Baltimore City, Baltimore, Howard, Carroll, Harford, and Frederick counties

It’s easy to eat fresh in the Baltimore area

A diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the best prescriptions for good health. That’s why Kaiser Permanente provides funding and support to farmers markets across our Mid-Atlantic region. Since 2008, we’ve collaborated with local growers and community-based organizations to improve access to fresh produce for you and your neighbors.

Participation in the Maryland and Washington Metro Area Farmers Market Collaboratives lets Kaiser Permanente actively support farmers, markets, and food policy advocates to help you, your family, and your friends eat more healthfully. Eating healthy, locally grown food is good — for your health, for the environment, and for our community.

To get your fresh produce, visit one of the many markets in the area. The Kaiser Permanente City Plaza Friday Fresh Farmers Market is being relocated for this year. Check the Kaiser Permanente community benefit website for updates. Get inspired to put your purchases to great use, with healthy recipes.

Find other farmers markets near you.

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How to protect your eyes from the sun

Sunglasses and broad-rim hats are fashionable accessories, but they also provide important protection for your eyes. They shield your eyes from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without this protection, your cornea, lens, and conjunctiva (the tissue that covers your eye) may be damaged.

Intense yet invisible ultraviolet rays and extended exposure to them can eventually lead to painful inflammation of the conjunctiva and the cornea. These warning signals tell you that your eyes have been exposed to too much sun:

• Your eyes feel fatigued, red, and tense.
• Your eyes tear up.
• You have a feeling that something’s in your eye.
• You have sensitivity to light, called photophobia.

If you experience these signs, stay out of the direct sun for a few days — and purchase a good pair of sunglasses. Your sunglasses should block UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses are ideal because they block the rays from the sides, too.

Sun blindness
While your eye does adjust itself to different levels of brightness with the assistance of its pupil (it contracts when strong light penetrates the eye), it can only do this up to a certain level. If your surroundings are very bright, your eye may be blinded and may not be able to see at all, regardless of your otherwise normal vision.

Buying the right sunglasses
Learn more about eye health by searching for “vision” and “eye problems” in our health encyclopedia. You can also read more ways to protect yourself from the sun from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.*

*Kaiser Permanente is not responsible for the content or policies of external Internet sites. Information provided by Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials.

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Get active outdoors for good health

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to add more outdoor physical activity to your days. Staying active can help you feel good, lower your stress level, and reduce your risk for ongoing conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Kaiser Permanente recommends that you get at least 2.5 hours of activity each week.

You can make small changes to increase outdoor time. Walk the dog for a few extra minutes or walk to complete errands close to home or work. Get out the ball and glove and play catch or fly a kite. Even spring gardening and yard work can provide a good workout.

Get other simple and fun ways to be more active every day — including a fitness calculator that tells you how much exercise you need to burn off calories from certain foods!

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Know your blood pressure numbers

Our blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. But people with high blood pressure have consistently high blood pressure. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and other problems.

Because it’s impossible to feel high blood pressure, it’s important to have your pressure checked regularly. Aim for a blood pressure lower than 120/80. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk, your blood pressure should be 139/89 or lower.

Check out tips for keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range.

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Take a healthy living class

As a Kaiser Permanente member, you can choose from a variety of healthy living classes at little or no cost. Below is a partial list for the upcoming month in your area.

Learn about additional classes and any class fees.

To register for InStep and Nutrition classes, call the appointment line at 703-359-7878 or 1-800-777-7904, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 p.m. For Prenatal classes, speak with your obstetrician/gynecologist to register. For all other classes, call the health education automated line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 301-816-6565 or 1-800-444-6696. Please leave a message and someone will call you back within 24 business hours.

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Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. 2101 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, Maryland 20852