This Healthy Beef Recipe Lets You Forget You’re on a Diet

Have your steak and eat it, too, with a rich yet healthy entrée— then check out more recipes in the Cooking Light Diet to take off pounds, deliciously.

Mojo Flat Iron Steak With Red Pepper Salsa

Recipes developed by David Bonom

Prep: 25 minutes
Stand: 35 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

2 tsp. grated orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tsp. grated lime zest
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground chipotle chili powder
1 1-lb. flat iron steak, trimmed
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 cup peeled, seeded and finely chopped red onion
3 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange zest and juice, lime zest, 2 Tbsp. lime juice, 1 Tbsp. oil, garlic, sugar, chili powder and chipotle powder. Add steak; turn to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature, turning occasionally.

2. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Remove steak from marinade (discard marinade). Sprinkle steak with 1/2 tsp. salt and add to pan; grill to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Place steak on a cutting board. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting across the grain into thin slices.

3. Place remaining 1 Tbsp. lime juice, remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in a bowl, stirring to combine. Serve with steak.

PER SERVING: 216 Calories, 11g Fat (3g Sat.), 81mg Chol., 1g Fiber, 24g Pro., 6g Carb., 587mg Sod., 3mg Iron, 26mg Calcium

Your Child’s Car Seat May Be a Poor Match for Your Car

Children’s car seats often do not fit properly inside family vehicles, which could reduce their safety and effectiveness, a new study indicates.

The researchers found that 42 percent of the time, children’s car seats are not compatible with the size and shape of vehicles’ seats.

Parents or caregivers who use towels and pool noodles to try to help a child’s car seat fit inside their car may be further compromising proper installation, the study authors added.

“I want to emphasize that all car seats are safe and have passed federal regulations. But, to really optimize the safety of a child’s car seat and provide the best protection for the child, one must make sure it fits properly in the vehicle,” study author Julie Bing, a research engineer at Ohio State College of Medicine’s Injury Biomechanics Research Center, said in a university news release.

“We want to encourage parents to take measurements of their car in order to make the most informed decision when choosing the safest car seat option for their child,” Bing added.

In the study, the researchers compiled the dimensions of 61 vehicles, as well as 59 child car seats, and compared them to identify those that were the least compatible.

After analyzing 3,600 possible child safety seat-vehicle combinations and examining 34 actual installations, the investigators found that less than 60 percent of rear-facing infant seat-vehicle combinations resulted in a proper fit, in which the vehicle seat angle and the car seat base angle met manufacturers’ requirements.

In more than 63 percent of rear-facing child seat-vehicle combinations and more than 62 percent of combinations involving forward-facing child car seats, the width of the base of the car seats fit securely between the vehicle’s seat pan bolsters, the findings showed.

Meanwhile, in more than 66 percent of combinations, forward-facing child car seats didn’t back up against the vehicle’s headrests.

The researchers cautioned parents to confirm that the angles of the seats in their vehicle and their child’s safety seat align properly, taking into account for the vehicle’s headrest.

“We recommend parents go to the store and ask if they can take the model off the shelf and go out to their car and try it,” Bing said. “It might look great on the shelf and have all the greatest safety ratings but, if it doesn’t fit in your vehicle, it may not be the best option for you.”

The study was published in the Oct. 5 online edition of the journal Traffic Injury Prevention.

12 Things You Should Definitely Know About Your Clit

12 Things You Should Definitely Know About Your Clit

Your clitoris is an integral part of having a good time in bed, but how much do you actually know about it? Unlike penises, which literally let it all hang out, your goods are a bit more tucked away and compact—but that doesn’t mean they need to remain a mystery.

“All you need is a hand mirror to explore,” says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine. May we suggest whipping one out as a reading companion to these facts?

Chances are, when you think of your clitoris, you’re only focusing on the clitoral head, or the pea-sized nub of pleasure hiding out beneath the clitoral hood. “Beyond the head, there’s a three- to five-inch-long structure that stems inward along the vaginal canal,” says Sadie Allison, Ph.D., author of Tickle Your Fancy: A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Self-Pleasure.

