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May 2, 2023 5:09 pm EDT | Updated May 2, 2023 5:15 pm EDT

HOWELL, NJ Ignite is hot right now, as the dance fitness studio has moved into a space double its original size in Howell's Ideal Plaza.

And now Ignite hopes to bring in even more guests for community events.

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"Ignite is not your everyday dance fitness studio," says owner Gina Velazquez. "It's community centered with fitness as its core."

The theme of the studio is the harmony of "Mind, Body and Soul," she says.

And the words "friendship and community," could be added to that.

Fitness is presented in group class formats, says Velazquez, who was raised in Howell and lives in Howell now.

"Class-based fitness gives Ignite a real community feel," she observes.

"Ignite is like home. We are your girls' night out, your daily stress reliever," she says, adding the goal is to "ignite all that sets your soul on fire."

The fitness business is her own - not part of a franchise, says Velazquez, 45.

She opened at Ideal Plaza, 2206 Route 9, just two months ago after starting her first location in Howell three and a half years ago.

This is her second location - on Route 9 near West Farms Road, offering a larger space, improved flooring and changing rooms, and what she calls "waiting rooms."

The waiting rooms are designed to be comfortable and friendly, to encourage clients to talk to each other and feel at home as they wait for their fitness class to begin.

The square footage at the new location has increased from 1,200 square feet to 2,450 square feet. You can check out Ignite on its Facebook site.

And that allows for more space for events when the studio is not offering classes.

For example, on weekends, after morning classes are over, the space can be rented for parties such as showers or birthday parties or other gatherings. Partiers can bring in catered food and have a comfortable party space in the living room-like waiting rooms.

But fitness is at the foundation of Ignite.

Velazquez is certified in Zumba and other forms of dance fitness. And she came to dance after having three children a few years ago.

"I sort of lost myself," she recalls. Dance became her pathway "in my search for meaning," she says of the past 10 years.

So now she shares her love of dance fitness with the larger community.

Guests don't exercise alone - they are in a class with an instructor to guide them at their appropriate level, Velazquez says.

She said her certifications not only provide training in dance but in how the body works.

And she keeps the classes varied and the guests engaged with special programs.

For example, for Mother's Day, a Zumba instructor from Argentina will be on hand to offer classes, Velazquez said.

And the overall feel of Ignite is relaxed.

People can bring their children to try out a dance class and "burn off some steam," she says, without having to sign up for an extended period.

Adult guests are also welcome as walk-ins, on a 10-day pass or as more committed members.

But the guiding principle is to meet others and enjoy fitness, Velazquez says.

"There's lots of ignition here," she laughs.

More here:
Ignite Studio Opens Larger Space In Howell To Welcome Community - Patch

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(Bloomberg) -- Personal training and connected hardware company Interactive Strength Inc. has priced its US initial public offering at the top a marketed range, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The Austin-based company, doing business as Forme, is selling 1.5 million shares Thursday for $8 each after marketing them for $6 to $8, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information wasnt public yet. At $8 a share, the company is raising $12 million in the listing and has a market value of $115 million based on the outstanding shares listed in its filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

A representative for the company declined to comment.

The listing comes as the fitness market is swinging back from the home-fitness surge brought on by coronavirus pandemic lockdowns.

While Peloton Interactive Inc. has struggled as the pandemic has waned, Club Equinox, a luxury gym chain with thousands of personal trainers, announced that it is beating pre-pandemic numbers in recent months despite concerns about inflation and consumer confidence.

Founded in 2017, Forme offers smart gym hardware that can be used for strength training, barre and other exercise programs. Its flagship Studio product includes a 43-inch touchscreen display with a mirrored front and two cameras that allows people to join personal training sessions from home.

Formes offering was led by Aegis Capital Corp. The shares are expected to begin trading Friday on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol TRNR.

(Updates with Aegis Capital in last paragraph)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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Fitness Startup Forme Prices US IPO at Top of Range - Yahoo Finance

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LAKELAND, Fla., May 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Southern College will host its Spring 2023 Commencement exercise starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Doors will open at noon. This is the 139th Commencement exercise for the College.

Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Fla. (PRNewsfoto/Florida Southern College)

The keynote speaker for this year's ceremony will be Mr. John K. Adams '92. Mr. Adams is a Board Member and the Chief Executive Officer of Altus Fire & Life Safety. He is an accomplished executive with 25 years of leadership experience and expertise in generating revenue and financial growth that consistently exceed industry standards in diverse markets such as healthcare, medical/surgical products, and distribution, as well as information technology and consumer services.

