Newsletter August 2006  / issue #7



• Editor
• latest news
• Articles
• Inspirational Quotes
• Product Review
• Hot Topics on the WEB
• Food Review
• Recipe of the Month

• Home Remedy "Natures Cures"
• Book Reviews
• Exercise & Flexibility Library



      

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Can you believe it's already August!

It's Almost Back to school time!!!
         
 


Get Educated on Back Pack Safety Early this year

"Pack it light wear it right"

Click on the image above!
Post the information sheet on your fridge
for your children to see.


In good health,
Dr. Rene Asselin

P.S.  All of the back issues of this Newsletter are available online Click here.




Live with intention,
Walk to the edge,
Listen hard,
Practice wellness,
Play with abandon,
Laugh,
Choose with no regret,
Continue to learn,
Appreciate your friends,
Do what you love,
Live as if this is all there is,

"Mary Anne Radmacher"


1. New website "diabetic education"

Dr. Rene Asselin has joined up with dlife to offer a website devoted to the prevention, management, and treatment of patients with diabetes.

Click HERE


2. Health Search Engine

 


3. NEW website section!

We've added a new section to our website entitle "Patient Education".  This section will be loaded with educational resources.

Need to brush up on your clinical anatomy?  Check out this new section today.

Clink Here; Patient Education

Some of the information will be password protected for clients of the clinic only.  Your doctor or therapist will provide you with the appropriate passwords.

Let us know what you think of the new section;

Email; info@synergywellnesscentre.com

___________________________________________

Personal Training On the WEB
 

Dr Rene Asselin 

Please note; If you would like access to Dr. Asselin's website geared towards Strength and Conditioning please follow this link:

This newsletter is also updated monthly.  If you have a request for another topic feel free to send us an email; info@synergywellnesscentre.com

 

Overtraining
by Brad Walker

"Not giving your body
the rest it needs may lead to a
sports injury disaster! "
            

This month we're going to have a look at the difference between being just a little tired or on a down-cycle, and being legitimately run down or over tired. It’s important to be able to tell the difference if you want to stay injury free. Nothing will put a stop to your fitness goals more quickly than not being able to recognize when you’re legitimately run down and over tired.

Read More.......

                   

Unified Theory
of Nutrition
"A calorie is NOT a calorie"
  by: Will Brink

                            

One school, I would say the 'old school' of nutrition, maintains weight loss or weight gain is all about calories, and "a calorie is a calorie," no matter the source (e.g., carbs, fats, or proteins). They base their position on various lines of evidence to come to that conclusion.

The other school, I would call more the 'new school' of thought on the issue, would state that gaining or losing weight is really about where the calories come from (e.g., carbs, fats, and proteins), and that dictates weight loss or weight gain. Meaning, they feel, the "calorie is a calorie" mantra of the old school is wrong. They too come to this conclusion using various lines of evidence.

Read More.......

 

For more articles please visit;
Synergy Member's Area Online

 

 


 
Contour Twist

Pillow


 

This pillow twists to conform to your neck and shoulders.  It's versatile and can be used to support your lower back or neck while driving, while sitting on your sofa watching tv, or on airplane rides.  The options are virtually endless.

The pillow helps to support the natural curve of both your neck and lower back.  In essence helping to relieve chronic muscle and joint pain while reducing your risk for injury.

If you're suffering from chronic neck, shoulder, or lower back pain give the contour twist pillow a try.  It's relatively inexpensive and can be used in a variety of situations.

These pillows can be purchased online in Canada through Interwood Canada

The pillow is constructed of memory foam and consists of a soft velour cover that can be removed for cleaning.  There is a fully articulating internal link system that can be twisting and held into numerous positions.

NOTE:  If you're buying the pillow for the bonus FREE pair of slippers, don't bother making the purchase.  The slippers are really not that great.  However, for $29.99 the pillow is well worth the price on it's own.