They’re just a little smaller than men’s. Your clitoris is made up of the same spongy erectile tissue as a penis. “When you’re aroused, blood flow to the tissue causes it to engorge,” says Allison. Clitoral and penile erectile tissue are the same because all embryos start off with a vulva. “If the embryo’s second chromosome is a Y, the clitoris grows longer and becomes a penis and the outer labia grow into testicles instead,” says Allison.

Learn other fun facts about your body:

The legs are shaped like a wishbone, and they also swell with blood when you’re turned on. “What people call a vaginal orgasm could very well be clitoral because the crura legs are being stimulated along the vaginal walls,” says Allison. Here’s a little bit of (very fun) homework: The next time you’re super turned on, run your finger pads up and down the inside of your inner labia. Press against your skin, and you might notice what feels like two swollen veins. Those are your crura! "Every body is different," says Allison. "You may not be able to feel it, but it’s worth exploring when you’re in that state."

Its official name is the commissure, and it’s a lot like the foreskin of a man’s penis. Think of it as your clit’s bodyguard, keeping all that sensitive tissue safe from irritants. There’s also a shaft right under the clitoral hood to help connect the head and legs.

It’s a serious hub of pleasure: your clitoris packs around 8,000 nerve endings into its small real estate. “That’s about two to three times more than the amount in the head of a penis,” says Allison. “It’s the reason why so many men don’t understand how gentle they may need to be with a clitoris.” Don’t be shy if you need to tell him to go for feather-light strokes instead of jamming it like a doorbell.

Should You be Adding More Soy to Your Diet?

Should You be Adding More Soy to Your Diet?

What makes soy a nutritional choice?

Soybeans are high in protein. Three-quarters of a cup of cooked soybeans contains as much protein as half a cup of cooked meat, chicken or fish. Soy is higher in fat than other legumes. However, the fats are mainly healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Soy is also a source of important minerals, such as calcium and iron. Research shows that soy may be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease and breast cancer.

How can women incorporate more soy into their diets?

I would recommend starting with whole soybeans, tofu and/or a soy beverage. Soy can be added to salads, soups, smoothies or pasta dishes. Green soybeans, or edamame in the shell, can be steamed and eaten alone as an appetizer or snack. Tofu can replace meat in vegetable stir-fries, soups and pasta sauces. Soy beverages are great to drink on their own, in smoothies, over cereal or in cooking and baking. Choose a plain fortified soy beverage that has at least seven grams of protein per cup.

Can you substitute soy for other items in your favourite recipes?

Silken (soft) tofu works well for preparing smooth sauces, like alfredo sauce for pasta, or dips for veggies and crackers. It can be blended with savoury ingredients to create a delicious soup or combined with sweet ingredients to make a creamy dessert, such as "cheesecake." Tofu also works well in smoothies - it has a very neutral flavour, so it takes on whatever flavour it's paired with.

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/should-you-be-adding-more-soy-to-your-diet#zkP33p0QxB2QmXlx.99

Do's and Don'ts to Beat Bloating

Do's and Don'ts to Beat Bloating

How to tame belly bloat, one and for all

You know the feeling: Your tummy grumbles and then seems to grow by several sizes as gas fills up your gut. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, and that sensation of abdominal discomfort and distension can last for hours until the air finds a way out (or forces you to unbutton your pants).

If misery loves company, you’re in luck: Up to 30 percent of Canadians experience persistent bloating, says Dr. Maitreyi Raman, a gastroenterologist and clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary. 

For women, feeling bloated and gassy in the days leading up to their menstrual periods is common and driven by fluctuating hormone levels. At other times of the month, passing gas up to 15 times a day is considered normal, says Dr. Raman, who is also co-author of The Complete IBS Health and Diet Guide.

Don’t panic if you’re feeling abdominal discomfort more frequently. For many sufferers, bloating is simply a consequence of consumption, like eating broccoli or beans.

“Food is one of the most common reasons we experience bloating,” confirms Stephanie Clairmont, a registered dietitian in Waterdown, ON, and owner of Clairmont Digestive Clinic, which offers services via phone, Skype and online classes through her website, 
stephanieclairmont.com. 

