The DeKalb County Board of Health, Division of Health Assessment and Promotion is currently seeking community volunteers to participate in a focus group on our Status of Health in DeKalb report. We are seeking community opinions and insight on how to make our report clear and understandable for all audiences.
I am recruiting for a focus group to be held at the Board of Health on July 14, 2009 from 11am-1pm. In compensation for your time, a light lunch will be provided.
Please contact me if you are interested or have any questions.
Thanks!
Eryn Marchiolo, MPH, CHES
Health Promotion Coordinator
DeKalb County Board of Health
(404) 294-3775
Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.
The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.
Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.
Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.
The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.
For information call 404-371-8386 or email cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com. For 24-hour information call the Decatur Events Hotline, 404-371-8262, or check this website.
From area resident Suzan Rowe: Did you know that many commonly-used landscape plants are invasive species? An exotic plant is one that is planted outside its natural habitat. While many of these plants are not a problem, some become invasive due to lack of the natural enemies that would otherwise keep them in check. These plants reproduce quickly, displace many of the other species in their domain, and are difficult to eradicate.
Not only can infestations of exotic plants destroy our natural biodiversity, permanently eliminate native plants, and deprive wildlife of food and habitat, they also interfere with navigation, recreation, power generation, water supply, production on agricultural and range lands, and create public health and safely hazards. Landscape plantings and gardens can quickly be overtaken. Some exotics produce chemicals or cause allergic reactions that may harm humans, while others create fire hazards.
The direct monetary costs of attempting to control and alleviate the negative effects of these infestations run into hundreds of millions of dollars annually in the US. These costs are borne by the taxpayers – that means you & me. In addition, the value of our homes can be decreased when invasive species destroy mature trees or overtake vacant lots and wooded areas in the neighborhood.
Some of the most troublesome species in our area are Mimosa, Tree of Heaven, Chinese Privet, Japanese Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, Chinese Wisteria, Kudzu and English Ivy. If you take a walk around the neighborhood or down the SPC trail this week, notice how frequently you see these plants and how they impact the surrounding vegetation. You might be surprised at the severity of the problem.
Following are links to sites that will help with identification and provide more information. In coming issues, we will present techniques to eradicate these invasive plants and suggest native plants alternatives that you can use in your landscape.
http://www.gaeppc.org/list.cfm
http://www.gainvasives.org/
http://www.gwf.org/resources/wildlifehabitats/invasives.html
4 Reasons to Swim for Fitness
Swimming laps: a great way to recharge the body and mind during summer heat.
Now that the dog days of summer are upon us, it's refreshing to head to a lap pool for fitness needs. For many weekend fitness warriors, the ninety-degree heat rules out walking, jogging, or even tennis. Enter lap swimming to pick up the slack.
Because the face is submerged underwater every few seconds, swimming laps requires the lungs to take in large amounts of air. When the swimmer's face tilts up for a breath, the lungs take the opportunity to increase their intake of air. By the end of a half hour or 45-minute swim, fresh oxygen has recharged every muscle and organ in the body.
Swimming is not a resistance activity in the traditional sense, which means it doesn't help strengthen bones the way weight lifting, running, or dancing can. But the flip side of the buoyancy of swimming is that it provides relief to the body's joints. With the weight of the water supporting the swimmer's body, synovial fluid lubricates the joints, allowing for greater mobility once the swimmer walks and runs again.
Muscles
Although swimming laps doesn't strengthen bones, it's a great way to improve muscular strength. Who doesn't admire the smooth, elongated muscles of Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe or US Olympian Michael Phelps?
Mind
The repetitive motion of lap swimming combined with the 30 minutes to an hour that you slice through the water, make it an ideal activity to practice meditation in motion. Leave the cares of the day on the pool deck and let the weight of the water support you. Take deep breaths, and feel the tension in your body fade. The cool turquoise water envelops you and soon your heart and lungs, working in tandem, energize limbs and brain alike.
Tips for an enjoyable swim:
If you're not physically fit, check with a medical doctor before starting a swimming program.
Invest in a comfortable pair of goggles that don't leak. They range from $6.00 to $30.00. Try rubbing some Vaseline around the inside rim of the goggles. It helps prevent water leaking in, and allows you to ease the tightness of the strap.
Wet your hair before swimming, apply hair conditioner, and then put on a bathing cap. Your hair will thank you, since chlorine can turn beautiful locks into straw.
Vary your stroke. Breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle work on different muscles of the body, and give you a rest from the repetitive movements of just one stroke. An informative website for tailor-made workouts is Swim Info.
Use a kickboard to strengthen your legs.
Use a pull bouy between your legs to work on strengthening your upper body.
To keep your swimming spirits bouyant, refer to The United States Masters Swimming.
Read more: http://swimmingdiving.suite101.com/article.cfm/lap_swimming#ixzz0JMZcZP7o&C
Theft prevention tips and instructions to complete an online vacation card are detailed below:
THEFTS USUALLY OCCUR BETWEEN 6AM and 6PM. REMEMBER TO PLACE POWER TOOLS & LAWN EQUIPMENT IN AREAS THAT ARE LOCKED AND NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
ACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH INVOLVEMENT IS ENCOURAGED AND WILL ASSIST DECATUR POLICE OFFICERS IN THEIR EFFORT TO END THIS TYPE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.