If you have any questions with regards to the product please don't hesitate to contact the clinic.  There is a pillow in the clinic that you're more than welcome to come tryout before you decide on a purchase.

Sincerely,
Dr. Rene Asselin

(705) 446-5828 --Collingwood

(705) 732-4334 --Penetanguishene

email: drrene@bmts.com

 




The Next Creatine ??


"Beta Alanine"
 

*Increases anaerobic threshold (muscular endurance)

*Increases aerobic threshold (endurance in general)

*Increases physical work capacity

*Increases lean mass

*Increases intercellular carnosine levels dramatically in both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles

*Decreases body fat (possibly)

Read More..............

                                                                                     
Controversial Discussions

Let us no what you think?  Speak out in our online Forum.  If you have any comments or questions regarding any of these topics consider discussing them in our online forum.  Click here and sign up today.

                



Sunflower
Greens
 

I bet you can't just eat one!

Sunflower greens are baby sunflower plants that are grown from sunflower seeds.  They're usually grown for a period of 7-8 days and then harvested while still tender.

Sunflower greens are often confused with sunflower sprouts.  Sunflower sprouts are produced by soaking sunflower seeds for 1-2 days and then allowing them to germinate / sprout.  In order to produce sunflower greens, these sprouts must be planted in soil and allowed to grow for another 7-8 days, or until they reach 2-3 inches in height. 

Nutritional Information

Sunflower greens are a rich source of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and plant based amino acids (protein building blocks).

Growing - The Basics -

Step One-Sprouting

Soak food grade hulled sunflower seeds in water overnight. Drain water and allow to sprout for 1-2 days, or until tiny roots begin to emerge.  Using a glass jar with a plastic screen for sprouting will save you a lot of work.


 

Step Two-Planting

Sunflower greens can be grown indoors on plastic trays, cafeteria trays, or seedling trays sold at a local nursery.  Preferable the tray would be about 1-2 inches in height.

Add 1 inch of potting soil or seedling mix to your trays (chemical & fertilizer FREE).  For added nutrients you may want to add a small amount of lime (rock dust), and/or kelp powder to the soil.

Transfer the sprouted seeds to your trays and spread / sprinkle them evenly over the soil.  DO NOT COVER THE SEEDS WITH SOIL.  Gently water or spray the trays with water and allow to sit in a dark environment for 2-3 days, or until the roots begin to plunge into the soil and the plants begin to emerge.

Step Three- Growing

Uncover the seedling and expose them to direct sunlight, or place them under a full-spectrum lighting system.  Lightly water or spray daily until greens are about 2-3 inches in height. 

Step Four- Harvesting

Harvest the greens before a second set of leaves start to develop.  Once the second set of leaves develop the greens become bitter tasting.  Harvest the greens by cutting them with scissors at the base of the stem.  You may have to manually shake, or remove some of the hard shells from the green leaves if any remain.


NOTE:  For detailed instructions and for a Canadian distributor of food grade seeds and sprouting equipment visit;


MUMS SPROUTING SEEDS


Buying

Unfortunately, sunflower greens are hard to come by in our area (simcoe county, grey bruce county, etc.).  However, they are easy to grow at home.  The greens you grow at home will not only save you money but they'll be a whole lot fresher.

Serving Ideas

Sunflower greens can be added onto a salad, toped onto a sandwich, blended into a green smoothies, or simply eaten by themselves.

Enjoy !


____________________________


 Portion Control




Figure 1:
 

  1. Fill 1/2 of your plate with colorful vegetables; carrots, tomatos, broccoli, purple cabbage, red peppers, kale, etc.

    Note:  In the morning for breakfast you can always substitute your veggies with fruit; apples, oranges, bananas, mangoes, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, melons, etc.  Just make sure you include some protein, and a little fat; yogurt, whey powder, nuts, seeds, flax powder, wheat germ, rice polishings, etc.