The College anticipates approximately 450 students will be awarded their undergraduate degrees, including 264 from the School of Arts and Sciences, 105 from the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, 68 from the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and 15 from the School of Education. Graduates represent almost all 50 states and seven countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

Additionally, 44 graduate degrees and seven doctoral degrees will be conferred.

The senior speaker will be Katharine Grace Wall, who will earn her bachelor's degree in chemistry with minors in psychology and biology. She is originally from Jacksonville, Fla.

During the ceremony, Florida Southern will present the President's Scholar Medal for superb academic achievement, which is not revealed before commencement. It is awarded in recognition of a student's academic record and demonstrating great promise for future success.

Previously announced, The Ben and Janice Wade Outstanding Teaching Award was awarded to Dr. Shameka Shelby, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of chemistry, while the 2023 Honor Walk recipient was bestowed upon Nathalie Vanessa Moreno '23 of Union, N.J.

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The ceremony is open to graduates and ticketed guests and will be streamed live at flsouthern.edu/graduation.

About Florida Southern College

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. Florida Southern is ranked at #8 among the "Best Regional Universities in the South" by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022 "Best Colleges" guide and is included in The Princeton Review's 2022 Best 387 Colleges guide and the "Fiske Guide to Colleges 2022." The 2021-2022 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Poets&Quants, U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, and The Princeton Review further laud the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise and the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences as foremost programs in the nation for business and nursing education. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, FSC has appeared on The Princeton Review's top 20 "Most Beautiful Campus" national listing for 12 consecutive years. Connectwith Florida Southern College.

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SOURCE Florida Southern College

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FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE TO HOST 2023 SPRING COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES ON SATURDAY, MAY 6 - Yahoo Finance

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| Tyler Garnettgarnet@thereminder.com

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Friends Assistant Treasurer Jackie Doyle (left), Friends Vice President Peg Hinkle (center) and a representative of ProShred take a picture at last years event.Photo credit: Kathy Green

LUDLOW The Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center will be hosting a free drive-thru shredding event on Saturday, May 6, from 9-11 a.m. in the Ludlow Senior Center parking lot.

The Senior Center is located at 228 State St.

According to Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center President Kathy Green, everyone from the community is invited but each car is limited to five boxes or bags of paper.

ProShred is the paper shredding company that will have a truck at the event for immediate shredding of residents personal documents.

Green said that there will be people in the parking lot to assist with transporting any boxes or documents from a persons car.

Reports of scams and financial crimes are always in the news and the elderly population is a heavily affected age group when it comes to scammers.

According to a study done by ConsumerAffairs, older adults are swindled out of more than $3 billion each year and suffer an average loss of $34,200.

Even though this event is open to anybody, Green is looking forward to helping the senior population specifically.

She said, With all the fraud and that type of thing where seniors are a target for fraud often time, we like to offer that service just so that it is safer for them to throw their important papers away rather than just throw it in the trash and risk someone finding something.

Green added that is better to have it at the Senior Center so that the senior citizens can go somewhere they feel comfortable.

The goal is to process as many boxes as possible of financial information safely for both our seniors and the town and offer that service free of charge, so people dont feel obligated to pay for that service, Green said.

Although the event is free, Green said The Friends are happy to accept any and all donations.

The Friends of the Senior Center is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1981 and, according to Green, their sole purpose is to fundraise and accept donations to supplement programs at the Senior Center.

The Friends currently pay for the exercise classes at a discount, monthly entertainment, landscaping and new patio furniture for the summer.

Green said she is excited to have the shred event return after not being able to put it on during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Friends of the Senior Center hosted a shred event after the pandemic but said they was limited participation from the public due to it being on a Wednesday.

Green added, We hope to do this event every year or every 18 months. Now that is going to be a Saturday, we are hoping we will be able to support the public.

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Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center to host shredding event - Reminder Publications

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The cost of taking over Total Fitness and hiring new recreation department personnel is adding up for Habersham County residents. The county has done away with free access to its indoor swimming pool and will soon start charging membership fees.

The move reverses a commission decision in September 2021 to waive fees for county residents and give them free access to the pool and gymnasiums. At the time, the county did not own Total Fitness.

Since taking on the failing fitness center from Habersham Medical Center, the county has hired a new program and fitness specialist to manage it. That position is in addition to three other full-time and four part-time positions county commissioners approved for the recreation department last year. [Habersham County Recredation Department Director Brooke Whitmire has asked for two more new positions in next years budget.]

