Guelph Conference cont…… Day one (part of it)

Our first official morning, we were welcomed with coffee and breakfast deserts and fruit, which is always a given at any event. Some are more heath conscious than others, but it is always nice to have a blend. There was talk about Red Nose Day, a campaign to end poverty. It was explained who we are and who we represented, 15,000 people strong. Then it went right into the fatality rates. In the 1950’s the average death was approx. 65 years old. In the 1970’s - that increased to age 75. From the 2000 - 78 years old ,and currently 81 years of age. Now from previous lectures there is a difference between men and women, with women normally living longer at least at the time. There are more people spending time in retirement homes since 1970’s. There was an introduction of what we would be learning but I shall skip that part and dive into the meat when we get there so to speak. We gathered in groups to share ideas and to get to know each other based on provided questions. It was rather fun because I always enjoy meeting new people and sharing ideas and stories with lively debates. Session two was provided by Dr Alison Duncan, PH.D., R.D., Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences who is involved in preventing deficiency disease to and including prevention of chronic disease. Dr Duncan explained that there is major influence in research activity regarding food, nutrition, and health. There is an idea of functional foods. A simple definition therefore is foods that may provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Ie. They contain bioactive compound, relevance to many human health for older adults emerging as highly beneficial. The numbers of Canadians over 65 is projected to increase from 4.2 to 9.8 million. Guelph from 1998. There are research studies at Guelph University. Bread is made from soy beans, there is spearmint tea. There is analysis of isoflavone content with confirmed distinction between low, medium and high. Urinary isoflavones increased with distinction between high and low but not immediate. Looking at Spearment tea for arthritis. Horses were munching on the plant and would improve. Made it into tea. Both groups experienced decrease pain. The decrease in pain was only significant in the high - A group. Lentils - type of pulse. Low in fat, low in glycemic. Combination of lentils with white rice will reduce blood glucose compared to white rice alone. You may look up functional food circuit and download it. www.aha.the rea There are recipes for healthy aging flyers. Easy recipes. https://the rea.ca/resources/the simple-bean/. If you are interested google this. Next week I shall talk about a theology topic and then the following week I shall continue with the conference - Topic will be “Have your retirement plans gone to the dogs. We also got our own dose of pet therapy during the break, (I still managed to get a coffee and treat) so I will be looking forward to talking to you about this session. Til then have a wonderful weekend. Work smart and not hard and perhaps begin eating smart. That may be on my agenda sooner rather than later. What do you think?