I saw this little article here this morning and felt compelled to write about it on my blog. I am a huge tennis fan, and my two year old for some reason has taken a liking to Djokovic, asking "Where's Djokovic?" if he's not on the court when a match is on. Maybe he knew something that I didn't!
The article states that Novak Djokovic, the world's Number 2 tennis player, found out through tests that he was allergic to gluten. Other reports have him diagnosed with Celiac, and I can't seem to find a definitive answer to which it is. While it's important to point out that a gluten allergy and Celiac disease are not the same thing, the ultimate treatment remains the same: a gluten free diet for life.
Why is his health condition getting so much attention? Because his change in diet coincided with a winning streak that saw him win the Australian Open and has continued unbroken right up to his win in Rome on the weekend. He credits the way he feels on his new diet for helping him become a better player.
Anyone on a gluten free diet will tell you that it's not a miracle diet, nor is it the magical weight loss cure that some celebrities try to sell. It can be complicated to get all the proper nutrients needed to be healthy, and some gluten free foods contain more calories than their gluten-filled counterparts. And most regular people don't have the benefit of professional nutritionists and chefs organizing and preparing their every meal the way celebrities and athletes do.
Still, it's always satisfying to hear that someone feels better and is healthier as a result of finally figuring out what was holding their health back. And having a top athlete bring attention to the issue, particularly during Celiac Awareness month, can only be a good thing in terms of bringing gluten issues into the mainstream.
By the way, if you want to see him in action, the French Open starts next weekend!
Showing posts with label In the news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In the news. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thoughts and Prayers for Japan
I'm a little late on this one because I've been sick in bed all day, but as I've been watching the events unfolding in Japan since yesterday I felt I had to send a small message of support to those affected and to their loved ones. Now that the earthquake is over and the tsunami has run its course, I'm horrified to watch the ongoing damage at nuclear power plants in the affected area.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan and to all those affected by the earthquake and the tsunami. I hope that the threat at the power plants can be resolved and that efforts can be focused on the clean-up and rebuilding process that lies ahead.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan and to all those affected by the earthquake and the tsunami. I hope that the threat at the power plants can be resolved and that efforts can be focused on the clean-up and rebuilding process that lies ahead.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A city mourns
Today in Toronto is the funeral for a police officer who lost his life in the line of duty. I normally don't blog about news items, but I'm making an exception. Sgt. Ryan Russell was the first police officer to die in the line of duty in Toronto in almost a decade. At 35 years old, his death leaves behind his wife and his two year old son. As the mother of a 23 month old, I feel for the woman who is left to raise her son alone, and for the son who will grow up without his father.
Watching the funeral on television, I'm heartened but not surprised to see the enormous outpouring of support. The convention centre downtown will be packed with mourners and supporters from across Canada. The procession of officers and fire service workers from every part of the nation has shut down streets in the downtown core and the sight of so many marching in acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice is quite moving. The funeral home where the viewing took place over the weekend saw people lining up for hours in the freezing cold for the chance to pay their respects.
Hopefully in the years to come, Sgt. Russell's wife and son will be able to draw strength from the knowledge that his sacrifice was appreciated and mourned not just across this city, but throughout the nation. We often take for granted the work of those on the front lines everyday, particularly in a city that loses so few of them. Today is a day to remember, to mourn and to say thank you.
Watching the funeral on television, I'm heartened but not surprised to see the enormous outpouring of support. The convention centre downtown will be packed with mourners and supporters from across Canada. The procession of officers and fire service workers from every part of the nation has shut down streets in the downtown core and the sight of so many marching in acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice is quite moving. The funeral home where the viewing took place over the weekend saw people lining up for hours in the freezing cold for the chance to pay their respects.
Hopefully in the years to come, Sgt. Russell's wife and son will be able to draw strength from the knowledge that his sacrifice was appreciated and mourned not just across this city, but throughout the nation. We often take for granted the work of those on the front lines everyday, particularly in a city that loses so few of them. Today is a day to remember, to mourn and to say thank you.
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