It’s wonderful to have a birthday in June. I always thought that it was excellent planning on my mom’s part since I received gifts every 6 months. My little brother, born in December, didn’t have it quite so good since his birthday always merged into holiday celebrations.
I hope this month’s issue – with its focus on wellness for men – will provide a little consolation. I believe that it’s truly important for men to break free of the idea that medical attention is only needed in emergency situations. Wellness is so much more proactive. Often if you procrastinate about getting medical attention, the problem might have reached a point where there isn’t much that can be done.
As individuals, we might not be equipped to overhaul the entire health care system, but we can each take responsibility for our own health and improve our own quality of life in the process. Over the years I have read a lot about healthy living, but I am still thrilled to learn something new or find a new twist to something that I might need to revisit in my quest for wellness. Even small changes can create big results over time.
One such change is eating more locally grown foods. On Friday June 18, the Allen Park Farmers Market will kick off its second season. Allen Park is part of a growing trend in which communities across the country are making locally grown, farm fresh produce readily available to residents. It’s important that we all help to support the efforts of our local farmers, and to do the best we can to spend money locally whenever possible.
We are very fortunate in this country to have produce available to us year round, but there are some tradeoffs that this luxury brings, such as the cost of fuel for the transportation of our well traveled food items. I have also noticed that as people get further and further removed from the foods that they eat, they are no longer aware of which foods are in season. Shopping at a farmer’s market is an education in Michigan’s harvest calendar and in appreciation. When you’re out at the farmers market every week, the arrival of new fruits and vegetables is nothing short of a celebration. Of course, there’s nothing like the taste of a freshly picked Michigan grown organic asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes or corn on the cob.
Taking the time to connect with the farmers who grow the food you eat is rewarding, too. Personally, it makes me much more aware of not wasting food because I know how much hard work and effort went in to the growing, picking and hauling it all to market every week. My husband, David, and I love to plan meals around the amazing fruits and vegetables that we find at the farmers market each week.
We’re thrilled to have Dr. Oz featured on our cover this month, spreading the message of health and wellness and helping us reach out to the men in our community. So dear reader, please pass this month’s issue on to the men that you care about (when you’re done reading it!) It might be just the right thing at the right time. It’s said that when the student is ready the teacher will arrive. We hope this issue is, for some men, the teacher who will guide them in their quest for health.
Happy Fathers Day to all the biological fathers as well as all the men that have stepped into that role. You can make such a valuable contribution to the lives of others by your words and actions. I was fortunate to grow up with a strong father that led me to believe that I could do anything that I set out to do if I was willing to work hard enough for it. He is fond of telling me that I am a lot like him, which must be why we butt heads on occasion, but I do take it as a compliment. Thanks Dad for always being there for me.
As much as I would like to think that if the men in my life would just submit to MY will, things would be so much simpler and more efficient, the truth is, life would be pretty dull without their “manly” ways. Each of them, in his own special way, have helped me to grow into the person I am, and for that I am truly grateful.
Live well.
