Term papers!

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I have decided to highlight a specific test that assists in helping to identify risks associated with this epidemic cancer as well as other estrogen-sensitive cancers.  This is now being offered to all of my clients and is a great assessment and prevention tool for anyone, especially women with a family history of estrogen-sensitive cancers.

While watching last night's NFL football game, I couldn't help but feel the strength and power on the field….not of the football players but of the survivors who held up the pink ribbon during the National Anthem.  During each play of the Giants vs. the Chicago Bears game (congrats NY Giants!), I was constantly reminded of this due to those pink sneakers, headbands and other paraphernalia. 

Today, through awareness and advancements on the research front, we are blessed with these assessment and prevention tools.  According to BreastCancer.org, breast cancer incidence in women in the United states is 1 in 8 (about 13%).  We all know someone that has been diagnosed.  With a tool like Estronex, we can take even more pinpointed action by using healing tools such as good nutrition, high quality supplementation, balanced exercise, EFT (a healing technique based on accupuncture) and more.

The Estronex Profile measures important estrogen metabolites with a simple first morning urine collection.  By determining how your body metabolizes and eliminates certain estrogens, risk levels can be determined.  Studies show us that the 2:16 ratio can be modified.  So finding your ratio is key in order to take important measures if necessary!  

To learn more about risk and if you might be at risk, take this online test.  The Metametrix Estronex test is relatively inexpensive and is done at home.  Once we get your results, we schedule a consultation to go over these & discuss an action plan (in person or via phone).  Changes don't happen overnight so we work together to make simple lifestyle modifications based on what the lab work shows us and any other items you decide to bring up in the session together.  Then in a set period of time you can retest to see how you are doing.  Why guess when you can test?!

For full details on this offering, you can view this PDF handout or email or call me directly to discuss.  This test is offered year-round, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  And, if the testing price-tag is an issue we can still work with your diet and lifestyle to help assist you in staying healthy.

In Health,

Alison Held, MS
Clinical Nutritionist

If you're a foodie residing in either Connecticut or New York City, you'll absolutely L-O-V-E what's in store!  Fresh, local, sustainable foods are abound from September 26 through October 11, 2010 as chefs include local flavors in their deliciously prepared meals. 

In Connecticut, 85+ food establishments will take part in this first-ever Farm-To-Chef Celebration Week through October 6th (note: the NYC event goes through October 11th).  The 'golden rule' for this week is that each participating venue must include at least four items on the menu that showcase CT grown ingredients.  Truly this is a celebration of our local farmers who produce some of the best foods on Earth!

While I am not a vegetarian, one of my favorite local restaurants is purely plant based.   Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, located in Bridgeport, is now celebrating their 33rd year (WOW!) and will feature several different cheeses from area farms as well as local potatoes, eggplant, and apples.  

My pals Glen Collelo and Lisa Storch of Catch A Healthy Habit in Fairfield are always using the fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in their raw food preparation.  As usual, they'll be serving up their mouth watering shakes and I bet their 'Boston Lettuce Salad' which features local beets from Fort Hill Farm, cashew "cheese", candied pecans, and a honey mustard dressing will be a hit!  Oh, and don't leave without dessert….Apple Pie Ice Cream!

If you're not as adventurous, go ahead and download this 64-page PDF which will introduce you to all the menus being offered and start planning out your week!  I was impressed to see that Fairfield University is even getting involved with an extensive local menu through Dining Services.  

New York City residents are now celebrating their 2nd annual Eat, Drink Local Week and this will go on for a full 11 days.  Theirs is a bit different as they are focused on getting to know the local farmers, markets, and artisan food makers.  

They've got a lot up their sleeves including: special locavore (that's someone who eats only foods within a certain radius of where they live) meals and deals; ingredients of the day; a vegetable and wine auction at Sotheby's Auction House and Wolffer Estate Vineyards respectively; a food film fest; an edible gardens exhibit at the New York Botanical Gardens; and so much more! 

The Edible Guide , resource for this celebration, will  point you in the right direction in terms of where to eat out.  And, if you'd rather just partake in some of the fun special events that I mentioned above, take a look at the full list and mark your calendar as it's going to be a jam-packed few weeks for food, food, food!

I love being introduced to new and good restaurants so please share your finds whether you decide to journey through the rolling hills of Connecticut or trek along the pavement in New York City in search of quality ingredients and fare.  Happy Healthy Eating!

In Health,

Alison Held, M.S.
Clinical Nutritionist