Poor bone health may start early in people with multiple sclerosis

Osteoporosis and low bone density are common in people in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study published in the July 12, 2011, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

"We've known that people who have had MS for a long time are at a greater risk of low bone density and broken bones, but we didn't know whether this was happening soon after the onset of MS and if it was caused by factors such as their lack of exercise due to lack of mobility, or their medications or reduced vitamin D from lack of sun exposure," said study author Stine Marit Moen, MD, of Oslo University Hospital Ulleval in Norway.

Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of MS. Low vitamin D levels can lead to reduced calcium absorption and bone mineralization, or the process the body uses to turn minerals into bone structure.

"Our hypothesis was that if vitamin D exerts a major effect on the risk of MS, then the effects of low vitamin D levels on bone density would be apparent soon after the onset of MS," Moen said.

The study involved 99 people with an average age of 37 who were recently diagnosed with MS or clinically isolated syndrome, which means they had a first episode of symptoms like those in MS but have not yet been diagnosed with the disease. All had no or minor physical disability from the disease.

The participants had bone density tests an average of 1.6 years after the first time they had any symptoms suggestive of MS. Their tests were compared to bone tests of 159 people of similar age, gender and ethnicity who did not have the disease.

A total of 51 percent of those with MS had either osteoporosis or osteopenia, compared to 37 percent of those who did not have the disease. Osteoporosis is a disease where low bone density causes the bones to become thin and brittle, making them more likely to break. Osteopenia is low bone density that is less severe than osteoporosis but puts a person at risk for osteoporosis.

The results remained the same after researchers adjusted for other factors that can affect bone density, such as smoking, alcohol use and hormone treatment.

"These results suggest that people in the early stages of MS and their doctors need to consider steps to prevent osteoporosis and maintain good bone health," Moen said. "This could include changing their diet to ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium levels, starting or increasing weight-bearing activities and taking medications."

The study was supported by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Ulleval University Hospital, Odd Fellow Research Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, Endowment of K. and K. H. Hemsen and Endowment of Fritz and Ingrid Nelson.

Journal Reference:

S. M. Moen, E. G. Celius, L. Sandvik, L. Nordsletten, E. F. Eriksen, T. Holmoy. Low bone mass in newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome. Neurology, 2011; 77 (2): 151 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182242d34 

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Pre-pregnancy diet affects the health of future offspring, mouse study suggests

Poor maternal diet before conception can result in offspring with reduced birth weights and increased risk of developing type II diabetes and obesity.

This work, which is being presented at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Glasgow, used an animal model to illustrate the importance of maternal diet even before pregnancy begins.

During the study mice that were fed a low protein diet for ten weeks before conception (but had a normal diet during pregnancy) gave birth to offspring that had lower birth weights, showed catch-up growth after weaning and increased insulin sensitivity.

These effects combined can lead to problems later in life. MSc researcher, Ms Anete Dudele, from the University of Aarhus, explains: "Low birth weight and catch-up growth is associated with enhanced insulin-sensitivity in young adults, this then deteriorates into insulin resistance and type II diabetes with increased age. There is also evidence that male offspring are more likely to develop obesity."

Humans and mice respond in the same way to poor diet during pregnancy; their offspring show low birth weights and increased risk of obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. "If humans respond in the same way as mice to pre-conception diet as well then women should not only consider what they eat during pregnancy but also before pregnancy if they want to reduce the risk of their future children acquiring lifestyle diseases," says Ms. Dudele.

Cardiovascular disease is often associated with obesity and type II diabetes and future research by the team will determine whether offspring born to mothers who had poor pre-conception diets are predisposed to these types of problems as well.

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Winter 2011 Entire Newsletter

