health

Taste Of The South End

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Recently I was invited to attend Taste of the South End, which is an annual fundraiser to benefit the AIDS Action Committee.

Founded in 1983, the organization was initially a committee of the Fenway Community Health Center, created to address the growing AIDS epidemic. In 2013, AIDS Action became part of Fenway Health.

AIDS Action remains the largest AIDS service organization in New England and leads the state’s Getting To Zero Coalition, which seeks to reduce the number of HIV infections to zero. It also operates a needle exchange that serves as an entry point to healthcare services for active substance users.

According to a press release for the event, the average client of AIDS Action has an annual income of less than $10,000. So the organization’s services are vital to keeping many people healthy, who might otherwise go without help.

This year was the 24th year that Taste of the South End has brought together food and wine lovers from Greater Boston for an unlimited sampling of more than 40 of the South End’s finest restaurants.

My friend and I were lucky enough to partake in the food sampling and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Walking through the rows and rows of tables giving out samples was a lot to take in at once. We were both a bit overwhelmed by it all. So much good food and where should we start?

Without a plan, we dove in and started exercising our taste buds! Many of the samples were very generous portions. Especially the jerk chicken, macaroni and cheese, and barbecued chicken from Haley House Bakery Cafe. That was basically a full meal!

By the time we were ready to leave, we were both quite full — and had some new ideas of places to try in the future. I want to go to FoMu and have some more ice cream.

One of my favorite food samples was from Barcelona Wine Bar. It was spring vegetables cooked with potato and I was so busy eating it that I didn’t take a picture. But it was scrumptious and warmed my soul.

Approximately $160,000.00 was raised at the event. And that warms my soul too.

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Disclosure: Thank you to Taste of the South End for the two complimentary tickets!

Massachusetts Ballot Question 1

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house on the corner

It can’t be only me. Many of us must have noticed “that house” in our neighborhoods. Maybe it’s a house on the corner.

The lawn is green, lush and always freshly mowed during the summer. They put out comfy hammocks on the front porch. Clay pots with just the right herbs and plants. Flags for the 4th of July. Pumpkins and colorful yellow and orange flowers for the fall. Seasonal wreaths on the door. Beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. You get the picture. It’s visual perfection. A feast for the eyes.

But then 2016 rolls around.

The house that has always brought about a smile, suddenly has a Trump sign out front. This is what happened to to me. Since I am not a supporter, my feelings about that “beautiful” house changed. Because I started thinking about the beliefs of the people inside.

This picture above is not the actual house in my neighborhood, because I didn’t think it would be fair to them. Ever since that sign went up, I started thinking of it as the Trump house on the corner. And now every sign that goes up on their lawn, I view with skepticism.

In Massachusetts, we have three ballot questions to vote on. Question 1 has been giving me trouble. If passed, it would limit the number of patients assigned to registered nurses in hospitals and other health care facilities.

The nurse staffing issue seemed pretty easy to me when I first heard about it. Of course there should be a limit. I would vote YES. But then I drove by the Trump house on the corner and there was a sign for YES on Question 1.

Huh? Not what I expected. Also, they had a Diehl Senate sign. He’s the Republican running against Elizabeth Warren. So they hadn’t suddenly become Democrats.

So if these people are also supporting Question 1, am I missing something? Maybe it wasn’t as simple as I thought? Could there be unintended consequences? I started to dig a bit deeper into the question.

From what I’ve read, there could be hospital closures and longer waiting times to be seen as a result. WBUR did a segment about the issue, but I still don’t feel good about the question either way. Some nurses support the initiative and others oppose it.

A Boston.com article says that both Senator Warren and Senator Markey support it. The Democrat running for Governor, Jay Gonzalez, supports it as well. Our current Republican Governor, Charlie Baker, appears to not be taking a stand at this point. Not a surprise.

My mom and I have spoken about Question 1 a few times as well. She is not sure either. I was planning to do early voting today, but this question is holding me back at the moment. What do you think?

Now I’m wondering more about the people living in the Trump house on the corner.

Boston Sunsets & Bitter Cold

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sunsets

Last night I walked home from the train like most days. It was probably the coldest temperature I’ve ever felt. My face hurt. It took hours to warm up and I kept shivering.

Between that walk and shoveling out my car in the morning, I’ve caught a cold. So this weekend I’m resting and trying to get my strength back.

Even though this winter is far from over, I’m looking forward to a warm-up that’s supposed to be here by Tuesday. Yay for the January thaw!