To offset the additional expenses at the rec department, county commissioners recently voted 4-1 to reinstate user fees.

Commissioners Ty Akins, Dustin Mealor, Bruce Palmer, and Jimmy Tench eliminated free swimming by adopting a new fee structure proposed by Whitmire. The plan includes an All Access Pass for use of the pool and newly-acquired fitness facility at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville.

Unlike the old fee structure, the new rates are based on age and do not include a discounted family plan. Children under 18 are barred from using Total Fitness. They may still swim for free if theyre accompanied by a paying adult. However, those adult memberships are now more expensive for many county residents.

In-county adults ages 26-64 must now pay $45 more yearly for memberships than under the old plan. Senior citizens (65 and older), county employees, active duty military, and veterans will pay $55 less.

Without the discounted family rate, the difference in price for a family of six will amount to hundreds more dollars annually.

The table below demonstrates the old fee structure that was used from 2013 to 2021.

This table outlines the new fee structure.Source: Habersham County

Whitmire told commissioners that she and her staff surveyed surrounding counties and YMCAs with similar facilities. They feel the new fee structure is appropriate compared to surrounding areas.

Habersham County Commission Vice Chair Bruce Harkness was the only commissioner to vote against reinstating user fees at the aquatic center. He voted against the new fees, saying he was ashamed to start charging county residents again for something they were given for free, especially those who are underprivileged.

If you dont buy the package, you cant go swimming for free? Harkness asked during the April 17 meeting.

Thats right, replied Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn.

Vaughn explained that there would be some free days during school holidays and during summer break, but otherwise, it would be covered in the membership package.

I was very proud of the way we said we would allow children to go to the aquatic center and play. Man, that was a great day; and now we are doing something [to take that away]. I will be a no vote, Harkness said moments before casting the lone dissenting vote.

Commissioner Harkness also expressed his continuing concerns about the county running a fitness center that competes with local businesses.

We have taxpayers that have businesses gyms in this community paying taxes, paying mortgages, paying light bills. They depend on people to come and pay for memberships to come to their gym, Harkness said. Im telling you, I do not believe government should be in competition with local taxpayers.

Several audience members at the meeting voiced their approval with a Here, Here.

Commissioner Mealor expressed similar concerns when he voted with Akins and Palmer to assume control of Total Fitness at a called meeting earlier this year.

We had no business being in the hospital business; I really dont think we should be in the gym business, Mealor said before voting to take over Total Fitness. He and the other commissioners voted on a contingency that they would re-evaluate the success of the program at the start of the 2024 budget year to determine whether to keep it as a county-run program or request proposals from private companies to run it.

Mealor said then that he wouldnt mind the county retaining control of the fitness center as long as it doesnt lose money.

On April 17, Whitmire said that 84 adults and young adults were already enrolled as members through Total Fitness. That number did not include those paying through insurance programs such as Silver Sneakers.(Jerry Neace/Now Habersham)

Vaughn said she felt confident in the program and that other services that are separate from the membership, such as exercise classes, would generate additional revenue to offset expenses.

Commissioner Mealor asked if the county has a plan in place for how to refund fitness center memberships if commissioners decide to shut it down.

Whitmire stated that about 98% pay for their membership with a credit/debit card, making it easier to reimburse members if a refund is necessary. Those who paid in person with cash would be reimbursed through the finance office.

The county has a scholarship program for those who cant afford memberships. Whitmire said people in the community may apply and also donate to the fund.

The new fees go into effect on May 1st.

Link:
Commissioners raise rec department fees to pay for Total Fitness - Now Habersham

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Samaritan House director Henry Miller talks about the benefits of being able to grow fruits and vegetables at the Orangeburg shelter.

Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun county residents are more physically active, but are still struggling with adult obesity.

Orangeburg County ranks as the states 34th healthiest county in the 2023 County Health rankings report. South Carolina has 46 counties.

Orangeburg County moved up slightly in the rankings. It was ranked as the 35th healthiest county in last years national report.

The University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute releases the annual report with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Bamberg County is ranked the 33rd healthiest county, up from 34th last year.

Calhoun County continued to be ranked the 25th healthiest county in the state.

The region saw some of its worst rankings in the areas of adult obesity and child poverty.

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The report says 44 percent of adults in Orangeburg County and 43 percent of adults in Bamberg County are obese, up from 41 percent in both counties in last years report. In Calhoun County, 40 percent of adults are obese, up from 37 percent last year.

