Alaska Sainz

Dementia is not a usual part of the aging process. It is the name for a collection of symptoms that signify damage to the brain for varying reasons. There are different types of dementia that affect people differently, each person experiencing symptoms in their own way.

September marks Alzheimer’s awareness month and the theme this year is ‘Never too early, never too late’. This centres on the key risk factors and risk reduction, aiming to emphasise their crucial role in delaying and potentially preventing the onset of dementia. This also importantly includes ongoing risk reduction for those who have already been diagnosed. 

Some dementia risk factors are difficult or impossible to change. These include:

• age: the older you are, the more likely you are to develop dementia. However, dementia is not a natural part of ageing
• genes: in general, genes alone are not thought to cause dementia. However, certain genetic factors are involved with some of the less common types. Dementia usually develops because of a combination of genetic and “environmental” factors, such as smoking and a lack of regular exercise
• air pollution: research suggests that air pollution may affect the brain and could increase the risk of dementia

Research suggests other risk factors may also be important. These include:

• hearing loss
• untreated depression
• loneliness or social isolation
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease risk factors are most strongly linked to vascular dementia. This is because vascular dementia is directly caused by problems with blood supply to the brain.

The research concluded that by modifying the risk factors we are able to change, around 4 in 10 cases of dementia could be prevented.

Experts agree that what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by:

• eating a balanced diet
• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• keeping alcohol within recommended limits
• stopping smoking
• keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level

10 of the most common warning signs involve:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Poor or decreased judgement
• Problems keeping track of things
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood and behaviour
• Challenges understanding visual and spatial information
• Withdrawal from work or social activities

Symptoms are often mild to begin with and may worsen very gradually. If you think that these problems are affecting your daily life, or the life of someone you know, talk to your GP or healthcare professional.

More information and resources can found locally at Gibraltar Alzheimer’s & Dementia Society Telephone : 00350 56001422 Email: gads@gibtelecom.net

Why is self-care so important?

Practicing self-care empowers you to become pro-active in your own healthcare, helping you to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Ultimately, it can help relieve pressure on the health systems 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as activities individuals and communities engage in that help prevent disease and increase well-being.

The first step to mental wellness is to recognise stress. There are many different things that can make you stressed, including moving home, starting a new job, and even having a baby. When stress gets out of hand, it can negatively impact our physical and mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety and depression. 

Sometimes stress can creep up on you, so it is a good idea to be aware of the symptoms. Some of the signs to look out for include feeling angry, irritable or impatient as well as anxious, nervous or afraid. Do you feel overwhelmed? Maybe you are uninterested in life, and feel unable to enjoy yourself in any situation. Do you have a sense of dread and are constantly worried or tense? 

The physical signs of stress might include having difficulty in breathing, panic attacks, sleep problems, muscle aches, headaches, chest pains and high blood pressure. 

There are things that you can do to manage your stress levels.  

Find time in your day to use guided meditation. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being. Look online for some of the many guided meditations that are available.

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a quality; meditation is a practice. Whilst mindfulness is similar to meditation, the difference is that mindfulness requires us to be aware of what’s around us and how our bodies feel, whereas meditation is a practice that reels in our thoughts to calm the mind.

Scientific studies have shown that controlling your breath can help to manage stress and stress-related conditions. Deep breathing is a great way to reduce the activation of your sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s response of fight or flight to a perceived threat. Take a deep breath in for a count of five seconds, hold for two seconds and release for a count of five seconds. 

Take a walk in nature. Spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels. Walking is an inexpensive and low risk form of exercise and getting outside can help you gain a fresh perspective on whatever it is that is stressing you out.Join a walking group or find a friend to go walking with. Set goals by counting your steps and reward yourself when you reach certain milestones, whether that’s getting a massage or buying yourself a gift. 

Start a gratitude journal to keep track of events or things that you are thankful for on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Studies have shown that taking the time to feel grateful may improve your emotional well-being by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Sometimes it may be something big, such as passing an exam, sometimes it may be one of those little blessings in life, such as the plant you have nurtured coming into bloom. 

Connecting with others can help you find a sense of community. Loneliness can increase stress and people who feel lonely have less immunity and more inflammation than people who don’t. We all need some human interaction to help us feel supported, and engaging with social groups, joining clubs or groups or taking part in sports or activities can lead to positive mental health effects and reduce feelings of loneliness. 

