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Why Green Tea?

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is (apparently) due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits.

Here’s a list of some of its amazing benefits — benefits that you may not have been aware of. Some of these benefits are still being debated, so please do your own research if you want to use green tea for medicinal purposes.

  1. Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
  2. Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
  3. Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
  4. Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
  5. Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
  6. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
  7. Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions
  8. Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
  9. Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
  10. Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.
  11. Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

How Much?

These are some of the many benefits but the reality is one cup of tea a day will not give you all the abundant gains. The jury is out on how many cups are necessary; some say as little as two cups a day while others five cups — and more still say you can drink up to ten cups a day. If you are thinking of going down this route, you may want to consider taking a green tea supplement instead (it would keep you out of the bathroom).

Another thing to point out is that there is caffeine in green tea — so if you are sensitive to caffeine then one cup should be your limit. Green tea also contains tannins (which can decrease the absorption of iron and folic acid), so if you are pregnant or trying to conceive then green tea may not be ideal for you. You can try mixing green tea with other healthy ingredients such as ginger.

For the rest of us with all these abundant benefits…it’s a wonder we drink anything else.

Written by: Ciara Conlon is author of “Chaos to Control,

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How to Avoid Aches and Pains When Traveling

How to Avoid Aches and Pains When Traveling How to avoid aches and pains when traveling starts with making sure that you plan ahead, make a to-do list and don’t wait till the last minute, this can lead to stress, which will lead to tension in the spine and shoulders, causing back pain and headaches.

When packing:

  • Choose luggage that fits you (sturdy case with wheels) and the  type of transport you will be using.
  • Select luggage that is not too heavy, as you will need to be able to lift it from the airport carousel, cars, buses, or trains
  • Place the luggage on a counter or bed, this will save you bending.
  • Pack light, and distribute your items between cases.

When Traveling:

  • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes for walking.
  • When carrying bags, don’t over-fill them, or separate into smaller bags and carry an even weight in each hand. If you have a backpack, even better as it will distribute the weight of your purchases.
  • Stop often to rest and exercise the shoulders by rolling them backwards and forwards.

During your travel:

  • Try not to sit for too long, and move around whenever you can to stretch your legs, back and shoulders
  • Stretches are extremely important and a lack of movement can lead to deep vein thrombosis, swollen legs and sore joints
  • Keep hydrated
  • Bring a cushion if you will be sleeping and try not to arch your neck to the left or right

When sitting down try these exercise:

  • Move your head in a circle, nice and slowly.
  • Roll your shoulders, forwards and backwards.
  • Stretch out your arms in front of you and circle your wrists gently, left then right.
  • Stretch out your legs and circle your ankles gently, left then right.
  • Place your hands on your armrests and raise your knees slowly towards your chin.

When you reach your final destination, that’s the perfect time to schedule a massage session to give you maximum mobility for your vacation and avoid the aches and pains from traveling.

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Programs | victoria health services

Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Programs have been shown to improve:

Fitness & Flexibility / Heart Rate / Blood Pressure Levels /Cholesterol Levels  / Blood Sugar Levels / Weight & Body Composition / Quality & Enjoyment of Life & reduce hospitalization / Stress Tolerance

Learn to exercise and monitor your own progress. Increase your confidence by working with staff who are trained as cardiac exercise specialists as well as your health care practitioners at Diversified Health Clinic.

 Program—12 weeks: with twice weekly supervised exercise sessions in a safe environment with an individual assessment & exercise prescription, aerobic and strength training, and informal risk factor information. You will be encouraged to do additional exercises on your own.

Is This Program For Me?

This program is of benefit to people who have had a heart event or who have risk factors such as:

High blood pressure / Abnormal cholesterol / Overweight / Diabetes /Smoking history / Inactivity / Stress / Lung & kidney disease

How Do I Start?

You need a referral or approval by your family doctor or specialist to attend. NOTE: a prior medical assessment by a physician will assist to develop an individualized exercise program. Contact one of the programs to help you start.

 Locations: For more information call

Henderson Recreation Centre 2291 Cedar Hill X Rd., Victoria P: 250–370-7200;

Panorama Recreation Centre 1885 Forest Park Dr., N. Saanich P: 250-655-2184;

Saanich Commonwealth Place 4636 Elk Lake Dr., Victoria P: 250-475-7619;

West Shore Parks 1767 Island Hwy., Victoria P: 250-474-8694;

YMCA-YWCA of Greater Victoria 851 Broughton St., Victoria P: 250-418-1843;

The program is recognized and recommended by physicians and follows the guidelines of the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, as well as the American College of Sports Medicine which is recognized world-wide as being the “gold standard ” in heart and lung exercise rehabilitation.

