Heart Health Awareness Month
FACT: 1 in 4 women die of heart disease, according to the CDC.
According to the American Heart Association:
  • An estimated 44 million women in the United States are affected by cardiovascular diseases
  • About 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke
  • Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men
  • About 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education
  • Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack
  • The symptoms of heart attack can be different in women and men, and are often misunderstood – even by some physicians
To boost the body's circulatory system and direct blood to the heart, practice Setu Bandha Sarvanasana (Bridge Pose).
Lie on your back with your feet flat to the mat and knees bent, hip distance apart.
Without shifting your head left or right, inhale to lift the hips by pressing feet firmly into the mat and rolling onto the backs of the shoulder blades, pressing the upper arm bones into the mat, bringing the sternum closer to the chin.
To release, exhale while lifting the heels and slowly lowering down one vertebra at a time.

A word of caution: Do not move your head in this pose- keep your neck neutral. Always work within your own range of limits and abilities.
Bridge pose is "therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sinusitis."

Yoga for a Healthy Heart
We rely on our heart more than we know. Common issues such as high blood pressure causes our hearts to have heavier workloads. According to the American Heart Association, one out of three deaths occurs from heart disease in the US.

That’s why SUKHA has decided to take advantage of the most amorous month of the year to describe some basic, do-able yoga poses that focus on prevention of heart disease.

Bridge Pose, which is both an inversion pose and heart-opener is in a class of yoga poses that are helpful in assisting circulation and therefore benefiting the heart. In January’s issue, we discussed Legs Up Wall, another simple pose that is calming and beneficial for the heart.

A study examining the causes of heart disease and their relations to blood pressure from the National Institute of Health found that case studies had healthier hearts after practicing inverted yoga for one hour a week over the course of eight weeks.

We at SUKHA wish you a happy and healthy heart in your practice!
Community Spotlight:
Doctors Medical Center Glow Red Fundraiser Event
Did you know that the leading killer of women is heart disease?

Doctors Medical Center is teaming up with Emanuel Medical Center to put on their annual Glow Red event. This fundraiser aims to bring awareness to the public. At the event, the public will be educated about heart disease through fun activities and meaningful talks from prominent community figures and other special guests.

The event will be held on February 2nd, and Sukha's very own, Michaela Purnell, will be among the presenters! Visit the Doctors Medical Center website for more information, and stay tuned for more information about upcoming DMC special events.

Join us on February 2nd in an effort to raise awareness about heart disease among women by wearing red!
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3 Delicious Ways to Use Heart-Healthy Kale

The Esalen Institute Kale Salad and other dishes to love...
For the month of February, Sukha would like to introduce a spotlight on foods good for the body and soul. This month, the spotlight falls on Kale, a superfood member of the cabbage family.

Kale is a widely popular dark leafy green that packs a major nutritional punch. The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 found in kale support heart health.

In particular, the potassium in kale can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower the risk of stroke, and lower blood pressure.

The vitamins and antioxidants in kale are beneficial to overall health. For example, one cup of cooked kale contains 1000% more vitamin C than a cup of cooked spinach, and the calcium and iron in kale are better absorbed by the body.

Often used in savory dishes, kale can be consumed raw or cooked. The Sukha team has included some of our favorite recipes to invite you to add a little more kale into your kitchen. The Esalen Institute Salad, in particular, is a staff favorite. Enjoy!
Kale Salad from The Esalen Institute.
Vegan Scallops with spaghetti, crispy kale, and pomegranates from hotforfoodblog.com.
Prefer to drink your greens? Check out 15 tasty kale smoothie recipes at easyhealthysmoothie.com
SUKHA's Sweet Deals:

Stop by the Sukha Lifestyle Boutique and get your hands on this amusing sweatshirt. Wrap yourself in comfort and show your love for the heart- healthy leafy green. GET 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE by using the promotional code FebNews. Buy the sweatshirt at Sukha and then show us your style on Instagram: tag us @sukhalifestyleboutique and use the hashtag #UpbeatAndKaleingIt
Astronomy Corner

The January 31 st Super Moon/Lunar Eclipse/Blue Moon triple threat will be a hard astronomical act to follow for the month of February.

Let’s see what the skies have in store for us in the coming weeks: February 15 th , there will be a Partial Solar Eclipse, only visible in some nations in the Southern Hemisphere.
The same day, however, is a New Moon.

A New Moon is an astronomical event in which the Moon will be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun in the two rocks’ dance around Sol. The Moon will therefore be invisible to us. As disappointing as this sounds, a night not brightened by the Moon will make the constellations look brighter than usual.

So, break out the telescope and the picnic blanket! The night of February 15 th will be a great post-Valentine’s Day date for stargazing.
Delving Deeper Into Yoga—CHAKRAS: Your Body’s Energy Fields

The Fourth Chakra: The Heart
To begin discussing the Heart Chakra, it helps to dissect its Sanskrit etymology. Anahata in its language is described by “the sound of the unstruck bell”.

This meaning implies a sound that is heard through deep concentration. Identifying as an unstruck bell conveys an image of a person who hasn’t gone through any of life’s traumas.

Most yogis agree that anahata means “unstruck” or “unhurt” and when one reaches this chakra located at the center of the chest, one becomes open-hearted and full of love.

To focus on balancing the fourth chakra, the Herbal Academy suggests herbs such as hibiscus, lavender, sage (to be made into teas, tinctures, etc.) and many others. They also promote a Mediterranean diet, and several yoga poses including cobra, cat, camel, eagle, and fish.

The Herbal Academy also emphasizes the importance of hugging while healing and/or balancing your heart chakra. They also recommend different aromas and affirmations. You can read the Herbal Academy’s comprehensive guide to the heart chakr a here .
Get Your Heart Rate Up!
Coming Soon: Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness is coming to Modesto- get excited & stay tuned for more collaborative details!
SUKHA'S SECRET

This month, refer a friend to Sukha and you will receive $5 off your next drop-in when they mention your name. If you already have a membership, $5 will be added to your account!

#grateful
209-996-YOGA    sukhastudios.com