Many physical issues—from persistent back pain, headaches, and neck tension to breathing difficulties, circulation problems, and even digestive troubles—can often be traced to poor posture. Slouching, whether while sitting at a desk, standing in place, or scrolling on a phone, compresses the lungs, restricts blood flow, and places undue strain on the spine and surrounding muscles. Over the years, these small, repeated habits can lead to chronic discomfort, fatigue, poor circulation, and, in more severe cases, a noticeable hunch or curvature of the back as we age.

Healthy posture is not about rigidly holding yourself in a certain position. It is about allowing your body to rest in its natural curves and alignment so it can function efficiently and with minimal strain. When your head is balanced naturally over your shoulders, your shoulders remain relaxed; when your core muscles are gently engaged, your spine is more stabilized; when your weight is evenly distributed, your muscles no longer need to overcompensate to keep you steady; when your feet are flat on the floor when sitting and shoulder-width apart when standing, blood flow improves and stress on your joints is lessened. This balanced state conserves energy, reduces compression on vital organs, and allows everything to work more effectively. Better breathing and blood flow contribute to more energy throughout the day. Proper alignment can even make a positive influence on your mood and confidence.

Posture affects far more than just those who spend long hours at a desk. The way we stand in a grocery line, walk down the street, drive a car, and hold our devices all have long-term effects on our spine and muscles. When alignment is compromised, especially chronically, joints and ligaments absorb stress unevenly, resulting in fatigue, pain, nerve compression, poor circulation, digestive issues, a gradual loss of flexibility, and ultimately, a diminished quality of life. Awareness and consistent small adjustments are the key to protecting posture—and your overall health, comfort, and mobility.

Tips to maintain healthy posture:

• Stay aware: Regularly check how you’re sitting, standing, or using devices like your phone.
• Move often: Set timers to stretch or walk every 60 minutes.
• Strengthen & stretch: Focus on your core, back, shoulders, and flexibility in your hips and legs.
• Use support: Adjust your chair and monitor, keep feet flat, and avoid crossing your legs.
• Get help if needed: Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage can help restore alignment and relieve tension.

Our eyes play a major role in how we experience the world, whether through sight or as part of our overall health. Eye health is about more than just clear vision—it also involves preventing disease, managing existing conditions, reducing strain, and promoting well-being at every stage of life. Regular eye exams, healthy habits, and protective measures can help maintain eye function and detect other health concerns.

Many eye diseases—such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—can be subtle and develop gradually. Adults ages 18 to 39 should have an eye exam at least every two years, and those over 65 or with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should go annually.

Protecting your eyes from sun exposure is vital. Over time, UV rays can contribute to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays whenever you're outside, and wear a brimmed hat for added protection. Never look directly at the sun—even briefly.

Digital screen can lead to eye fatigue and strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule (see sidebar) to help relax eye muscles. Also, blink often, adjust screen brightness and contrast, use night mode or blue light filters, increase text size for easier reading, and keep screens 20 to 24 inches from your eyes, positioned and just below eye level.

Nutrition matters, too. Leafy greens, orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and omega-3-rich fish like salmon and tuna support eye health. Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc help protect against dryness and degeneration.

Other important habits include getting enough sleep, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and wearing protective eyewear when needed. If you wear contacts, follow proper hygiene guidelines to prevent infection.

Make eye care a priority and a regular part of your routine—taking steps today will support your health and quality of life for years to come.

July is Disability Pride Month.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress on July 26, 1990, establishing America’s commitment to end discrimination against people with disabilities. Disability Pride means accepting and honoring each person's uniqueness and seeing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Disability Pride awareness events promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. Alaska’s Disability Pride Celebration hopes to bring this message to our Alaskan friends and neighbors, and to raise awareness of the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All are invited to the Disability Pride Celebrations in Kenai and Anchorage—fun, inclusive events that honor the diverse talents and contributions of people with disabilities in our community. The celebrations are part of Alaska’s statewide Disability Pride festivities, and it’s all about promoting awareness, accessibility, and joy for everyone.

The volunteers coordinating the event represent people with physical/intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health disorders, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and more.

Kenai Disability Pride

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Soldotna Creek Park, Soldotna

Kenai invites you to its annual Disability Pride celebration, commemorating the ADA and promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities. This fun-filled event is perfect for all ages and offers a variety of activities and entertainment.

Highlights of the Event:

• Good Food: Enjoy tasty food options from local vendors.
• Fun Games: Participate in exciting games and activities suitable for all ages.
• Live Music: Enjoy a lively soundtrack from a live DJ.
• Amazing Vendors: Browse booths from various vendors showcasing their products and services.

Join us at Soldotna Creek Park for a day of celebration, community, and pride. This event is a great opportunity to connect with others, enjoy great entertainment, and celebrate the spirit of inclusivity.

View Kenai Event Flyer

Anchorage Disability Pride

Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage

Attend the Anchorage Disability Pride celebration to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year marks another exciting opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the achievements of people with disabilities.

