What
we should know about SAD
By
Dr. Brindusa Vanta, B.Sc, M.D (Euro)
According to American Psychiatric Association (APA)
symptoms of depression that come during the colder months
can be associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
This mood disorder is often attributed to the lack of
light during the colder months of the year,
especially January and February. SAD has been
linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain brought
on by the shortening of daylight hours and lack of sunlight
in the winter. Younger persons and women are thought
to be at higher risk. There is also evidence to suggest
that the farther someone lives from the equator, the
more likely they are develop SAD.
Symptoms that may be associated with SAD include:
• Excessive
sleeping, difficulty staying awake, overeating and
weight gain during the fall or winter months
• Feelings
of extreme fatigue, inability to maintain regular
lifestyle schedule
• Depression
(feelings of sadness, loss of feelings, apathy)
combined with irritability
• Lack
of interest in social interaction, losing interest
in activities of enjoyment
• Remission
of symptoms in the spring and summer months |
In a very small number of cases, annual
relapse occurs in the summer instead of the fall and
winter, possibly in response to heat and humidity. During
that period, the depression is more likely to be characterized
by insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, and agitation
or anxiety.
Those suffering from mild cases of SAD
can benefit from additional exposure to the sun. This
can include a long walk outside or arranging your home
or office so that you are exposed to a window during
the day.
For many suffering from more severe
cases of the condition, light therapy (photo therapy)
has a proven effective treatment option. Additional
relief has been found with psychotherapy sessions, and
in some cases, prescription of antidepressants.
Visit
Dr. Brindusa Vanta at Wellness for
the Body to learn more about natural, effective
forms of therapy for SAD.
American Psychiatric Association website:
www.healthyminds.org
The
Whole Grain on Carbohydrates
By Nancy Zivkovic,
CNP, RNCP
Many foods made from whole grains come
ready to eat. These include a variety of breads, pasta
products and ready-to-eat cereals.
Whole grains are considered healthy
carbohydrates and should be the basis for many healthy
meals and snacks.
Mistakenly carbohydrates are thought
as fattening. Whole grain products can easily fit into
a healthy eating plan without leading to weight gain.
Excess calories lead to weight gain, not simply the
carbohydrates found in grains. However, watch out for
grain products laden with sugar and fat — such
as pastries and dessert breads — as they're high
in calories and provide few nutrients.
Consider these ways to incorporate
whole grains into every meal every day:
•
Enjoy breakfasts that include high-fiber cereals
such as slow cooked oatmeal, cream of brown rice,
shredded wheat, and cereals made from ancient grains
such as millet, quinoa, teff and kamut
•
Substitute whole-wheat toast for 100% whole wheat,
100% rye, spelt, or brown rice toast
•
Make sandwiches with whole-grain breads such as
100% whole wheat, 100% rye, spelt or Ezekiel bread
and tortillas
•
Expand your grain repertoire with whole-grain complements
such as millet, quinoa (keen-wa), kasha, brown rice,
wild rice, spelt and kamut
•
Feature wild rice or barley in soups, stews, casseroles
and salads
•
Add whole grains, such as cooked brown rice, or
whole-grain bread crumbs to ground meat or poultry
for extra body
•
Sprinkle ground flaxseed over salads, soups, yogurt
or cereals |
 Refer
a Friend Program
A Special Thanks - Free
Polycarb Bottle!
As a token of our appreciation, you will receive a
free polycarb sport bottle when you refer a friend as
a new client! Be sure to tell your friend to mention
your name when they come in for their first appointment.
Thought of the
Month
"A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of
his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities
of his difficulties"
--- Anonymous
|