Entire Winter 2011 Newsletter is available below.Region 8 Newsletter Winter 2011ALL REGIONAL ENTRIES WILL BE ONLINE FOR 2011 Every gym needs to set up their roster NOW ahead of the State meet. The roster is kept in MeetMaker forever so after state meet you will just have to go to the registration page. All you will need is internet access and their MeetMaker login info (for apple users Safari does not work they will need to use FireFox or NetScape) to enter your athletes in Level 7 & 8, Level 9 & 10 and/or PREP Regionals. Go to www.meetmaker.com to set up roster. Detailed instructions below.There are help pages on the MeetMaker help page you can print these out and they will show you what you should see. At any time you can contact Jason Braun support@meetmaker.com or call 336 407 0896Create a PROFILE for your gym in MeetMaker (by clicking "New Gym"), the login email is where all MeetMaker email will be sent this includes; lost password and, the registration and online payment information email sent to them. Fill in all fields Address, phone, etc.Scroll down and click the "Add Organization" button; select the organization you belong too (you can have more than one org. in a gyms profile), fill in the number field and expiration date and if you are "Active" or "Pending". Then click "SAVE"Click the "MY ROSTER" link this will set up your roster so you can enter meets. You can enter the gymnast manually by clicking "Add New Gymnast" (you must fill in all fields for your roster to be saved then go to step 15) or you can load your roster from the USA-Gymnastics web page see below:To load a gyms roster from the USAG site (you will need a USAG login number and password). You will need to use FireFox or Internet Explorer for this; Apple Safari will not pick up all the data. (If you are computer savvy follow the instruction on the download page in MeetMaker they are not as detailed and then pick up at step 15)1.     Click the Import link in the box on top of the gymnast roster.2.     Scroll down to the Import Roster instructions3.     In Step 1 click the Link to open a USAG page window or tab (this depends on your browser and settings)4.     On the USAG web page click the link that says OBTAIN CLUB ROSTER5.     You will need to enter your USAG User name and password6.     In the search grid type in the 6 digit club number in the CLUB ID box (if there are only 5 numbers in a clubs ID put the number 0 in front of it to make it 6 numbers)7.     Click the SUBMIT button8.      You can click the "EDIT" on the menu bar and then click "SELECT ALL" or hold the "CTRL" key on your keyboard and then the "A" key. This should highlight or grey out all the words on the USAG page.9.     You can then click the "EDIT" on the top menu bar and then click "COPY" or hold the "CTRL" key on your key board and then the "C" key. (Nothing will change at this point do not click any other keys, as it will not keep the info to copy)10.Go Back to the MeetMaker import window or tab scroll down below Step 6 and click the "RIGHT" mouse button in the box that says "PASTE TEXT HERE"11.You can click the "EDIT" on the menu bar and then click "PASTE" or hold the "CTRL" key on your keyboard and then the "V" key. This will put all the text in the box.12.Select the Gender of the gymnast you want to import13.Click the "IMPORT" button, click this only once. (if you click it twice it might not copy all the data, if it is a large team it may take some time)14.This will take you back to the "MY ROSTER" page. All the new gymnast info will be highlighted (the color depends on your browser and settings)15.Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the "SAVE ROSTER" button (if you exit this page or click another link without clicking "SAVE" it will not save the import)16.You will need to edit the levels of the Prep Optional gymnast if you are using a different name other then "PREP OPT" for these levels in your meet entries or if your gymnast is competing a different level than they are registered in USAG use the [+] to open a gymnast info.17.Scroll down and click "SAVE ROSTER" if you did step 1618.To enter a coach you will have to do this manually click the "Add New Coach"(if you are not taking coaches registrations you do not need to do this) if you are filling this info out you will need to fill out all fields including the "ACTIVE/PENDING" field, and use the level "GYMNASTICS COACH" in the level grid.19.Scroll down and click "SAVE ROSTER" if you did step 18 To enter a club in the meet (Use internet explorer for best results or Mac users can use FireFox):1.     Go to the "MEETS" link on the top menu bar of MeetMaker.2.     Scroll down until you see the meet you want to enter.3.     Click the "CLICK HERE TO REGISTER" link on the right side of the meet you want to register for.4.     For each gymnast attending the meet you will need to click the "Register" box next to their name.5.     If they are going to count for the team score then click the "Team Member" box next to their name. (some browser total the number of gymnast some do not)6.     If there is a special request for a gymnast you can enter this in the "NOTES" field and the other fields that apply to that gymnast of that gymnast.7.     Scroll down and enter coaches if they are taking registration for these.8.     Scroll down and click "CONTINUE" to go the registration confirmation page.9.     On this page you will have to enter payment information if it is an online payment meet.10.The check the "TERMS AND CONDITIONS" box, enter any request for the registering gym and enter your password.11.Scroll down and click the "SUBMIT REGISTRATION" button.12.This will open a confirmation number page; this will be emailed to the registering gym and the meet director.If you have selected a gymnast for Petition, the gymnast will not be charges to your account until they are approved for the meet.You can link right to the MeetMaker page here is the links for the different meetsIMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COACHES OF REGIONAL QUALIFIERSEACH COACH IS RESPONCIBLE FOR ENTERING THEIR OWN ATHLETES ONLINE AT www.meetmaker.com by MIDNIGHT THE MONDAY AFTER STATE MEET.Please be sure that you have ALL necessary information at your State Meet to enter your gymnasts in the Regional Meets -- USAG athlete number, birthdate, etc. – ALL Regional entries will be done online.Regional Commitment forms MUST be turned in to your State Chairman (or designated official) at your State Meet -- within the specified time.If a gymnast's Regional Meet Commitment form is NOT turned in at the State Meet; in order to enter the gymnast(s) in the Regional Meet the following penalty will apply to the coach:- a $25.00 late fee per gymnast (in addition to the regular entry fee) must be paid to the Regional Meet DirectorPLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR GYMNAST HAS QUALIFIED (according to the official announcement of qualifiers) -- AND ENTER HER ONLINE PROPERLY WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME.PETITIONS: (No petitions for PREP, Level 7 or 8 Regionals)1. Any petitions should be mailed to the RTC, Marian Dykes -- it is YOUR responsibility to get all information needed for petitions.2. Marian must RECEIVE petition NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY following State Meet.3. You should call, FAX or E-mail Marian to notify her that a petition is coming. (770-451-6910 Ph, 770-457-0943 Fax or Marian )4.      All petitioning gymnasts must be entered online. Payment will not be processed until petition is approved.5.    Complete Petition Form available online at www.region8gymnastics.org. Fax a copy of Petition Form to 6.    A photocopy of one pre-state, sanctioned meet results from the current season (at the level to which they        are petitioning) showing a score at least one (1.00) point greater than the regional qualifying score.To be allowed onto the floor of competition, all coaches MUST show their current USA Gymnastics pro membership card with Safety Certification and Background Check expiration dates at Coaches sign in. Level 9 & 10 coaches - you need to have with you ALL necessary information to enter your gymnasts in the National meets - entry fees will be paid by Tim Rand Fund. You will need club checks for any JO National apparel that you wish to purchase.CHECK REGION 8 WEB PAGE FOR REGIONAL MEET SCHEDULES!Petition Form for Level 9 & 10 RegionalsPetition form for Level 9 and 10 Regionals is available here.  All petitions are due by Wednesday after your Level 9 & 10 State Meet. You may enter petitioned gymnasts at meetmakers.com and payment will not be due until petition is approved.Region 8 Committee Minutes from 12/17/2010Debby Kornegay – RACC                                    Jon Aardema – GAMarian Dykes – RTCC                                    Jackie Latino – LABrad Harris – RJOCC                                    Nancy Hawkins – MSDeb Walls – AL                                                Jennie Adams – NCToni Rand – FL                                                Joanne Child – SCBeginning Items on agenda led by Deb K:·      Appointed Jennie Adams as secretary.·      Thank you notes received since the last meeting in September were distributed.