Yoga for Firefighters
Tax deductible
I am creating this Go Fund Me to support the yoga program I am building for firefighter's in San Diego County. All funds donated will be sent directly to the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness to be allocated towards yoga programs at fire stations through San Diego County. Funds support teachers and supply stations with the proper yoga supplies they need.
Please read below to learn about my vision for this program and to understand why I have created it and why it is important for firefighters to have access to resources like yoga & mindfulness.
Mission Statement:
To implement yoga and mindfulness classes in fire stations throughout San Diego county. To teach firefighters that breath control, body awareness and self reflection will not only improve their mental health but their physical well-being too.
Projected Outcome:
Firefighters that are more self-aware and have strong coping strategies when they experience trauma. Yoga will strengthen their baseline and help prevent the onset of PTS and depression. This is a proactive approach. Yoga is another tool in their toolbox for when challenges appear - both on the job and when they are home.
Why?
This matter is hits close to home. As the significant other of a fireman, I have heard the gruesome and heart wrenching stories; from traumatic traffic collisions, medical aids, the challenge of time away from family, and the loss of fellow firefighters. These men and women see things on a daily basis that most of us can hardly imagine. The resilience, bravery and strength of these individuals is awe inspiring. But there is a darker side. More firefighters die from suicide than in the line of duty.
Forbes reported that, in 2015, at least 143 firefighters died from suicide. The same article also reported that in a 2015 survey of 4,000 first responders 37% had considered suicide and approximately 7% had made an actual suicide attempt. These percentages are more than 10x the rates found in the general population. These statistics are thought to be low because many suicides are not reported.
It goes without staying that the destigmatization of mental health care in the fire service would do these men and women a great service. Yoga can be a tool for this.
My research also found that 53% of injuries reported by firefighters are related to strains, sprains and muscle pain. Fire fighter training programs are typically focused on being fast and strong but there isn't much emphasis on stretching, relaxing and recovery. Yoga will balance out their weekly PT programs to help them gain more functional movement overtime.
Simple breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing and diaphragmatic breath help to calm the nervous system. These are techniques that are foundational to yoga and can be easily taught and replicated by students while they are at home or on the job. These techniques have been found to bring the body into a state of rest and recovery and can also combat insomnia and anxiety issues.
About Me:
My name is Kendall Wood. I am a 200-hr experienced yoga teacher, registered with Yoga Alliance, with more than 1400 teaching hours logged. I have attended trauma informed yoga trainings with Connected Warriors and Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga. I am dedicated to making the practice of yoga accessible and easy to understand for all. I guide students through restorative practices and deep stretches that calm the nervous system and help the body recover.
I am also working towards my 500-hour certification with The Soul of Yoga where I will continue to expand my knowledge of these practices. I am committed to learning and growing constantly so that I can bring my knowledge to my students.
Want to learn more about me? Click here to check out my website.
Please read below to learn about my vision for this program and to understand why I have created it and why it is important for firefighters to have access to resources like yoga & mindfulness.
Mission Statement:
To implement yoga and mindfulness classes in fire stations throughout San Diego county. To teach firefighters that breath control, body awareness and self reflection will not only improve their mental health but their physical well-being too.
Projected Outcome:
Firefighters that are more self-aware and have strong coping strategies when they experience trauma. Yoga will strengthen their baseline and help prevent the onset of PTS and depression. This is a proactive approach. Yoga is another tool in their toolbox for when challenges appear - both on the job and when they are home.
Why?
This matter is hits close to home. As the significant other of a fireman, I have heard the gruesome and heart wrenching stories; from traumatic traffic collisions, medical aids, the challenge of time away from family, and the loss of fellow firefighters. These men and women see things on a daily basis that most of us can hardly imagine. The resilience, bravery and strength of these individuals is awe inspiring. But there is a darker side. More firefighters die from suicide than in the line of duty.
Forbes reported that, in 2015, at least 143 firefighters died from suicide. The same article also reported that in a 2015 survey of 4,000 first responders 37% had considered suicide and approximately 7% had made an actual suicide attempt. These percentages are more than 10x the rates found in the general population. These statistics are thought to be low because many suicides are not reported.
It goes without staying that the destigmatization of mental health care in the fire service would do these men and women a great service. Yoga can be a tool for this.
My research also found that 53% of injuries reported by firefighters are related to strains, sprains and muscle pain. Fire fighter training programs are typically focused on being fast and strong but there isn't much emphasis on stretching, relaxing and recovery. Yoga will balance out their weekly PT programs to help them gain more functional movement overtime.
Simple breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing and diaphragmatic breath help to calm the nervous system. These are techniques that are foundational to yoga and can be easily taught and replicated by students while they are at home or on the job. These techniques have been found to bring the body into a state of rest and recovery and can also combat insomnia and anxiety issues.
About Me:
My name is Kendall Wood. I am a 200-hr experienced yoga teacher, registered with Yoga Alliance, with more than 1400 teaching hours logged. I have attended trauma informed yoga trainings with Connected Warriors and Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga. I am dedicated to making the practice of yoga accessible and easy to understand for all. I guide students through restorative practices and deep stretches that calm the nervous system and help the body recover.
I am also working towards my 500-hour certification with The Soul of Yoga where I will continue to expand my knowledge of these practices. I am committed to learning and growing constantly so that I can bring my knowledge to my students.
Want to learn more about me? Click here to check out my website.
Organizer
Kendall Wood
Organizer
San Diego, CA
Iverson Foundation For Active Awareness
Beneficiary