How a postage stamp got me thinking about mental health and nutrition

The digitally-enhanced photograph on the stamp features a figure stepping out of the shadows, using a mega-phone to broadcast the plight of mental health patients. Alain Leduc, Manager of Stamp Design and Production at Canada Post, explains, "This figure represents all those affected, both directly and indirectly, by mental illness. By bringing this pervasive issue out of the shadows and into the open where it can best be served, it really speaks to the objectives of the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health."

(Source: Collecting on the Canada Post Website)

While I was buying stamps at the post office a couple of days ago, I saw this October issue in the display case. The dramatic image made such a strong impression on me I wanted to learn more about it. Who is the artist? Why was it commissioned?

On the Canada Post Website I discovered Canada Post has created an independent organization, the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. Also, I found out  -- better late than never I suppose -- October 5th through 11th was Mental Health Awareness Week.

You may have noticed the date gap between this and the previous post. One of the reasons was I used the past 4 weeks to nurture my own mental health. I spent much of my vacation being a person of few words, long walks and many photographs. But now I'm back to the routine of work at the hospital and home and this includes sharing thoughts, experiences and resources about dietetic practice.

I'm going to resume blogging by using this stamp as inspiration and look at the role of food and nutrition in restoring and maintaining mental health.

Here is the first resource, recently published in an online nutrition journal. It has an extensive list of resources and I believe is well worth reading.

• Nutritional therapies for mental disorders  Nutrition Journal  2008, 7:2   Full text web page    PDF version

I will publish posts with more resources as soon as I have read them.

September vacation

 "September blows soft...Till the fruit's in the loft"

Well, this doesn't look like a traditional vacation photo to be sure, but it does reflect some of my stay-at-home vacation activities these past 10 days. Definitely food and garden oriented. Two recent acquisitions have been a new camera and a new cookbook on canning fruits and veggies...so you might say I'm really into preserving food in two different ways.

Vegetarian cabbage rolls

One of my favourite meals and definitely a comfort food in my family, going back at least three generations (although my mom, gran and Nan always made versions with meat).  A recipe for using the tomatoes, basil and parsley from your garden:

Image: today's lunch -- yummy leftovers from Wednesday's dinner

Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

1 large head green cabbage, cored
3 cups cooked rice
2 cups finely chopped celery
1 cup chopped button mushrooms
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 small red pepper, finely chopped
1 small yellow pepper, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tsp black pepper
1-19 ounce can stewed tomatoes, chopped

In a large pot bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Toss in head of cabbage and blanch for 4 minutes. Allow to cool then remove the leaves whole. Meanwhile in a small bowl combine the rice, celery, mushrooms, carrots, peppers, onion, garlic, fresh tomatoes, parsley, 1/2 the basil and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well. Distribute mixture on the leaves in a line down the centre; tuck ends in. Gently roll edges of each leaf and place rolls in casserole or baking dish. Top with the stewed tomatoes and remaning basil and pepper. Bake in a preheated over at 350 F for 25 minutes.

Making roti

Image: Peshawari Roti, Pakistan

I enjoy looking at food photography and usually prefer to get recipe inspiration and information from books, but I do think web technology is superior for presenting step-by-step instructions when the right touch is so important. Here is my video pick-of-the-day:

I discovered Manjula's Kitchen this morning but know I will be viewing often.

Keeping Current: Topics in Nutrition Support 2008

I'm pleased to announce and support this upcoming educational event (October 25th, 2008) coordinated by Jan Greenwood, R.D.:

Nestle Nutrition Presents