·      Circulated Committee address and information sheet to be updated·      Handed out a copy of current Operating Code·      Went over calendar changes to be placed in Planner – listed in bold on pink sheet. Changes occurred for 2012 because of a shift in date of NCAA Nationals·      Made members aware of Region 8 Rules and Regulation Compilation sheet with changes in orange.·      Deb presented a sheet showing the Regional and States finances obtained from the new USAG Accounting site. She asked for questions and concerns. SACC's asked that the categories for deposits and expenses be updated to better reflect the Quarterly report categories.·      Deb presented an account of the Region 8 Travel Fund (used for National champion's reward trip). As of 11/30 there was $20,690.79 in the fund.·      Deb informed the Committee that she had closed out the Hurricane Fund because the balance had returned to the amount of the original seed money which came from the Region 8 account.In-Gym Card/Availability Information – Changes needed for the 2012 card:·      The Judges' Availability form should be submitted at the same time as the In-Gym Card.·      Clarification is needed stating that "Levels Judged" should be listed by a day's worth of a Level and not just by the whole meet judged.·      Delete the wording for "how many meets does a judge expect to judge" and replace with "Did you judge"·      Add Sheila Ragle's fax number if available.·      Scanning and emailing the forms is acceptable.2009 Level 9 & 10 Financial was presented. The meet at Vanderbilt University in Nashville reported expenses of $59,043.81 and Income of $65,368.00.Deb stated that the Regional newsletter deadline was 1-4-11.·      Jackie Latino, Meet Director for 9/10 Regional stated that contracts for equipment, arena (Alario Center) and hotels have been approved and finalized. The sanction has been received. Downtown hotels were booked because of the variety of activities that are available there. The Alario Center is only about 12-15 minutes from the heart of downtown New Orleans.Level 7/8 Regional Update and Leotard/Breast Cancer Fund Update·      The Georgia All Stars Gymnastics has submitted hotel, facility, and equipment contracts to Deb. Deb W and Nancy H have taken the lead on working with GymKin representative, Mary, for breast-cancer related leotards this year. They presented a photo of a tank leo from GK that has the name of the state and an "8" in crystals for about $28. The leotards are black with clear crystals and the breast cancer icon is pink. Mary will hand out the ordered leotards at Regionals if she is chosen as the provider·      The cost of the long sleeve leotard is $34.56, but the state name may not be placed on the team leo. Only the Region "8" shall be in crystals. All states shall use the same black warm up but may individualize the bling, including the state name if the state wants. Tanks are optional for each state. ·      Brad Harris stated that the hotels are booked. Lightning City will be the equipment provider. The facility will be able to accommodate three competitive areas – A, B, & C sets of equipment. The officials for the meet will be housed at a facility called Shore Walk.·      Deb asked that the SACC provide her with an estimate of the number (straw poll) of Prep Optionals from each state by level – Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum, by the end of January to help with better planning for the size of the Regional meet.Regional Congress speaker and presentation suggestions:·      Deb would like to have local people from the MS or LA area for some of the presentations. ·      A therapist named Gina Pongetti was suggested as being a good choice.·      Other names included Pat Panichas, Ludmilla Shobe, Marian Dykes, Brad Harris, Evelyn Chandler, Bryan Neal, Johnnie Moyal, Vladimir Novikov, Bashem, Steven Arkel, Chris Burdett, Kim Zmeskel, and Salina Peco.·      Jennie suggested that NC had been having a series of Prep clinics for coaches and judges that could work into a good presentation.·      Ideas include: ideas for work with autistic children, Acro presentations from the New Orleans area, ideas for acquiring funding from grants, a legal expert who also knows gymnastics, how to run a Regional Meet.·      Deb K will work with the National office about reliable video equipment and additional registration help.Recommendation to have the Regional Congress' date to be set for the second weekend in July 2012. (July 13, 14, & 15).2nd                        J Latino            It was suggest that the 2012 Regional Congress be set in Nashville, TN.Recommendation that the only auction held at Regional Congress be a silent auction before the banquet.2nd                        J Adams            Recommendation that each state continue the $1000 donation with an initial contribution of $500 and a second donation of up to $500 as requested by the Regional Chair.2nd                        T Rand            Deb K presented the 2010 Region 8 Congress report. The total returned to the Region 8 account was $27,306.47.Deb K handed out nameplates to those present that are in the Region 8 Hall of Fame to be attached to the Hall of Fame Awards indicating the date that the honor was received and the reason for the award. Deb K will send the nameplates to the rest of the former honorees. She asked for nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame.Dates for 2012 Training Camps – Bid requests will come at later date.·      July 20-22, 2012                        7/8 Training Camp·      September 7-9, 2012            National Training Camp·      October 5-7, 2012                        8-10 Training CampToni Rand reported that the TRMF would like to provide funds for Level 10 National entries in the amount of $5600.00 and the Level 9 Eastern entries in the amount of $9600.00. Marian Dykes asked that the SACC create a way to get information to the parents and vendors at each State Meet to encourage donations to help augment the Fund. This effort will help the fund become sustainable, without working from the principal. The fund is a 403-B tax deductive donation. In order to information to parents, banner will be created (Brad H) and and one per state - 8 plus 4 for Regionals printed (by John Williams) for distribution at State Meets. A TRMF donation table should be set up at State and Regional events. Announcements are encouraged at Awards and during meets.12:10 pm                         Break for arrival of lunch (Working lunch)Deb K led a discussion about how to have better understanding of what is needed from host sites and organizations when running a Regional Meet. The discussion led to the following recommendations:·      Host sites should request a bid packet by a certain date. This would give the Region 8 Committee an indication of how many bids might be expected for each meet.·      There shall be an Intent-to-Bid-for-a-Regional-Meet form on the website which will give the host an idea of what's involved in running a Regional Meet. This shall include a cover page for the meet director packet.·      Include a session at Regional Congress titled "So you want to run a Regional Meet?"·      Impress that the host and site for Regionals is a vessel for what is needed by the Regional Director. The host and site are the support system.Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 7/8 Training Camp from Broadway Gymnastics.2nd                        N Hawkins            Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 8/9/10 Training Camp from GAA.2nd                        T Rand            Passed unanimously             J Aardema recused himself.Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 National Team Training Camp from Orlando Metro.2nd                        T Rand            ·      No changes were requested for National Judges or 9/10 Regionals or 7/8 Regionals.·      PREP Regional judges are being finalized.Nancy Hawkins requested a discussion about the need to have all judges at Prep Regionals up to date and experienced in using the Regional Prep rules. Marian indicated that all judges (at any meet) need to be very cautious about side remarks that might be inappropriate or misunderstood while in a public forum. Toni Rand pointed out that in the past the committee has always had confidence in the professionalism of all of our judges to come to ALL of our regional competitions prepared to judge even judges that have had limited experience at level 9/10 due to smaller numbers of athletes in their state at this level - Toni stated that she had full confidence in the experience of all the judges assigned to the PO regional meet. Recommendation that when judges from each state are assigned to a Regionals (9/10, 7/8, and Prep Optionals), the Regional 8 Committee should make the effort to not assign a single judge to more than one Regional.2nd                        T Rand            ·      Brad Harris showed apparel samples. It was suggested that the coaches' shirts be wine, black, and gray. Everyone like the style of the samples.·      Brad indicated that the Coach of the Year criteria is on the website. He would like for each state's Coach of the Year be recognized at the Level 9/10 Regionals.