［1］Common sense tells us thateating organic food instead of over-processed, genetically alteredvarieties is healthier. But when selecting meat, poultry, eggs anddairy from your local market, it's also very important to buy meatsthat are "pasture-fed."

Animals that are pasture-fed,that is, those that are allowed to graze freely rather than beingconfined to a small space, are given plenty of exercise to keep themhealthy. When animals are confined and unable to move about, sicknessand disease can quickly spread through a largely populated herd orflock. As illness spreads, farmers must act quickly to shield boththeir investment and the health of their consumers. To do so, theymust administer antibiotics and hormones to the animals.

One such drug, Prosilacis a hormone given to dairy cows. The drug increases milk productionand thereby increases profits for the dairy farmer. However, thepotential negative side effects in humans prompted some countrieslike Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the EU to ban the drugcompletely. Concerns that this drug could have long-term adverseimpacts on human beings is a grave concern, especially in the UnitedStates, which continues to allow the drug to be used.

What does this mean foryou? Be sure to look for labels on your food packaging that says"certified organic," "free-range," and"pasture-fed." These words, legislated by agencies thatoversee food production ensure that the animals were humanely-treatedand free of drugs. While these items may be more expensive, itremains a relatively small price to pay for continued health andwellness.