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Rocky Gorge WellNews June 2023 Edition

Rocky Gorge WellNews June 2023 Edition

Welcome to the June edition. We look forward to sharing more articles later this summer.

Protection: “The Three P’s”

As the weather warms and we spend more time outdoors, please consider “The Three P’s”:

  • Protect your fluid levels through hydration.
  • Protect yourself from insect bites.
  • Protect your skin from overexposure to the sun.

Minty Bug Spray

With tick-borne diseases on the rise and the annoyance of mosquitos, gnats, and flies, it’s wise to have on hand a protective product free of harsh chemicals. This do-it-yourself spray recruits the powerful phenols and other compounds of mints by using their concentrated forms – essential oils – and combining with other plant oils to make you smell nice but not so pleasant to insects. These oils are a great investment, will last for years, and can be used for other purposes.

You will need:

One 4-ounce plastic or glass spray bottle

Distilled water or witch hazel

Vegetable glycerin

Essential oils of the following: Peppermint or spearmint, thyme, basil, rosemary, and lavender, eucalyptus

Optional: Geranium, lemongrass, or citronella oils; tincture of yarrow, which boosts tick repellent properties

Pour 3 ounces of water or witch hazel into the bottle. Add ½ teaspoon of glycerin, which helps the solution stick better to your skin. Add 5 drops each of the oils and optionally, a splash of yarrow tincture. Label your bottle and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Shake the bottle well before spraying on all exposed skin, under necklines, sleeves, and pants cuffs, and even on your clothing, socks, and headgear. If you’re out for more than two hours, a second refresher should be applied.

Sun Protection

It’s not just sunburn! Cases of skin cancer are on the rise. Your first line of defense in limiting sun exposure is to wear hats and lightweight breathable long-sleeved garments. Make sure that you keep hydrated. There are many effective sunscreen products available commercially, many of which are composed of natural ingredients and free of harsh chemicals. It’s nice to have plant-based alternatives that you make yourself. These oils will also heal and protect your skin. Be sure to apply products recommended by dermatologists.

Homemade Sun Protection

Sunscreen Blend

Several based oils are believed to have SPF (sun protection factor) levels. Here are some defense oils to apply pre-sun and during sun exposure.

Almond oil: SPF5

Avocado oil: SPF 4-15

Coconut oil: SPF 2-8

Jojoba oil: SPF 4

Sunburn Relief Oil Blend

Into two tablespoons of coconut oil add 40 drops of Carrot Seed Oil. Blend well and apply to scorched skin areas.

Fresh Aloe

Aloe plants are hardy succulents that live happily on a bright window sill. Slice off a leaf close the base of the plant, then cut off a 1–2-inch segment. Slice it open and apply the fresh gel to burned and irritated skin. The cut leaf will last for a couple of weeks.

Sunburn Relief Spray

Into 1 cup of distilled or tap water add:

2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel

2 ounces pure witch hazel

10 drops lavender essential oil

J10 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops frankincense oil

Pour into a spray bottle and shake well. Shake well again before skin application.

Contact Abby if you want to order the abovementioned essential oils.

Herbs for Summer: Let a Smile be Your Umbrella

Last summer we looked at the Umbellifer family, named because the shape of their flowers and seed heads resembles umbrellas.

Many foods in our diet are part of this group: celery, carrots, parsnips, fennel, and caraway. The three following herbs will brighten your summer recipes. They are abundant in vitamins and micronutrients and good sources of bone-building Vitamin K, flavonoids, antioxidants, and essential minerals.

Cilantro and Coriander

A popular ingredient in cuisines worldwide, cilantro, or Chinese parsley, refers to the leafy herb. Its seeds are a spice called coriander. Both are extremely aromatic but used differently.

Originally from the Mediterranean, cilantro is found in Latin American, Indian, African, and East Asian dishes. Tear up fresh leaves and use them in guacamole, tacos and enchiladas, chili, salsa, and grilled corn. Add to steamed rice and seafood. Mince it into mayo with a splash of lime juice, and a dash of chipotle.

Some studies suggest that cilantro may detoxify heavy metals from our tissues and help regulate blood pressure, alleviate GI issues, and reduce nausea. Some people are genetically disposed to dislike the flavor. However, some of those same people are still able to enjoy the fragrant flavor of coriander seeds.

Coriander seeds, either fresh or dried whole or ground, enhance a variety of dishes. If you grow cilantro, freeze some of the green seeds to be crushed later into chili and other dishes. Dry the rest and use for flavoring and for sowing future crops.

Dill

Dill is native to western Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The herb’s grassy flavor finds its way into pickles, chicken soup, and potato, cucumber, chicken, pasta, and egg salads, just for starters. Fresh dill complements salmon, chicken, sauces, dressings, and dips, such as yogurt-based tzatziki. Fresh is superior to dried. You can freeze the fresh leaves, but a pinch of high-quality dried dill will do in a pinch.

Dill leaf is an anti-inflammatory herb that soothes digestive disorders, lowers cholesterol, and helps eliminate toxins. Just a small quantity of the seeds adds intense flavor.