·      E-mail sign-ups will be at Regionals for the Junior-Senior book for any athletes interested in submitting information for the Region 8 Excel file sent to NCAA gymnastics coaches.·      Deb K referred to the Regional Competition Fees needed from each state based on the number of gymnasts registered with USAG. She also included a history of the total number of gymnasts in each state from 1998-2010.·      Deb indicated that updated and necessary Regional forms were in the meeting packet.·      Deb K indicated that the new Regional Meet Commitment Form will help a Regional Meet know how many gymnasts plan to attend Regionals after qualifying from States. This form is also on Region8gymnastics.org.·      Accepted petition list are emailed back to state chairs. April 4th is the deadline to hear something back from Marian.·      Alternate Information form is not required to be sent to Deb. Chairs may use if they wish. A column might be added to find out if the cell phone listed accepts texts.·      Since all Regional Meet entries will be electronic, Deb K indicated that State Chairs need to encourage every team in the Region to register on MeetMaker now. Then only a download is needed later if the gymnasts qualify. After each State meet – just click who has qualified. If the state pays for the entries – Deb will try to get Jason (MeetMaker) to give us a code. Each coach is responsible for entering his/her own gymnast.   If clubs pay the entry fees individually, then they have to get it done by midnight Monday following States.·
Deb K needs            
a) meet commitment form                                               
b) State meet score sheet in rank order with no spaces                                               
c) an idea of who's going to Prep Regionals                                               
d) email with numbers of Level 7's 
The last two sheets of papers need to be given to the coaches before state meet.·      RTC & JO's last meeting was a working meeting. Interpretations of rules and practice judging. Next year the committees will be working on the new routines. The form for next National/Brevet's course is online. Part of the criteria includes indication of volunteer experience. The Committees are looking for a higher standard for the judges. An added criterion is the "expectation for volunteer hours". Definition is on the form. National NAWGJ needs to be on Judges Availability form in or to place all information on one form.·      Check the minutes from the meeting from November Tech meeting. The committee is trying to being responsive to the coaching community. Behavior and on floor activities of judges was largest topic of the discussion. ·      July 14th – 9:00 am at Regional Congress hotel for Committee meeting before Regional Congress. ·      State Chair workshop at Disney on June 6th & 7th. Thurs would be Prep & L4, Fri 4 &5 &, Sat.6 & 7 and 8 and Elite National Qualifier on Sunday. ·      Congress – St. Paul, MN, Thursday August 17 through Sunday August 21, 2011.·      Deb K suggested that the SACC's review the page 16 of Operational Code for regulations concerning the removal of a member from the Regional Committee.·      Deb K presented nominations that had been received for the 2011 Hall of Fame.Cindy Lacrotando                        Kenny Morphis            Draha Krzova           Mary Ann Wallace                        Cindy Prokana            Becky OppenheimerBrenda Eberhardt                        Doug McAvinn             Ludmilla ShobeAdded by e-mail vote 1/26/2011 Bob Moore·      In the future the Committee might consider the creation of a definition of the possible categories or written criteria for entrance into the Hall of Fame. Procedurally, a quorum of 80% must be in attendance at the meeting in which voting takes place. 75% of all in attendance are needed for a candidate to be inducted. ·      Members voted. The results are:Kenny Morphis, Ludmilla Shobe, Doug McAvinn, Bob Moore and Mary Ann Wallace were elected to Hall of Fame.·      Brad Harris stated that the National Travel Service (NTS) had blocked 100 rooms for Region 8 at Level 10 Nationals, just 2 blocks away from the venue. He will send 2 email reminders that host hotels will be in congratulation packets. He requested that individuals (teams/parents) not make reservations on their own for the gymnasts. Region 8 will take care of that.2nd                         J Latino            Motion by e-mail vote 1/18/2011Recommendation that the regional judging policy be changed to read: In order to be considered for Easterns or JO Nationals, a judge must judge, coach or assist in the running of the meet as a regional officer.2nd                         L Corrigan            The 2011 class of the Region 8 Hall of Fame are listed below. Please join us as we honor these outstanding volunteers, coaches, and pioneers in Region 8 gymnastics at the Region 8 banquet at Region 8 Congress Saturday, July 16, 2011.Level 9 Eastern National HotelI really apologize for this. It has been just impossible to find the 125 + rooms that we will need to keep everybody together and it is not a good idea to book a number too small to get everybody in. It would be wise for coaches from gym's that know that they are going to be there go to Eastern's Website to book rooms. FYI - Region 8's designated training time at the DCU Center is Thursday, May 5th from 8:30-11:00. We will have a meeting at the center at 8:00 to distribute apparel. Effective January 1, 2011, the rate for mileage reimbursement for judges is $.51/mile to reflect the recent in the IRS standard mileage rate for 2011.·      Judges and Coaches - Please make sure your membership, and all other requirements are up to date. This includes you USAG membership, safety certification and background check.  USAG does not necessarily remind you. Remember, you cannot be on the floor of a competition unless all three of the above are up to date. Neither the Meet Director nor the Meet Referee can waive this rule.·      Coaches – Please make sure your athletes' memberships are current. There is not always an Internet connection at a competition to do a renewal on the spot. It is your responsibility as a coach to have each athlete's name, birthday and membership number with you. The Region 8 Age Group Availability Form for regionals has a new look. There is now only one form to complete for Level 9 & 10, Level 7 & 8, and Prep Opt Regionals. In addition, the in-gym experience card is now part of this form. In other words, they should be submitted together. Completed forms must be received with In Gym Card between April 1, 2011 and May 15, 2011 to be eligible to judge any 2012 Region 8. This form must be sent to Marian Dykes with a copy to Sheila Ragle. Failure to respond by May 15, 2011 indicates you DO NOT wish to be considered for the above mentioned meets. Remember May 15, 2011 is a receipt date.Region 8 USAG is pleased to announce that the $100.00 entry fee for Level 10 National Championships and Level 9 Eastern Championships is being paid for by the Tim Rand Memorial Fund. This fund was started shortly after Mr. Rand's passing in August of 2008. Tim Rand was a former Region 8 Elite Chairman, Junior Olympic Chairman and National Team Coach. Tim was also widely known as one of the most generous and successful JO coaches in American history. Tim's wife Toni, runs this fund through Region 8 in support of our great athletes and coaches.To keep this wonderful fund running strong we are asking for donations of any amount. Checks can be written to Region 8 USAG and given to any Region 8 Committee member. Please write "TRMF" on the memo line.The Tim Rand Fund was established in 2007 after the passing of one of our most successful coaches in Region 8. Since that time the fund has raised over $45,000 with ALL proceeds going directly back to our athletes, coaches and judges. The TRF has used funds to sponsor educational opportunities, for athlete support and the National entry fee for our Level 10 athletes($5600) for the last 2 seasons and this year will be paying the National entry fee for both our Eastern and JO National athletes ($16,800). Due to the tax deductible donations by many Region 8 clubs, coaches, judges, parents and friends the fund continues to grow and to do bigger and better things. However, we need your help and hope that everyone will consider making a contribution to this fund.   Our goal is to continue to pay the $100 entry fee per athlete for all of our Region 8 Eastern and JO National qualifiers for years to come as well as continuing to support education opportunities for all our coaches and judges. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and be put to good use.   Please make your tax deductible donation today! Make checks payable to Region 8 and indicate TRF on the memo line of the check. You may turn in the donation in to your State or Regional Chairman or mail the donation to:A letter acknowledging your contribution will be mailed to you for tax purposes. Please fill in form below with the requested information so that we can send you this letter.

