Latest news with #BreatheEasy
Int'l Business Times
29-07-2025
- Health
- Int'l Business Times
The Heart Behind Breathe Easy Therapy Services: Cynthia Piccini's Story of Empathy and Empowerment
Cynthia Piccini, with her family Jinette Ramos Cynthia Piccini has always seen the world a little differently. As a child in urban New York, her sanctuary was not a therapist's couch or a school counselor's office; it was a grumpy old man's garden. "He didn't like people, didn't like kids," she shares. "But every day, I would ask if I could just look at his flowers." Eventually, the man softened. They formed a quiet bond, and he began to teach her about gardening. That memory, rooted in nature and a silent connection, became a cornerstone of Cynthia's worldview: healing starts with presence. Today, Cynthia is the founder of Breathe Easy Therapy Services and Breathe Easy Wellness (Breathe Easy), a marriage and family therapist, and a vocal advocate for shifting the way people approach mental health. Her journey here was not linear; it was forged through hardship, community, and a relentless commitment to building spaces where people can heal. At 21, her life changed when her mother suffered a debilitating stroke. "Watching our community rally around us, seeing how my mom and dad's siblings responded, it made me realize that nature was not enough. People carry deep trauma. We also need each other," she says. That experience forced Cynthia to give up her plans to teach English abroad. She became a caretaker, helping her mother and siblings navigate a new reality while quietly tending to her own emotional wounds. She eventually returned to school, funding every semester, rent check, and textbook herself. "I had multiple jobs since I was 11 or 12," she says. "My parents did what they could, but I had to work hard to reach my own goals. But I knew I needed to be part of the solution." Her passion for therapy was born not just out of personal struggle, but also out of seeing how systems often fail people at their most vulnerable. "I didn't want to join a big hospital or agency where I would be restricted by red tape and insurance loopholes. I wanted to create something different, something human," Cynthia explains. That "something" became Breathe Easy, named for her emphasis on breathwork and trauma-informed care. "When you are dysregulated, the breath is your power. It's something you always have access to," she says. The practice started with just Cynthia and her husband's support. Today, it has grown into a multidisciplinary center that houses therapists, yoga instructors, mindfulness educators, and even a salt cave, all designed to promote healing beyond the traditional talk therapy model. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year. Yet a significant percentage of them don't receive any treatment. Cynthia believes that part of the reason is the outdated narrative around therapy. She states, "People think you have to be broken to go to therapy. But therapy is like going to the gym; it's for your mind. It's about growth, not crisis." That's why Cynthia is redefining what mental health support looks like. At Breathe Easy, one might attend a premarital group workshop, a Yoga class for seniors, or a children's group called "Little People Big Emotions." One will also find therapists trained in complex trauma and chronic illness support. "It's not just about talking," she says. "It's about living. It's about touching your partner during couples yoga and realizing you have not done that in years. That's therapy, too." Her team is just as intentional as the programs. "Hiring people who are truly passionate about healing was non-negotiable," she says. Her yoga instructor has trained in India, Bali, and Malaysia. Her breathwork specialist teaches nationally and has equipped educators with trauma-informed calming techniques. The team also includes a highly trained massage therapist and an esthetician. Cynthia's work is personal. Her parents are both now disabled, her mother from a stroke, her father from Parkinson's. She and her sisters have spent nearly two decades supporting them. She's also a mom herself, raising a young daughter while navigating the dual demands of caregiving and business ownership. "It has not been easy," she says, "but it's shown me the value of resilience, love, and having a community to hold you." Cynthia Piccini's message from Breathe Easy is simple: "You don't need to wait for a crisis to take care of yourself. You deserve to feel good now."
