By COLlive reporter
Crown Heights has changed – for the better.
“Years ago, I would be practically the only person running, yet now, dozens of people, of all ages, are running and biking,” says Chaim Backman.
A physical therapist and triathlon coach, he has seen growing interest in all things health in the neighborhood. “Crown Heights is experiencing a lifestyle shift with a greater focus on health and well being,” Backman told COLlive.com
“Scores of casual joggers and bike riders flood Eastern Parkway, and many are taking a more proactive approach to health through eating better. Quinoa and kale are make frequent appearances at dinner tables and Shabbos meals, and some are exploring alternative medical practices like acupuncture, homeopathy and massage therapy.”
He explains the “upsurge of interest in health” in locals, being family members or friends being affected by medical issues, but he also notes that there is a lack of available information.
“Many people expressed the desire to better their own and their family’s health, but weren’t sure where to begin, or even what resources are out there to help them reach their goal,” says Backman, who has helped many in their quest to start running, biking and swimming.
He also found that many of those offering services in the health area were individual practitioners without a budget or ability to mass market their resources or skills to the entire community.
So he came up with the first ever Crown Heights Health & Wellness Fair which will take place on Sunday, May 26th, at the Lubavitcher Yeshiva hall.
The free event will feature over 40 vendors from across the healthcare industry, including psychologists, vitamin manufacturers, personal trainers, homeopaths, homecare agencies and many more.
The fair, which will cover the entire lifecycle, from infancy to senior care, will also include a lineup of presentations on a range of topics like healthcare law, patient advocacy, Halachic organ donations, and fitness.
“At our core, we believe that knowledge is power,” said Backman. “Our hope is that people will come learn from the vendors in this informal, fun and interesting format. Like any good fair, there will be plenty of giveaways and fair-only discounts.”
Rochel Leah Shapiro, a licensed massage therapist and craniosacral therapist in training, was one of the first vendors to book a table.
“People want to learn new things, particularly when it comes to their health,” Shapiro explains. “Through the fair, people will have more options and awareness when making such important, life changing decisions.”
Are you a healthcare professional? There are a few booths still available. For more, email: [email protected]
Obviously it’s not kosher and you just implicated yourself by referring to the discipline with several avodazara terms only used in this idol worshiping practice. Even the poses represent worship to the sun g-d, etc. You’re just trying to repackage something thinking you’re fooling people.
Here’s the deal with Yoga: Yoga currently practiced in studios in Crown Heights is Kosher. Authentic Eastern Yoga is not. What’s the difference? Eastern Yoga made up of 8 limbs/parts, 6 of which are Assur and 2 of which are Kosher. The two limbs that ARE kosher are Pranayama (breathing) and Asana (postures/movements). Yoga currently practiced in American studios in general is nothing like the spiritual practice seen In Ashrams in India. Some have sculptures present in the studio which are also Assur. In crown heights none of the aforementioned practices are present. Breathing and Movement IS kosher.
Yasher koach chaim! Always looking out for others. Lots of hatzlacha, fron all of us in milano
i’m glad to hear about the health fair; i hope some of the great health conscious trends we’re seeing in the secular world will start to have the positive impact they should in the Jewish world as well!
Stop Smoking
Stop drinking Alcohol..
then only consider everything else.. and get an MD!
Re Rav
Which local Rav do you suggest?
And is there agreement amongst the Rav’s themselves?
I heard HOD speak before. It is a very important topic.
We as Frum Jews are always ready to TAKE organs, but isn’t it only fair that we also donate too?? Obviously, in line with Halacha.
That’s why it’s so important to hear what they have to say.
And of course, speak to your own Rav and make your own personal decision. But if you never hear any other ideas, you will never learn or know.
is the health fair having separate hours for men and women
Where did it say Yoga.
Get a life!
Congrats Chaim – thanks for contibuting in making CH a better place.
The only questions I have is, is this kosher Yoga? and is there such a thing as truly “Kosher Yoga”?
Toiroh and Halochoh both require that one take utmost care for one’s family’s and one’s own health and the health of one’s fellow. How and what one should eat, for example, (for health, besides for kashrus) is specified in Halochoh. One therefore must learn what and how to eat healthy and pass it on to their children. A Yid should determine what is best to eat (such as proper meals of organics), and do their best to accomplish what is reasonable for them. As Rambam and Shulchan Aruch say (paraphrasing) “if one does not eat properly they will be unable… Read more »
childhood obesity is a growing problem and needs to be addressed. Maybe the health fair could have a nutritionist to help parents know what to feed their kids. The exercise program is right on target. PT works wonders for all types of injuries and pain.
YOU showed negativity by deciding that #9’s comment was negative. There was nothing negative about it.
Will there also be a Lubavitcher Rov who will be presenting? The idea of organ donation is strongly argued about, and must be presented by a Rov (obviously one who is well versed in the subject).
To #9. Here’s a tweaked version without negativity: Running and Training are mentioned in this article- A male should be trained by a male only and a female should be trained by a female only, and ONLY in same gender settings- so that things remain per halacha and tznius. If you run in a public marathon be sure to check with your rav or mashpia to verify you will be in full compliance with halacha and tznius. At the end of the day, Hashem gives us our health, so if He said that something is NOT allowed, we don’t do… Read more »
Running and Training are mentioned in this article- A male should be trained by a male only and a female should be trained by a female only, and ONLY in same gender settings- otherwise it is against halacha and NOT tzniusdik. Running public marathons is a whole issue in itself, as it presents serious tznius issues for both men and women. At the end of the day, Hashem gives us our health, and if He said that something is NOT allowed, then it is the wrong way to be working on a healthy lifestyle. I am not referring to situations… Read more »
amazing!!!! just had my Craniosacral session ..what an experience! try her out before you take any medication for headache!!!
This is a real game changer for our community. I live here all my life and never dreamt we would be fortunate enough to have our very own health expo.
U have the experience, knowledge and passion to make it happen.
Ty, Ty and again Ty
Manure power
Way To go Chayim,,,
First thing to be taught is the dangers of alcohol,,
I’d like to go to this. Maybe all my aches & pains will go away!
i agree…..thank you to all the people that are making an effort to change the living style for the best:)))))
It’s wonderful to have people in the community who are here to help people havehealthy minds and healthy bodies. It is something we can all benefit from. Good on you Chaim!
Dr Backman is awesome… I think him and yoske from the bike shop are leaders in the trend towards health in CH…
I want to go to this thing. Looks like it will be very informative.