As we try to enjoy the peak weeks of summer, during a pandemic year when we all need to be very mindful about health and healthy choices, it seems like the perfect time to focus on a theme of fruits and vegetables. Have you ever wondered where the axiom, “An apple a day” comes from? In this month’s article of that name, you will learn its origin and also why apples are good for us. You can also learn about phytochemicals, which are the source of the goodness in fruits and vegetables. Finally, if you don’t have a nearby farmer’s market or farm stand where you can buy fresh local fruits and vegetables, where can you find the freshest produce? We want you to know that there are supermarkets that have been graded on their produce selection. See what Consumer Reports has to say about this in, “Where to get the best fruits and vegetables.”

For those of you that are part of Brethren Medical Plan, be sure to read our summary of the extensive and comprehensive schedule of preventive measures offered through this group Plan. If you are not a member, the list may help if you want to ask your own health insurance company what preventive benefits they offer.

The question of how susceptible children are to contracting or carrying COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind as school systems across the country wrestle with whether or not to open. This is clearly new territory for researchers and experts, as we explore in our article, “What we know so far about children and COVID-19,” which addresses the information that is out there, and also offers practical tips for parents.

Of course, even though these are challenging times, we hope our humor section might bring a smile to your face with the idea that a good laugh (or maybe a good groan?) always helps lift spirits.

This will reach you when we are still in the heat of summer, still facing COVID-19, unsure what the future will bring. May you stay cool and comfortable. May you find things to delight and uplift you even if you are still sheltering in place. May you find ways to be together with loved ones while still observing social distancing. May you remember that love, laughter, and lasting friendships are stronger than disease, difficulty, and despair.

The Brethren Medical plan offers an exceptional and comprehensive schedule for preventive care. Below you will find an explanation and summary of these screenings, procedures, and immunizations. For a complete list follow the instructions at the end of this article. (Note: this is written for members of the Brethren Medical Plan, but if you are not a member of that plan, this article might encourage you to check the preventive benefits your own plan offers.)

As school systems across the county struggle to decide if they should open and have children return to classroom instruction, the question of whether or not children can contract COVID-19 has come to the forefront. An Aug. 4 article from Harvard Health reports that, contrary to what was believed early on in the pandemic, children can develop COVID-19, many of them either symptom-free or with very mild symptoms. Whatever is decided in terms of schools opening this fall, it’s going to be complicated and certainly a departure from tradition.

We have all been told at some point in our lives, “Eat your vegetables.” It’s a truism that fruits and vegetables are “good for you.” So, let’s ask why.

Phytochemicals are compounds found in the edible parts of plants, and especially in the skin or peel. Scientists think there are more than 5,000. Here is what they can do for your health.

In the last issue we built a case for buying and eating locally. We gave many reasons why local food is better for you. But it does not follow that all fruits and vegetables from all grocery stores and supermarkets are bad. Consumer Reports rated 96 supermarkets. Here are the ones that were most highly rated, both their overall score and the quality and variety of their produce. Interestingly, they are all local chains.