Also, the sunsets are getting later. More sunlight each day. I’ll take it.

Happy weekend to you!

Show Your Obamacare Rebate! Thanks Obama!

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We made it to October 1st and saved the Affordable Care Act! The special rules in place to pass the legislation with just 50 votes, using Pence to break the tie, expired yesterday.

The Republicans frenzy to repeal the ACA was cruel on so many levels. The failure to repeal will no doubt save many lives. I’m sure that Jimmy Kimmel speaking out about his experiences had a lot to do with keeping Obamacare alive.

One of the many benefits of the ACA is that it places requirements on health insurance companies that benefit those of us who subscribe to health care plans. One of the most beneficial requirements is the 80/20 Rule.

The 80/20 Rule generally requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of the money they take in from premiums on health care costs and quality improvement activities. The other 20% can go to administrative, overhead, and marketing costs.

The 80/20 rule is sometimes known as Medical Loss Ratio, or MLR. If an insurance company uses 80 cents out of every premium dollar to pay for your medical claims and activities that improve the quality of care, the company has a Medical Loss Ratio of 80%.

Insurance companies selling to large groups (usually more than 50 employees) must spend at least 85% of premiums on care and quality improvement.

If your insurance company doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll get a rebate on part of the premium that you paid.

Yesterday, I received a rebate check in the mail! It was a nice surprise and much needed. I’ve received a few rebate checks over the years and most likely many other people have as well.

Have you received an Obamacare rebate?

It’s quite striking to me that after just finishing their latest attempt to repeal Obamacare, now republicans are trying to give the richest of the rich a tax cut and raise taxes on the rest of us.

The Obamacare rebate is a boost to everyone regardless of income. I think this rebate should be more widely discussed. Shouldn’t we be talking about extra money in our pockets because of Obamacare?

How many of us are receiving it? Let’s share on social media if we receive this rebate and thank President Obama for the Obamacare rebate. Thanks Obama!

Summer 2017: Free Yoga Boston

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A silhouette of a woman standing in a tree pose, outdoors on uneven ground, arms overhead, yoga classes Boston..

While the listing of free yoga classes is year-round now, updating for the seasons, this is the 5th Annual listing of free yoga classes for the summer. Thank you to those who have taken the Free Yoga Boston Survey!

INTRODUCTION

Remember there are Meetups in the area to try out. Hands To Heart Center Yoga – Yoga for the People provides free yoga classes for people living with poverty and trauma in Boston. Check out their website and Twitter for class schedules.

Boston Medical Center has a list of affordable yoga classes around Boston. Make sure to look for community classes offered by yoga studios in your area. Many are offered at discounted rates. A growing trend is libraries offering free yoga classes. Just one more reason to frequent your local library!

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Here are some general suggestions for those of you who may be new to taking free yoga classes that are outdoors. Classes listed here are free or donation based.

Sometimes mats and props might be available to you, but don’t count on it. If they are available, there may not be enough for everyone. So bringing your own mat, water, towel, etc., is the general rule.

Double check if the weather is bad. Usually the organization’s Twitter, Facebook page and/or website will give an update if the class will be cancelled. Sometimes classes are brought indoors instead.

Most outdoor summer classes are over by the end of September or sooner. Based on my sources, most classes take place on the days listed, but there can be gaps in the schedule for certain weeks, so you may want to double check first before you go. Also, most classes last for an hour, but when I am not sure, I do not put an end time.

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The Free Yoga Boston Community on Facebook is updated most everyday and 1,400+ have “Liked” the page. Check each day for all sorts of yoga news in addition to free yoga classes in Boston and beyond.

Sign up for the Free Yoga Boston email list! When you are on the email list, you’ll be one of the first to know about changes and updates to this schedule. More than 350 have signed up so far!

Every once in a while, when I learn about one-off special yoga classes and/or related events that might interest you, I will send an email to keep you in the know!

If you know of other free or donation based classes in the Boston area that are missing from this list or are on the list, but need correction, please let me know.

This “Big List” is always a work in progress and will be updating for the fall. There will be updates, so if you have not signed up for the email list, keep checking back. Namaste!

