Balance Physical Therapy to hold Facebook Live Event on Sept. 24 called ‘Integrated Yoga’

With a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga helps strengthen both mind and body.

Salinas, CA, September 09, 2020 - Integrating the practice of yoga into the more modern techniques of physical therapy can improve the body’s mobility and range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility, strength and balance while reducing pain and promoting healing.

Passionate about movement science, Dr. Byanca Madrigal of Balance Physical Therapy & Performance Center incorporates yoga into her patients’ recovery process.

To reveal how the two disciplines can be successfully integrated, Dr. Madrigal will host a Facebook Live event called “Therapeutic Yoga” on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m. The one-hour event will include a yoga flow, along with education on breathing techniques.

Dr. Madrigal is a licensed physical therapist and certified yoga teacher who specializes in pelvic health. She has a passion for implementing yoga techniques and teachings into her physical therapy practice with her patients every day. Through yoga, coupled with her years of training and experience in anatomy and body mechanics, Dr. Byanca is able to help patients of all types improve their body’s mobility and range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility, strength and balance while reducing pain and promoting healing.

A doctor of physical therapy, Madrigal earned her graduate degree at Loma Linda University. A former volunteer for an Imperial Valley physical therapist while attending high school, Madrigal credits that early experience with discovering her passion.

Her favorite thing about the profession is having “the opportunity to educate a patient on how to take care of their bodies,” she said. “This allows me to help not only treat and change how a person functions, but to create lasting change that impacts my patients’ lives.”

Anyone interested in the class should follow Balance Physical Therapy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balanceptmove. Have a computer or smartphone ready, and roll out a yoga mat!

Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center is at 2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey. For more information, call (831) 372-4782 or visit www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Gil Basketball Academy’s launches podcast series ‘Ganas — Leading from the Heart’ on Sept. 14 Podcast Available on Apple

Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Salinas, CA, September 08, 2020 - Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”), will feature guests ranging from CEOs to spiritual leaders and pro athletes. It officially begins on Sept. 14 with the academy’s matriarch and co-founder Eva Silva as the first guest.

Silva and her husband Jose Gil formed the academy in 2009 to promote the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA was designed to build confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with his kids during the pandemic.

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

Silva will kick off the “Ganas” series by talking about her own inspirational life. Episode 1 is titled ‘Complete the circle’ by empowering young people.

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Silva moved to Salinas at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for migrant students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

September Podcast Schedule

Ganas: Leading from the Heart

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Episode 1 (Sept. 14, 2020): ‘Completing the circle’ by empowering young people

Guest: Eva Silva, college coordinator/Gil Basketball Academy co-founder

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Eva Silva moved to Salinas, Calif., at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in Human Biology and a a Master’s in Education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Jose Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. In 2010 the couple co-founded Gil Basketball Academy to help empower youth by developing their athletic skills, leadership, work ethic, world view, and enhancing their commitment to the community. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for undergraduate students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

Episode 2 (Sept. 14, 2020): Giving today’s youth opportunities to thrive

Guest: Jerome Williams, former NBA player

Drafted in the first round of the NBA draft in 1996 by the Detroit Pistons, Jerome Williams had a nine-year career with four teams, retiring in 2005 as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Nicknamed The Junkyard Dog by teammates impressed with his work ethic, Williams earned a scholarship to Georgetown University his junior year after not being drafted out of high school. Today, Williams turns that positiveness and energy into helping inspire today’s youth through the game of basketball. He is a global ambassador through the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and is president of The Young3, which holds 3-on-3 tournaments for young people ages 9–14.

Episode 3 (Sept. 28, 2020): Resistance and faith: Leading in a time of turmoil

Guest: Pastor Artis L. Smith, New Hope Baptist Church

The Rev. Artis Smith joined New Hope Baptist Church in 1999 as Associate Minister, installed as pastor in 2005. He has spent 15 years in that role at the East Salinas church dedicated to servanthood and discipleship. Rev. Smith has helped lead a regional effort toward social justice. During the pandemic, he worked hard to keep the doors open for in-person services, honoring the church’s “always open” designation. He acknowledges that much has been done, but there is a greater work still to do, and by the grace of God, the church will continue to grow and prosper.

Listen here : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://gilbasketballacademy.com/

YMCA of the Central Coast Outside-of-School Program, Excel Beyond the Bell, Now at 46 Sites Across Central Coast

YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 46 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast.

Salinas, CA, September 03, 2020 — YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 46 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast. In the Excel Beyond the Bell program outside-of-school program, youth will do distance learning as part of this four-part curriculum that includes Character Development Learning Institute, Youth Fit 4 Life, Enrichment Activities, and Homework Time.

In addition to all five branches of Central Coast YMCA (Salinas, Watsonville, San Benito, South County and Monterey), YMCA is working with the following schools and school districts: Salinas Elementary School District, Spreckles Unified School District, Salinas Union High School, Santa Rita School District, Carmel Unified School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Monterey Bay Charter Schools, Hollister School District, Hollister Pre Navigator School, North County Joint Union School District, Watsonville prep school, and Aromas schools. Excel Beyond the Bell has added a new location, Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove, which will start on Sept. 14. More sites may be added as needed.