If you catch yourself feeling depressed, run down, exhausted, or irritable, just pause and consider what may be the cause of the stress and take action to resolve or manage it.Prioritise some ‘me’ time

There’s some confusion and misleading information about vaping, which can make it difficult to work out what’s true or not. Nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking. It’s also one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking.

Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers and young people because it is not completely harmless. Additionally there is some evidence that the use of these products by adolescents increases their chance of starting to smoke cigarettes later in life.

Common side effects of vaping include:

• coughing, dry mouth and throat

• mouth and throat irritation

• shortness of breath

• headaches

While vaping can help smokers quit, it is not harmless and is not for young people under 18. It is especially important to protect young lungs and brains.

That’s why there’s a minimum age of sale for vaping products in Gibraltar. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for adults to buy them on behalf of under-18s.

How vaping can help you quit smoking

Vapes are electronic devices that let you inhale nicotine in a vapour instead of smoke. This is done by heating a solution (e-liquid) that typically contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and nicotine.

E-liquids come in different nicotine strengths, so you control how much nicotine you need to help with cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling irritable and having low mood.

Nicotine itself is not very harmful and has been used safely for many years in medicines to help people stop smoking.

Help break the routines of smoking cigarettes

The routines and rituals of smoking can be hard to stop, so vaping can help you gradually let go of these while immediately reducing the health risks of smoking cigarettes.

Did you know?

You’re roughly twice as likely to quit smoking if you use a vape compared with other nicotine replacement products, like patches and gum.

Is vaping harmful?

Experts agree vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking but it is not risk-free. 

Long-term effects of vaping

Vaping has not been around for long enough to know the risks of long-term use. This includes the long-term effects of inhaling the flavourings in vapour. While vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, it is unlikely to be totally harmless.

Ideally, if you are vaping to quit smoking, you should aim to eventually stop vaping too.

The healthiest option is not to smoke or vape.

If you do not smoke, do not start vaping.

Anyone concerned about vaping should contact the GHA Smoking Cessation Clinic on 200 52441 for advice. 

Information source NHS England 

Heart Disease

Overall, men are more likely than women to develop heart disease. There are several risk factors that could increase your chances of having a cardiac event. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and modifiable lifestyle factors (cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet) signifcantly contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

• By following a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than 6g of salt (is about 1 teaspoon). 
• If you smoke, giving it up will reduce your risk of developing heart disease Smoking is a major risk factor for developing atherosclerosis (build up of plaque in the arteries). 
• If you drink, do not exceed the maximum recommended units (14 units a week). Always avoid binge drinking, as this increases the risk of a heart attack. 
• Monitor and keep your blood pressure under control. Your target blood pressure should be below 140/90mmHg. If you would like to get your blood pressure checked ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. 
• Research suggests that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by as much as 35%. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)  screening is a way of checking if there’s a swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from your heart through your abdomen. 

It can be serious if it’s not spotted early on because it could get bigger and eventually burst. 

Men aged 65 or over are most at risk of getting AAAs. Screening can detect an AAA before it bursts – if an AAA is found, you can have regular scans to monitor it or surgery to prevent it from bursting. 

Mental health 

Men are less likely than women to access help for psychological issues and twice as likely to die by suicide when compared to women. Society’s expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss their mental health problems. Men are also more likely to use coping methods such as drugs or alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of many mental health disorders. 

If you are concerned about a friend or relative, there are local resources which can help. 

Local resources for positive
mental health:

Main mental health line 

Telephone: 200 78807

Note: This number can also be used for appointments 

Community Mental Health Team 

Telephone: 20042307 

Gibsams 

Telephone : 116123 

Email: info@gibsams.gi 

Clubhouse Gibraltar 

Telephone: 20068423

Email: admin@clubhousegibraltar.com

Prostate Cancer 

• Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
• Needing to urinate more frequently.
• Straining whilst you urinate.
• A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied

The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However, the chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older. Men who have a close relative affected by prostate cancer are at slightly increased risk themselves. Additionally, obesity has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer.

There’s no single test for prostate cancer. All the tests used to help diagnose the condition have benefits and risks that your doctor should discuss with you. 

If you have any concerns about the health issues discussed in this article, speak to your healthcare provider. 

High-power laser for prostate treatment

From the age of 50 onwards, many men begin to experience prostate problems. Starting at this age, the excessive production of androgens (male hormone) generates an increase in the size of the prostate, compressing the urethra and hindering the proper flow of urine.

