Research has also shown Kale to be effective in helping lower cholesterol levels and as a detoxifier.  It also has tons of fiber—a cup of kale packs 90 mg of fiber while a cup of spinach only has 30 mg. In addition, kale delivers Vitamin B6, which helps maintain healthy nervous and immune systems, as well as iron and calcium. Kale helps regulate liver enzymes that assist in the clearing of toxins.

That same cup of kale also provides almost 90% of your daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a top free-radical scavenger, preventing damage inside and outside of the cells. Vitamin C helps to reduce damage from inflammation (one of the primary causes of heart disease and autoimmune diseases), help to oxidize cholesterol, fight infections, and strengthen and renew collagen in our skin for a healthy youthful appearance.  Kale also contains manganese which is a trace mineral that is important for the synthesis of fatty acids necessary for sex hormones and the nervous system.  It also helps to metabolize and utilize energy from protein and carbohydrates, making it the perfect fat-burning element.

This food is particularly helpful for dieters on the Ideal Protein weight loss method offered at our office. It is also useful information for anyone trying to improve their health.

Recipe for Kale

• 1 cup of Kale
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and preheat the ungreased roasting pan with it.
• Wash kale and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove the grit. Rip irregular-sized kale from the stems.
• In a separate mixing bowl, lightly toss kale + oil + additions.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking at 10 minutes, and then every 2-3 minutes, until kale is crispy.

(For an easier option, purchase a 16 oz bag of pre-cut and pre-washed kale.  Lightly spray baking sheet with Butter Flavored Pam.  Spread kale across baking sheet .   Spray with Butter Flavored Pam.   Sprinkle with salt and pepper.   Bake 10 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.)

Per cup: 89 Cals.; 3.5 g Carbs.; .5 g Fiber; 3 g Net Carbs. ; 1 g Protein; 7 g Fat

Eliane Provencher, NHP-BC, BSHN, FIFHI, RM

Men who are interested in learning strategies to lose and maintain weight, develop healthy practices, gain more energy and improve sleep are invited to contact Eliane Provencher, NHP-BC, BSHN, FIFHI, RM for a free consultation.

Below is a Q&A with Eliane.

Q: What is your area of expertise?

A: Eliane – My concentration is on helping my patients reach their goals, physically and mentally. I believe that true and lasting success will address both the body and mind.

Q: Where does a person begin?

A: Eliane –The first step is to talk to a patient, evaluate the individual, and develop a path that takes into consideration their lifestyle, budget, time management and goals in a realistic way.

Q: What advice do you have for men who want to lose weight?

A: Eliane – There are many programs to choose from and what works for someone’s neighbor or their friend may not be right for them. I can determine the best approach on an individual basis and we will know through check-ins and follow-ups if the process is working.

Q: Is it expensive?

A: Eliane – I can work with all budgets. The initial consultation is free.

Q: How can someone reach you?

A: Eliane – Call me at (860) 278-3812 or email: eprovencher@neihact.com.

by Chiropractic Physicians Jessica and John Tagliarini

Drs. Jessica and John Tagliarini

As summertime approaches, weather warms up and many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Each year, over 400,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to the use of lawn and garden tools. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety.

It is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. “A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity,” said Dr. Scott Bautch of the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. “Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness.”

To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

GARDEN FITNESS STRETCHES

• Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful. While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 30 seconds then repeat with the other leg.
• Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 30 seconds then repeat with the other leg.
• While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 30 seconds, then to the other side.
• Do the “Hug your best friend.” Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 30 seconds and reverse.

MORE GREAT GARDENING TIPS

• Be aware of your body technique, body form and correct posture while gardening. Bend at the knees (not at the waist), keep the load small, keep it close to your torso and alternate your stance and movements as often as possible to keep the muscles and body balanced.
• Avoid working above shoulder level for more than 5 minutes at a time. During this time, keep your elbows slightly bent. Take a break after 5 minutes and work on another project for a bit.
• War protective clothing and make sure to use sunscreen. Remember, the sun is strongest between 11am and 4pm so try to work in the shade during this time frame.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Remember, by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.
• If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for 12-15 minutes (this can be done up to once per hour if necessary).  If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or radiate to your extremities (arms and legs) visit Tagliarini Chiropractic, PC, 836 Farmington Avenue, Suite 229, West Hartford, CT 06119; Phone: 860.236.BACK (2225) or Fax: 860.231.0077; e-mail: info@tagchiro.com.

