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Community Impact

Health and Wellness Program Transforms Lives through Exercise

Juanita Tovar arrived at El Buen's Vida y Salud (Health and Wellness) Program following her doctor's recommendations to treat a spinal medical condition two years ago. With the help of her Hatha Yoga instructors, after practicing yoga for several months, she experienced a significant improvement in her health. 

"Practicing yoga saved me from having to get spinal surgery," Tovar said. "As my back muscles became stronger, my back pain disappeared. The experience has enabled me to see the impact that regular exercise can have on one's health and encouraged me to continue exercising."

Like with Tovar, Hatha Yoga Vida y Salud Program instructors Victoria and Mario Sánchez are diligent in their care for the well-being of new Hatha Yoga participants. "Most new participants are tense, stressed and have health problems when they first arrive at El Buen," Victoria Sánchez said. Thanks to Hatha Yoga classes and the recommendations the instructors give the participants - encouraging them to improve their eating habits, have a positive outlook in life, value who they are and love themselves - it becomes evident that their quality of life and self-esteem are greatly improved.

Hatha Yoga is only one of seven different exercise classes taught in El Buen's Vida y Salud Program, which provides a range of physical, mental and spiritual health activities to help participants incorporate nutritional eating habits, regular exercise, and healthy interpersonal relationships into their daily lives. For information on the Vida y Salud Program, click here or contact Lil Almonte, director of health, wellness and disease prevention, at (512) 439-0734 or lalmonte@elbuen.org.