 

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Summer 2011 Entire Newsletter

Entire Summer 2011 Region 8 USA Gymnastics Newsletter available below.Level 7 & 8 and 9 & 10 Regional PhotosPhotos from Level 7 & 8 and Level 9 & 10 Regionals are available under PHOTOS.  Special thanks to Shelley Photography for providing Level 7 & 8 photos.  Please go to Shelley photography to order prints.National Team Training Camp HotelHoliday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Universal Orlando
5605 Major Blvd
Orlando, Fl 32819
(407) 363-1333
1-800-465-4329
Across the street from Universal Studios

Room Rate:  Standard Room  Sleeps 4  $89.00
Suite                   Sleeps 6  $109.00

Group: Orlando Metro Gymnastics
Dates blocked is September 8th – 11th
Online booking code is OMS

Deluxe Continental Breakfast Included

Deadline to book rooms is August 26, 2011Level 8, 9 & 10 Training Camp HotelGroup Name: REGION 8 GAA MEET
Group Code: GA8
Check-in: 27-SEP-2011
Check-out: 05-OCT-2011
Hotel Name:
Embassy Suites Atlanta - Kennesaw Town Center
Hotel Address:
620 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144Your web page address is HERE

Phone Number: 800-362-2779 or 770-420-2505

Level 7 & 8 Training Camp HotelHotel for Level 7 & 8 Training Camp, July 22-24, 2011Courtyard Marriott
Orlando East/UCF
12000 Collegiate Way
Orlando, FL 32817

phone: 1-407-277-7676

Rate: $89.00+tax Includes Breakfast

Brad Harris and the Tampa Bay Turners staff voted USAG JO Coaches of the year!Brad Harris and the staff of Tampa Bay Turners were voted USA Gymnastics Coaches of the year by the JO Committee.  Congratulations to Brad and his entire staff for all they do for their athletes and Region 8!  Take time now to congratulate Brad and his coaches.I am writing to all of you with an urgent request.One of our own, "Jim Gault," who coaches in Columbia, South Carolina is in a battle for his life. His prostate cancer has returned and spread. The medical cost are spiraling out of control. Living on retirement and Social Security plus trying to work part time in the age group program isn't enough to cover the massive health costs. For example, Jim recently spent 8 days in the hospital with pneumonia which cost $52,000 dollars. What Medicare doesn't cover, Jim will be responsible for.Because of the problem we are beginning a national campaign to raise medical funds for Jim. He coached at the University of Arizona for 18 years after many years in the Age Group Program and the Elite Program. After moving to South Carolina, he began working for a former gymnast who owns a gym there. For more information about his coaching career please google "Jim Gault."An account for Jim has been established at Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama and I will be the coordinator. Regions Bank has an office near Jim's home in Leesville, South Carolina.You may also wish to contact Jim with cards, letters, email, or by phone. I know from personal experience how uplifting hearing from everyone can be.The Jim Gault Fund
Regions Bank
c/o Robert Dillard
3433 Chapel Lane
Birmingham, Al 35226
205-823-3498 home
205-527-5455 cell
Email Dillard1640@aol.com2011 PREP Regional Results available HERE.  State Team Photos under PHOTO tab.It is time to fill out information for 2011-2012 Region 8 Address Book.  This book is only as good as the information you provide!  PLEASE take time to fill out the form.Level 9 & 10 Regional results are posted HERE.The Level 7 & 8 Regional results are HERE.The election for USAG Regional Administrative Committee Chairman was held last Spring. Debby Kornegay was the only nominee, therefore was elected by acclamation.Nominations for USAG State Administrative Committee Chairman will be requested in January 2012. Elections will be held April 1-15, 2012.USA Gymnastics presented service awards recently at the State Chairman workshop. Congratulations to Jackie Latino, LA State Chairman and Larry Corrigan, TN State Chairman receiving a 5 year service award. Debby Kornegay, Region 8 Administrative Committee Chairman, received a 35 year service award.Region 8 Calendar is online at HERERegion 8 Congress will be held July 14-17, 2011 in New Orleans, LA. Come join us for wonderful lectures, Hall of Fame induction, National Champion presentation, Auction, Safety Course, Judges test and HOT Course. Go here to register today!Region 8 would like to thank Becky Oppenheimer and her staff at Georgia All Stars for a fabulous job hosting Level 7 & 8 Regionals. Also Jackie Latino, Brenda Eberhardt and LA USAG for a outstanding job hosting Level 9 & 10 Regionals. And also Brad Harris, Colleen Barger and Tampa Bay Turner staff for a great job hosting PREP Regionals.Region 8 sent in $750.00 to the Susan G Koman fund. These funds were gathered at the Level 7 & 8 Regional competition. Thanks for your contributions.Region 8 will assign bids for 2013 competitions and 2012 Training Camps in the December Region 8 Committee meeting. Please submit all bid forms by December 1, 2011. If you have any Level 9 or 10 athletes who are interested in NCAA competition, please have them submit information at SO/JR Form This information will be placed into a spreadsheet which will be sent to all NCAA gymnastics coaches.Congratulations to the following Level 9 and 10 athletes who either won first place on a event or all around or were member of a first place team at Nationals.India            Anderson     Aiken Gymnastics                              Team Jr 6Jessica         Baines          Noma's School of Gymnastics                     BeamKatie             Becker          Everest Gymnastics                           Vault and BeamTelah            Black             JamJev Gymnastics                            Team Jr 6Anna             Bowers         Southeastern Gymnastics     Beam, Floor and AABailey           Broussard    Acadiana Gymnastics            Team Jr 3Diana           Chesnok       Southeastern Gymnastics     Vault and Team Jr 2Erika             DeLaCruz      Florida Gymnastics Training Center           Team Jr 2Kaylee          Dowell         Shooting Star Gymnastics     AA and Team Sr 1Mollie          Drenth          Golden City Gymnastics         FloorMohini         Gharpure     Roswell Gymnastics               Team Jr 3Anna             Glenn           Southeastern Gymnastics     Floor and Team Jr 3Grace            Glenn           Southeastern Gymnastics     Vault, Beam, AA & Team Jr 3Skylar           Haas             Columbia Gym Aerials           Team Jr 3Kennedi       Harris           Gymnastics Academy of Academy   Team Sr 1Maegan       Higdon         Brandy Johnson's Global Gymnastics        Team Sr 1Brooke         Kelly              Mountain Brook Gymnastics           FloorSelma           Lemezan      LaFleur's Gymnastics Largo Team Sr 1Erica             Mann            LaFleur's Gymnastics Tampa           Bars, Beam and Team Jr 6Megan          McCelland   Southeastern Gymnastics     AA and BarsCharlee        Miller           LaFleur's Gymnastics Tampa           Bars and Team Jr 3Kendal         Moss             Everest Gymnastics                Beam and Team Jr 2Kensleigh    Owens          Southeastern Gymnastics     AA and Team Jr 6Tori               Prati              Brandy Johnson's Global Gymnastics        Team Jr 2Emily            Schild           Everest Gymnastics                AA and Team Jr 2Annsley        Shivers         Northwind Gymnastics          Team Jr 6Rachel          Slocum         Sonshine Gymnastics            Floor and Team Sr 1Danielle      Vahala         Summerville Gymnastics       BeamNicole          Wild              Southeastern Gymnastics     Bars and Team Jr 6Ashley          Williams      Top Notch Gymnastics           Team Sr 1Graycn          Wood            Everest Gymnastics                Team Jr 2Abbie Rose Zoeller         Gymnastix                                Team Jr 6Katie                  Bailey                 High Point Gymnastics          Floor and AAAmanda             Huang                Northwind Gymnastics          BarsLevel 10 National Team MembersMyia             Hambrick     West GeorgiaSarah           Persinger     SoutheasternAja               Sims             Brandy Johnson'sMorgan Smith           Brandy Johnson'sKeely McNeer                        Gymsports AmericaPlease join use for a great weekend!!! Region 8 provides Training Camps for Level 7 –Elite athletes. In July we have a camp for Level 7 & 8 athletes who competed at Regionals. The first of September we have a camp for Level 9 and 10 athletes who competed at Level 9 Easterns, NIT, JO Nationals and Elite Nationals. At the end of September, first of October there is a camp for Level 8, 9 & 10 athletes who qualified to Regionals. Please use this form to register your athletes.  Training Camp FormsIf you have athletes who were injured during 2011 regionals please contact Deb Kornegay for petition form.The 2011 Region 8 NAWGJ Symposium will be held with the Level 8, 9 & 10 Training Camp at GAA in Kennesaw, GA. All coaches and judges registered for Training Camp may attend symposium lectures. Please use Training Camp forms if you would like to attend.    Training Camp FormsIn 2011 the Tim Rand Fund was able to pay the $100.00 entry fee for all Level 9 Eastern and Level JO Nationals competitors! We would love to be able to do this every year. We need your help. If every club donated $100.00, if every athlete donated $10, If every coach and judge donated $20, we could continue to help the athletes Tim loved. Entry fee for Level 9 Easterns and JO Nationals increased to $125 for the 2012 season. Please donate with this form! Region 8 will keep the Regional PREP rules that were produced last summer. There will be some clarifications that will be published at Region 8 Congress. The name of the PREP program will be changed by USA Gymnastics to Xcel. In 2013 the Xcel program will go NATIONAL with nationally set rules.The 2011-2012 edition of the Region 8 Address Book will be available at Region 8 Congress. Get the most updated contact information available in book form and in an excel spreadsheet. Use this form to order. Region 8 has produced an updated planner for 2011- 2014. This calendar has all Region 8 and National events available at printing. Use this form to order.Region 8 Committee has put together a bid packet for anyone interested in bidding for Regional competitions. If you are considering hosting an event for Region 8 USA Gymnastics please contact Deb Kornegay for this packet of information.Dem Cards have been updated with information from the 2011 May WTC and JO minutes. You may purchase cards at DEM Cards