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Are your holiday decorations making you sick!

Are your holiday decorations making you sick! During the winter months most of us spend more time indoors, which exposes us to allergens and irritants like dust mites, pet dander, and household cleaners; and for individuals who suffer from allergies, this can make their lives miserable.

For most of us, the holiday decorations are up for several weeks during December collecting dust and mold spores and then are placed back in their boxes , only to collect more dust the next year.

To keep the allergens to a minimum, take the artificial greenery, including the tree, outside and give it a good shake (or vacuum) before packing it away.  Be sure to remove the dust from all other holiday decorations, with a quick wipe with a damp cloth.

Besides dust mites, mold spores can cause additional problems for allergy suffers, because mold spores can grow anywhere that has moisture and oxygen.

Here are some suggestions to keep mold and dust allergies in check during the winter months.

~Turn on exhaust fans when taking a shower to reduce humidity. When using a humidifier or dehumidifier make sure that you maintain an indoor humidity level of 30 – 40 percent.

~Use a HEPA vacuum to reduce pet allergens and remove dust mites.

~Change the furnace filters regularly, this will help prevent the recirculation of indoor pollutants such as dust mites.

~Wash sheets, including the pillow cases and pajamas in hot water to kill dust mites.

~Wash your hands after playing with pets, and avoid having your pets sleep on the bed.

~Check for signs of mold and identify areas that smell musty or may be at risk for mold growth, such as shower curtain or window frames.

If the allergy symptoms continue, talk to your health care practitioner about treatment options.

During the winter months, make a commitment to vacuum and dust at least twice a week, change the bed linen once a week, change your pillowcase twice a week, use eco-friendly cleaners and brush your pets 3 to 4 times a week. This commitment will keep the allergens in your home to a minimum, and ensure that your home is a happy and healthy place this holiday season.

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Changing the World in Your Pyjamas!

One of the greatest lessons you can teach your children is to always give more than you take. A great place to start, is to help a charity. This is an opportunity to make the holidays more meaningful for your family and teach your kids about giving back to the community.

First, find charities that are right for your family. Think of something you’ve read about that’s affected you, or an idea you’d really like to promote. You’re more likely to continue giving if you feel a connection to the cause. The charity you choose can be at the local, regional or national level.

Then decide what you’re going to do for this charity, donate money, time, or help with fundraising. Be creative…(that’s where the pajamas come in)

You can give to a charity and make a difference in the world from your computer, iPhone, or laptop. By clicking certain links online, you can help give to those in need. There are companies that make revenue from advertising on these charity pages. Advertisers pay per click, so you really are helping someone else by clicking the links or playing the games. Here are some examples to get you started!

care2.com –  one of the choices is – 100% of the donations raised go directly to the Jane Goodall Institute, which runs sanctuaries in Africa where orphaned chimpanzees can be cared for and given the chance to live reasonably full lives in spacious conditions.

charitii.com – This organization has dozens of “click charities” to choose from, such as a donation of 10 square inches of rainforest for each click.

freerice.com – For each answer you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program. Simply by answering trivia questions about word definitions you can make a difference.

So the next time you and your kids are caught in traffic or waiting for that commercial to end before the family movie starts…think about change the world in your pyjamas….it’s only a click away!

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Tips to choosing a health plan | victoria health services

health care plan optionsThere are many things to consider when choosing a plan. The more you know and understand what options are available, the more likely you are to find the right plan for you. Consider the following to help guide your decision when choosing coverage.

  1.  Do you have all the coverage you need?
    Provincial government health plans, (MSP and PharmaCare), cover only the basic medical needs such as a visit to your physician or hospital care. Supplementary health coverage includes medical services and supplies NOT covered by your provincial health care plans. This includes coverage for prescription drugs, medical equipment and supplies, select services from registered medical practitioners, vision care, dental care and more.
  2. Why do you need coverage even if you’re healthy?
    You need to obtain coverage before any unforeseen future accident or sickness since most individual health plans don’t cover the costs for conditions you have or may have had for a period of time prior to purchase.
  3. Does the health plan cover you while traveling?
    Even if your health plan includes some travel coverage, in most cases, it may not provide enough financial protection in the event of a serious illness or injury. Travel coverage can be purchased on its own and gives you the option to include additional travel coverage which provides up to $5 million in coverage and it pays first, before your health plan.
  4. Are you looking for dental coverage only?
    Individual plans also provide coverage for gaps that may exist in your employer sponsored health plan.
  5. What is the health insurer’s reputation for service?
    The service your benefit provider provides is as important as the benefits you choose. Are they known for quick and hassle-free claim payments? How friendly and professional are their representatives? Do they offer easy-to-use self-service? Do your homework and shop around. Seek advice before purchasing a health plan.
  6. Be sure to consider all of your options carefully
    You’re looking for a plan to help protect you and your family from the unexpected costs of health care. You want a plan that provides the coverage that you’re looking for — at a reasonable cost.