In addition to the usual suspects of sulphurous veggies (like broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts) or legumes (think kidney beans, lentils and chickpeas), which are galacto-oligosaccharides, research is now focusing on a group of foods called FODMAPs. This acronym stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, and includes everyday foods such as apples, pears, milk, onions, garlic and wheat.

“They are short-chained sugars that are easily fermented in the gut,” says Clairmont, adding that fermentation can lead to gas and bloating. In all people, some FODMAP foods are poorly broken down and not completely absorbed in the small intestine, but certain people are more sensitive and experience more symptoms. They move into the large intestine, where bacteria treat the molecules as food and break them down, producing gas. “I think we’re going to be hearing more and more about them. Following a low-FODMAP diet significantly helps a majority of my clients – over 80 percent.”

Additionally, there are other dietary and lifestyle factors that may contribute to belly bloat. Follow our 10 golden rules to say goodbye to excess gas for good.

Do

Ensure regularity. Eat a breakfast of soluble fibre (good options include oatmeal, flax and chia seeds), and drink at least six glasses of water each day.

Exercise. Thirty minutes of moderate activity each day will help food move through the digestive tract, which can help with constipation – a possible cause of bloating.

Eat slowly. Sit down to enjoy meals and chew food slowly to avoid swallowing air. Thoroughly chewed food is also easier to digest. Eat until you feel 70 percent full.

Manage stress. “The mind-gut connection is very real, and stress and worry can affect our digestive systems,” says Clairmont.

Expect some bloating. “If you’re predisposed to bloating, it’s unrealistic to think that it will completely go away, even if you follow all of these suggestions,” says Dr. Raman. 

Don't

Chew gum or drink carbonated beverages. If you suffer from bloating regularly, these will cause you to swallow air that moves through the entire digestive tract.

Overindulge in caffeine or alcohol. Both can compromise (relax) the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, which can let in air. Alcohol can cause spasms in the small intestine that can lead to bloating.

Eat dairy products containing lactose. Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar found in milk, yogurt and ice cream. As many as one in three Canadians is lactose intolerant, meaning they lack sufficient enzymes to digest this sugar. It ends up in the large intestine, where it causes gas and bloating. If symptoms clear up in 24 to 48 hours after eliminating lactose, that’s likely the cause (a simple blood test can confirm this).

Consume too many raw vegetables. Avoid notorious gas producers such as broccoli and cabbage. Dr. Raman recommends peeling off the skins (whenever possible) and steaming vegetables to make the fibre more tolerable.

Snack all day. “You need to give your body a break to digest food,” says Clairmont. She recommends waiting at least two hours between snacks and meals. 

When to see a doctor

Gastroenterologist Dr. Maitreyi Raman, a clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary, says to see a doctor if your bloating is accompanied by pain, constipation or “alarm” symptoms such as bleeding from the bowel, unexpected weight loss, fever, chills or night sweats. Additionally, a doctor can help diagnose chronic benign conditions like lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as more serious diseases like celiac and inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).

New to Canada: Technogym Home Gym Equipment

New to Canada: Technogym Home Gym Equipment

Thinking about a home gym? We talk shop with Technogym founder and president Nerio Alessandri, who recently brought his Italian innovations across the pond

Why did you decide to launch in Canada?

North America is a priority for us, and we chose Canada because we feel our European-minded vision is better understood here than in the U.S. In a market arena driven by fitness, Technogym focuses on wellness – something Canada is more in line with.

Why is wellness a priority for you?

Fitness on its own is an opportunity for a few enthusiasts, but wellness is an opportunity for everybody. We believe that a holistic approach to wellness that includes physical exercise, nutrition and a healthy mental approach can reach and appeal to more people.

What’s the most popular piece of equipment?

Treadmills are bestsellers, but my favourite is our Kinesis. It’s a piece of furniture, really, with cables that let you do more than 200 different exercises. You can do everything from strength to flexibility to core balance training. Kinesis is not only a machine but also a discipline, allowing you to train in many different ways and address many different people’s needs.

