Fall Reading List Part 4!

Today's post is from Helene Roby, another RMT at Zawada Health! She has two beautiful kids that have inpired her to write about her favourite children's books. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch This is a beautiful story about a mothers unconditional love for her son, and the bond between mother and child. It is full of real life examples of the different stages children hit as they grow up and become adults. It is sensitively written, funny and heart-warming all at the same time. One of the sweetest children’s book out there, makes me cry every time I read it… Hop on Pop by Dr Seuss Hop on Pop is composed of simple, silly rhymes. It’s a bit of a tongue twister but a great fun and easy read for beginner readers. The illustrations are the usual style of funny characters helping the new reader to decode the words. My almost 5 year old daughter really enjoys this book. Mr Brown Can Moo! By Dr Seuss Fun all around for little kids! Good for beginner readers too. Both my kids have loved imitating the sounds the book describes from a very young age and has kept them entertained until now (2 and 5 years). Busy Kitties by John Schindel and Sean Franzen Cute cat pictures illustrating action-words for young toddlers. A Children’s Treasury of Songs from Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. I think every toddler enjoys singing and this compilation of nursery rhymes is awesome. It includes all-time favourites like: “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “Pop Goes the Weasel,” “Row, Row, Row your Boat”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Pat-a-Cake,” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It”. All the songs are great for entertaining young ones on car trips, during play dates, on a rainy day or anytime to cheer up the mood.

Fall Reading List Part 3

Next up is one of our RMTs with her must-have picks for a good yet informative read. Thanks to Kelly Derlago, one of the clinic's most voracious readers, for today's recommendations! The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy, by Vicki Iovine You can read just about any pregnancy book out there, or get advice from your health professional, but some topics or questions tend to be "off-limits", or too embarrassing to bring up. This book tells you everything that only your girlfriends would tell you when it comes to pregnancy -- ALL the gory details! A light, funny, and extremely informative read, to add to your prenatal "to-do" list. Taking Charge of Your Fertility, by Toni Weschler, MPH Many women are completely unfamiliar with their cycles, and the window each month they have to increase their chances of conception, or when to abstain, to avoid pregnancy. This book shows women, step by step, how to monitor their cycle each month, giving them more control of their bodies and health. A must read for every woman, regardless of which stage you are in your life.

Fall Reading List Part 2

Today's book review and recommendation is by another Naturopathic Doctor here at Zawada Health: Claire Girgis. Claire wanted to share a couple of books that she has recently read and enjoyed. Dying for a Hamburger By Dr. Murray Waldman & Marjorie Lamb (2004) This book addressed something very specific: the link between beef consumption and Alzheimer's disease. Although the topic is specific, the book covers many different areas that are important to learn about. It really opened my eyes to the shortcomings of the meat processing industry and the dangers they produce. This book really drives home the importance of knowing where your food comes from and how it gets from the field to your plate. Survival of the Sickest By Dr. Sharon Moalem (2007) This is a fascinating book! I read it some time ago but it still regularly comes up in conversation. The author tackles the question “Why do we have disease”. He explores the idea that diseases occur in a population for a reason. Often, a disease that seems detrimental is accompanied by a genetic change that protects the individual from another condition they may be vulnerable to. This book is great because it offers a new way of looking at disease and a better understanding of health. Next on the book shelf: Omnivores Dilemma By Michael Pollan (2006) This book looks into the many food trends that we see today and how they affect our current health and will affect the species in the long run. Should be very informative!

Zawada Health Fall Reading List

There is a chill in the air! What a great time of the year to curl up with a cup of tea (preferably green, white, or rooibus) and a good book. The next few posts will be by different practitioners at Zawada Health and their current reading recommendations. Today we start off with a book review done by Tiffany Heikkila, a Naturopathic Doctor at Zawada Health on the popular "Wheat Belly". Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD ‘Did you know that eating two slices of whole wheat bread can increase blood sugar more than 2 tablespoons of pure sugar can?’ It’s not very often that a Medical Doctor takes a strong stand against the food industry, which certainly adds to the ‘cachet’ of this book. As Naturopathic Doctors, we have been advising our patients against the over-indulgence of wheat for years, so it’s nice to know that the rest of the world is finally catching on. Wheat Belly is not just your typical diet book, but rather exposes the significant health consequences of excess wheat consumption, including obesity, Celiac disease, premature aging, skin conditions, increased cholesterol and of course diabetes. Dr. Davis captivates the reader with his knowledge, expertise and research. He discusses how wheat manufacturing has changed over the past 50 years, with nutritionally void, genetically modified wheat now being the staple in our bread aisle. He goes on to discuss how the push to increase the purported healthy “whole grains” has unfortunately led to the increase in waist size. Not only does Dr. Davis paint a great picture to avoid wheat altogether, he is also kind enough to provide healthy recipes to prove that wheat-free does not mean taste-free. This book is an easy and illuminating read for anyone looking to better their health, lose unwanted pounds and energize their minds!