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Fluid Retention, Joint Hypermobility, and My Knees

Published by HypermobileYogi

I can tell you all this – I’ve had issues with fluid retention like this off and on for years. It’s not always dependent on a reaction, but I do get swelling then to. This is swelling that is just there and is hard for anyone to see other than me, but you see it off and on, there’s a clear diff of about 5-10 lbs and it happens fast. It’s also everywhere, but specifically affects my legs and arms. And both places aren’t where I gain weight quickly. My legs yes, but that’s on my hips, the water retention and what my skin looks like happens on my legs above my knees and I don’t have fat there. It’s the craziest thing bc I used to think it was bc I ate too much of sweets, but when it comes off, it comes off fast – like in a day. I can suddenly see muscles that I thought I lost (I workout often also) and my skin looks different. I have learned that too much solid food or crappy food does play a role, as does the type of workouts I do. When I don’t sweat a lot, I swell like this.

Now, I’m in a period where I’ve had it longer than usual and I can’t rid of it like usual. I’ve not been cycling through, or not 3-4x a week like I did for a few years, but I’ve still been active and “sweating.” I’ve not said anything to my docs bc it’s just silly and annoying, and I’m not having a flare of inflammatory arthritis or anything, but I am flared. It seems to be related to POTS in some way and when I spoke to Dr. F the other day for one of my follow-up phone calls, I happened to mention what was going on bc of an issue I had paddle boarding on vacation. The picture is of my knees and I will attach another one below. I didn’t hurt my knees, only paddle boarded on my knees bc my daughter was on my board. I also paddle board a lot and the day that this happened, I had just been out for an hour by myself no issues. And like I said, paddle boarding isn’t strenuous to me. But after I was on my knees, I can off the board and my legs felt like jello. I didn’t feel more swollen than before, just that my legs were shaky to the point that I felt like I may dislocate something. I really never feel like this. I wasn’t shaky elsewhere either. I ended up taking a picture of my knees a few hours later bc someone commented that they were still red and looked like they had a dent from kneeling. I was kinda surprised by that and bent down to take pic because I couldn’t see what they saw. I was shocked and alarmed by the pictures of my knees, but to be honest .. I can’t say they didn’t look like this before. It was probably worse, but as I mentioned, I can tell I’m retaining fluid in my legs – esp tops of knees/Lower thighs, which isn’t normal unless I’m dealing with this issue. My legs were shaking for 4-5 hours afterwards, but there was no pain. No knee damage, or arthritis pain, but my knees and knee caps are very Hypermobile. I usually can paddle board on my knees though if needed, but watching my knees is like my 2nd job – I’m pretty crazy about anyone coming near my knees bc they will dislocate that easily. Ie. I can’t lay on a massage table without laying a certain way or feet up, bc if I relax too much, they will dislocate. It’s still a risk with my feet up, but I just try to not fall asleep. Anyway, I tested myself again the next day, no kid on my board though. Fine standing, but after I was on my knees, shakiness galore. It also caused tremendous fatigue and I felt a bit sick to my stomach, but that’s not abnormal either. Anyway, the knee thing and seeing other pics made me realize how bad the swelling is right now. So, when I mentioned something to Dr. Francomano over the phone, she was concerned and especially after I told her about the osmoality test a few years ago. She mentioned a condition or issue and referred to it as an absorbtion issue, which sounded like what someone mentioned the other day. Hence, why I’m trying to find the term so I can email Dr. Afrin. I’ve also spoken to another doc friend of mine who has EDS/pots/MCAS and she also said pots. Anyway, pics attached, but like I said … The issue has been going on again, so paddle boarding on my knees isn’t to blame. It only made me realize how bad it was and it also made it worse obviously (and my legs really shaky for some reason). I think I just overexerted the accessory muscles that have to hold my knee caps in place.

