Many of us 40 and over grew up walking and biking to school. There are many reasons why that paradigm changed over the years. A major reason was that school systems "sited" new schools simply where cheap land was available, failing to recognize the importance of schools being accesible by foot and bike. The benefits of walking and biking to school are numerous:
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/local/4149
http://www.walktoschool-usa.org/why/index.cfm
Now, with gas prices being what they are, national media outlets have brought attention to Safe Routes to School programs. Better late than never!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-07-10-environment-walking_N.htm
Kids urged to walk, bike to school
7/14/2008
Walking provides an opportunity to exercise and socialize before school, proponents say, and can have a long-term impact on health. Students who exercise regularly are less likely to become obese or diabetic. And exercise in the morning can improve readiness to learn, Reveille said.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/20/walking.to.school.ap/index.html
Wed August 20
Helen Siewers' two daughters began walking a mile to their elementary school in Bowling Green City, Kentucky, because their mother wanted them exercising, socializing with friends and learning to navigate their own community like she did as a child.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Aug 28 & Sept 4 - Soccer Coaches Mtg. and Clinic
Youth Soccer Coaches Info. Mtg., 7 pm, Thursday, Aug. 28th
Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St.
Youth Soccer Coaches Clinic, 6:30 pm, Thursday, Sept. 4th
Ebster Field & Rec. Center, 404 W. Trinity Place
Contact Person: Stacy Green, 678-553-6549
If you’re an adult and haven’t played an organized sport for years, even decades, you probably can still remember the names of your coaches from your childhood teams. As a volunteer youth sport coach, you can make a lifelong lasting impression on a child. The lessons learned from a good coach, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic, communication skills, respect for others, etc., transcend sports. Frank Lesesne, a city resident and longtime youth soccer coach, enjoys the aspects of coaching “beyond the soccer”. “It’s amazing how quickly they can learn” says Frank, who is now coaching on some of the same fields he grew up playing on as a kid. Volunteering to coach youth sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience. We need you to continue our success!
Next up for our youth sports program is soccer. If you would like to be a volunteer soccer coach, and/or coach another youth sport, or assist as a volunteer, please contact Stacy Green, 678-553-6549.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sept 13 - Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K & Fun Run in Historic Oakhurst
Second Annual Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K and Fun Run in Historic Oakhurst
-Fast 5K in the beautiful Oakhurst District of Decatur — September 13, 2008, 9 a.m.
-Pre-register by August 25 and be entered to win a FREE course from Operation Boot Camp!
-Single and double jog stroller division, one mile race and fun run for younger participants
-Post-race children’s festival with live music, activities, food and a raffle drawing
-Pete the Cat race t-shirt for ALL PRE-REGISTERED* racers designed by award-winning artist, James Dean
-Bring your worn out athletic shoes and we’ll recycle them through Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program
Cartridge and Battery Recycling: Bring your used batteries and old ink cartridges and drop them off in the boxes by the water station: we will recycle them for you!
-On-line registration at oakhurstcoop.com & active.com. In-store registration at Big Peach Running Co.
Walk or Bike down to the Decatur Book Festival
IF YOU'RE GOING TO THE FESTIVAL, CONSIDER WALKING OR BIKING TO THIS GREAT EVENT!
The Decatur Book Festival will be held this coming weekend, August 29 -31.
Friday, 9am – 3pm will be Children’s Field Trip Day and featured activities on the MARTA Plaza.
Roads will be shut down at 3am Saturday morning for set up (Ponce de Leon between Church and Clairemont; N. McDonough and East Court Square)
Festival hours over the weekend are:
Saturday, 10 am until 6pm
Sunday, 12 PM until 9:30pm
STEPtember 2008
What is STEPtember?
STEPtember is America On the Move’s national month long celebration highlighting the benefits of active living and healthful eating. The month promotes America On the Move’s small change approach to achieving healthier lifestyles among individuals, families, communities and society. All you have to do to be a part of STEPtember is register any day between August 17 - September 30 and commit to making small lifestyle changes for a six-week period. By entering the STEPtember challenge, you will receive daily tips on nutrition and physical activity. You can also track your activity to determine your progress. In addition, America On the Move’s National Partner, YMCA of the USA, will host a variety of local events at more than 1,400 YMCA branches on September 20-27th so people can join the movement and experience the benefits of small steps first-hand.