This abnormal growth of prostate tissue is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. According to the European Association of Urology, it is the most common urological pathology in older men, affecting more than 50% of men over the age of 50 and almost 80% over the age of 80.

A pathology that affects the quality of life of patients

Although it is not a malignant process and certainly not a trigger for prostate cancer, it produces urination-related symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life of the patient, sometimes even limiting his daily life. Furthermore, it is a trigger for other complications, such as urinary tract infections, haematuria (blood in the urine), bladder stone formation and renal failure.

The Urology Unit of HC Marbella recommends regular examinations with our urologist to monitor the growth of your prostate and thus be able to propose a treatment if necessary.

Minimally invasive, effective and definitive treatment.

One of the most innovative treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia is Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. This technique has proven to be an effective and definitive solution for the relief of symptoms related to this pathology.

The procedure is performed endoscopically.  A high-power laser fibre is introduced through the urethra to separate the prostatic adenoma (overgrown tissue), leaving the prostate capsule intact. Once separated, the tissue is moved to the bladder where it is aspirated, allowing tissue samples to be collected for examination by a pathologist.

As the procedure allows the tissue to be completely removed, it offers a definitive solution, providing long-lasting relief from symptoms. Its efficacy is similar to that of open surgery, but since no incisions are required side effects decrease and the hospital stay is reduced to a minimum. In most cases the patient is discharged after 24 hours, when they can resume their daily routine.

In addition, the photocoagulation produced by the laser when the tissue is removed minimizes bleeding and avoids possible surgical complications.

If you experience any symptoms, consult one of our specialized urologists to find a suitable and definitive treatment that will allow you to regain your quality of life.

HC Marbella has a specialised urological laser unit staffed by urologists with more than 20 years of experience in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as innovative laser and endoscopic equipment.

Even one severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer, Melanoma, later in life. If you have lots of moles or freckles, your risk of getting skin cancer is higher than average, so take extra care.

It is important to check your moles on a regular basis for any changes.
Key factors to keep in mind are asymmetry, borders, colour, diameter and evolution. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak to your general practitioner.

It is important to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from the sunlight. Vitamin D has various important functions, including immune support, calcium and phosphorus absorption and retention, and boosting mood and brain function.

Tips for enjoying the sun safely this summer

• Choose sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB. 
• Your sunscreen should have a 4-star UVA protection rating or more. 
• Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. 
• Spend time in the shade, particularly from 11am to 5pm.
• Darker coloured clothing is best as these absorb more UV than lighter colours like whites and pastels. Additionally, a wet t-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one. 
• Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.
• Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, even if it’s “water resistant”, and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Take extra care with children, their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin. Damage caused by repeat sun exposure could lead to skin cancer developing in later life. Children aged 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. 
• If possible, opt for ‘reef-safe’ sunscreen, as these can help protect our local marine ecosystems. 

How to deal with sunburn

• Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera.
• Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.
• Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone.

March 27th to April 2nd marks World Autism Acceptance week. This year’s theme, colour, highlights and celebrates the diversity of the Spectrum.

Autism is more common in males than female. Research has found Autism is approximately 4.2 times more prevalent in males. Additionally, signs of autism are different between sexes. 

Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people.It’s something you’re born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you’re very young, or not until you’re older. Autism is a spectrum. This means individuals with autism will need varying levels of support. 

In order to understand more about Autism and increase awareness, members of the community have shared their views on living with Autism. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Karla and Tamara for sharing their views and contributing to spreading awareness this Autism Acceptance week! 

What do you wish  everybody knew about Autism? 

“I wish people knew that being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It just means your brain is wired differently hence the reason it works in a different way. It is also not the end of the world. Although it might have been when they first diagnosed my son (reason being I knew nothing about it), I quickly came to understand that he was perfectly healthy and that he was still the same little boy. That just because he’s autistic, does not categorise him into a different human being. There’s a saying that says ‘if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism’. Not everyone with autism is the same, just like not everyone on earth is the same. EVERYONE on earth is different, despite their abilities or disabilities. I also wish people knew that you can’t see autism. It’s very heartbreaking to hear comments like ‘but he looks perfectly fine’. The fact is, he is perfectly fine. There is nothing wrong with him. People with autism THINK differently to us, and have been put in a world where it makes no sense to them. How is that visible? They have differences that we call ‘challenges’ because WE don’t understand how to handle them. But with the correct tools in place, we can learn to understand them better, and they can learn to live in a world that is not catered for them. It’s a disability that no one can see, and it’s hard for us as parents and for them as individuals. The perfect world would be one where everyone would accept anyone the way they are. Everyone is unique in their own way, and autism doesn’t make it any different. Why should I teach my child to act like a ‘normal human being’? What is a ‘normal’ human being anyway? My biggest wish would be for people to be aware of the differences in autistic people and understand that they are just different, just like you and me, and everyone else, but not less!”  – Karla Imossi 

