Dr. Helen Hsu

Bread & Recovery

Pondering the rather unimpressive bread offerings at Safeway this week- I came upon an organic loaf boasting "Say No to Bread on Drugs", 16 grains and 5 seeds. Promising.

The verdict on the bread - very tasty.  Hearty and healthy and good both savory (turkey sandwich) and sweet (with orange marmalade).

What's even more inspiring, is Dave's personal journey.  Take a few minutes to view the video - he talks about going WAY off track in life, the way (as so many of us do ) he misunderstood his father, got caught up in drugs and petty crime, hit bottom in prison, and ultimately had to take responsibility for his choices.  From there, psychiatric treatment, the love of family, and his own hard work has led to quite a thriving bread story...

Dave's Killer Bread

I was very moved by this story, because he is sharing a story we don't hear enough about.  I have friends and clients who have kicked major addictions, who have struggled valiantly with severe mental health conditions-and people really can get better.  Treatments exist and they do work.  Sometimes it takes multiple rounds to do the trick, but when a person is ready - things can change. 

I do believe in punishment and making people accountable - but I also know that giving up on a "lost cause" person is often missing the resilience and humanity that still can exist under the illness.

Hungry Ka Na Ba?

On November 13, 2010 Asian Health Services and Filipino Advocates for Justice held Hungry Ka Na Ba? at St Anne's Church of Union City.  Unlike many dull fundraising/educational events, this one featured something everyone loves: food! 

The theme of the event was about cultural foods we love, and how to enjoy them in ways that maintain health.

A 2009 filipino community health needs assessment survey conducted in Union City indicated many areas of concern such as:

• 50% of respondents were in the overweight to obese range of body mass - the highest BMI of any Asian American group
• Nearly a third of respondents (28%) reported hypertension (high blood pressure)
• 75% of respondents ate at fast food restaurants weekly, and two thirds at fast food up to three times per week
• 11% of respondents had been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 6% were pre-diabetic
• Filipino adolescents have the highest lifetime asthma rates of all Asian Americans (23.3%)
• Respondents favored sedentary activities, and preferred low impact exercise with minimal cardiovascular benefits
• 40% of favorite foods identified by respondents featured meat as the main ingredient
• Respondents reported a hypercholesterolemia rate of 24%, with 21% of those aged 25-39 already suffering from high cholesterol

(for more information on the Filipino Advocacy and Organizing for Health study, which also addresses TB and health care access contact www.filipinos4justice.org)

So- how to address these issues constructively? 

No one wants the food police nagging over every bite.  I myself often joke that I am "culturally incapable" of dieting.  My culture values the art of cooking and the joys of food centered socializing to the extreme.  Yet I have found that one can have both an enjoyable healthy lifestyle as well as delicious food.  Eating well and regularly exercising in a way of life in my household.  That way, when it's time to indulge in a treat or special occasion, we can do so guilt and worry-free.

Hungry Ka Na? showcased healthier versions of traditional foods.  The recipes were modified to contain more fresh vegetables, leaner cuts of meat, no refined sugars or transfats, no artificial flavorings, and an emphasis on local and organic ingredients.

Lucky guests like myself chowed down on Mexipino Kilawin (ceviche), Mungo, Menudo, eggplant bistek, tuna pan de sal and more.  Here I visit with Jen Lee & John Fong from Asian Health Services

My favorites were the Sotanghon noodle and veggie soup by Penny Baldado of Cafe Gabriela in Oakland (she was a winner in the food voting), and of course: Desserts!! Buko Pandan (jell-o and coconut w lychee-cutting the condensed milk and sugar did not negatively impact the yummy treat) by Elvie Jose and Baked Cassava sprinkled with toasted coconut from the Cruz/Libaste family.

Chef Dominic Ainza, a former youth counselor, and current chef at Mercury Lounge in San francisco provided a celebrity guest appearance to demonstrate several dishes made with local purchases sourced that very morning from the Union City Farmer's Market.  He talked about the importance of health, and how his three daughters serve as an inspiration for him to take better care of his own health habits on a regular basis.  Die hard foodies will recognize and be impressed by the restaurants Dominic has cooked at, which include Poleng Lounge and Betelnut in SF.

Thanks to Asian Health Services & Washington Hospital for sponsoring such a tasty and fun event to remind  us all that health is wealth and does not neccesitate culinary deprivation!  Thanks to Filipino Advocates for Justice and their incredible volunteers for conducting the local health survey and continuing to work on food justice and health promotion education.

Eat Real

This Woolf quote is painted on the wall at Jack London Square in Oakland, where I attended the "Eat Real Festival". I could not agree more. It troubles me that we currently reside in a climate where much food is filled with synthetic ingredients, and where people consider eating "bad." I am a total believer in the cultivation and consumption of quality foodstuffs. Something locally grown and organically raised simply tastes better. Enjoying a delicious treat, preparing or sharing a meal made with care, enjoying a special dish to commemorate a special occasion - these are social traditions of importance. We've all heard the expression, "Garbage in, Garbage out." If one lives on high fructose corn syrup, sodas and fried foods, processed and nutrient-deficient, how could one possibly function well? I have learned from personal experimentation that I am sharper, with better moods and energy-if I have been eating well. Many people living in these high pressure days complain to me of anxiety and/or depression. Many are nervous about trying psychotropic medications. The top non-medicine ways to improve mood are simple and inexpensive: Sleep more, eat good quality and nutritious food, and then get some exercise. That's it. Yet food, and weight, is not a moral dilemma. If I want ice cream sometimes or someone orders fried appetizers- so what? Even "bad" foods are okay in moderation. I don't care for overly stringent diets and food restrictions. A person should always feel that they deserve food quality foods, and I want all people to know how to nourish, care for, and treat themselves.