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MONDAY

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Yoga with Christine
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
5:30pm – 6:30pm

This all levels class will strengthen the body, unwind the mind and uplift the spirit. Join us to breathe, move, stretch and relax in the sunshine. Start your week off with self-care to feel balanced and refreshed. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

Yoga
McGann Playground (Hyde Park)
6:30pm

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

TUESDAY

Yoga
Medal of Honor Park (M Street, South Boston)
6:30am

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

Sunrise Yoga on the Dock
Community Boating Docks (21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston)
6:30am – 7:30am

Anne Marie Costantino will help you begin your day with a supportive, gentle vinyasa flow that focuses on building postures from the ground up and exploring modifications. Anne Marie teaches an alignment-focused, slow flow style of yoga. With a focus on the breath, she guides students step-by-step into a pose and offers many modifications, making it a safe environment for practitioners of every level. These free yoga classes in Boston are offered in partnership with Athleta on Newbury Street through August. Class location is between MGH T stop and the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and no parking is available. Please bring your own mat. For cancellations and updates, check their Twitter.

Yoga in the Park
Fitness in Cushman Park (Cushman Park, Green Street, Fairhaven)
8:30am – 9:30am

The South Coast community is keeping fit and staying healthy with free yoga classes through August 24th. Bring a mat and classes are weather permitting. See the Facebook page for updates.

Chair Yoga
Symphony Park (The Fenway)
10am

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

Yoga
Franklin Square (South End)
6pm

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

Yoga Classes at Boston Medical Center
Moakley Building (830 Harrison Avenue, Boston)
6pm – 7:15pm

These yoga classes are not just during the summer and are held indoors as part of the Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Care Disparities. Take the elevator or stairs down to the basement. The listing for this class has changed since I last updated this list. Before community members were welcome in addition to BMC patients and staff. Will try and confirm if still open to the community.

WEDNESDAY

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Yoga Bootcamp with Emily
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
7:15am – 8:15am

Kick off your mornings by burning a ton of calories, getting stronger, and having fun! The class includes a variety of exercises including body-weight strength training, bursts of cardio and endurance, and HIIT to really boost your workout. Come to break a sweat, but leave feeling relaxed and centered. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

Summer Yoga
Slocum’s River Reserve (Horseneck Rd., Dartmouth)
8:30am – 9:30am

Jeff Costa teaches yoga for the 5th consecutive Summer of healthy lifestyle programming in nature ~ thanks to Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust – DNRT and Hawthorn Medical Associates. There is a $5.00 donation and classes take place through August 16th.

Prenatal Yoga
Whittier Wellness & Fitness Club (1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury)
9:30am – 10:30am

Connect with your unborn baby at these prenatal classes, which are open to the public. You don’t have to be a club member to attend. From what I can tell, classes are held indoors and will be year-round.

Sunset Yoga
The Esplanade (Fiedler Field – Arthur Fiedler Memorial Head, Boston)
6pm

Challenge your mind and body while enjoying beautiful river views with class instructor Sara Divello. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and please bring your own mat. Classes go through early September.

Seaport Sweat
Yoga with Jenna Hill (85 Northern Avenue, Boston)
6pm – 7pm

The Seaport District offers classes on Seaport Green through October. Sweat and flow with beautiful views of the city and ocean along to music provided by DJ Sprino. Bring your own mat and water and register for classes before attending.

THURSDAY

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Yoga with Emily
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
7:15am – 8:15am

Come flow into your weekend. This class will get your body moving and heart rate up first thing in the morning. Then enjoy a deep stretch and period of relaxation before starting your day. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

Yoga
Almont Park(Mattapan)
10am

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

Yoga Classes at Boston Medical Center
Moakley Building (830 Harrison Avenue, Boston)
4:30pm – 6pm

These yoga classes are not just during the summer and are held indoors as part of the Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Care Disparities. Take the elevator or stairs down to the basement. The listing for this class has changed since I last updated this list. Before community members were welcome in addition to BMC patients and staff. Will try and confirm if still open to the community.

FREE Summer Yoga
Boston Common Frog Pond (Downtown Boston)
6pm – 7:15pm

Power vinyasa flow classes will take place through August 31st and is for students of all levels. Challenge yourself. Release stress. Expand energy and tap into the beauty of trees, grass, and water  at Boston’s most historic park. Sessions are held on the lawn adjacent to the Frog Pond Carousel.  Weather related cancellations will be posted on the Frog Pond Facebook page.

FRIDAY

Lunchtime Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center (Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, Boston)
12pm – 1pm

Now through September 2nd, enjoy all-levels free yoga class in Boston with South Boston Yoga. Change up your lunch hour with a 45-minute yoga class. Bring your own mat and practice right on the grassy lawn. Space is limited, so get there early!