     
  2. Fill 1/4 of the plate with protein (lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, tofu, etc.).

     
  3. Fill 1/4 of the plate with whole grains; brown rice, quinoa, barley, whole grain pasta, etc. 

    Note: I also include certain starchy vegetables into the whole grain section; sweet potatoes, potatoes, winter squash, etc.  I base this on the available carbohydrate content.

     

 


                                       Printer Friendly Version

Green Smoothies



Green Drinks or smoothies can be made with a variety of ingredients.  Green smoothies are a great way to add vital nutrients into your diet.  Smoothies contain the entire fruit or vegetable, unlike many fruit and vegetable juices.  They have more fiber, and they retain the food closest to it's natural / original state.  Green smoothies are a great way to introduce or disguise vegetables for small children.

Your children will love these recipes

Ingredients 

1.  Popeye's gone banana's

Ingredients; 1 large banana, 3 large handfuls of spinach, and 1 cup of strawberries

2.  Apple Zester

Ingredients; 2 apples, 2 large handfuls of kale, half lemon

3. Mangolian Parsely

Ingredients; 2 mongoes (peeled and cored), 1 large bunch of parselely

4. Blueberry Romaine

Ingredients; 1 cup of blueberries, 1 banan, 1/2 head of romaine lettue.

Note:  all recipes serves approximately two people

Instructions 

Wash all produce thoroughly, peel fruit when needed, and blend.  The options are endless.   Simply use your imagination and make your own creations.


Online Nutritional Calculator

Note:  If you would like to find out the specific nutritional breakdown of this or any meal, please visit; www.nutritiondata.com and use their pantry calculator

Enjoy !

Need a Blender???

If your shopping for a blender you may want to add a VITA MIX blender on your WISH LIST


 

 ___________________________________________________

 

 


 

Depression

1.  Get adequate sleep every night (7-8 hrs)
 
2. Maintain adequate hydration (lots of H2O)

2.  Eat a balanced healthy diet;
*Consume 5-10 servings of fruit and vegetables per day (use color as your guide).
*Include a serving of dark leafy vegetables in your daily vegetable intake; kale, collard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, etc.
*Includes foods rich in essential fatty acids--fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines), flax seed oil, walnuts, etc.)
*Include foods rich in selenium; wheat germ, brewers yeast, liver, fish, shellfish, garlic, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, and whole grains.
*Reduce your saturated fat content from animal products; beef, pork, high fat dairy, etc.

3.  Get regular physical activity.
 
  
*Cardiovascular / aerobic activity.
    
*Strength / weight training.
    
*Flexibility training.

4.  Consider relaxation training.
      
*Yoga
       
*Meditation
        
*Tai Chi
 
4.  Consider forms of psychotherapy
        
*Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
 
5.  Limit alcohol use
 

Targeted Nutraceuticals "Supplement Considerations"

1.  High potency multi-vitamin & mineral formula
     
*containing 400-800 mg folate (B9), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and selenium

2.  Fish oil / essential FA supplement (EPA/DHA)
     
 
*serotonin and dopamine balance

3.  SAMe
      
*appears to help boost serotonin levels
    
 
CAUTION:  it's best to avoid SAMe if you're
        taking other antidepressant medication.

4. 5-HTP
     
*precursor to tryptophan that may help boost the
        production of serotonin

5. St-Johns Wart
      *
       CAUTION:  avoid taking this herb with other medication;
indinivir (a pretease inhibitor used for HIV), oral contraceptives, theophylline, warfarin, digoxin, reserpine, cyclosporine, loperamide).

6. Valerian Root

 The China Study

The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health


by: John Robbins

According to the New York Times, this book is based on “… findings from the most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease.”  The china study was one of the top selling books on amazon with an average rating 4.5 on a scale of 5 stars. 

After reading the book I had mixed thoughts.  I've posted a few book reviews for you to get of sense of what's out there on the internet.  Personally I was disappointed with the shortcomings of the research studies.  I'm also concerned that there may be somewhat of a hidden agenda being some of the research.

