LIFE's look at Health from 75 Years Ago

Happy Holidays to all! We hope everyone had a fun Christmas break, and all of us at Pathfinder Produce wish you a happy, healthy New Year 2018! To round out 2017, we'll be open this Thursday at our Edmeston fresh produce market at the Pathfinder Village Commons, from 1 to 5 p.m., with the best buys around!

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Over the long weekend during a lull between visits with family, I had a chance to look at some vintage LIFE magazines that we have … it's sort of a tradition to look at them during the last week of the year at our house. The one issue I went through was from April 1942, just as the United States was facing some of its darkest days during World War II.  (Many of these issues are available online too!)

There were stories about General Brehon Burke Somervell, the Army's Supply Chief, and some photo-essays on the Allies’ defense of the Philippines. Other stories focused on Tulsa' progressive education programs (combining academics with practical training/internships), how to patch clothing for extended wear (tres chic!), and how “Primary Elections raise the curtain on a Battle to Control War Congress.” Those were all interesting of course, but the one thing I was really looking at was how nutrition and health issues were presented 75 years ago.

One full color ad, featuring a wholesome, fresh-faced nurse, expressed: AMERICA HAS A JOB TO DO … KEEP FIT! The ad then went on to say how Dr. West's Miracle Tuft toothbrushes could help you stay healthy: “One simple, yet vitally important precaution in any health protective program is proper care of the teeth.” The ad also offers these five rules for 100% (yes, 100%) physical efficiency:

·       Avoid over-fatigue

·       Have meals regularly

·       Dress sensibly

·       Never neglect an illness

·       Watch your dental health; practice oral hygiene daily.

All of these tips are sound advice, and would still be in a top-ten list from 2017. Another smaller, less flashier ad for Soft-Lite Lenses noted, “Your Life May Depend on this Man's Eyesight” and used the examples of Civil Defense Spotters to encourage everyone to have their eyes examined: “Are you sure your eyes are doing their part to help you keep up with today's all-out production pace?” (The ad keeps it on the square by ending with “Buy Defense Bonds for Victory.”)

Other items alluded to physical fitness, as Americans needed to be at their healthiest to serve in the military, work in war industries, and grow healthy foods to beat fascism. In a photo spread featuring pin-up Jane Russell, it noted that Miss Russell, “is an excellent swimmer at 122 lbs. and is 5'7.” It also shows her regular gym workout ...doing handstands on the parallel bars, vaults over the gym horse, and leg pulls using wall weights. (“She doesn't worry much about what she eats, keeps thin easily,” according to the caption).

It seems in April 1942 that easy-to-prepare packaged foods were just starting to get a toe-hold in grocery markets. Rice Krispies (sold by some really weird versions of Snap, Crackle and Pop) are sold for their “tempting goodness and flavor.” Campbell's Chicken Soup is bound to make you “think of days in Grandma's kitchen, down on the farm!” In a somewhat bewildering ad, Birds Eye touts its frozen chicken with, “This wondrous chicken practically fries itself!” The first-name in frozen veggies also has a national weekly special … the frozen chicken with a pack of Birds Eye peas … cleaned shelled and ready to cook.

Finally, in one ad hawking Ovaltine, it talks about waking up with “Clear-Eyed Morning Sparkle,” and how “today, science is reporting startling discoveries about food. About new-found, almost magic food elements, with power to revitalize millions of the tired and nervous and build them up for vigorous days … our own government is seeking ways to supply more of these elements (as) studies show that 2 out of every 3 Americans aren't sure of getting enough of these vital food factors to be their best.”  The ad goes on to say that the product provides “11 important food elements, including vitamins and minerals frequently deficient in ordinary foods, (including) significant amounts of Vitamins A1, B1, D and G(?), protecting minerals, and complete proteins.”

So, in looking back to 1942, it's apparent that Americans valued healthy, wholesome foods, were relying on the scientific method to research nutrition, and believed that keeping healthy was important to the war effort. We've come a long way since then, continuing along on the path of health discoveries and medical progress … it is probably time again for us to recommit to keeping America healthy as a national priority.