Seaport Sweat
Yoga with Jenna Hill (85 Northern Avenue, Boston)
12pm – 1pm

The Seaport District offers classes on Seaport Green through October. Sweat and flow with beautiful views of the city and ocean along to music provided by DJ Sprino. Bring your own mat and water and register for classes before attending.

SATURDAY

Sunrise Yoga
Anthem Entertainment (Charles River Bistro, Boston)
8am – 9am

Master your downward facing dog this summer with Smooth Vinyasa instructor, Mike Massey! The group will meet at the Charles River Bistro, located directly across from the DCR Hatch Shell at 8am and walk to Fiedler Field as a group. Please bring your  own yoga mat. Participants will receive 50% off of Jazz Brunch at The Charles River Bistro following class. Classes go through August.

Riverfront Yoga
Baxter Riverfront Park Amphitheater (100 Great River Road, Somerville)
9am – 10am

Relax and restore along the Mystic River with free yoga classes offered to you by Assembly Row. Advance registration is required. Day of registration will be available only if space permits. If it rains, the class is moved to 521 Assembly Row, next to DAVID’s Tea. Also check the Facebook page for updates.

Yoga in Franklin Park
Schoolmaster Hill (Roxbury/Dorchester, Boston)
9:15am – 10:15am

Breathe, enjoy, activate your body and mind with an all levels yoga. Classes organized by Linda the Wellness Warrior, who will teach with guest yoga instructors throughout September 17th.  Look for signs directing you from the main park road. Parking in the small gravel lot across from the Schoolmaster Hill path and the golf course. If it rains, class will be cancelled, so check her Facebook page for updates. Classes are free, but $5 is a suggested donation to support Yoga For The People. The class location will change to the Valley Gates Parking Lot for September classes.

Family Yoga
Almont Park(Mattapan)
10am

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

Saturday Seasonal Yoga
The Liberty Hotel (Charles Street, Beacon Hill, Boston)
10am

Back in 2009, The Liberty was one of the first hotels in Boston, or anyplace in the area for that matter, to start offering free yoga classes in the summer. They set the trend and still offer free classes in collaboration with Equinox. Guests of the hotel and members of the community are welcome to take the class for free. Classes are year round. In the summer, classes are outside in the courtyard. In the cooler months, they are indoors. Check with the concierge to find the exact class location, since it appears to change.

Island Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands (Spectacle Island, Boston)
10:15am – 11:45am

Now through September 3rd, enjoy all-levels free yoga class with South Boston Yoga on Spectacle Island. Unless you have your own boat, you will be taking a ferry. The 9:30 ferry is recommended, then meet at the Spectacle Island Visitor Center. You might want to make a day of it and go swimming or have a picnic. Just 15 minutes from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island is the highest point in the harbor, with spectacular views of the city and other islands. While the classes are free, you will have to pay to take the ferry.

SUNDAY

Vinyasa Yoga
Winthrop Square/Minot Rose Garden (St. Paul St. and Freeman St., Brookline)
8am – 9am

Classes take place through August 27th. Coolidge Corner Yoga and The Brookline Departments of Health and Parks and Open Space will be co-hosting a free all-levels Vinyasa flow in front of the rose garden. Sign up for classes on the yoga studio website and get updates on their Facebook page.

Donation Hatha Yoga
Arnold Arboretum near Dawson Pond (Jamaica Plain, Boston)
9am – 10am

Classes are provided by Branching Out Yoga, which is the brainchild of Jennifer Maniates.  She offers these free yoga classes in Boston on the first and third Sundays of the month. Check the Facebook page for updates.

Free Yoga Medford
Medford Condon Shell Park (Medford)
10am – 11am

Lauren Farenga firmly believes yoga should be for All People and All bodies! That’s why she is offering free yoga every week to her community!

Island Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands (Grape Island, Boston)
11:30am – 12:30pm

Now through August 16th, enjoy all-levels free yoga class with Open Doors Yoga Studios on Grape Island. This style of yoga provides a space for all to challenge themselves, release stress, expand energy, and tap into the beauty of the Boston Harbor.

Yoga
Pinebank Promontory (Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain)
2pm

Free yoga classes are offered all over Boston as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Summer Fitness Series. Classes end August 31st.

Yoga For Runners
Boston Marathon adidas Runbase (855 Boylston Street, Boston)
6:30pm

These free yoga classes in Boston are vinyasa flow, and are on select Sundays are customized to bring balance to overworked muscles used when running. All levels of yoga experience are welcome, but you may need to register each week.