ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 26, 1996 TAG: 9611260071
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Health Notes
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY
As we look for ways to control stress and get our bodies together without drugs or a visit to a traditional doctor, more often than not we turn toward what's defined as "alternative" methods. Much of what was alternative has become mainstream, such as massage therapy, yoga and Ta'i Chi. However, most of us still are novices when it comes to techniques designed to align the body and center the being.
The area now has one more source for this type of study: The Center at Walnut Grove in Shawsville.
The center was founded by Shawsville resident and Roanoke Valley businesswoman Karen Waldron to study complementary forms of mind, body and movement. It opened quietly in May, but Waldron is now ready to increase its activities.
Waldron wears many hats: horsewoman and farm manager, llama farmer and president and chief executive officer of Fralin & Waldron development and nursing home company.
The center is her way of balancing her own busy life, she said.
Waldron is certified in The Method of Joseph Pilates. Pilates came to the United States from Germany in 1920 and introduced his movements to the dance world. The Method is designed to help a person find the movement that aligns the body properly so that the person can work at optimum level. It strengthens and lengthens muscles and has become popular with athletes.
Waldron spent almost a year studying in Dallas for her certification in The Method, and now teaches a regular Wednesday class in it.
Although The Method is on the program for an upcoming "centering" weekend, Waldron won't be teaching it then. Star billing Dec. 6, 7 and 8 goes to Larry Lane, inventor of Yogarobics. Lane, who is from Dallas, helped open the center in May.
On Dec. 6, from 3:30 to 5:30, Lane will introduce participants to his Yogarobics, which is a barefoot, nonimpact, cardiovascular workout combining dance, T'ai Chi and yoga. On Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., a workshop will focus on a progression of yogic poses, breathing and meditation. The Dec. 8 session on Pilates' The Method, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The cost for all three classes is $100, or enrollment can be in an individual class.
People interested in the sessions can contact The Center at Walnut Grove at 290 Boners Run Road, Shawsville 24162 or call (540) 268-1100 or FAX (540) 268-1735.
AIDS events
Sunday is World AIDS Day, the time to recognize the cost of this disease. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the leading cause of death in the United States for men ages 25 to 44 and the third leading cause of death for women in that age group.
Virginia is ranked 14th in the United States in the number of reported AIDS cases, with 9,061 cases of HIV and 8,755 cases of AIDS reported to the Virginia Department of Health. In Roanoke, Roanoke County, Botetourt County and Salem, there are more than 350 cases of HIV reported and nearly 300 cases of AIDS.
Heterosexual contact accounted for 38 percent of the reported cases among women last year. Most children who have AIDS got it through mother-child transmission.
The American Red Cross, which is helping organize the Roanoke area AIDS events, is a leading educator about HIV and AIDS and further information about the disease is available from any of its offices.
AIDS SERVICE: Sunday is World AIDS Day and events have been planned at the Hollins College Chapel on the campus. At 6:30 p.m., Carol Webb, director of the AIDS Council of Western Virginia, will hold a news conference. It will be followed by an interfaith service, and a candlelight walk and vigil in remembrance of AIDS victims who have died. A reception is planned at 8:30
HOT LINE: On World AIDS day, additional telephone counselors have been scheduled for the 24-hour National AIDS Hot line operated by the American Social Health Association under contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 24-hour hot line number is 1-800-342-2437; deaf callers can reach counselors through TTY service at 1-800-243-7889 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
AIDS QUILT: On Dec. 4 at the Lewis-Gale Foundation Auditorium, Steve Ramsey will talk about his experiences on a trip to Washington to view the AIDS quilt. The discussion is especially aimed at people who have a friend or family member who is HIV positive. The talk is from 7 to 8:30 and preregistration is requested, but not required. For more information, call 540-772-3485.
Two panels from the AIDS quilt will be on display at Virginia Western Community College's art gallery in the humanities building Dec. 6-Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. A memorial tree trimming is planned Dec. 6, starting with a reception at 6:30 p.m.
WORKSHOPS: AIDS Awareness workshops will be held Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. in the Student Center, Room 101, at Virginia Western Community College. For more information, call 776-1152.
DRUG THERAPY: There are 42 approved medicines for AIDS and AIDS-related ailments and 122 medicines in development. A new class of drugs, known as protease inhibitors, has been developed in the past year for use in treating AIDS. A "cocktail" of one of the protease drugs and two anti-viral drugs, has been highly effective against the AIDS virus, according to Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
In a recent trial, the "cocktail" of drugs reduced the virus in patients' bodies by up to 99 percent.
You can learn about clinical trials of AIDS medicines by calling 1-800-874-2572.
Creating joy
Camille Wright Miller, a consultant and Roanoke Times columnist, will speak on "Strategic Planning for Personal Success: Creating Joy in Everyday Life" at Lewis-Gale Foundation Auditorium in Salem on Dec. 3.
The presentation, scheduled for 7-9 p.m., identifies the areas in a person's life that must be managed if the person is to excel and enjoy living, Miller said. She will explain why each area is important and give participants specific tips for planning improvement.
Registration for the workshop is $5 and must be done in advance. For information, call (540) 774-4022.
You can reach Sandra Brown Kelly at 1-800-346-1234, x393, or 981-3393, or through biznews@roanoke.infi.net.
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