The state average is 37 percent.

An estimated 42 percent of children were living in poverty in Orangeburg County, much higher than the state average of 20 percent.

Its an increase over last years report, which said 30 percent of children lived in poverty in the county.

Bamberg County reported the same percentage of children living in poverty as last year at 34 percent.

In Calhoun County, 26 percent of children under 18 were reported living in poverty. Thats an increase from the 22 percent reported living in poverty in the county in last years report.

Some 31 percent of adults 18 years of age and older reported no leisure physical activity in Orangeburg County. The county improved slightly from 33 percent in last years report.

In Bamberg County, 31 percent reported physical inactivity, an improvement from 35 percent last year.

In Calhoun County, 28 percent reported no leisure physical activity, an improvement from 31 percent last year.

The state average is 26 percent.

Fifty percent of the Orangeburg County population were reported to have adequate access to locations for physical activity. Sixty-three percent of Bamberg Countys population reported access to exercise opportunities, while 17 percent of Calhoun Countys population reported having adequate access to locations for physical activity.

That state average is 70 percent.

The University of Wisconsin Public Health Institute report ranks the overall health of nearly every county in the nation. Each of South Carolinas 46 counties was ranked on key factors that affect health, such as obesity, binge drinking, access to primary care providers and the number of children in poverty.

The Tri-County Health Network, a nonprofit formed to improve the health of residents in the tri-county region, is housed at MUSC Health-Orangeburg. Its 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment can be found online at muschealth.org/orangeburg.

TCHN Manager Dr. LaShandra N. Morgan has cited the need to have meaningful data in assessing the community health needs.

According to the County Health Rankings report, the tri-county area improved in the percentage of individuals reporting to be in poor or fair health.

The report says 20 percent of individuals in Orangeburg County reported being in poor or fair health. It was 24 percent last year.

In Bamberg County, 19 percent of individuals reported being in poor or fair health. It was 25 percent in last year.

Also, in Calhoun County 17 percent of residents reported being in fair or poor health. It was 21 percent in last years report.

The state average is 18 percent.

Morgan says the Tri-County Health Networks coalition has been working with others to improve lives.

We have a lot of partners. We have things that we do, but we make sure that we work together and not in silos so that people arent duplicating effort. We put our minds together to come up with whats best for the community, Morgan said.

So we have been doing fresh produce distributions. Weve been pushing the Diabetes Prevention Program. Weve been having community conversations so that communities know that were listening to their community voice, she said.

Morgan continued, So we tend to work on things they want to work on and not things that we want to work on. I always tell folks that I dont sit in a public health bubble and decide what the community should do. I let them tell me.

The TCHN partners with the Bamberg County Community Rural Arts Work League, or CRAWL, to offer exercise classes in the county.

They applied for some funding to do exercise classes. Right now in Bamberg County, theres a lot of dance classes and line dance classes going on. So theres a lot of momentum around exercise. In Calhoun County, we worked with the county to do a lot of fresh produce distribution, Morgan said.

The network received a $50,000 grant from the Diabetes Action Council of South Carolina last year, funding which has allowed it to offer a diabetes prevention course in Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties.

Right now we have seven cohorts running. Theyve been doing really well. A person here in the Orangeburg cohort was talking about needing surgery done on their knee, but theyve lost so much weight that they dont need surgery anymore. Its not bothering them as much.

We had another person participating in the cohort that said that theyve been implementing the things that they talk about in the class at home. Their child, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, no longer has to take insulin. So weve been having some success stories, Morgan said.

She said work has been done to create more walkable communities.

The TCHN and MUSC Health-Orangeburg encourage individuals to participate in Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at the MUSC Health-Orangeburg track.

The TCHN has also started a Walk with Ease program through the Arthritis Foundation

Were working with DHEC right now to offer the Walk with Ease program in St. Matthews at the John Ford Community Center and the Orangeburg County Library. Were also looking to offer cooking classes. With the Cooking Matters class, its like they do cooking demonstrations, but they also like give you the ingredients to take home so that you can cook the stuff yourself, Morgan said.

Then there is another class called Its Your Health, Take Charge, where they teach you how to manage your hypertension, your blood sugar and things like that through diet. So were going to see about offering that at the Orangeburg County Library, and we will be offering it at the John Ford Community Center in St. Matthews, she said.

The TCHN is also home to the Food Policy Councils, which have a presence in Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties.

