Next time you head to the fish counter to buy salmon, consider choosing the wild variety instead of farmed. According to a report published in the journal Science, farmed salmon contain more potentially dangerous toxins than salmon caught in the wild.

Researchers analyzed 700 wild and farmed salmon bought in 16 different cities in Europe and North America and found that farmed salmon contained unusually high amounts of industrial by-products, pesticides, and suspected cancer-causing agents known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). What causes the contamination? The food given to the salmon while in captivity is contaminated with PCBs.

How can you tell the difference between wild and farmed salmon?

The most reliable method is to ask the fish purveyor. If that’s not possible, or if the seller isn’t sure, check the color. You’re probably familiar with the light-pink color of farmed salmon — wild salmon is a brighter, deeper shade of red. The price may also be a giveaway — farmed salmon is less expensive than wild salmon because it is more widely available.

Finally, don’t let these findings stop you from eating salmon altogether. It remains a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Just keep in mind that it may be safer to “go wild.” And if you can’t find wild salmon, try getting rid of some of the fat — where PCBs accumulate — from farmed salmon by removing the skin and grilling the fish. Another convenient option is canned or pouched salmon, which is almost always wild.

Source: www.southbeachdiet.com

All fats are not created equal. Some are good (unsaturated), some are bad (saturated), and some are really terrible (trans fats). Among the good are omega-3 fatty acids, which offer a slew of health benefits and can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3s are called essential fatty acids because they are required by the body and must be obtained through food and supplements (the body can’t make them on its own). There are three types of omega-3s, each essential for optimal health. Two kinds, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found mainly in cold-water fish such as tuna and salmon. EPA and DHA are extremely effective at reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of blood clots, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. The third kind, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is found in plant sources such as flaxseed, canola oil, and dark, leafy greens. ALA has been shown to help lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol, and an ALA-rich diet may lower the risk of a heart attack.

Foods and Omega-3s

The best and most natural way to increase your intake of omega-3s is to eat more oily fish (at least two servings per week) and dark leafy greens, and to add ground flaxseed and canola oil to your diet. Dr. Agatston also recommends taking a fish-oil supplement containing one to two grams of EPA plus DHA per day. People with high triglycerides may need more — at least four grams daily from a prescription fish-oil supplement (discuss with your doctor).

A Word of Caution

Be advised that people with certain medical conditions, such as those taking anticoagulants, those with bleeding disorders, or those with uncontrolled hypertension, should consult with their physician before taking fish-oil supplements. Also note that certain fish, including swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of mercury. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children should avoid fish high in mercury.

Source: www.southbeachdiet.com

South Asian food is by far one of the most delicious, exciting and mouth watering menus.  From curries to breads to sweets, the food is a culinary delight to anyone who has tried it.  But behind all the rice, vegetables and sauces is a diet that is extremely high in fat, oil and sodium.  These three things are literally killing many south Asians prematurely due to heart attacks and strokes.

In an article in the Toronto Star last year, it stated that South Asians, more than any other ethnic group, are at risk of dying from a heart attack at an early age.  The article stated that researchers at McMaster University found people native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka can die from heart disease five to 10 years earlier than those from other ethnic groups, even when South Asians appear to be at a healthy weight.

The article stated that researchers now believe that just being South Asian may be an independent risk factor for heart disease, and there is increasing evidence that traditional risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes, attack the cardiovascular system more aggressively in this population.

With such a large South Asian community in Canada, it is important for people to understand how important healthy eating and being active is in order to avoid the risk factors associated with heart disease.

One great way to eat healthy is to follow the Canadian Food Guide and its recommendations on what to eat.  Here is a sample of the servings that you should be eating.

Recommended number of Food Guide Servings per day

A Food Guide Serving is simply a reference amount. It helps you understand how much food is recommended every day from each of the four food groups. In some cases, a Food Guide Serving may be close to what you eat, such as an apple. In other cases, such as rice or pasta, you may serve yourself more than one Food Guide Serving.

Examples of One Food Guide Serving are:

Vegetables and Fruit

• 125 mL (½ cup) fresh, frozen or canned 
vegetable or fruit or 100% juice
• 250 mL (1 cup) leafy raw vegetables or
salad
• 1 piece of fruit

Grain Products

• 1 slice (35 g) bread or ½ bagel (45 g)
• ½ pita (35 g) or ½ tortilla (35 g)
• 125 mL (½ cup) cooked rice, pasta, or couscous
• 30 g cold cereal or 175 mL (¾ cup) hot cereal

Milk and Alternatives

• 250 mL (1 cup) milk or fortified soy beverage
• 175 g (¾ cup) yogurt
• 50 g (1 ½ oz.) cheese

Meat and Alternatives

• 75 g (2 ½ oz.)/125 mL (½ cup) cooked fish, shellfish, poultry or lean meat
• 175 mL (¾ cup) cooked beans
• 2 eggs

• 30 mL (2 Tbsp) peanut butter

So, try cutting down the extra amount of fat in your desi food, and try replacing it with healthier food groups for a better, healthier life!

