(Submitted by National Alliance on Mental Illness )
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Wood County is once again offering its free Hearts and Minds course from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 12. This half-day course addresses the fact that physical health and mental wellness are closely connected, and that people who live with mental illness can be more prone than the general population to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated cholesterol. (Some psychiatric medications can make these conditions worse.)
Heart and Minds helps participants establish a healthy lifestyle, covering exercise, proper diet, and setting wellness goals. Trained NAMI members with personal experience of mental illness facilitate the program. It incorporates presentation, discussion, simple exercises, and take-home materials.
For more information, please call NAMI Wood County at 419-352-0626 or at info@namiwoodcounty.org
The 800-year- old Chinese art of Tai Chi is believed to have health benefits for all ages. NAMI Wood County’s Rich Messer continues to teach this form of moving meditation at Carter Historical Farm (18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green) this year. His free class, which is open to the public, meets every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m., and new students are welcome.
Messer is also bringing Tai Chi to Otterbein Portage Valley Retirement Village beginning Jan. 25. Because it can improve balance, cognition, circulation, and muscle tome, Tai Chi with its gentle stretching movements and poses is ideal for senior citizens, he notes. Adherents of the ancient art also believe it can lower blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar if practiced regularly.
The public as well as residents are invited to meet the fourth Thursday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. to learn Tai Chi at Otterbein. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. For more information call NAMI Wood County at 419-352-0626.