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Air Quality Monitoring Expands As Seasonal Challenges Continue
Press Release – Otago Regional Council The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as Good under the Ministry for the Environments Environmental … Otago Regional Council has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2024, revealing some challenges in managing air quality across the region. The report underscores the importance of ongoing community engagement, updated monitoring technologies, and a clear path forward as part of Otago's commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities, says ORC's Air Quality Scientist, Sarah Harrison. The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances —particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel — over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as 'Good' under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The report includes PM2.5 monitoring (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) data at seven locations. These fine air particulates (PM2.5) pose greater health risks to communities. A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024 and this data will be reported in the next annual report. Black carbon is a component of PM and monitoring of it will help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. 'Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward,' Ms Harrison says. 'These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.' While winter emissions continue to be a challenge, especially in towns where home heating is the main source of particulate matter, the seasonal patterns reinforce the importance of community focused initiatives like Burn Dry, Breathe Easy, which encourage the use of cleaner heating methods. 'We're not just measuring air quality — we're continuing to build the evidence needed to inform decisions and we're also building stronger community partnerships,' Ms Harrison added. 'Improving air quality in Otago is a shared responsibility, and the data tells us we're on the right track, even if there's more work to do.' Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network will continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration. Upon validating last year's winter data, Otago recorded *28 exceedances of the NESAQ (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) for PM10 during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, and Mosgiel. In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. Long term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Mobile air quality trailer – maiden mission A mobile air quality monitoring station was acquired by ORC last year to monitor PM2.5. PM2.5 is a pollutant emitted by combustion. In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating and is seen in the data for most towns. PM data is extremely seasonal with very high concentrations in winter. Having a mobile air quality monitoring station will allow ORC's science team to: · Collect air quality data across a number of locations in Otago · Investigate pollution hotspots, industrial zones, or areas with complaints · Gather time-sensitive data during specific events or seasons · Help raise awareness by visibly showing communities their local air quality · Teach about pollution and environmental health at schools or public demonstrations. · Monitor multiple communities or research sites · Quickly deploy a monitoring station in response to environmental events, accidents, or wildfires. The air quality trailer's first assignment is to learn more about the concentration patterns in the Wānaka area. It is currently installed in the reserve on Rifleman Street in Albert Town. ORC also has a monitoring site in Wānaka township. The information gathered at these two locations will be useful in understanding where the highest concentrations occur. Concentrations can vary due to density of housing, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction. The PM2.5 sensor is the small box located halfway up the mast. The meteorological sensor is at the end of the mast. This measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure — all of these help us to analyse the PM2.5 data. The data is being collected but the real-time transfer of data from the mobile monitoring station to LAWA is still being set up. New Frankton monitoring station ORC monitors Otago's air quality at air monitoring stations, located in towns across the region. The stations measure the amount of combustion-related particles in the air (think particles from wood burning, vehicles, and industrial operations as examples). This latest addition to our region-wide monitoring network is a permanent monitoring station, recently installed in the Kawarau Falls Playground in Frankton to monitor PM2.5 in the area. These are particles from combustion alone. To learn more about particulate matter (PM) and find out the air quality in your area, go to Data from this new station in Frankton will make its way onto LAWA in coming months. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy firewood campaign Given the predominance of home heating emissions seen in our air quality data, ORC runs an annual Burn Dry, Breathe Eas y campaign. The campaign highlights better ways to manage home heating emissions, including checking wood is dry before burning and not burning wet wood or rubbish — both of which have an adverse effect on air quality and the environment. Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when residents burn only dry wood and keep their fire hot and not smouldering. Further woodsmoke reductions could potentially be made through thermally efficient homes with good insulation, she says. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips: Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain — anywhere you wouldn't put your washing out to dry Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough to burn. Less than 25% moisture means more heat and reduced smoke A well-built fire of scrunched up paper or firelighters, dry kindling and firewood ensures a well-heated home and less smoke Don't burn wet or green firewood, treated wood or household rubbish as they can release harmful toxins into the air To reduce smoke overnight, make sure you can still see flames when you turn your fire down Plan ahead — stock up on firewood before Christmas to allow it to dry out before the following winter. Everyone has responsibilities whether at home or as landowners, industry, or businesses to play their part to improving air quality. The Council hopes the campaign encourages people to think about the health of their families and community and use wood burners responsibly or consider the installation of ultra-low emission burners or heat pumps. Notes: *ORC issued a media release last October on an increase in winter air quality exceedances (linked below). And while there was an increase in recorded exceedances in 2024 compared to 2023, figures quoted have now been confirmed as raw data from monitoring equipment and had not yet been validated. This data has since been validated and shows Arrowtown experienced only 16 exceedances and not 25. Therefore, there were only 28 winter air qualityexceedances for Otago in 2024 and not 37.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Air Quality Monitoring Expands As Seasonal Challenges Continue
