight? So, if your child is 80 pounds, he should not carry more than eight pounds- or the equivalent of a pair of shoes, a snack, drink and 2-3 textbooks.
• Backpacks should be made of the lightest material possible- vinyl and canvas are much better than leather.
• The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
• The shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide and should not fit too snugly around the arms, straining muscles and affecting nerves.
• A hip strap or waist belt can take as much as 50-70% of the weight off the shoulders and spine. The waist belt will equalize the strain on the bones, joints and muscles.
• Students should pack the heaviest items closest to the body so that the weight is nearest the body’s own centre of gravity.
• A backpack that is too heavy or rides too low causes one to lean forward and put extra strain on the back.
• Both straps are critical to avoiding injury- as slinging the pack on one-side causes the spine to lean, increasing the likelihood of middle and lower back problems that can worsen later in life.
• The best way to put on a pack is to place it on a desk or table at waist height and then slip it on. Avoid twisting!


We urges you to discuss backpack safety with your children and to help them learn for themselves how to avoid injury.
As healthcare specialists, we have a very special interest in ensuring that children do not hurt their backs, necks, and muscles. Doctors of Chiropractic play an important role in preventative education and early detection as well as providing chiropractic care for the treatment of backpack related injuries. If your child has back pain a chiropractor may be able to help. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat back and muscle pain. Massage therapists can also address and treat sore achy muscles due to improper backpack use.
Prevention is key to avoiding injuries. We hope that these tips will help give your children the self-confidence to “carry their load” more comfortably and safely.
Sincerely, 
New Leaf Massage & Wellness

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Mark your calendar!


It's still not too late to RSVP for our Patient Appreciation BBQ, 
Saturday, September 15th from 12:00pm-3:00pm

Please let us know if you're considering to come to the BBQ so that we can prepare food and prizes for everybody!

RSVP deadline in Monday, September 10th, 2012.

If you forget to RSVP, please do give us a call and we can make sure that you are still accounted for!

We cannot wait to celebrate our appreciation with you!

-New Leaf Wellness Staff-

You may also join the celebration by joining our event on Facebook:

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

More Matters!

FRUITS AND VEGGIES - MORE MATTERS!

What is on your grocery list today? Are you going to opt for the cookies or farm fresh cherries? September is fruit and vegetable awareness month, and more matters!


Groups like Produce for Better Health Foundation and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have come together to create an awareness for communities to understand the importance of fruit and veggies in our diets.  Many people do not consume enough, nor do they understand how our bodies crave and need the variety of fruits and vegetables.

It is important to consume fruits and vegetables to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals that are vital to your health. The nutrients found in fruits and vegetables help maintain your energy levels, metabolism rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and your immune system. The benefits are substantial! The more color that you incorporate into your diet, the more benefits you will reap. You should fill at least half of your plate with vegetables and or fruit during each meal. Add a fruit salad and some grilled vegetables, or spice it up with some stir fried veggies! There are some wonderful fruit desserts out there too!

Here in Abbotsford, there are endless produce stores and local farms that you can purchase your produce from. To name a few: Nature's Pickin's, Thumper's Patch, Lepps Farm Market, etc. etc. There are numerous family run farms in the area. Abbotsford Farmer's Market also hosts 2 events a week (Saturdays: 9am-1pm year round in downtown Abbotsford at George Fergusson & Montrose, and Wednesdays: 4pm-7pm at Thunderbird Civic Plaza---Which is just across from our location! at Trethewey & Simon) where local farmers and bakeries come together to sell their goods. If you are interested in the Farmer's market, view their website here: http://www.abbotsfordfarmandcountrymarket.com/index.htm

Not only will you help support local farmers, but you can help keep your body healthy!

What benefits do fruits and vegetables offer?

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risks for diseases and sickness. They may also help you to overcome ailments and heal more quickly! Fruits and vegetable contains nutrients like calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Most of which are needed for healthy cell functions. 

Vegetables and fruits may also contain phyto-chemicals. Phytochemicals are also known as: antioxidants, flavanoids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, etc. They are vital in helping your body eliminate free radicals (that increase stress), and maintaining high energy levels. Click here to learn more about phytochemicals and what produce to choose when searching to boost your phytochemical levels: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/what-are-phytochemicals.

What about those picky eaters you say?

Discover new ways to serve fruits and vegetables to those picky eaters. If you have the time and would like to incorporate more nutrients into your diet like kerotine, which helps your nails and hair grow healthily and strong, you need to eat vegetables like broccoli and asparagus. Sear asparagus into a yummy stir fry or grill it on the BBQ and serve with lemon and unsalted butter. Your kids won't eat broccoli or cauliflower? Steam them, and then puree it into a soup base, or spaghetti sauce. They won't even taste the difference!

The more matters website has a topic that helps you to get your children involved in choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables. Some other helpful tips are to pre-wash and cut your produce. Place the prepared produce in a bowl with ice in the fridge to keep them fresh! This will help you to choose sliced apples or fresh berries rather than potato chips or other unhealthy options.

Always pack some fresh produce, or 100% juice, dried canned or even frozen fruits or veggies when you're on the go. This way you have access to a quick and delicious snack to help with those sudden urges to eat.


Check out the website: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ to learn more about the importance and benefits of more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Find fun recipes, shopping help, and many many more topics!

Stay tuned for more ideas and ways to add fruits and vegetables into your daily diet...because more matters!