Doctors on the take: a patient’s guide to fine print in research

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 6 Comments

by Carolyn Thomas  ♥ @HeartSisters

I was doing a little light reading in the Archives of Internal Medicine the other day. A study reported there looked at what researchers have dubbed the Eco-Atkins Diet, which replaces the low-carb, high-saturated fat meat protein of the old Atkins Diet with low-carb, low saturated fat vegetable-based protein – such as soybeans, legumes and nuts.(1)

The more I read, the better I liked what I was reading. The study showed that the vegetable-based protein-eating participants not only successfully lost weight on this new Eco-Atkins Diet, but they showed greater reductions in their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels than the control group.

Isn’t this fabulous news for those of us wanting to lose weight as well as improve our heart health?

Well, maybe not.   Read more

My favourite recipe for heart-healthy Watermelon, Feta & Black Olive Salad

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 3 Comments

watermelon baby

by Carolyn Thomas  ♥ @HeartSisters

What could possibly be better in life than an icy cold wedge of freshly-sliced watermelon on a hot summer afternoon? How about an icy cold watermelon salad?  It’s perfect served along with grilled salmon on the barbecue – and a unique heart-smart alternative to the classic picnic standard potato salad.  If you haven’t tried this unusual summertime salad, please do it while watermelons are at their peak in our farmers’ markets.  It’s also a beautiful-looking dish to bring along to your  next potluck this summer – guaranteed to stand out from all those other boring old salads around the table. keep reading to find the full recipe for this salad

Heart-smart eating advice from Uganda

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 3 Comments

uganda red beans

Here’s a cautionary tale and a clear health warning – from faraway Uganda.  North Americans take note.  According to a study reported in The New Vision of Kampala, physicians there appear to be as concerned about the heart health of Ugandans as our own doctors are about us in the Western world.

Researchers from the Mbale School of Hygiene say Uganda’s growing urban population now bears the brunt of increasing rates of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes as they follow a shift away from Uganda’s traditional and unprocessed diet. Foods like luwombo (stuffed banana leaves), dodo (wild greens), cassava (yam-like tubers), potatoes, fish, atapa (millet bread) and malewa (bamboo shoots) are consumed less frequently today than the more Western diet of high salt, high-sugar and high fat processed foods. Some of the most popular big city foods now include fried potato chips, burgers, hot dogs, pickles, pizzas, salty pretzels, sausages, and red meats with high levels of saturated fat. Sound familiar? Continue reading “Heart-smart eating advice from Uganda” →

A kindergarten kid’s guide to heart disease

~ Carolyn Thomas ~ 2 Comments

Ah, summertime.  And the livin’ is easy, according to Porgy and Bess – and to all school teachers.  I know you’re out there, you teachers, lolling in dappled-shade hammocks and enjoying those margaritas for the next month or so.  But here’s an early reminder for you teachers to consider when you go back to the classroom:  Heart Smart Kids.™   It’s a unique and important program to help both teachers and parents educate children as young as five about the importance of good heart health.

It’s never too early for kidlets to start learning about our #1 health threat – especially since we know that up to 80% of heart disease is preventable, and that heart disease is 20-30 years in the making.  The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon has developed this fun way to inspire heart-healthy habits in our children and families. All program information is current and has been approved by Heart and Stroke Foundation experts for children in grades K-6.

And for free kid-friendly, heart-smart recipes and fun activity tips every month, you can subscribe to Parent He@lthline, a free e-newsletter for your entire family. Continue reading “A kindergarten kid’s guide to heart disease” →