TO YOUR HEALTH

Pull up a chair and enjoy yoga

A five-week class in chair yoga, with all stretches done on or with the support of a chair, begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at House of Gaia, 1660 Trade Center Way.

The class is ideal for older people and those working with injuries or anyone who would like to do some stretching but can't get down onto (or up from) a yoga mat. Beginners and those in a wheelchair are welcome. Instructor Jean Erlbaum is certified in teaching chair yoga.

Cost of each hour-long session is $12. For more information, call Ms. Erlbaum at (413) 230-1518 or e-mail ean.erlbaum@verizon.net. For registration or directions to House of Gaia, call 272-6152.

Go to the Garden for more yoga

Bend and stretch in the fresh air at 10 a.m. every Sunday at the Naples Botanical Garden. Instructors from Bala Vinyasa Yoga lead the hour-long classes beside the tranquil lake in the Kapnick Caribbean Garden.

Bring your own mat and, if you have them, yoga blocks. Variations for beginners are always provided.

Also in the Garden, tai chi lessons are taught from 11-11:50 a.m. every Thursday through March. Karen Atkin leads the energy flow exercises in the Buehler Enabling Garden in the Scott Florida Garden.

Cost for either yoga or tai chi is $10 per session for Garden members, $15 for others. For more information, call 643-7275 or visit www.naplesgarden.org.

Free counseling for caregivers

Caregivers of seniors ages 60 and older who are experiencing stress from changing life circumstances can obtain free peer counseling from the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida.

Counseling is coordinated by Margot Escott, a licensed clinical social worker with MHASWFL. Call 261-5405 or e-mail mescott@mhaswfl.org.

Blood center needs Type O donations

The Community Blood Center is in urgent need of Type O blood to replenish reserves in Collier County. Donors can visit the following Community Blood Center locations:

¦ Naples: 311 Ninth St. N., on the first floor of the NCH Medical Plaza. Complimentary valet parking for all blood donors. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday Friday. Call 436-5455.

¦ Bonita Springs: 9170 Bonita Beach Road, in Sunshine Plaza. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursdays and Fridays. Call 495-1138.

For a list of Community Blood Center bloodmobile locations and times, visit www.givebloodcbc.org. ¦