Food For Thought - the Podcast

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The Healthiest Podcast on the Internet! We talk about all things Health Promotion, particularly as they relate to the CAF - in essence giving you a little "Food For Thought" on topics that range from stress, sleep, the impact of the built environment, what being a UHPR means, mental health, wellness in all spheres. We have conversations with different health and helping professionals and we even have some military members drop in with their insights. So, if you are ready to get healthy(er) then pick an episode (short or long) and let's get started!

Episodes

Wednesday May 17, 2023

Move For Mental Health in the CAF

Wednesday May 17, 2023

In this (longer than usual) episode we hear from two experienced CAF members who between the 2 of them have 14 tours and years and years of experience both military and life. We talk about men and mental health, not because there aren't women in the military or because women don't have mental health challenges, but because men tend to be more resistant to acknowledging and doing anything about it. It's a tough conversation to have, with yourself and each other, but as you will hear, when you push those feelings down, things don't generally get better, in fact they can very quickly spiral downwards to where rock bottom isn't just a hypothetical thing, but a very real place.

But all is not lost - there is change happening, albeit not as fast as we may want or need, and the good news is there is something that everyone can do to help make sure people, your coworkers, colleagues, battle buddies have to go through alone.

Hope that you enjoy hearing the candid stories shared by MWO Mitch Booker and WO Nolan Swetlikoff - they were so open and generous and shared so much great information it was a real pleasure to have this conversation. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help out there for you, maybe as close as the person standing next to you on the shop or hangar floor.

If you want to do a little more reading (hint hint nudge nudge) here is a great blog about how negative self-talk can be really detrimental to doing the things that you probably know on some level that you need to do:
How Does Negative Self-Talk Impact Our Ability to Care? — Next Gen Men

Here are the links from the Men's Health Foundation to help you take control of your health, whether that's physical or mental:

Thanks for listening - be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! F4T is available to be heard on Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Player FM, Tune-In, Spotify, Google Player and of course Apple Podcasts.

Food for Thought is brought to you by Charissa McKay and Nicole Emerson and all our great guests.

All production, post-production and promotion by Charissa McKay, music by UppBeat. Recorded in Edmonton, or Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Treaty 6 land, Metis Nation Region 4, home to the first peoples including the Cree, Dene, Stoney, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux and Blackfoot.

Find more Health Promotion content at www.cfmws.ca/edmonton and search for Health Promotion Edmonton.

Wednesday May 03, 2023

Compassion versus Empathy - What’s the difference and why it matters?

Wednesday May 03, 2023

It's Mental Health week, so what better way to celebrate, than to talk about talking to others to help them? But when we do that, what are we tapping into? Compassion, empathy, sympathy? Does it matter? Join us this week as we talk to our very special guest, a Chaplain with the CAF, right here in Edmonton (it's a surprise who it is - you'll just have to listen) about a topic that has become something more than a passing fancy. You'll hear him describe what is in and out-side of your arcs, and how to make sure that you do right by each other, but also remain mindful of yourself. We'll talk about vulnerability, authenticity and might even throw in a few more feeling words, just to really seal the deal! I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed having this conversation - it was a joy and I know that virtually everyone will walk away having learned something and will be inspired on some level.

Here is the link to the Nagoski sisters interview with Brené Brown that was recorded near the beginning of the pandemic and their take on Burnout in case you're interested: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-emily-and-amelia-nagoski-on-burnout-and-how-to-complete-the-stress-cycle/

Wednesday Apr 19, 2023

The Healing Power of Nature

Wednesday Apr 19, 2023

If you've ever been outside after a bad day and felt better by virtue of just where you found yourself, then you have experienced the healing power of nature. Join Nicole and I as we talk about all things nature in this episode as Nicole shares what she learned about how much of a positive impact nature can have on our overall wellbeing. As we are in and around the time of Earth Day, we thought it was a fitting topic to consider what we can do to let the earth heal us, as we give pause to think about how we might take that new found "aaaahhhh" and return the favour:)

Here's a link to an article from National Geographic (who know a thing or two about nature) on Shinrin yoku https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health

And here's one on the phytoncides :) https://forestbathingcentral.com/phytoncides/

Wednesday Apr 05, 2023

Mythbusters 2.0

Wednesday Apr 05, 2023

When you stop to think about the sheer volume of gimmicks and fads that are out there, it is a wonder there are people eating real food at all...unless it's clean...whatever that means. What are you hearing about or seeing in your various feeds? In this episode we tackle some of the things that we've been hearing a lot about lately, but that sadly, have been around for some time. Some of these things have more lives than box of cats. Have a listen and maybe learn a couple of things about asking questions to make sure that what you are getting, using or signing up for are actually going to be safe, healthy or effective.