Let’s talk more about this idea of equipment as furniture.

We are an Italian company, so design is part of our DNA. We want fitness and wellness to be integrated into a consumer’s life. We don’t want people putting pieces into the basement or garage because they don’t like the way it looks. If you have nice equipment, you will put it in a nice part of your house and use it more. Design is not just about aesthetics. It’s about using something more, it’s about having an emotional approach that brings you to do more activity, which impacts your overall wellness.

Why you need to be nicer to yourself

Why you need to be nicer to yourself

Turn your self-sabotaging behaviour around so you can be a better friend to yourself. Here are a few tips from the experts

Be aware

Emily Blake, a Montreal-based psychologist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders and depression, suggests asking yourself “What is most important to me in this situation?” to help foster self-awareness. “Awareness provides us the freedom to choose how we want to be in each and every moment,” says Blake. To further heighten self-awareness, she recommends just breathing and noticing your thoughts and feelings, including any uncomfortable ones that may arise when you think about pursuing what you really need or want.

Start a journal

Terry Estrin, a Vancouver-based psychologist, suggests writing down all your thoughts before going into a challenging situation. “It’s a way of downloading all the negative messages and getting them out of your head,” he says, adding that journalling is a great way to “look back over the geography of one’s life and learn from it.” Journalling helps us understand and cope with our emotions, and over time patterns may emerge that give us greater insight into our behaviour. “Journalling can help us become scientists in an observational study of ourselves,” explains Estrin.

Meditate

Estrin emphasizes the importance of gaining distance from the self-limiting messages in our heads. “Meditation allows us to start seeing our thoughts – most of which are just old ‘recordings’ – as not very helpful,” he says. If you’re new to meditation, keep it simple (you can even start with a book like Meditation for Dummies or a free meditation recording from iTunes). “Meditation puts us into the observer role, so we begin to observe patterns of thoughts and habitual actions and begin to react in a more mindful, intentional way,” he says.

Confront fear

“Each time you do this, it takes you up a notch in terms of what you’re able to tolerate,” says Estrin. He explains that everyone wants to be comfortable, and we’re often limited by the belief that life must be comfortable. As such, fear is not only bad; it’s unbearable. “When we take a run at fear, we often find ourselves feeling exhilarated, liberated, alive,” says Estrin. “By doing the very thing we fear, we become open to a world of new possibilities.”

Treat yourself with compassion

While we often help others instinctively without questioning whether or not they deserve it, we aren’t always so generous with ourselves, according to Blake. “Self-compassion is about treating yourself with loving kindness because you need it, removed of the obstacle of deservedness, which may trigger fears of selfishness,” she says. “Self-compassion says ‘All humans deserve kindness,’ and you must include yourself in that circle of compassion.”

Balance self-care with challenging yourself

Chances are, you treat your best friends with kindness while rooting for them to do their best. Be the same way with yourself. “Some people stay in their comfort zone but miss out on opportunities, while others push themselves to the point of burnout,” says Blake. Try to strike the right balance between being gentle with yourself while taking on challenges that will help you realize your full potential.

5 Ways to Style One Pair of Sandals

5 Ways to Style One Pair of Sandals

Find a favourite pair of sandals to take you through the summer, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up wearing them everyday

Summer sandals

This metallic leather pair in go-with-everything gold can be dressed up or down, and the rubber sole keep comfort in check (Loft, $50).

Here’s how to match them with any outfit.

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/style/5-ways-to-style-one-pair-of-sandals#yv6xDQBT5kZUbEar.99

Everything You Need to Know About the Abolished “Tampon Tax”

Everything You Need to Know About the Abolished “Tampon Tax”

The federal government has recently eliminated sales tax on feminine hygiene products such as tampons. Here’s what to know

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Menstruating just got a little bit easier for Canadian women, thanks to a May 28 announcement that the federal government will eliminate sales tax (HST/GST) on feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, menstrual pads and menstrual cups. I know, ‘What took them so long?’

