Scoliosis Awareness Month: Understanding and Supporting Through Exercise

June marks Scoliosis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about scoliosis, its impact, and the importance of early detection. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, affecting posture, mobility, and comfort. While it can range from mild to severe, treatment options include monitoring, bracing, physical therapy, and surgery.

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing scoliosis by improving posture, reducing discomfort, and increasing flexibility. Movement-based therapy strengthens core and back muscles, providing essential support for spinal alignment. Activities such as swimming, yoga, and low-impact resistance training enhance mobility while minimizing strain on the spine.

Bio Ability’s Physio Support Program is designed to work closely with physical therapists, offering specialized exercises that align with individual therapy goals. This program focuses on tailored movement therapies, adaptive sports, and exercises that promote spinal health, making physical activity accessible and beneficial for those with scoliosis.

Scoliosis Awareness Month is a reminder to advocate for early screenings, educate communities, and support individuals living with scoliosis. By combining knowledge, adaptive exercise, and inclusive wellness programs, we create a more informed and supportive environment for those affected. Let’s use this month to encourage movement, resilience, and empowerment for individuals with scoliosis.

Brain Awareness Month

June is Brain Awareness Month and a time to highlight brain health, research, and the importance of inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals. This month provides an opportunity to educate, advocate, and celebrate the strengths within neurodiverse communities.

Bio Ability is deeply committed to this mission, offering adaptive exercise and sports classes designed to support brain health and empower individuals with Autism. Over 90% of Bio Ability students have Autism, emphasizing the need for specialized programs that foster physical wellness, confidence, and social engagement.

Exercise has remarkable benefits for brain health, supporting cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall neurological resilience. Here’s a quick summary of its positive impact:

• Boosts Cognitive Function: Physical activity enhances memory, learning, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating the growth of new neurons.
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Exercise helps regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress and improving mood through the release of endorphins.
• Supports Emotional Well-Being: Regular movement is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety by balancing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
• Improves Focus and Creativity: Activities that require coordination and rhythm, such as dancing or team sports, strengthen neural connections and improve concentration.
• Protects Against Cognitive Decline: Exercise reduces the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by promoting brain plasticity and resilience.

By incorporating movement into daily life—whether through adaptive exercise, sports, or simple activities like walking—you can strengthen both body and brain for lasting health benefits. By providing tailored movement-based programs, Bio Ability creates an environment where neurodivergent learners can thrive, improve their overall well-being, and embrace the benefits of physical activity. This Brain Awareness Month, let’s recognize the impact of these programs and continue advocating for brain health and neurodiversity in all areas of life.

What’s happening?

Bio Ability Classes and Billing

We have a few openings for classes Saturday morning at the Kidz Therapy Networks location.  We also have a few evening weekday openings at the Building Bridges location. Tell your friends! Billing goes out on the first of each month.  If you have any changes you would like to your schedule, please reach out before the 1st. Any accounts that are due for the annual fee, this $30 fee will also be included in the next billing cycle.  I will do my best to let you know ahead of time.  If you have any questions about your billing, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Summer Camps

We are looking at offering summer camps at Bio Gymnastics since it is looking more and more like we will not have our new space by summer.  If interested in summer camps, please email dawn.koch@bio-ability.com and I will let you know directly as we have more information. We are also working on a Special Needs Extended School Year-After School Program for the month of June.  Email me if you are interested. We are considering moving classes to the Bio Gymnastics location also.  Stay tuned through email for more information.

Exercise of the Month: Scoliosis/Posture

Good posture can reduce pain and muscle tension. Several times a day, a person can realign their body to help them learn to stand with a good posture naturally. Here are a few exercises that can help with posture and scoliosis.  Please discuss with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program if you have scoliosis. Here are a few exercises that can help with posture.

Pelvic tilts: This exercise will help strengthen the muscles in your lower back

Cat-Cow: This exercise can help keep the spine flexible and pain-free. It also helps with spine mobility.

Bird-dog: This exercise increases your core strength. Core stabilization can improve the symmetry of your posture, as well as your strength.

Plank: The plank is a simple but effective exercise for strengthening your core.

Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted root vegetables
• ½ cup cooked or canned black beans, rinsed
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 4 corn tortillas, lightly toasted or warmed
• ½ avocado, cut into 8 slices
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Chopped fresh cilantro & salsa for garnish

Directions

1. Combine roasted root vegetables, beans, oil, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt and pepper in a saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until heated through, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Divide the mixture among the tortillas. Top with avocado. Serve with lime wedges. Garnish with cilantro and/or salsa, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Makes 2 servings; Calories 343; Fat 17g; Saturated fat 2g; Carbs 44g; Fiber 12g; Protein 8g.