 Harvesting
Health on the East End
Autumn has arrived and leaves
are falling like confetti heralding the arrival
of old acquaintances returning for their annual
visit. Mother Nature, outfitted in gold, orange
and fiery reds, is waiting with open arms to
share the bounties of the season. Apples and
pumpkins are ready for picking at dozens of
East End orchards and farms. Roadside stands
beckon passersby with scrumptious displays of
tomatoes, peppers and broccoli. And wine tasting
opportunities abound. It’s prime time to step
outside your front door, get some fresh air,
gather a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies —
and best of all — embrace the beauty of harvest
season on Long Island.
By Diana Erbio
TAKE
A WALK…
A review of studies on exercise and its effect
on brain function conducted over the last 40
years was presented at the 2006 Annual Convention
of the American Psychological Association. The
conclusion? Exercise can have a positive influence
on cognitive and brain functions in older animals
and human subjects. A few of the studies, which
examined men and women over the age of 65 showed
that those who exercised 15 to 30 minutes at
a time, three times a week were less likely
to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. Further
study is required to determine which fitness
training regimens will have the most significant
benefits, but walking is a great way to ease
into a more active lifestyle. According to a
Johns Hopkins Health Alert, it is one of the
easiest exercise regimens to begin with, the
health benefits being: better cardiovascular
health, a reduction in risk of Type 2 diabetes,
heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and
high cholesterol levels. Walking also strengthens
bones and reduces bone density loss. A walking
program is encouraged to reap a multitude of
physical and psychological benefits.
Long Islander, Carol Goldberg, Ph.D., hosts
the TV show, “Dr. Carol Goldberg and Company”
on Channel 20, which strives to help people
be healthier and more productive. She stresses
the importance of exercise for people of all
ages and says that building exercise into a
pleasurable activity like hiking with friends
and family adds social benefits.
For most people moderate walks will not pose
a problem, but as with all physical activity
it is best to check with your physician first
to be sure the activity will be safe for you.
…and
Enjoy the View
So, if you want to burn some calories but need
a scenic view to keep you motivated, consider
hiking. Tom Casey, Vice President of the Long
Island Greenbelt Trail recommends these trails
for beginners. At the Morton Wildlife Refuge
in Nyack, Casey says there is a short woods
walk leading to the Peconic Bay, with a woodsy
headland beyond that offers more trails. He
suggests bringing birdseed and says chickadees
will eat right out of your hand. For a walk
on flat terrain that makes for an easier trek,
Casey suggests the Quogue Wildlife Refuge on
South Country Road in Quogue. He says the out
and back loop trail that covers about 2-1/2
to 3 miles is a pristine mini-course on the
Pine Barrens that offers everything from wetlands
through tall pitch pines and on to dwarf pines.
Go to ligreenbelt. org for more on trails and
scheduled hikes.
PICK
YOUR OWN…
Why not combine walking with gathering? Apples
and pumpkins are now in season! For seniors
who are grandparents, Goldberg suggests an apple-picking
outing with grandchildren to reap rewards such
as precious time with the grandchildren, physical
activity and of course sweet healthy apples.
“Harvesting fruits – for seniors
– is akin to harvesting what they have
harvested in life and enjoying the rewards,”
says Goldberg.
As for health benefits, Ben Franklin was on
to something when he wrote about the apple in
“Poor Richard’s Almanack,”
proclaiming “An apple a day keeps the
doctor away.” In fact, many studies support
that notion. A recent Cornell University study
found that apples may protect the brain from
a type of damage that is believed to trigger
Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism, and researchers
at the University of California are studying
how apples, which are rich in pectin, may be
effective in lowering cholesterol in the blood
stream. So, head East for apple country. On
Route 27 between Water Mill and Bridgehampton
you’ll find Milk Pail Orchards, offering
21 varieties of apples. Their dwarf apple trees
make the experience easy and fun for grandparent
and grandchildfriendly apple picking.
…and
Get Cooking!
Jennifer Halsey Dupree who grows pumpkins, apples
and peaches at the Milk Pail Orchard, became
interested in farming while working in the fields
with her dad. She later studied Pomology —
the study of growing and marketing fruit —
earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell
University. Which apples are best to cook with?
Halsey Dupree says any apple will do depending
on the flavor you like. For people who enjoy
tart apples, she recommends Braeburn, Pink Lady
and Gold Rush. For an in-between flavor, Jonagold
cooks well. Or, you can try mixing varieties,
as many of the Milk Pail Orchard’s customers
do,
You’ll find a wide variety of pumpkins
at the Milk Pail Orchard as well. Pumpkins are
loaded with an important antioxidant, betacarotene.
Current research indicates that beta-carotene
may reduce the risk of developing certain types
of cancers. Halsey Dupree says Cheese and Cinderella
Pumpkins are very tasty, and great pies and
soup can be made with Buttercup squash. Visit
the Milk Pail Orchard to pick these varieties
of apples and pumpkins and go to milk-pail.com
for apple and pumpkin recipes, picking times
and more.
Other bright orange foods, like sweet potatoes
and carrots contain beta-carotene as do green
leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and collard
greens. Visit Long Island Farm Bureau at lifb.com
for more about which healthful crops are waiting
to be harvested on Long Island.
VISIT
A WINERY…
There are more than 30 wineries on Long Island’s
east end offering tours, wine tasting and lectures.
Go to exploreli.com for a complete directory
of locations. For those who want in-depth wine
and food tasting experiences, classes are held
at Stony Brook University’s Center for Wine,
Food and Culture. Learn more at sunysb.edu/sb/
winecenter. Or pack a bag and spend a weekend
at Wine Camp. These events fill up quickly.
Go to winecamp.org for details.
…and
Drink to Your Health
According to The National Cancer Institute red
wine is a rich source of compounds called polyphenols,
which are thought to have antioxidant or anti-cancer
properties. The compounds are found in the skin
and seeds of grapes. Red wine contains more
polyphenols than white wine because when making
white wine, the grape skins are removed after
the grapes are crushed. Research on the antioxidants
found in red wine has shown that they may help
inhibit the development of certain cancers.
Many red and white wines are produced at Long
Island’s wineries. Wine of course should
be consumed in moderation, but this link to
good health is an added reason to head out to
Long Island wine country. Visit liwines.com
for more about winery events and the wines Long
Island has to offer.
Diana Erbio writes about and enjoys
the bounties of Long Island. |
directories
So, what will it be this year in your quest to get in shape? If you feel like you’ve tried it all and still haven’t reached your health goals, don’t despair. Nutrition, fitness and wellness programs abound on Long Island. Help is here to make 2009 your happiest, healthiest year yet!
The doctors whose listings are included in Castle Cnnolly's Top Doctor listings were selected after peer nomination, extensive research and careful review and screening by a doctor-directed research team.
readerpoll
Please finish the following sentence
The season of overeating is nearing. I will stay fit by:
|
