Immunity Boost

With the current events that are unfolding in the world at the moment, it is critical to take this time to focus on keeping ourselves and our immune system healthy as possible. In addition to the below tips, it is important to make sure you are getting adequate sleep, taking steps to avoid infections (i.e., washing hands), avoid smoking and/or vaping, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even though our daily lives may have slowed down a bit, there are many things you can do to keep your immune system strong.

Focus on Foods you Choose: More and more research is starting to support the idea that food can act as medicine. Add foods high in protein (chicken, meats, beans, nuts, nut butter, eggs and dairy) that can help with healing and recovery.  Vitamins C (oranges, tomatoes, sweet potato, peppers...) and vitamin E (avocado, sunflower seeds, nuts, peanut butter...) work as antioxidants and supports the immune system by stimulating the formation of antibodies. Vitamin A (carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, pumpkin...) also helps protect against infections by keeping skin and tissues healthy, and zinc (meat, beans, nuts, dairy, eggs...) helps the immune system work properly. Other nutrients to think about include vitamins B6, B12, selenium, and iron.

Minimize Stress:  As too much stress can lead to anxiety and depression, which can cause high levels of inflammation. Too much inflammation in the body can lead to an overworked, overtired immune system. Ways to reduce stress would be through staying active and/or practicing meditation. Another way to reduce stress is through laughter- watch a funny movie when you have a chance!

Get active: Regular, moderate exercise/movement has shown to reduce the risk of infection. Exercise may help slow the release of stress-related hormones. Lower stress hormones may help protect against illnesses.  Although we know the many benefits of exercise to overall health, prolonged bouts of exercise and periods of intense training are associated with an increased risk of infection. Therefore, it's essential to find your balance with staying active, choose something you enjoy- go for a walk, run, bootcamp classes, yoga, Pilates...

Thoughts on Herbs and Supplements: Common herbs and supplements that people often use for immune health include Elderberry, Echinacea, Astragalus, Olive Leaf Extract. Although these may help, it is essential to remember that there is still not much research to support herbs and supplements function in improving immune health. Always make sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking any herbs and supplements as they may interact with certain foods and medications.

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Post written by Hanna Stringer, a graduate student of Christine Clark in the MS in Applied Nutrition program through the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University.

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Celebrating 10 Years of a Unique Partnership

COMPASS GROUP AND FLORIDA’S FARMWORKERS

I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of pride in 2009 when we signed our groundbreaking agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). Compass Group was the nation’s first foodservice company to agree to pay an additional premium per pound for all the tomatoes purchased from Florida annually, with a portion of the money being passed from the supplier directly to the workers. The agreement helps ensure humane labor standards and a fair wage for the harvesters. In addition, there is also a code of conduct put in place where workers can voice concerns about safety and working conditions without fear of retaliation.

During the past decade, we’ve been able to use our scale as the largest global foodservice company to favorably influence the food industry to do the right thing. Other large food companies have since signed on and are part of the Fair Food program. We are overjoyed when our industry can come together and make a positive impact on society.

In 2019, Compass doubled the Fair Food purchases within our partnership with the CIW to 8.7 million pounds – an impressive 70 percent increase compared to the previous year.

DOING MORE TO RAISE AWARENESS

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of how much labor goes into putting fresh, nutritious food on our plates. Most consumers are surprised to learn 85% of the fruits and vegetables we eat are picked by hand.

As part of Farmworker Awareness Week, which is March 22-28, we will share our fair food commitment on every touchpoint possible. We want our clients, customers, and associates to know that simply by being part of Compass Group; you are supporting the fair treatment of farmworkers.

To celebrate the people behind the food, this campaign will feature the men and women we met working in the fields in Immokalee. What a powerful way to share their story! We want to help make farm work less dangerous, more respected, and the term “farm-to-table” to mean safety and dignity for all who work to feed us.

Follow the conversation and progress on social media with #iCareAboutFair.

Written by Julia Jordan, Director of Sustainability at Compass Group North America
MARCH 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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