Wednesday Mar 22, 2023

Pre-Workout Supplements: What’s the Buzz About?

Wednesday Mar 22, 2023

So you're thinking about using a Pre-Workout Supplement, or maybe you already are and you have some questions. What are they, what's in them, what are they actually doing or supposed to be doing? These are good questions to be asking, and really, ones that should be asked any time someone tells you that you "should" be buying something. We should all be able to make an informed decision about what we put into our body, especially if what you are trying to do is be healthier or fitter or whatever. Supplements while "regulated" still have a lot of wiggle room, in terms of actually doing what it is that they claim to do. The "research" that they use to base this on is often exaggerated in terms of what the results actually are and how it is being interpreted to make buyers believe that what they are getting is going to positively influence their goals in the gym or the weight room or wherever. Today's episode tries to provide the facts that are needed in order to make that informed decision.
Here is the link to the Healthline article 11 Best Pre-Workout Supplements (healthline.com), but there are a ton. The journal articles referenced are cited in this document so it's interesting when the results are somewhat contradictory to what s end up being promoted. Which goes to show that the old adage of Buyer Beware is as true now as it ever was.

Wednesday Mar 08, 2023

Meal Planning

Wednesday Mar 08, 2023

Meal Planning - it can be a daunting thing to consider. How do you start, what do you include, is there a "right" way to do it? These questions and more will be answered in this episode as we dive into Meal Planning with Base Dietitian Cheryl Nickurak. We'll look at simple ways to start, how to make the most of canned goods that doesn't rely on Top Chef'esque skills to get something on the table and what the benefits of meal planning can be in a variety of situations.

If you are looking for a template to get you started, you can check out https://albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-weekly-menu-planner.pdf to see a very basic starting point that has additional links to other things to consider. We also have a nice series of meal planning handouts at Health Promotion so email us at healthpromotionedmonton@cfmws.com and we can get you set up with those.

When you just don't want to think, this link https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-sample-meal-plans-for-healthy-eating.pdf can get you started and also provides a blank template if you start to feel inspired. And this link https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-quick-and-easy-meals.pdf will give you some extra "food for thought" to help you start filling in your planners as well.

For recipe ideas that will support your "meatless Monday" or "international Thursday" options check out:
https://albertapulse.com/recipe/
https://canolaeatwell.com/recipes/
https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Recipes.aspx where the first page will also give you the option of "finding a dietitian" in your area (two birds with one scone - gotta love that!)

Eating well doesn't have to be complicated, and it certainly shouldn't be overwhelming. When we cut ourselves some slack, it's a lot easier to enjoy food as well as make sure that we are making choices that are not only going to support our health, but also be tasty, economical and full of variety - which as we all know is the spice of life! Enjoy!

And if you would like to get in touch with Cheryl (CAF members only) please call her at 780-973-4011 ext 6236 or send her an email at cheryl.nickurak@forces.gc.ca

If you need more information on accessing a dietitian please check out the Primary Care Networks (enter PCN Edmonton in the search bar and then choose your area of the city if you are in Edmonton). Or ask your family doctor for a referral and check out https://collegeofdietitians.ab.ca/public/how-can-i-find-a-registered-dietitian/

Wednesday Feb 22, 2023

The Heart and Mind Connection

Wednesday Feb 22, 2023

When we think about a person who has had a heart event of some kind, we often think about the things that they have to do for their rehab and recovery in terms of the physical things. Changing their diets, changing what they do for or how often they participate in physical activity. But what about the effect of such an event on our minds, on our mental well-being? And how about the effects of our mental state on our risks for having a heart event? Join us this episode as Nicole and Heather take over at the mike and talk about the Heart and Mind Connection in a way you might not have previously considered.

Please click this first link for more information on how you can identify when you or someone you know might be experiencing a cardiovascular event Emergency signs When to call 911 | Heart and Stroke Foundation. And if you want more information on how to know what you or the men in your life might be at risk for, try this site Canadian Men's Health Foundation - Inspiring Men To Live Healthier (menshealthfoundation.ca) where you will also find lots of other cool information as well as the link to the "Don't Change Much" podcast which we mention a lot on our show:) Highly recommend.

Wednesday Feb 08, 2023

Self-Care: What it is, what it isn’t and how to do it.

Wednesday Feb 08, 2023

Self-care is perhaps more in vogue now than it has ever been, but it is still something that can cause some confusion, misgivings and in many cases even a sense of guilt - both for doing it and not doing it. So in this episode we tackle why we all need self-care, what it is, what it is sometimes confused for and how to do it in a way that is manageable and hopefully sustainable. If you think it's all about cucumber slices, have we got a lot to talk about with you!