HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
Time to get going!
Time to get into it, but slowly. Have you pinned down a goal yet? Please get this done as this is very important for motivation and focus. Without a specific goal, it almost feels like you are training for just health and fitness which, in itself, is not such a bad thing! Achieving a personal highlight requires setting an absolute goal - and you DO want to reach your goals . . . It does not have to be a big race or a big goal. Just finishing a race is a great achievement. Goals have to be individual. Don’t [...]
A new green you may not have considered
By naturopath Victoria Taylor Sweet Potato leaves Markets tried marketing these a few years ago but it seems there was not a big uptake so they left it to me to spread the word on this valuable resource . We all now know the familiar sweet potato tuber but now is the time to become aquainted with the leaves as a very beneficial family vegetable that is accessible to all, even those in units – with or without a balcony. A study conducted by the University of Louisiana shows the leaves are rich in Vitamin C (especially young leaves). Riboflavin [...]
Are you getting round around the middle?
Many older adults seem to be really getting the message that they, as individuals, need to be responsible for their own health and wellbeing – and that is great news. You would certainly agree that it is much better to be proactive and ward off illnesses than to have to deal with them once diagnosed. The bad news is that many health conscious people don’t seem to realise that using ‘diet’ versions of soft drinks will not help their cause to keep their weight in check and health in good order – in fact, consuming diet drinks will have the [...]
Mercury and autoimmune disease
By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Mercury is a toxic metal that can have a number of harmful effects in the body. If you are exposed to high levels of mercury, it can accumulate in your nervous system and have detrimental neurological effects. Mercury can cause impaired cognitive function, poor memory, anxiety and impaired fine motor skills. Mercury can also be harmful to your immune system, with new research showing it can raise the risk of autoimmune disease. Researchers from the University of Michigan have shown that even levels of mercury that are currently considered to be safe, are associated with an [...]
Top 10 tips for increasing fertility
By naturopath Margaret Jasinska In recent years we are seeing an increasing number of couples suffering with infertility. It’s interesting to note that the couples seeking our help are getting younger. A vast number of factors can affect female and male fertility. Here are 10 worth considering: 1. Maintain a healthy weight Overweight women are more prone to menstrual cycle disturbances, find it more difficult to fall pregnant and have a higher risk of pregnancy and delivery complications. Carrying excess body fat creates a number of metabolic and hormonal disorders that help to explain these outcomes. In men excess body [...]
Recovery is a winning formula
How is your training going? Not much racing going on right now unless you are in Victoria and you can run the Geelong half marathon or do the Great Ocean Road marathon. So it is time for some well-deserved time off so that you can kick goals again once the warmer weather comes back. Time off is a very important part of your training. This is when sport does not take over, so relax, have fun, socialize and do not think about sport for two weeks. Limit your exercise to 30min every second day with no intensity whatsoever and no [...]
Period Problems
The menstrual cycle is normally between 21 to 35 days long, calculated from the first day of bleeding to the first day of the next menstrual bleed. The average period lasts for 2 to 7 days. The amount of bleeding may be very light (which is usually no cause for concern - consider yourself lucky!) or quite heavy, possibly with the passage of clots, and sometimes causing anaemia. Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) The term 'menorrhagia' is used to describe these unusually heavy periods. There are a number of underlying conditions which may cause menorrhagia including fibroids (see Fibroids), endometriosis (see [...]
Tips for dining out while liver cleansing
Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese Try soups, coconut dishes, salads, fresh rice paper rolls, rice or bean noodle dishes, hotpots and stir-fries such as the classic Vietnamese Pho and Pad Thai. Green papaya salad and Asian seafood salads are also good choices. Italian Avoid pizza and creamy pastas. Try lentil dishes, polenta, vegetables, fish and seafood risottos, soups and salads such as roasted capsicums and tomatoes. Salad dressings are allowed providing they are sugar free. French Try to avoid the white bread, pastries, quiches and creamy soups and sauces that have been thickened with flour. Avoid rich desserts. Japanese Try sushi [...]
What keeps your fire burning?
Are you achieving your goals? Whatever they are, it is important to have a goal in mind. Something that helps you get out of bed, something that keeps the fire burning inside you. No goal is a bad goal. It could be health, weight, performance, personal bests, body image, beat a friend, finishing a race or trying something new. I only train well if I have a goal. This year, it is the World Champs triathlon in Chicago. What is yours? It is important to have a break once you have reached your goal. Take two to four weeks where [...]
Find yourself a training partner and share the pain
How is the track work going? Soreness is often a result of a track session. This is due to the surface and the speed work. I love a good track work out. They really hurt but you always know where you stand fitness wise and where you should be at for a specific time of the year. It is even better if you can get a few training partners of similar level together so you can push each other and share the pain. You always find another gear when you have someone to chase, to drop or to keep up [...]
