November Focus on Health in WMA

The spotlight was on health in November, when the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local offered its first Health and Wellness Day on Nov. 2. Held at the Silver Spring Civic Center on the first Saturday of the month, the event featured a flu shot clinic and two health-focused workshops.  

Those first to arrive took part in a workshop on gratitude journaling. Presenter Cathy Raines led the group through several writing exercises and a discussion about the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal. Research shows those benefits may include better sleep, clearer focus, increased self-esteem and improved relationships.

In her workshop titled Stress and Anxiety for Actors, member Vanessa Meadows offered breathing techniques and other simple exercises to help actors shake off the stress they feel before walking into an audition room. She explained what happens in the brain during periods of stress, and why cognitive-based tools like the ones she shared can help actors regain balance.  

Members attending the event and those who came to the general membership meeting in late October were given raffle tickets. The prizes included a gift certificate for a massage or facial at Massage Envy, body care products from Trader Joe’s and an assortment of swag from SAG-AFTRA.
“I thought today was terrific,” said member Kim Tuvin. “I came away with so many new insights and tools.”

Local Conservatory Chair Kathryn Klvana, who helped organize the event, said, “This was a great way to come together to build community. I hope next year we can do something even bigger and better.”

Later in the month, on Nov. 18, members from all over the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local signed on to their computers for Every Artist Insured! The webinar was presented by the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, a program of The Actors Fund. Actors Fund National Health Services Director Renata Marinaro guided participants through what they should consider when signing up for a qualified health plan during open enrollment.

Photo: Members attend Health Day.