Susan Cancian, AADP, CHHP

One in 133 Americans has celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and causes nutrition deficiencies. People with celiac disease can’t tolerate gluten, and the only treatment for those who are diagnosed with gluten intolerance or celiac disease is to maintain a strict gluten-free diet.

Our nutrition expert, Susan Cancian AADP, CHHP offers gluten-free diet guidelines and expert advice, as well as delicious, gluten-free recipes to help you get started, and coach you toward success in a gluten free lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with her today.

Maple Spiced Scones – Gluten Free-Grain Free

2 1/2 cups almond flour
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11/2 tablespoon maple syrup
2 eggs
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

Maple Cinnamon Glaze

1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl add almond flour, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine.  Then stir in softened coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs.  The batter should form a dough once everything is incorporated.
• Lay a piece of parchment paper down on a flat surface and sprinkle with a thin layer of additional almond flour.  Shape dough with hands to make a ball.
• Place the ball of dough onto the parchment paper and with hands of a roller flatten dough out to a circle in even form about 1 to 2-inches in thickness.  The thickness will be up to you and the thickness you prefer.  I honestly think the thicker the better.  You can then cut the dough into triangles OR you can cut out into 2-inch size circles using a biscuit cutter.  I happen to like using the biscuit cutter because it makes these perfect for the two little people in my life and their little hands.
• Place cut out scones (in shapes of choice) onto the prepared baking sheet.
• To make glaze, add maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon and stir to combine.  Using a kitchen pastry brush, brush the tops of each scone with the maple cinnamon glaze. Don’t go crazy with the glaze, just a light coating will do the job.  You may have some of the glaze leftover and that is fine.
• You can use whatever remains to brush the top of the scones after baking.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden.  If you have any glaze leftover then brush the tops again right after removing from the oven.
• You can serve warm with a cup of tea, or wait until cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for for 3-4 days, or freeze them, and enjoy at a later date.

Two informational seminars are scheduled for May. On the 7th at 6 p.m., “East meets West” with a seminar on how to integrate Ayurveda into modern medicine and a reflexology weekend training session will be held May 17 through 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical model, has valuable components, which can integrate with Western medicine in a symbiotic way. The science of longevity, as Ayurveda is defined, suggests its approach to health and wellness is long-term and is often described as a three-legged stool. In its application, experts explore physical, mental and spiritual issues with an emphasis on wellness and disease prevention.

Gerard Buffo, MD

“Ayurveda is based on the balance of natural elements, those being space, air, fire, water and earth. These elements are expressed in the body through their combinations in biohumors or three dosas; motion, transformation and constitution.” said Ayurveda Consultant Gerard Buffo, MD.

Dr. Buffo will show seminar participants how to explore individualized dietary and lifestyle changes, which will result in a positive outcome on all facets of their life.

Charlotte Irwin

About Reflexology

The weekend reflexology seminar will offer an overview for anyone interested in learning more about reflexology’s healing abilities, while training potential practitioners. Reflexology is a massage-like technique applied mainly to the feet. When the massage is applied with intense enough pressure, it creates a wave of electro-chemicals that allow nerve cells to positively affect many structures of the body including the central nervous system, organs and glands. It is also medically proven to increase blood flow to the kidneys. In addition, reflexology is beneficial for digestion challenges, headaches, foot pain, edema, plantar fasciitis and can lower blood pressure. It is also helpful for autistic children and children suffering from migraines.

“Since 90% of all illness is stress-related, reflexology can be beneficial to all. Many of our clients have gotten relief from inflammation or stress, foot pain, and many health challenges,” said Reflexology Therapist Charlotte Irwin.

NEIHA recognizes that there are many paths to achieving health and wellness. NEIHA practitioners seek to find alternative healthcare protocols that don’t necessarily require a pharmaceutical prescription. Call 860 278-3812 to register for either event.

