A TOMATO A DAY MAY KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY

Lycopene is part of the carotenoid group that gives tomatoes and other foods their deep red color. However, lycopene is best known for its health benefits, including being a powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighting agent. Lycopene also helps prevent:

*Plaque build-up, which narrows and hardens arteries

*Diabetes

*Age-related macular degeneration and cataracts

*Aging of the skin

*Osteoporosis

In addition to tomatoes, high concentrations of lycopene can also be found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, rosehips, and pink guava. Locally, fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the Leesburg Farmers Market, which is in Town Square every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Downtown Clermont Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FIGHTING THE BIG “C”

The Florida Cancer Data System awarded both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital with its prestigious Jean Byers Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration. The award acknowledges the quality, timeliness, and completeness in the way cancer data is reported to the statewide cancer registry.

“This award recognizes our ongoing commitment to a healthy community by accurately tracking the health of our cancer patients,” said Elizabeth Jernigan, cancer program director of Central Florida Health. The award is given in honor of Jean Anne Byers, who passed away in 1996 following a long career dedicated to promoting oncology research and education in Florida.