Author: Ahsan Bokhari

Health and fitness are two of the more important aspects of life in North America and many people from a variety of different backgrounds find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle with work, school, children and other obligations.  South Asians are no different.  To make things worse coming from such a warm climate many new South Asians have difficulty being active in the winter months.

It is important for people to understand that the winter months are not for hibernating, but to take advantage of the variety of options nature has given us to be active.  If you are like me and love the snow, here are a few ways to stay fit in the winter months:

1    Skating is one of the best cardio workouts out there.  It not only allows you to burn a lot of calories it also does wonders for the muscles in your lower body.

2    If that’s too difficult for you try walking in the snow.  A simple walk in the park or your neighborhood for a half an hour is a great way to keep fit.

3   Cross country skiing is also a great way to stay in shape.

4   If these activities seem to risky, then try shoveling the snow from your driveway or sidewalk.  Shoveling can burn many calories and is a great way to keep active.

Make sure you that you have medical clearance before taking part in any physical activity. If you are taking part in any outdoor winter activities, always dress warmly, with layers, a hat and gloves. Get out there and enjoy the cold.

Author: Ahsan Bokhari Ahsan is a PhysEd Teacher at Martin Grove Collegiate, Toronto.

Glaucoma is thought to be third leading cause of blindness worldwide. According to the CDC, approximately 2.2 million American aged 40 and older have glaucoma, and of these, as many as 120,000 are blind, it is predicted that this will rise to 2.79 million by 2010. Worldwide, an estimated 66.8 million people are visually impaired due to glaucoma, and an estimated 6.7 million are blind. Unfortunately, half of those individuals affected with glaucoma may not even be aware that they have it.

What is the Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to damage of the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain), which can then lead to vision loss and possibly blindness. Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high eye pressure (intraocular); however, it can occur with normal or even less than normal eye pressure.

What are the symptoms?

Glaucoma can be divided into two main categories, “Open-Angle Glaucoma” and “Acute Closed-Angle Glaucoma”, both types have completely different symptoms.

Open-angle Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, initially has no symptoms. The pressure in the eye builds up gradually. At some point, the optic nerve is damaged and side vision (peripheral vision) is lost. Without treatment, total blindness will occur.

Acute Closed-angle Glaucoma: Acute closed-angle glaucoma is the result of a sudden blockage in the normal flow of eye fluid (aqueous humor) between the iris and the lens. Symptoms may include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and seeing a rainbow halo around lights. Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately or blindness could result in one or two days.

How can I prevent by Glaucoma?

Studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of glaucoma before it causes major vision loss is the best way to control the disease.

Get Regular Eye Care: Regular checkups can help detect glaucoma in its early stages before irreversible damage occurs. As a general rule, have eye exams every two years if you’re between the ages of 18 and 60, and every year if you’re older than 60. If you have one or more risk factors, you should have eye exams every one to two years until you’re 60, and every year after that.

Treat Elevated Eye Pressure: A large trial at the National Eye Institute found that glaucoma eye drops could reduce eye pressure by an average of 22 percent. In the same trial, daily use of eye drops reduced the risk that elevated eye pressure would progress to glaucoma by nearly 50 percent.

Control Your Weight And Blood Pressure: Recent studies have shown that insulin resistance, which may result from hypertension and obesity, is linked to elevated intraocular pressure.

Wear Eye Protection: Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear a mask or goggles when you use power tools, play high-speed racket sports on enclosed courts or otherwise risk being hit in the eye.

What are the available tests to diagnose and treatments?

These are some of the tests that can establish a diagnosis of glaucoma:

Tonometry: Tonometry is a simple, painless procedure that measures your intraocular pressure, after numbing your eyes with drops. It is usually the initial screening test for glaucoma.

Test for Optic Nerve Damage: To check the fibers in your optic nerve, your eye doctor uses an instrument that enables him or her to look directly through the pupil to the back of your eye. This can reveal slight changes that may indicate the beginnings of glaucoma.

Photographs & Drawings of the Optic Nerve: These images may be useful for documenting the severity of the condition.

Visual Field Test: To check whether your visual field has been affected by glaucoma, your doctor uses a special test to evaluate your peripheral (side) vision.

Pachymetry: Your eyes are numbed for this test, which determines the thickness of each cornea, an important factor in diagnosing glaucoma.

Other Tests: To distinguish between open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, your eye doctor may use a technique called gonioscopy in which doctor places a special lens on your eye to inspect the drainage angle. Another test, tonography, can measure how quickly fluid drains from your eye.