Anyway, the knee thing and seeing other pics made me realize how bad the swelling is right now. So, when I mentioned something to Dr. Francomano over the phone, she was concerned and especially after I told her about the osmolality test a few years ago. She said a condition or issue and referred to it as an absorption issue, which sounded like what someone mentioned the other day. Hence, why I’m trying to find the term so I can email Dr. Afrin. I’ve also spoken to another doc friend of mine who has EDS/pots/MCAS and she also said pots. Anyway, pics attached, but like I said … The issue has been going on again, so paddle boarding on my knees isn’t to blame. It only made me realize how bad it was, and it also made it worse obviously (and my legs shaky for some reason). I think I just overexerted the accessory muscles that have to hold my kneecaps in place.

Crazy .. I know.

Cycling was what helped me take it off first, and I didn’t start cycling to help with fluid, but it helps immensely. So does more intense strength training. A few years ago I had an osmoality test and actually wrote down to tell my doc that my salt was probably through the roof because I had eaten a ton of turkey pepperoni before the test. The test of my urine and blood came back negative for salt. And the way they test you is in two steps – so they can check the way your body processes salt. When I told my doc that I had eaten so much salty food, but nothing was in my urine or blood, that’s when we knew I had some kind of issue that we didn’t know the name for. However, I’ve found balance through diet, exercise and drinking/eating a mostly liquid diet. I also cannot drink a ton of water with electrolytes because I blow up, but if I drink these raw juice drinks made with alkaline water and eat minimal solid food (i.e. Snack through the day), it comes off. Working out does play a part, but I can usually maintain this swelling with what I eat and drink. Now, I’m in a period where I’ve had it longer than usual and I can’t rid of it like usual. I’ve not been cycling though, or not 3-4x a week like I did for a few years, but I’ve still been active and “sweating.” I’ve not said anything to my docs bc it’s just silly and annoying, and I’m not having a flare of inflammatory arthritis or anything, but I am flared. It seems to be related to pots in some way and when I spoke to dr. Francomano the other day for one of my follow-up phone calls, I happened to mention what was going on bc of an issue I had paddle boarding on vacation. The picture is of my knees and I will attach another one below. I didn’t hurt my knees, only paddle boarded on my knees bc my daughter was on my board. I also paddle board a lot and the day that this happened, I had just been out for an hour by myself no issues. And like I said, paddle boarding isn’t strenuous to me. But after I was on my knees, I can off the board and my legs felt like jello. I didn’t feel more swollen than before, just that my legs were shaky to the point that I felt like I may dislocate something. I really never feel like this. I wasn’t shaky elsewhere either. I ended up taking a picture of my knees a few hours later bc someone commented that they were still red and looked like they had a ton of swelling.

Now, I’m in a period where I’ve had it longer than usual and I can’t rid of it like usual. I’ve not been cycling though, or not 3-4x a week like I did for a few years, but I’ve still been active and “sweating.” I’ve not said anything to my docs bc it’s just silly and annoying, and I’m not having a flare of inflammatory arthritis or anything, but I am flared. It seems to be related to pots in some way and when I spoke to dr. Francomano the other day for one of my follow-up phone calls, I happened to mention what was going on bc of an issue I had paddle boarding on vacation. The picture is of my knees and I will attach another one below. I didn’t hurt my knees, only paddle boarded on my knees bc my daughter was on my board. I also paddle board a lot and the day that this happened, I had just been out for an hour by myself no issues. And like I said, paddle boarding isn’t strenuous to me. But after I was on my knees, I can off the board and my legs felt like jello. I didn’t feel more swollen than before, just that my legs were shaky to the point that I felt like I may dislocate something. I really never feel like this. I wasn’t shaky elsewhere either. I ended up taking a picture of my knees a few hours later bc someone commented that they were still red and looked like they had a dent from kneeling. I was kinda surprised by that and bent down to take pic because I couldn’t see what they saw. I was shocked and alarmed by the pictures of my knees, but to be honest .. I can’t say they didn’t look like this before. It was probably worse, but as I mentioned, I can tell I’m retaining fluid in my legs – esp tops of knees/lower thighs, which isn’t normal unless I’m dealing with this issue. My legs were shaking for 4-5 hours afterwards, but there was no pain. No knee damage, or arthritis pain, but my knees and knee caps are very Hypermobile. I usually can paddle board on my knees though if needed, but watching my knees is like my 2nd job – I’m pretty crazy about anyone coming near my knees bc they will dislocate that easily. Ie. I can’t lay on a massage table without laying a certain way or feet up, bc if I relax too much, they will dislocate. It’s still a risk with my feet up, but I just try to not fall asleep. Anyway, I tested myself again the next day, no kid on my board though. Fine standing, but after I was on my knees, shakiness galore. It also caused tremendous fatigue and I felt a bit sick to my stomach, but that’s not abnormal either. Anyway, the knee thing and seeing other pics made me reaAlize how bad the swelling is right now. So, when I mentioned something to Dr. Francomano over the phone, she was concerned and especially after I told her about the osmoality test a few years ago. She mentioned a condition or issue and referred to it as an absorbtion issue, which sounded like what someone mentioned the other day. Hence, why I’m trying to find the term so I can email Dr. Afrin. I’ve also spoken to another doc friend of mine who has EDS/pots/MCAS and she also said pots. Anyway, pics attached, but like I said … The issue has been going on again, so paddle boarding on my knees isn’t to blame. It only made me realize how bad it was and it also made it worse obviously (and my legs really shaky for some reason). I think I just overexerted the accessory muscles that have to hold my knee caps in place.