They as a community decide what it is they want to work on in their respective communities as far as food. Some people want to do some data collection. Some people want to see what the community needs. Some want to offer healthy cooking classes and teach young parents how to cook healthy meals for their children, along with grandparents because there are a lot of grandparents raising their grandchildren. Then some Food Policy Councils are new and still trying to decide, Morgan said.

A $300,000 grant from the S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Health Care has allowed the TCHN to place a social worker in the Orangeburg County Library.

Shes doing an amazing job. She, along with the deputy director at the library are working together to launch Orangeburg County Move. So theyre going to be offering some movement activities and working with different folk in offering programs at the Orangeburg County Library, Morgan said.

Healthy food box distributions are also being held, while the development of school and community gardens has been another successful initiative within the tri-county area.

With the community gardens, we work with a group called Growing COB, which stands for Calhoun, Orangeburg and Bamberg. We actually have two new gardens launching hopefully by the end of the month in St. Matthews at the John Ford Community Center and in Cope at Macedonia AME, she said.

Morgan continued, Im really excited about the garden in St. Matthews because itll be our first one in Calhoun County at the John Ford Community Center. Theyve been very supportive in trying to implement programs for the community. Theyve been doing a really good job.

She has said the whole goal of the TCHN is to help reduce the risk of chronic disease, with an enhanced focus on holistic health beyond exercise and healthy eating.

Were also focusing on healing. So were starting to talk more about wellness in general, which includes mental health. So we try to tackle chronic disease. With obesity, its a multifaceted issue, though. It doesnt just have to deal with eating and exercise like people think.

It has to do with stress and how that actually impacts the body. ... Its not just about what you eat and whether youre exercising or not. Theres a lot behind that. So we also try to deal with the social determinants of health, policy systems and environmental challenges. Some things are a marathon and not a sprint, she said.

For more information on the TCHN and its initiatives, contact Morgan by email at morglash@musc.edu or visit the TCHN Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TriCountyHN.

Contact the writer: dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5534. Follow "Good News with Gleaton" on Twitter at @DionneTandD

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Residents more active, obesity an issue; health report looks at ... - The Times and Democrat

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In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, it's no surprise that workplace burnout has become increasingly common. Employees are expected to perform at high levels while facing mounting deadlines, heavy workloads, and competing demands. This constant pressure can take a toll on employees' physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, leading to burnout.

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stressful work conditions. It can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of employees, leading to decreased productivity, job dissatisfaction, and even physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is the act of taking intentional steps to prioritize one's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It's essential for preventing workplace burnout, as it helps employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Self-care can take many forms, including exercise, meditation, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks throughout the workday.

When employees prioritize self-care, they're better equipped to manage work-related stress and remain focused and productive throughout the day. In addition, when employees take care of their physical and mental health, they're less likely to experience burnout, which can result in decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.

Tips for Employees

Tips for Managers

The Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist

For individuals looking to become experts in corporate wellbeing, the Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) program offered by the Corporate Health & Wellness Association is an excellent option. This program provides training and certification in the field of corporate wellness, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote healthy and balanced work environments.

The CCWS program covers a wide range of topics, including stress management, nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Participants will learn how to design and implement effective wellness programs, measure program outcomes, and develop strategies for promoting employee engagement and participation.

The CCWS program is designed for individuals who work in human resources, corporate wellness, employee benefits, and related fields. The program is also suitable for healthcare professionals, including nurses, dietitians, and occupational therapists who are interested in expanding their knowledge and expertise in corporate wellness.

The CCWS program is a comprehensive training and certification program that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote employee health and wellbeing. The program covers a wide range of topics, including stress management, nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Participants will learn how to design and implement effective wellness programs, measure program outcomes, and develop strategies for promoting employee engagement and participation.

The program is delivered online and is self-paced, allowing participants to complete the coursework on their own schedule. The program is also designed to be accessible and user-friendly, with interactive modules, case studies, and practical exercises.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and the designation of Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS). The CCWS designation is a recognized credential in the field of corporate wellness, demonstrating an individual's knowledge and expertise in promoting employee health and wellbeing.

Self-care is an essential aspect of preventing workplace burnout, and both employees and managers should prioritize it to promote a healthy and balanced work environment. By implementing the tips outlined in this article and investing in resources such as the CCWS program, individuals and organizations can work together to promote the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of employees. The Corporate Health & Wellness Association's CCWS program is an excellent option for individuals looking to become experts in corporate wellbeing, providing comprehensive training and certification in the field of corporate wellness. To learn more about the CCWS program and how it can benefit your organization, visit https://www.corporatewellnesscertification.com/.

