Health Topics

This virtual multiweek exercise class is for people with chronic pain conditions. Participants will learn a basic exercise routine and get education about living with chronic pain. The class is hosted by Mayo Clinic Health System Rehabilitation Services staff.

Do not participate in this class if you have any of these conditions:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Uncontrolled heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
• Difficulty breathing
• New neurologic symptoms that you have not discussed with your physician, such as dizziness, blurry vision, change in taste or smell

If you have any of the above conditions, but your symptoms are controlled well with medication or inhalers and your provider has cleared you to exercise, it is safe for you to participate.

This ongoing, six-week class includes a gentle movement practice, relaxation techniques and breathing practices to reduce pain, improve sleep, increase energy, restore balance, and improve your attitude and overall quality of life. The class is personalized to meet participant needs. For these yoga poses, participants will sit in a chair and stand using a chair for balance. This class may help people with chronic health conditions, such as pain, diabetes, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis. The class will be taught by Michele Hoffman, C-IAYT.

Registration is required prior to one week before class start date.

This six-week class is open to anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one and is grieving. The course combines the benefits of a grief support group with yoga practices for self-care. Education, support, connection with others, breathing practices, gentle movement and meditation will help relieve grief's physical, mental, social and spiritual symptoms. Participants will use the deeper tools of yoga to help create a safe space for grief and compassionately connect with their deepest selves. The emphasis will not be on physical exercise.

This class will be facilitated by Michele Hoffman, yoga therapist and Kathy Bang, retired hospice social worker.

Registration is required by October 19.