by Tori Bailey, MSLM, MHA – Homelessness Liaison, UNNC

I am Chair of UNNC’s Homelessness Liaison Committee.  Although our activities have been limited since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we still have been able to give our homeless stakeholders care packages that included Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), working in conjunction with a local non-profit.  In these care packages were: gloves, masks, blankets, water, snacks and additional resource information such as food distribution sites, hot food service and other life sustaining/safety tips.

At this time I’d like to share some health and wellness tidbits from Admiral Brewer, former superintendent of the LAUSD as well as myself, the au fait, that are especially worthwhile during this time of COVID-19. My portion is based solely on observation and direct communication with many people since the stay at home order began in March 2020.

The pandemic and ensuing isolation has left some people feeling anxious, fearful, stressed, and made sleeping difficult. Having been surrounded by traditional medical practices for years, I’ve seen firsthand that some people do not open their minds to holistically augmenting their diet for healing and soothing effects even though it can be very effective. Of course, always consult your doctor if taking any medication because herbs can have adverse reactions to certain medications, but below are a dozen items that you may find helpful. I encourage you to to do further research on any of the 12 holistic solutions/approaches below that pique your interest:

  1. Anthocyanins: Good for memory – Blueberries, Blackberries, etc.
  2. Arugula: Good for blood flow. Great to eat before you exercise – a cruciferous vegetable
  3. Black Seed Oil: Reduces blood sugar levels
  4. Brazil Nuts: Lowers LDL Cholesterol – ONLY one per day (exercise willpower!)
  5. Daily Smoothies: Bananas, beets, broccoli Sprouts (heated) plus other combinations of your liking (or research the best combinations for you)
  6. Elderberry: Boosts your immune system/antiviral – must be cooked (becomes a syrup)
  7. Hibiscus Tea: High in Vitamin C
  8. Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Good for your eyes, brain, and memory (Kale)
  9. Manuka Honey: Good for the skin – sweetener – superfood for shakes and smoothies
  10. Matcha Green Tea: With mushrooms – Anticarcinogenic esp. breast cancer (Journal of Cancer, October 2008)
  11. Sulforaphane: Broccoli Sprouts (Heated) – Cancer Fighting
  12. Turmeric: An antioxidant – Good for memory

Finally, if you are taking the stay at home orders literally, please remember to get outside and absorb some Vitamin D!

As the stay at home orders begin to lift and the city slowly reopens, it’s imperative that your immune system stays healthy – or gets even healthier. Looking forward to seeing everyone face-to-face one day soon – healthier than ever before!!