Highlights of the Event:

• Food & refreshments
• Fun games & activities
• Live music
• A petting zoo
• Face painting
• Inspirational community engagement
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters on site
• Opportunities to connect with local disability organizations and resources

Come and be part of a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and celebration. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or solo, there’s something for everyone at the Anchorage Disability Pride event.

View Anchorage Event Flyer

If you’ve ever come home to a wagging tail or a soft purr, you know—pets are so much more than just animals we care for. They have a special way of lifting our spirits, easing stress, and alleviating loneliness.

One of the key benefits of having a pet is the comfort they bring. Spending time with a pet—whether it’s playing fetch, snuggling on the couch, or simply making eye contact—helps your body release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These natural mood boosters can help reduce stress and leave you feeling calmer and more connected.

For many people, especially those who live alone or struggle with social anxiety, pets are steady companions against loneliness. Pets provide constant, loving company. Walking a dog often leads to casual chats with neighbors or fellow pet owners, making social interaction feel easier and more natural.

Another gift pets offer is structure. Daily routines like feeding, walking, and playtime bring a sense of purpose and rhythm to the day. This can be especially helpful during difficult times, such as periods of depression or anxiety, when motivation is low and engagement in everyday activities is challenging. When life feels uncertain, your pet still needs you—and that dependable bond can be grounding.

Even more, pets don’t judge. They don’t care about your bad hair day or missed deadline or unfinished to-do list. They don’t expect you to explain yourself—they simply offer their presence and loyalty. They love you as you are, in every moment. That kind of unconditional acceptance is rare and healing.

Of course, owning a pet is a responsibility, and it’s important to choose one that fits your lifestyle. But when it’s the right match, that furry (or feathered or scaly!) friend becomes much more than a pet— they become part of your heart, and a part of your wellness journey.

Last week, our team brought the movies to life! From Minions to Minecraft, our support recipients turned popular movies from this summer into carnival games and sets. They spent 10 weeks measuring, cutting, painting, and building every piece as a team.

Fifty-six years ago, in 1970, a large and mighty group of Alaskans gathered with a simple hope—to bring people with disabilities back to Alaska after being involuntarily institutionalized out of state. That first Walk for Hope was big, and it carried big dreams. At the time, more than 2,000 Alaskans—including very young children—were living at Morningside Hospital in Oregon, separated from their families, homes, and communities. More than 4,000 people walked 31 miles to raise funds and awareness in support of Hope's initiative to bring them home. Since then, year after year, rain or shine, our community has come together—walking, rolling, cheering, giving—supporting inclusive communities where Alaskans with disabilities can thrive.

Although we have made so much progress, our state does not currently have the infrastructure to support all Alaskans with disabilities, and children are still being sent out of state for supports and treatment, so this year we dedicated our fundraising to contribute to that infrastructure.

At our 56th Walk & Roll for Hope, more than 200 participants across Anchorage and Kenai came together, and raised over $51,000 to support keeping children with complex medical needs in Alaska by helping to fund essential services, resources, and advocacy efforts. From the first Walk until today we are so grateful to the thousands who have shared our passion and supported our mission.

Hope's Executive Director, Michele Girault, said, "I began my Walk for Hope journey 40 years ago and have decades of memories tied to the first Saturday in May. I am so grateful for the thousands who remember fondly their trek across Anchorage and contributed to building a community where Alaskans with disabilities and their families are valued and supported, by walking, rolling and contributing—what a difference has been made!"

Team Fundraising Leaderboard

• Paws for Hope – $5,597.55
• Sleeping Lady Mountain Lions Club – $2,487.05
• Hope Board – $1,745.65
• The Jojo Special – $1,446.00
• Thairapy Salon and Spa – $1,051.90
• Sparkle Motion – $1,035.00

Individual Fundraising Leaderboard

• Michele Girault – $3,734.75
• Jeffrey Hoffman – $2,173.50
• Sergios Rahmatoulin – $1,893.75
• Amy Pearce – $981.90
• Carrie Carson – $805.50

Fundraising Prize Winner

Participants earned one entry into a prize drawing for every $100 they had raised by May 2. The prize? Two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets. We’re excited to announce that the winner is Kris Jez! A huge thank you to Kris and everyone who participated and helped raise funds—your efforts make a meaningful impact.

A New Chapter Ahead

But the story isn’t over—this is just the beginning of something new. We’re already dreaming up fresh, innovative events and opportunities that will carry forward Hope's mission. Stay tuned for what’s next—and we hope you’ll be a part of it.

Cyndi Ramirez, Development Officer and lead organizer of the Walk in recent years, shared her reflections on the event’s legacy, "I've been part of the Walk & Roll for Hope since I was a kid. I did the 31-mile walk back in the day and lived to tell the tale! While it’s a little bittersweet to let it go, I’m really excited about the new events and programs we’re working on! The Walk will always hold a special place in our hearts, not only in our memories but also through the positive impact we've been able to make on so many lives! And we’ll continue to make a difference, just in other ways!"

We Want to Hear from You

On that note, as we look ahead and plan new, engaging ways to bring our community together, we would love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to share your feedback on the Walk & Roll for Hope and what events and fundraisers you'd like to see from Hope in the future.