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What Are the Stages Your Body Takes During Cardio Exercise

Cardio exercise, also called aerobic exercise, is defined as exercise that uses your large muscle groups and that you perform for a minimum of 20 to create a sustained effect on your body's need for oxygen. The physical activities of running, jogging, swimming, cycling, and playing basketball are examples of cardio exercise.
Your normal heart rate is specific to you, but it is normally within the range of 60 to 80 beats per minute. Intense exercise will increase your heart rate. You will learn what your maximum target heart rate should be, based on your level of fitness and health. A much-used formula to determine your exercise target heart rate is to subtract your age from the number 220. For example, a 40-year-old woman would have a cardio exercise target heart rate of 180. If you are engaged in exercise that uses your large muscles for a sustained period of time and you experience an increased heart rate that reaches your target, you can assume you are performing cardio exercises.
The stages your body goes through during cardio exercise are directly related to how your body responds to your muscles' increased need for oxygen. A complex metabolic process called the Krebs cycle occurs in your body to create power to your muscles that don't normally store much energy. This biochemical process activates adenosine triphosphate at the cellular level to provide energy to your muscles.
More noticeable to you, there is an increased demand on your heart as it strives to provide more oxygenated blood to your muscles. First, your heart will beat faster to pump more blood. Second, as the blood is pumped through your heart, the left ventricle will pump more blood during each contraction. These two actions result in the total amount of blood that is pumped with each heartbeat to be larger than when you are resting. Third, this blood flow is directed to your muscles and away from other organs, such as your stomach. The blood also flows to the skin to increase heat loss and keep your body temperature regulated. These actions will increase your systolic blood pressure -- the top number of your blood pressure that reflects the contraction of your heart. Last, through mechanisms of osmosis between your vascular and non-vascular spaces, these actions result in your arterial blood having the ability to carry more oxygen.
As your muscles require more oxygen, another of your body's natural responses is to obtain this oxygen by breathing more deeply or more quickly. As you breathe faster, you produce more carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide, along with other complex mechanisms in the body, causes you to continue to breath faster to obtain more oxygen. This cycle continues until your oxygen needs reach a plateau or you slow down your exercise.
If you continue to engage in cardio exercise over a period of several months, the next stage your body will go through is improved fitness. Your heart becomes larger and stronger, your resting heart rate will decrease, your blood pressure can decrease and your skeletal muscle receives greater blood flow during exercise. These results will vary by an individual's overall health and level of fitness.
You should always consult with a professional if you have any questions about exercise or your own ability to engage in cardio exercise.

