FREE Restorative Yoga class: Stamford couple ready for liver transplant

In sickness and in health: Stamford couple to undergo liver surgery

Dr. Brad Shwidock, (see photo caption) who practices general dentistry in Stamford, CT, was diagnosed 20 years ago with an auto immune disease of the liver (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) that led to his having to undergo a liver transplant in 2009.

Recently, his doctors told him that the liver is failing and he needs a second transplant. After undergoing weeks of testing, it was determined that his wife, yoga instructor, Carol Shwidock, was a perfect match as a living donor for her husband.
 
On September 13, the couple will go into New York Presbyterian Hospital for surgery. “Twenty-seven years ago, I gave her my heart (in marriage); now she is giving me 60 percent of her liver, and another chance at life. I think I got the best of the deal both times,” said Dr. Shwidock.”
 
The Shwidock’s daughter, Samara, started a Web site dedicated to updates on her parents, aka, the “Liver Lovers.” For more information about organ/tissue donation, or updates on the Shwidocks, go to: liverlovers.wordpress.com.

Free Stamford Yoga Classes Promote Healing
Yoga instructor Carol Shwidock is continuing to teach local residents a way to heal—for free. The next class in
restorative yoga takes place on Sunday, September 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Shwidock’s Harmony Yoga studio, 48 Union St., Stamford.

The free classes are made possible by a special grant from ProMindful, a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to promote mindfulness, holistic health and wellness.

Restorative Yoga facilitates the Relaxation Response in the body which aids in decreasing blood pressure and heart rate and improving digestion and can help to decrease pain as muscles relax and the body lets go of habitual tensions and stress. Anyone, despite body type, can participate. No yoga experience needed.

Certified in Kripalu and Restorative yoga, with additional training in Vinyasa, Anusara, and Therapeutic yoga, Shwidock also is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and a member of the International Association of Yoga therapists and Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association. She also has had a highly successful 25 plus-year career working in the field of rehabilitation as an occupational therapist currently on staff at Norwalk Hospital.

To register for the free class, call Harmony Yoga at (203) 967-4672 or contact carol@harmonyogastudio.com. Pre-registration a MUST as space is limited.

For more information about Shwidock and Harmony Yoga, visit the studio's Web site.

Check out a clip from The Essence of Harmony Yoga DVD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_tmQQ-X0Lk