Vida En El Valle Blogs: The Latin voice of the central valley.

 I attended the Fresno County Economic Opportunity Commission’s Employee Wellness Fair this morning – not as a journalist, but as a yoga teacher. Though I was not reporting on the event, I couldn’t help but take notes on some of the things I learned…

• Starting this Wednesday, there will be a farmer’s market every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Fresno, on Fulton Mall at Mariposa. The certified farmer’s market will feature local produce and farm-related products, sold by minority and immigrant growers, as well as experienced vendors. The EOC and its partners – the Downtown Association of Fresno, Fresno Metro Ministry, and the City of Fresno – are sponsoring the market.

I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of a certified farmer’s market in downtown Fresno. This means that people who work downtown can grab some fresh fruits and veggies for lunch or dinner. And, I was told, the market is also part of the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

• My booth was next to the booth of Michael Zhang, who practices acupuncture, acupressure, and herbs. According to his brochure, acupuncture can treat conditions ranging from addictions to depression to migraines to gingivitis.

It’s awesome to think that needles can cure such a variety of ailments. But it was also awesome to watch as Zhang stuck needles in the arms, knees, cheeks, and necks of EOC employees. I watched in amazement as the “patients” claimed they felt nothing but a slight prick – and the reporter in me wished I’d brought a camera! All the patients said they were relaxed after receiving the treament.

• Well, I told people, if you’re relaxed after acupuncture, you should try yoga! It’s just as relaxing, and there are no needles involved. Below is a picture of me teaching yoga to members of the Local Conservation Corps.