Betty Ford Center and Local Yoga Studio Highlight Wellness in May

May is a time to focus on both mental and physical well-being, with National Mental Health Awareness Month and National Improve Your Posture Month taking center stage. Local experts are encouraging the community to stay informed, recognize warning signs, and incorporate healthier habits into daily life.

At the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, clinical supervisor Melissa Hawkins is on a mission to improve mental health awareness. “Having your mental health treated and stabilized can make such a world of difference in your life if you’re struggling,” she said. Hawkins is urging people to recognize the warning signs of mental health challenges, especially in children. “You might notice a child not wanting to go to school or acting out. Younger kids may complain about stomach aches or have trouble focusing on schoolwork,” she explained.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 14. To help address these issues, the Betty Ford Center offers both in-person and virtual support. “There’s help available every day of the year,” Hawkins added. “It’s okay to not be okay, and there is help out there for you.”

In Palm Desert, Yoga 6 is addressing another wellness concern during National Improve Your Posture Month. Lead instructor Annie notes that poor posture—often worsened by long hours at desks or screens—can impact both physical and mental health. “Poor posture can lead to a poor outlook on life and affect your mental abilities,” she explained. Annie suggests simple stretches, like pulling your knuckles down while squeezing shoulder blades together, to counteract “Tech Neck” and realign the spine.

Whether through mental health support or daily posture checks, local experts encourage the community to embrace wellness practices this May—and all year long.

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