There are more than 3,000 farmers’ markets operating in the United States currently, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, generating in excess of $1 billion annually. Is there any difference between buying from a chain supermarket and your local farmers’ market? Yes, says E Magazine, the online environmental magazine, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is your family’s health.
Aboutproduce.com has boiled down the benefits of eating more fresh fruits and vegetables: reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, obesity, and some types of cancer, including cancer of the stomach, esophagus, and lung.
Yes, but… don’t we get the same nutrients from the produce sold at chain supermarkets? Not exactly, says Lola O’Rourke, a registered dietician in Seattle and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “Fruits and vegetables contain their highest levels of nutrients when harvested fully ripe and eaten soon afterwa ...

Summertime can be the best time of the year – vacations, more time with family and friends, and longer days. But then along comes the heat.  Air conditioning is something we almost can't live without, and unless proper maintenance is performed, it can cause more headaches (and expense) than cool afternoons.  What follows is a list of maintenance procedures to follow to ensure a steady flow of refreshing air this summer.


Have a professional come out and check out your system periodically. Ask for tips on how to troubleshoot between visits. Become familiar with your operating manual.



If your central air unit is equipped with a sight glass, check the refrigerant level and make sure there are no bubbles. If there is no sight glass, inspect the low-pressure refrigerant line for frost. If the refrigerant is low, there may be a leak which will need to be sealed.



Cleanse the condensing unit pan of bugs, leaves and dirt with a hose. See the operating manual ...