With the recent observance of Sept. 11 we’re reminded of the threat to our freedom 14 years ago on that day. There were memorial services and Facebook posts asking us to remember this tragic day in U.S. history. For many of us, it is the only physical national security threat we have ever known. Some of us may not have been born or were too young to remember that day. Others are old enough to remember the Cold War at its height, some remember rationing at home during wartime, and others were soldiers in foreign wars protecting our freedom. For those who fought, thank you! For those who remember, please remind us. Your stories are important.
All of us who have been safe in our nation are fortunate to live in such safety. There are many around the world whose daily lives involve running from danger as they go about their day. Though this is a healthy living column, let’s not forget the place our personal health and habits have on the health of our nation.
A healthy nation can respond more readily to danger. A healthy nation makes good decisions for the future of the nation, and for the children who are growing up now, and who have yet to be born. Believe it or not, we all have a role to play in national security. Could you be healthier for our nation?
A great place to start is by using locally grown and locally offered produce. Visit Luverne’s Farmers Market and see just how productive farmers in our region are! They take producing healthy food very seriously. Some even offer inventive ways to supply consumers with year-round produce, such as CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. Stop by the Farmers Market in Luverne, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.. Signs all over town point you in the right direction.
They say that those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. Let’s make a healthy nation for our soldiers, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers to serve.
Mary Brown is a registered nurse with an interest in health promotion and fitness. She can be reached at unionjack524@gmail.com.