Big Sur Health Center 

Good morning.

Today marks the beginning of August, which means that a new school year is just a few days away—as is the start of this season’s Big Sur Softball playoffs. Whichever new beginning you’re currently looking forward to, we wish you success and fun in the endeavors ahead.

Meanwhile, at the Big Sur Health Center—

Board member Fran Heller is training for the Camino de Santiago in Spain in early September. Fran will tackle the final 100 km stretch of the 770 km trail on a solo venture. We wish her the best of luck and look forward to photos as we travel vicariously with her!

Remember to mark your calendar for October 14 and the Big Sur Health Center’s annual Health Fair. Come to get your flu shot, stay to talk with neighbors and enjoy a delicious lunch. If you’d like to help make the Health Fair better, please chime in on this survey. Thank you!

Take care,

The Big Sur Health Center Team

Moonlight and the fog in Big Sur. Executive Director Kathie Lester spotted this scene after June's Big Sur Fiddle Camp concert,

 and it stopped her in her tracks.

August is National Immunization

Awareness Month

Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and safeguard the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Why Immunizations Matter:

✔️ Prevent Disease – Vaccines protect against measles, whooping cough, the flu, and more.

✔️ Protect the Vulnerable – Herd immunity helps shield those who can’t be vaccinated.

✔️ Save Lives – Immunizations have dramatically reduced—and even eliminated—many deadly illnesses.

Stay on Track:

👶 Children – Polio, MMR, DTaP

🧑‍🎓 Teens/Young Adults – HPV, meningitis, Tdap

👵 Adults – Flu, shingles, pneumonia

✈️ Travelers – Check for region-specific vaccines

What You Can Do:

✅ Schedule checkups to ensure your immunizations are current

✅ Share facts about vaccine safety and importance

✅ Support access to vaccines for all

Together, we can build a healthier, safer community—this month and every month.

Embrace Wellness —

One Healthy Habit at a Time

August is Wellness Month—time to reset, recharge, and refocus on your well-being.

At the Big Sur Health Center, we’re here to support your path to better health—one mindful step at a time.

Wellness Reminders:

💧 Stay Hydrated – Water supports energy, digestion, and overall function.

🏃‍♀️ Move Your Body – Daily activity improves mood, strength, and vitality.

😴 Prioritize Sleep – Quality rest helps your body and mind recover.

🧘‍♀️ Practice Yoga – Boost flexibility, reduce stress, and center your focus.

🌿 Breathe Fresh Air – Take a moment outside—sunlight and fresh air can do wonders for your mood and immune system.

Small choices lead to big change. Let’s make the most of August together!

Local Farmers' Markets in Monterey County

Support Your Health & Your Community — Visit a Local Farmers Market!

Looking for fresh, local, and nutritious options this summer?

A visit to your local Monterey County Farmers Market is a great way to nourish your body while supporting regional farmers and artisans.

Why shop local?

🌱 Fresh, seasonal produce packed with nutrients

🧑‍🌾 Direct support for small farms and local businesses

🛒 Affordable options for fruits, veggies, eggs, honey, and more

🌞 Outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere

From Salinas to Pacific Grove, markets are happening weekly across the county. Eat fresh. Eat local. Eat well.

MONDAY

Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' Market

3-7 p.m., 3-6 p.m. (winter)

Grand Avenue and Central Avnue

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

TUESDAY

Carmel Farmers' Market 

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (May-September) 

3618 The Barnyard 

Carmel, CA 93923

Alisal Certified Farmers' Market

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (June-September)

632 East Alisal St.

Salinas, CA 93905

Old Monterey Marketplace

4-7 p.m. (October-April), 4-8 p.m. (May-September)

Alvarado Street and West Franklin Street

Monterey, CA 93940

WEDNESDAY

Natividad Certified Farmers' Market

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (May - October)

1441 Constitution Blvd.

Salinas, CA 93906

Outdoor Market at the Rodeo

4 - 8 p.m.

Salinas Sports Complex

1034 North Main St.

Salinas, CA 39301

THURSDAY

Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers' Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Mission Street & 6th Avenue

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Seaside Certified Farmers' Market

4-7 p.m. Opened June 15, 2023

Laguna Grande Regional Park at 1259 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.

Seaside, CA 93955

Soledad Farmers' Market

4-8 p.m. (May - December)

Front Street & Encinal Street

Soledad, CA 93960

FRIDAY

Del Monte Certified Farmers' Market/Monterey Certified Farmers' Market

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Del Monte Shopping Center

1410 Del Monte Center

Monterey, CA 93940

Salinas Valley Memorial Certified Farmers' Market

1:30-5:30 p.m. (May-October)

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital

450 East Romie Lane

Salinas, CA 93901

SATURDAY

Downtown Salinas Saturday Certified Farmers' Market

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Gabilan Street between Main and Salinas Street

Salinas, CA 93901

The Power Plant Certified Farmer's Market

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Power Plant Coffee & Store 

7990 Highway 1

Moss Landing, CA 

SUNDAY

Marina Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

215 Reservation Road

Marina, CA 93933

Carmel Valley Certified Farmers' Market

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

25 Ford Road at the Community Center

Carmel Valley, CA 93924

The presence of the Big Sur Health Center's facility on the Santa Lucia

Chapel and Campground property is made possible through the generosity of All Saints Episcopal Church, Carmel-by-the-Sea.