Farmer's markets are taking root in Southeast Alaska

The idea of "eating locally" is not new to Southeast Alaskans: nearly everyone's diet includes at least some local fish, game and berries. At the same time, it is difficult to go grocery shopping without buying foods that have traveled hundreds - and often thousands - of miles to the shelves.

Throughout the country, farmer's markets aim to encourage people to eat more locally harvested foods. Along the way, they hope to promote healthier diets and strengthen communities.

Farmer's markets have existed for years in the Anchorage and Fairbanks areas, and they are now beginning to spring up in Southeast Alaska as well. Since 2006, Haines and Gustavus have had regular Saturday farmer's markets. This August Sitka and Juneau are joining the trend and hosting their first community-wide farmer's markets.

Organizers see a number of reasons why farmer's markets are important. Doug Osborne, health educator at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) in Sitka, named three main ones: health, sustainability and community.

Healthy foods, healthy communities

During the Sitka Health Summit held this spring, the idea of a farmer's market came up in a brainstorming session. A vibrant farmer's market featuring fresh fish and local produce ended up being the most popular idea brought up in the summit, which aimed to create a healthy community and improve the quality of life for Sitkans.

"The quality of produce is just so much better if you can grow it locally," said Linda Wilson, co-coordinator of the Sitka market. "The nutritional quality is higher and (local produce) will stay fresh longer."

Wilson hopes the farmer's markets will encourage everyone, especially young people, to develop healthier diets.

Much of the food found at farmer's markets is organically grown, Family Health but even if it's not, Alaskans-grown produce is less likely to be sprayed with pesticides, said Alison Arians with the South Anchorage farmer's market

True To Form, Boomers Start A Fitness Revolution

While Bogard's physical exploits are greater than the adventures of many his age, he has a lot of company among 43- to 61-year-old baby boomers -- the fastest-growing segment of the health-conscious crowd. Fitness experts say more boomers are realizing they need a regimen of cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training to enjoy a long, healthy retirement.

Some prefer exercising on their own or joining teams. Others prefer help available at gyms or clubs. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association reports the number of members over age 55 in its 4,000 clubs climbed from 7.3 million to 7.9 million from 2000 to 2005.

Boomer classes also are popping up at gyms: In Indianapolis, Family Health Insurance there is Boomer Tai Chi for Arthritis and Boomer Low Impact Aerobics at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, and the dance-aerobic F.I.T. 50 class at the Westview Healthplex Sports Complex, Health Topics for example.

Family Health Insurance And if boomers think they can ease up on exercising as they age, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association beg to differ. Recently revised recommendations from the two groups say that daily fitness levels for all healthy adults ages 18 to 64 look the same: moderately intense cardio exercise 30 minutes daily five days a week, or vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day three days a week, plus eight to 10 strength-training exercises, 10-15 repetitions each, two to three times a week, as well as balance exercises.