It was close to Christmas 2015 when Mark Stein and Randy Doster opened The Meditation Center in Sylva, an oasis of calming music and inspirational décor in a small white house along N.C. 107. 

By Jerica Rossi • Guest writer

Finding it hard to get to the studio on the reg? Or sticking to your home practice while juggling work, family, fun or travel? It happens. Sometimes life has us looking in another direction and before you know it, you haven’t touched your mat in weeks. 

Why don’t Polish salt miners ever get sick?

No, it’s not a joke, according to Marisa Spagnoli, owner of Waynesville Salt Room, a new Montgomery Street business that’s capitalizing on one of the latest trends in the spa industry. 

A majority of people wait until they’re ordered to undergo physical therapy after a surgery or injury, but physical therapy treatments can also be taken as a preventative measure. 

In addition to helping someone through a recovery, physical therapy can also help a patient avoid surgery, reduce or eliminate pain, improve balance and manage a number of conditions including diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and even heart and lung disease. 

With harvest season underway, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are now reaping the benefits of a springtime program the tribe has sponsored for 15 years running. 

By Dr. Tara Hogan, D.C. • Guest writer

According to the Mayo clinic’s experts, sitting too often can cause a number of health conditions such as heart problems, metabolic syndrome, obesity and high blood sugar. In addition, sitting has been linked to an unhealthy brain. So, how can sitting be this bad? 

This year’s eight-week WNC Get Fit Challenge is set to return Monday, Sept. 10, challenging not just Jackson County residents but people across the region to get moving. 

“It’s really just encouraging participants to be more active,” said Janelle Messer, health education supervisor for the Jackson County Department of Public Health. “It has a little bit of competitive feel to it. You can compete for weekly prizes. It’s not just who has the most steps or minutes but who’s the most diligent at putting theirs in, who’s the most improved and that kind of thing over the course of the eight weeks.”

By Jerica Rossi • Guest writer

While people were walking into class, I heard a woman whisper to her friend, “I’m really nervous to go to class right now.”

As someone who loves diving head-first into the unknown, I had a hard time relating, but I’m sure there are many of you out there who do. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or someone who has been out of practice for quite some time, the nerves can be real. So let’s break it down and see what you can do about it.

It seems like every year there’s a new fad diet people swear is the panacea for quick weight loss.

This year has been no different with everyone on the keto bandwagon. A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat plan known for quick weight loss results. But as with many fad diets, nutritionists and health experts say there are always risks. 

By Wende Goode • Guest writer

Negativity surrounds us, is embodied in us.

Until a couple of years ago, I felt like I was a pretty positive person. Seeing the good in others, feeling good about life and my journey. One day this all changed. That day I realized that I had been lying to myself.