Beech Tree News Network

“There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal asset,” according to Arlan Specter (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/good_health). I’ve been reading about a variety of health topics lately. Reading is a pleasure, and one topic led to another. I found three topics that interested me: healthy foods, general stores, and health choices.

First, this is the season for easily accessible fresh foods. Many of us take advantage of them! I’ve been enjoying fresh tomatoes, corn, berries, and melons. I recently read that five healthy foods include green beans, salmon, watermelon, blueberries, and tomatoes. Green beans are high in fiber, and salmon contains omega-3. Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C and high in water which helps keep a person satisfied on fewer calories. Blueberries can help keep the heart healthy. My daughter loves frozen blueberries as a snack. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C. An article on the Internet listed 18 heart-healthy foods, including five of my favorite foods: almonds, oranges, cinnamon, green tea, and dark chocolate (http://yourwellness.guide/2017/11/09/18-heart-healthy-foods/?utm_source=...). The nutritional information supports including these foods in my diet, but since I like them, it really doesn’t matter. Fresh healthy foods are abundant now, and they are delicious!

Second, Southern Living listed their opinion of the seventeen best general stores in the South (https://www.southernliving.com/travel/best-general-stores-south). Of those seventeen stores, three are in Kentucky. Their article stated:

·         Ramsey's Country Store in Lexington, Kentucky

Next to Ramsey's Diner, this general store is brimming with locally crafted finds like Singing Hills Goat Farm Soaps (shaped into horses, of course), Rebecca Ruth's wildly addictive Bourbon Balls, and Lighthouse Candles. Passionate home chefs will also be thrilled by their selection of hard-to-find kitchen utensils and cast-iron items. If your little one wanders off, you'll likely find them by the old-fashioned candy and soda selections. For more information, visit ramseysdiners.com/ramseys-country-store (Ramsey’s Country Store, 3090 Helmsdale Pl. St. 270, Lexington, KY 40509, 859-351-2247).

·         Boyce General Store in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Catfish Fridays with Bluegrass performers? Sign us up. At Boyce, you'll also want to indulge in Brie Golliher's (the "Pie Queen of Bowling Green") nest pies or cinnamon rolls. Situated in the same spot since 1869, Boyce broke a record in the summer of 2017 when hosting over 600 people for the Peach Party and Pickin' on the Patio event. We have no doubt that record will be shattered once news of their spectacular Pimento Cheese Pie spreads across state lines. For more information, visit burgerandpies.com (Boyce General Store, 10551 Woodburn Allen Springs Road, Alvaton, KY 42122, 270-842-1900).

·      Rabbit Hash General Store in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

Greeting visitors since 1831, the store was completely submerged by flooding in 1937, and in 2016, suffered a devastating fire. Completely rebuilt to resemble the original store, Rabbit Hash reopened in April 2017. Beyond the standard lineup of goodies, the store sells Bybee Pottery, antiques, quilts, and handmade brooms from Kentucky's Berea College. For more information, visit rabbithash.com (The Rabbit Hash General Store, 10021 Lower River Road, Rabbit Hash, KY 41005-8657, 859-586-7744).

Each store sounds unique, and I’ve decided that visiting these Kentucky general stores would make good day-trip destinations.

Third, I’ve read recently about three health choices that might be beneficial:

·         Hepatitis A has become too common recently, and Kentucky regulations now require school districts to ensure that students get the Hepatitis A vaccinations. This vaccine is an inactivated (killed) vaccine. A person will need 2 doses for long-lasting protection. These doses should be given at least 6 months apart. Children are routinely vaccinated between their first and second birthdays (12 through 23 months of age).  Older children and adolescents can get the vaccine after 23 months. Adults who have not been vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis A can also get the vaccine.

·         Shingles is a painful adult infection. The chickenpox virus remains in the body and may present later in life as shingles. A vaccination can prevent or lessen the effects of this virus. I’ve had one outbreak, but thankfully I had been vaccinated and the outbreak was a mild one. The previous shingles vaccination was called Zostavax; however, a new vaccine – Shingrix – has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The new Shingrix requires two vaccine shots: the first dose, followed by a second two to six months later. The American Council on Immunization Practices (part of the Centers for Disease Control) recommends that Shingrix be given to all healthy adults age 50 and over “without any contraindications,” including patients who have previously received Zostavax. I’ll certainly ask about getting the new Shingrix shots.

·         About 10 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including me. When antacids or prescription medications aren’t enough, a minimally invasive procedure (a 30-minute procedure done using a gastroscope through the mouth while the person is asleep) is now available: the procedure is called transoral incisionless fundoplication or TIF. When needed, this procedure may help patients avoid the possibility of chronic acid reflux causing permanent damage to the esophagus. Although I know very little about this procedure, it caught my attention because it is supposedly less invasive and a promising option. Most certainly, the incisionless TIF procedure is a choice made thoughtfully with one’s health care providers.

Since good health is our principal asset, we should make the most of it. Choosing healthy foods, wandering through general stores, and making good health choices just might help us develop better health. After all, as in reading, one thing often leads to another.