Press Release – Otago Regional Council The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as Good under the Ministry for the Environments Environmental … Otago Regional Council has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2024, revealing some challenges in managing air quality across the region. The report underscores the importance of ongoing community engagement, updated monitoring technologies, and a clear path forward as part of Otago's commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities, says ORC's Air Quality Scientist, Sarah Harrison. The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances —particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel — over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as 'Good' under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The report includes PM2.5 monitoring (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) data at seven locations. These fine air particulates (PM2.5) pose greater health risks to communities. A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024 and this data will be reported in the next annual report. Black carbon is a component of PM and monitoring of it will help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. 'Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward,' Ms Harrison says. 'These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.' While winter emissions continue to be a challenge, especially in towns where home heating is the main source of particulate matter, the seasonal patterns reinforce the importance of community focused initiatives like Burn Dry, Breathe Easy, which encourage the use of cleaner heating methods. 'We're not just measuring air quality — we're continuing to build the evidence needed to inform decisions and we're also building stronger community partnerships,' Ms Harrison added. 'Improving air quality in Otago is a shared responsibility, and the data tells us we're on the right track, even if there's more work to do.' Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network will continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration. Upon validating last year's winter data, Otago recorded *28 exceedances of the NESAQ (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) for PM10 during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, and Mosgiel. In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. Long term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Mobile air quality trailer – maiden mission A mobile air quality monitoring station was acquired by ORC last year to monitor PM2.5. PM2.5 is a pollutant emitted by combustion. In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating and is seen in the data for most towns. PM data is extremely seasonal with very high concentrations in winter. Having a mobile air quality monitoring station will allow ORC's science team to: · Collect air quality data across a number of locations in Otago · Investigate pollution hotspots, industrial zones, or areas with complaints · Gather time-sensitive data during specific events or seasons · Help raise awareness by visibly showing communities their local air quality · Teach about pollution and environmental health at schools or public demonstrations. · Monitor multiple communities or research sites · Quickly deploy a monitoring station in response to environmental events, accidents, or wildfires. The air quality trailer's first assignment is to learn more about the concentration patterns in the Wānaka area. It is currently installed in the reserve on Rifleman Street in Albert Town. ORC also has a monitoring site in Wānaka township. The information gathered at these two locations will be useful in understanding where the highest concentrations occur. Concentrations can vary due to density of housing, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction. The PM2.5 sensor is the small box located halfway up the mast. The meteorological sensor is at the end of the mast. This measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure — all of these help us to analyse the PM2.5 data. The data is being collected but the real-time transfer of data from the mobile monitoring station to LAWA is still being set up. New Frankton monitoring station ORC monitors Otago's air quality at air monitoring stations, located in towns across the region. The stations measure the amount of combustion-related particles in the air (think particles from wood burning, vehicles, and industrial operations as examples). This latest addition to our region-wide monitoring network is a permanent monitoring station, recently installed in the Kawarau Falls Playground in Frankton to monitor PM2.5 in the area. These are particles from combustion alone. To learn more about particulate matter (PM) and find out the air quality in your area, go to Data from this new station in Frankton will make its way onto LAWA in coming months. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy firewood campaign Given the predominance of home heating emissions seen in our air quality data, ORC runs an annual Burn Dry, Breathe Eas y campaign. The campaign highlights better ways to manage home heating emissions, including checking wood is dry before burning and not burning wet wood or rubbish — both of which have an adverse effect on air quality and the environment. Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when residents burn only dry wood and keep their fire hot and not smouldering. Further woodsmoke reductions could potentially be made through thermally efficient homes with good insulation, she says. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips: Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain — anywhere you wouldn't put your washing out to dry Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough to burn. Less than 25% moisture means more heat and reduced smoke A well-built fire of scrunched up paper or firelighters, dry kindling and firewood ensures a well-heated home and less smoke Don't burn wet or green firewood, treated wood or household rubbish as they can release harmful toxins into the air To reduce smoke overnight, make sure you can still see flames when you turn your fire down Plan ahead — stock up on firewood before Christmas to allow it to dry out before the following winter. Everyone has responsibilities whether at home or as landowners, industry, or businesses to play their part to improving air quality. The Council hopes the campaign encourages people to think about the health of their families and community and use wood burners responsibly or consider the installation of ultra-low emission burners or heat pumps. Notes: *ORC issued a media release last October on an increase in winter air quality exceedances (linked below). And while there was an increase in recorded exceedances in 2024 compared to 2023, figures quoted have now been confirmed as raw data from monitoring equipment and had not yet been validated. This data has since been validated and shows Arrowtown experienced only 16 exceedances and not 25. Therefore, there were only 28 winter air qualityexceedances for Otago in 2024 and not 37.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Air Quality Monitoring Expands As Seasonal Challenges Continue
