Simple Ways to Improve your Health

Eat Organic, Seasonal Food and Explore the Great Outdoors

Summertime is the perfect time to look for ways to be more mindful of the environment, the food we eat and the activities we pursue. We talked with Vicky Ranney, who along with her husband George, founded Prairie Crossing, one of the nation’s leading conservation communities, in Grayslake. In a conversation with Mrs. Ranney, she offered some ideas to help people enhance their health. Her suggestions include:

Take advantage of local farmers’ markets—“Visit your local farmers’ markets this summer to eat seasonal foods that were grown locally,” says Ranney. “Try to eat what’s growing in our region and get to know the farmers who grow for you. By doing so, you cut down on food miles (the miles your food travels before it gets to you) and benefit from fresher food. You can also educate your kids about where their food comes from and how different foods ripen at different times of the year.”

Where are the farmers’ markets? There’s one every Saturday morning at the Prairie Crossing Station Square (off Route 137 across from the train station) that features delicious organic produce grown right on the Prairie Crossing Farm by Sandhill Organics. Many other towns hold farm markets on various days of the week. For a listing of local area Farmers’ Markets, click here.

Order a seasonal organic food share from a local farmer—“You can become a community-supported agriculture (CSA) member at Sandhill Organics at Prairie Crossing,” suggests Ranney. Matt and Peg Sheaffer of Sandhill Organics at Prairie Crossing provide members with weekly boxes of high-quality, organic vegetables and sustainably grown fruits. It’s a popular program for families interested in adding fresh, healthy and seasonal foods to their diet. Shares for this summer are sold out, but call Peg Sheaffer at (847) 548-4030 or www.sandhillorganics.com to sign up for fresh spring greens in 2009 and a broad selection of summer and fall produce. There’s even a cheese share. Pickup points include Lake Forest and the Prairie Crossing Farm. This summer you can buy organic chickens from Chris and Tanya Cubberly at redtailfarm@gmail.com or (773) 562-7861 or sign up for 2009 season’s CSA, which includes chickens, produce and flowers.

Boost your intake of organic foods—“The trend toward organic food is here to stay,” says Ranney. “And whenever possible, people should try to select organic options for their families because certification sets a standard for cleanliness and lack of chemicals.”

To earn the U.S. Department of Agriculture's organic certification, farmland must be free from prohibited substances such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and other potential toxins for at least three years. Eating organic food helps reduce the amount of pesticides we consume. According to a study done by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization, the top 12 most pesticide-laden foods when grown conventionally include peaches, strawberries, apples, spinach, nectarines, celery, pears, cherries, potatoes, raspberries, sweet bell peppers and grapes (imported). When purchasing these items, you may be wise to pay the extra expense involved in organics.

Organic food is known to contain up to 50 percent more nutrients, minerals and vitamins than produce that has been conventionally farmed. Finally, organic produce is prized for its flavor. When food is locally grown and eaten seasonally, it ripens later and is picked at its peak, rather than being picked early to ensure survival during shipping.

Plan for regular free time and exercise outdoors—“Both my husband and I grew up in the country, where there was plenty of opportunity for kids to run free and explore,” said Ranney. “We realize those opportunities are not as prevalent for families today. Kids today spend so much of their time in structured activities that many do not experience the excitement of exploring outside, watching the birds, bugs, tadpoles and other critters that live in nature. Kids use their imaginations and create games for themselves when outdoors.”

Ranney suggests enjoying outdoor activities and forms of exercise that don’t require teams or much scheduling. Go for a walk, swim outside, pedal through a forest or prairie. Paddle a canoe or rowboat with family members or friends. If you don’t own a boat or canoe, the Lake County Forest Preserve District does, and offers a wealth of outdoor experiences.

“Eating seasonally, enjoying the environment and getting exercise should be fun,” says Ranney. “By choosing to participate, you simply feel good, and your health and mind benefit as well.”

Today, Prairie Crossing is a thriving conservation community that combines energy-efficient single-family homes and condominiums with several hundred acres of open land, a working organic farm, community stables, lakes, bike paths and a charter school—all designed to foster healthy living and a healthy environment. And the Ranneys’ efforts have paid off—Prairie Crossing is heralded as one of the nation’s leading conservation communities. For more information about Prairie Crossing, visit www.prairiecrossing.com.