The 2012 Dirty Dozen: Produce You Should Only Buy Organic

By Cassie McCully

Since we've been talking produce and the four reasons you should shop local produce, it seems appropriate to pass along the list of produce that you should buy organic. 

The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization, advocates for health-protective policies, while supplying consumers with useful resources, such as the annual EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.  This list informs consumers of what foods are testing at high levels of pesticides, even though they've made it into the supermarket.

The tests and results are not to sway consumers from eating their fruits and vegetables, as the EWG states, "the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure."  Moreso, the information is used as a resource to educate consumers as a means to limit pesticide intake.

The Dirty Dozen (plus):
Buy these organic

1.  Apples

2.  Celery

3.  Sweet Bell Peppers

4.  Peaches

5.  Strawberries

6.  Nectarines (imported)

7.  Grapes

8.  Spinach

9.  Lettuce

10. Cucumbers

11.  Blueberries (domestic)

12.  Potatoes

Plus:

Green Beans

Kale/Greens

 

Are you interested in learning about the Clean 15?  Visit the EWG's 2012 Executive Summary. 

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4 Reasons You Should Shop Local Produce

By Cassie McCully

 The season for shopping your local farmers market has arrived.  Do you take advantage of fresh grown produce?  For many, grocery shopping in general, is a chore, so one-stop-shopping is convenient. 
But we all know, convenience isn't always the best option.

Here's four reasons why you should buy
your produce local:

1.  Taste the difference

You've heard people say, there's something different about farm-fresh produce. 
And it is true.  The produce that is taken to farmers markets is usually harvested 1-2 days before sale.
On the other hand, produce that is being sent to grocery stores, enter a distribution network that can last from days to even weeks before the produce hits the shelves and is sold. 
There is no denying the freshness of recently harvested produce.

2.  Know where & how your food is grown

Local farmers have years of experience cultivating healthy foods that are
organic and pesticide-free.  If you don't have access to a local farm or farmer's market, aim to buy organic items when possible, to reduce possible pesticide consumption.

3. Support local farms

It's a pleasure to give back to where you come from, and help keep farmers in business! If local farms are not accessible, CSA (community supported agriculture) programs may be an option, or if you have the space, you could jump in and start growing your own harvest.

4. Save money by shopping locally & seasonally

If foods don't have to be transported to a far destination, costs remain relatively low.  The same is if you shop seasonally.  The price that it takes to have access to produce is always dependant on harvest location and if the produce is in season.  See the chart below to shop seasonally. 

Seasons may vary by region.

Farmers Markets in the area:

Today is the opening day of the Camas Farmers Market. 
It runs from 3-7:30pm every Wednesday through October 10th.

The Vancouver Farmers Market
Runs Saturday 9-3pm and Sunday 10-3pm through October 28th.

In Portland?  Check out this list of Portland Farmers Markets.

image credits 1 & 2 3

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Dairy Farmers Seek Chiropractic Care For Cows

Sarah Gilbertson adjusts 7 year old cow, Lucky

Dairy farmers are turning to new creative methods to keep cows healthy, happy and their milk production high.  From installing waterbeds for cows to rest on, massage and playing classical music to content their cows minds, farmers are also implementing chiropractic care to promote optimal health for their livestock.

Wisconsin Veterinarian, Sarah Gilbertson, was recently called in to help Lucky, a seven year old dairy cow who had been walking with a limp for a couple of weeks.  Instead of painkillers, Gilbertson prescribed a full spinal massage and a chiropractic adjustment.

"The cows tolerate it incredibly well," says Gilbertson.  "They may be apprehensive at first, until they discover how good it feels." 

Chiropractic treatments for cows range from correcting minor calve issues, hip strains to overall tuneups in older cows.

Though scientific data on the subject of cows, pampering and increased productivity has yet to be confirmed, farmers who have implemented the practices, agree to an increase in milk productivity.

Not too much of a surprise, even if it's cows we're talking about.

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc Davis

article/image sources:
The Daily Herald
The Columbian

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Dr. Mancini Discusses Underlying Pain and the Benefits of Chiropractic

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, DC, President of Parker University and top Doctor in the field of chiropractic, recently discussed pain and chiropractic on the cable series, The Doctors.

What is important to know, he explains, is that pain often stems from another location than we think and for reasons we often fail to recognize.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO PAIN:

• Regular travel
• Improperly addressed and/or corrected pain resulting from accidents ie. a fall, auto accidents, sports injuries
• Unbalanced Diet--too much sugar contributing to inflammation
• Stress--built up tension causing a physiological effect on the muscles

If you have not yet been checked by a chiropractor, I urge you to visit one in your area. Silent problems are still problems. It so much easier and cost-effective to catch small problems BEFORE they become a CRISIS. For a limited time, our website has a promotion for a complete Chiropractic check up for you or your loved one. Go to www.davisfamilychiro.com today, print the coupon and then schedule your Chiropractic Check-up by calling (360) 823-2225.

Best in health, Naturally,
Dr. Marc

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