 

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Denver bets on a county fair, aiming at hipsters

Denver has an ambitious plan to revive the county fair: blend throwback chic with urban grit to draw crowds celebrating everything weird and crafty. Mix funnel cakes with drag queens, add a dash of old-time quilting and newly hip knitting, and the recipe could produce what organizers hope is a new flavor of county fair.

Fair staples like funnel cakes and cotton candy, animal exhibits and 4-H competitions are on proud display at the Denver County Fair; there's even a Ferris wheel in the parking lot.

But there's no mistaking this event for a traditional country fair. All the contestants in Saturday's Miss Denver County Fair pageant are drag queens. There's a speed text-messaging contest, and the highlight staple of a Western fair, a rodeo, has been replaced with a bicycle rodeo and a troupe of performing pigs.

"This is so cool," said 13-year-old Brian Torres of Denver, a first-time fairgoer who saw his first alpaca and planned to check out the carnival rides, just past a "freak show" highlighted by a bearded lady and a man lying on a bed of nails.

The fair has a city version of a traditional fair agriculture display. Chickens, rabbits and miniature goats sit in cages next to displays about container gardening and capturing rain in barrels to reduce water usage.

There are even contests for the best compost and best vegan cooking. Denver is adding a new green ribbon to the traditional red, white and blue lineup to reward contest entries that use "sustainable methods."

"I've never competed before, but I saw a billboard about this and thought, 'Why not?'" said Junior Perez, 13, who entered his two pet Japanese bantam roosters, Shadow and Tiny. "It was something different."

The fair, which opened Thursday in a stock show complex by the interstate and runs through Sunday, also has a "holistic pavilion." There fairgoers can huddle with a psychic, get their auras interpreted or pick up a handmade sacred drum or dreamcatcher.

"The county fair still has its place, but it needs to reflect who we are now, and this is what you're seeing here," said Karen Harrison, a psychic who will be judging fair contests in "divination tools" and "potions."

Harrison, who owns a bookshop and gift store in suburban Englewood, is also selling jewelry, crystals and silks. She's heard of metaphysical shows and run-of-the-mill gift marts, but Harrison said her interest was piqued by the idea of throwing holistic elements in a county fair.

"The second we heard about this, we knew we had to be a part of it. It's so creative, so perfect for Denver," she said.

There's a heavy dose of irony, too. Denver County Fair contests include a molded-gelatin competition and a mustache contest. A John Denver impersonator led a group "Rocky Mountain High" sing-along to open the fair. A "freak show" area includes a bearded lady, a tattooed glass-blower and other throwback spectacles. The group Devo, the 1970s and '80s group behind the song "Whip It," will perform, along with a cover band for The B-52s.

"It's all so corny, it's crossing the line into being totally cool," said Dana Cain, founder of the fair.

There's a category for Denver's many home beer brewers, along with homemade wine and mead. One notable omission is Denver County's most lucrative crop — medical marijuana. There is a category for "herbal remedies," but fair organizer Dana Cain said no one has tried to enter weed. She chuckled about the idea of pot at a county fair, but didn't rule it out in the future.

"Everybody's divided on that. Half the people were like, 'Yeah! We're the pot capital of the country!' But others are like, 'Nah, don't go there,'" Cain said. "Next year, we'll see. I'm sure we wouldn't have any trouble finding judges."

Urban fairs aren't new, but most of them attempt to bring the country to the city with petting zoos and traditional fair elements. Cain, a special-events marketer, saw craft fairs and sidewalk farmer's markets endemic in hipster neighborhoods in Denver and elsewhere and wondered, why not throw it all together, artisan crafts right alongside caramel corn and carnival rides?

"It's a huge mix of performance art and display, pretty much everything you could ever want," Cain said.

After finding there's never been a Denver County Fair, Cain and other organizers said they were somewhat surprised to find that county officials and 4-H embraced the idea. The fair came together in just a few months. Organizers hope for 50,000 attendees.

"We love it," said Ashlee Adams, Denver County's 4-H Agent with the Colorado State University Extension. "People don't realize that 4-H is in urban areas, too."

Instead of competing with livestock, about three dozen Denver 4-H members plan to compete in areas such as rocketry, baking and horticulture. They'll give an exhibition on archery, happily sharing space with a live harp performance in the holistic pavilion and the ironic bluegrass band Rocky Mountain Jewgrass.

"Denver's kind of an open, liberal, embracing community. We're going to see how different and quirky we can be," Adams said.

The kitsch has a serious side for some. Apron collector EllynAnne Geisel is a baby boomer who will be selling some of her vintage aprons alongside women in their 20s selling knitted scarves and handmade clothes. Setting up her display, Geisel said she's touched by the resurgence of home crafting and hopes to see more county fairs like Denver's reach out to young people living in cities.

"I think there's been a reclamation of what people think they can do themselves. People are branching out, asking themselves, 'Why can't I make a pickle? How hard can it be?'" said Geisel, who wrote "Apron Memories."

Pointing to displays setting up around her, Geisel said, "Women have been doing this stuff forever, we just took a break for a little while. But it's back, the county fair is back, and we're celebrating it. How fun is this?"

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On yer bike! London 2012 battles couch potatoes

LONDON (AP) — Having sprinted, jumped and thrown, and then having collected their medals, the athletes who compete in the Olympic Stadium next summer would be wise to do a Forrest Gump and keep on running.

Because just a few hundred yards (meters) south of the arena, little more than a javelin throw away from the 80,000 spectators, is a historical and technological marvel of London that no Olympic visitor should miss: a merrily sludging river of raw sewage.

About 1 million tons per day of the stuff, from hundreds of thousands of toilets and storm drains across North London, flowing right there in huge tunnels under your feet. Sniff the air — aahhh! — and, with the right wind, the eggy odor will make your nose crinkle.

Granted, the Northern Outfall Sewer isn't the most aesthetic of London's sights. But it is among the most fascinating. It was hurriedly but thoughtfully built with 318 million bricks after the "Great Stink" of 1858, when the sewage-polluted River Thames grew so putrid in hot weather as to make London unbearable.

In Parliament, the curtains were soaked with chemicals to try to ward off the noxious stench and there was even talk of it decamping from the capital entirely. A measure of the severity of the stink was the rapidity with which lawmakers acted to solve it. Engineer Joseph Bazalgette was quickly commissioned to build a sewage network that would help purify the Thames. He did such a good job that his system still forms the basis for London's sewers a century and a half later.

