When people first think of yoga, it's safe to say many may conjure up images of a series of unusual, even painful-looking poses. However, yoga, though originated in India about 5,000 years ago, has a worldwide popularity that has given many people another activity option in their quest to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Beyond the physical poses, yoga is a form of therapy that helps people to relieve stress and increase strength and flexibility as well as improve body circulation and balance. Yoga also has the ability to "quiet the mind." These benefits are the reasons why Ryan McGraw is so passionate about yoga.

To read this month's Community Voice article, go to http://www.ncpad.org/753/3990/Passion~for~Yoga.