Living The Healthy Life

I think a key component of living a healthy life is living in an area that supports, encourages and is conducive to living a healthy life. And we are fortunate to live in Newburyport and the surrounding towns. I think just about everything we need to live a healthy life, both physically and mentally, is right here! And its one of the reasons we retired here over three years ago.

I am always amazed that we can drive a mile or two away from downtown Newburyport in three directions and find so many farms. And they are loaded with fresh, locally grown, organic and natural produce. And some of them have their own meat, turkey and pork, all raised as healthy as possible. And there are several farmers markets that make it so easy to purchase locally grown produce and products. I love going to the one in Newburyport, walking to it after walking the Rail Trail and then along the waterfront. And its open from May to December.

Any many of these farms provide CSA shares (Community Supported Agriculture) where weekly you can pick up fresh veggies and fruit in season. And there are usually full shares, half shares and even quarter shares available, depending on the size of your family. And I love fresh bread! We are fortunate to have several bakeries in the area, where they make their breads and rolls from scratch, and use only the freshest and natural ingredients. And we have several seafood markets that feature fresh caught fish, with many varieties. And there are some that have their own version of the CSA, where you pick up a container of fresh fish weekly.

And for folks who don't have the room for their own vegetable gardens, we have a Community Garden at the First Parish Church in Newbury and efforts are underway to expand these gardens in the area. And we are fortunate to have groups like Transition Newburyport that promote living this type of lifestyle.

And living a healthy life is not just eating well, but exercising on a regular basis and we certainly have the facilities and the options to do that. We have walking and hiking trails in abundance. I love to walk all around Maudslay, the Little River Trail, the Rail Trail, the Salisbury Rail Trail, the Amesbury Rail Trail, Old Town Hill, walk the Great Beach on Plum Island, or just walk around town and look at all the historic buildings and unique architecture. And we can also bike on many of these trails and we can bike from downtown Newburyport to Plum Island and to Sandy Point and back. And I love the backroads of Newbury, quiet and peaceful, with beautiful views. And many of these same trails are great for snowshoeing in the winter.

Ands when we can't get outdoors in the bad weather, we have indoor exercising options like the YWCA and all the other fitness centers and health clubs. There is certainly no excuse for not eating right and exercising regularly!

And when I walk around town, I love having a cup of coffee with me. And boy, do we have plenty of coffee "shops." There is something for everyone and it seems like every time I walk around a corner, there is a store selling fresh coffee. So if you see this tall guy walking around, with an Adironondack walking stick in one hand, and a cup of joe in the other, that's probably me!

And if we ever do get sick, or aren't feeling well, we certainly have the medical facilities in the area. We have a great hospital and so many wonderful doctors, nurses, PA's, etc. that will get us healthy again and out on those walking trails before you know it.

And part of living a healthy life is staying healthy and active mentally. We have so many authors, artists, and musicians in the area. There are numerous service organizations, clubs and non profits to join and volunteer opportunities to fit every background. These will help keep us stimulated and engaged.

So if you can make one change in your life, make sure you live in Newburyport and the surrounding towns! And I hope to see you along the trail! Thanking you for your time, this time, until next time, Regards, FRAN