health literacy

Beauty and the trash…

Communities can be absolutely beautiful if they are maintained and people live, eat, and drink, healthy! However it seems every year during high tourist season there are some communities that are ridden with trash or vandalism and it only gets worse …. photos are from the mainland and islands below.

These have a lot to do with “respect” (or not) to towns and cities! Those of us who respect architecture and understand the value of classical buildings, also understand a city can soon turn into a ghetto because random scribbles or tagging soon opens the community to crime, drugs etc. as proven time and time again. Never mind the rats and animals who then contribute to harmful diseases, thus we need to be continuously “on alert”!

In contrast, see how sea urchins flourish in these beautiful clean waters.796C7216-0A31-4F69-9AEF-89DD39C9F209

And how art and creative “writing” — in this case a mermaid painted on a small boat, and poetry on abandoned village walls — can add value to communities!  Think smart, and work on positive contributions today for a better tomorrow.

 

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Carbonara, Coal mining, Carbon dioxide, and Capitalism

The 4 Cs, not in this order, are key local and global issues. Well here is what we “left over” from our Italian “carbonara” a delicious mix of pasta, meat (usually ham/pork), Parmesan cheese, and egg, all grilled over a hot stove inspired by coal miner’s foodstuff. Nowadays this meal may contribute to our over-eating and high calorie cholesterol diet which is to be avoided but, for hard labor and athletes this is the food to help keep them going!

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Capitalism is never 100% bad as I say and many others prove that “responsibility” lies in balance ….much of the time progress for cities and towns that otherwise would be ages backwards ….indeed brought by capitalism but we don’t “see” it until centuries later. We need to reflect on improving quality and create more opportunities as well as maintain worker’s health.

This is an example of Lavrio (Laurium), a city in Southern Attica marked by a long history of mining (the ancient site for the first minting of silver coins used as money happened here). Factories contribute to depleted ozone with emissions and the so-called greenhouse effect by harmful gases like sulfur oxide or carbon dioxide.  Let’s keep up with our scientific and civic literacy — both components of health literacy— shall we? I particularly liked this scientific article.  Thus this place has an oxymoronic history, even though it was a place of progress, with many problems around mining worker’s rights …. many people died and sacrificed in the late 1800’s so that others don’t have to work straight 12-13 hour days (similar issues even in modern day with migrant workers!).

Lavrio overlooks Makronisos (the island in East of Attica, a place where those considered “opposing” the Greek state were sent to political prison in 1940s through 1970s). Many neoclassical buildings are now starting to be rebuilt as we say “respect cities” to be able to attract more tourism on land and sea.  As statues and memorials are built, universities in Greece now use the old mining areas for places of study it occurred to me that we can all be ‘transformers’ and as I thought this a beautiful rainbow appeared on the road back home …. after the rain, hope and promise are soon behind but we need to grab the opportunity when it arises!

 

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The gods, history, art, food and agriculture of the Isle of Naxos, Greece

There are a lot of pages and references  dedicated to the Greek donkey as of late. A sturdy animal used often for the purpose of agriculture by farmers or by villagers without cars to carry heavy weight in incredibly hot temperatures. This is what they were built for as they are similar to the desert camel.  So, please people, unless the donkey owners are untrained or ruthless “meanies” most of these animals are beloved in Greece. I should know, we owned several in our family in years past.

Greece is considered the “hottest” country in Europe with summer temperatures  exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The last “hydration” post is most important to review as one can even get sunburnt if they don’t wear a hat often — it happened to me! Health literacy indeed should include the “donkey” holistic model described on this site if we are to look at the bigger picture.

Greece has over 6,000 islands but only 227 are inhabited. So this post will be one of several where I will be sharing some extraordinary experiences with the hope that you will visit there too!

4783E0CD-5D4B-4609-9D92-23BDA16D81FALast year, during this summer period,  we were privileged to stay at the “Princess of Naxos” on the isle of Naxos main town, and interview the owner and island hotel association rep. who was very proud about his island and more recent tourism developments. It’s an island for “all tastes” for families, couples, or individual adventurers. We had the chance to walk and drive around various parts of the island enjoying the pristine blue waters of the sea (Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Agios Georgios were personal favorites) visiting museums with remnants from ancient, medieval, to modern times. An island of antithesis yet complementary sites, smells, sounds and tastes. Also a geological marvel with stones and minerals, including Naxos marble, would make anyone want to “dig” for more!

