Keeping It Farm Fresh

Picture it - sunny warm days, blue skies, green grass, flowers blooming, trees offering shade, sandals, T-shirts, shorts etc., love is in the air - summer is almost here.

The thought of enjoying healthy and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables makes my heart leap for joy. I can recall having the most delicious and juiciest tomato ever that we purchased at the market in Nevis, West Indies. I had no idea that tomatoes could be so sweet. Thank goodness, there are many farmers market throughout New York even in the city - yes it's true. Stroll on through Union Square and there you will find a fabulous farmers market.

Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture has an initiative to promote the farmers market. Do you know your farmer? If not, get to know your farmer and learn more about the food.

Pain, Pain Go Away - The Power of Prescription Pain Killers

It begins with the pain, the doctor gives a prescription to help alleviate the excruciating pain. However, there is a danger in what begins with a legitimate health concern. The spotlight on this form of drug abuse seems to focus mainly on celebrities especially when they have succumbed to an overdose. It is discussed on various outlets of the media and in no time, they move on to the next topic of the day. Truth be told, prescription drugs affects everyone from the young to the old, the professional, the student, the preacher, etc. It takes it's toll on many lives.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2010, 2 million people reported using prescription painkillers non-medically for the first time within the last year—nearly 5,500 a day. The top opiods abused are OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Duragesic and Fentora. These painkillers can create a high as it decreases the pain. The need to escape the pain can begin a physical dependence leading to an addiction.
It's time to pay attention, pain killers should relieve pain - sadly, it also takes lives.








Information sources and participants: NYC Health, Jack Riley, Hazelden Foundation, Pain Management, Prescription Drugs, Addiction to Prescription Pills, Drug Abuse, David Reveles, Cheryl Edwards, David Cohen, health, wellness, Chuck Goudie, Dr Drew, CNN, Dr Sanjay Gupta

Health & Wellness - Mixing It Up

There are many ways to work at improving our health and wellness. Veria Living always deliver a wealth of healthy advice. Let's look at dancing and how it provides a fun form of exercise as Debbie Allen disccuses the benefits for those with diabetes. Then there is June Stein who was diagnosed with a form of arthritis that affects the spine known as ankylosing spondylitis. After June's visit Dr. Rodney Bluestone, June decided to take yoga. Taking steps to improve on your health and wellness can be beneficial.

Always keep in mind that your health and wellness depends on you.

Are You Dreading the Spring - Seasonal Allergies

Word on the news circuit is that this season will present one of the worst allergy seasons ever. It promises to be a short but an intensive season and that can be such a bummer. Dr. Karen Demuth of Emory University explores the topic of seasonal allergies. Be in the know. Your health and wellness depends on you!