Help Shape Future Events—Take 2-Minute Survey

We had the great fortune of hosting a group of students and two faculty members from Central Michigan University last week; they spent a week in Anchorage through the university’s "Alternative Break" program. The students spent time learning about Hope and the supports we provide, and the history of disability advocacy, as well as well as completing a number of volunteer projects—sprucing up our grounds, painting the Hope Gallery, assisting with the Walk & Roll for Hope, and more. The week was enriching for all of us and we look forward to hosting future groups from CMU!

When we talk about mental health and the impact various aspects our lives have on our wellbeing, few of those have an effect with greater reach than gender.

Women face unique mental health challenges that are shaped and influenced by a number of factors. We know that women experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma. We also know that there are burdens women experience pertaining to caregiving, discrimination, and exposure to violence, each of which elevates the risk of developing a mental health disorder.

One of the most impactful factors influencing women’s mental health is the disparity surrounding role expectations. There are many behaviors, obligations, and norms expected of women across cultures. These expectations often conflict, which, literally, makes it impossible to achieve what society says a woman “should” be or do. Messages regarding these societal expectations are both implicit and explicit, and begin early in life.

Although cultural change occurs slowly, one of the things we know is helpful is naming what we experience. Sharing distress with trusted friends and supportive family members, can be helpful. This is particularly true when we can experience the validation of knowing that we are not alone in our experiences.

There are a great deal of resources available to those who desire to know more about women’s mental health. Just two of the many resources can be viewed here: Why is Women's Mental Health Important? and Why we Need to Pay Attention to Women's Mental Health.

— Paul Ingram, Clinical Director, Hope Community Resources

The information provided here is based largely on the relevant research literature and accounts of those women who have shared their experiences with me across more than a decade of therapeutic services. I feel greatly honored to have been a part of their healing journeys.

As we speak, lawmakers in Congress are debating legislation that could slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid—threatening community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We know it feels like the fight never ends. But we can’t afford to back down.

This is happening right now—and Members of Congress need to hear directly from the people whose lives are shaped by Medicaid. Help lawmakers understand what’s really at stake.

📣 Please, share your story. If you’re not sure where to start, consider these prompts:

• How does Medicaid support you, your family, or your organization? 
• What would happen if Medicaid-funded services were reduced or eliminated? 
• Why are community-based services so important for people with I/DD? 
• Have you faced challenges finding services or in retaining direct support professionals (DSPs) because of limited Medicaid funding? 

With gratitude,

Michele Girault, Executive Director

Share your Story

Men’s mental health remains a critical and often under-addressed issue in our communities. Despite increasing awareness, men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, often due to stigma, cultural norms, or lack of accessibility. This silence can lead to worsened outcomes, including increased rates of substance use, homelessness, and suicide.

Many men feel pressure to appear “strong” or self-reliant, which can discourage them from opening up about emotional struggles. Many of us have heard the phrases “man-up” or “rub some dirt on it” used to admonish distress and encourage us to bottle-up our feelings. Though it is necessary at times to push through discomfort and show perseverance, what we know is that denying the experience of difficult feelings such as loss, grief, sadness, and fear can, and often does, lead to extraordinary emotional, physical, and social impacts that negatively impact our quality of life.

Men are often conditioned to believe they should avoid asking for help and instead should figure it out on their own. The distressing emotions that we have been permitted to experience and express are those typically related to anger. Other distressing emotions have historically been seen as non-masculine.

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health among men is an ongoing effort that is making progress, albeit slowly. Part of changing stigma is examining our thoughts about the issue at hand. In this case, consider the following—What makes the experience of distressing feelings inherently non-masculine? How is your value as a human diminished by the experience of those feelings?

Acknowledging the experience of distressing feelings does not diminish our value as men. I would argue that many of the attributes we extol in men would not be possible without the experience of corresponding distressing feelings. It is not possible to be courageous without fear or protective without empathy.

If you’re interested in learning more, consider the following article: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tips-for-taking-care-of-mens-mental-health.

— Paul Ingram, Clinical Director, Hope Community Resources

Dear Hope Supporters,

First and foremost, thank you. We know that we’ve reached out more than once recently asking for your time and attention to urgent issues affecting our work—we are very grateful for your support.

We want to share a formal statement from the Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education regarding the recent federal budget proposal that would eliminate funding for programs critical to the disability and aging communities—including those we are directly connected to and work with every day.

The proposed cuts would impact the entire Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network in Alaska, including the Governor’s Council (GCDSE), the Disability Law Center of Alaska, and the Center for Human Development at UAA. These programs are foundational to advancing inclusion, access, and community-based services in Alaska, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

We encourage you to take a moment to read the full statement.

This is not about politics. It’s about people—our families, neighbors, and the communities we serve. These cuts would represent a step backward for the rights of Alaskans with disabilities and seniors, and threaten the very systems we have worked so hard to build, maintain, and improve.

As a member of Hope, your advocacy and voice are so important. If you feel comfortable doing so, we invite you to share the statement with your networks or reach out to Alaska’s Congressional Delegation to express your concern.

We are stronger because of your commitment—and together, we will continue to stand up for the people and values at the heart of our mission.

With gratitude,

Michele Girault, Executive Director