1-21-10: Blast to the past! Here's our B Active videos and forum...enjoy!
7-26-09: Hot off the iMac! Here's a sneak preview of the video clip introducing the new Be Active Resource Directory for Desert Sierra Region including San Bernardino, Riverside and Inyo Counties. This vid will be played on Thur. at the PA Forum.
7-30-09: DSHN held it's annual physical activity forum today. There were a lot of great speakers and the audience did a LOT of physical activity--this was the least sedentary conf. most of us have attended!
Great job by Pam, Erin, and Brianna, who organized this conf. and working through all the last minute glitches and snafus!
Check out some pixs from this AM. Video clips to follow soon--the activity looks much better in video!
Here's a video clip of the forum yesterday. Couldn't stop the music during the Zumba music, so bear with me...it was edited on Flip's editing software. ;-)
For the "Be Active Resource Directory", go to SB County website and go to the "Things You Can Use" section. Enjoy!
According to a series on PA published in Lancet 2012, physical inactivity is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide. This blog is dedicated to eradicating HYPOKINETIC DISEASE. We are missing out on the most powerful "pill" to improve the health and quality of life for all Americans!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Power of Camaraderie
Excellent article from the "Be Active Your Way" blog I subscribe to!
The Compelling Power of Camaraderie
Posted: 20 Jan 2010 10:42 AM PST
The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provided the nation with an airtight scientific case for why a person should make exercise a top priority. The case is unchallenged and polls show that the health benefits of exercise are generally acknowledged by an overwhelming majority of Americans. Nevertheless, research suggests that most Americans are not active enough to actually reap the benefits.
We are left, therefore, with one simple, maddening, urgent question:
“How do we compel more Americans to exercise regularly?”
We know there are real barriers to physical activity (injury/illness, unsafe environment, etc.), but other commonly cited barriers, such as “lack of time,” seem too often to simply be the consequence of low prioritization; conscious or subconscious choices to put-off exercise until a theoretical later date.
At IHRSA, one way we’ve attempted to address the question is with our I Lost it at the Club! program, an eight-week motivational weight loss program designed to help individuals keep their New Year’s resolutions and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle year-round. Currently in its 6th year, I Lost it at the Club! is set up as a competition among the participating health clubs. Last year, a total of 4,857 participants lost over 22,100 lbs.
Undoubtedly, much of the program’s success is due to the great passion and spirit of the participating clubs and their communities, but we think a critical component of the program is that it ties people to something bigger than themselves. It fosters camaraderie, holds people accountable to others, and celebrates accomplishments. Moreover, it recognizes that physical activity, like obesity, is contagious, and that social environments play a major role in our levels of physical activity.
The compelling power of camaraderie is certainly not a novel concept, but perhaps it has nevertheless been undervalued or underemphasized in the promotion of physical activity. It seems like the business community is beginning to incorporate the idea into workplace wellness programs, and social gatherings like running clubs have certainly flourished, but we’d like to see it spread deeper into society, embraced by families, friends, religious groups, book clubs, Facebook friends, etc.
We want us all to challenge those around us – the people we care about – to be more physically active.
We know there are several wonderful organizations with programs designed to bring people together for physical activity. We would love to hear from as many of you as possible. What are you doing and how has it worked?
The Compelling Power of Camaraderie
Posted: 20 Jan 2010 10:42 AM PST
The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provided the nation with an airtight scientific case for why a person should make exercise a top priority. The case is unchallenged and polls show that the health benefits of exercise are generally acknowledged by an overwhelming majority of Americans. Nevertheless, research suggests that most Americans are not active enough to actually reap the benefits.
We are left, therefore, with one simple, maddening, urgent question:
“How do we compel more Americans to exercise regularly?”
We know there are real barriers to physical activity (injury/illness, unsafe environment, etc.), but other commonly cited barriers, such as “lack of time,” seem too often to simply be the consequence of low prioritization; conscious or subconscious choices to put-off exercise until a theoretical later date.
At IHRSA, one way we’ve attempted to address the question is with our I Lost it at the Club! program, an eight-week motivational weight loss program designed to help individuals keep their New Year’s resolutions and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle year-round. Currently in its 6th year, I Lost it at the Club! is set up as a competition among the participating health clubs. Last year, a total of 4,857 participants lost over 22,100 lbs.
Undoubtedly, much of the program’s success is due to the great passion and spirit of the participating clubs and their communities, but we think a critical component of the program is that it ties people to something bigger than themselves. It fosters camaraderie, holds people accountable to others, and celebrates accomplishments. Moreover, it recognizes that physical activity, like obesity, is contagious, and that social environments play a major role in our levels of physical activity.
The compelling power of camaraderie is certainly not a novel concept, but perhaps it has nevertheless been undervalued or underemphasized in the promotion of physical activity. It seems like the business community is beginning to incorporate the idea into workplace wellness programs, and social gatherings like running clubs have certainly flourished, but we’d like to see it spread deeper into society, embraced by families, friends, religious groups, book clubs, Facebook friends, etc.