Immediate treatment for glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That’s why early diagnosis is very important. Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

Medicines: Medicines, in the form of eye drops or pills, are the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid, others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.

Because glaucoma often has no symptoms, people may be tempted to stop taking, or may forget to take, their medicine. You need to use the drops or pills as long as they help control your eye pressure. Regular use is very important. Make sure your eye care professional shows you how to put the drops into your eye.

Laser trabeculoplasty: Laser trabeculoplasty helps fluid drain out of the eye. Your doctor may suggest this step at any time. In many cases, you need to keep taking glaucoma drugs after this procedure. Studies show that laser surgery is very good at reducing the pressure in some patients.

Conventional surgery: Conventional surgery makes a new opening for the fluid to leave the eye. Conventional surgery often is done after medicines and laser surgery has failed to control pressure. Laser trabeculoplasty and conventional surgery both performed on one eye at a time.

A diagnosis of glaucoma shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your life. When you have the facts, you can take charge of your health with just a few adjustments to your routine. Remember, most cases of glaucoma are managed through medication, surgery, or a combination of treatments. With an early diagnosis, most people with glaucoma do not go blind.

GOD BLESS US…..

Author: Salman Afaq is a physician.

More than 500 Canadians who considered themselves “beautiful” have reportedly been kicked off an online dating website for packing a few extra pounds over the holidays.

U.S. and British media report that BeautifulPeople.com – the website behind the latest headline-grabbing stunt – has expelled more than 5,000 users from its global community.

The site’s managing director, Greg Hodge, is quoted as saying the move came after members posted photos of themselves during the holidays showing they had “let themselves go.”

Most of the so-called “festive fatties” who got the boot were from the United States (1,520), followed by the United Kingdom (832) and Canada (533).

Hodge blamed holiday traditions for the members’ slipping beauty standards, saying that in Britain and Canada, Christmas and the New Year are all about “over-eating, over-drinking and watching TV on the sofa.”

The social network, which claims that it bans “ugly people” from joining its ranks, says each of the booted members received an email encouraging them to reapply when they get back in shape.

Despite the latest expulsions, the website, which describes itself as “the largest network of attractive people in the world,” says it still has 550,000 members from 190 countries.

1. Beets: Beets are equivalent of red spinach as it is rich source of folic and red pigments. Its best you eat beet fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Beat fights cancer and heating reduces anti-oxidant power.
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Cabbage: Cabbage has added chemicals that boost can cancer-fighting enzymes. Its best to eat it as a topping on burgers and sandwiches.  

Swiss chard: It’s a leafy green vegetable that protects aging eyes. You can chop and sauté in olive oil.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps control blood sugar and cholesterol. You can sprinkle it on coffee and put it in oatmeal or deserts.

Pomegranate juice: It’s a very nutritious source of antioxidants and appears to lower blood pressure.

Dried plums: “They are really prune, but they are packed with antioxidants. You can bake them.

3. Pumpkin seeds: This is the most nutritious part of pumpkin and is packed with loads of magnesium and minerals. The best way to access is it roasted. How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.
4. Sardines: They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
5. Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Desi food is rich in turmeric.  
6. Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil. You can blend it with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkle it with crushed almonds.
7. Canned pumpkin: It is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories. You can mix it with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Exercise and Anxiety: Who Benefits
While everyone can reap psychological benefits from exercise, research suggests that people who may see the biggest improvements in anxiety symptoms are those who:

• Exercise consistently for at least several weeks
• Are not already physically active
• Have severe anxiety
• Do aerobic exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or dancing

Exercise has also been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of depression, which frequently affects people with anxiety disorders.

Exercise and Anxiety: Anti-Anxiety Workouts
Any exercise can help diminish anxiety, but Connolly says aerobic exercise that really gets your heart rate up will be the most beneficial. Some good aerobic exercises that can help manage anxiety are:

• Swimming
• Biking
• Running
• Brisk walking
• Tennis
• Dancing

“Dancing is a great exercise, and it has a lot of other side benefits. And it’s great when you dance with other people,” notes Connolly, since socializing can also boost your mood.

Though not aerobic, yoga can help offset anxiety symptoms. Yoga combines physical movement with meditation and deep breathing to help calm the mind and alleviate worry.

While weight training and other strengthening exercises are important for your overall health, they don’t seem to offer as much anxiety relief as activities that get your heart rate going.

We all know that exercise is good for the body, and now research shows that it’s also good for the mind. In addition to managing your anxiety with a doctor’s help, exercise is a powerful tool you can use to enhance your physical and mental health.

Last Updated: 06/02/2009

This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2009 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.

