Winnipeg
May, 2010 Vol. 1 Issue #4
FREE! Take me with you.
hormones, and antibiotics in animal products
Crestview School Children's Center at Marg's Strawberry Patch. Photo by Kris Antonius.
Growing Up Organic Are your children growing up organic? Even if your shopping cart doesn’t include fresh, organic produce, milk, meat or grain products your children may still be reaping their benefits if they attend a daycare participating in the “Growing Up Organic” – GUO program. Thirty institutions in Winnipeg including mostly daycares and before and after school programs have participated in the initiative since the launch in 2006. The Organic Food Council of Manitoba administers the program started by the Canadian Organic Growers. The purpose of the program is not to supply or sell the food for producers. Rather, their role is to provide individualized support services such as tailoring menus and recipe ideas
based on a center’s size, and cooking facilities and the extent of their meal and snack programs. Dr. Jonathan Gabor, a Winnipeg doctor of internal medicine spoke this winter at an event aimed at reaching other daycare facilities. He says the scientific rationale behind targeting children in particular for consuming organic food is sound. “Dietary intake is the predominant source of pesticide exposure for infants and children” says Dr. Gabor. “In addition to their lower overall body weight, because the nervous system, brain and vital organs of a child are still developing kids are most at risk ...” from toxins found in pesticides, preservatives for transportation and aesthetics as well as steroids,
But surely if there was a significant risk to children as well as ourselves, studies and experiments would reflect this?
The Dirty Dozen
“Safe” limits have been established by food regulatory agencies, says Gabor, “The issue here is studying chronic, low ( and how low ?) dose exposure over a prolonged period and in vulnerable groups like children. Previous studies measured pesticide concentrations in foods and only occasionally in study subjects. More recent studies not only confirm greater pesticide levels but also that substitution to organic diets causes a large and immediate drop in these levels.”
consistently test for the highest
Even though he has been a vegan since 1997 and adheres to eating organic, local and fair trade whenever possible, Gabor admits that from a public health standpoint, the emphasis is on getting all of us to eat sensibly, including more fruits and vegetables… period. At least for now. Although limited so far to only a few specific vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, more and more research is underway to determine whether organic foods are more ‘nutritionally dense’ than conventionally grown foods. ■ For further information about the “Growing up Organic” program, visit the website of the Organic Food Council of Manitoba www. organicfoodcouncil.org/growingup.php.
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Commonly referred to as the “dirty dozen”, these fruits and vegetables traces of pesticides even after washing. Whether locally grown or imported you may want to switch to organic at least for these or consider growing your own! Apples, Cherries, Grapes (Chili), Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Raspberries, Strawberries, Bell
!
Peppers, Celery, Potatoes, Spinach
Produce that ranks as the best bet for ‘safe’ levels even by conventional farming methods include — Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet Peas, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Papaya, Watermelon, Broccoli, Tomato, Sweet Potatoes.
✓
Winnipeg
A Gut Reaction May is Celiac Awareness Month so information booths will be open at various locations throughout Winnipeg. For further information call (204) 772-6979.
May 3
Misericordia Hospital
May 6
Concordia Hospital
May 7
St. Boniface Hospital
May 8
Assiniboine Park (in conjunction with the mental health initiative)
May 14 Grace Hospital May 17 Victoria Hospital May 19 Seven Oaks Hospital May 21
Health Sciences Centre
If you are experiencing anemia, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, cramps and bloating, any of these common symptoms could indicate you suffer from Celiac Disease. This medical condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by gluten, a substance found in grass-related grains, especially wheat, rye, and barley. Because of the damage, the body can’t absorb nutrients like protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. We need those for good health!
At this point the only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict glutenfree diet for life.
Susan Finlay, President of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Associontion says “Some people know quickly if they have ingested something with gluten, even a few crumbs. Others don't have an immediate reaction and may not be as careful with their diet but in both cases the intestines are being damaged and a period of malabsorption of at least a month follows. At this point the only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten free diet for life. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the less likely a person is to develop a second or third disorder.”
