Following are links to helpful resources on yoga, yoga therapy, meditation, stress reduction, massage therapy, fitness, healthy eating, inspiration, motivation, various health conditions, and more!

If you have been sedentary, or have one or more health conditions, please consult with your healthcare provider before starting yoga or any other exercise program, and consider working with a trained, experienced instructor for guidance.

PRACTICAL YOGA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Reasons not to sit too long and suggestions to get you standing and moving! http://www.acefitness.org/blog/5270/how-sitting-too-much-affects-your-health

Sitting may be the new smoking, but standing the whole time is not great either! http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUESitStand.html

For every 30 min, sit no more than 20 min, stand for 8 min, and move for 2 min. Great graphic to print and post! http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/hedges3Ss.JPG

Ergonomic guidelines for computer/desk use (based on OSHA standards for Video Display Terminals “VDT”) http://thebackschool.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/D-2-Form.pdf

Some simple movement/stretches https://thebackschool.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ERGOBREAK.pdf

THE RELAXATION RESPONSE

Founder of the Relaxation Response: http://www.bensonhenryinstitute.org/about/dr-herbert-benson

More on the Relaxation Response: http://www.relaxationresponse.org/

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness: what is it, why do it, ways to cultivate it. http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition

Simple ways to create everyday mindfulness. http://www.acefitness.org/blog/5690/ask-yourself-these-five-questions-to-achieve

Mindfulness articles from Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/mindfulness

Many resources to explore mindfulness. http://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/

Massage benefits for various health conditions https://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/health_conditions.html

HEALTHY EATING/NUTRITION

Non-profit organization, NutritionFacts.org, started by Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM, has research based guidelines, articles/blog, YouTube videos, books, and a handy app called “Daily Dozen Checklist” to help you move toward a diet a whole food and more plant based diet. He started this non-profit, focused on the latest in nutrition research, as a tribute to his grandmother, who enjoyed 30 more years of life after discovering the life saving value of good nutrition, and after cardiologists sent her home for hospice due to heart conditions. That experience also inspired him to become an MD because he was surprised how little nutritional information is taught to MDs (and the public!) versus the commercials that constantly advertise medications. The app is free and a great place to start and for each item on the checklist, you click on it and see further information. It also has hydration, micronutrients, exercise, and more. NutritionFacts.org

Ann Kulze, M.D. is a great resource for basic, healthy eating. I’ve read one of her books, “Eat Right For Life,” which is in a very readable magazine-like format, packed with practical information advocating a lifestyle of whole foods, plenty of vegetables/fruits, healthy proteins and fats, and moderation. She’s got books, and lots of free stuff, including online outlines of her books, videos, and more. http://www.drannwellness.com/

USDA’s guidelines for food groups (no more “food pyramid!”) http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

EXERCISE RESOURCES

General resource for exercise inspiration and information, the American Council on Exercise. http://www.acefitness.org/blogs/24/expert-articles

WOMEN’S PELVIC HEALTH

You may want to consult an M.D. specializing in “Urogynecology.” There are also physical therapists who have specialized training in women’s pelvic health, who can help diagnose and train you in appropriate exercises, one-on-one.

SLEEP RESOURCES

A good bed is essential for sleep! For over 25 years I have slept on a Select Comfort, or better known as the “Sleep Number” bed, and I highly recommend it! I purchased mine so long ago they no longer make the same basic model, so don’t overestimate the value of just getting the most basic model, even now, as it will last a very long time and serve you well. I include a link that will provide me with reward points, but know I only recommend things I have personal experience with and that work really well, and the link will provide you with 20% off, as well as further details about all the beds. https://www.sleepnumber.com/referrals/49428e

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.nami.org/

St. Louis NAMI http://www.namistl.org/local-support-groups.html

St. Louis area Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Support Groups, including a Specialized “Support Person’s Meeting” http://www.dbsaempowerment.org/support-groups/

St. Louis area local group. http://www.karlasmithfoundation.org/mental-illness-st-louis.aspx

St. Louis Area Resource Directory re Mental Health (also other options for support groups on left margin). http://www.startherestl.org/

SUICIDE PREVENTION NATIONAL HOTLINE 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

St. Louis area:

http://www.providentstl.org/Services/LifeCrisis.aspx

http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/missouri-suicide-hotlines.html

http://www.chadscoalition.org/

POISON HELP, NATIONAL HOTLINE 1-800-222-1222

U.S. Poison Control help for emergencies, information, prevention, call 24/7, 1-800-222-1222 http://www.aapcc.org/

ADDITIONAL MEDICAL INFO AND SUPPORT RESOURCES

National Institutes of Health http://www.nih.gov/

U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/