Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A Pretty Fly Way to Be Well
8:16 PM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
You
stand by the side of a slowly moving stream as it meanders over a set of
ripples established by the rocks in the riverbed. The bald eagle soars above as
it calls to its mate as they attempt to teach their eaglet how to catch fish to
eat. A river otter swims by as it curiously bobs its head up and down in wonder
of what you are doing in its home. You smell the freshly cut alfalfa and feel
the gentle breeze brush across your face. You are the only person on the entire
stream, almost as if it is your own piece of wellness in the moment that is meant
just for you. This visualization is just a taste of what a basic fly fishing
experience can include should you choose to give it a try.
One of the most
important pieces to wellness that I encourage others to consider is to
progressively seek out new ways to develop their mind-body-spirit connections.
Fly fishing is one activity that can arguably improve all three areas of health
simultaneously.
Fly
fishing is a form of fishing that involves the use of a rod and reel
combination that allows the fisherperson to imitate specific prey items to lure
fish into biting. The premise of this form of fishing is to observe insects in-
and outside of the water and then cast a similar-looking hand-crafted fly to
catch the desired species. Many people associate fly fishing to trout, thanks
in large part to A River Runs Through It,
where trout fishing is a main component in the character’s lives. However,
it is possible to catch fish ranging in size from a farm pond bluegill to
sharks while fly fishing.
While
it is always a terrific feeling to come home with a limit of trout after having
an experience similar to what was explained in the opening paragraph, it is not
the fish that draws me to fly fishing, but instead it is the process. The
process involves a significant connection of mind, body, and spirit while
feeling as though you are part of something much bigger. Your wellness too, can
stem from maintaining a sense of complete tranquility that leads to a humbling
interaction with nature and all of its wonders while fly fishing.
Mark Maule
Health and Wellness Instructor
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
3:26 AM |
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
By: Renee Gosselin, MS MBA RD
Nutrition Instructor
Nutrition Instructor
I have always been very concerned with the
food supply and engineering that occurs with our foods. I think back to sitting
in my biochemistry lab in undergraduate school and being stunned at the other
students thinking it was great that we could take DNA and manipulate it to a
different hybrid food to eat. I have continued to notice that genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) are being discussed with the public. It is very important for
the public to have a basic understanding of what is a GMO and what to look for
how to read a label in relationship to a GMO.
Generally speaking, genetically modified
organisms can be plants/animals that have been genetically altered by
engineering. These species cannot occur naturally in the environment. There has been talk of health and environment
problems due to GMO foods in the United States. In many countries, GMO have been
banned for decades. The majority of foods are modified and possibly up to about
80% of foods have GMO products found within them.
Foods that have been identified as high
risk GMO foods are but are not limited to:
·
Corn
·
Canola
·
Soy
·
Sugar Beets
·
Zucchini
·
Yellow Squash
Additionally, some common foods that have
been genetically modified within the last 20 years include tomatoes, potatoes,
salmon, and pigs.
You ask, how do I know if something is GMO
free? Currently, there are some labels to look for on a food package. Additionally, organic food may not utilize
GMO products. Farmers must prove their crops/animals are GMO free if they are
claiming the food is organic.
Overall, GMO products are continuing to be in the
spotlight and concerns are being addressed by many.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Massage Therapy and Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massage
2:24 PM |
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
Written by: Renee Gosselin, MS MBA RD
Kaplan Nutrition Instructor
I have always been a believer in the healing
of the body through relaxation techniques and massage. Currently, my massage
therapist offers the options to have regular deep tissue massage or Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massage. On a personal note, I have now been a client receiving massage therapy for over 8 years and I have noticed a huge improvement after an injury. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massage has allowed for an even deeper tissue massage for myself so I decided to share the details in case it maybe an option for you or a loved one. So
what can massage therapy do for you and what is Ashiatsu you ask?
Massage
therapy can be utilized for many different reasons including but not limited to:
relaxation, injury, sports injury, and stress reduction. Massage has also been known to help with
anxiety, digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, and more. There are multiple types of massage including Swedish,
deep tissue, sports massage, and trigger point.
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massage is a type of massage that utilizes
the bare feet to apply pressure to the back and side area. In general, there
are ceiling bars that a licensed massaged therapist that is trained in Ashiatsu
hangs from to apply pressure to the back/side area. Specific techniques of applying pressure to certain areas of the body are administered. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massage is known to release stress,
help with posture and treat spinal problems. Gravity allows for deep tissue
work to occur it this type of massage.