The Central Coast Y is offering Live Group Exercise classes and home workouts with demo on-line. Youth programming (Arts & Crafts, Story Time and STEAM projects) will be added to the schedule starting Monday, Aug. 17. YMCA also has access to Y360 library of workout videos, all of which are accessible through its website at www.centralcoastymca.org.

In addition, the Salinas YMCA pool is open for lap swim, swim lessons and water aerobics and exercise classes.

For more information call (831) 758-3811 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Meet Gidget, a Cherished Emotional support animal who earned a Gift of Mobility from Max’s Helping Paws

When the healing power of animals meets the kindness of the human spirit, magic can happen.

Carmel, CA, September 01, 2020 - Just ask Melinda Moxley, a CSU-Monterey Bay student and tutor who discovered the perfect therapy for her debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder — a rescue dog named Gidget.

https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/success-stories/2020/gidget-genetic-condition-repaired

Melinda found the 8-year old Chihuahua mix wandering the streets of South Central Los Angeles and gave her a safe home in Monterey.

This past May, Gidget grew ill, unable to stand or walk on all four legs. Melinda brought her into Pet Specialists of Monterey and they said she suffered from bilateral patellar luxation, a structural issue she most likely had since birth.

Dr. Michael Dearmin recommended a procedure called Bilateral Lateral Fabellar, which could give Gidget the ability to stand, walk and function normally.

A full-time student who suffers from a disability herself, Melinda was unable to afford such a surgery. So she turned to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, a local nonprofit that helps families fund treatment for pets in crisis.

Melinda’s initial letter brought tears to the eyes of Max’s co-founder Dyanna Klein. It read, in part: “Gidget is the one I talk to, I laugh with, study next to on the floor, and my ‘co-pilot’ in life. Please help us.”

Klein, who founded the nonprofit in 2016 following the death of her 14-year-old Miniature Pinscher named Max, agreed to help fund the surgery.

“Melinda is a phenomenal pet mom, and we were thrilled to be able to help make the surgery happen for Gidget,” she said.

The procedure went off without a hitch and, according to Melinda, “Gidget is smiling again!”

“She is doing awesome,” said Melinda, who calls Gidget her emotional support animal. “We take daily walks to smell the flowers and she can actually push off of both back legs now to go up and down the curb. This was not possible before her surgery nor was she able to put weight on all four paws.”

Melinda found the time to express her gratitude to Klein and her foundation.

“We are truly grateful,” she said. “Every single day that we go out for our walks, we know it is possible because of you and your help.”

About Max's Helping Paws Foundation
Max's Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has approved $275,000 in financial assistance, and has helped hundreds of pet families give their pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County.

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation
(831) 704-6473
info@maxshelpingpaws.org
26388 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite D
Carmel CA 93923

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org

PG Museum’s Hardcore Natural History Series takes a Closer Look at the Endangered Monarch Butterfly

In the 1980s, more than 4 million monarch butterflies wintered in forested groves along the California coast.

Pacific Grove, CA, August 31, 2020 — In the 1980s, more than 4 million monarch butterflies wintered in forested groves along the California coast. Today that figure stands at less than 30,000, according to recent scientific tallies.

Monarchs in California have been in decline due to loss of habitat, including destruction of their overwintering sites and loss of both milkweed for caterpillars and flowering resources to fuel migration.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History takes great interest in these famous orange-and-black insects. As part of its Hardcore Natural History series, it will host three upcoming programs devoted to better understanding monarchs, now under government consideration for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Led by renowned experts in the field, these virtual programs take place on Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12. Cost is $5 for museum members and $10 for non-members. Those interested may register and purchase tickets here, although to participate they must be registered by 5 p.m. on the day of each event.

Following is an outline of the series:

Planting for Monarchs with Emma Pelton

Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Join us as we speak to Emma Pelton, a senior conservation biologist at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Peloton leads western monarch conservation efforts — including developing best management practices for monarch habitat. She will teach participants what to keep in mind when planting for monarchs, especially around overwintering sites. She is particularly interested in overwintering site protection and restoration in California, and partners with many land managers and community scientists to improve management in these critical habitats. Pelton also serves on the Monarch Joint Venture advisory committee and the AZA SAFE Monarch steering committee.

The Price of Pesticides with Sarah Hoyle

Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of recent research on pesticide contamination of milkweed in California's Central Valley. This program will be led by Sarah Hoyle, a researcher for the Xerces Society, who joined scientists from University of Nevada, Reno, in sampling milkweed plants from various landscapes in the Central Valley, analyzing them for pesticide residues. They found widespread contamination of milkweed at levels that could harm monarch caterpillars. Hoyle will review the research and its implications for monarch conservation.