Until next time, we wish you peace and joy.  Enjoy life and be well!

Lori

Go Bananas Over Bananas!

Season’s greetings to everyone!  We hope that your holiday season is full of fun and visits with family and friends. We look forward to serving all our tremendous customers as they stop by to purchase their produce needs for their gatherings.  Our Edmeston fresh fruit and veggie market is open at the Pathfinder Village Commons each Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m.  (We will be open on December 21 and 28, and on January 4, as typically scheduled).

Last week, blogger Maura Iorio examined how oranges became a treasured gift in Christmas stockings.  Our tropical fruit theme continues this week as the newest member of the Pathfinder Produce team, Sally Trosset, explores the benefits of one of the world’s staple foods, the versatile and delicious banana.

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This week is the solstice -- the winter months are here!  For me this means school sports…basketball and a little more basketball for my daughters.  The days are long, with kids going to school when the sun is barely up, to afterschool for practices or games, to finally arriving back home when it’s dark again. 

In our house, it’s a mad rush leaving in the morning.  My last words before we head out are usually, “Take a banana for later, it’s a superfood!”  This is usually met with an over-exaggerated sigh and an eye roll.  I think they would rather hear me say, “Take these fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, you have a long day ahead of you!”

Some may argue that bananas are high in the glycemic index (the measure of the effects carbs have on blood sugar levels), ranking at about 50, but really, bananas fall right in the middle of the glycemic scale of popular foods we eat.  (Less ripe bananas fall into a lower glycemic index, ranking between 30 and 40).

According to a recent article on the Livestrong.com website, “Top Ten Health Benefits of Bananas,” there are many benefits to eating bananas, especially if you are an athlete.  According to the article, these include:

• Calories:  By eating a banana you can indulge your sweet tooth without ruining your diet. A banana averages about only 110 calories.
• Fat and Cholesterol:  Bananas are naturally fat and cholesterol free. Use mashed bananas to substitute for some or all of the butter or oil when making cookies, for example, for a healthier treat.
• Potassium:  Bananas are known for their high potassium content, with over 400 mg potassium in a single medium-size banana. According to Colorado State University Extension, potassium is necessary for good nerve and muscle function as well as for maintaining a healthy balance of fluids in the body. The potassium in bananas can help prevent muscle cramps after exercise.
• Vitamin C:  As with many fruits, bananas contain a good amount of vitamin C. One banana provides about 10 mg of vitamin C, or about 15 percent of your daily recommended amount. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and cell health and improves the absorption of other nutrients such as iron
• Vitamin B-6:  Since B vitamins are more commonly found in animal products, it may come as a surprise that bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B-6, also called pyridoxine. One banana supplies 35 percent of your daily B-6 requirement. Your body uses vitamin B-6 to grow new cells.
• Manganese:  Bananas are a good source of manganese, with one medium banana providing about .3 mg. Adults need between 1.8 and 2.3 mg of manganese daily. Manganese is necessary for bone health and metabolism.
• Fiber:  According to the USDA, one banana has about 3 g of fiber. Dietary fiber can help you feel fuller longer and also keep your digestive processes running smoothly.
• Other Nutrients:  Bananas also deliver small amounts of other vitamins and minerals. A banana provides some iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus as well as vitamins A and E, folate, carotene and choline. Bananas also contain trace amounts of many amino acids.
• Carbohydrates:  Your body uses carbohydrates as a primary source of energy. Eat a banana after a workout to refuel. A banana with breakfast will start your day off right and will give you the energy to make it through to lunch without snacking.
• Digestibility:  Bananas are easy to digest. When you're sick with a virus or indigestion, bananas can be an appealing way to get some important nutrients into your system without upsetting your stomach. Mashed bananas are also often used as an introduction to solid foods for babies.

So, if you are concerned about the glycemic index rating of the banana, I think it is important to note that the pros of eating a banana far outweigh the cons!  And, the best part about bringing a banana with you when you’re on the go?  They’re portable!  They come prewrapped (no plastic bag!), saving you time when trying to head out the door!

Until next time, eat and be well, and enjoy the holidays!

