Food has lost a great deal of its value in our society; genetically modified, pesticide laden, adulterated with preservatives, food coloring and artificial flavors, then packaged and shipped over hundreds of miles over several days…all the while losing much of its nutritional value and picking up harmful toxic chemicals in the process.  There are however, at least two things we can do to limit our consumption of these foods – eating locally and eating seasonally.  

Eating seasonally means eating the foods that grow in the present season.  So eating seasonally also ideally means eating locally – eating foods grown as close to you as possible, whether grown in your own backyard, a local community plot, or bought at your local farmer’s market. There are many benefits to eating locally. Because local foods travel shorter distances, they are fresher and therefore contain more nutrients and are richer in flavour.  And with shorter distances to travel and the conservation of green spaces for farm land, local food leaves less of a carbon footprint.  Eating locally also supports local economy by supporting local farmers.  Increased food safety is also another benefit.  A shorter distance between your food's source and your plate, and knowing where your food comes from and who grows it, all decrease the chances of contamination. 

Eating with the seasons means more variety in your diet, as well. Not only does a varied diet make for more interesting and creative meals, but it also increases the range of nutrients you receive from your diet. And finally, seasonal foods naturally cater to the needs of your body with the change of seasons, while promoting the function of different organs. For example, in the winter, many root and hardier vegetables that were harvested in the late fall must be cooked to be eaten, which is perfect for keeping you warm in the cold months.  While in the spring, vegetables like dandelion greens are in season.  These bitter greens stimulate the liver and kidneys, helping to promote detoxification – a process to be undertaken ideally in the gentle spring weather as the temperature begins to rise.

With so many benefits for you and your community, why not challenge yourself to eat seasonally and eat locally this year? To help you get started, here is a list of foods you’ll find in season this spring!

Sensational Spring Produce available in Southern Ontario:

 Check out our next blog post for a spring-inspired recipie! Fresh Dandelion Greens with Roasted Squash and Toasted Hazelnuts  

Article Written By Dr.Vanessa Youssef, ND  Our new addition to Hillcrest Centre for Health - St Clair West!

Ingredients

1 small acorn or butternut squash
1 bunch dandelion greens, washed, dried and torn
1 cup unsalted, raw hazelnuts
1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon coconut oil, divided
3 tablespoons liquid honey, divided
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon plus one pinch cinnamon, divided
1 teaspoon plus one pinch paprika, divided
1 teaspoon plush one pinch chili powder, divided
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat oven to 375 F. Rinse and dry squash and cut in half lengthwise.

Scrape out seeds (transfer these to a bowl and reserve for later) and cut each half into wedges. Arrange on a parchment paper– lined baking sheet. Dot each wedge with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil divided and season with 1 teaspoon of each spice, and salt and pepper, then drizzle 2 tablespoons honey over wedges.

Next, remove any pieces of squash from the reserved seeds and dry with paper towel. Toss with the remaining teaspoon of coconut oil, pinch of cinnamon, paprika, and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper.  Spread seeds on a second baking sheet.

Transfer both the squash and the seeds to the oven. Roast the seeds for 5-10 mins, or until crisp and golden. Roast the squash for 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant and their skins begin to crack (about 10 minutes). Allow to cool slightly before chopping them coarsely and setting aside.

In a small bowl, combine remaining honey with oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and mix until honey dissolves.

To assemble salad, toss dandelion greens with dressing in a large bowl. Divide among 6 small plates, arranging one or two squash wedges atop the greens. Sprinkle with squash seeds and hazelnuts. Enjoy!

Modified from Bonny Reichert’s recipe found here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/recipes/fresh-dandelion-greens-with-roasted-squash-and-cracked-hazelnuts/article6818634/

We are super excited to announce we have created a new meetup group for the St Clair West and Port Credit community! Our group Healthy People. Healthy Living. Healthy Community. aims to spread awareness and knowledge of different topics related to health. Our events will be hosted by our Naturopathic Doctors at both Hillcrest Centre for Health locations and there will be no cost associated with most events.

Events will be focused on the topics of : Nutrition · Holistic Health · Alternative Health & Wellness · Natural Health ·Naturopathic Medicine · Health and Support · Natural Fertility · Healthy Lifestyle · Acupuncture · Stress Management & Relaxation · Herbal Medicine · Women's Health and Wellness· Exercise · Cancer · Allergies · Immunity · Children's Health · and much more!

What is a Meetup group?
Meetup is a great service that allows groups to create and post events. It helps create a local community of people who have shered interests. 

How do I join?
Go to our Meetup page and register today! www.meetup.com/Healthy-People-Healthy-Living-Healthy-Community/


We have our Spring talks and community detox up already so register before spots fill up!

Join us on Saturday November 10th for our annual open house and customer appreciation.

All events are free. Enjoy a custom blended smoothie with your selection of nutritional Superfoods. Blendtecs provided courtesy of EcoExistence. 

Enjoy seminars presented by our experts as well as massage and acupuncture demonstrations. Raffles, goodie bags, product samples and taste testing available throughout the day!

Learn to read your body!  Presented by Drs Nicole Henry, ND & Alexandra Hurtado, ND
Ever wondered what those white spots on your nails or that pink tip on your meant? Find out Our Naturopathic Doctors will guide you through an interactive lesson on reading what your body may be trying to tell you. 11am

Smoothie Superfoods! Presented by Johana Orrego, CNP, RNCP
Join our Nutritionist as we make & taste some delicious power-packed smoothies, learn what’s so special
about our secret ingredients and how you too can start your day off with an easy energy boost! 12 pm

Massage Demos- Adam D'Andrea, RMT
Enjoy a 15 minute stress- busting chair massage with our very talented Registered Massage Therapist 11am-1pm

Community Acupuncture Demos-  Drs Nicole Henry, ND & Alexandra Hurtado, ND
Experience acupuncture in this revolutionary new group setting. We are please to present the launch of this new model of health care. The benefits of having acupuncture in a group setting include reduced fees based on a sliding scale as practitioner time is shared, being able to heal with family or friends and being part of a warm a friendly healing community! Visit www.thecommunityclinic.ca for more info. 1:30-3:30pm

All events are free! Don’t miss our raffles, gifts, custom smoothie bar, product samples, taste testing and more!

