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FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Karen Koza, KarenKozaConsult@aol.com
LONGER AND HEALTHIER LIVING,
FINDING A NEW STATE OF MIND
WITH MEDITATIVE EXERCISES -IT’S SEW EASY
New York, NY — "Serenity Now!" A blood-curdling yell issued by
Frank Costanza in an effort to himself on a memorable episode of
Seinfeld. Perhaps a futile attempt at tranquility, but Mr. Costanza is
not the one searchingfor Shanti (for those who don’t speak Sanskrit
that means peace).
According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one
out of every four American adults has high blood pressure. And
it is especially dangerous, because it often gives no warning signs
or symptoms and can lead to a host of medical conditions including
kidney damage, stroke, and heart attacks.
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Fortunately there are measures one can take to lower stress which includes dropping heart rate, blood
pressure and perspiration rate. The National High Blood Pressure Education Program reports that efforts to control blood pressure have contributed to a 50% reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease and a 57% decrease in deaths from stroke over the last 20 years. Many Americans are living longer and healthier today, because they are controlling their high blood pressure.
The health rewards that result from diet and exercise have proven effective. But recently Americans have also
started to explore stress management including meditative practices to augment their health regimes.
According to Dr. Lisa Barrett, who heads the Lotus Health Center in Sarasota, Florida, sewing is an activity that
helps reduce stress and can lead to overall better health of mind and body.
"Calming activities such as sewing relax the mind and can significantly lower blood pressure," Dr. Barrett said.
Similar to reports on exercise, Dr. Barrett guides that it is important to spend at least 20 minutes a day in order
to maximize the benefits.
Other stress reducing activities such as yoga and meditation may be easier said than done. Many people don’t
understand how to successfully meditate. Dr. Barrett suggests a repetitive activity such as sewing where you
can focus on a mantra or a word that you repeat over and over can be more satisfying.
"A mantra is an invented word made up of two syllables. It is thought in a chant. The first syllable on the inhale
and the second on the exhale. Breathe slowly and deeply and allow the mind to clear all other thoughts,"
explains Dr. Barrett.
A clinical study conducted by the Home Sewing Association (HSA) revealed that women who sew — both
skilled as well as novice sewers–experienced a drop in heart rate, blood pressure and perspiration rate when
compared women who participated in other leisure-time activities.
Additionally, the study concluded that women’s heart rates increased when women participated in activities
that widely perceived as relaxing, including reading the newspaper. Sewers, in particular, claimed to feel better
after engaging in their favorite activity. The study supported a conclusion that we had suspected. Sewing is an activity that is often enjoyed by highly creative and productive people, yet can actually be used as a stress-
buster with health benefits for mind and body.
Not surprisingly, sewing has settled the souls of many actresses and singers who spend long and strenuous
hours on sets and soundstages. Many of these same celebrities are busy juggling successful careers and
families. Yet, they find the time to slow down and take a stitch in time, so to speak. Sally Field, Patricia Arquette,
Michelle Pfieffer and Lauren Hutton are just a handful of women who stick a needle in their stress and use
sewing as a therapeutic relaxation technique.
The Home Sewing Association serves both consumers and the trade as the sewing industry's educational and
creative voice. For more information and studies on how sewing can benefit health and life visit
www.sewing.org.
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