Local and Sustainable

Recently I have been thinking about how important it is to buy local and sustainable products and support the local community and economy.
I learned that there is a community garden in the area and the produce goes to people and families in need. I think this is great!
I also learned that there is no longer a farmer's market in Clare :(

That's really too bad because people in this area could really use fresh, healthy, and maybe even organic products. It is really sad that Clare county was named the least healthy in all of Michigan!!

That concerns me.
I do think that there is so much that could be done to change that though and the community garden is a great start!
I was just reading about a town in Vermont that was struggling and found a way to not only survive but reinvented themselves has become a model for local,sustainable living. They have grown, created jobs, and helped their local economy!
I was inspired just reading about this town!
I know that many in this area are struggling but I truly believe that the same could happen in this area.
Eating locally and sustainably is not only healthy but contrary to some beliefs, it can be affordable, and it helps the local economy.
It's a win-win situation!!

Here is the link to a story about the town of Hardwick Vermont-
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/how-food-saved-town



If you would like find resources for local and sustainable living check out
www.localharvest.com
www.greenpeople.org

June 2010 Newsletter

Terry Talks Peak Physical Performance
Today’s fast paced lifestyle has everyone on the go and there is little time to think of the impact that diet has on our body functions. In the last few decades, our ability to perform physically at its peak level has dropped drastically. In this article I will offer you solutions how to improve physically and build a healthy body. These solutions include concentrated and standardized fruit and herbal extracts that can make a significant difference in how you perform. Read More

Don't Let ED Get You Down

If you knew that eating more fruits and vegetables and getting more exercise could help improve your love life, would that motivate you to adopt healthier habits? Poor vascular health caused by a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and a poor diet can really put a damper on a man’s ability to perform. Fortunately actions can be taken to help improve blood flow allowing these men to fully rise to the occasion. Details Here

Flaxseed Lowers Cholesterol in Men
Here's some hope for men who prefer a more natural route to lowering high cholesterol: an Iowa State University study shows flax seed might do the trick. Results showed that consuming at least 150 milligrams of flax seed lignans per day -- about three tablespoons -- decreased cholesterol for men by just under 10 percent over the three months of the study.Read More

Meat Heavy Diet a Health Risk for Men
Men who eat more red meat (mostly beef and pork), processed meat (bacon, sausage, cold cuts, ham, and hot dogs), and grilled or barbecued meat have a higher risk of advanced prostate cancer. Get Information

Veggies Protect The Prostate
A diet high in vegetables can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, researchers in China suggest. Ruth Chan of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and colleagues examined more than 100 studies and concluded that the primary mechanism of this positive vegetable effect is antioxidant protection against DNA and cell damage.
Full Story Here

Cultivating A Gardening Habit

Discover the Health Benefits of Yard Work

(article from ABMP)

Feeling the need to exercise, clean up your diet, meditate?
Want to be more creative, get out and meet people, enjoy the outdoors and slow down? There's one activity in which you can accomplish all of these objectives: gardening!

Encouraging Exercise
Studies show that vigorous digging burns 500 calories an hour, weeding burns 210 calories, and mowing the lawn burns 400 calories. As a moderate exercise, gardening has been found to decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and a study at the University of Arkansas found that gardening was almost as effective as weight lifting in reducing the risk for osteoporosis in women. So instead of taking that indoor aerobics class this summer, try mowing the lawn or planting an herb garden.
As with any exercise regimen, the key is to start at a comfortable pace and gradually work your way up to longer, more difficult activities. Your heart rate should be about the same as when you take a brisk walk.

Improving Your Diet
Gardening will also likely help you eat better. Research shows that people who grow gardens eat more vegetables and fruits than those who don't. Growing fresh herbs, even in a container on the deck or balcony, is another great way to add flavor and freshness to home-cooked meals and an incentive to try new recipes.

* Keep in mind that organic gardening with heirloom seeds, no chemicals or pesticides is the healthiest!

Boosting Your Social Life
Gardening can also be quite social. Whether at a garden club, a community garden, or an online forum, people love to share ideas, solve common problems, and connect through mutual interests.

Easing Stress
And finally, gardening is a great way to manage stress. Spending time outside and tuning in to the rhythms of nature, we're reminded to be patient, slow down, and breathe the fresh air. Whether growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, a garden reminds us of our connection to life and the abundance that nature fo freely gives.