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The Importance of Self-Care in Preventing Workplace Burnout: Tips ... - Corporate Wellness Magazine

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Employee burnout is a growing problem in todays workforce. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can lead to reduced productivity, low morale, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, nearly two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout at some point in their careers. This can have a significant impact on a company's bottom line.

Leadership plays a crucial role in preventing employee burnout. Managers who prioritize the well-being of their employees and create a positive work environment are more likely to retain top talent and boost productivity. Here are some best practices for leaders to create a healthy work environment and prevent employee burnout.

Leadership plays a crucial role in preventing employee burnout. By implementing these best practices, leaders can create a healthy work environment that supports employee well-being and productivity. Encouraging work-life balance, fostering a positive work environment, providing resources for mental health, offering employee benefits, encouraging physical activity, creating opportunities for social interaction, providing clear expectations, and addressing workplace culture issues can all help prevent employee burnout.

If you are interested in learning more about corporate wellness and becoming a certified corporate wellness specialist, check out the Corporate Health & Wellness Association's Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist program. This program is the leading training and certification program for individuals in corporate well-being and can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to make a difference in your organization. Click here to learn more: https://www.corporatewellnesscertification.com/

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The Role of Leadership in Preventing Employee Burnout: Best ... - Corporate Wellness Magazine

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Bloomington, Ind. Bloomington is a vibrant community filled with activity. Each month there are numerous opportunities to enjoy and engage socially and civically. The City will provide monthly updates on what is happening in and within the City, and you will discover that no matter your interests or inclinations, there is something for everyone.

Hidden River Pathway Walking Tour

Date: Friday, May 5

Time: 3:30-5 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Meet at Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park, 331 S Washington St.

Please join the City of Bloomington Utilities for a guided tour of the Hidden River Pathway Project. We will take a shuttle to Sample Gates, then walk mile over the culvert that carries Clear Creek beneath downtown Bloomington, learning fun facts about stormwater and recently completed upgrades to our underground infrastructure.

Register at https://forms.gle/dfCDsuhEkTQ9f6g87

The Art of Giving: An Event for Children

Date: Saturday, May 6

Time: 1-3 p.m.

Cost: $5

Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St.

This family-friendly event shows grade school-age kids what gratitude means and helps them recognize the many opportunities they have to express it toward others on Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, holidays, or simply just because! For ages 3-12 yrs. w/parent. More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts

50+ Expo

Date: Wednesday, May 10 (Rain date: Thursday, May 11)

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St.

The community's premier showcase of businesses and organizations whose products and services are geared toward Baby Boomers, seniors, caregivers and their friends and families. The event includes a large expo filled with exhibitors and free health screenings by local healthcare professionals. More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/50expo

A Fair of the Arts

Date: Saturday, May 13

Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Showers Common, 401 N. Morton St.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation hosts a celebration of art and community with sales, demonstrations, and displays of arts and fine crafts by local and regional artists.

More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts

Public Information Meeting: Resource Recovery Study

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Monroe Convention Center. 302 S College Ave.

City of Bloomington Utilities and the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District sponsored a study of the potential for energy and resource recovery from wastewater treatment sludge and other organic materials. The study indicates that a resource recovery facility could generate enough electricity to power the Dillman Road Wastewater Treatment Plant and reduce the amount of organic solids that go to landfill. Please join CBU and MCSWMD for a public information meeting to present the findings.

Link: https://bton.in/C1W4v

Peoples Park Concert Series

Date: Thursday, May 18 & Thursday, May 25

Time: 4:30-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Peoples Park, 501 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Free, live performances by local and regional musicians and performers.

May 18: Sofia Crespo, a traditional dance from Spain

May 25: Rearview Rhonda, a local indie rock/punk band

More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts

Summer Launch Party

Date: Saturday, May 20

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S Henderson St.

Start your summer off right with a party in Bryan Park! Sample programs, events, and activities hosted by Bloomington Parks and Recreation this summer. For all ages.

More information at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts

Outdoor Fitness Classes in Switchyard Park

Date: Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays, May 1 through June 18

Mondays at 7 p.m.: Tai Chi

Tuesdays at 7 p.m.: ZUMBA

Fridays at noon: Beginning Yoga

Cost: $5 per class, or buy a 10-class pass for $45

Location: Switchyard Park Main Stage

Bloomington's favorite fitness instructors lead outdoor classes for all ages and fitness levels. No registration is required; just show up and pay the $5 per class admission with cash, check, or credit card. For more information, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700 or shelby.drake@bloomington.in.gov.