Register Today!
[contact-form-7]

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16 from 6-7 p.m.

WHERE: New England Integrative Health Associates, 345 North Main St., West Hartford, CT 06117
Register by calling (860) 278-3812 or email Eliane Provencher at eprovencher@neihact.com.

CLASS INCLUDES:

• Certified Personal Trainer Janice Hinds will demonstrate and teach participants how to do the movements in a kind, mindful and fun way
• Learn how to add gentle exercise to your daily routine using simple techniques tht can be done inthe comfort of your own home
•  NEIHA’S Eliane Provencher, Natural Health Practitioner, Holistic and Bariatric Nutritionalist will be offering suggestions to improve your health and diet with simple solutions

Due to popular demand, the event is now offered EVERY MONDAY!

TO REGISTER, call 860-547-1489 or email Jen at jknox.idealnutrition@gmail.com

Kenzie Harrick

One of the best ways to improve how we deal with stress is by changing how we behave when something goes wrong. For a lot of people, we find ourselves overeating, aggressively driving, drinking, not sleeping, or picking fights as a way to deal with stress. These are so obviously unhealthy, and there are much better ways to deal with stress, but how do we get organized around that? This is my favorite stress-coping activity. It will help you replace unhealthy coping strategies with much healthier options.

To refocus your coping mechanisms and de-stress in a healthy way, pull out a piece of paper with two columns. Throughout the day and during stressful situations, take note on one column all the unhealthy ways you deal with stress.

Then sit down when you have time and choose healthy strategies you can use instead. Replace the “unhealthy coping mechanism” with a “nourishing coping mechanism.” Here are a list of my favorite coping strategies:

• Taking a walk
• Sitting quietly in meditation for 10 minutes
• Listening to a mediation CD
• Drawing
• Dancing
• Taking a drive
• Making a to-do list
• Drinking tea in a quite space
• Taking a bath
• Pampering yourself with home beauty treatments
• Calling a loved one
• Chugging a glass of water
• Jumping rope / Jumping jacks for 1 minute
• Stretching
• Journaling

Try to match up an unhealthy strategy with a healthy one. For example, if one of your strategies is drinking alcohol, replace that strategy with sipping tea. If another coping mechanism is picking fights, try taking a warm bath when you feel that urge. Or instead of overeating, call a loved one or chug a glass of water.

Give yourself a game plan – even if it seems overly thought out. Get organized around your stress so that it feels manageable and focused. Stress comes from feeling out of control. If you plan to deal with stress effectively, and actively use your own advice – you ARE in control! And you’ll soon realize stress has less of an impact than you think.

• Musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain and arthritis affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide
• Low back pain is the most dominant musculoskeletal condition
• Current estimates suggest that 632.045 million people worldwide suffer from low back pain and 332.049 million people worldwide suffer from neck pain
• New Research Shows Chiropractic Manipulation is Superior for Chronic Treatment Spine Pain

Chiropractic Attention Can Prevent and Treat Back Pain

Drs. Jessica and John Tagliarini

• Do you know anyone with chronic spine pain that could possibly benefit from chiropractic care?

• Do you know anyone who is on disability or potentially facing being on disability that is looking for another option?

• Call Tagliarini Chiropractic at (860)236-BACK for a consult and evaluation with the doctor to see if they are a candidate for safe, natural, effective chiropractic care.

Do you want to eat more healthfully but don’t know how?

Could you use a coach to help you on your path to a healthier you?  

Susan Cancian can help you take the next step. Through one-on-one counseling, Susan offers a program that will fit your individual lifestyle, and integrate comprehensive changes to make the transition fun and delicious.
Vegetarian diet is the first line of defense to help prevent disease and to reverse many diseases that are oftentimes life threatening.
Whether you want to transition to Vegetarianism permanently, or simply integrate healthier plant-based habits into your life, Susan Cancian CHHC, AADP can guide you down your individualized path of health.

Learn more about how Susan can guide you, and call for your free initial consultation with her today.

Susan Cancian CHHC, AADP
Holistic Health Practitioner, Alternative Diets and Raw Food Specialist