Tough food controls in anti-obesity bill

A bill giving the Government sweeping powers to combat obesity could lead to supermarkets being told where to place unhealthy food and restrictions on television advertising of junk food to children, critics say.

The Public Health Bill provides new ways for the Cabinet or the Director-General of Health to act against suspected causes of obesity.

Health groups are strongly backing the new provisions, but the advertising industry is lobbying politicians to amend the bill before it is passed.

National’s health spokesman, Tony Ryall, yesterday labelled features of the bill as “nanny state gone too far” and said it could result in stores being told where to place items such as wine and cheese and restrictions on the sale of some products near schools.

It could also have implications for fast-food sponsorships.

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Government Of Canada Announces New Food And Drugs Act Liaison Office

The Government of Canada today announced the official opening of the Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office (FDALO) to deal with issues concerning the Food and Drugs Act.

“The new Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office is part of a series of initiatives designed to modernize and strengthen Canada’s safety system for food, health and consumer products,” said Minister Clement, Minister of Health. “Like the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan announced on December 17, 2007, the new office will also serve to fulfil our Government’s commitment to continuously improve its accountability mechanisms when it comes to matters pertaining to the Food and Drugs Act.”

The Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office will provide an independent and confidential resource for the public when they are experiencing problems with the regulatory process or with the application of policies or procedures under the Food and Drugs Act.

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Superfoods for your Brain

We’ve all had days when we didn’t feel like we were ‘on our game.’ And as we age, both our bodies and our brains grow old as well.  By making smart food choices though, we can preserve our precious gray matter longer and improve brain function.  Here are some brainy choices for keeping our noggins in tip-top shape.
Blueberries have been shown to shield the brain from stress, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.   Research has also shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills.
Avocados, though considered a ‘fatty fruit,’ contribute to healthy blood flow and decreased blood pressure, lessening the chances of developing hypertension, which can lead to a stroke.

Korean food promotion at Seoul Garden

KUCHING: Have a memorable dining experience of Korean food at Seoul Garden restaurant where prices are reasonable and the setting comfortable.

The restaurant, located at Central Park Commercial Centre (behind Astro Building) is now promoting several dishes namely Korean-style pork leg, shabu shabu beef, pork and seafood, pajeon green onion pancake and kimchi pancake.

It opens from 10am to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 10pm daily.

For reservation and enquiries, just call them at 082-424870.

The shabu shabu beef, pork or seafood, depending on customer’s choice, is something like steamboat where patrons can enjoy their meal hot and fresh.

Steven Lee said the pajeon green onion pancake, made of egg, wheat and rice flour batter pan, is fried with green onions, chives, prawn and squid, oyster and many other ingredients.

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Superfoods that Squash Stress

Life has a way of getting the best of us some days.  Whether it’s working too many hours, shuffling your kids all over town for their activities, taking care of your household, or dealing with personal or family matters, stress can take its toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  But there are simple steps you can take to combat stress, starting with the foods you eat.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is a good start when life’s particularly stressful.  Stimulants and depressants like these can both zap your energy and rob you of the fuel you need to successfully cope with tension.  Sugary foods should also be avoided as well, as they cause your blood sugar levels to spike then dip rapidly, which can in turn make your energy levels spike and dip at the same rate.

Health plan is a boost for seniors

FITCHBURG — Seniors on Medicaid have a new option when it comes to health care, according to John Baakes, CEO of Senior Whole Health.

“We started to give seniors better home care and make going to a nursing home less likely,” Baakes said.

The company acts similarly to an HMO for seniors on MassHealth, but it is completely free, Baakes said.

The company now is making a push in the Fitchburg and Leominster area, Baakes said. Senior Whole Health has fewer than 5,000 seniors signed up throughout the state, with 300 in Worcester County, he said.

Baakes presented the Senior Whole Health plan Wednesday at the Fitchburg Senior Center to an audience of city leaders and health-care professionals.

State Sen. Robert Antonioni, D-Leominster, who introduced Baakes, said Senior Whole Health offers services local and state government programs cannot.

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Flush the Fat With Smart Food Choices

Flushing the fat? As crazy as the concept might sound, the Fat Flush Plan can help you reshape your body while detoxifying your system. This low-carbohydrate, three-phase diet regimen was created by nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S.

Phase 1 of the plan, called The Two-Week Fat Flush, lasts 14 days and is designed to jump-start weight loss. Phase 2, The Ongoing Fat Flush, helps you continue to lose weight, and Phase 3, The Lifestyle Eating Plan, focuses on maintenance.
The Fat Flush Plan was designed to increase metabolism, flush out bloat and to boost the fat burning process. At the core of the plan is the commitment to promote a balanced lifestyle and encourage simple healthy habits that seem to have gone by the wayside in our modern and hectic everyday life. Every aspect of each phase of the plan is focused on accomplishing this goal: helpful essential fats, amounts of protein, antioxidant-rich vegetables, moderate amounts of fruits, calorie-burning herbs and spices, cleansing diuretic beverages, exercise, journaling and even sleep are addressed.

Family health: Watch food choices no matter where your family eats

It is difficult to be sure that every family member eats the right things. A difference in age, schedules, preferences and health can lead to different food choices and different meal times.

Lack of time for home meals can lead to unhealthy eating. Families who share meals often eat healthier foods.

Toddlers can be stubborn about food. Many parents give picky eaters their favorite foods to keep peace. Many children eat just a few foods, such as macaroni and cheese, fries and hot dogs every day. This means they don’t get enough fruits and vegetables.

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Super Foods for Super Weight Loss

Experts say there are two basic categories of foods that can be considered “keeping it off superfoods” because they fill your tummy without piling on the calories: fruits and vegetables. And the nutrient that gives fruits and vegetables that ‘staying power?’ Fiber. So, if fruits and vegetables are the “keeping-it-off superfood groups,” fiber may well be the “keeping-it-off super-nutrient.”  Protein is another super-nutrient. It’s becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. Protein also offers staying power, and can slightly boost your metabolism in the process.  But it’s imperative that you choose your proteins wisely, because like all other foods, if you’re eating more than your body needs, it’ll show up on the scale as a gain, instead of a loss.
The following superfoods are smart, low-calorie choices that will benefit your weight loss efforts:
Green Tea – Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.

Film looks at disparity in health

Good health isn’t just about eating right and getting your exercise. It’s deeply linked to income levels and other social conditions, concludes a PBS documentary previewed by a group of local health care, advocacy group and community leaders Wednesday.

The four-hour documentary, titled “Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?” offers a broad look at the nation’s striking socioeconomic and racial disparities in health.

Despite being the world’s most prosperous country, America lags far behind other countries in terms of various measures of overall health. That gap derives largely from failed social policy and the concentration of income and resources among the affluent, the film concludes.

More than 100 invitees watched as the Washtenaw County Public Health Department previewed part one of the documentary Wednesday in the Michigan Theater, followed by a discussion led by a five-person panel of health care authorities and several community leaders.

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