In addition to the free online tools, participants in STEPtember will have the opportunity to be entered to win a Grand Prize valued at $2,500.
Register Here: https://register.americaonthemove.org/
Sept. 21st - SkaterAid 2008
www.skateraid.net
3 to 8 pm, Sunday, Sept. 21st
East Decatur Station, 109 New Street
SkaterAid is an annual skateboard and music festival; proceeds are used to help families of children who are battling cancer.
Friday, August 22, 2008
More 50+ Options
Decatur Active Living offers a wide variety of programs for city residents 50 yrs. plus, whether fitness classes, a walking club, trips, bridge, etc. (for more information, please contact Chris Lewis, 678-553-6547). We prefer the term "Keenagers" instead of seniors, and we always want to hear suggestions for new programs.
In addition to our offerings, DeKalb County's Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, (near the Avis Williams-Toco Hills Library) is approx. a mile from the City of Decatur, and has a number of programs for the 50 & over crowd. Some of the offerings include canasta and other card games, art classes and AARP defensive driving classes. Defensive driving classes will be held on Sept. 9th and 11th, Oct. 7th and 9th, Nov. 18th and 20th, and Dec. 9th and 11th.
Alice Bradford is the center's director. For more info. on Mason Mill Rec. Center offerings, please call 404-679-1349.
In addition to our offerings, DeKalb County's Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, (near the Avis Williams-Toco Hills Library) is approx. a mile from the City of Decatur, and has a number of programs for the 50 & over crowd. Some of the offerings include canasta and other card games, art classes and AARP defensive driving classes. Defensive driving classes will be held on Sept. 9th and 11th, Oct. 7th and 9th, Nov. 18th and 20th, and Dec. 9th and 11th.
Alice Bradford is the center's director. For more info. on Mason Mill Rec. Center offerings, please call 404-679-1349.
Concerts alfresco
Walk or bike down to the square this September; music is back on the square! Get some exercise on your way down to hear some great free concerts.
Enjoy a mid-week lunchtime music break every Wednesday in September at the Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur. Free. Bring your lunch or purchase a special to-go lunch from a nearby restaurant and enjoy live performances from a variety of artists. Brought to you by Decatur Business Association and SunTrust Bank.
Blue Sky Concerts - 12 to 1 pm, Wednesday, September 3, 10, 17, 24
Enjoy a mid-week lunchtime music break every Wednesday in September at the Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur. Free. Bring your lunch or purchase a special to-go lunch from a nearby restaurant and enjoy live performances from a variety of artists. Brought to you by Decatur Business Association and SunTrust Bank.
Sept. 3 · The Starlings, american folk. Co-sponsors: The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Sept. 10 · Infinite Orange, orriginal rock. Co-sponsors: The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Sept. 17 · Jimmy Galloway, singer-songwriter. Co-sponsors: The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Sept. 24 · Buddy O'Reilly Band, irish music. Walk or ride your bike: It's Car-Free Day! Co-sponsors: Little Shop of Stories, The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Sept. 10 · Infinite Orange, orriginal rock. Co-sponsors: The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Sept. 17 · Jimmy Galloway, singer-songwriter. Co-sponsors: The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Sept. 24 · Buddy O'Reilly Band, irish music. Walk or ride your bike: It's Car-Free Day! Co-sponsors: Little Shop of Stories, The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic.
Concerts on the Square - 7 to 9:30 pm, Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27
Every Saturday night in September at the Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur. Free! Pack your picnic, bring your quilts and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment. Brought to you by the Decatur Business Association and Wachovia Bank of Georgia.
Sept. 6 · Morgan Rowe Band, local singer/songwriter. Co-sponsored by Decatur Downtown Development Authority.
