Welcome to Week 9 of Island Health’s Farm Stand!

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the old adage the dog days of summer has nothing to do with man’s best friend. Instead, on July 23rd, Sirius, the brightest visible star, and a component of the constellation Canis Major, rises with the sun. Ancient Romans, who were avid astronomers, believed this phenomenon caused Earth to become warmer during the 20 days preceding and following this galactic alignment from July 3rd to August 11th. While current science completely disproves this hypothesis, it remains important to take steps to support your health during summer heatwaves.

Proper hydration and consuming cold foods are two strategies to bear these sweltering dog days of summer. The Island Health Employee Wellness committee would like to share the following tips:

Stay Hydrated

Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to make up for the warmer temperatures. This is especially important for those working outdoors, the elderly, and children. For healthy adults, increase consumption by 16 ounces per day. Check out our blog post for hydration tips for kids: https://islandhealth.org/hydration-tips/

Keep Cool in the Kitchen

While firing up the stove or roasting meals in the oven works well in cold weather, the residual heat in the kitchen can increase discomfort for those without air conditioning. Try these simple cold-prep recipes to avoid spending time in a stuffy kitchen during evening hours when the temperature is warmest.

• Use an assortment of fresh berries to top overnight oats as a quick, high fiber breakfast or snack: https://islandhealth.org/healthy-recipes/overnight-oats/
• Discover a new favorite combination for your entrée salad with this foolproof formula: https://islandhealth.org/healthy-recipes/foolproof-salad-formula/
• Try eating salad in a new way, such as with these fresh summer rolls: https://islandhealth.org/healthy-recipes/fresh-herb-summer-rolls/

Stay cool out there!

This Week’s Participating Vendors

• Schuh Farms will be providing their wide selection of Skagit grown produce, berries, flowers, honey, and cookies as well as choice items from family farms in Eastern Washington. https://schuhfarmswa.com/
• Water Tank Bakery is back by popular demand with their artisan breads and cookies made using craft techniques and Washington grown Cairnspring Mills flour. https://www.watertankbakery.com/
• Dog Island Mushrooms grows a variety of culinary mushrooms on Guemes Island and will bring mushrooms by the pound and mushroom growing kits. http://www.dogislandmushrooms.com/
• Ebb & Flow Herb Farm grows culinary and medicinal herbs with which they sell fresh, dried, and as blended teas and seasonings. Also available will be artisan goat milk soaps and selection of fresh vegetables!

Weekly Fresh-to-Go (FTG) Bags

Fresh-to-Go Bag Contents for Tuesday, August 2nd

• Nectarines
• Choice of Greens
• Cucumber
• Boysenberries
• Surprise!

How to Order Fresh-to-Go (FTG) Bags

Email farmstand@islandhospital.org by noon on Monday, August 1st to indicate you want the current FTG bag.

• Please include a contact phone number (prefer cell phone) when placing your order.
• Pick up FTG bag from the Schuh Farms booth at Farm Stand on Tuesday, August 2nd, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Please pick up your Fresh-to-Go bag by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, unless you make a special arrangement.
• Pay at the Farm Stand.

If you pre-paid for the entire season there is no need to email, we have you on the list!

The Island Health Farm Stand runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Tuesday from June 7th to September 6th. The Farm Stand is held in the 24th Street courtyard on the Island Health campus, just to the east of the main campus entrance.

Island Health employees and the local community are all welcome to attend.

Thank you,
Island Health Employee Wellness