Leading health practitioners, experts in South Asian health issues and an eager audience of 100 people gathered at RBC, 315 Front St W, to get an informed head start on their new years resolutions. Two highly respected organizations merged for one evening to present: EAT. LIVE. SUCCEED.

ICCC YP Executive Committee and Speakers

ICCC YP Event - Co Chair Arti Kakar (right) and guests

ICCC YP MCs - Arti Kakar and Ajay Bhatia

The Young Professionals of the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto and SAPNA (The South Asian Professional Network for Health Awareness) generously supported by RBC; hosted an interactive presentation featuring 3 experts from the healthcare industry to explain why the South Asian demographic is at an elevated risk of contracting heart disease and other coronary conditions than that of their peers, they also dispelled some of the most common myths shrouding it revolving around gender and lifestyle, how to maintain a healthy diet and workplace ergonomics, which was followed by an interactive Q and A session with the panel.

ICCC YP Vishal, Natascha and Anjali

ICCC YP Event Crowd Shot

Homoeopathic doctor, author and nutritionist, Sunita Mohan, who gave a humorous yet pointed presentation was part of the line up along with ergonomics specialist Rabiya Lallani, who offered the audience small yet extremely beneficial tips on posture and position while at work, where most people spend upwards of 8-10 hours per day.

ICCC YP Crowd and Speakers Dr Colin Saldanha and Sunita Mohan

Shedding light on why South Asians are genetically more vulnerable to heart conditions – the phrase scientists have coined – where ‘the genes load the gun and the environment pulls the trigger’. South Asians are at a 4 times higher risk of contracting heart disease and in some cases, triple heart bypasses are undergone by South Asians as young as the age of 39.

ICCC YP Event Crowd Shot

Questions poured in at the end of the presentation, from eager audience members, who were not only concerned about themselves but for the health of their fathers, mothers and other family members and friends. “Along with funding dollars, the KEY is to raise awareness among a sleeping community” – a common view held among the medical profession.

Professionals who attended the event came away with a great deal of practical information on how to change their lifestyle and reverse some of the effects of the ‘South Asian diet’ – separating tradition from fact. The importance of this event was to impart information to people that has in the past been inaccessible to previous generations of South Asians.

“This has really opened my eyes, and how I need to start changing my lifestyle early, before the

damage is done.” – said one young attendee. “It is great to be here and raise awareness and to have people take this home to their parents and relatives, many factors play a key role in this, from complex genetics to simple healthy diets and exercise routines;” – said Dr Colin Saldanha, a speaker and expert on coronary heart disease among the South Asian demographic in the Peel region. Dr Saldanha used real life case studies from both past and current patients of his, to highlight and bring a real ‘edge’ to his presentation.

Dr Sonia Anand, an associate professor of medicine at McMaster University and an international expert on the links between ethnicity and heart disease’s team was on hand to provide advice and free health assessments to all participants.

Author: Natascha Trivedi,(Director of Communications for the Young Professionals at the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce)

In terms of health, doing “right” is good but doing “too much right” is bad! Certain good health habits, if done too much, can actually rebound and have negative effects. Some activities like sleeping, eating vitamins, exercising, and more that have been proved to be extremely beneficial can sometimes cause harm.

Sleeping: Sufficient sleep has been linked to weight loss and effective brain function. However, sleeping seven hours during week days and then sleeping ten hours on weekends can cause one to wake up with a severe headache, according to Margaret Lewin, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City and medical director of Cinergy Health. People who get excessive amounts of sleep are more vulnerable to depression, heart disease and even early death, says Dr. Lewin.

Vitamins: Vitamins are known as extremely essential to body function and development. Vitamin A is significant for vision, reproduction and immune system and can be found in many vegetables and fruits. According to nutritionist Lyssie Lakatos, RD, women should be cautious about taking too much of vitamin A which can store in the body as fat. Lyssie Lakatos also mentioned about having patients who have falling hair and eyebrows due to overdose of vitamins.

Exercising: Carly Cummings, a personal trainer and founder of Hyp-Yoga Inc, says that “People who are new to exercise are more prone to injuries since they are often excited to start or just want to get it over with.” If one is new to exercise, he/she must first just warm-up before doing a serious, heavy exercise.  For instance, one must be comfortable walking fast and jogging before a running activity. “Building up to a group exercise class is also a good idea. Don’t be afraid to go into a class and only stay for the first half,” says Cummings.

Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer has been quite popular due to cold and the scare of swine flu. People carry bottles of hand sanitizers everywhere and use it several times a day. However, hand sanitizer can never be substituted for washing hands with water and soap. “Sanitizer is good if you need to cleanse your hands after getting off the subway or before lunch and you don’t have access to a sink. But if you use it several times in a row without washing [with soap and water], some of the gel can build up and bacteria will start to stick to it,” says Dr. Lewin.

  Author:Rahul Mehta