Health Matters

Welcome to our NEW Health Matters Program!

Health Matters is a mind and body wellness program developed by AHM’s Leadership, Mental Health, and Prevention Team and funded by the Cigna Corporation. Residents of all ages from Andover, Hebron, Marlborough, and Columbia are invited to participate.

There are three 8-week long phases; each with a different focus that gives participants opportunities to learn how to become healthier individuals within their family and their community by engaging in activities that promote mind and body wellness.

AHM and the Cigna Corporation believe participation in healthy programming is the best way to reduce risk factors for mental illness and substance abuse in youth, families, and our communities. We are very fortunate to have received this grant to provide this level of programming for residents of all ages within the AHM community.

Health Matters Phase Descriptions

Health Matters successfully launched during the fall of 2020! Phase 1 which focused on “the Self” ran for a total of eight weeks with three to four activities a week. Participants had access to the following live Zoom wellness activities: Introduction to Yoga, Yoga Flow for All, Chair Yoga, Storytime Yoga, Tai Chi, Zentangle Drawing, and Zumba® Fitness.

In addition, Health Matters hosted two workshops: a Meditation & Mindfulness Workshop, which introduced strategies to add this practice into daily routines, and a ‘Love Your Face Therapy’ Workshop, that guided participants on proper techniques for a self-massage on the face and neck, and the benefits which include de-stressing of the mind and improvement of physical well-being.

The goal of our Health Matters Program is for participants to be inspired by the activities and workshops offered so they will want to incorporate this type of activity into their lifestyle on a consistent basis. AHM will refer community members to the instructors who partnered with AHM for Phase One: the Self but also recommends connecting with your town’s Parks and Recreation Department for a current list of activities offered.

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic Phase Two: the Family programming will deviate from the originally planned schedule of activities to provide an on-demand video library of self-care tips from our school-based staff and activities that will be calming for the body and mind.

AHM is providing this video library at no charge for residents of all ages in the towns of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia. In addition, as a special exception due to the pandemic all surrounding towns are welcome to access the library as well.

We gently ask if our videos are helping you, please share them with friends and family. In addition, consider creating a Facebook post with the hashtag #ahmhealthmatters. This small gesture can possibly help someone during this trying time when there is more anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Health Matters on-demand video library will be available on January 1, 2021.

Health Matters Phase three will begin in spring 2021 and will focus on engaging activities within the community. The Health Matters 8-week calendar offers unique ways to see the value in the community we live in and express ourselves in the most positive of ways with those around us.

AHM offers Free Self-care Video Library

This FREE on-line video library is open to residents of all ages in the towns of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia. As a special exception due to the increased mental health needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AHM is inviting neighboring CT communities to also view this video library which is funded by a grant from the CIGNA Foundation.

Check back frequently as new videos will continue to be added in!

Sign up for Health Matters Email Updates!

Take 4 question survey if you watched any videos!

Movement

Self Care & Nutrition

Art & Activities

Mini-Workshops that took place during December 2020!

Chef Steve Rosen shared his technique for making a roast pork loin stuffed with apples, sourdough, and fresh sage with cider au jus with spiced spaghetti squash. Recipe and video detailing the proper way to tie a stuffed roast was given to each participant. See videos below!

Mr. Pandolpho will lead a demonstration of 5pt Ear Acupressure sharing the health benefits associated with this ancient practice.

Benefits include:

Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine
Minimized withdrawal symptoms
Increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation
Relief from stress
Discovery of inner quiet and strength

Mr. Pandolfo who is also a certified Tai Chi Instructor (Level 1) received his certification from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), a not-for-profit training and advocacy organization, that encourages community wellness through the use of a standardized auricular acupuncture/acupressure protocol for behavioral health, including addictions, mental health, and disaster & emotional trauma. Acupressure NADA works to improve access and effectiveness of care through promoting policies and practices which integrate NADA-style treatment with other Western behavioral health modalities. Registrants of this workshop will be mailed ear seeds needed to mirror Mr. Pandolfo during this workshop. To learn more, visit https://acudetox.com/

This mini workshop takes place at 7:00pm via Zoom link. Zoom meeting information will be emailed upon registration.

Professional Chef, Steve Rosen, returns to demonstrate how simple it is to make the following appetizers!

Crimson pear & pepper goat cheese crostini
Moroccan spiced lamb turnovers with mint yogurt dip
Chili lime seared Shrimp skewers with avocado aioli
Baked sweet pepper ‘poppers’

This mini workshop takes place at 7:00pm via Zoom link. Zoom meeting information will be emailed upon registration.