My legs were shaking for 4-5 hours afterwards, but there was no pain. No knee damage, or arthritis pain, but my knees and knee caps are very Hypermobile. I usually can paddle board on my knees though if needed, but watching my knees is like my 2nd job – I’m pretty crazy about anyone coming near my knees bc they will dislocate that easily. Ie. I can’t lay on a massage table without laying a certain way or feet up, bc if I relax too much, they will dislocate. It’s still a risk with my feet up, but I just try to not fall asleep. Anyway, I tested myself again the next day, no kid on my board though. Fine standing, but after I was on my knees, shakiness galore. It also caused tremendous fatigue and I felt a bit sick to my stomach, but that’s not abnormal either. Anyway, the knee thing and seeing other pics made me reaAlize how bad the swelling is right now. So, when I mentioned something to Dr. Francomano over the phone, she was concerned and especially after I told her about the osmoality test a few years ago. She mentioned a condition or issue and referred to it as an absorbtion issue, which sounded like what someone mentioned the other day. Hence, why I’m trying to find the term so I can email Dr. Afrin. I’ve also spoken to another doc friend of mine who has EDS/pots/MCAS and she also said pots. Anyway, pics attached, but like I said … The issue has been going on again, so paddle boarding on my knees isn’t to blame. It only made me realize how bad it was and it also made it worse obviously (and my legs really shaky for some reason). I think I just overexerted the accessory muscles that have to hold my knee caps in place.

Of course, I chose the feature picture (& Facebook profile) versus a picture with my swollen knees, because I’m not one to post about any of this on my personal FB page – pics especially. 

I Hope You Dance …. 

Published by HypermobileYogi

You are so much more than your illness. Or, the DNA that your body is made with – good and not so good. You are so much more than how others perceive you. Your identity and value as a person, mother/father, spouse, employee, daughter, etc., is not defined by what society values most, or how someone else determines his/her self-worth.

Your worth isn’t determined by how you look, the clothes you wear, or the money you make.

Your value, your worth, the legacy you leave, is determined by your integrity, the life you choose to lead, and the impact you make on those you come in contact with.

 

“True strength comes from helping others while we are walking through our own storm.”

– KNMyles for the Our Stories of Strength – Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Anthology (published May 2015. Not currently in available).

 

Yoga Therapy at Any Age?

Published by HypermobileYogi

Earlier today, I saved an article to read later. The article that I saved was about an 85-year old woman, living with severe osteoporosis and a terrible hunch back, who made incredible progress in her posture and pain through yoga.

Tonight, after YTT (Yoga Instructor Training),  I finally had the chance to read the article I saved. I love this article for so many reasons — it made me think of my Gram, who suffered for years with chronic pain due to undiagnosed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and who also suffered from severe kyphosis, scoliosis, and osteoporosis — all due to EDS also.

Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, and her lack of movement of any kind, didn’t help either.

Of course, any article sharing the story of someone who has enjoyed great success through yoga, and the personal care and instruction of a knowledgeable yoga teacher, is pertinent to me because of being in YTT. However, these stories are also important because they share hope, strength, and the focus is often on the body’s amazing ability to heal in certain situations, if given the chance.

Gram at my college graduation party in December 2000

“Doing weight-bearing exercises like squats and lunges can definitely increase bone density,” says Danesh. “Yoga poses can be easily extrapolated to have the same effect. Physical therapists have been incorporating yoga stretches into their sessions as well.”

While the article I read did not mention hypermobility, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it did mention Osteoporosis, and spine abnormalities, such as Kyphosis (often causing a “hunch back”). Osteoporosis, Kyphosis, Lordosis, Scoliosis, and other issues such as degenerative discs are common comorbidities in those with various types of hypermobility syndromes, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

After reading this article, I shared it several places. I had a few people ask:

“So what do we do?” 

“How do we find help?”


Here are my suggestions: 

– Follow Jenni Rawlings Yoga. Jenni has been a yoga instructor for many years, and she is also Hypermobile. While EDS/hypermobility is not the focus of her instruction, she does have a few videos and blog posts, which discuss proper form in yoga — if you have Hypermobile joints.

Jenni also focuses on natural movement principles. Natural movement principles help us strengthen our bodies through normal daily activities and focuses on the biomechanics of human movement (i.e. how we are supposed to move), which then transfers easily into practicing yoga safely.

Link to trailer for one of Jenni’s videos she recently posted (notice her form and lack of joint hyperextension) – https://vimeo.com/ondemand/jrypickmeupflow

– Find a good physical therapist  that is knowledgeable first and foremost. I know, it’s hard and it takes work, but there are great ones out there. If you are able to find a yoga instructor who has a bit more knowledge in biomechanics and is familiar with how to instruct yoga safely for those with joint hypermobility, that’s great too.

Finding a knowledgeable yoga instructor may take a bit more digging around, but there are many out there. And several are hypermobile themselves.

– Consider reading Move Your DNA (and other books) by Katy Bowman of Nutritious Movement. Katy is not a yoga instructor, nor is she hypermobile (that I know of), but she is a bio mechanist and teaches natural movement principles.

– Saddle up for a lot of  self-teaching. While I’ve always been active, studied public health in college, worked in the medical field since I graduated college, volunteered for EDNF for almost 5 years, and now own EDS Wellness, much of what I’ve learned has been through a ton of research, reading, learning on my own, and safe yoga practice at home. All of my life and professional experiences have helped, but I’ve learned a ton from doing yoga challenges on Instagram.

For those with hypermobility, the picture above is easy, less work and can often lead to hyperextended knees.

 

The picture above shows a safe range of motion and is often harder for those with hypermobility, even though it’s not the usually the “end goal” for yoga this position. We want safe range of movement, and for our muscles to work, because that is how we build strength. If a position is too easy, because we can just “go there” much easier than others, that doesn’t mean we should.

Taking pictures has helped me realize ways I was hyperextending and had no idea  — all while I probably had more self-awareness than the average person with EDS/Hypermobility. Because of what I’ve learned, and what I already do, I started yoga instructor training last January and also the restorative exercise certification through Katy Bowman (who I mentioned above).

It will take me time, but all the course work and training helps with what I already do, and I try to share as much as I can.

– I will be doing a series of 4 yoga for Hypermobility classes in November. This series of 4 classes is a joint collaboration with The Mindfulness Center, where I am training and also is where I held Wellapalooza day 1 this past June), and will satisfy my Seva (community service) requirement for YTT.

The plan is that this collaboration, which also includes support from one of our EDS Specialists, will be the start of a full mind-body program for those who hypermobility syndromes and chronic pain. Our program will incorporate support group meetings, gentle hatha yoga, and meditation, while teaching the fundamentals of how to practice yoga safely, and also ways to move more and move better during the day. Movement instruction will be based on natural movement and restorative exercise principles, which I mentioned above.

