Newest Tebow Fan!

12-2-09: I like football, but don't spend a lot of time watching it, pro or college. I read about Tim Tebow in a recent Sports Illustrated issue, and was very impressed with what he does OFF the field (eg. mission trips to the Philippines--yeah!!!) more than what he does on the field!

Well I just read another news release about the Florida's Governor's Physical Fitness Council, which Tebow is the co-chair, and this made me even a bigger fan now! Check it out:

"Earlier this month, Governor Crist and council co-chair Tim Tebow invited homeschooled students to participate in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. In the letter to all homeshooling families, Tebow shares how, as a homeschooler himself, he learned the importance of physical fitness at an early age. Homeschool students and students attending schools that do not participate in the challenge can participate as individuals simply by registering at http://www.healthyfloridians.com/contact.html."

Way to go, Tim! As a homeschooling parent, I applaud his stepping up for homeschoolers and their fitness. I wish CA and other states would do the same! Knowing that he was also homeschooled is another big plus in my book.

Great day for a hike!

11-21-09: This afternoon, the Azure Hills Church's Pathfinder's club did a 5-mile hike in the hills of Loma Linda. This was also Davy's first time to go walking on the dirt roads. He seemed to enjoy it more since there were no big scary cars out there, and ended up walking most of the 5 miles.

It was a gorgeous day for a hike, in the low 60's, clear skies, and great company. There were other dogs out there as well besides Davy and Roxy, so they weren't alone.

The hills of Loma Linda have a great network of fire roads for hikers, runners, mtn. bikers, and horseback riders to enjoy. Thanks to the City of Loma Linda for providing these hills for anyone to use!

Here are some pixs from our hike. Enjoy!

Phyical Activity @ APHA

11-17-09: Finally getting some last pictures up from my conference last week at the APHA. The PA SPIG organized a 5k run/walk to the steps where Rocky ran on Tues. AM, and a water aerobics session on Wed. AM. Here are a few pictures, and click here to see the rest of the pictures.


I took some time off to go visit my childhood home. It's been 34 years since I was last here! After the train, took me 3 miles to walk here from the train station, so got more PA in that day. Even met some neighbors who remember my family, and one even remember my name before I could say what it was! Great blast to the past....
Hanging out with Rocky and Robin...
This is where Sly stood!!!

Wii good for exercise

11-16-09: Check out this story on the Wii and exercise, from the Amer. Heart Assoc. annual meeting in Orlando: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5AF3AR20091116

Point for youth sports!

11-16-09: Check out this study on the benefits of youth sports and metabolic syndrome in adulthood: http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v33/n11/abs/ijo2009171a.html

APHA Day 2, Mon

11-9-09: Presentation day! The day finally arrived. Our topic was on the use of exergaming in our pediatric obesity program called Family Fit Zone. I also covered some of the challenges encountered so far with utilizing exergaming, and some possible solutions. Robin gave an update on the latest research. Even though she was so wired, hyped, and tired after not sleeping a wink the entire night, she did fine! 

The other two presentations showed very innovative technologies being developed. Dr. Carol Boushey (Purdue University) presented work on their automated food assessment software for pictures taken with a cell phone while Dr. Stephen Intille (MIT) presented work on mobile phones and sensors to identify physical activity type in real time. 

I can see how these technologies can be incorporated into a cool game!

The rest of the day was a blur, ending in our Physical Activity Special Interest Group's social. 

And so ended Day 2!

 

APHA, Day 1

11-9-09: Sunday, the first day of the American Public Health Assoc. annual meeting, where over 10,400 people from all over the world have come. We're here in Philadelphia, the city of many firsts.

The business meeting of the newly formed Physical Activity Special Interest Group. They have planned a number of events and sessions--stay tuned! This fine group is led by Dr. Steven Hooker (seated). If you're into physical activity, you need to be a part of the PA SPIG!!!

Got to hear the recently confirmed US Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin. She has quite a background!

I watched her grandfather's underwater shows on National Geographic growing up. Never thought I'd get to hear his granddaughter speak, Celine Cousteau.

Couldn't believe she was nice enough to talk with us. She gave me advice on how to help Summer like diving in the live ocean with real fish. Very friendly and down-to-earth!

Got luck and saw the US Surgeon General in the hallway so got a picture with her.