Use National Yoga Month to get limber during these (downward) dog days

Trying to start some kind of exercise regimen as we move into fall? Or maybe you’ve been pretty serious about getting cardio or working out in the past, but have let that slide? Whatever the case, why not use National Yoga Month as a nudge to take a look at a centuries-old style of exercise and movement that has a ton of benefits.

All around the world, hundreds of thousands of people practice yoga every day. (The fact that it’s called a “practice” should be encouraging to any newcomers — yoga has many types, one of which will meet you right where you are.)

Yoga takes place in studios, in parks … wherever fellow practitioners can get together with their instructor. Many people start out with DVDs or stream how-to and beginners’ programs, and then search out opportunities in their community. Whether you’re new to the physical and mental benefits of “meditation through movement,” here are some ways to engage during September:

·    •  Do yoga in the park. During temperate times of year, many classes take place outside.

·    •   Visit a studio. If you’re nervous, don't be — working on your poses and balances with a group of helpful, supportive people is a great way to grow your practice.

·   •   Look into meditation. Many yogis say that their gateway to an enriching meditation practice began with yoga classes.

One of the best things about yoga is that it’s a great way to step away from a hectic day and have some “me” time. Calming, centering and sometimes physically challenging, yoga is a great exercise program all on its own, or in addition to other activities you already enjoy. Find a local class or group and see what you’ve been missing! Namaste.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds us cancer is an age-free foe

A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for anyone, and particularly heartbreaking when a child is involved. But thousands of children must face cancer every year, and according to the American Cancer Society and other organizations, a quarter of them will not survive.

While most of us are aware of cancer, if nothing else because we receive annual screenings for different types based on our age and gender, we may not know much about the particular types of cancer most common in children. That’s why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is so important. By learning and sharing information, we can all be more in tune with the needs of children (and their families) in this struggle, as well as be on board to help raise much needed research funds and supply other support.

For some inspiration, read the stories of Gold Ribbon Heroes whose bravery and innovation affects the lives of those around them. Survivors have a powerful voice, too, as this story so eloquently points out. Know a patient, parent, healthcare provider or someone in the community who refuses to let cancer go unchallenged? Nominate them here.

Feeling really inspired? Then tap into a local activity in your community, or be really bold and start your own! Groups, businesses, churches and social clubs are all great places for a fundraiser that benefits a research organization of your choice, a local hospital’s pediatric wing or a nonprofit that provides support and resources to patients and their families.

We never know when the final breakthrough will come, the one that finally lets scientists crack the cancer code, and leads to treatments that allow physicians to eradicate this disease from anyone and everyone before it robs them of life. That’s why supporting research and medical facilities is so important. But we also can support each other, even if it’s just by sending a card, making a meal, or volunteering on a children’s ward to read or play games with patients.

Cancer can happen to anyone, and that’s why everyone must be engaged in the fight to cure it.

National Health Center Week reminds us of the vital services these facilities provide

Here’s a sobering statistic: One in every 15 people living in the United States depends on services provided by a health center. These places do some amazing work in our communities, so it’s time to stop and think about their value during National Health Center Week.

In addition to delivering high-quality, cost effective and accessible care, health centers often are the economic hubs of their neighborhoods. Other businesses spring up around them, and the local economy benefits.

For more than 50 years, health centers have been improving (and saving) the lives of millions who otherwise might not be able to access medical care. They provide services to everyone who walks through the door, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

This year, let’s dive a little deeper and look at some of the specific, and innovative, programs and services health centers provide, as well as ways we can all engage:

Aug. 13: Elected Officials Day. Contact your member of Congress, state legislator and city/county officials to express your support for health centers, and ask them to be more vocal when it comes to support and funding.

Aug. 14: Public Housing Health Center Day. Many health centers are near public housing, where residents are in great need of primary and preventive care. Often, they host health fairs and other events where you, your coworkers and friends could volunteer.

Aug. 16: Healthcare for the Homeless Day. Many health centers are in areas with large homeless populations in great need of care. They can always use donations of small items — socks, soap, feminine hygiene products — that they can give to patients who are being cared for.

Aug. 17: Agricultural Worker Health Day. Seasonal agricultural workers face many challenges, and getting appropriate, needed health care is high on the list. Health centers who work with these populations always need help and donations to cover mobile screening fairs and other outreach efforts.

Aug. 18: Consumer Board Member Day. Health centers have governing boards which include the very patients they serve, among other community members. Reach out and engage with a board member, if you can, to see what the center’s greatest needs are.

Aug. 19: Children’s Health Day. At-risk communities mean at-risk children. Health centers stand in the gap between kids and illness, and rely on community support so that they can see as many children as possible, especially for preventive care such as vaccines.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. If you’re not sure where your local health center might be, reach out to the National Association of Community Health Centers, which was founded in 1971 to “promote the provision of high quality, comprehensive and affordable health care that is coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent, and community directed for all medically underserved populations.”