Sally (and Lori)

Orange you Glad it’s Christmas Time?

Hello!  We hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season with all its gatherings, concerts, school pageants and other traditional celebrations.  At Pathfinder Village, we had a tremendous Holiday Show and Tree Lighting event last Thursday evening – each year, it just gets better and better!

We extend an invite to our local friends and neighbors to visit Pathfinder Produce … our weekly “pop-up green grocery” that features fresh and yummy fruits and veggies.  Our Edmeston market is open at the Village Commons each Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m.  We look forward to seeing all our friends and neighbors soon!

In this week’s blog, our Senior Director of Education Maura Iorio shares some thoughts on traditions of the Yule season.

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Christmas, and the holiday season in general, is a time for family, friends, celebration, and traditions. One tradition that always fascinated me, probably in part because my family did not partake in it, was finding an orange in the bottom of your Christmas stocking.

Don’t get me wrong, oranges are delicious and they’re a great source of vitamins to get you through cold and flu season—but a Christmas tradition? My Christmas stocking was always filled with candies and small trinkets and the obligatory new toothbrush Santa Claus would sneak in there to compensate for all the sweets … but never an orange!

It turns out that the tradition is not as strange as it seems, but actually is rather sweet. Although some argue that it represents the three balls of gold that St. Nicholas left for a distraught father in need of dowries for his daughters, another explanation tugs a bit more at the heartstrings. During the Great Depression, and maybe even earlier, oranges were looked upon as luxuries. People did not have very much money, and oranges were not very common or readily available. Finding an exotic fruit from a faraway state like Florida was a big deal—something precious and delicious to wake up to on Christmas morning! You can check out more interesting facts about the traditions surrounding Christmas stockings here.

Oranges may be more easy to come by these days, and are fairly inexpensive (especially when you consider most children’s Christmas lists consist of tablets, game consoles, and other electronics), but they are a reminder to appreciate the small things. Christmas isn’t about getting the most gifts, or the latest gadgets—it’s about spending time with loved ones and making memories together. Maybe that’s a lot of pressure to put on a piece of fruit, but I think this year I’ll be making sure Santa leaves a spot in between the chocolates and toothbrush for an orange.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Maura [and Lori]

Healthy Holiday Habits

Season’s Greetings, Everyone!

We hope you’ll stop by this week’s scrumptious Pathfinder Produce fresh market to stock up on veggies and fruits for your upcoming gatherings and meals.  We always have a great selection of fresh items, and our prices are kept low to help you stretch your food budget.  Plus, our friendly and courteous staff always makes it a great shopping experience:  Members of our Adult Day Services take such pride in their work as they assist customers as they shop or as they pack their shopping bags. 

Also on Thursday, all our Produce Patrons are invited to the Pathfinder Gym at 7 p.m. to share in one of the Village’s longest and most-heartwarming traditions, our Residents’ Holiday Show and Community Tree Lighting.  The mighty Pathfinder Players have four comedic skits planned, and there will be lots of sing-alongs too!  It’s always a great deal of community-wide fun and really sets the tone for season. 

Of course, with many parties and festive gatherings in the offering, it’s always wayyyyy toooo easy to over indulge.  In this week’s blog, my colleague Martha Spiegel offers some healthy holiday strategies.

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For many, the end of the year is the hardest seasons for healthy eating. There are parties and dinners and trays of treats everywhere you turn.  Here are some guidelines to follow for a happier, healthier holiday season:

