Vivian Kurutz practicing yogaIn this article, Vivian W. Kurutz, director of the Harlem Center for Healthy Living (HCHL), talks about what types of services are available to members of the community.

Q: What services are offered at Harlem Center for Healthy Living?

A: We offer a lot of different services so that many areas of health are addressed. For example, there is a Blood Pressure Monitor on site. We work with clients to explain what blood pressure is and how to read the numbers. If you come in to get your blood pressure checked, we give you a card that you can carry in your wallet or purse and use it to track you blood pressure over time. Then, you can show your past readings to your doctor when you visit him or her. That way, the doctor isn't only measuring your blood pressure reading from one day. If you want to get your blood pressure checked at HCHL, we are open and free to the public on Thursdays from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Once you've come in, we will call and remind you to come and get your blood pressure measured every so often.

Harlem Center for Healthy Living also offers yoga and health classes for the New Song after school program. Adult classes range in size from six to 15 people. We offer two different levels for yoga and Pilates and have a total body conditioning class. All of our instructors are certified and every month we produce a new schedule of classes. The schedule can be found online at http://newsongharlem.com/. Once you're on the website, click on the "How We Do It" tab. If you scroll down the page, you will see a link to our calendar under the "Harlem Center for Healthy Living" paragraph.

Q: Who do you work with?

A: We work with people from ages 6 (after school program) to 80! (And the 80 year old comes to my strength training and does calisthenics class). We also have a relationship with the Cecil (a senior citizen residence) and several of the residents come to HCHL classes, which are not only for seniors.

Q: How can people get involved at HCHL?

A: You can stop by the office at 163 Nicholas Avenue at 118th Street and pick up a brochure, calendar of events and classes, and a registration form. You can also call 212-222-3256 and ask to speak with Vivian Kurutz to learn more about our programs and services at Harlem Center for Healthy Living.

Harlem Word is a series of interviews with Harlem health experts, written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.