Weston Price Foundation;  THUMBS DOWN  Click here

Steve Pavlina; THUMBS UP Click here

I'm still a proponent of consuming whole unprocessed foods; fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts & seeds, whole grains, and lean meats.  I think we have a bigger issue to battle then whether or not to include animal protein in our diets.  Look at the average grocery cart exiting your local supermarket; loaded with refined white breads, pastry's, donuts, chips, pop, cookies, ice cream, processed meats, etc.  Look at the amount of physical activity that's in our lives, not much.  We spend more time googling, driving, and sitting at desks than ever before. I can also never understand how much time highly intellectual individuals spend arguing over mundane issues such as animal protein, high carb, low carb, etc., when there are bigger issues to tackle.

I don't know, maybe it's just me???

Happy Reading!

Dr. Rene Asselin
Synergy Health & Wellness Centre
Collingwood & Penetanguishene ON.

(705) 446-5828, (705) 734-4334

amazon.ca

NEXT MONTH's REVIEW;
The Paleo Diet
"Should we eat like our ancestors???"

                                                          


 
--Overpronation--

The resultant kinetic chain imbalances

The short foot position is utilized to aid in the restoration of normal foot functioning.  Over-pronation is a common foot problem that may lead to a variety of disorders in the foot, lower leg, knees, lower back, hips, and in the neck and shoulders.  One often overlooked area in terms of foot functioning is exercise therapy.  All to often, foot beds, custom orthotics, or specialised shoes are used as the sole treatment.  It's my opinion that foot orthotics, specialized shoes, and foot beds should be used as an adjunct to exercise therapy.  The following few exercises will give you a brief introduction into exercises that can be used to help promote optimal foot mechanics.   

1. Short Foot Exercises

                

                                                  Figure 1- relaxed arch                 Figure 2- short foot position                                     Instructions:  

1) First roll slightly to the outside edge of your foot by gently externally rotating your lower leg while you keep the base of your big toe and inside heel planted firmly on the ground. 

2) Then try to increase the amount of space under your arch by tightening the muscles of the arch.  Avoid griping with the toes, or curling the toes under.  Try to imaging grabbing sand between the ball of your and heel.


2. Gastroc & Soleus / Achilles Tendon Stretches

              

Figure 1- Gastroc Stretch                         Figure 2- Soleus / Achilles Tendon Stretch
 

3. Plantar Fascia Self Mobilization "Tennis Ball Release"

 Instructions:  Simply place a tennis ball under the sole of your foot
 and start rubbing out the tender spots.

4. Single leg squat (with short foot position)


 


Professionally Designed Exercise Programs



Dr. Rene Asselin
(DC, BPHE, CSCS, ART, RTP)

If you require more help and would like to be placed on an individualized exercise program to help restore posture, reduce pain, and improve performance, contact Dr. Rene Asselin today.  Dr. Asselin designs exercise programs for patients of all ages and activity levels.  The exercise program can be designed to be performed at home with little to no equipment, or it can be designed to be performed at your local gym or training centre.

If you're a competitive athlete, and would like Dr. Asselin to analyse your existing program and make suggestions with regards to safety, injury prevention, and performance, simply bring in a copy of your existing program and be prepared to demonstrate some of your exercise routine on your initial visit.

Sign up today;   Collingwood; (705) 446-5828
                          Penetaguishene;
(705) 734-4334


 

 

                                                        
                                                                           
  Disclaimer

No individuals, including those under our active care, should use the information, resources or tools contained within to self-diagnose or self-treat any health-related condition. The material provided on this site is for educational purposes only and any recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of your physician. It is important that you do not reduce, change, or discontinue any medication or treatment without consulting your physician first, or other qualified primary health care provider.

All information provided in this newsletter, including external links to other sites, do not necessarily reflex the views of Dr. Asselin or the clinic at large.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the information present in any of our newsletter or online website please content Dr. Asselin (info@synergywellnesscentre.com)
 

 

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