We want us all to challenge those around us – the people we care about – to be more physically active.
We know there are several wonderful organizations with programs designed to bring people together for physical activity. We would love to hear from as many of you as possible. What are you doing and how has it worked?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Year's Day Noon hike!
1-1-2010: Almost 40 people showed up for the noon hike, a first-time event for my annual New Year's Day hikes. A lot more kids and dogs showed up at this one. The temp got into the mid-70's s it was very nice for a hike. Enjoy the pixs!
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year's Day Sunrise Hike
1-1-2010: Happy New Year! Over 40 people showed up at 5:30 AM at the base of Blue Mountain in Grand Terrace (including the Sheriff--called in by a neighbor reporting "suspicious activity"--but by the time I was done talking with him, he wished he was off duty so he could join us!) for my annual sunrise hike.
The full moon lit our hike up so we didn't need to use flashlights, and the temp was just perfect--no wind, too.
After 2 miles of hiking in the dark, we arrived at the top where we shared some words and did a toast with sparkling cider as the sun rose over the San Jacinto mountains.
Now getting ready for the noon hike! Here are pixs from this AM's hike:
The full moon lit our hike up so we didn't need to use flashlights, and the temp was just perfect--no wind, too.
After 2 miles of hiking in the dark, we arrived at the top where we shared some words and did a toast with sparkling cider as the sun rose over the San Jacinto mountains.
Now getting ready for the noon hike! Here are pixs from this AM's hike:
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sen. Feinstein e-mails on PA!
12-17-09: Check out this e-mail letter from Senator Diane Feinstein on a PA bill I commented on to her:
Dear Dr. Medina:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the "Physical Activity Guidelines for America Act of 2009." I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
With the growing prevalence of diabetes, obesity and other chronic conditions, I agree that immediate action is needed to address the roots of our nation's increasing obesity rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged six to nineteen years, 18 percent (over nine million young people) are considered overweight. Eating and exercise habits formed during childhood can have lifelong effects. Obesity has been shown to cause numerous health problems and can make existing health conditions difficult to treat. I strongly believe that it is important to increase awareness about obesity and educate the public about proper nutrition and the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
On October 20, 2009, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced the "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act" (S. 1810). This legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence, which would be updated every five years. These guidelines would be for children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities, and would ensure that all Americans understand how much exercise they should be getting.
Currently, S. 1810 is pending in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. While I am not a member of that Committee, please know that I will keep your comments in mind should this legislation come before the full Senate for consideration.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If you should have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Also, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. And may 2010 be a good year for us all.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignup.Signup.
Dear Dr. Medina:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the "Physical Activity Guidelines for America Act of 2009." I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
With the growing prevalence of diabetes, obesity and other chronic conditions, I agree that immediate action is needed to address the roots of our nation's increasing obesity rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged six to nineteen years, 18 percent (over nine million young people) are considered overweight. Eating and exercise habits formed during childhood can have lifelong effects. Obesity has been shown to cause numerous health problems and can make existing health conditions difficult to treat. I strongly believe that it is important to increase awareness about obesity and educate the public about proper nutrition and the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
On October 20, 2009, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced the "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act" (S. 1810). This legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence, which would be updated every five years. These guidelines would be for children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities, and would ensure that all Americans understand how much exercise they should be getting.
Currently, S. 1810 is pending in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. While I am not a member of that Committee, please know that I will keep your comments in mind should this legislation come before the full Senate for consideration.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If you should have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Also, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. And may 2010 be a good year for us all.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignup.Signup.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Bike-a-thon
12-6-09: The Azure Hills Church sponsored it's annual Christmas is for kids bike-a-thon to benefit kids of the families served by our food bank. Funds raised would go towards gifts for these kids.
Jerry and Beth Bernatos, directors of the food bank, helped to coordinate the event, while Jan Michaelis and Tom Haglund organized and led out in the bike ride itself. There were 3 groups: 50-mile, 25-mile, and a 10-mile Family group (led by yours truly ;-).
It was cold and overcast, but it wasn't raining and the sun did peek out a bit. We rode on the bike path that runs from the mountains all the way to Huntington Beach, so we didn't have to deal with traffic--nice!!!
Check out the pictures and see how fun the ride was!
Jerry and Beth Bernatos, directors of the food bank, helped to coordinate the event, while Jan Michaelis and Tom Haglund organized and led out in the bike ride itself. There were 3 groups: 50-mile, 25-mile, and a 10-mile Family group (led by yours truly ;-).
It was cold and overcast, but it wasn't raining and the sun did peek out a bit. We rode on the bike path that runs from the mountains all the way to Huntington Beach, so we didn't have to deal with traffic--nice!!!
Check out the pictures and see how fun the ride was!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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.
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.
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