The marble Sphinx is proof of the Hellenistic and Egyptian relationships while the marble “portal” door welcomes visitors to the island. 8110DEED-9A7E-41EE-AC52-469304D7F4F1.jpegAs if a sleeping pharaoh, the gigantic statue of Apollo is carved on the mountain side for worshipers and the majestic pillars of the temples of Artemis and Demeter (female goddesses of fertility and earth’s bounty), or the site of Dionysus (merriment and “wine god”) remind one of how important fertile land and the bounty of food is for human survival.  The gods of pagan times likely affected the mentality of Christianity as various saints are important to Orthodox Christians. We remain with elements of various personality types and the cosmos: earth, air, fire, and water — ancient philosophy, astrology, and later psychologist Carl Jung aspired personality experts Myers & Briggs to better understand ourselves and others.

One can take a side trip to neighboring islands of Paros or Mykonos, and the small (uninhabited) isle of Delos dedicated to the sun god Apollo with a fabulous “terrace of the lions” built around 600 B.C. with infamous Naxos marble showcasing the strength of dominance of the island as biggest sea trades happened here of all the Cyclade islands, the name of the island “group”—  see fellow blogger’s site here.

 

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Following Artemis’ path, I became a “huntress” of sorts to try and understand the island “identity” and driving towards semi-mountainous Filoti (Φιλώτι), we stopped right before at at a local pottery maker whose family art goes back three generations. We still admire his work today in our home and they deliver goods almost anywhere globally. The impressive “wine glass of equality” was fascinating as all drinkers could only have equal amounts — if you went over the ‘line’ wine would be lost pouring to the floor (one would not be happy).

A small shop owner told us stories of agriculture and dedications to the ancient gods as people aspired to live off the land and how Naxos became the main trading isle of the region. Some of the popular trades of the island continue to be their cheeses like my favorite graviera (γραβιέρα), Naxos potatoes (something similar to the U.S. Idaho potato), or their famous citron (κίτρο) green colored liqueur.

His shop was full with handwoven baskets, and anything from mountain oregano to sheep’s bells or khoudounia (there is a site on their origins in Greece here) in smaller animals the smaller bell is called a “trokani” (τροκάνι). Noteworthy is the fact that there are similar herbs and medicinal plants shared among other islands and mainland Greece (Alan Touwaide’s research work is highlighted in a past post on ancient and medicinal plants). This shop is a cultural treasure that will hopefully make it through the ongoing financial crisis of the country.

 

Find out more about this “must visit” Greek island via the website Naxos.gr — from museums to gastronomy, or simply a relaxing seaside vacation, that will leave everyone wanting to return.

Hydrate your body and soul this summer

Happy 4th of July to all U.S. friends and happy summer to everyone else. People ask me what can I do to feel better? How can I stop negativity? How can I look younger?

Firstly everything is “reversible” as long as you take control to “hydrate” your body, the mind, and soul. Would you ever NOT water a plant if you wanted it to flourish? Or not care for your child? Or not listen to your friend’s pain and offer advice? Pain can feel like stones heavy on the heart. But what if they were “hot stones” which are good with healing! Could you collect some at the beach and “throw” your heavy worry to the sea? Whatever it is, WATER heals….

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What about water? — for every coffee you consume and any alcoholic drink you must drink at least 1-2 glasses of water (mind the cup). We should be drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily and in the summer increase to 10-12! I won’t go into other summer safety precautions since I’ve written about this before (see here) but I will go on with “the power.”

We all have the power to change our thoughts and share with others how to become better people but are they ready? Some are “stuck” in thinking everyone is “against” them, they are “not good enough,” you don’t “love them enough” (often this is their own “stuff” from personal insecurities, childhood, borderline behaviors that you cannot do much about as they need spiritual or professional guides). This summer read Ms. Byrne’s book it will open your mind and help heal the soul. In general prayer, meditation, and healthy “mind food” do!

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“The Power” by Rhonda Byrne

As for your skin — besides sunscreen, adding more raw vegetables and fruit 🍉 like seasonal summer squash, grapes, or watermelon do the trick! But some of us have sensitive digestive systems so vitamins are just what the doctor ordered.