There are a few DPTs that I work with and have done seminars with (Moving Naturally with Hypermobility), who will also be involved. All the DPTs that I work with are hypermobile themselves. They also care for those with EDS/Hypermobility syndromes daily.

Through EDS Wellness, we will be putting these courses and other movement and wellness-based courses online in the spring of 2017. Some classes/seminars will be a available as soon as EDS Wellness is officially launched, but I’m working with a video production company on how to best to shoot the classes (i.e. not from my phone or regular video camera). This company is helping with the “live broadcasting” component as well.

Live broadcasting will be offered through a webinar-style format, but have streaming video and not only voice.

Finding help on how to practice yoga safely for your specific conditions and barriers, may require a lot of self-teaching — i.e. research on your own, learning about the various types of yoga, finding what works best for your current stage of conditioning and stability, and some safe self-teaching and exploration. However, there is more help coming, and I know that I’m not the only one working to help share how to practice yoga safely with joint hypermobility/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
– #Just5Minutes is sometimes all it takes. Baby steps. Something is more than nothing, even if it’s arm circles or bridges while laying in bed.

Main point — there is help, but you may have to dig a bit to find it. 

Link to original article – http://nypost.com/2016/08/08/this-85-year-old-proves-yoga-can-keep-you-young/

Below are a few other articles that I’ve written on yoga with joint hypermobility/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS):

–http://strengthflexibilityhealtheds.com/2016/01/15/the-hypermobile-yogi-practicing-yoga-with-joint-hypermobility-syndrome/

–http://strengthflexibilityhealtheds.com/2015/10/03/yoga-and-hypermobility/

Online Yoga Support Group for those with Hypermobility Syndrome/EDS

Published by HypermobileYogi

An online group for those who are interested in learning ways to practice yoga safely with joint hypermobility/hypermobility syndrome (HMS)/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

All levels are welcome – new and experienced. Click on the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1492484514393113/

You can also follow the Hypermobile Yogi Facebook Page

IMG_5833.JPG

EDS Population Survey – Utah and Surrounding Areas

Published by HypermobileYogi

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a common comorbid condition to Mast Cell Activation Disorders. For those who have been diagnosed with EDS and live in Utah or surrounding areas, please consider taking this survey.

“Make your EDS voices heard!

There is a medical institution in Utah that is considering opening an EDS devoted center or clinic. One of our main volunteers and personal close friend, has been asked to help collect data to convince the funding side of this potential project that there is need, that there are enough of us, and that we would show up for diagnosis and/or treatment, if a center exists.

If you live in the Western US, or would be willing to travel to Utah for treatment, please take a moment to complete the following survey. Our friend collaborated in designing the survey, and has been assured that the data will be seen by those in a position of influence and decision. This information will be used to help inform what kinds of services are needed. Please feel free to share via social media or email.

Thank You!!”

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QNHY8RQ

#Just5Minutes of Barre – The realization that I’ve seriously deconditioned

Published by HypermobileYogi

#Just5Minutes of barre thanks to Tracey Mallett Fitness’ Booty Barre workout video. BootyBarre plus arms and abs kicked my butt today. Could also be from the lovely #POTS flare I’ve been dealing with lately, but I still got through it. Lots of stops and restarts. Lots of trying to breathe deeply despite feeling seriously out of breath and my heart racing even higher after I stop moving. Barre is also low-impact which makes it more frustrating when I have a hard time keeping up. I move my leg and my heart rate skyrockets. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’m pretty sure this flare is exacerbated by overall deconditioning that’s progressed over the last year because of working on my computer more, and moving around a lot less during the day, despite still working out and staying active. My strength sessions have also struggled, as have my consistency with going to cycling – both are two things that make a huge difference in how my body reacts to exercise and fights against “The EDS Spiral.” I will also admit that I hate plain water and find it so hard to drink. I’m out of my Gouter tonics and my favorite alkaline water, which means I’m like the Sahara desert – also not the greatest combo for POTS/Dysautonomia. And I’ve been living on sugar – chocolate bars and anything else that is quick, easy and that doesn’t hurt my stomach right away. Sugar is so incredibly addictive; it’s worse than when I smoked cigarettes. And it’s even more shocking when you know exactly what it’s doing to your brain as it craves more sugar the longer you keep eating it regularly. My body is craving to be allowed back to its homeostasis. I never know what that will be, since it changes so much, but I do know the key factors to help get it there – sleep, consistent exercise, moving more during the day and not sitting so much at the computer, proper nutrition, and hydration. For me, it’s also paying attention to any medications I take, since many make things worse, causing a MCAS (Mast Cell Activation) flare.

