Sharing is Caring
When we find a good book or movie, we love to share it with a friend. Thankfully, Justine recommended this book to me: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande. After reading only half of it, I was already implementing some of the factoids I had learned about into my Yoga teaching.
Interesting factoids on Forward Head Carriage
For instance, did you know that a forward head carriage can cause choking while eating? The reason is that the neck, and thus the esophagus, is not in vertical alignment which restricts the ability to swallow. Surely, that makes sense. However, it might not be something we normally consider. Therefore, I like to share its importance with my students. It gives us another reason to always be aware of our posture. In this case specifically, keeping our neck over our shoulders.
Interesting factoids on Osteoporosis
Another interesting finding in this book is the following passage:
“Even as our bones and teeth soften, the rest of our body hardens. Blood vessels, joints, the muscle and valves of the heart, and even the lungs pick up substantial deposits of calcium and turn stiff. Under a microscope, the vessels and soft tissues display the same form of calcium that you find in bone. When you reach inside an elderly patient during surgery, the aorta and other major vessels can feel crunchy under your fingers. Research has found that loss of bone density may be an even better predictor of death from artherosclerotic disease than cholesterol levels. As we age, it’s as if the calcium seeps out of our skeletons and into our tissues…”
Turn things around!
Once I read that, I turned the factoids about osteoporosis into a reason and benefit for moving. Now, I try incorporating some finger/hand sequences in all of my Yoga classes. Take a couple of minutes and join me in this video:
Stretches for Finger Arthritis – Our Least Favorite Ones are the Best Ones! with Sherry Zak Morris
We stretch and strengthen our finger joints to keep them healthy and mobile. For example, for digging, grasping and pinching. Although these sequences are our least favorite, we do them because our bodies tell us we need THESE the most!
In conclusion, the best thing we can do is keep moving! Please share this information with someone who can benefit from moving a little more.
Love,
Sherry
To watch a video related to this Topic, click on an image below:
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Joy & Gratitude Chair Yoga Class
Joint Juice – Gentle Yoga Therapy with Justine
Online Workshops related to this Topic:
Online Workshop: The Posture Project for the 50+ Population
Poor posture and pain go together. Rounded shoulders and a limping gait are examples of posture gone awry. As a result, these misalignments can lead to pain and joint damage as we age. However, posture can be improved no matter what age you are! This Workshop provides specific movement recommendations that can be done in Yoga classes and/or at home to improve your posture. In addition, Sherry Zak Morris shares the stunning results of her Senior Posture Project.
Online Workshop: Gentle and Chair Yoga for Arthritis from Head to Toe
Arthritis is quite prevalent in the 50+ population. Unfortunately, no matter where Arthritis is located, it can be very debilitating and painful. This Workshop focuses primarily on Osteoarthritis with a brief discussion on Rheumatoid Arthritis. Starting from head to toe, Sherry Zak Morris, C-IAYT and E-RYT, will teach you about the common issues and symptoms of Arthritis. In addition, she provides Yoga pose modifications for anyone suffering from Arthritis.
CREDITS: Author, Sherry Zak Morris, Certified Yoga Therapist
Editor, Maria Perez, Certified Yoga & Group Fitness Instructor