“That Autism does not have a cure, it’s a lifelong disability. It does not come with a handbook or instructions. Reading about Autism does not make you an expert and all children/adults are different, and what applies to one does not necessarily work for another.” – Tamara Colton 

What are the biggest challenges to those living with Autism/their carers, in Gibraltar?

“Access to respite, proper medical and mental management, little resources to maintain a steady and constant care. Everything that needs to done or achieved for our children/adults is a struggle, nothing is explained when a diagnosis is given and the issues are growing every day. It’s a growing problem as the numbers increase and no proper things are in place”. – Tamara Colton 

If you think you, your child or someone you love could be Autistic there are various people you could speak to. Receiving a diagnosis is important as it will help put appropriate support systems in place. 

People who may be able to advise 

you include: 

• A GP

• A health visitor (for children under 5)

• Any other health professional 

• Special educational needs (SENCO) staff at your child’s school

What is Autism?
 Autistic people may:
 • find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
 • find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
 • find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
 • get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
 • take longer to understand information
 • do or think the same things over and over

More information and support can be found at https://www.autism.org.uk

Or locally: 

Special Needs Action Group

www.facebook.com/SNAGgib 

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer. The Bowel
Screening programme can detect polyps, which may develop into
cancer in the future. The early detection and treatment (if
necessary) of polyps, can prevent Bowel Cancer from developing. 

If you receive a GHA Bowel Screening test kit, it is important to participate. Screening is offered to all men and women aged 69 to 74 years. 

We understand that you may have some queries about the Bowel Screening Programme and be hesitant to ask. This test could potentially save your life so we hope any concerns, which maybe preventing you from taking part, are covered in the Q & A below. If you would like to know more about the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, we are always happy to help, contact us on 20007025. 

I have received a test-kit over the post. Why should I take this test if I feel fine? 

Symptoms of cancer usually appear when it has grown to an advanced stage, by which time treatment may not be possible. By performing this test now, you could detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Another reason is that this test may also identify polyps, which are tumours that could turn into future cancer. In this way, you can prevent cancer before it even forms. 

Is cancer going to be found if I take this test? 

The most likely outcome (99%) is that the test comes back as Negative. When the result comes back as Positive, this does not mean cancer. In the majority of these cases polyps or other diseases are the cause. Only a very small number of people (one in 500 tests) are diagnosed with cancer.   

How much sample do I have to collect? 

Cover the grooves on the tip of the applicator stick with poo; this is enough to obtain a result. Collecting too much poo could result in the sample being rejected. 

Do I have to fill all samples or could you make do with just the single sample? 

The test requires 3 samples on 3 separate days. Without this, we cannot be certain of the result.  

How long do I have to hand in my samples? 

Always check the Expiry Date on the back of the tubes (e.g. 11474/2022-07-31) before performing the test. Usually, there will be several months to go, however we would urge you to use the kit as soon as possible. If the test-kit has expired, you should contact the Screening Office for a replacement test-kit.  

I suffer from constipation and would not be able to collect all 3 samples within 14 days. What should I do? 

It is important to deliver the samples quickly. Collect the 3 samples on 3 separate days and deliver them individually to the Pathology Department within a few days after collection. Keep the samples refrigerated while awaiting delivery. 

I don’t like to place stool samples in the fridge, is there an alternative? 

The tubes are well sealed and safe. However, you could also take each sample to the Pathology Department on the same day that you collect it, provided you do so within four hours. The Pathology Department is open for collection between 10:00Hrs to 15:00Hrs Monday to Friday. 

I have been told not to perform the test if I suffer from haemorrhoids (piles) or take anti-inflammatory medication. Should I follow that advice?

You should take the test even if you suffer from haemorrhoids or take prescription medicines. Cancer or other diseases may still exist alongside haemorrhoids or while taking medication. If you suffer from bleeding haemorrhoids wait until the flare-up subsides before carrying out the test.  

I have previously been treated for bowel cancer. Do I have to take this test? 

