As I write this newsletter, I am sitting in the den of my in-laws house in northern New Hampshire. They live on a farm where my brother-in-law, Tom, grows organic vegetables for the local community. Late August is an amazing time of year to be on the farm. Every evening my children and I go into the garden and pick the freshest vegetables. Then with grandma's help we prepare a wonderful dinner. Last night we had corn that we had picked in the field - I think all of us had four or five ears it was so good!

I encourage all of you to visit your local vegetable farmer to get the freshest, healthiest summer vegetables. These vegetables are filled with vitamins, minerals and health promoting phytochemicals. Research continues to show us that people live longer and healthier if they consume a minimum of 5, preferably more, fruits and vegetables each day. Abundant fruit and vegetable consumption reduces blood pressure, heart disease, several types of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, blindness, constipation and other digestive disorders. Plus - they taste great!