Monday March 10th / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

12:12: For the first time, Canadians living with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) can have their voices heard. The CML Society, a not-for-profit patient education and support organization, has launched a nation-wide survey to gather information on Canadian patients affected by this often-times life-threatening disease.
Guest: Cheryl-Anne Simoneau, CEO and President of the CML Society of Canada

12:20: Registered Dietitians from the City of Hamilton Public Health Services is launching their second Simply Delicious and Nutritious Vegetable and Fruit recipe contest. It’s your chance to flaunt and share your very own original vegetable and fruit recipe!
Guest: Ruby Samra, Registered Dietitian, Public Health Services, Healthy Living Division.

12:35: Influenza viruses coat themselves in fatty material that hardens and protects them in colder temperatures, according to a new study, which could explain why winter is the flu season!
Guest: Dr. Joshua Zimmerberg, Senior Investigator and study author from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 301-496-6571

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene.

Canadians Making Healthy Food Choices!

Many Canadians could benefit from a greater awareness of the important nutritional contributions of healthy food choices. Nutrition surveys indicate that many Canadians fall short of the minimum recommended servings on all of the four food groups. The survey also indicated Canadians consume too many empty calories from “other foods”. These other foods are often over processed convenient foods that are mostly fat or sugar and contribute few vitamins and minerals. Many Canadians have scored low to marginal on the intake of essential nutrients, like calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B6 & B12, C ,folate, magnesium and fiber. 85% of women and 70% of men consumed less than 2 servings of milk products a day. 40% of women and 13% of men consumed less than 100 grams of meat & alternative per day. 71% of women 75 years or older consumed less than the suggested amount. In Canada the intensity of the sunlight is insufficient for vitamin D synthesis during the 4-6 months of the year. Inadequate intakes of these essential nutrients may have serious health consequences. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past four decades, it’s important to start now to make healthy lifestyle and food choices. Food marketing is everywhere we go, gas stations, vending machines, department stores, and because fast food is easily available we continue to eat poorly. Potion sizes are also too big, many food and beverage beverages we buy in restaurants come in huge portions. We can’t expect to change our physical environment overnight, however if Canadians are more aware of the critical role of food and the impact of food choices on our health, we can than start to make informed choices. Start by stocking up your cupboards and fridge with healthy food choices. One trick is to know what is in the foods you are eating (check out the ingredients). If you can’t pronounce it, maybe you shouldn’t eat it. Decide on whole food choices and stay away that is anything white, as white foods tend to be highly processed foods (white bread, white sugar). The best way to minimize your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, is to follow the suggestions in Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating! And start to enjoy life, take a walk, volunteer get involved!

Nadine Janacek
Blog Reporter Rexall #202