While you rejoice over your newfound windfall (effective July 1), bone up on the facts of the so-called “tampon tax.”
Why the tampon tax was considered unfair
While essential everyday items such as groceries and children’s clothes are exempt from HST/GST, premenstrual products are not. This essentially meant menstrual products were lumped in the same group as cosmetic products or other “luxury” goods. 

Critics argued that the tampon tax placed an unfair burden on women and menstruating trans people because menstrual products are not a luxury; we need them to function in our everyday lives.
Items that were deemed more essential than your tampons
Cocktail cherries, wedding cakes and human sperm are all exempt from HST/GST. Even a bride with a sweet tooth would argue that a box of tampons is more essential to her big day than a fondant-covered masterpiece. Viagra is also exempt. Go figure.
Who’s responsible for getting the tax scrapped?
Groups have been protesting the tampon tax since 1982, when menstrual products were excluded from a list of goods that were exempt from sales tax. At the time, women reportedly mailed bloody tampons to the then-finance minister’s office in protest. 

These are the players who pushed for change this year:
• Jill Piebiak. The young feminist activist brought the issue back into the spotlight in February when she launched a change.org campaign petitioning the minister of national revenue to abolish the tampon tax. More than 74,000 people signed it. 
• NDP MP Irene Mathyssen. The London-Fanshawe MP most recently introduced private members bill C-282 to exempt feminine hygiene products from the Excise Tax Act. (NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis introduced the bill in 2004.)
• Conservative MP Michelle Rempel tabled a motion on May 28 to pass the bill.
This issue crossed party lines
Who knew periods would unite the House? A motion to table bill C-282 was unanimously passed in early May. And while NDP MPs championed the bill, the Canadian Press reports that several Conservative female MPs put pressure on colleagues to support the bill by threatening to boycott a vote on May 11.
Provinces will follow suit
Since the government won’t be charging sales tax on feminine hygiene products, the provinces will cut their portions of the GST/HST as well. (Some provinces were already rebating their portion of the tax.)
What you’ve been paying
While you might not have noticed the sales tax on your tampons and pads, the cost can add up. Canadian women paid more than $36 million in HST/GST on feminine hygiene products in 2014, according to Statistics Canada.
What you’ll save
Sales tax differs across provinces. As an Ontarian who spends about $10 per month for a 36-pack of tampons, I can expect to save roughly $15.60 next year. That’s far from a down payment on my dream home, but it’s more money to sock away in my RRSP. Or maybe I’ll blow it all on cocktail cherries.
Canada has set an example

Since the May 28 announcement, pressure has been growing for the British and Australian governments to follow Canada and nix their tampon tax as well.

3 Sundresses We Love for Summer

3 Sundresses We Love for Summer

The sundress is an essential hot-weather must-have. Whether you prefer a statement-making maxi dress or something short and sweet, we've got a dress for you

A Dainty Slip Dress

With an eye-catching print, dainty sash belt and banded hem finish, this slip dress doesn't skimp on details. Pair it with brown leather sandals to complete the look.

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/style/3-sundresses-we-love-for-summer#ShB9b4axHiMMo4uL.99

10 secrets of the perfect DIY manicure

10 secrets of the perfect DIY manicure

There’s no one secret to a great DIY - there are 10! Before you set up another mani night, get up to speed on the cool tools and top tips you need

1. Foot masks

All the rage in Asia, sole-smoothing foot masks keep unsightly, scaly skin at bay, leaving you with spa-level results without the hefty bill. Try: Feet Treat Pedi by Look Beauty Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask, $10

2. Seal the tips of nails

Extend the life of your manicure and prevent chipping by wrapping your polish (and basecoats and topcoats) around the edge of your nail. “Sealing the tips of your nails prevents water and oil from breaking the bond between your nail plate and the polish,” says expert manicurist Wendy Rorong.

3. Restore nails with Formula X Sheer Strength Sheer Nail Color in Powerful

Fortified with strength-building keratin, golden bamboo to bond and seal, licorice extract to brighten and safflower seed oil to hydrate, this lightly hued treatment is pretty enough to wear on its own while it works to restore the health of your nails. Try: Formula X Sheer Strength Sheer Nail Color in Powerful, $16

4. UV cure

UV-curing polishes and basecoats and topcoats have gained major popularity because they serve up gel-like long wear and durability with zero special equipment required. “Natural or artificial light bonds the nail polish polymers to your nail, making it stronger and more resistant,” says Rorong. “The curing action also speeds up the drying process, helping you avoid nicks and scuffs.”

