Does Wheat Hurt You?

Larissa filled us in this week on what Celiac Disease is. A lot of people are throwing around big words like CELIAC, GLUTEN, SPROUTED GRAINS, and other strange things we smile and nod at because we are too afraid to ask. Well let me tell you, us girls are A Sound Constitution are not afraid to ask anything and neither should you! The best way to attain a healthy lifestyle is to educate yourself and apply your knowledge to your life! I hope we can help you in that life long endeavour! 


Here is what Larissa would like to tell you about her show. 

Have you been wondering what all the buzz is about celiac disease? Or why gluten-free labels have been showing up all over your grocery store?

In this week’s show, we will be discussing the what, why, where, how and when of celiac disease. We’ll cover what celiac disease is, where it affects the body, why the prevalence is increasing and how to live a happy, healthy gluten-free life. 

Included is an interview with Will Langlands and Nicole Narbonne, a couple from Powell River who, for the past four years, have proved that a gluten free diet doesn’t need to be boring or anything short of delicious! Recipes are available on their blog at farmgirl.skeenastreetstudio.ca.

We’ll also cover the difference between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, the meaning behind “silent” celiac disease, the contributing factors that should encourage you to get tested, the challenges faced in a gluten-free diet and suggestions to counteract them. 

If you have celiac disease, know someone who does or simply want to learn more – tune in to A Sound Constitution on CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo on Thursday, February 16^th from 10-11am where we will demystify celiac disease, separate fact from fiction and provide you with information about your health care options!

If you missed the show click HERE to listen! Enjoy. 

Stay tuned for a poll that is being created to ask for your input into show topics for our next semester. We would love to here from you. We appreciate feedback, encouragement, and ideas from our listeners.

I have noticed we have a lot of blog viewers but no followers, so I am giving you a nudge to push that button on the right side of the screen, follow our blog and show us your support because without fans like you our show just would be the same!

Ashley Out! 

Ever Consider Donating Blood?

Have you ever considered giving blood? Did you donate blood ages ago and still haven’t made another appointment? Or are you someone who’s just looking for more information about blood and blood donation?


Well, this may just be the show for you. This week we will be looking at blood and blood donation. We cover basic facts about blood: its roles such as oxygen and nutrition transport, removing wastes and helping our immune system. The basic components of blood: Red Blood Cells (which paired with haemoglobin help carry oxygen to tissues), Plasma (liquid portion) and Platelets (what makes blood clot).
If you are an adult male you have 5-6 litres of blood currently circulating through your body, if you are female you have 4-5. When you donate blood they take approximately 450 mL of this blood which your body will reproduce within 56 days after donation. Not only are you able to donate whole blood, but the individual components (plasma and platelets) can also be taken from blood and donated.


This show features an interview with Chris Baron, the Canadian Blood Services partnership specialist for North Vancouver Island. He discusses:


Who can donate: Just about anybody between the ages of 17-61, as long as you are healthy, well hydrated and 110 pounds 
Where can people donate: Vancouver Island’s permanent clinic is in Victoria, however there are always mobile clinics travelling through multiple areas of the island. These clinics can be found through the Canadian Blood Services website: blood.ca or call them at: 1-888-236-6283
We also discuss when people cannot donate: after surgery, dental work, a recent tattoo or travel to certain areas – However, this does not mean you can never donate. After a waiting period of 6-12 months most people are again eligible to donate


If you cannot donate, the Canadian Blood Services are always looking for new community volunteers to help spread the word about the continuing need for more blood donors and donation!


We also discuss the different beliefs related to blood donation: for example, people belonging to the Jehovah’s Witness’ faith choose not to donate blood due to prohibition by the Bible to ingesting blood by any means, whether it’s in the form of food, like blood sausage, or in the form of a blood transfusion. Those belonging to Rastafarianism are also hesitant about receiving blood donations.


If you are at all interested – either in donating, volunteering or just wish to learn more about blood and blood donation, please visit: www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283! Also, feel free to let us know any questions or concern you may have and we will do our best to find the answer. Our goal is to demystify health care issues, separate fact from fiction, and provide you with the information about your health care options.




Thanks Nikki for a great summary of todays show! Tune in at 10 am to catch it live this morning on 101.7 FM in Nanaimo. Or hang in there for a post later today that will include the podcast from todays show!

CLIPS CLIPS CLIPS

Below you will find some fun things to listen to and watch!


First, if you missed our show today because you were too busy doing something less important... then we understand. You can take a listen HERE and learn all about Nutrition and Exercise!


A few clips were played on our show today and if you would like to go and have another look at them below are all the links that you will need, just click on the topic, or topics, that interest you! Enjoy!


New Year Resolutions 


Importance of Exercise


Tips to Eat Healthy


Vegan vs Vegetarian 


Food Toxins


Organic Foods

Tomorrows Show - A Preview.... Lucky You!

Tis’ the season to second guess our New Year’s resolution? On the show today, we talked about how to set a realistic, healthy, and nutritious resolution. It is always good to have goals, however, sometimes we make too big of a goal. By making small and consistent changes in your daily activities, incorporating exercise, and being conscious of what we are eating, your goals can become reality.


If weight loss is your New Year’s resolution, or as we would like to think, your lifelong goal, then including exercise will defiantly help. Exercising 3-5 times a week and on alternating days is a great goal, but remember, that your body needs to rest. Work one muscle group on Monday and another area on Wednesday. Watch what you drink. Some juices have hidden ingredients, what may seem healthy might not be. Try to incorporate 3 servings of fruits and veggies and eat lean meats such as poultry or fish. By following these tips, as well as, limiting your alcohol intake, you will be on a healthier track in no time.


Carolyn Boas, a strength and fitness trainer and certified coach joined us in a discussion about exercise. Lacy and Carolyn talked about New Year’s resolutions being too big and to make small goals. She recommends exercising 3-4 times a week and make it attainable. Carolyn feels that organic food is great, however, it’s not practical so she recommends buying locally.


As unique as each one of us, our diets are also individualized. We talked about the differences between vegan and vegetarian diets, as well as, diabetic diets and cardiac diets. Depending on your health care needs, you and your health care team can identify which foods to include or avoid.


When trying to eat healthy, it is always good to eat fruits and veggies. Eating everything organic can be expensive. There are a few foods you may want to buy organically anyways as they seem to have more additives for maximum group. They are peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, cherries, potatoes, pears, lettuce, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, and spinach.


My most important information I would like you to take from our show is to consult your physician about any concerns you may have about your health. Do not change your medications, eating habits, or exercise regiment without consulting a health care professional to find out what your needs are. Remember, this is your health and everyone is different, what works for your family or friends may not work for you, but with commitment you can reach your goals.


Feel free to let us know any questions or concern you may have and we will do our best to find the answer. Our goal is to demystify health care issues, separate fact from fiction, and provide you with the information about your health care options.


Thanks Lacy for a great little overview of tomorrows show. 


Tune in tomorrow - Thursday from 10-11 on 101.7 FM in Nanaimo!