Every Saturday night in September at the Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur. Free! Pack your picnic, bring your quilts and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment. Brought to you by the Decatur Business Association and Wachovia Bank of Georgia.
Sept. 6 · Morgan Rowe Band, local singer/songwriter. Co-sponsored by Decatur Downtown Development Authority.
Sept. 13 · One Leg Up, country.
Sept. 20 · Atlanta 17, big band. Co-sponsored by Decatur Atlanta Printing.
Sept. 27 · Farmland Band, local bluegrass. Co-sponsored by The Artisan.
Monday, August 18, 2008
ARC Photo Contest
Decatur has many good photographers, professional and amateur, and photography is a fun way to get in some good exercise as one walks through the city, cemetary, parks, etc., taking photo's.
Click here for info. on the Atlanta Regional Commission's "Framing The Future" photo contest. There is no entry fee, and prizes include AirTran roundtrip tickets.
The Atlanta Regional Commission has been doing nice work on pedestrian and bicycle issues, aging resources, the environment and more. Their new "Bike Buddy" program is currently focused on the Emory/Clifton Corridor area, but will be expanding to the entire metro area shortly.
Staff Member Recognized
Stacy Green, Athletics Program Supervisor for the City of Decatur Active Living Division, has earned the "Certified Youth Sports Administrator" credential. The credential is earned through the Academy for Youth Sports Administrators, in conjunction with the National Alliance for Youth Sports.
Topics covered for the training include:
-Youth sports philosophy
-Professional development
-Mission statements
-Policies & procedures
-Volunteer management
-Child abuse prevention
-Parent management
-Conflict resolution
-Insurance & risk management
-Inclusion of children with disabilities
-Evaluation & marketing of your program
-Professional development
-Mission statements
-Policies & procedures
-Volunteer management
-Child abuse prevention
-Parent management
-Conflict resolution
-Insurance & risk management
-Inclusion of children with disabilities
-Evaluation & marketing of your program
National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) also offers training for youth sport coaches, volunteers and parents.
As the NAYS website states: "Youth sports administrators are the foundation for a successful youth sports experience." Congratulations to Stacy for earning her CYSA!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Break out the running shoes...
Metro Atlanta has an endless number of running races, whether 5k's, 10k's, biathlons, triathlons, half-marathons, etc. These road races aren't just for the elite. You can jog, walk, push the little ones in a stoller, etc. Exercise is always more fun and productive in a social setting, plus you can get a cool t-shirt (well, sometimes cool, sometimes tacky, sometimes yuck...).
The best local online race calendar is the Atlanta Track Club's. Run Georgia also has good race info., as does Running4Fitness. Tri-Atlanta has the best calendar for triathlons and biathlons.
One of the best places to run nearby the City of Decatur is Emory's Lullwater Park. It's well shaded, with paved and gravel trails, and has a nice lake (watch out for goose droppings!). There is a huge parking deck, which is free after 6 pm weekdays and on weekends, at Emory's Clairmont Campus, 1945 Starvine Way, right off Clairmont Ave. Lullwater is best for short to medium run's.
The Red Devil Dash is an upcoming 5k to be held at Lullwater Park on Sept. 13th, and there are many races held at Lullwater thoroughout the year.
Mr. Reggie Howze, a member of the Decatur Keenagers and the Decatur Stride Walkers Club. Mr. Howze competes in the 400m, 800m and 1500m runs, and will be competing at the National Senior Olympics in San Francisco in early 2009. This is one 63 year old who has no plans for slowing down!
The best local online race calendar is the Atlanta Track Club's. Run Georgia also has good race info., as does Running4Fitness. Tri-Atlanta has the best calendar for triathlons and biathlons.
One of the best places to run nearby the City of Decatur is Emory's Lullwater Park. It's well shaded, with paved and gravel trails, and has a nice lake (watch out for goose droppings!). There is a huge parking deck, which is free after 6 pm weekdays and on weekends, at Emory's Clairmont Campus, 1945 Starvine Way, right off Clairmont Ave. Lullwater is best for short to medium run's.