According to an association survey, people with celiac disease suffered for an average of eleven years and saw many doctors before being diagnosed. Because there is such a wide range of symptoms doctors don't always think about celiac disease being a possibility. Screening blood tests that can be done by any physician in the province have been free to Manitobans for more than ten years. An intestinal biopsy is usually done to confirm positive blood screening results. The Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is very pleased to have been selected as the host for the 2010 National Conference from June 4-6, 2010 at the Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Avenue in Winnipeg. The main conference from Friday evening to Sunday at noon is open to people with celiac disease, researchers and healthcare people. The vast majority of the attendees will be people with celiac disease and their families. Most of the presenters will be health care professionals (doctors, dietitians, pharmacist, psychologists) with some professional chefs providing information about how to cook and eat out on a gluten free diet. Full conference schedule of presenters, exhibitors and more is available under “2010 Conference “ at the website. www.celiac.mb.ca
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is pleased to sponsor
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Rolling Along In-line skating continues to grow in popularity across all age groups and is great way to get in shape but it does have its own safety concerns Equipment: A skater’s boots will be close to their shoe size and must be adjustable to provide a snug but not tight fit, supporting the ankle while giving enough flex to the foot to avoid cramping. Wheels should spin freely. The heel brake must be secure. It can be adjusted to different angles as it wears down. A helmet, wrist guards and protection for elbows and knees should always be worn regardless of the level of ability of the skater because even a relatively minor fall can lead to painful scrapes! Skaters: When things get rolling it’s easy to become overly confident. Learning to switch from one surface to another, step up to curbs, turn, control speed and especially stop does not come without a few minor spills and awkward windmill spins. The latter can cause muscle strains, tears and sprains so be sure to warm up and stretch before pushing off on your skates Terrain: Loose gravel, a tar line, sand or puddle that wouldn’t give a cyclist a second thought spells trouble for skates. If you have never gone down a particular route be extra careful. Avoid crowds and never attempt a hill until you have mastered slowing and stopping. Staying focused on what lays ahead and around you are extremely important. It bears special mention that it is simply not possible to come to an abrupt and full STOP on roller blades.
You can WIN just by telling us where you found Winnipeg WellNews. Simply go to www.winnipegwellnews.ca to contact us or go directly to winnipegwellnews@yahoo.ca. Tell us where you picked up this or previous issues of the Winnipeg WellNews and you will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Gift certificate from Prairie Chic Spa. There is no purchase needed and no skill testing question to answer. Winners will be determined by random draw. Chances of winning will depend directly on the number of entries received. Contest closes May 30th at midnight. Eligible entries include only Winnipeg residents and is closed to the immediate family of the publisher and the participating businesses of this promotion. Winners will be notified by email and phone and their names and prize only will be posted on-line by midnight June 4th. Winners will also be mentioned in the July Issue of Winnipeg WellNews… as we announce our next promotion, so look for your next chance to win!
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News & Events The Manitoba Chapter of Osteoporosis Canada is presenting a public forum: “The Bare Bones of the Female Athlete Triad” Come and hear pediatric sport and exercise medicine physician Dr. Erika Persson and registered dietitian Pat McCarthy-Briggs talk about this issue, its implications and how to help those affected. DATE: Thursday, May 13, 2010 LOCATION: Masonic Memorial Temple, 420 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Admission $5 | Students free with ID For more information please call 772-3498 or email Manitoba@ osteoporosis.ca Presented with support from Pharmacy at Safeway, Winnipeg Free Press, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis May 30, 2010 - Put on your walking shoes for the Great Strides: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis. St. Vital Park, Winnipeg. Registration begins at 9:00am. This is a family day, fundraising walk and free BBQ picnic. www.cysticfibrosis.ca/en/GreatStrides
Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes (The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Sunday, June 13 at Assiniboine Park. Registration begins at 9:00 and the walk at 10:30 following Opening Ceremonies. For further information and donations go to www.jdrf.ca/walk
Winnipeg Memory Walk Thursday, June 17, 2010 @ the Forks — 5:00 pm. Throughout the month of June, thousands of Manitobans will walk together to raise funds which help support the critical programs and services the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba provides for people and families affected by dementia. Register online today at www.alzheimer.mb.ca or call (204) 943-6622. Please feel free to download our poster which can be found on our website. Step Up… Act Now!
Winnipeg
Winnipeg Walk For ALS Saturday June 12th, 2010 Assiniboine Park – South East Picnic Area Registration: 9:00 AM Start Time: 10:00 AM. Phone (204)831-1510 www.als.ca/events
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