1. Never go to a party hungry. Have a healthy snack beforehand so you won’t be as tempted by goodies.
2. Choose a smaller plate over a large one, if possible. If you have to keep making return trips to the food table, you will be more conscious of what you are eating. It will also help you to take smaller portions.
3. Go heavy on fruits and veggies, and light on the heavier items. It’s best to steer clear of the dips in general, but if you must dip, opt for something like hummus over creamy, sour cream based choices.
4. If you are at a sit-down dinner, make sure the veggies take up more space on your plate than anything else.
5. If you are going to splurge on something calorie-laden, make sure it’s something that’s a real treat, not something you can get any time. Those chocolate chip cookies may look great, but that little piece of Grandma’s fudge that you only get once a year is more special. (Just make sure it actually is a LITTLE piece.)
6. Don’t forget to drink lots of water. Add a slice of lemon or lime if you like. A big glass of water will help curb your hunger with no calories!  (Plus staying hydrated is key to avoiding dry, itchy skin).
7. Make sure to get some exercise. When the weather is colder, it can be harder to get in your steps for the day, but you can walk around your house, climb up and down the stairs if you have them, do some yoga, or just march in place while watching TV. Every little bit helps!
8. If you overindulge, don’t beat yourself up, just firm up your resolve. As Scarlett O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day.”

So have fun, enjoy the season, be safe, and be healthy.

Martha (and Lori)

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS!

Everyone at Pathfinder Produce sends out greetings to all, after the brief hiatus for the Thanksgiving holiday!  The market will be open this Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Village Commons from 1 to 5 p.m.  Come on down and visit with our friendly staff and get some great deals on all your fresh vegetable and fruit favorites. 

In December, our Edmeston market will be open each Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. for our customers’ convenience and to assist in their holiday meal and party preparations. 

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As we head into December and all the great gatherings that the month has in store, it’s always a good time to remind ourselves to watch how much we eat and drink to prevent the “holiday 10.”  Of course, if one snacks on fresh fruits and vegetables at parties, that’s always a great strategy.  And it is also good to sip low-cal beverages, like unsweetened seltzers or other non-alcoholic drinks, whenever possible. 

The end of the year is also a good time to make an appointment for an annual health check-up if you haven’t had one over the preceding 12 months.  Most physicals for adults these days include testing for things like sugar and lipid levels, cholesterol, and other health markers; knowing your numbers at year’s end can also serve as a reminder not to over indulge and to start planning health maintenance goals for the New Year.

One health indicator that may come into play this holiday season for many adults is being diagnosed with high blood pressure.  Earlier in November, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology announced lower blood pressure readings will now be used as part of physicians’ diagnoses for high blood pressure.  According to the website of the Foundation for the ACC:

High blood pressure should be treated earlier with lifestyle changes and in some patients with medication – at 130/80 mm Hg rather than 140/90 – based on new ACC and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for the detection, prevention, management and treatment of high blood pressure.

The new guidelines – the first comprehensive set since 2003 – lower the definition of high blood pressure to account for complications that can occur at lower numbers and to allow for earlier intervention. The new definition will result in nearly half of the U.S. adult population (46 percent) having high blood pressure, with the greatest impact expected among younger people. Additionally, the prevalence of high blood pressure is expected to triple among men under age 45, and double among women under 45, the guideline authors note. However, only a small increase is expected in the number of adults requiring antihypertensive medication.

Even if you don’t go in for a physical, it is now possible to get a general idea of where your blood pressure numbers are by using a home BP kit or stopping by your local pharmacy to use their free in-store sphygmomanometers.  (I’ve always been impressed by that word, ever since I was first heard it as a kid).  Then, once you have a read-out of your numbers, you can enter them online at the American Heart Association’s webpage that describes what blood pressure numbers actually mean. 

Based on your read-out, the AHA page can calculate if your BP is normal, or if you should follow-up with your medical professional to take control of your health. If your numbers are just slightly high, you can start getting them under control through dietary changes, getting in more moderate exercise, managing stress, and by other pro-active methods.

During the holidays, it’s important to take the initiative to take care of yourself, despite all the planning, shopping, preparing, wrapping, traveling, etc. that you may need to focus on.  Remember, the best gift you can give to yourself, your friends, and loved ones in the New Year is your continued good health.

Until next time, eat well and be well!

Lori

“Not-So-Sinful” Cookie Dough Bites

Hello!  We hope everyone will come down to our next Pathfinder Produce market at the Village Commons, this Thursday, November 16, from 1 to 5 p.m.  We have the freshest produce and the friendliest staff … a winning combination!  We hope to see you there!

This week, our Director of Education at Pathfinder School offers an interesting way to use chickpeas as a smart substitution for tempting desserts.