* Diversified Health offers the service of direct billing for your health treatments, so you have one less chore to deal with.

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Orthotic FAQ | Advanced Health Care Products Victoria

Orthotic FAQ | Advanced Health Care Products VictoriaA custom orthotic is a biomechanical medical appliance designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position.  Orthotics work by decreasing high-pressure areas, stabilizing foot alignment and cushioning the foot.

Custom orthotics reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment by re-aligning the foot and redirecting / reducing certain motion that take place during the gait cycle.

The longer you wear your orthotics, the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities require that you change your footwear; you should have a second pair of orthotics designed for that specific activity.  The type of orthotic depends on many factors including lifestyle, athletic activities (i.e., walking, running), foot type, and the problems that are being encountered.  Remember that the orthotics will not permanently change your anatomy and will only “work” when you are standing or walking on them.

Custom orthotics are used to relieve symptoms of common injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, under-pronation,  and various foot and ankle injuries, as well as helping individuals with diabetes or arthritis. Orthotics complement other treatments such as physiotherapy and chiropractic.

The symptoms of poor foot mechanics can include any one of the following:

  • Localized foot pain
  • Bunions, hammer toes
  • Arch/heel pain
  • Leg/knee pain
  • Hip or back pain – even neck pain

Custom orthotics work to realign the structure of your foot, so you may feel pressure in some areas of the orthotic. When you start wearing your orthotics, it is normal for the orthotics to feel strange; however, properly fitted orthotics should not cause any new pain, blistering or redness.

Keep in mind that your shoes act as a foundation for the foot and provide a stable base for an orthotic to sit on. It is important to wear appropriate footwear, as the footwear itself is part of the treatment.  A foot orthotic can be rendered ineffective by placing it in an inferior shoe or runner.

Although symptomatic relief will not occur over night, consistently wearing your orthotics for a period of time will realign your foot, allow healing to occur and help position your foot so you will be using the right muscles at the right time, minimizing fatigue and allowing your muscles to be used more efficiently.

Talk to your health care practitioner and see if you are a good candidate for custom orthotics.

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Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Hosts – Ask an Expert in Victoria

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC/Yukon Region (CBCF) is proud to host the Ask an Expert event in Victoria, BC on Tuesday, October 30th 2012 at 7pm at the Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St., Victoria.

 Formerly known as the Breast Health Speaker Series, the primary purpose of the event is to engage with Vancouver Island’s brightest minds in the subjects of breast cancer and breast health to provide important information and encourage interactive discussion with the public. Hosted by this panel of experts, the public forum is designed to provide insight into this critical subject as part of the Foundation’s dedication to creating a future without breast cancer.

 The event will feature world-renowned researcher Dr. Peter Watson from the Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre/BC Cancer Agency, who will share the latest information on breast cancer research, Dorothy Yada, Breast Health Patient Navigator from Victoria General Hospital will cover the basics of breast health and cancer, and Jules Sesia, a breast cancer survivor and stand-up comic, will share her personal story.

Following the presentations, the floor will be opened to a question-and-answer period and discussion, providing the opportunity for attendees to gain clarity on breast cancer research, health, and to share their personal experiences.

For more information, please visit www.cbcf.org or call 250.384.3328. Please note that space for this free event is limited; please secure your seat by emailing rsvp@cbcf.org.

The BC/Yukon Region of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1992 to make a difference in breast cancer and breast health for BC women. Every year, the Foundation, along with its donors, sponsors and partners, raises funds to support unique and innovative initiatives across the areas of prevention, early detection, treatment, research and emerging issues in the health care workforce. The BC/Yukon Region is committed to realizing a future without the fear of breast cancer by 2020, when breast cancer is a manageable and treatable disease.

