Focus on Five and Exercise
One Hundred Acres and a Tractor
Food and Health- the two go hand in hand. In many areas of the country, food insecurity, poverty and obesity are also terms that go hand in hand. Safeway is in the neighborhood one day and gone the next. This is the reality of urban communities where fast food restaurants dominate the food landscape. Corner grocery stores fill in the gaps for fullstop supermarkets however,the pickings are slim to none when it comes to local and organic produce and the expensive fresh fruits and vegetables available sometimes stretch the definition of fresh. In these neighborhoods, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and obesity are pervasive and increasing numbers are seen in younger adults. Where is the food justice?
In Beltsville, Md. The District of Columbia owns over 50 acres of land in Beltsville, Maryland which is managed by the Universiy of the District of Columbia (UDC) which houses an agriculture experiment station used for research, investigation and experiments. Dr. James Allen, a UDC professor, was profiled in a recent Washington Post article on the benefits of pigweed, a leafy vegetable high in Vitamin A. The majority of the land that DC owns however is unused and unproductive. UDC , a land grant institution, stood to gain almost 10 million dollars from the recent farm bill for use with community outreach and research. While I truly appreciate and understand the need for research and experimentation, I also understand that 12% of households in DC suffer from food insecurity .
This relatively unknown and underutilized gem in the coffers of the D.C. government can help decrease the incidence and prevalence of food insecurity in D.C. Mayor Fenty and the city council have shown their commitment to fresh produce for all through the Seniors Farmers' Market Program and the Farmers' Market Nutrition Progam. There are also increasing number of EBT machines at farmers markets. This commitment to freshness can expand to include fresh fruits and vegetables grown on D.C. owned land. The Food Project in Boston and Ma'o Organic Farms in Hawaii offer examples of the economic and health benefits of sustainable agriculture.
Ma'o Organic Farms grows certified organic produce on 25 acres of land in a community plagued by food insecurity, teen pregnancy, juvenile arrests, cancer and heart disease; a community similar to some of D.C's wards. The young participants in this program are involved in educational and youth leadership programs in addition to social enterprise. The Food Project engages teens in programs which encourage leadership as well as providing vocational skills through their CSA, farmers' market and work with hunger relief organizations. A similar program on the the D.C. owned farm in Beltsville has to be included in the war on hunger.
We live in an area filled with contradictions and uncertainty. The food secure and the food insecure intersect at hunger relief organizations which provide needed services. Most families, however, would prefer to feed themselves. Relying on food pantries, which are desperately needed, and living with the uncertainty that food insecurity brings can trigger mental instability. Providing food directly to DC citizens from D.C. land could potentially provide the economic, social and health benefits needed to stem the tide of illness, unemployment, hunger and poverty. The time is now to use this land for food and families.
Fenty Farms anyone?
Every day millions of Americans ingest dietary supplements which are thought to be safe, natural and healthy. Unfortunately, in some cases these supplements contain dangerous chemicals which have serious health consequences. This article in the New England Journal of Medicine discusses the difficulties in identifying the exact compounds in dietary supplements and the subsequent health and social consequences.
Revenge of the Healthy Lifestyle
This study in the August 2009 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine adds to the growing body of literature in the medical community that documents a decreased incidence of chronic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, in individuals that engage in a healthy lifestyle- generous portions of fruits and vegetables daily, limited intake of red meat,regular exercise and abstension from smoking.
Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Breast Cancer
We live in a time where early breast cancer detection is recommended however most women would like to prevent the development of breast cancer. While genetics and family history are risk factors w!ith most cancer, the reality is that most women that develop breast cancer have no family history or known genetic markers for breast cancer.More and more studies are identifying substances in fruits and vegetables which kill breast cancer cells in laboratory studies.Lifestyle changes can lead to lifestyle enhancement! As the incidence and prevalence of obesity increases, so does the risk of breast cancer.Recent studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of breast cancer. Don't take my word for it-read the articles below and check back for further information on breast cancer reduction. Eat Fresh,Live Healthy!
Lifestyle and Breast Cancer-Lower Your Risk!
Green Tea and Mushrooms-Is There a Role in Breast Cancer Prevention?
Breast Feeding and Breast Cancer
This study examines women with first degree relatives with breast cancer and the incidence of pre menopausal breast cancer. Breastfeeding not only benefits babies but also provides health benefits to mothers as well.
Diabetes
Diabetes(Type II), hypertension and heart disease are the new triad dominating the health care system in this country.In most cases these diseases are preventable but the incidence of all three of these conditions increases yearly.The end results include blindness, amputation, stroke,dementia,myocardial infarction and kidney failure. Every day and every meal offers us the chance to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains and live healthy lives and hopefully prevent illness and progression of any diseases or to eat high fat, processed, high fructose corn syrup , cheap and nutritionally poor food and expect a miracle drug to help us lose the inevitable weight gained. It is your choice; make the right one.Eat Fresh,Live Healthy
Just Say No to Diabetes- Recent Archives of Internal Medicine
20.8 million people are living with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. To accomodate this fact,more and more television commercials are advertising supplies to help diabetics live with diabetes. While special equipment and materials are needed to help manage their diabetes,diabetes prevention need no supplies ,equipment or needles. Lifestyle changes are the key and are repeatedly bourne out by clinical studies.
Pesticide Usage, Farmers and Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
Obesity and Heart Failure Risk
Beets and the Fight Against Hypertension
The Importance of Healthy Living
Low Glycemic Breakfast May Improve Benefits of Working Out
Breastfeeding and Decreased Cardiovascular Risk in Women
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology May 2009
Weight Loss
Miracle Weight Loss Pllan
Acai Berries-the new superfood?
Not. This berry from Brazil has been hailed as the new superfood.(is there such a thing?) Simply put,this claim is part of a effective, successful supermarketing campaign which explains the phenomenal sale of foods contating these berries. In reality however, all foods with blue, purple and red pigments contatin antioxidants and phytochemicals which can decrease the risk of some cancers, diabetes, hypertension as well as heart disease. Diversity is the key to life-Don't Believe the Hype !
Free Range Eggs- Are They Really Free?
Vitamin D and Women-Who Knew!