The Red Devil Dash is an upcoming 5k to be held at Lullwater Park on Sept. 13th, and there are many races held at Lullwater thoroughout the year.
Mr. Reggie Howze, a member of the Decatur Keenagers and the Decatur Stride Walkers Club. Mr. Howze competes in the 400m, 800m and 1500m runs, and will be competing at the National Senior Olympics in San Francisco in early 2009. This is one 63 year old who has no plans for slowing down!
Monday, August 11, 2008
USA Today article & CNN Article on "Bike Emory"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-08-06-Outofcars_N.htm
Schools move to eject cars from campuses
High schools and colleges are steering students away from cars to save money on gas, save the environment and promote physical fitness. The National Center for Safe Routes to School gets state and federal funding for kindergarten through eighth grade. A bill sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would fund high school programs. High schools' wider attendance boundaries, students' reduced physical activity and their desire to be self-reliant make funding necessary, he says. "We have over 100 million bikes that are sitting around in garages and basements and back porches," Blumenauer says. "When people start to use them, it can be transformational."
---
Emory U. is doing great things with their Bike Emory program:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/10/college.bikes.ap/index.html
Forget parking, bike to class
Emory University is hoping to make bikes the must-have back-to-school accessory this fall.
The school is selling discounted bicycles to students and faculty, adding bike lanes to campus roads and stocking bikes that can be borrowed for free.
The university is pushing its $250,000 "Bike Emory" initiative, launched a year ago, in hopes of convincing students and faculty that the eco-friendly bikes are a better alternative to their four-wheeled, gas-guzzling counterparts.
Emory started a bike-share program a couple of months ago. It has just 20 bikes now, but that will double by this fall, said Jamie Smith, who oversees the initiative. The sign-out lists for the bikes had just 12 names on them after the program started in April, but that number climbed to 45 in June during the typically slow summer, Smith said.
---
City Resident and avid cyclist Neil Norton, with one of his little ones in tow
Schools move to eject cars from campuses
High schools and colleges are steering students away from cars to save money on gas, save the environment and promote physical fitness. The National Center for Safe Routes to School gets state and federal funding for kindergarten through eighth grade. A bill sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would fund high school programs. High schools' wider attendance boundaries, students' reduced physical activity and their desire to be self-reliant make funding necessary, he says. "We have over 100 million bikes that are sitting around in garages and basements and back porches," Blumenauer says. "When people start to use them, it can be transformational."
---
Emory U. is doing great things with their Bike Emory program:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/10/college.bikes.ap/index.html
Forget parking, bike to class
Emory University is hoping to make bikes the must-have back-to-school accessory this fall.
The school is selling discounted bicycles to students and faculty, adding bike lanes to campus roads and stocking bikes that can be borrowed for free.
The university is pushing its $250,000 "Bike Emory" initiative, launched a year ago, in hopes of convincing students and faculty that the eco-friendly bikes are a better alternative to their four-wheeled, gas-guzzling counterparts.
Emory started a bike-share program a couple of months ago. It has just 20 bikes now, but that will double by this fall, said Jamie Smith, who oversees the initiative. The sign-out lists for the bikes had just 12 names on them after the program started in April, but that number climbed to 45 in June during the typically slow summer, Smith said.
---
City Resident and avid cyclist Neil Norton, with one of his little ones in tow
Georgia Golden Olympics
If there's one thing the City of Decatur has, it's a large number of residents who are 50 yrs & older and in great shape!
The Georgia Golden Olympics is a great opportunity for those 50 and over to compete against others in a very fun, supportive environment. The competition takes place on September 24-27, in Warner Robins, Georgia.
The 2008 Georgia Golden Olympics is the qualifying event in Georgia for the 2009 Summer National Senior Games, scheduled for August 1-15, 2009 in the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you would like to compete or volunteer as part of the City of Decatur's contingent, please contact Christine Lewis, 678-553-6547.
The Georgia Golden Olympics is a great opportunity for those 50 and over to compete against others in a very fun, supportive environment. The competition takes place on September 24-27, in Warner Robins, Georgia.
