Jackie Nehama

The last eight years of Jackie’s life have been very demanding on her body, mind and spirit. In that span of time Jackie has gotten married, moved into a new house, had 2 children 15 months apart, worked as a physician (night shifts) while her husband Joseph worked the days as a cardiologist. Then two years ago her parents became ill and moved in with her so that she could care for them. It comes as no surprise to Jackie that under these conditions her health would suffer significantly. She explains that she has several illnesses including Crones, inflammatory arthritis, and chronic fatigue. She says “I have been through the medical ringer.” Her medical background notwithstanding, it became clear to Jackie that the conventional medical route was not getting her where she wanted to go and so she decided to make some holistic lifestyle changes.

The first big change was to take a leave from work in order to spend more quality time with her young children and to regain control of her health. The second change was to begin her yoga practice at Om Sweet Om. Jackie knew that some form of exercise was essential to a healthy lifestyle and since yoga is said to be good for arthritis decided to give it a try. A true intellect, Jackie began to read up on the subject (her first two books were “Yoga for Dummies” and “Yoga for Arthritis” followed closely by “The Heart of Yoga “ Desikachar and “Light on Life” BKS Iyengar).

She says it was fate that brought her to Om Sweet Om Yoga in September 08. Never one for group classes, she explains I have always been overweight and have felt self-conscious about my body. At Om Sweet Om Yoga however, I felt comfortable right away Jackie says. There were so many kinds of people of all ages and shapes and sizes all just there to do yoga. I began with the forty dollar new student special unlimited yoga for one month and came to class just about everyday. All of the teachers and staff have been great, supportive and knowledgeable. I never looked back and I am feeling so much better.

In just four months Jackie notices huge improvements in her health. Whereas Jackie used to take upwards of 120mg of percaset/day for her pain, she now takes 20mg, her fatigue is dissipating and her Crones is under control. I also notice that I am calmer. Some things that would have riled me up four months ago seem almost silly now.

Jackie is interested in all aspects of the practice and plans to continue learning through all of the wonderful classes, workshops, and event offerings at Om Sweet Om Yoga as well as through her own research. She particularly enjoys taking classes and workshops with her husband Joe. It is a wonderful way to be together she says and my children love to come to the babysitting!