February 1, 2017
While you brace for yourself for another February day on PEI don’t resent all those folks who leave as soon as the weather turns. Instead, warm yourself inside with the knowledge that oysters taste best in the months with an “r” in their name. Just as fine wines are determined by ‘terroir’ – the relationship of land, sun, and unique…
February 1, 2017
Team Diabetes – Running for a Cause Katherine Lowings runs for a disease familiar to many Islanders For the past 8 years Katherine Lowings has been running marathons for a cause close to home. A music therapist from Alberta who now lives in the Charlottetown area, Lowings is a Type 1 diabetic. In 2009, she joined Team Diabetes to improve…
January 1, 2017
Antimicrobial resistance not limited to prescription overuse in humans “Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a serious public health issue in Canada and internationally. Common and treatable infections may once again become deadly.” These are the first words in the introduction of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s report Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS) – Report 2016 published in September…
January 1, 2017
Chinese vegetables give Islanders more options for winter fare After December’s excesses and lack of light, January brings on a desire to simplify, detox, and eat more greens. While this month may still be dark, at least you can harness the light photosynthesized into chlorophyll by plants. And now, due to our rising Chinese population, a whole new slew of…
December 1, 2016
Practicing mindfulness may help curb poor eating choices. Most Islanders are overweight and at increased risk for diabetes and other serious illnesses. North Americans gain on average one pound each holiday season and most of us only shed about half that before the next holiday season. In any one year, this weight gain seems small, however, over time this steady…
December 1, 2016
PEI hosts healthy school lunch champion, Chef Tony Geraci. “You have the opportunity to make a global statement,” Chef Tony Geraci said, with an unbridled enthusiasm that is contagious. We’ve only just met and he’s already convinced me that PEI is capable of being a world leader in school lunch reform. The PEI Home and School Federation (PEIHSF) invited Geraci…
December 1, 2016
Bone broth packs a nutritious, delicious punch while reducing food waste. From the trendiest restaurants in Manhattan, to the wellness ads on your social media feed, the glory of bone broth is making itself known. Once the lot of home economists, bone broth is now on the radar for its savory flavor, versatility and health benefits. Simple to make, easy…
November 1, 2016
With the abundance of produce on PEI this time of year, the effort to preserve and store vegetables for the winter has already begun. When looking at the many preserving methods, the health benefits of fermentation deserve attention. Fermentation involves breaking down food using microorganisms. Quite often these microbes naturally occur, as is the case with sauerkraut; the microbes on…
November 1, 2016
Food choices you make in late fall can help fortify your body for winter. In general, this means moving away from cold, raw foods and eating more baked, stewed, and warming foods until spring arrives. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, fall wind and dryness impacts on the lungs, skin, and large intestine. Moisten them by eating mushroom soups, stewed or…
October 1, 2016
This little berry packs a big punch! Elderberries, from the sambucus nigra plant, are wonderful immune-enhancing berries that can help protect our cells against some viral infections – perfect for the upcoming cold and flu season. The high antioxidant content of the berries also helps quell inflammation, making this berry a great choice for an autumn immune boost. Elderberries grow…