My favorite summer skin beauty regimen the last two years is Truvivity is so ask me or others about it and try it today if you want to build your collagen and keep inner hydration healthy against sun damage and normal aging process a bit longer delayed! Beauty is skin deep but if you have a healthy attitude around you will be surrounded by many friends and loving persons to be even more attractive to others. Remember to be beautiful inside and out keep “hydrated” mind, body and soul!

 

Strawberry Moon, Shortcake, and June

According to Native American tradition June was the perfect ripening time to pick strawberries by the full moonlight … since it’s also cooler in the evenings and less critters like bees, my guess is? The article by USA Today published last June 2018 suggests that the warm color of the moon as it is closer to the earth and the related folklore give the related “strawberry moon” reference.

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Full moon overlooks the cityscape

Buying my 1 kg. (about 2 lbs.) in-season June strawberries I was thinking about what desert to make  — despite the fact strawberries have one of the highest ratings of pesticide residue,  about 10 mins steeped in cold water with a tablespoon of lemon juice and a “pinch” of salt helps reduce this ‘bad for your health’ stuff according to experts —  In thinking along the healthier eating lines, we should try to reduce calories due to high sugar in most strawberry deserts. But how?  Then it comes to me…. as a kid I recall those “special occasions” with my aunt Dorothy who introduced me to so many “American” traditions including antique stores, the 4th of July Independence Day parade in the historic Marblehead, MA. complete with fireworks, barbecues, and yes, strawberry shortcake!

In the 1980s there was a greeting card that evolved into many cartoon characters who lived in “Strawberry Land” including friends Lemon Meringue and Blueberry Muffin (by the way I love those deserts too!). Apparently, this became popular again with a newer North American (Canadian – American) ownership and animated series in about 2010!  This desert is still an all-time classic. Growing into adulthood with all the pains and  needing to cut down on extra calories one can understand why it’s best to keep thoughts only on the cartoon’s “Berry Adventures” 😎🍓

So, I substituted the whipped cream with strained Greek yogurt and guess what? It is simply fabulous with that extra protein needed and less sugar calories. Yummy! Well,  I still like those strawberry daiquiris with my leftover strawberry sauce …maybe I’ll drink to that?! Cheers, and happy summer.

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Paper, “weight” I’m voting like a hamster

 

F9EEE044-8662-40C0-9C23-69342E8AE0CCHamsters are mainly nocturnal creatures that like to burrow in small places and live for cutting up paper and storing it as a way of creating a sleep cushion. This is Astroid our Syrian hamster…and his little rocket shaped home akin to Barbara Eden’s “I dream of Jeannie” bottle home. Our hamster gets plenty of exercise on his wheel and we even put him into a “hamster ball” for about 10 minutes twice a week for extra exercise ….after all animals naturally do what is best for them! But what about us? We often “spin our wheels” and get nowhere fast ….especially in the name of ‘progress.’

I had thought of it before I had to vote this year for the EU elections how ridiculously burdensome and outright confusing it is to vote in Greece. I better understand why the government can really be “hazardous” for our health — check out my ‘when systems don’t work’ post.  Speaking of ‘civic literacy’ as I pondered over the 42 different parties to choose from I realized

1) I didn’t know half of the parties running for office,  never mind unidentifiable logos and rebellious terminology such as “adarsia” (ανταρσία) was more often an option.

2) so much paper wasted —those poor landfills — and nothing is done electronically (yet),

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3) there was so much dirty tagging around the public school  grounds (the place I voted at) and even this silly “penis” series  …given it was a high school and students that age explore newfound  sexuality I guess we should not focus on the vandalism or call it “penis envy” (lol) ! EDC469DC-CDC0-4997-AD02-5A7890ACF5C7.jpegDo the municipalities and the school principals not understand about recycling? About teaching kids to “care” about their school grounds as well as each other ? Do I need to say more?! Why all the paper “weight”? Yet we “wait” too long to start building health literacy in our younger people?

I really liked the cover of the Quarterly magazine put out by the University of Athens ‘New Health’ (Νέα Υγεία) 84E66815-FEE4-4F0A-BE3B-0ACF042A1471so let’s turn a new page and focus on prevention like primary basic things to help kids build confidence and take better care of their bodies, and maybe rethink our waste for elections all for the good of health literacy shall we? Else we simply remain ‘in the dark.’