92A - Fit and Well Column for October 17th, 2004

97A - Fit and Well Column for November 13th, 2004

TITLE: Iceland - Lessons Learned"

Dear David and Trish,

We really enjoyed your column on your trip to Russia. You mentioned an upcoming trip to Iceland. When are you going? Does the Capital pay all your expenses? Can I get that job when you're done?

Sincerely,

Wondering in West Annapolis

Dear Wondering,

Well timed! We're BACK… and Iceland proved to be quite an interesting place. Both in lifestyle, fitness, health, AND the economy.

Trish, Angelica, Number Two (YES… there's ANOTHER bun in the oven), and I spent a week exploring Iceland, and talking to fitness people about their lifestyle and level of fitness. As one might imagine, there is a very strong connection between the two.

Regarding The Capital paying expenses, NOT! And getting our job… line forms to the left!

Iceland's Ecology and Environment

What first impressed us about Iceland is how very clean the air is. Just stepping off the plane, it was quite noticeable. The air smelled, and actually felt, different. This is likely the result of the fact that Iceland doesn't use fossil fuels as the main source of electric generation. They use geo-thermal energy.

We were shown "power plants" that derived their energy from the ground! Quite an interesting concept… but obviously quite effective.

There is a significant respect for maintaining the natural environment throughout Iceland. We drove for hours on our own, and experienced the thrill of seeing many natural wonders that have been protected from mankind's sometimes cruel interference. Of course, near just about every natural wonder was a souvenir gift shop and snack bar, but such is life! Speaking of snacks, let's look at Iceland's traditional foods…

FISH

The rich fishing grounds around Iceland are the country's most valuable natural resource. We were informed by one of our guides that marine products account for 70% of the nation's exports. And that's a real good thing, because so much of Iceland's products need to be imported.

Icelandic fish, caught in the fresh and unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, has established a reputation for its superb quality and delicious taste world-wide. Fish is really the mainstay of the Icelandic diet, and fresh fish can be had all the year round. In Icelandic restaurants, we discovered an astonishing number of ways in which fresh fish is prepared into the most imaginative and healthful gourmet dishes.

A charming feature of Iceland are the many small fish shops, though many supermarkets that we visited (to buy our bagels and Fresca… we ARE Americans after all) also offer a wide selection of fresh fish.

MEAT

Iceland offers a fine variety of meats; lamb, pork and beef, as well as a limited amount of horse meat (yuck) and reindeer (sorry Rudolph). Meat display counters are always well stocked with quality fresh meat, handled by top class butchers. Shop refrigerators and freezers carry a wide variety of conveniently packaged meat products. However, these foods are quite expensive, and we didn't partake of too much of the meat offerings.

Iceland has strict regulations relating to the handling and storage of meat and the use of hormones is strictly forbidden. Due to the risk of contamination, the import of meat is prohibited. In keeping with tradition, sheep are allowed to graze freely in the mountain areas over the summer, feeding on the grass and wild herbs that give Icelandic lamb its distinctive flavor, and, of course, high expense.

MILK AND CHEESE PRODUCTS

Like the meat industry, the dairy industry is subject to strict production control and all products must meet the high level of quality.

There are over 80 types of cheese to be had, including Icelandic variations of many internationally famous cheeses. The nation's cheeses are equal to, if not better than, foreign cheeses. The success of Icelandic cheese and butter is due no doubt to the high quality standards and the fact that Icelandic milk is produced in a natural environment untouched by pollution.

COD LIVER OIL

Trish and I feel that the production and use of Cod liver oil is very important in high level of health that the Icelandic people have come to enjoy. They instinctively recognized the importance of vitamin A, vitamin D and the essential omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil.

On average, Icelanders live longer than any other people on earth. They have less heart disease and high blood pressure than any other culture in the world. They also have the lowest infant mortality rate.

Some of the benefits of regular intake of Cod Liver Oil are as follows:

RELIEF FROM CHRONIC JOINT PAIN
Research has found that the elongated omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil reduce pain and damage to inflamed joints and joint cartilage. Cod liver oil is highly recommended for those people who experience adverse side effects when taking non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs.

RELIEVES SKIN DISORDERS
The regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial to those suffering from inflammatory skin disorders. Sufferers generally register low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and have altered essential fatty acid metabolisms. Therefore, the regular consumption of cod liver oil seems to help alleviate the inflammation and overall severity of these conditions.

BENEFICIAL TO PREGNANT AND NURSING MOTHERS
Cod liver oil helps promote optimal brain development in the fetus, increases the level of vitamin A which prevents infections and improves the fatty acid profile in breast milk.

INCREASED I.Q.
A recent study (January 2003) found the intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids from cod liver oil may actually be effective in increasing the I.Q. of infants! We're a bit skeptical about these claims, but who knows!

Holistic Fitness, Iceland Style

The centers of health and fitness in Iceland are typically the traditional "Spas". We visited a few of them, and were duly impressed with their scope and wide range of treatment elements, utilizing a large expanse of wellness options and resources.

These Spas address the needs of the mind, body and spirit, all in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Eclectic and holistic, we found them inspiring.

One particular institution that we visited, The N.L.F.Í. Health and Rehabilitation Clinic, was truly interesting! Founded in 1955, it has introduced many new and revolutionary ideas about nutrition, health and health care. The clinic combines the benefits of modern medical science with health care traditions of the Nature Health Association of Iceland.

Two main groups of clients treated are those suffering from crippling ailments such as arthritis and requiring physical therapy and rehabilitation, and people who suffer from obesity, stress and other "modern" afflictions and need to discover, or rediscover, a healthy lifestyle.

We were especially impressed with their insistence that their "guests" take full responsibility for their own health through physical exercise, proper nutrition and, above all, positive thinking. Their staff consists of 3 doctors, 10 registered nurses, 6 licensed practical nurses, 5 physical therapists, 6 massage therapists, 2 sports therapists, a nutritionist, psychologist and some specially trained assistants. Try getting THAT covered through Blue Cross, Blue Shield!

Treatment generally consists of healthy food consisting mainly of vegetables, fruits, cereals and dairy products, water gymnastics (in naturally heated swimming pools), daily walks, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, individual counseling with a nutritionist, massage, and mud or herbal baths. Acupuncture is also available.

Lessons Learned

Your "First Family of Fitness" really enjoyed their week in Iceland. It showed us that a healthy lifestyle and responsible choices make a major difference in quality of life. A strong commitment to a natural environment, both physical and spiritual, is absolutely necessary to promote wellness in a community, and a country.

Probably more than anything, we witnessed how basic principles of health and fitness can become the center of a society, rather than an adjunct. Being "fit and well" in Iceland is at the very core of their society. And the benefits are real.

Box This:

FIT TIP:

Beware of mixing over the counter medications without realizing the possible consequences. Send for a free brochure published jointly by the Council on Family Health, the National Consumers League and the Food and Drug Administration. Visit the following sites for details: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov.

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