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?

1. Number one would be rest. Listen to your body and do not ignore signs that indicate you need
   to relax.
2. Our sun exposure can be limited during the winter, so consider supplementing with Vitamin D.
3. Stay well hydrated.
4. Avoid processed and sugary foods.
5. Consider taking a multivitamin.
6. 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.