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
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 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.
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/
Web MD http://www.webmd.com/
The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/
National Alzheimer’s Association, including dementia http://www.alz.org/care/overview.asp
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/
National Breast Cancer Organization http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org
American Diabetes Association http://diabetes.org/
American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/
National Stroke Association http://stroke.org/
National Osteoporosis Association http://nof.org/
ACCIDENT, INJURY, DISEASE PREVENTION
My Safe Home http://mysafehome.org/
CDC’s Vaccines & Immunizations http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/