5. Start with your dominant hand

“If you’re a novice DIYer, start with painting your dominant hand first, which will actually ensure you get a less shaky start. Hold the brush in a comfortable position and try to keep your hand relaxed.”

6. Buff nails with Micro Nail

This fast-acting, battery-operated buffer comes with two rollers: one to smooth ridges and remove stains and another to buff nails to a high, natural shine. Use it as a quick fix for unmanicured nails or to prep your digits for a smooth polish application. Try: Micro Nail, $60

7. Get close

The key to getting a salonworthy finish is to get as up close and personal with your digits as possible, says Rorong. “Always lay your hand flat and close to your face so that you can zoom in, and be sure to avoid touching your cuticles or nail walls while painting.” For best results, try laying your hand on a stack of books or magazines while sitting at your desk or dining table.

8. Use a topcoat like Sally Hansen 3D Gel Shine Top Coat

This finishing touch topcoat has it all: long wear, plumping texture and ultra-glossy shine. Plus, it’ll camouflage any nicks or less-than-perfect applications, so your tips look fresh from the salon, regardless of your painting skills. Try: Sally Hansen 3D Gel Shine Top Coat, $15

9. Start in the middle

Instead of trying to steadily place your brush right at the base of your nail without painting outside the lines, start by placing a drop of nail polish in the middle of your nail. “Very carefully push the polish toward your cuticle without touching it and then pull the brush toward your nail tip.”

10. Quick-dry to prevent smudges

Dry freshly polished fingers and toes in 60 seconds (less than the time it takes to find your keys) with instant dry drops. Try: Nicole by OPI Drying Drops, $11

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/nails/10-secrets-of-the-perfect-diy-manicure#ZalBeIoS7ID59GaI.99

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Rhubarb Maple Syrup

Fluffy and not too sweet, these pancakes are made with quinoa flour for a great gluten-free brunch option.

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) quinoa flour
½ cup (125 mL) cornstarch
1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
Sea salt, to taste
1 egg
1 cup (250 mL) cooked and mashed sweet potato (from about 1 sweet potato, peeled, chopped, cooked and mashed)
¾ cup (175 mL) unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp (25 mL) melted coconut oil or butter
1½ cups (375 mL) non-fat milk

Rhubarb Maple Syrup
4 cups (1 L) chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb stalks
½ cup (125 mL) pure maple syrup
¼ tsp (1 mL) ground ginger

Directions

Rhubarb Maple Syrup: In a small saucepan, bring rhubarb, maple syrup, ginger and 1/3 cup (75 mL) water to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fruit is very soft and sauce is slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, whisk egg, sweet potato, applesauce and coconut oil; whisk in milk. Add flour mixture, stirring just until combined. 

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat; mist with cooking spray. Working in batches, spoon scant ½ cup (125 mL) batter per pancake into skillet, spreading to about ½-inch (1 cm) thickness. Cook, turning once, until golden brown and set in centre, about 6 minutes. 

Repeat with remaining batter, wiping pan and misting with additional cooking spray with each batch. Serve with Rhubarb Maple Syrup (reheated, if necessary).

Nutritional information

Serves 6 (12 pancakes). Total cooking time: 30 minutes

Per serving (2 pancakes and 2 tbsp/25 mL syrup mixture): 390 calories, 10 g protein, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 70 g carbohydrates, 6 g fibre, 36 mg cholesterol, 327 mg sodium

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/recipes/sweet-potato-pancakes-with-rhubarb-maple-syrup#OwcC1Dk82H6U8cUa.99

8 Bad Excuses to Not Wear Sunscreen

If you think you have a good excuse to skip the sunscreen today, think again. We've uncovered 8 reasons why Canadians aren't wearing sunscreen

Canadians seem to have a love-hate relationship with sunscreen. We love the protection it offers our skin, but hate how it feels, smells and costs. But what's more worrisome is that we're turning these dislikes into actual excuses for avoiding sunscreen. With many people skipping sun protection, it's not surprising that melanoma diagnoses are rising in Canada. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, melanoma rates in the past two decades have increased, despite the fact that it's one of the most easily preventable forms of cancer. In 2014 it was estimated that 6,500 Canadians would be diagnosed with the disease while 1,050 would die from it. 