The 2008 Georgia Golden Olympics is the qualifying event in Georgia for the 2009 Summer National Senior Games, scheduled for August 1-15, 2009 in the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you would like to compete or volunteer as part of the City of Decatur's contingent, please contact Christine Lewis, 678-553-6547.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Aug. 28th & Sept. 4th - Youth Soccer Coaches Info. Mtg & Coaches Clinic
Coaches Needed!
-Youth Soccer Coaches Info. Mtg., 7 pm, Thursday, Aug. 28th
Decatur Rec. Center, 231 Sycamore St.
-Youth Soccer Coaches Clinic, 6:30 pm, Thursday, Sept. 4th
Ebster Field & Rec. Center, 404 W. Trinity Place
Contact Person: Stacy Green, Stacy.Green@decaturga.com or 678-553-6549
If you’re an adult and haven’t played an organized sport for years, even decades, you probably can still remember the names of your coaches from your childhood teams. As a volunteer youth sport coach, you can make a lifelong lasting impression on a child. The lessons learned from a good coach, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic, communication skills, respect for others, etc., transcend sports.
Frank Lesesne, a city resident and longtime youth soccer coach, enjoys the aspects of coaching “beyond the soccer”. “It’s amazing how quickly they can learn” says Frank, who is now coaching on some of the same fields he grew up playing on as a kid.
Volunteering to coach youth sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience. We need you to continue our success! Next up for our youth sports program is soccer. If you would like to be a volunteer soccer coach, and/or coach another youth sport, or assist as a volunteer, please contact Stacy Green, Stacy.Green@decaturga.com or 678-553-6549.
BBQ Festival - Volunteers Needed
From Mary Miller, Director, City of Decatur Children & Youth Services, 404-378-1082:
The BBQ and Blues Festival Needs YOU!
This event benefits the Decatur Youth Fund; over $21,000 in the last 2 years, and other Decatur programs. The Decatur Youth Fund makes it possible for kids to play sports, go to day camp and special interest camps.
The Children's Area needs volunteers for helping kids onto the train, taking money for the face painter, taking money for the balloon sculpture person, helping former Harlem Globetrotter Mike Douglas with a basketball shoot, distributing information and accepting donations for the Youth Fund at our booth, relieving and/or providing water for other volunteers.
The shifts are 3:45pm-6:00pm and 5:45pm-8:00pm. Volunteers get free admission to the event and a BBQ & Blues volunteer tee shirt. This past year Decatur families received over 179 scholarships totaling over $14,000. With the current state of the economy, we are already receiving more requests for financial aid than ever before. Please consider volunteering for this event.
We still need 6 volunteers for the early shift 3:45-6pm and 7 for the late shift 5:45-8pm. Please email Greg White or me if you would like to volunteer. We need your name, email address tee shirt size, and the shift you would like to volunteer for. Let us know ASAP so we can make sure you are on the list at the gate and will receive your FREE tee shirt and FREE admission.
The BBQ and Blues Festival Needs YOU!
This event benefits the Decatur Youth Fund; over $21,000 in the last 2 years, and other Decatur programs. The Decatur Youth Fund makes it possible for kids to play sports, go to day camp and special interest camps.
The Children's Area needs volunteers for helping kids onto the train, taking money for the face painter, taking money for the balloon sculpture person, helping former Harlem Globetrotter Mike Douglas with a basketball shoot, distributing information and accepting donations for the Youth Fund at our booth, relieving and/or providing water for other volunteers.
The shifts are 3:45pm-6:00pm and 5:45pm-8:00pm. Volunteers get free admission to the event and a BBQ & Blues volunteer tee shirt. This past year Decatur families received over 179 scholarships totaling over $14,000. With the current state of the economy, we are already receiving more requests for financial aid than ever before. Please consider volunteering for this event.
We still need 6 volunteers for the early shift 3:45-6pm and 7 for the late shift 5:45-8pm. Please email Greg White or me if you would like to volunteer. We need your name, email address tee shirt size, and the shift you would like to volunteer for. Let us know ASAP so we can make sure you are on the list at the gate and will receive your FREE tee shirt and FREE admission.