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Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are best known as the main ingredient in hummus. Part of the legume family, chickpeas are a great source of protein and actually reside in the “protein” category according to the government’s My Plate nutrition guidelines—making them a great meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans! Did you know they can even be used to make a sweet, savory, and guilt-free dessert?

When blended with a few other key ingredients, chickpeas can be transformed into safe-to-consume, raw, egg-free cookie dough! Easy to make, they are the perfect snack for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to get a head start on November’s and December’s Holiday Weight Gain. There are lots of recipes out there, but below is one shared by one of our Pathfinder School student’s family.

1 can of chickpeas (rinsed, well-drained)

 ½ cup tahini (or you can substitute with ½ cup of your favorite nut butter!)

2 Tablespoons honey

 ¼ teaspoon baking soda

 ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional—mini chocolate chips to taste!

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Roll them into balls, or use a small ice cream scooper or melon baller, and place them on a tray. Refrigerate for about an hour before serving.

(Although many of us survived eating raw cookie dough or licking the beaters when our moms or grandmas were making cakes, this practice is nowadays highly discouraged by the CDC due to pathogens that may be ingested with raw ingredients.  We encourage everyone to learn about and follow safe-food handling practices!).

Enjoy this tempting treat (and don’t feel too guilty)!

Maura (and Lori) and special thanks to Mrs. Simmons for sharing her recipe!

The State of American Hunger

Hello everyone! We hope that your November is going well! We invite everyone to come on down to our next delicious Pathfinder Produce fresh market at the Village Commons, this Thursday, November 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. Our market staff – members of our Adult Day Services program – take a great deal of pride in serving our community, and look forward to greeting all our friends and neighbors as they shop for yummy fruits and veggies.

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This week, I am writing about a sobering topic, hunger in America. Recently, I read an article from The Nation that put the spotlight on the USDA’s report on food-insecure people in this country. This report, citing 2016 numbers, was issued by the government back in September, but it hasn't received much press.  “Food insecurity” is defined as households that lack access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all members. 

According to The Nation’s reporter Eric Alterman, the number of food-insecure people in the US today totals 41 million, which is more than the populations of Texas, Michigan and Maine combined. This is about 5 million more hungry people than in 2007, and includes 13 million children. The national average for household food insecurity is at 12.3%.

Alterman says, “Family food insecurity in rural America (15%) exceeds that in cities (14.2%) and the suburbs (9.5%).” He goes on to add that the administration's proposed budget calls for a cut of about $191 billion – about 25% from current levels – to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps families and seniors obtain the healthy foods they need.  (Our friendly Edmeston produce market accepts SNAP as part of our ‘market mission’ to help area families obtain healthy foods).

He adds, “Peer-reviewed studies have repeatedly found that SNAP reduces food insecurity by approximately 13 percent.” He also cites that studies show the program has helped reduce obesity, has had a significant role in helping young children maintain healthy weights, and is one of the “most important programs to lift people out of poverty.”

How is this all possible in one of the wealthiest nations on earth?  I wish I knew the answer.

In the USDA’s summary of its report, there is a map of food-insecure households: there are two main concentrations of states that have food insecurity above the national average -- the rust belt states of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky; and across the South, running from Arizona through Alabama. It is somewhat of a paradox that these southern states, which arguably have a climate suited to growing produce, have higher than average numbers of food insecure households. 

Here in New York, according to the website of the Hunger Solutions New York, the USDA report reveals that 12.5% of New Yorkers face food insecurity, and that the rate dropped from 14.1% in 2015, a “statistically significant decline.”  They add that, “Still the number of New Yorkers facing hunger-- 1 in 8 -- is unacceptable.”

Hunger Solutions concludes their summary noting, “Nationally, only 59 percent of food insecure people reported receiving assistance from our nation’s fundamental nutrition assistance programs. … we must stay focused on delivering federal nutrition programs including SNAP, school meals and summer meals, and diligently advocate through legislative and administrative policies to protect the integrity of these programs, their expansion and improved access.”

Until next time, be well,

Lori