Let’s bust some excuses with expert information on why your reasons for avoiding sunblock are unfounded and dangerous to your health.

1. My body won't be able to process vitamin D

There's a commonly held belief that sunscreen use will lead to vitamin D deficiency because the lotion prevents your skin from absorbing the sun's rays. Dr. Anatoli Freiman, dermatologist and medical director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, says this idea is a myth. “Wearing sunscreen doesn’t completely block the sun’s rays, or prevent complete blockage of vitamin D synthesization and production,” he says. 

If you’re still concerned that you’re not getting sufficient amounts of the 'sunshine vitamin', you can add foods rich in vitamin D to your diet. Health Canada recommends vitamin D heavy hitters such as fatty fish (salmon), egg yolks and fortified milk. You can also ask your physician or pharmacist about taking vitamin D supplements.

2. My cosmetics already have SPF

Some makeup contains SPF, but most people don't wear enough foundation, eye shadow, or lipstick to offer complete skin protection – plus most cosmetics don’t contain sufficient SPF. “The majority of makeup products have SPF15. That’s not enough for adequate protection,” says Dr. Freiman. “And when people put makeup on, they put it on the face so it doesn’t address the rest of the body.” 

Dermatologists recommend that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 in addition to your cosmetics. Broad-spectrum means that the product will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Too much exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to the development of skin cancer. To ensure that you’re applying enough sunscreen to cover your face and body, Dr. Freiman suggests using a golfball or shot glass-sized amount, and plan to reapply it every two hours.

3. Sunscreen formulas are sticky

A visit to the drugstore will uncover many products that aren't gooey or sticky. Ingredients including zinc formulations have a lighter, less tacky feel. “There are a lot of sprays, lotions and emulsions that people can use. Some zinc products have micro-ionized particles so they can be less sticky,” says Dr. Freiman.

4. The chemicals in sunscreen are dangerous to my health

This excuse is based on a popular misconception. Dr. Freiman says that no scientific studies exist that prove a link between sunscreen ingredients and health concerns, however, there are studies that show that unprotected skin can develop cancer. “We do know that not wearing sunscreen and being in the sun causes cancer. That’s a proven fact,” he says. Sunscreen is just one aspect of several safe sun strategies - “Stay out of the sun during peak hours (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.), wear sun protective clothing including hats, and sunglasses with proper coverage,” says Dr. Freiman. 

Look for sun protective clothing that features an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label. “Sun protective clothing typically has UPF 30 or higher; UPF 30 means that only 1 in 30 (three percent) of UV rays will pass through [the clothing to the skin],” says Dr. Freiman. Compare that figure to a regular cotton t-shirt. The Skin Cancer Foundation says a typical cotton t-shirt will only have a UPF of about five. If that shirt gets wet, that number drops to three. Sunglasses should have a label that states they block 99 to 100 percent of all UV radiation.

5. They're pricey

Price shouldn't keep users away. “Less expensive brands can offer good protection,” says Dr. Freiman. “In Canada most dermatologists recommend sunscreen that has the CDA (Canadian Dermatologist Association) logo of approval. It shows that the sunscreen has been reviewed. Many of them aren’t expensive and are reasonably priced.” Don’t worry about sunscreen making a dent in your wallet. You don't have to buy the most expensive brand to protect your skin.

6. I don't like the way sunscreen smells

Say goodbye to coconut scents. “A lot of formulations smell nice and elegant while others don’t have a smell so it shouldn’t be a big issue,” says Dr. Freiman. Fragrance-free sunscreen products are wearable anywhere including the office.