Walkable Neighborhoods
A new study in the American Jounal of Preventative Medicine suggests "that older, walkable neighborhoods...aren't just convenient and cost effective, but healthier as well."
"Crunching data on nearly 500,000 Salt Lake County driver licenses, researchers documented a strong correlation between residents' body-mass index and the kind of urban environment they inhabit. Those who live in walkable neighborhoods are leaner than those in newer areas designed around automobiles, according to the study."
Click here for an article on the study.
Attributes of a walkable neighborhood:
* A center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street or a public space.
* Dense enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently. * Mixed income, mixed use, with businesses and residences located near each other.
* Parks and public space.
* Pedestrian-centric design, with buildings close to the street.
* Nearby schools and workplaces.
"Crunching data on nearly 500,000 Salt Lake County driver licenses, researchers documented a strong correlation between residents' body-mass index and the kind of urban environment they inhabit. Those who live in walkable neighborhoods are leaner than those in newer areas designed around automobiles, according to the study."
Click here for an article on the study.
Attributes of a walkable neighborhood:
* A center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street or a public space.
* Dense enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently. * Mixed income, mixed use, with businesses and residences located near each other.
* Parks and public space.
* Pedestrian-centric design, with buildings close to the street.
* Nearby schools and workplaces.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
LAX is back!
Lacrosse Clinic For Boys
Decatur Active Living will offer a Lacrosse Clinic for boys ages 7-14. This clinic will give first-time players and experienced players the opportunity to learn lacrosse skills through instructional programs offered by Sorrel Coulson.
Decatur Active Living will offer a Lacrosse Clinic for boys ages 7-14. This clinic will give first-time players and experienced players the opportunity to learn lacrosse skills through instructional programs offered by Sorrel Coulson.
Participants will learn stick work, drills and the rules of the game. Players must provide their own equipment.
Registration will begin September 6th. The clinic sessions will be held on Sundays beginning October 5th at 3:00pm on Ebster Field (404 West Trinity place-behind Decatur Police Department), and conclude Sunday, November 23.
Fees are: $130; $100 Decatur resident.
New and past participants can register at the Decatur Recreation Center, located at 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur Ga 30030.
Past participants can register on line at http://www.activeliving.decaturga.com/. For more information contact Stacy Green at 678-553-6549 or Stacy.Green@decaturga.com.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Article: Why Parks Matter
We normally don't post entire articles here on 231 Sycamore St., but this is a good one. The article touches on multiple points: the need for healthy, fresh foods/diet, sense of community, exercising with others is more enjoyable and easier to stay on a schedule, and "Access to safe parks and recreation programs is critical".
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-obese5-2008aug05,0,2988090.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-obese25-pg,0,803608.photogallery
California Central Valley fights obesity epidemic
Public health directors join with community groups in Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties.
