News : Flood recovery workers reminded to 'take a breather'; free classes offered

Flood Recovery Workers - Take a Breather!

“Just Breath!” is the title of a popular song and an effective technique for stress reduction. “Imagine your heart rate slowing, that “frazzled” feeling is replaced with calm and fragmented thoughts settle.” suggests Kristi Cooper, Family Life Specialist, with Iowa State University Extension. “By practicing mind body skills, you actually re-set the body’s stress response strengthening your immune system and enhancing your mental health.”

Flood recovery organizers and volunteers are invited to enroll in free classes on stress reduction thanks to a grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. “If you have helped muck out a house, tear down or rebuild something damaged by the Flood; If you have listened to a neighbor, served food to workers, or organized volunteers for flood recovery, then these classes are for YOU!” says Cooper.

Participants will learn and practice skills such as meditation, journal writing and drawing, biofeedback, guided imagery, breathing and exercise, understanding emotions, mindful and healthy eating.

Mind Body Skills class times and dates include:

Thursdays, Dec 2, 2010 – February 2, 2011

11:30 am – 1:30 pm (Bring your lunch!)

ISU Linn County Extension, 3279 7th Ave Suite 140, Marion

Facilitator: Kristi Cooper, Family Life Specialist, Iowa State University Extension

Mondays, Dec 6, 2010 – February 7, 2011

6:00-8:00 pm

Linn County West, Westdale Mall, 2500 Edgewood Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids

Facilitator: Don Tyne, MA

Wednesdays, January 5 – March 9, 2011

5:30 – 7:30 pm

St. Luke’s Hospital, 3rd Floor West (Heart Center), 1026 A Ave., NE, Cedar Rapids

Facilitators: Doralyn Benson, MSW, LISW; Sue Stannard, MSW, LISW

To register call 319-398-5133 (Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center). Ask for Sue.

The Mind Body Medicine Coalition, comprised of highly trained facilitators from St. Luke’s Hospital, Iowa State University Extension, Cedar Rapids Library Substance Abuse Information Center, Linn County Veterans Affairs, Abbe Center, Community Mental Health for Mid Eastern Iowa, Discovery Living and the Center for Mind Body Medicine will teach the 10 week classes.

Contact: Kristi Cooper, Linn County Extension, 319 377-9839, kcoop@iastate.edu