DIY of the Month:Concentration Concentrate

Getting your children (or yourself, for that matter) to settle in and get homework and studying done in the evenings can be a difficult task.

While taking an Aromatherapy course in Ireland the instructor gave us a great tip for staying focused and keeping our spirits up during those long evenings of study. She called it her “Concentration Concentrate”. It uses 2 essential oils – Rosemary* known for its positive affect on memory and concentration, and Grapefruit, a sunny, citrus scent that helps brighten your mood.

That combination helped get me through my exams and now it helps my 4 kids get homework done in a focused, yet joyful, atmosphere that still surprises me at times. Studying is no longer a chore and since they stay on task we have time to play together after dinner.

Fill your 4 oz mist bottle with distilled water and add 15 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil and 15 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil. Shake before spraying.

If you use a diffuser, put 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil and 3 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil onto the refill pad if a plug-in, or into the bowl of water if a burner.

                   

*Rosemary has been shown to increase the risk of seizures. Please do not diffuse in the presence of an epileptic.

- Nancy Mayne, Wellness Director 

Back To School Supplements

Back to school is upon us, kids are back in the classroom and need a smart start.
Multivitamins can help with nutrition, learning and overall health and immunity.

Supplements and a healthy diet can help boost brain power, improve immunity and soothe stress. A nutritious breakfast and a diet that is low in refined sugars, trans-fats and boxed, processed foods is an excellent way to begin the day. Children don’t always eat right, so here are some supplement recommendations and how they can help.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) The brain’s nerve-cell membranes are made of fat. Ingesting a healthy fat, DHA, can help make these membranes successfully fire off neurotransmitters and help with attention, focus, processing efficiency, and memory. This can result in improved listening, comprehension and vocabulary skills.

Liquid fish oil with EPA and DHA can also offer anti-inflammatory support for allergies, colds and viruses. Algae can work as a vegetarian substitute for fish oil.

Phosphatydilserine is a fat that facilitates communication among brain cells and is a natural substance your brain makes. It can help to enhance memory, improve attention, concentration, learning, behavior and school performance in children. Phosphatydilserine is found in foods such as eggs and soy, but only in small amounts so dietary supplements are an effective option. It is compatible with fish oil.

Vitamin D can help with immunity for all children. Vitamin D helps to trigger the immune system to react and fight off infections like the seasonal flu.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help maintain beneficial intestinal flora; which not only helps digestion but boosts immunity. Over 70% of the immune system is produced in the small intestine. Probiotic supplements with a mixture of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria may help reduce the incidence of fevers, coughs, runny noses and other infections in young children.

Elderberry is an herb that may help shorten the duration of colds, flu and other viruses. Elderberry is known for its antiviral and immune-system stimulant properties.

Magnesium can help relax and calm children. As a calming mineral, magnesium trumps calcium, but children may need more calcium for their bones, so the two nutrients are usually given together.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) can help to soothe anxiety and is gentle but effective. It is also helpful in supporting healthy activity levels and concentration- a big plus in the classroom. Children can drink 1 to 2 cups of freshly brewed tea daily or tinctures that use glycerin to extract the constituents from an herb rather than alcohol.

-Mona Claypoole, Director of Marketing and Wellness Support

Staff Pick of the Month

Omega for a Good Cause 

-Susan, General Manager 

Back to school is almost upon us and one of the things I look forward to are not only the fun healthy snack options we have for kids lunches, but for the feel good causes the brands we love support.

This month, Nordic Naturals is supporting Kids in Need Foundation.The organization "provides students affected by natural disasters with the supplies needed to get them back to a world they know: the classroom."Buy Nordic Naturals products this month and help get kids back to school.

Mineral Fusion Nail Polish 

-CJ, Supervisor

Galaxy, amethyst, and blossom, oh my! And that is just to name a few of the forty-five Mineral Fusion nail polishes. This brand is top notch when it comes to Organic, mineral based nail polishes. Not only does the polish last and have outrageously amazing colors, it nourishes your nails while you wear it. I have to say personally this is one nail polish I love to wear because of its nourishing properties. Theses great polishes are formaldehyde free, toluene free, hypoallergenic, gluten free, talc free, and much more! For someone like me with skin sensitivities it is very important that I use only top of the line products that are free of harmful chemicals. In addition to being great for your nails and free of all these major chemicals, they are never tested on animals! For an avid animal lover, this is a HUGE bonus! Try any one of the colors, or you could use my personal favorite, Galaxy. 

Gardein Golden Fishless Fillets 

-Claudia, Head Buyer
I have recently discovered Gardein’s vegan meat substitutes and though this company is  the new kid on the block, it seems to be a real winner.  Gardein make wonderful burgers for vegans and people who are just trying to avoid cholesterol in their diet.  And now this innovative company has come up with something completely new for the vegan menu, fishless fillets!  These fillets cook up just like their ocean-dwelling counterparts. When baked in the oven, the coating crisps up, and the center is moist and tasty.   The white center is nice a flaky.  They even contain algae oil, a plant source of omega 3 DHA and EPA.  And best of all they’re 100% cruelty-free and kind to our ocean friends!

Paint Happily!