Night Paddle

Date: Friday, May 5

Time: 8:30-10 p.m.

Cost: $12/Bloomington residents, $15/non-city residents

Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve; meet at the boathouse.

Experience an evening of peace and serenity under the full moon on Griffy Lake! Watercraft, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Register by April 28.

More information and registration at: https://bton.in/zFRUw

Healthy Soil, Healthy Garden

Date: Wednesday, May 10

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Cost: $10/Bloomington residents, $12/non-city residents

Location: Butler Park Community Gardens

Learn about the importance of healthy soils, methods that improve soil health, and how to test your garden soil to better understand its composition and needs. Register by May 7. More information and registration at: https://bton.in/M60kZ

Sunset Paddle

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

Cost: $12/Bloomington residents, $15/non-city residents

Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve; meet at the boathouse.

Enjoy the sunset from the water on Griffy Lake! Watercraft, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Register by May 11. More information and registration at: https://bton.in/fMYnt

Birdwatching for Beginners

Date: Saturday, May 20

Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Cost: $3/Bloomington residents, $5/non-city residents

Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park; meet in the parking lot

Take a leisurely walk with a naturalist and look for some of the many different kinds of birds in our ecosystem. Binoculars and field guides are provided. Register by May 16. More information and registration at: https://bton.in/_NIsB

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Learn to Paddle

Date: Saturday, May 27

Time: Multiple sessions; see registration link for additional information

Original post:
Pools and Spray Pad Open; Concerts in Peoples Park; and the ... - City of Bloomington

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ELEVEN MEN ROLL OUT yoga mats and gather in a circle. Theyre wearing lime green or red- and white-striped jumpsuits. Fluorescent lights buzz from the ceiling, and correctional officers man the entrance of the cinder block classroom. Theres no athleisure, natural light, or fragrant aromas that are staples in most yoga studios. This is what an hour-long yoga session looks like inside Winnebago County Jail in Rockford, Illinois.

Yoga can be free-flowing, but here, everything is intentional and monitored. Each person gets a mat and one yoga block. Music plays in the background to provide one transportive element to the experience, and the men sit in a circle so they can see everyone else in the room as they practice. The lights always stay on. Instructors wear simple, loose clothing, and all their personal items must be stored in a locker outside the jail: no cellphones, food, books, or papers with staples. A red emergency button is on the wall at the front of the room; officers are posted on either side of the hallway.

County jail technically serves as a transitional place to be held awaiting sentencing before someone is either convicted and sent to prison or released, but the average time at Winnebago County is a year and a half.

Letting go does not mean forgetting a memory, says volunteer facilitator Stacy Morrissey, the founder and yoga program director at Winnebago County Jail. She inhales and tells the group to set an intention, like whatever happened in the past is not happening right now. The men sit on their mats and take a deep breath before pushing up the sleeves on their worn jumpsuits and transitioning into the first pose of the daydownward dog. This [pose] usually irritates me, but after [the breathing] we just did, it doesnt bother me, says one of the men while still in position (names have been withheld due to privacy concerns and legal restrictions).

Theres a clear correlation between trauma, aggression, and criminal behavior, and according to 2021 research published in Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, over 90 percent of incarcerated people have experienced deeply disturbing events and up to 20 percent are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. These events can change the nervous system, skewing the bodys ability to regulate itself, says Morrissey, who underwent a 32-hour training on trauma-informed yoga. For some people, this means theyre always ready to react, instead of rationally respond. For others, it means theyre overstimulated. As a result, the nervous system triggers and induces panic, anger, anxiety, and ragewhether in or out of jail, she explains.

Research has found that being detained in prison increases stress, triggers anxiety and depression, reduces sleep, and hurts overall well-being, further stimulating the nervous system in deleterious ways. Having an outlet like yoga can help counter these challenges. Yoga has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improves sleep patterns. Thats why a small but growing number of correctional facilities are offering yoga classes. The practice of yoga helps us develop and strengthen overall emotional intelligence, says Morrissey. We cultivate insight, and with that comes accountability and improved rational decision making.

The Prison Yoga Project was founded in 2014 by James Fox, a certified yoga instructor, after he recognized the need for a body-based healing program for people who are incarcerated. His stated mission was to improve lives, foster self-rehabilitation, and develop self-awareness and self-worth, so he created a curriculum focused on mindfulness (the state of being conscious and aware of the present moment), compassion, and the mind-body connection (the correlation between thoughts and feelings). Today the Prison Yoga Projectthe largest program of its kindhas more than 100 programs across 15 states, and eight countries, including Winnebago Country Jail. Some of the programs are volunteer run, while others are funded by the state or correctional facility.

