Learn how to boost immunity

In this season of cold and tougher virus strains like H1N1, it's important to maintain a high level of immunity to fight off these nasty offenders. This is also true of many chronic diseases, including cancer.

Silverton Hospital presents a class at Wellspring in Woodburn entitled, "Cancer Fighting Compounds and Immune Boosting Foods" on December 8.

This class discusses how both antioxidants and the body's immune system are critically important in fighting these potentially fatal conditions. Presented are studies the demonstrated the ability of diets rich in vegetables and fruits to boost immunity and reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

A meal made of these ingredients are served as part of the course held from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants must pre-register for this class by going to www.cancerproject.org/class. The cost for this one-time class is $20 per person. For more information, call 971-983-5212.

A wintertime workout for the body and the mind

Yoga is a popular means of mediation and serious strength training. Throughout December, Indigo Wellness offers a serious of special classes at their downtown studio.

On December 5 at 1 p.m. Elizabeth Connor leads a Raja Yoga Workshop. This class is meant to deepen practice and understanding through the philosophy of Patanjali's yoga sutras. The cost is $25.

A "Nia Full/New Moon" class is held on December 6 and 13 held from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Through this class, participants explore the feminine energies of the moon through Nia, which is a blend of modalities focusing on the joy of movement. A $12 drop-in rate is charged for these events.

Finally, owner Dr. Zohra Campbell leads a winter solstice yoga practice on December 20 at 5:30 p.m. Participants spend the first half of the class in darkness, holding gentle poses for an extended period of time. The second half is the celebration of dark changing to light. Guests are asked to bring four heavy blankets. The charge is $20 or $10 with a canned food donation for Marion-Polk Food Share.

Pre-registration is required for each of these events. For more information, call 503-370-9090.