I·SPARC Newsletter – Ways to Maintain a Healthy, Active Lifestyle

Tips from our Sport and Healthy Living Teams

What’s in this issue:

• Immune-boosting recipes
• FitNation: Anyone, Anytime Anywhere
• Coaches at-home training tips
• I·SPARC’s Operational Continuity Plan
• Regional Contacts
• COVID-19 Resources

Why is it good for you during cold and flu season?

Lemon – Lemon is a great medicine, it loosens and breaks down mucus allowing you to cough it up and it is high in vitamin C and flavonoids (antioxidant), therefore strengthening to your immune system! And, it tastes yummy 🙂

Ginger – Ginger is warming and as a result, it promotes blood flow and can help break a fever. It contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds and is a classic home remedy for sore throats, asthma, arthritis, and other conditions that are improved by reducing inflammation. Ginger also helps to expel mucus and can ease coughs and stubborn respiratory congestion including bronchitis. We also recommend cooking with a lot of ginger and garlic. Fun fact: the Ginger plant is our Healthy Living Director’s Japanese family crest (so it must be good for you!)

Honey – Honey is a MIRACULOUS substance. For millennia, raw honey has been revered for its nutritive, immune-stimulating, and antimicrobial qualities. Honey contains over 75 different compounds including vitamins, minerals, and proteins. One of my favorite authors on Herbal Antibiotics, Stephen Harrod Buhner, highlights recent scientific studies that affirm honey’s medicinal effectiveness for treating antibiotic resistant bacteria, traumatic wounds, severe burns, diabetic ulcers, respiratory ailments, and immune deficiencies – to name a few. He claims that honey is the premier wound healer on this planet. Fun fact: 2,000-year-old honey was found in tombs in the Egyptian pyramids.

Directions:
If using fresh ginger, (fresh is best) a decoction is recommended because it is a root! Decoction extracts the ginger’s essence and is a fancy way of saying add cold water to your ginger in a pot, bring it to a boil on stove top, then let simmer for 20-30 minutes (covered if possible). Add fresh squeezed lemon and honey after your decoction is done. Make a lot and keep in fridge for up to 3 days.

Medicinal strength tea ratio is 1 TBSP of herb to 1 CUP of water. Drink 3-6 cups per day.

Stay healthy everyone and remember to get LOTS of sleep.

Robynne Edgar
Director, Healthy Living

FitNation – Squat Variations

Watch the FitNation Workout video made by FitNation Leader Tiffany Adams, combining some of the most recent movements – Squat, Lunge, Plank, and Jumping Jacks. These are safe movements for all ages and abilities to keep you active from where you are today!

Coaches at-home training tips

Thanks to our Team BC coaches for providing Staying Fit Quick Tips – Core Workout!