South Peninsula Hospital offers its weekly Wellness Wednesdays for March at the Kachemak Bay Campus. From 5:30-6:30 p.m. is the topic of the week and from 6:30-7:30 p.m. are movement exercises. As always, free soup and bread will be provided; all are welcome.
March 4: Cultivating a Resilient Heart
Speaker: Lakshmi Kanter, Somatic Coach, Meditation Mentor, Yoga Therapist
A resilient heart can experience and allow both the greatest beauty and surf the most intense challenges. In this session, you will learn several methods for tapping into the deep wells of resilience and insight within your own heart through somatic exploration, breathing, self-inquiry and journaling. Deepen your intuition, access the strength and supportive energy inherent in your own aliveness, and find a more expansive relationship to the state of your heart no matter where it is in the present moment.
After, there will be an hour of five-elements style yoga led by Joolee Aurand.
March 11: ASAHI: A Simple Mind-Body Fitness Program from Finland
Speaker: Linda Chamberlain
More than two decades ago, Finnish physicians and experts on exercise teamed up to develop a Nordic health practice to counteract the effects of sitting, aging, and stress on the body. ASAHI, the abbreviation for “A Simple and Healthy Idea,” is a mindful movement and breath practice that does not require any special skills, clothing, or equipment. Everyone can do it, and while the Finns love to practice ASAHI outside in nature, it can be done at home or at the office, and it can be modified to do while sitting or even in bed.
The discussion begins with an overview of the latest research on why “sitting is the new smoking” and how a little movement can mean a lot. ASAHI begins with movements for relaxation, transitioning into exercises to release tight shoulders and relieve stiff necks, followed by short series of movements for the back and legs. ASAHI’s emphasis on whole body movement naturally balances the nervous system while irrigating joints and improving balance. In the second part of the evening, practice ASAHI together. Learn more at drlindachamberlain.com.
March 18: Speech Therapy 101
Speakers: Martie Klousner and Haley Jenkins,Speech-Language Pathologists at South Peninsula Hospital
Join speech-language pathologists (SLPs) Martie Klousner and Haley Jenkins for a presentation focused on understanding the scope of an SLP’s practice, from speech and language to swallowing and cognitive functioning. This talk will explore how an SLP can work with individuals across the lifespan in various settings to maximize these areas as it relates to quality of life. Drawing from their clinical experience, Martie and Haley will provide practical communication partner strategies, signs to look for related to swallowing, and tips related to cognition. This presentation is designed to be accessible and helpful for families, caregivers, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the field of speech-language pathology and understanding when professional support may be beneficial.
After, there will be an hour of restorative yoga led by Joolee Aurand.
March 25: Bystander (Green Dot) Intervention Training
Speaker: Jessi Felice and Marcee Grey, Haven House Prevention Coordinators
Join Haven House Prevention Coordinators Jessi Felice and Marcee Grey for an interactive community training on Green Dot, the nationally-recognized bystander intervention program that empowers everyday people to help prevent power-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking). Participants will learn practical, real-life strategies for safely stepping in when they notice concerning behavior, using the Green Dot 3 Ds: Direct, Distract and Delegate. This training focuses on building confidence and community norms that support safety, respect, and accountability — because no one has to do everything, but everyone can do something.
After, there will be an hour of partner yoga led by Joolee Aurand. Aurand is a seasoned yoga instructor and licensed massage therapist with a diverse background in healing practices. Her yoga journey began in Antarctica in 2006, leading her to teach various styles such as restorative, acro, AcroFit, Sampoorna, vinyasa and five elements classes across locations like Puerto Rico, Alaska and Pennsylvania. Her certifications include RYT 500, E-RYT 200, and multiple AcroYoga certifications. As a licensed massage therapist, she specializes in Thai massage, with extensive training in Thailand, Laos, Colombia,and the U.S. Her work blends movement and touch to create balanced, grounding experiences for her clients.
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