That depends upon the treatment you received. If only a part of your bowel was surgically removed, you could still develop bowel cancer in the remaining part. If this is your case then you should continue taking the test. If the whole of your large bowel was removed, you may not need further testing. If this is your case, please ask your doctor to confirm this in writing to us and we will stop sending you test-kits. 

I’am already receiving treatment for another cancer, so why should I take this test? 

Two cancers can co-exist and different cancers need different treatments.  Treatment for another cancer does not confer protection against bowel cancer. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, please perform the test after completing your treatment cycle. 

Can my husband / wife / friend use my test-kit instead of me? 

Each test-kit is personalised for the person to whom it is addressed. No one else should use it. 

I’m over the age of 75 and I have not yet received a test-kit. 

The Programme only invites persons between 60 – 74 years of age. However, if you are over the age of 75 you can still ask to be screened. Please contact the Screening Office for further details. 

Everyone can have trouble sleeping from time to time. But if you find your sleeping issues persist over a long period of time, or the lack of sleep begins to affect your functioning in day-to-day life, it is important to seek advice from a GP. The amount of sleep each individual requires depends on many things, including levels of stress, lifestyle factors and quite noticeably age.

Problems associated with long term sleep deprivation include increased risk of obesity, depression, a reduced immune system function and lower sex drive. There is also added risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure and stroke. Several long term studies now confirm that people who work regular rotational night shifts, for 5 years or more, have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

If you find you struggle to get sufficient sleep there are some positive lifestyle and sleep habits you may implement in order to reach your recommended number of hours:

Keep to your sleep pattern

Going to bed when you feel tired and getting up at roughly the same time helps teach your body to sleep better. Try to avoid napping where possible.

Create a restful environment

Dark, cool and quiet environments usually make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Comfortable, clean bedding and a suitable mattress are all important to create a good sleeping environment. You can also try scented mists, such as lavender, to help create a relaxing environment. 

Make a note of any worries

If you often lie awake worrying about tomorrow, set aside time before bed to make a list for the next day. This can help put your mind at rest.

Move more, sleep better

Being active can help you sleep better. Specifically, moderate to vigorous exercise can increase sleep quality by reducing sleep onset (the time it takes to fall asleep) and decreasing the number of waking cycles experienced during the normal sleep period. 

Avoid pick-me-ups

Caffeine and alcohol can prevent you from both falling asleep and experiencing deep sleep. Try to cut down on alcohol and avoid caffeine close to bedtime.

If you have trouble sleeping, useful resources can be found here:
www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia

www.sleepstation.org.uk

Making small changes to our diet can improve own well-being, and when eating sustainably we can reduce our carbon footprint and further improve our planet’s health. Although the stark effects of Climate Change may not yet be affecting our daily lives in Gibraltar, those in developing countries are experiencing hardships as a result of a planet under strain.

Some of the world’s poorest countries are experiencing prolonged droughts that reduce crops, destroy livestock and affect water sources. Rising carbon dioxide levels can cause staple crops like rice and wheat to become less nutritious. Globally, approximately 800 million people lack food and many suffer from nutrient deficiencies. 

Plastic, which is used to package a great many of the food products we buy, is one of the most persistent pollutants on the planet. The manufacturing process for its creation produces billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases. Many items discarded after single use, and far too many ending up as pollutants in our ocean.

Every year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nationals. 

Once at sea, the effects of sunlight, wind and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles. 

These micro plastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. This can affect air quality, water sources and foods such as seafood. 

Our relationship with food, what we eat and how we grow it, has a major impact on pollution and climate change.

Make a small change today to help reduce your carbon footprint:

• Be mindful of plastic packaging when purchasing a product. Check for plastic free alternatives. 

• Reduce the amount of red meat and dairy you consume. Livestock, in particular cows, account for around 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse gases.  Instead, try to increase your intake

• Choose fish species which are more abundant such as Mackerel or Herring, rather than species at risk of being overfished (e.g. Pollock or Tuna). If possible, try to buy fish that has been farmed sustainably.

• Use a refillable water bottle when possible – to reduce plastic consumption. 

• Opt for reusable containers or beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap and aluminium foil when storing food. 

• Whenever possible, shop locally. Eating produce grown within your geographical region requires less travel, also referred to as “food miles”, to get to your plate and therefore helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Some great local resources to learn more about the environment include 

https://www.awcp.gi/campaigns [Cut Meat Not Trees]