REMEMBER TO BE CAUTIOUS OF PEOPLE SOLICITING YARD WORK. ALSO, BE OBSERVANT OF ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL THE POLICE IF YOU SEE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY,
911 IS THE EMERGENCY NUMBER & (404) 373-6551 IS THE NON EMERGENCY NUMBER.
If you and your family are travelling this summer please remember to complete an online vacation card before your travels. The directions to do so are detailed below:
Vacation Card:
-Go to www.decaturga.com
-Underneath New! Open City Hall Forums, Click on Open City Hall
-Underneath News Flash!, Click on “Introducing Decatur Online Communication Management System”
-Underneath News Flash! Introducing Decatur Online Communication Management System, Click on “Make A Request”
-Underneath Request for Services, Click on “Make A Request”
-Underneath Topic Areas, Click on “Public Safety (Police/Fire)” and Click on “Out of Town House Check”
-Complete the form underneath “Contact Details” and submit your request
HAVE A SAFE & ENJOYABLE SUMMER!!!
Decatur Police Department
National Night Out Celebration
On Tuesday August 4th, neighborhoods throughout
This year our event is being held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. We would like to extend a request for you to participate by volunteering your services. We are in need of entertainment (rap, R&B, spoken word and etc.). We are estimating approximately 350 -400 residents will attend this celebration.
As you know we are a non-profit organization that assists people with their housing needs, as well as providing other supportive services. Our organization receives funding through grants, HUD and other programs; therefore, there are limited funds available to provide for this event.
The Decatur Housing Authority looks forward to your participation in this community service event as we join together to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness. For further information, please contact me directly at (404) 373-4491 #12 or via email at mlw@decaturha.org. You may also view the 2007 NNO celebration video and other NNO marketing information on our webpage at www.decaturhousing.org, click on the National Night Out page under Resident Services.
Sincerely,
Melvin L. Whitlock, Sr.
Resident Services Supervisor
Go Green Expo, the nation's premier eco-friendly tradeshow, is coming to The Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA June 26-28. Sponsored in part by WSB-TV, Go Green Expo will showcase the latest and greatest in all things green from fuel efficient cars and natural personal care products to greener gadgets that help us live more sustainably. In addition to over 200 different exhibits, Go Green Expo will also host a variety of panels and presentations. Trees Atlanta will be represented by Director of Communications and Administration, Cheryl Kortemeier, during a presentation on Saturday, June 27 at 3:30pm discussing Conservation & Environment. As a Trees Atlanta supporter, you can enjoy 1/2 priced admission, simply visit http://www.gogreenexpo.com and use promo code GASPEAKER when registering for tickets. We hope to see you there!
Decatur Beach Party
Friday, June 19, 5pm – 12 am
Downtown Decatur (map)
Decatur brings in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event. Dance in the streets to the beach music from the live band. Activities include children's boardwalk games, face painting, wading pools in the sand and more. Adults $6.50 in advance, $10 at the gate; children 12 and under, free (limit two children per paying adult). No coolers, glass or pets allowed. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit downtown improvement projects.
Help support the Decatur Gator Swim Team!
On Tuesday, June 23rd, a portion of every purchase made between 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Decatur Chick-fil-a will go to support the swim team. Please stop by and get some tasty Chick-fil-a food while supporting your city's swim team!
For information on the swim team, please e-mail Maggie at: hamilton.mag@gmail.com.
And if you can't make this Sunday's walk, here are the remaining dates for 2009:
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
One Route to Community Fitness
Which form of exercise is easily accessible, free and can boast the lowest dropout rate of any form of exercise? Walking, and the American Heart Association has teamed up with the American Council on Exercise to offer a program that will help your organization get more people on their feet and moving.
Studies have shown that Americans are increasingly overweight, and American jobs have become more sedentary. What's more, employees are spending 164 more hours per year at those sedentary jobs than they did 20 years ago.
"With over 66 percent of Americans considered overweight or obese, and nearly 70 percent of the population not engaging in regular light to moderate physical activity five times a week or vigorous activity three or more times per week, we realized there was a dire need to incorporate more walking into people's daily routines," said Timothy Gardner, M.D., AHA president. "Just a few extra steps each day is a simple and easy way to take an active role in maintaining a significantly healthier life."
So on April 8, the AHA celebrated National Start! Walking Day, getting people from all walks of life to head out for a 30-minute trek on walker-friendly paths in cities across the country. But the fun doesn't stop there.
The AHA has collaborated with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), America's leading fitness authority, to develop walking plans for people of various ability levels. The free, downloadable plans and a list of walking paths in various cities are available at StartWalkingNow.org.
Why walking?
In addition to its easy accessibility and low dropout rates, walking provides many health benefits.
"As you know, walking is beneficial to health," said ACE's Julia Valentour, a programs coordinator who helped develop the walking programs. She added that it reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, as well as combating high blood pressure and lowering the risk for breast cancer and premature death. "The benefits go on and on," Valentour said. "It's low-risk and easy to do. It's great to get people out, and now that it's spring, it's the perfect time to get people started on a walking program."
Valentour said there are seven programs altogether, each designed for varying levels of fitness and different goals, such as weight loss or health. "There are also two made for people who are really busy who can't seem to fit it in, the time-crunched," she added.
The workouts are "great for improving aerobic fitness, even for beginners," Valentour said. "When people are encouraged to get out and walk, they'll often stick to their usual route and pace. To improve fitness, the concept of overload needs to be incorporated." The Start! programs, by incorporating the overload principle through increased time, frequency and effort, encourage walkers to build their fitness levels over time.
"We also encourage alternate activity days, where they can rake leaves, do yoga, go for a bike ride or do other activities."
Find materials and articles that support the program online at StartWalkingNow.org, and get your community involved.
Season Pool Passes
City of Decatur Residents (please provide proof of residency)
Individual (2-13 yrs) $50
Individual (14-59 yrs) $60
Household (5 or less) $125
Household (5 or more) $125 + 10 additional member
Non-City Residents
Individual (3-13 yrs) $85
Individual (14-59 yrs) $95
Household (5 or fewer) $175
Household (5 or more) $175 + 10 additional member
