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Cheryl Thomas, RYT
www.cherylthomas.com yoga@cherylthomas.com 415-308-3377 |
I hope you've all been well. I have. Being well this time of year is an accomplishment for many. If you work in the health care field, have germ carrying children or spend hours shopping without handwashing, you're bound to be tagged "you're it".
The Human rhinovirus enters into the upper respiratory tract where it likes the cooler temperature than the lower respiratory tract or the stomach. The infected cells send out distress signals that activate an inflammatory response, which results in all the nasty cold symptoms.
There are two ways to pick up the virus ("mode of transmission")--aerosols of respiratory droplets (a nice way to say someone sneezes or coughs) and from contaminated surfaces, including person-to-person contact. A high majority of colds are transmitted by autoinoculation (picking it up from contaminated surfaces) and giving it to yourself via putting your hands (or whatever) on your face (mouth, nose, eyes). Infection happens quickly, within 15 minutes of the virus entering the respiratory tract and over 50% of symptomatic individuals will experience symptoms within 2 days of infection.(1)
So, what are your chances of getting sick from exposure? It's been shown that if you haven't been exposed to a particular strain, 95% of people will become infected. Of those infected, 75% will become ill. But, it's not all about being "exposed" to the rhinovirus bug. The strength of your body's immune system can make a difference. Keeping yourself healthy through rest and a healthy diet can go a long way to preventing a cold. Many people purposefully rev up their immune system during cold season by additional supplements or acupuncture, among a few.
Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are lots of ways to relieve your symptoms, from chicken soup to Vicks Dayquil Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu Relief. And, YOU, have weighted in on the topic. Thank you all for offering "program" you follow when you get sick. Here are a few:
Millie A has a "winning formula". A the first inkling she takes pure Goldenseal in a tincture at 15 drops every 2 hours, 5-1000 mg of Vit C every 2 hours, HOT herb tea. She says hot is important. Take Sudafed as directed with the first does doubled. Stay home the first day. VERY important and ibuprofen for aches. Do all of the religiously for 2-3 days.
Karen T says to raise the body temperature with a hard run, good bike hill climb or stop by Underwood and ask the bar keep for a "flu shot." She says she had it just once when she was getting sick and woke up the next day seemingly cured. Hum, I'll have to chat with stellar bartenders at Underwood about this one.
Wellness formula, large amounts of Vit D - like thousands several times day, Emergen-C, and rest of course, suggests Marty R. And, gargling with salt water to help keep a sore throat from developing.
In addition to Yin Chaio and Vit C, Jane N. attritbutes the health of her immune system to a very low-carb diet which means eating as little sugar, refined flours, cereals, potatoes, and bread, as one can manage.
Thank you all for your input. Wash your hands often, do not touch your face and get lots of rest. I hope you're able to outrun the cold virus. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-overview
Want to read some of my previous articles? You can do it here. Enjoy.
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Did You Know?
The Ashtanga groupies will be meeting on Thanksgiving morning at 7:30 a.m. to practice the Primary Series together at Westside Yoga Studio. Thanks Johnny! Om Shanti!
Mirka Kraftsow is offering a 200 hour wellness program for personal study and teaching, excellent for students and teachers who are interested to learn the Foundation skills of yoga therapy in the Viniyoga approach. Get more info at Westside Yoga's website or AVI's website here.
Get boat loads of yoga information and lots of free downloads from YogaU online. Really, tons. It's a great resource for teachers and students. So bummed to hear that BodyWorks yoga studio in Petaluma has temporarily closed due to a fire in the building next door which caused damage to the studio. They are relocating their classes. Check BodyWork's website for more info. They're looking for space that could host their classes temporarily. If you have any leads, let Jean know at bodyworksyoga@sbcglobal.net. I'm honored and excited to be subbing Anne O'Brien's class this Tuesday at 5:30 at POST Wellness by Design in Petaluma. Sebastopol is really the hub of yoga in the North Bay. More and more and more is coming. I'll keep you posted, of course. See below Cha, Cha, Cha, Changes for some preliminary info. 200-Hr Yoga Teacher Training right here in Petaluma. I'm honored to be on the faculty. See below for more info. Support your local esthetician and YogaWoman supporter, Jenna Myers-Smith, at A Swanky Affair, at The Face Place off the square in Sebastopol on 11/30 from 5-9. Get some gifts. The Yoga in Graton program is growing faster than the price of Lululemon yoga pants. We now have seven weekly classes, 2 Graton locations, 4-glorious teachers and lotta amazing students. Find us at www.YogaInGraton.com.