But.. all of this is why “Just 5 Minutes” is so, so important.

Link to my original Instagram Post – https://instagram.com/p/BGv8C4WLoOJ/

Wellapalooza 2016 3-Day Integrative Wellness Retreat

Published by HypermobileYogi

Wellapalooza 2016 is 3-day integrative wellness retreat in the MD/DC/VA area – we are a different type of medical or wellness conference!

We’ve added a few updates to our event schedule and bios on Team Wella 2016. Additional details and answers to questions that we’ve received are explained below. If you do not find the answers you are looking for, please send us an email to info@wellapalooza.com. Whatever is not included here, will be either posted tomorrow on the Wellapalooza website and Facebook page or sent in an email. Still, if you have additional questions or if I do not include an answer to your question, please send an email.

Wellapalooza 2016 Information

Wellapalooza 2016 is thrilled to host incredible speakers such as Dr. Clair Francomano — Geneticist & Ehlers-Danlos syndrome specialist, Dr. Larry Afrin – Oncologist/Hematologist — Mast Cell Activation Disorder specialist, Dr. Christine Mohrhaus Hale — Tenet Healthcare, Dr. Deborah Norris, Ph.D. — The Mindfulness Center, and Rebecca Snow – Nutritionist/Herbalist.

Additionally, we are holding a Physicians Learning Lunch in conjunction with Wellapalooza 2016 – presented by Dr. Lawrence B. Afrin. Dr. Afrin is an oncologist/hematologist from the University of Minnesota specializing in Mast Cell Activation Disorders, and the author of the newly published book ‘Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity’ (2016). The Physicians Learning Lunch will focus on providing up-to-date research on the complexities of mast cell activation disorders and the common signs and symptoms that mast cell patients often present within across different medical specialties. Dr. Afrin will also discuss caring for patients with complex chronic medical conditions, including those with diagnosed or suspected mast cell activation disorder.

Physicians Lunch

There will be no on-site registrations, and spots are limited for this incredible event.

Register now! http://www.wellapalooza.com/events/wellapalooza-2016-retreat-registration/

To view the retreat schedule, go to http://www.wellapalooza.com/retreat-schedule/

Please send questions to info@wellapalooza.com

Wellapalooza is a trademark and trade name under EDS Wellness, Inc. — a registered wellness non-profit in the state of Maryland. Wellapalooza welcomes all donations, and companies and individuals interested in participating as sponsors, and vendors who share in our mission to bring integrated healthcare information and therapies to patients living with chronic medical conditions. If you are interested in donating or participating in Wellapalooza 2016 as a vendor or sponsor, please send an email to info@wellapalooza.com

You can also visit http://www.wellapalooza.com/wella-partners/

Details you will want to know – please read.

* Retreat schedule has been updated. Please see updated schedule here.

* There are additional schedule details that we still need to confirm. Updates will be posted as soon as we have them.

* If you plan on using the healing environments or participating in any of the aqua classes, you must bring a bathing suit.

* Haven on the Lake has a fantastic lounge/locker room with places to sit and rest. There’s also several lounge areas in addition to the locker rooms.

* Most presentations other than Rebecca Snow’s on Saturday morning and Dr. Afrin’s on Saturday evening at Turf Valley will be held in yoga studios at both The Mindfulness Center and Haven on the Lake. We will have several seating options in the studios, and if needed, we can provide a yoga mat and blankets for you to sit or lay down. We’ve done our best to ensure that seating is as comfortable as possible.

