Yoga for kids

FLORIDA — BACKGROUND: Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits. It is a mind-body practice that combines stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping one relax and manage stress and anxiety. (Source: www.webmd.com; www.mayoclinic.com)

BENEFITS OF YOGA: For many patients, dealing with depression, anxiety, or stress, yoga may be a very appealing way to better manage symptoms. A number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance a person's mood and overall sense of well-being. Practicing yoga has also been proven to lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. Yoga has also been used as an adjunct treatment for specific medical conditions, including heart disease. It benefits other chronic medical conditions, relieving symptoms of asthma, back pain, and arthritis. (Source: www.health.harvard.edu; www.mayoclinic.com; www.webmd.com)

YOGA PRECAUTIONS: Yoga is generally considered safe for most healthy people when practiced under the guidance of a trained instructor. However, there are some situations in which yoga might pose a risk. These include:

• A herniated disk
• A risk of blood clots
• Deconditioned state
• Eye conditions, including glaucoma
• Hyperthyroidism

(Source: www.mayoclinic.com)

YOGA FOR KIDS: The beauty of yoga is that its benefits are available to students of all ages, including children. Studies show that kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who practiced yoga improved on-task time and attention as well as reduced symptoms. In addition, yoga has been used to help at-risk youth around the U.S. and is seen as an important outlet for students who have behavioral problems, spent time in the juvenile justice system, or failed at traditional school settings. The practice has also been shown to be an effective teaching tool when working with students with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, sensory integration disorder, and learning difficulties. (Source: http://healthandwellness.kaplan.edu)

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