Space is limited. Reserve your spot via e-mail, facebook or phone.

Please indicate which activities you would like to make a reservation for. See you there!


Hillcrest Centre For Health
832 St Clair Ave W ( at Atlas)
info@hillcresthealthcentre.com    
Tel: 416-651-6602     

Join us for a movie night out! 


We will be screening “Food Matters” the controversial documentary which sets about uncovering the trillion dollar worldwide 'sickness industry' and gives people some scientifically verifiable solutions for overcoming illness naturally.

Stay afterward for a short discussion with our panel of experts: 
Naturopathic Doctors Nicole Henry,ND & Alexandra Hurtado, ND as well as our Nutritionist Johana Orrego,RHN. 

Complimentary snacks will be provided! 

Friday November 9th, 7pm - 9pm Hillcrest Centre for Health 
832 St Clair Ave W.
Learn more about the film at :www.foodmatters.tv

Space is limited. Facebook us or e-mail info@hillcresthealthcentre.com to reserve your spot.

See you there!

Now that the warmer weather is here people are out and about being more active!  While exercise is fantastic for your overall health, injury, whether by overuse or by chance is an unfortunate possibility.

Injury from activity can occur in the soft tissue (commonly muscles, ligaments and tendons) – for example a sprained ankle or muscle strain, or bone. Depending on the nature of the injury, sometimes the internal organs may be involved as well.  In the case of a soft tissue injury, taking a few steps on your own can help to decrease pain and speed healing time.

What happens when an injury occurs?

Repeated exercise commonly produces low level of damage to the muscles, which is necessary to stimulate the muscle to respond and grow stronger.  However, when the stimulus is greater than the body’s ability to respond, injury can occur. Following an injury a whole cascade of events begins, resulting in the signs of inflammation that we recognize – heat, pain, redness, swelling, and in some cases, loss of movement of the affected part. The body does this to begin healing the tissue.  When the inflammation is prolonged or increased this is where problems can arise.

The main goals in treating an injury to prevent damage are to address the injury as soon as possible and when necessary seek medical attention (to rule out fractures and more serious damage).

The acronym ‘PRICE’ describes the most common way to treat an acute injury:

Protection: to avoid further damage to the area

Rest: to avoid further damage in the initial stages of healing

Ice: to help decrease pain and inflammation

Compression: using pressure or a bandage on the area, which helps to limit swelling

Elevation: ideally above the heart, to help limit swelling

In addition, some natural anti-inflammatory agents can be used (check with your health care provider first): e.g. tumeric, ginger and other plant-based enzymes. Foods containing omega-3 fats (fatty fish (e.g. wild salmon, sardines, herring), flaxseed, chia seeds), green tea, and darkly coloured fruits such as blueberries are also inflammation fighters.

Depending on the extent of your injury, you may need additional help from a health professional to return to your fully functional glory! Additional therapies such as massage, acupuncture, ultrasound, hydrotherapy and graduated exercise are useful and may be warranted.

Ultimately, the best way to deal with an injury is to prevent one, so be sure to play safe while having fun!

Article Written By Dr. Nicole Henry      
Follow her on Twitter @Henry_ND

When soap started being marketed  as "anti-microbial"  it took a turn from being a tool for keeping us healthy by keeping germs away, to being a detriment to our health by creating a sterile environment and antibiotic- resistant bacteria.  

In order to be marketed as antimicrobial, heavy duty bacteria-busting chemicals must be added. Sadly these additives, like Triclosan have become common household items, found in soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Triclosan was created over 40 years ago as a disinfectant for hospitals, and its use has become so prevalent in our society that a survey done by the CDC found it present in the urine of over 75% of Americans age 5 and over! 

Triclosan has been claimed to be an endocrine disruptor and its use can also eradicate the good bacteria that lives on our skin as well as the bad! This takes a toll on our immune system and unnecessarily creates bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. 

Authors Smith & Lourie warned about Triclosan in "Slow Death by Rubber Duck", as did the CMA in 2009, and now Health Canada is finally taking heed, planning to finalize its risk assesment of the chemical (along with phtalates, flame retardants and others) in the next few years.

In the meantime, I encourage you all to avoid use of anti- microbial soaps, detergents, etc. Read your labels carefully, especially deodorant & toothpaste! Opt for natural, chemical-free products where you can. Sadly this is only one of the toxic ingredients out there, there are many more!  

For more information on Triclosan & Anti-Microbial soaps check out the following:
Common toothpaste additive triclosan to be deemed toxic to environment - Environmental Defence bit.ly/H9SAQa
"Should antibacterial soap be outlawed?" -Discovery Health http://bit.ly/H9QLCI 
"Triclosan, an Antibacterial Chemical, Raises Safety Issues" - NYTimes.com http://nyti.ms/HMTYwv 
"Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky?"- Oxford Journal  http://bit.ly/hcJ1hR 
"Are Antimicrobial Soaps Breeding Tougher Bugs?"- Washington Post  http://wapo.st/HMV37p
Slow Death by Rubber Duck- Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie


Post written by: Alexandra Hurtado, ND