* Turf Valley has generously extended the group block room rate for anyone else who may want to reserve a room, and they have added another room option. The group discounted rates are $144 per night plus tax for an executive king room, and $119 per night plus tax for a standard room with either one queen or two double beds. To make a reservation, please call 410-465-1500. www.turfvalley.com

* Registering for classes at The Mindfulness Center on Friday, June 10th – registration will be handled through me. I will provide details approx. mid-week. However, if you are registered for all three days, or for Friday, June 10th, and already know which classes (or all) that you would like to participate in, please send me an email with your request(s). Send email to Kendra@wellapalooza.com

* Registering for classes at Haven on the Lake on Saturday, June 11th and Sunday, June 12th – Registration must be done by calling Haven on the Lake directly (410-715-3020) the day of the class(es) that you would like to register for starting at 7 am. What that means is that for classes on Saturday, you can call to reserve a spot starting at 7 am on Saturday morning. Similarly, for classes on Sunday, you can call to reserve a spot starting at 7 am on Sunday.

* I’ve attached a schedule of classes for both wellness venues below. We recommend becoming familiar with the classes offered ahead of time. I will make sure to send out emails and post updates with reminders of the class registration process, including the schedule of classes offered at each venue per day.

* Group Wellapalooza Classes do not require registration. However, if you plan on participating in the aqua fusion class at 4:30 pm on Saturday, you must remember to bring your bathing suit. Please also let us know if you require assistance getting from the locker/lounge room to the pool area. Haven on the Lake does have a chair lift, but I cannot promise the level of chlorine in the air within the indoor pool area.

* Virtual attendance  – We have been looking into virtual attendance, but have no way of saying if we will be offering this option. There are a lot of logistics that must be worked out to provide virtual attendance, and I do not know if all are possible at this point. If we can provide it, there will be a charge. Virtual participation also depends on the quality of the wi-fi offered at each venue – something we have no way of knowing ahead of time and also cannot guarantee.

* Live streaming via Facebook or Periscope – We will be streaming live off and on all three days of Wellapalooza either from the Wellapalooza or EDS Wellness Facebook pages, or the Wellapalooza Periscope account. However, we will not be streaming entire presentations. Doing so proved somewhat difficult, especially when trying to manage a video camera recording each presentation. However, there will still be plenty of fun stuff to see and listen to.

* Video recordings of presentations – We will be recording all presentations, provided the speaker agrees. However, recordings will most likely not be posted publicly. Once we determine how to best handle the video recordings, we will post an update.

* Registration was due yesterday, but we’ve extended registration through the weekend; however, we are outside of the refund window. We are locked into paying for the final number of attendees that we’ve provided to each venue and have paid a deposit for. Unfortunately, we have not received monetary donations to help supplement the cost of holding Wellapalooza, allow for refunds, or for scholarships. The plan is to have more wiggle room with future Wellapalooza conferences and retreats, but building a non-profit takes time and money – especially one that has a huge initiative such as Wellapalooza that is part of its mission. Adding attendees is far easier than having to come up with the funds to offset a deficit from giving refunds after our costs are set.  We appreciate your understanding (my husband does too!).

* Please remember – if you are sensitive to chlorine (like me) or other potential triggers, please understand that we cannot guarantee the perfect, reaction-free environment for everyone. We have no way of knowing or judging how safe (or not) a specific environment is for each person attending Wellapalooza. Each of us comes willingly and participates at our own risk. We also must do our due diligence to ensure our personal comfort and safety. However, there are times when we decide to take calculated risks in order to enjoy life and live as much as possible.

* If anyone would like to help with a certain aspect of Wellapalooza, or knows someone would be open to volunteering their time, please provide them my email address. Kendra@wellapalooza.com

* We welcome all monetary, product, and service donations, and we are happy to provide a receipt for tax purposes. We also have options for vendor tables. Please email info@wellapalooza.com, if interested.