WEEKLY WELLNESS: Immune-Boosting Smoothie, DIY Face Covering and More!

Immune-Boosting Smoothie

The best way to support a healthy immune system is to get adequate sleep, reduce stress, exercise regularly, don’t smoke and eat a healthy diet filled with antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants, compounds in foods that fight disease and infection, are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Get a healthy dose of antioxidants with this immune-boosting smoothie and be sure to check out the video HERE. 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup plain, Greek yogurt
• 1 cup fruit
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 tablespoon nuts or seeds
• ¼ cup fruit juice
• ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk 

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Adjust liquids to make the consistency to your liking. 
3. Enjoy! 

How to Make a Cloth Face Covering 

The CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Click here  for instructions on how to make  a sew and no sew cloth face covering.  

 How to Wear a  Cloth Face Covering 

The cloth face covering should:

• Fit snugly and comfortably across the face
• Be secured with ear loops or ties 
• Have multiple layers of fabric 
• Allow breathing without restriction 
• Able to be machine washed and dried

 After Wearing a Cloth Face Covering

Sanitize and clean your face covering after every use by washing it in the laundry. Make sure to not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face covering and wash your hands immediately. 

How to Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19 

 Know the Spread 

• There is no vaccine for COVID-19 
• The best way to protect yourself from the virus is to avoid exposure
• The virus is spread from person to person 
• From people being in close contact with each other 
• From respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs 
• The virus can be spread through those who are not showing symptoms 

 Everyone Should

• Wash their hands 
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if unable to wash your hands 
• Avoid touching your face 
• Avoid close contact with others 
• Stay at home as much as possible 
• Wear a cloth facemask around others 
• Even if you aren’t showing symptoms you could be a carrier 
• You will still need to stay at least 6 ft. apart from others while wearing the mask 
• Do NOT put a cloth facemask on young children under the age of 2, those with breathing issues or anyone you cannot remove the mask without assistance 
• The mask aids in preventing the spread of infection by protecting others 
• Cover Your Cough and Sneezes 
• If you are not wearing a cloth facemask it is important that you cover your cough and sneezes
• Use a tissue to cough or sneeze in and throw it away or use your elbow 
• After covering your sneeze or cough, wash your hands
• Clean and Disinfect 
• If a surface is dirty, clean it with detergent or soap prior to disinfecting it. 
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. Examples of frequently touched services include: 
• Doorknobs 
• Tables 
• Counters 
• Toilets 
• Phones 
• Keyboards 
• Sinks 

Source: CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

10 Simple Meals from your Pantry 

You’ve stocked your pantry and you’ve limited your grocery trips...now what? Here are some easy and nutrient-rich meals you can make with a few pantry staples. 

1. Angel Hair Pasta with Canned Tomatoes, Olives and Capers
2. Southwestern Omelet
3. Barbecue Stuffed Potatoes
4. Carrot, Broccoli and Cheese Orzo 
5. Quick and Easy Minestrone
6. Mexican Tortilla Pizza
7. Spinach Tortellini Soup
8. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Flatbread
9. Canned Salmon Salad
10. Sriracha Tuna Salad Wraps

Managing Stress During a Time of Crisis

A crisis can occur at any time. It could be a personal problem, an incident in the workplace, or something societal like COVID-19. Here are a few ways to cope with stress during a crisis: 

 Face the Cause of Your Stress 

Ignoring the problem will only add more stress. Stress rarely goes away on its own, facing the problem that is causing you anxiety is the first step. Focus on the small things you can control and continue to build from there. 

 Reach Out For Assistance

While managing your stress, it is ok to ask for help. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7, for confidential assistance please call: 800-543-4158 or 317-621-7742. Talk to your support network like your friends and family. No one needs to conquer a crisis by themselves, lean on others when you need help and help others when they need you. 

 Be Proactive

Managing stress will require action during a crisis. The right steps of action will vary depending on the situation. It is important to not take shortcuts during a crisis. 

 Stay Healthy 

When dealing with stress it is easy to forget to take care of your health. Make sure to: 

• Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night 
• Exercise regularly 
• Take breaks, even if you are working remotely 
• Eat healthy meals 
• Make time for activities you enjoy
• Practice good hygiene 
• If you are sick, take time off 
• Follow the recommendations of health authorities 

 To read the full article Click here.