This week, we talked about ADHD and food dyes, since RFK Jr. has been pressing for getting them generally banned. There are bills on the floor of a number of states, including West Virginia, Oklahoma, and New York. Interestingly, the studies aren't definitive about whether food dyes aggravate ADHD or worsen behavior, but that may be because of biochemical individuality or the ethics of study design. What do I think? They're not good for you! Eating whole, unprocessed, chemical free foods is common sense!

This week, we reviewed healing from a cold, and then went on to more information about how menopausal weight gain happens. It's possible to mitigate it but it's not the most important thing. The most important thing is that YOU FEEL GOOD, get your rest, do things that make you happy, and not worry so much about the numbers on the scale! The best diet is going to be one that suits you, that includes a lot of whole foods like veggies and fruits, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, and clean animal protein; adjust these to your tolerances and preferences. We'll get to some more specific information in the coming weeks!

The past week I had the DREADED COMMON COLD, along with sinking into misery, lots of symptoms, wondering if I'd ever be well again, then after three days of that, feeling much better! The key is rest, rest, rest. We talk about good things like water, neti pots, things to break up mucus, spicy food, and more. Then we start on menopause and weight loss (and why you shouldn't make yourself crazy). There's a lot to unpack so we'll have more for you!

This week, we wrapped up osteoarthritis for a while, doing a deeper dive into green-lipped mussel extract. We also worked through a number of knee-strengthening exercises, great if you have osteoarthritis there and are trying to avoid surgery. Acupuncture can certainly be helpful! We also started in on some more weight loss issues, since there is a newer way of evaluating obesity.

This week, we gave a little advice on the use of toothpaste with prebiotic to support healthy probiotic in the mouth. Then, we went on to discuss more about osteoarthritis. We gave more information about supplements. We also discussed the important topic of balance and how as the age, people have difficulty rising from seated and lying down. Ron is going to teach clinics on how to get up from the ground if you've fallen! And one of the reasons people fall is because they're lightheaded from being dehydrated, so we talked about making sure to drink and adding electrolytes. I talked about how a regular practice of yoga can be really helpful; something as simple as the regular practice of sun salutations keeps you able to get up and down from lying on the ground to standing.

This was the first week I'd actually BEEN to the Know Your Farmer's Fair so that I could talk about it! A great time was had by all, from getting SO many coasters, to mushroom salt and jerky, to gluten free cookies, to giving Congressman Joe Courtney a hug! Ron got to schmooze the room in his role as co-director of the Mansfield Farm to Families program, and talk to Joe as the registrar of voters for the Town of Mansfield!

Today I talked more about the measles outbreak, and how we shouldn't be so hard on RFKJr. I explained the science behind his offering of vitamin A, cod liver oil, and antibiotics to folks in the outbreak. I also talked about the recent time change to Daylight Savings Time and why we, well, just shouldn't. It's not good for your health!

This week, we talked about caffeine withdrawal. What fun! But you CAN get through the symptoms if you want to. Then we talked about measles and the outbreak in Texas. Should you get vaccinated? We finished with whether potatoes deep fried in tallow are good for you vs. in seed oils. Steak 'n' Shake thinks it is! Remember, the 10th Anniversary Know Your Farmer Fair 2025 is happening on Saturday, March 8, at the Mansfield Community Center. See you there!

220-your age is NOT the best way to go! The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has figured out a way to estimate your ideal max heart rate that uses your age, weight, gender, and height. I used it and it felt much better than the 185 I was using from five years ago, and was also higher and more useful than 220-my age! I had a great workout using it. Also, we return to help for osteoarthritis: foods, weight loss, exercise and more. Those green lipped mussels!