The focus of our yoga is giving folks a safe container to connect with their body, says Nicole Hellthaler, the assistant director of the Prison Yoga Project. We want people to really grow their ability to come back in touch with their body and know whats going on. Anytime someone becomes angry, they might be unable to avoid lashing out, physically or verbally, says Morrissey. But if they're able to pause, feel supported, and understand the way the nervous system works and how they might respond, they can make better choices, she explains.

Im glad you said to breathe, because Ive been holding my breath, says one 39-year-old male as Morrissey wraps up class with a breathing exercise; the men repeatedly plug one nostril on the inhale, then the other on the exhale. Breathing has been the center of my life since yoga, he says. Its the glue that holds me together.

There are no windows in the Winnebago County Jail, and the air conditioning blasts to the point that your nose starts to run. The cramped cells include two stacked metal beds with a toilet an arms distance away. Guards walk the hallways, belts strapped with weapons. Meals consist of meatloaf half the size of your palm, canned vegetables, and a side that resembles mashed potatoes.

After the breathing exercise, class ends with five minutes of Savasana, the Sanskrit name for the resting and restorative period when practitioners lie supine to relax, regroup, and calm the nervous system. Motivational posters are taped to the wall. One reads, If your life was a movie, what would it be rated?

This is a source of peace, says a middle-aged man in a lime green jumpsuit, as he slides back into his neon orange sandals. Green jumpsuits represent the general population and red- and white-striped jumpsuits signify federal crimes such as commercial fraud, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and sexual assault. I try to have mini sessions of Savasana on my own, but its not the same, he adds.

Courtesy of Andi Breitowich

In jail, everything about life is predetermined; everything from meals to showers to calls home. The men have limited choices and no freedom. But during yoga, theyre able to move with agency. They choose to stay or not stay in a pose, they pick if they want their arms on their hips or above their head, and they decide if they want to start a move on the right or left leg. If somethings unpleasant, they can stop. Its their practicethey are taught and instructed, but not ordered.

I used to be so depressed that I would sleep 14 hours a day, says a young man, with black-framed glasses and a low ponytail. Once I started coming to yoga I felt better, you know, less depressed, and I now feel rested after only seven hours of sleep.

Current research reaffirms yogas value as a practice for rehabilitation, ultimately affecting how someone will respond in the face of future stressors. Studies show that yoga and meditation trigger neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety and may boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, which can help the men manage post-traumatic stress disorder and underlying mood conditions like anxiety and depression.

Its psychological warfare in here, says a man as he sits cross legged on the mat. His jumpsuit so worn, the knee patches are practically see-through. But after yoga, my anxiety disappears, and it usually lasts for two days [before returning].

Courtesy of Andi Breitowich

The more obvious physical benefits of a yoga practice are also invaluable for these men. One man describes terrible back pain from the beds, which consist of a less-than three-foot-wide steel sheet mounted to a wall and a thin camping sleep mat on top. Ive learned how to properly stretch and release [back muscle] tension.

Despite the safety precautions which remind the men of where they are, the hour-long class on Thursday afternoons always wins as the weekly highlight. Once you get a taste, you want more, says one of the guys.

I first came [to yoga class] just to get out of my room, but it became easier and really enjoyable, says another of the men, who recently received a certificate for attending eight classes in a row. Comfort, connection, and support are all emphasized in the program, and commitment does not go unnoticed.

Ive got this breathing thing in a chokehold, says another.

There are plans to expand the yoga program at the Winnebago County Jail beyond just one session each week, but implementing more classes will face some hurdles. Security protocols have to be observed at all times for the classes, and staff shortages have made it tough to hold more than just the weekly class.

The Prison Yoga Project is also working to expand more broadly, bringing its mission to more jails and prisons around the nation. "We've grown in our program offering to over 100 places pre-COVID, but the number is slightly lower right now, just because not all of our programs have come back online since the big pause," Hellthatler says. "We're providing programming and training, and overall have this vision and mission of not just serving incarcerated folks specifically now, but all those impacted by the system."

For now, the mission remains clear: providing a physical and mental outlet for as many people in the jail and prison system as possible.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. Shes a mass consumer of social media and cares about womens rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.

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How the Prison Yoga Project Brings Movement to Incarcerated Men - Men's Health

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