Staff Profile: Meet Charles
Meet Charles
Linden Hills Health & Body Care Manager
Former Health & Body Care Manager Emily Kaster is now the Store Director at Linden Hills! Charles was hired to fill her role in August.
What brought you to Linden Hills Co-op?
My passion for all things health-related. Over the last 15 years, I have quietly studied supplementation, nutrition and the human body. In 2017, I traveled to Japan for an internship studying business while teaching martial arts. Returning to the U.S., I served as a Boxing Coach, Muay Thai Instructor, and HBC Manager within the grocery industry before finding Linden Hills Co-op. Linden Hills’ values along with its charm, location, staff, and diverse wellness department make it both a highly desirable and one-of-a-kind place to work.
Why were you drawn to working in the natural health and beauty field?
At one point in my life, I was very out of shape, eating poorly and not exercising. When I decided to make a change, I became fascinated with supplementation and organic food. The major draw for me is the ability to impact lives.
What are your favorite immune-boosting products?
Source Naturals Wellness Formula is one of my favorite supplements and can be used effectively to stay healthy during cold-and-flu season. A few of my favorite wellness supplements include Agarikon, Curcumin, Astragalus, Andrographis and Zinc. It’s also a great idea to incorporate a naturally sourced Vitamin C rich in bioflavonoids. Additionally, incorporating things like fresh garlic and elderberry into your diet will go a long way to keep you well.
What are your best tips for staying well this winter?
- Number one would be rest. Listen to your body and do not ignore signs that indicate you need
to relax. - Our sun exposure can be limited during the winter, so consider supplementing with Vitamin D.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid processed and sugary foods.
- Consider taking a multivitamin.
- Exercise when able but don’t overdo it. Pushing the body too hard, mentally and/or physically, especially during times of great stress, can negatively impact the body’s immune response, making a person more susceptible to illness.
What do you look forward to about the winter months?
For me, winter is a time of deep reflection. I look forward to the drop in temperature, the snow, and outdoor activities. I most enjoy building igloos and ice skating. I also enjoy the holiday season itself—classic movies, hot chocolate, and all the feel-good traditions.