By Catherine SaillantLos Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 5, 2008
BAKERSFIELD — On a recent day, Maria Velasquez led 25 women in outdoor aerobics at a park in this city's rough southeast district, home to a large farmworker community.Nearby, young children played noisily on well-clipped grass. Wiping sweat from her brow, Velasquez announced she'd lost 80 pounds and, with it, a high risk of diabetes.Elena Marin, who picks grapes and lemons, said she came to Stiern Park three times a week and had lost 20 pounds, with 80 to go. Sonia Molinar, who has shed 15 pounds, said that two years ago she wouldn't go near the park, which was home to drug users, stray dogs and gang graffiti.Then neighbors and community leaders banded together to clean it up. Now the women walk in the park five mornings a week. Molinar brings her daughters. "You keep yourself healthy and you make friends," she said. "Everything is good."Health advocates point to the park's transformation as a success in their new initiative to stem a growing epidemic of obesity in the Central Valley.The national obesity rate has risen for decades, increasing from 15% of the population in 1976 to 33% in 2004, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.In the Los Angeles metropolitan area, more than 58% of residents are obese or overweight, according to a CDC report. The rate is higher still in the farm-rich Central Valley, said organizers of the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program, despite an abundance of fresh produce."We supply the country with cheap food, but the benefit does not come back to us," said Edie Jessup of Fresno's Metro Ministry, a nonprofit working on the issue.Nearly two-thirds of the people living in Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties are obese or overweight, according to the Central California program. More than a third of the region's fifth-, seventh- and ninth-graders have unhealthy weights, a major increase from a decade ago. Armed with statistics, public health directors in the six counties joined with community groups to try to turn the situation around.Organizers of the Central California Regional program say that if communities are to succeed in reversing the trend, leaders need to look not only at what people eat but also at where they live.Access to safe parks and recreation programs is critical, said Jennifer Lopez, a community worker who helped the Stiern Park group navigate City Hall.Also key is making sure fresh produce is easy to buy in neighborhood markets. A recent UCLA study said that the highest obesity rates are in lower-income areas in which convenience stores and fast-food outlets predominate."If they don't have programming, parks and easy, convenient access to fresh foods, they will make unhealthy food choices because that's what is available," said Veva Islas-Hooker, director of the Central California program.Overweight and obese adults are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. As part of the Central California program, each county set up its own obesity prevention council and got to work, Islas-Hooker said. In Fresno, for instance, zoning laws made it difficult to create a farmers market in the city's low-income southeast area. Community groups got the City Council to make changes, said Jessup of Metro Ministry. After three major supermarkets pulled out of the area, the community groups also began trying to lure small markets with fresh produce.Fresno Unified School District appointed a physical education director, a position that did not previously exist. In rural Tulare County, Earlimart and Pixley schools agreed to open play yards after hours. In Kings County, a Kettleman City school district opened school grounds as a community park. Several counties have petitioned the federal government to allow food stamps to be used at flea markets, where people can buy cilantro, chiles and other fresh produce, Islas-Hooker said. Some people respond enthusiastically to the idea.In southeast Fresno, Stephanie and Gustavo Gonzales, who have six young children, had just bought fruit juice at a convenience store near their home when they were asked if they would like to see a farmers market in their neighborhood."I'd buy bananas, strawberries, grapes and nectarines," Stephanie Gonzales said. "And avocados, chiles and tomatoes. It would be easier, and healthier too."But Anthony Curiel, 9, and Angel Ochoa, 7, emerged from the store minutes later with a super-sized soda and a large bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Both were dubious about swapping their snack for something from a farmers market."I wouldn't go," Angel said. "Unless they had Cheetos!" Anthony added.Health advocates say many low-income Central Valley children don't have adult role models when it comes to healthful food and exercise.That's why projects like transforming Stiern Park are so important, said Lopez, the Bakersfield community activist. Once the neighborhood women got energized about cleaning up the park, they gained confidence to make other changes, she said.They organized about 100 neighborhood volunteers and applied for a $10,000 grant from the Chamber of Commerce, then used it to put in a concrete walking path. Now they take their walks on that path. Lydia Ortiz said vigorous exercise helped her lose 28 pounds -- and the need for the insulin, her doctor told her."I've never seen a doctor jump up and down," said the mother of two. "She was so happy."
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-obese5-2008aug05,0,2988090.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-obese25-pg,0,803608.photogallery
California Central Valley fights obesity epidemic
Public health directors join with community groups in Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties.
