Month: September 2021

Volunteer spotlight – Evan Ward

The work of the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. As a thank you, we’re shining a light on their contributions! This month, we’re proud to introduce Evan Ward.

Evan began volunteering as a physician assistant at the clinic in December 2020. Outside of the clinic, he works as a full-time physician assistant and assistant professor for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center physician assistant program. He also assists UTHSC PA student volunteers during their didactic service at the clinic.

When asked what working with WSC means to him, Evan said, “The Wellness and Stress Clinic is a group whose goal is to make excellent, patient-centered care and services accessible to uninsured and underinsured Memphians. The WSC family of health professionals truly understand the importance of physical, spiritual and emotional wellness. I am honored to have the opportunity to be a volunteer with this exceptional organization and share the mission of service to the surrounding community.”

Evan, we thank you for your time and dedication to the clinic and our mission!

September is National Yoga Awareness month

Supporting one’s health involves more than just dietary health, it also involves physical and mental wellness. This awareness month is designed to help educate people about the health benefits of yoga and inspire a healthy lifestyle. This dedicated month was created in 2008 by the Department of Health and Wellness. Although there are many types of yoga, the activity has been growing in popularity and does have some health benefits. 

What are the health benefits of yoga?

  1. Increased flexibility 
  2. Increased muscle strength 
  3. A focus on breathing 
  4. Mental benefits

According to the American Osteopathic Association’s website: “The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” (Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California).

More information can be found from: https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/benefits-of-yoga/ 

How do I get involved? 

If you’re interested in trying yoga, it is very easy to get involved. All you need to do is just start it with a little guidance.  That guide can be found in the form of a class or a virtual teacher. Search your nearby area for yoga studios, or look online for yoga instructors with videos. Need equipment? To get started, all you need is a yoga mat. They can be easily found online or in athletic stores. If you want to get more involved with equipement, you can also buy blocks, weights, or elastic bands. But to start, a yoga mat is perfect. 

Yoga is for all. 

Yes. Yoga should always be an activity that states do as much as your body can allow and feel comfortable to do. The yoga routine will not be the same for everyone, because everyone’s body is different. Some weeks, you will be more sore in your legs, so focus your energy on stretching your legs. If you can’t do a stretch, don’t.  Yoga is for acknowledging and reconnecting with your body.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannecroteau/2019/09/02/september-is-national-yoga-month–how-you-can-get-started/?sh=643dc0bb2b30