Health Matters Program Descriptions – Phase 1 – The Self

This session took place during the months of August through October 2020. These sessions may get repeated at a later date so check back often for updates. Please contact Jennifer Boehler, Health Matters Coordinator, at JenniferB@ahmyouth.org with questions or inquiries.

Back to School in a COVID-19 Environment: Self Care Tips for Parents Workshop
A workshop that focuses on prioritizing self-care for parents/caregivers during the transition back to school in our current stressful COVID-19 environment. Led by AHM Clinical Director, Megan Aldridge.

Chair yoga can be practiced sitting in a chair or standing while holding the chair for support. It is well suited for adults who cannot participate in standing yoga or exercise due to issues with balance or pain. Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate practicing shaman and Reiki Master.

Family Zumba®
Community members will have the opportunity to invest in their well-being through these active, fun classes designed to engage families in fitness. Zumba® shares: “Everybody and everybody! Each Zumba® class is designed to bring people together to sweat it on. We take the “work” out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you’ll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercises in disguise. Super effective? Check. Super fun? Check and check.” Led by Tressa Giordano, AHM Executive Director.

Introduction to Tai Chi
The ancient art of Tai Chi, also known as meditative movement, will be introduced to community members who are interested in learning more about the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits that work with the energy system of the body as understood in traditional Chinese medicine. Led by Joe Pandolfo, Certified Tai Chi Instructor, American Tai Chi & Qiqong Association and 2012 Centers for Disease Control-endorsed ‘Moving for Better Balance’.

Participants will be guided through a self-massage of their upper shoulders, head, neck, and face. This is perfect to release tension from far too much time spent at the computer while working from home. Overall, this session will be therapeutic and relaxing. Join us for some great stress-reducing techniques and your face will love you for it! Items needed: face oil or moisturizer. Led by Alexandra Smith, LMT

Evidence has linked the practice of meditation and mindfulness with multiple health benefits. In this workshop, participants will be trained to focus the mind and body and redirect their thoughts. Introducing these skills into their wellness routine, individuals will experience reduced stress, more manageable anxiety, enhanced self-awareness, and improved emotional well-being. Led by Suzanne Meunier, Ph.D.

Evidence has linked the practice of meditation and mindfulness with multiple health benefits. In this workshop, participants will be trained to focus the mind and body and redirect their thoughts. Introducing these skills into their wellness routine, individuals will experience reduced stress, more manageable anxiety, enhanced self-awareness, and improved emotional well-being. This workshop welcomes participants of all ages to come together for a calming morning of mindful meditation. Participants will leave the session with a better understanding of mindfulness and its benefits, strategies with step-by-step instructions, and some recommended resources to continue growing through their mindfulness journey. We ask that you find a quiet, comfortable space to participate in the workshop in order to create the most helpful experience for yourselves and others in the group. Led by Lauren Scharn, LCSW

Storytime Yoga
Integrates yoga and oral children’s book storytelling, relaxation, mediation, peace, and character education to produce healthy, peaceful, and literate children. Join bilingual teacher, Erin Westerman (YTT200hr Yoga Instructor) for a half-hour of storytelling and movement for children, siblings, parents, and grandparents! A beautiful way to close the day.

Yoga Flow for All
Breath and upbeat music will motivate you through a practice that will encourage you to work strength and balance. Adjust the difficulty of your practice with amplifications and modifications and feel rewarded during the deep stretching and meditation that make up the last part of class. Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate practicing shaman and Reiki Master.

Yoga: Introduction to Yoga

Yoga: Introduction to Yoga uses poses, breathing techniques, and meditation to benefit and improve overall health. Come learn what to expect in a yoga class! Part of the class time will field questions from participants! Led by Anna Glowacki, RYT 500 certified and also a Dharma school Level 2 graduate practicing shaman and Reiki Master.

Zentangle Drawing
The Zentangle Method of drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. These patterns are called “tangles.” Tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art. The benefits of practicing Zentangle include calming an anxious mind, increasing self-confidence, and cultivating moment-to-moment awareness in a similar way as mindfulness meditation. Led by Tressa Giordano, AHM Executive Director.

Scroll down for our video collection from Phase 1: the Self

Health Matters Program brought to our community by a Cigna Foundation Grant and AHM Youth & Family Services.

If you have any questions about these programs, or registration, please contact our Health Matters Program Coordinator: Jennifer Boehler at JenniferB@ahmyouth.org.

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