By Catherine SaillantLos Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 5, 2008
BAKERSFIELD — On a recent day, Maria Velasquez led 25 women in outdoor aerobics at a park in this city's rough southeast district, home to a large farmworker community.Nearby, young children played noisily on well-clipped grass. Wiping sweat from her brow, Velasquez announced she'd lost 80 pounds and, with it, a high risk of diabetes.Elena Marin, who picks grapes and lemons, said she came to Stiern Park three times a week and had lost 20 pounds, with 80 to go. Sonia Molinar, who has shed 15 pounds, said that two years ago she wouldn't go near the park, which was home to drug users, stray dogs and gang graffiti.Then neighbors and community leaders banded together to clean it up. Now the women walk in the park five mornings a week. Molinar brings her daughters. "You keep yourself healthy and you make friends," she said. "Everything is good."Health advocates point to the park's transformation as a success in their new initiative to stem a growing epidemic of obesity in the Central Valley.The national obesity rate has risen for decades, increasing from 15% of the population in 1976 to 33% in 2004, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.In the Los Angeles metropolitan area, more than 58% of residents are obese or overweight, according to a CDC report. The rate is higher still in the farm-rich Central Valley, said organizers of the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program, despite an abundance of fresh produce."We supply the country with cheap food, but the benefit does not come back to us," said Edie Jessup of Fresno's Metro Ministry, a nonprofit working on the issue.Nearly two-thirds of the people living in Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties are obese or overweight, according to the Central California program. More than a third of the region's fifth-, seventh- and ninth-graders have unhealthy weights, a major increase from a decade ago. Armed with statistics, public health directors in the six counties joined with community groups to try to turn the situation around.Organizers of the Central California Regional program say that if communities are to succeed in reversing the trend, leaders need to look not only at what people eat but also at where they live.Access to safe parks and recreation programs is critical, said Jennifer Lopez, a community worker who helped the Stiern Park group navigate City Hall.Also key is making sure fresh produce is easy to buy in neighborhood markets. A recent UCLA study said that the highest obesity rates are in lower-income areas in which convenience stores and fast-food outlets predominate."If they don't have programming, parks and easy, convenient access to fresh foods, they will make unhealthy food choices because that's what is available," said Veva Islas-Hooker, director of the Central California program.Overweight and obese adults are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. As part of the Central California program, each county set up its own obesity prevention council and got to work, Islas-Hooker said. In Fresno, for instance, zoning laws made it difficult to create a farmers market in the city's low-income southeast area. Community groups got the City Council to make changes, said Jessup of Metro Ministry. After three major supermarkets pulled out of the area, the community groups also began trying to lure small markets with fresh produce.Fresno Unified School District appointed a physical education director, a position that did not previously exist. In rural Tulare County, Earlimart and Pixley schools agreed to open play yards after hours. In Kings County, a Kettleman City school district opened school grounds as a community park. Several counties have petitioned the federal government to allow food stamps to be used at flea markets, where people can buy cilantro, chiles and other fresh produce, Islas-Hooker said. Some people respond enthusiastically to the idea.In southeast Fresno, Stephanie and Gustavo Gonzales, who have six young children, had just bought fruit juice at a convenience store near their home when they were asked if they would like to see a farmers market in their neighborhood."I'd buy bananas, strawberries, grapes and nectarines," Stephanie Gonzales said. "And avocados, chiles and tomatoes. It would be easier, and healthier too."But Anthony Curiel, 9, and Angel Ochoa, 7, emerged from the store minutes later with a super-sized soda and a large bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Both were dubious about swapping their snack for something from a farmers market."I wouldn't go," Angel said. "Unless they had Cheetos!" Anthony added.Health advocates say many low-income Central Valley children don't have adult role models when it comes to healthful food and exercise.That's why projects like transforming Stiern Park are so important, said Lopez, the Bakersfield community activist. Once the neighborhood women got energized about cleaning up the park, they gained confidence to make other changes, she said.They organized about 100 neighborhood volunteers and applied for a $10,000 grant from the Chamber of Commerce, then used it to put in a concrete walking path. Now they take their walks on that path. Lydia Ortiz said vigorous exercise helped her lose 28 pounds -- and the need for the insulin, her doctor told her."I've never seen a doctor jump up and down," said the mother of two. "She was so happy."
Monday, August 4, 2008
www.getoutdoorsgeorgia.org
From Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites:
Get Outdoors Georgia (GO Georgia) shows families how easy and fun it is to get outdoors and get fit. Helping to spread the word is our fun loving gopher, who challenges everyone to head to a state park and take advantage of all the opportunities to: Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit.
Get Outdoors Georgia (GO Georgia) shows families how easy and fun it is to get outdoors and get fit. Helping to spread the word is our fun loving gopher, who challenges everyone to head to a state park and take advantage of all the opportunities to: Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit.
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