7. It gets into my eyes while working out

You can exercise outdoors while being protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Dr. Freiman suggests that sports enthusiasts ensure that their sunscreen product is applied properly. “I do a fair amount of sports and haven’t had problems as long as the sunscreen is rubbed in away from the eyes,” he says. “Don’t put it close to the eye itself.” You can also opt for sunblock sticks. These formulations stay put during active sports, so you won't get SPF dripping into your eyes. For extra eye area protection, wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays.

8. Sunscreen leads to acne breakouts

If your skin is prone to pimples, opt for a product that won't clog pores. “A lot of the sunscreens with the CDA logo of approval are non-comedogenic, so they don’t cause break outs,” says Dr. Freiman. With lotions, creams, sticks and products containing zinc and titanium dioxide on the market, you have a wide range of sunscreens to choose from.

5 Skin Issues You Can Solve Before Summer

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to embrace flirty skirts, shorts and bathing suits. But is your skin ready? Here are 5 skin problems and how you can fix them in time for that trip to the beach

Skin problem: Keratosis pilaris

Annoying - but harmless - tiny white or red bumps that can appear on your arms, buttocks, face and thighs, Keratosis pilaris develops when keratin (a naturally occurring skin protein) plugs up hair follicles. These bumps don't itch or cause any problems, but they're a bit of an eyesore. 

The fix: According to Dr. Jason Rivers, a clinical professor at UBC, and medical director of Pacific Dermaesthetics in Vancouver, keratois pilaris (KP) typically improves during the summer. But if you’re not seeing a natural reduction in its appearance, a dermatologist can provide assistance. “I tell people to use a buff puff or loofah sponge to exfoliate the skin,” he says. Rivers also recommends the topical use of salicylic acid, vitamin A (retinol) creams, and moisturizers to soften the skin and help diminish the skin’s bumpy appearance.

AMA Weighs Ethical Telehealth, Doctor Care Via iPhone Comment Now

As insurance companies expand coverage of telehealth to patients via smartphone, laptop or Skype, the American Medical Association wants to be sure doctors have the proper ethical guidance on this fast-growing form of care.

The AMA’s annual policy-making House of Delegateslater this week will debate telemedicine, voting on new policy created by the group’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that will advise doctors on everything from patient privacy and diagnosis to follow-up care for virtual visits between doctors and patients. The meeting, which helps set the powerful doctor group’s lobbying agenda, runs Saturday, June 6 through the 10th in Chicago.

“As the public becomes increasingly fluent in utilizing novel technologies in all aspects of daily life, evolving applications in health care are altering the contours of when, where, and how patients and patients and physicians engage with one another,” the AMA ethics council wrote in excerpts of a report released prior to next weekend’s meeting. “In any model of care, patients need to be able to trust that physicians will place patient welfare above other interests, provide competent care, provide the information patients need to make well-considered decisions about care, respect patient privacy and confidentiality, and take steps to ensure continuity of care.”

The AMA’s move comes as the nation’s largest health insurers widen coverage of telehealth to unprecedented numbers of their health plan subscribers.

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Last month, for example, UnitedHealth Group UNH +0.49% (UNH) said it would offer access to three different medical care provider networks that connect patients via smart phone, tablet or computer for “virtual care doctor’s visits” in a move that the insurer said would expand access to telemedicine to 20 million Americans by next year.

UnitedHealth rivals, including Anthem (ANTM), AetnaAET +1.36% (AET), Cigna CI +3.65% (CI) and others are also expanding access to a wide array of primary care services. Some plans like Aetna are also pushing into virtual behavioral health care services.

As the nation’s largest doctor group, the AMA said it’s important to prepare physicians for this new order.

The AMA delegates will consider telehealth 

recommendations that include advising doctors to:

* Inform patients about limitations of services provided

* Advise telehealth users how to arrange for any needed follow-up care

* Be proficient in telehealth technologies

AMA delegates could alter, expand or table recommendations during their meeting, which will include votes on scores of policies that are used to advise physicians and often become a part of the organization’s lobbying agenda in Washington and state capitals across the country.

Credit: http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2015/05/31/ama-debates-ethical-doctor-care-via-iphone-telehealth/