Time: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM; Room#007B
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prominent diagnosis in military
personnel, first responders, and their family members resulting in severe, chronic
anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep disruption. The likely mechanism of PTSD is an
alteration in the balance of activity between the two branches of the autonomic
nervous system, i.e. the sympathetic (fight or flight response) and the
parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response). Many questionnaire-based
studies, both psychological and physiological, have reported that Yoga improves
symptoms of PTSD. Recent clinical studies have begun to uncover the hormonal
and neurological mechanisms by which Yoga can improve the lives of those
suffering from PTSD. This presentation will provide practitioners with a basic
overview of the science behind the benefits of Yoga.
About Dr. Alexander
Dr. Alexander Hutchison is fitness and wellness expert in San Antonio, Texas. He
earned his PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Houston in 2007 where he
conducted research on the impact of acupuncture on immune function in elite
triathletes. He was then awarded an NIH post-doctoral fellowship to study
HIV/AIDS at UTHealth in Houston, Texas. He was a professor at St. Mary’s
University and the University of the Incarnate Word before opening TejasFit in
2014. He recently founded Lonestar Fit Kids, a non-profit dedicated to providing
fitness opportunities to underprivileged youth. He is a Certified Strength and
Conditioning Specialist, an active member of the Mayor’s Fitness Council, and a
coach for Girls on the Run. As an athlete, Alexander was a member of two NAIA
national championship swim teams at the University of Puget Sound (95-96) and
qualified for the world age group championships in triathlon in 2005.