Small But Mighty: Monarch Butterfly Migration and Overwintering with Jessica Griffiths

Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Every fall, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to Monterey County from all across the western United States to spend the winter clustering together at special overwintering sites. But how do they get here? And why do they spend the winter in certain groves of trees, but not others? How do researchers know where the monarchs come from, or how many there are? Join Jessica Griffiths as she shares what we know and don't know about monarch migration and overwintering, and how we can help protect this magnificent butterfly and its habitat in Monterey County. Griffiths has worked with monarchs on the Central Coast for almost 20 years, in both Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. Over the years, she has trained hundreds of volunteers — including those from PGMNH — on how to count monarch butterflies, and she is currently the SLO County coordinator for the annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count.

For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

Balance Physical Therapy Founder Urges us to make Regular deposits into ‘Healthcare Bank Account’

Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy to help patients improve movement and manage pain.

Salinas, CA, August 31, 2020 - Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy to help patients improve movement and manage pain. Yet through the years he’s found that his practice plays an important role in preventive care.

Part of the treatment at BPT includes education — helping people heal, grow and feel empowered to build a stronger, more resilient body.

Patient education, especially focused on injury prevention, is a huge element of the practice, effectively helping to reduce return visits.

Farahmand puts the topic into relatable terms.

“I always like to ask people whether they do anything to save for retirement,” he said. “When they answer ‘yes,’ and I ask them why, they say, ‘Well, because I know I'll slow down some day and I'd like to have something put away to draw from.’ ”

Making regular deposits into a “healthcare bank account” can increase long-term wellness and longevity.

“Remember, regardless of how well you take care of yourself, time will force you to make some withdrawals along the way,” said the 46-year-old founder and CEO. “We must invest in the things we want to grow. If you want to have a healthy healthcare balance, start learning to make deposits. It’s really hard to draw from an account with a zero balance.”

Part of the answer involves taking personal responsibility for ourselves.

“Stay mobile and stay fit,” he said. “Everything in your life starts with a healthy body.”

Farahmand loves the philosophy of Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke, who’s still spry at age 94. His secret? Wake up each day and keep moving.

“I think that is right in line with our slogan at Balance Physical Therapy — Movement is Medicine,” he said. “I believe in that, heart and soul.”

To help relieve stress and stay active, Farahmand offers the following tips:

• You don't need fancy equipment to work out: Walk, run, bike, garden … just get moving.
• Disconnect from the outside world periodically by putting down your electronic devices.
• Find a quiet place and focus on breathing and meditation, even for 10 minutes.
• Get at least 7 hours sleep; it’s an important way to regain motivation to stay active — and for the body and mind to stay healthy.
• Hug and touch and snuggle loved ones; it helps release “feel-good” hormones.
• Drink at least 32 ounces of water each day.
• Watch the sunset and sunrise, and enjoy nature’s healing powers.
• Cook your own meals at home.
• Play games (with grownups and kids) instead of sitting on the couch watching others play on TV.
• Farahmand likes to say that the most important step you can take toward fitness is the first one out your front door.

“Learn to adapt. We are humans, which means that our superhuman strength is that we are adaptable, we're malleable, we can learn new things,” he said. “We can adapt to new environments and new circumstances. These are certainly new and uncertain times but if you look inside yourself, you'd realize you have a tremendous capacity within you to adapt to anything. And it all starts with the way that you think.”

There are plenty of ways to stay physically active. Walking, gardening or biking all provide great opportunities to burn calories and create wellness.

Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

If you take care of your body, and keep making regular deposits into your healthcare “bank account,” you may never have to see Farahmand. And that’s just fine by him.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
https://www.balancept.com/

Goodwill Central Coast Stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties to Help Wildfire Victims By Raising Funds Through Its ‘Round-Up’ Program

Goodwill Central Coast stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will help out wildfire victims by donating all funds from its Round-Up Program in September and October to those who lost their homes and were forced to evacuate.

Salinas, CA, August 28, 2020 — Goodwill Central Coast stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will help out wildfire victims by donating all funds from its Round-Up Program in September and October to those who lost their homes and were forced to evacuate.

Goodwill will match donated round-up funds up to $2,000 per month through this program, which is a way for shoppers to either “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate a set amount ($1, $3 or $5). All of these options are displayed on the credit card terminal machines.

The round-up funds raised in September and October in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will go to the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz and Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Fire Relief Fund to aid those affected by the River, Carmel, Lightning Complex, and Dolan fires.

Funds will go to nonprofits and organizations assisting individuals and families with emergency assistance, health and human services, short-term housing/rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment and supplies and other support for affected residents. The fund is a trusted repository for philanthropic assets to be directed specifically for this purpose.

While shopping at Goodwill, don’t forget that your support helps Goodwill organizations change lives by training unemployed or underemployed people for careers in fields such as automotive services, construction, health care, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality and retail as well as in other high-demand industries.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Information: www.ccgoodwill.org.

Note: . Funds from October 21st and November 11th are excluded from the promotion. October 21st is designated to Cookies for Cancer and November 11th is designated to the ALS Foundation.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccgoodwill.org