♦ Are the seasons changing your genes? New research published in the journal Nature Communications reveals that our genes may be impacted by the seasons, which could explain why certain diseases and illnesses are more prevalent in the colder or warmer months. The study, involving more than 16,000 people worldwide, suggests that genes related to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are activated or deactivated in certain people, depending on the season's changing daylight and temperature.

♦ Cooking Light names the Portland Farmers Market at PSU one of the nation's top farmers markets in the magazine's June issue, giving a special shout out to major market fan Cathy Whims of Nostrana as well as local Padrón peppers, kimchi, and flaky salt made with local seawater (well, hello Jacobsen). The healthy mag also shares a market-fresh recipe from Tastebud—Mark Doxtader's Grilled Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Bacon Pizza.  

♦ Want to stick to a healthy habit? A new study shows that people are more likely to adopt (and keep) a positive health habit if their sweetheart changes at the same time. It may seem obvious, and many studies have shown that negative behaviors like smoking or staying sedentary are easy to pick up from loves ones, but this is the first study to explore the potential impact of positive health changes on partners. So couple up and get healthy!