Parsley

Underappreciated parsley isn’t just a garnish. It’s a flavorful, versatile herb high in Vitamin C and fiber. It eases digestion and neutralizes mouth odors, especially garlic breath. Raw minced parsley adds color and bright flavor to innumerable dishes, such as meats, fish, grains, pasta, as well as chicken, tuna, egg, and potato salads. It’s so nutritious, no wonder it’s included in juicing diets. A bunch of parsley is inexpensive, hardy, and can last for weeks in the fridge. Pick out yellowed pieces before storing loosely in an open plastic bag.

Foods for Summer Brightness

Chimichurri

Similar to pesto, chimichurri is a vibrant green sauce made with pureed parsley, cilantro, and garlic, to which olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and are added. It’s an intensely delicious condiment for grilled chicken and steak as well as veggie dishes.

Snappy Refrigerator Pickles

These crispy pickles don’t require complicated canning methods. They will keep for a couple of months in the fridge, but you can enjoy them as early as the next day.

You will need about four 8-ounce or two 16-ounce glass jars, preferably wide-mouthed, with secure lids.

6-8 Kirby unpeeled cucumbers or 3-4 thin-skinned unwaxed cucumbers

One small sliced yellow onion

Several sprigs of fresh dill

4-6 peeled garlic cloves

The Brine:

2 c water

2 c apple cider or white vinegar

1 TBSP coriander or mustard seeds

1 TBSP peppercorns

1 bay leaf

1 TBSP Kosher or coarse sea salt

Make the brine by combining the water, cider, salt, seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool completely before pouring over the cucumbers, garlic, onion, dill. Refrigerate immediately.

*Note: For extra crunch, place cucumber slices in a colander and cover with ice for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

Summer In the Studio

If you need a summer tune-up, we are scheduling sessions throughout the season. please contact Abby to arrange private in-person, Zoom, and hybrid sessions, or join our classes in the studio.

We wish you a safe, healthy early summer and Happy July Fourth!

FROM OUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

FROM OUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

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LETTER TO MY RESILIENT CLIENTS

LETTER TO MY RESILIENT CLIENTS

Dear Resilient Clients,
This has certainly been a long and challenging season for all of us…and I do hope you are all doing well.
Currently, Howard County is in Phase Three, which allows gyms and private studios to open—under CDC guidelines.
I want to assure you, again, that I am being extremely cautious in how I schedule clients/classes and am taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy exercise environment.
I will continue to do virtual trainings/classes and am also doing sessions on my large outdoor patio!
I totally respect and understand each individuals’ personal concerns and restrictions, but I want to let you know that I am here and am ready to support you with your health and fitness goals.
I would love to hear from you and hear how each of you are doing; I do hope all is well with you and your family.
Please take time to get outside and enjoy this wonderful sunshine, wear your masks, and stay away from crowds!
Let’s continue to do our due diligence to safeguard the welfare of all of those around us.
Also, please remember that I plan to do a “reset,” with each of you as you return: a fresh fitness assessment, updating all intake forms—including any current medications/injuries—as well as addressing any newly occurring issues since the March 2020 shutdown.
To your robust health,
Abby
Be sure to read our latest Rocky Gorge Wellnews newsletter here.
Abby Dixson, MES ACE Gold Certified Health and Fitness Coach Rocky Gorge Wellness/MediFit, Inc. Body and Soul Fitness Instructor MES, Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist/AAHFP Member of ACSM, IDEA, Wellcoaches “Movement is Medicine” https://medifitnow.com
PREVIOUSLY …

Dear Resilient Clients,

I hope all of you continue to do well, during this challenging time!

Although I have been in touch with many of you, I wanted to reach out with an update, regarding opening Rocky Gorge Wellness Studio in the weeks ahead.

For those who have been doing zoom sessions, I am happy to continue virtual training/small group classes for as long as each deems necessary, for their own individual health restrictions.

As we look towards the State of Maryland (Howard County) opening up in its various phases, I want to assure you that we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure a safe exercise environment!

As in-person appointments are scheduled, I will be spacing clients so there is no overlap, to limit individuals’ contact with each other and to make sure all equipment and surfaces have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

I plan to do a “reset,” with each of you as you return: a fresh fitness assessment, updating all intake forms—including any current medications/injuries—as well as addressing any newly occurring issues since the March 2020 shutdown. Remember, we also have warm weather coming and outdoor sessions are also an option!

I will have a full supply of disposable masks and gloves, but will ask for you to be prepared to have + bring your own initially. Gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer will be available in the Studio.

As all of you know, my passion is to help each individual achieve optimal health through safe and effective exercise and balanced nutrition! I am proceeding cautiously and will comply with the State of Maryland and CDC guidelines for all operations.

FYI: We have a monthly wellness support group focused on nutrition, diet challenges, and overall support. Please let me know if you would like to join us this Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 11:00am via zoom.

Please let me know any thoughts or concerns you may have, as I would love to hear from each of you!
Let’s stay Safe! Let’s stay Strong! 😁💪🏻🏻🌡


Remember: “Movement is Medicine,”
Abby