Otago Regional Council has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2024, revealing some challenges in managing air quality across the region. The report underscores the importance of ongoing community engagement, updated monitoring technologies, and a clear path forward as part of Otago's commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities, says ORC's Air Quality Scientist, Sarah Harrison. The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances —particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel — over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as 'Good' under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The report includes PM2.5 monitoring (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) data at seven locations. These fine air particulates (PM2.5) pose greater health risks to communities. A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024 and this data will be reported in the next annual report. Black carbon is a component of PM and monitoring of it will help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. 'Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward,' Ms Harrison says. 'These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.' While winter emissions continue to be a challenge, especially in towns where home heating is the main source of particulate matter, the seasonal patterns reinforce the importance of community focused initiatives like Burn Dry, Breathe Easy, which encourage the use of cleaner heating methods. 'We're not just measuring air quality — we're continuing to build the evidence needed to inform decisions and we're also building stronger community partnerships,' Ms Harrison added. 'Improving air quality in Otago is a shared responsibility, and the data tells us we're on the right track, even if there's more work to do.' Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network will continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration. Upon validating last year's winter data, Otago recorded *28 exceedances of the NESAQ (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) for PM10 during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, and Mosgiel. In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. Long term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Mobile air quality trailer – maiden mission A mobile air quality monitoring station was acquired by ORC last year to monitor PM2.5. PM2.5 is a pollutant emitted by combustion. In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating and is seen in the data for most towns. PM data is extremely seasonal with very high concentrations in winter. Having a mobile air quality monitoring station will allow ORC's science team to: · Collect air quality data across a number of locations in Otago · Investigate pollution hotspots, industrial zones, or areas with complaints · Gather time-sensitive data during specific events or seasons · Help raise awareness by visibly showing communities their local air quality · Teach about pollution and environmental health at schools or public demonstrations. · Monitor multiple communities or research sites · Quickly deploy a monitoring station in response to environmental events, accidents, or wildfires. The air quality trailer's first assignment is to learn more about the concentration patterns in the Wānaka area. It is currently installed in the reserve on Rifleman Street in Albert Town. ORC also has a monitoring site in Wānaka township. The information gathered at these two locations will be useful in understanding where the highest concentrations occur. Concentrations can vary due to density of housing, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction. The PM2.5 sensor is the small box located halfway up the mast. The meteorological sensor is at the end of the mast. This measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure — all of these help us to analyse the PM2.5 data. The data is being collected but the real-time transfer of data from the mobile monitoring station to LAWA is still being set up. New Frankton monitoring station ORC monitors Otago's air quality at air monitoring stations, located in towns across the region. The stations measure the amount of combustion-related particles in the air (think particles from wood burning, vehicles, and industrial operations as examples). This latest addition to our region-wide monitoring network is a permanent monitoring station, recently installed in the Kawarau Falls Playground in Frankton to monitor PM2.5 in the area. These are particles from combustion alone. To learn more about particulate matter (PM) and find out the air quality in your area, go to Data from this new station in Frankton will make its way onto LAWA in coming months. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy firewood campaign Given the predominance of home heating emissions seen in our air quality data, ORC runs an annual Burn Dry, Breathe Eas y campaign. The campaign highlights better ways to manage home heating emissions, including checking wood is dry before burning and not burning wet wood or rubbish — both of which have an adverse effect on air quality and the environment. Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when residents burn only dry wood and keep their fire hot and not smouldering. Further woodsmoke reductions could potentially be made through thermally efficient homes with good insulation, she says. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips: Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain — anywhere you wouldn't put your washing out to dry Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough to burn. Less than 25% moisture means more heat and reduced smoke A well-built fire of scrunched up paper or firelighters, dry kindling and firewood ensures a well-heated home and less smoke Don't burn wet or green firewood, treated wood or household rubbish as they can release harmful toxins into the air To reduce smoke overnight, make sure you can still see flames when you turn your fire down Plan ahead — stock up on firewood before Christmas to allow it to dry out before the following winter. Everyone has responsibilities whether at home or as landowners, industry, or businesses to play their part to improving air quality. The Council hopes the campaign encourages people to think about the health of their families and community and use wood burners responsibly or consider the installation of ultra-low emission burners or heat pumps. Notes: *ORC issued a media release last October on an increase in winter air quality exceedances (linked below). And while there was an increase in recorded exceedances in 2024 compared to 2023, figures quoted have now been confirmed as raw data from monitoring equipment and had not yet been validated. This data has since been validated and shows Arrowtown experienced only 16 exceedances and not 25. Therefore, there were only 28 winter air qualityexceedances for Otago in 2024 and not 37.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Iconic boyband to headline ‘90s & ‘00s concert in Limerick
The iconic UK boy band featuring Duncan, Lee, Simon and Anthony will bring their chart-topping hits like All Rise, One Love and Breathe Easy to the stage, nearly 25 years after their debut single. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Blue remain one of the best-selling boy bands of the era. Joining them on the nostalgic lineup are 90s and 00s chart staples Peter Andre, Heather Small (the voice of M People), DJ Sash!, Ultrabeat, Whigfield, Tall Paul, N-Trance, and Mark McCabe, who is also set to MC the event. Festival-goers can look forward to Al Gibbs spinning a special set celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ireland Euphoria, the best-selling Irish dance album of all time. Meanwhile, classic club nights like Trinity Rooms, Soul Clinic, Docs, and Strictly Rhythm will be revived. A karaoke singalong and silent disco will also feature hits from the Spice Girls to Westlife.