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The Biological Internet That Could One Day Program Artificial Organs

Scientists have just found a way to use DNA to send massive amounts of data between cells, which means we soon may be able to give our cells incredibly complicated instructions.

Much like humans use the Internet to communicate, cells have mechanisms to pass on data to each other. It’s a system that is being hacked by scientists who realize the value of being able to send custom genetic data from cell to cell. Because when large groups of cells can be commanded by humans to work on complex tasks, the possibilities are endless.

Typically, scientists have spurred on communication by sending sugar molecules from cell to cell–the concentration of sugar either activates something in a receiver cell or doesn’t, depending on the command. But this is limiting, says Monica Ortiz, a doctoral candidate in bioengineering at Stanford. “You can’t send very much information with these sugar molecules.” So Ortiz and Drew Endy, an assistant professor of bioengineering, set out to create a more complex system.

We know that we can encode anything we want to in DNA.

Their solution, published in a recent issue of the Journal of Biological Engineering: a bacteriophage, or virus that infect bacteria. “We recognized that phage are essentially nucleic acids packaged by protein, and we know that genes and other elements in the genome are always encoded into DNA. So we know that we can encode anything we want to in DNA,” explains Ortiz. “We can encode genes, activation of transcription in various ways and we don’t need to rely on this middleman sugar molecule.”

Ortiz and Endy selected M13 as their cell-communicating virus. It’s the ideal specimen: It doesn’t kill the host cell, scientists can vary the length of DNA that they’re packaging (M13 packages genetic messages), and it has been engineered to get its DNA into mammalian cells.

The M13 communication system is, as Stanford Engineering explains, like a wireless information network for cells to send and receive messages. M13 wraps up strands of DNA (programmed by scientists) and sends them out in proteins that infect cells and release the DNA messages once they have gained entry. Scientists can send whatever they want in the DNA–everything from a sentence in a book to a sequence that encodes fluorescent protein.

What we’ve shown is that we can send and receive a message.

The M13 system dramatically increases the amount of data that can be transmitted at one time compared to previous cell-to-cell communication systems–roughly 80,000 bits compared to one bit with the sugar molecule system. M13 can also transmit data over long ranges.

“Practically I think sending DNA between cells has a lot of applications,” says Ortiz. “What we’ve shown is that we can send and receive a message and do something in the receiver cell with that message.” In the future–we’re talking decades down the line–the technology could be used in tissue engineering as well as in creating artificial organs and biomaterials that have no direct analog in nature.

Ortiz emphasizes that the research is just beginning. “People are calling it the biological Internet, and that’s a fairly good analogy. I want to make the point that this is a very early stage proof-of-principle paper.”

Ariel Schwartz is a Senior Editor at Co.Exist. She has contributed to SF Weekly, Popular Science, Inhabitat, Greenbiz, NBC Bay Area, GOOD Magazine.

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Should You Race a Half Marathon to train for a Marathon?

The first question you need to ask is;  is a half marathon a good idea for every marathoner?

The answer is; it depends on your fitness level and marathon goals.

If you’re a first-time marathoner and your only goal is to finish the race, the benefits of a half marathon race aren’t as important.  Remember that racing causes muscle damage, and novice runners won’t heal as quickly as more advanced  runners, which means that the novice runner will need to take time off to recover and this can set back your training schedule.

If you are a experienced marathoner and have a specific time goal, there are advantageous to racing a half marathon to prepare your body. Running a half marathon will allow you to estimate your marathon finish time, familiarize yourself with the course and will give you a much more accurate estimate of your fitness level.

If you choose to race a half marathon as your marathon tune-up race, follow these guidelines:

  • Schedule them 5 to 7 weeks before your marathon to allow sufficient recovery
  • Don’t run more than one half during a marathon training cycle  and don’t wear, eat or drink anything new on race day.
  • Prioritize recovery after the race: extra sleep, an ice baths, and light cross-training will get you back to marathon training as soon as possible
  • Reduce the volume and intensity of the next 1 to 3 runs in your training plan

You know your body best and if you get beat up by racing and need more time to recover adequately you should choose a shorter tune-up race, such as a 10K.

What you don’t want to do is increase your training a few weeks before the race. This is the time when many runners have been racing for at least 2 months and have become used to a certain level of training. Draw strength from the hard work you’ve put in and have confidence in what you’ve been doing.

Running a half marathon can be a valuable tool to help estimate your finish time and gauge how well your body & fitness level will hold up to a full marathon….. Good Luck!

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