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JUST ANNOUNCED - Advanced Studies - Teacher Training Program
If you've ever considered taking a Yoga Teacher Training program, the stars have just aligned for you. Post Wellness by Design in Petaluma with the expert guidance of local legend, Tony Briggs, is holding a teacher training beginning in January 2013.
Do you wonder about the differences between teacher training programs? Good, you should. They are not all created equal. This program has teachers who I would (and do) seek out to train with "individually". So, a training that includes all of them is stellar. These are senior, seasoned, respected, local and international teachers. Who? Tony Briggs, Anne O'Brien, Richard Rosen, Ann Dyer, Ulrika Engman and more! And, I have the great opportunity to be included with this impressive group. I have been asked to present the Restorative Yoga module.
Maybe you don't want to teach, but want to extend your knowledge of the practice and learn more about the philosophy, anatomy and grounding in the principles of yoga. This is the perfect opportunity.
I know, life if busy and funds are short. They've made it easy and affordable. Classes will be on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons for 4 months. Want more info? Of course you do. Go to Tony Briggs's site at www.tonybriggsyoga.com. You can ask me any questions at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Cha, Cha, Cha, Changes
I can see the headlines now: "Sebastopolians Surpass Okinawans with the Longest Life and Health Expectancy in the World." That's where we're headed, for sure. Coming real soon to Sebastopol are three new projects where you can get your downward dog on.
The Dhyana Center is adding a movement studio to their new first floor Main Street space (where the Silk Moon outlet was). Look for some retail also (yay!).
Arriving in time for your New Years Resolutions is 5,000 sq. ft. (!) at the Center for the Arts space, right next to the upcoming Barlow project. There'll be 2,000 sq. ft. (another !!) of movement space to include Pilates, yoga and dance. Add some retail, a Pilates studio and more. There, now you know. I'll keep you posted, for sure.
Look for Liz Levy to open a sweet yoga studio a bit south of Sebastopol in the center next to Starbucks. More details coming.
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 Why Women Can't Do Pull-Ups Thank you, Tara Parker-Pope, for confirming what women have always known, we can't do a damn pull-up or it's first cousin, the chin-up. Being strength challenged, I thought it was maybe just me. Now I know it's a girl-thing. Read all about it and the leverage system of pull-ups in the article from the 10/28 NYT. |
Be Happy on Friday's
Instead of shots of tequila and fried artichoke hearts, spend your Friday happy hour moving and grooving at an all-levels vinyasa flow class.
I am honored and excited to be offered another class at Westside Yoga Studio. On Friday's from 4:30 - 6:00, we'll end each week with an energetic vinyasa flow class. Through building heat from the inside, we'll strip out the stress hormones from the day. A long rest at the end of class will reset our nervous system and prepare us for our weekend.
You'll be done at 6:00!! That'll leave plenty of time for dinner with friends, a movie or a relaxing evening with your pooch. Or, maybe a Chia filled Kombucha or that 100% agave margarita!
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Restorative Yoga 
I love the response of students to their first or second or hundredth restorative yoga experience. It's the moment when their nervous system shifts from "yikes!" to "ahhhhhh." They leave with relaxed shoulders and brightened attitude.
It's easy to forget that the body knows exactly what to do. The relaxation response is a built in function of our amazing central nervous system. We just have to let relaxation happen. I know, it seems impossible sometimes. Thus, the popularity of restorative yoga where we learn to put the body in positions and let it do it's thing.
Every Monday
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Westside Yoga, Sebastopol
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Get Your Girlfriends Together
It's fun to get friends together. Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze. Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves. Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies. Your friends will thank you!
Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions. I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Schedule of Upcoming Classes
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Week of November 18, 2012
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