Overall massage therapy can allow for relaxation and healing at the same time.
*** When
choosing a licensed massage therapist, do your research and find one
that is right for you. Additionally, consult with your doctor before receiving
any treatment.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Gearing up for May - Celiac Awareness Month
2:30 AM |
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
By: Renee Gosselin, MS MBA RD
With May right around the corner, I have had an increase in questions about gluten
free products and the meal plans in general. Gluten free continues to be the
main treatment for Celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease
where gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. Gluten and gluten byproducts must not be
eaten and individuals must be very aware of possible cross contamination.
Ingredients
that should be avoided include but are not limited are:
· *
Wheat
· *
Rye
· *
Triticale
· *
Barley
·
- Many byproducts such as malt
At times, people may assume that if you are gluten free you
cannot have many of your favorite baked goods. However, there are many
different recipes that can provide excellent alternatives for the traditionally
made baked products. Here is one of my
favorites that a small portion can be eaten when eating those once in a while
treats that utilizes garbanzo beans
Garbanzo Bean Chocolate cake
*** make sure to check all of the labels of any ingredients
to make sure there are no additives that have gluten/gluten byproducts in them
4 eggs
1 - 19 oz can garbanzo
beans – drain and rinsed
½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (I like to use 80% or more
dark chocolate and I just chop it up into smaller pieces)
¾ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup fresh raspberries
-
Oven is preheated to 350 degrees F
-
Grease pan approximately 9” or 10” pan
-
Place chocolate in microwave for 1 ½ to 2
minutes – stirring every 15 seconds until chocolate is melted (or use double
boiler if available) –
-
Place beans and eggs in food processor until a smooth texture – add sugar and baking
powder – utilize pulse function – pour in melted chocolate and blend
-
Pour mixture into greased pan
-
Bake for approximately 40 minutes in oven or
until knife inserted in cake comes out clean
-
Cool on rack for 10 minutes or more
-
Place fresh raspberries on top to taste
Friday, April 18, 2014
Lawn treats
9:04 PM |
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
By: Mary Oleksowicz, MSTOM , L.Ac
- Arugula
- Radicchio
- Collards
- Kale
- Endive
- Escarole
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Watercress
- Red or green mustard greens
I enjoy
harvesting spring greens not only from my garden but from my lawn and backyard
as well . LAWN ?!?! That’s right I said
lawn. Many spring greens are considered weeds by most. However they can be
harvested from pesticide and herbicide free areas with little effort. Examples
of these would include:
- Nettles
- Dandelion greens
- Sorrel
While traditionally,
many of these plants would be harvested in late March or early April, the long
winter that much of the United States has encountered has delayed the growing
season.
Harvesting
nettles is the most difficult of the greens listed here. You would need sturdy
leather gloves as the plant tends to “sting” when touched with bare hands.
You would also need scissors and protective clothing
on as nettles grow in areas that may have dense weeds. Nettles are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and histamine all of which are
helpful components in assisting the body during the spring allergy season. Look
for tender young plants, put on your gloves, and cut off only the upper leaves
(no larger than about 3” wide).Check the undersides of the leaves for absence of white spittle and cut the leaves
from the stems as you go. Plants should be no higher than your knees in order
to be young enough to harvest. One
shopping bag full is often enough for a soup or lasagna base.
Dandelions are much easier to harvest. The
entire plant is edible but in the spring the tender basal rosettes provide the
cleansing benefits we associate with spring greens without the bitterness of
older leaves. Roots if harvested can
also be roasted and used as tea. I enjoy the tender leaves sautéed with garlic
and olive oil or placed into salad mix to contrast the natural sweetness of
other greens.
One
of my favorite “lawn” treats is common wood sorrel. Many people would refer to
the common wood sorrel as a “shamrock”. Eating these plants increases vitamin C
Historically,
it was used to treat scurvy, fevers, and sore throats. There are no
poisonous look-alikes. Clover is often mistaken for wood sorrel but
clover is not poisonous. So this is a great starter plant to forage for those
who are not brave of heart. The addition
of dandelion, sorrel and even clover can
definitely add a wonderful twist to your salad this weekend.
Harvesting dandelions
and sorrel can be a wonderful family activity and adds an interesting
conversation to the dinner table. I hope that the weather is nice enough this
weekend, so you and your loved ones can enjoy harvesting fresh spring greens
together!!
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