Thanks, in part, to the 2012 games, this stupendous feat of Victorian engineering and other landmarks that speak to London's rich history but which are off the tourist trail are now easier to explore and to see — if, as Olympic organizers hope, you travel by bike or on foot.

Which you should. Having meat-packed myself into sweaty London Underground trains that risk being even more crowded next summer and, now, having lately explored some of the newly renovated sections of London's ever-expanding network of cycle paths, I'd recommend two wheels everytime. And not merely for that feeling of wind through your hair.

A sorry truism of the Olympic Games and other sporting extravaganzas is that they are performances by extremely fit and healthy people for spectators who are often very unfit, unhealthy and overweight. Newham, home to the Olympic Park, and neighboring Barking have the lowest physical activity rates of any London boroughs, with only 14-15 percent of adults doing sport or strenuous exercise three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time.

London is hoping its Olympics help to change some of this. Organizers are encouraging spectators to walk and cycle to events by making it easier for them to do so. The idea is that people get the walking-cycling bug and keep it long after the Olympics have moved on. To be green, London wants all spectators to leave their cars at home. The vast majority will travel on London public transport, which carries 12 million travelers on a normal day but will be even busier at games-time. Olympic planners expect at least 4 percent will cycle and walk and are aiming for more, not least to ease strain on trains.

Walking and cycling paths leading to venues have been spruced up and connected up. There's a lovely one, for example, that runs the length of the west side of the Olympic Park, beside a very pleasant canal with ducks and houseboats. The path has a fresh gravel top and, at one point, dips under four massive metal pipes that form part of Bazalgette's sewer system. There's a plaque there with his name and the construction date: 1862-63.

Olympic organizers say more than 25 million pounds (€28 million;$40 million) has been spent upgrading cycling and walking routes to all venues.

You see far more of a city by bike. London's transport authority offers free cycle maps; I picked up a bunch at Euston station before I explored.

One canal path took me from the Olympic Park south to Limehouse Basin on the Thames in 30 minutes of easy riding. From there, it was another absorbing cycle along quaint and mostly empty backstreets to the Tower of London that was thick with tourists.

The cycle maps show that, aside from occasional breaks here and there where cyclists would need to travel on roads, another path along Grand Union Canal, then Regent's Canal and finally Hertford Union Canal to the Olympic Park snakes right across North London. I rode the last few miles (kilometers) of this picturesque route, past brick houses with lush lawns abutting the canal.

The city's cycle hire scheme is also being expanded from central London eastward closer to the Olympic Park. Anyone aged 14 and over and with the right brand of credit card (not all cards are accepted) can take one of the 6,000 bicycles from any of 400 hire points.

They could be a smart way to explore Hyde Park that will host triathlon and marathon swimming next summer. There also are hire points around Lord's Cricket Ground that will host archery and Horse Guards Parade where there'll be beach volleyball. The bikes could also suit Londoners or any visitor simply trying to move around the Olympic-congested city.

"By 2012, we'll be able to invite the entire world to join London's cycling revolution," Mayor Boris Johnson declared last November.

Organizers say cyclists won't be allowed to take bikes into the Olympic Park but there will be free and secure parking at all venues.

Lobbying groups welcome London's cycling and walking improvements but would like even more and say the city still lags behind cycle-friendly Amsterdam or Copenhagen. But cyclists also say the city is much safer to ride around than it used to be and that the 2005 terror attacks on public transport and London's tax on vehicles that drive in the city center have prompted more people to ride bikes.

In its own modest way, the Olympics could help that trend. Watching Olympic sport and getting fitter at the same time: how's that for an idea?

"This our chance to sort out some of the lazy cultures we've got into," says the appropriately named Jim Walker, who chairs a group advising Olympic organizers how to encourage more "active travel" at games-time.

"It will be an opportunity for us to get it right for 16 days and, as a legacy for London, to flow much better afterward."

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Creating a Relaxing Environment in Your Backyard

Unfortunately, relaxing in your backyard might take a little preparation. As spring approaches, it's time to think about landscaping and creating an easily-accessible paradise of your own.
Water creates an instantly soothing atmosphere. A small fountain will let you hear the relaxing sound of trickling water and is a beautiful addition to any space. Maximize the effect by making it a focal point in your yard. Set aside a larger space than you'll need for just the fountain, and add flowers around it. Try using a single color of blooms to create a more cohesive, and thus tranquil, look.
The scent of lavender and lilacs soothe the senses, while green Bells of Ireland provide a calming green landscape. Choose your flowers based on your strongest senses. If you have a great sense of smell, choose flowers with relaxing scents. If you're visual, go with green or blue flowers to make the most out of your vista.
To get even more out of the serene properties of water, consider adding a pool to your yard. Keep the area neatly organized, but don't be afraid to buy a floating chair or two. Organization brings instant peace of mind, so keep any pool accessories into an outdoor storage chest, neatly tucked out of sight.

The same should apply to all gardening tools. Keeping your outdoor space organized will allow you to breathe easily and comfortably in your newly repurposed yard.
When it comes to patio furniture, choose a color that will mesh with the colors already in your yard. You don't want to put black furniture onto a bright white patio. Consider a neutral wood color that will become part of the scenery instead of a focal point. For a great way to be outside without burning in the sun, add a canopy to your deck.
Hammocks are beloved by many, but others find them to be too difficult to keep their balance in. Try one at a hardware store before you commit to buying one. If you're in constant fear of falling, you're not going to be able to relax. Try a chaise lounge or a papasan chair that you would feel comfortable curling up in instead.
When you stand at your backdoor and look out onto your yard, you should see one area seamlessly blending into the next. Avoid using harsh colors anywhere in your yard. A bright pink gazing ball might seem like a great addition, but if you haven't used pink anywhere else, it's likely to become the first thing you see in your yard. Your water feature will be a more relaxing focal point, but feel free to add any décor touches you feel are appropriate for your environment.

 

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Sleep – How Much Is Enough Part 2

We spoke about Sleep and how much is enough in our post last week and examined why we need sleep, how much the average requirement of sleep is and the factors that determine the quality of our sleep. Studies and statistics are all very well, but how do we determine how much sleep is enough for each of us?

There are certain indications of a person not getting enough sleep – if for instance you awaken in the morning feeling un-refreshed and un-rested then you either did not have enough sleep or enough good quality sleep.

If you find it difficult to concentrate during the day, or feel fatigued, and find that your reasoning and performance at work or school appears compromised or below par, this could be due to a sleep deficit as well.

It could be that the sleep deficit manifests in other different ways – there could be unexplained weight gain and being prone to accidents.

In fact lack of proper sleep is one of the major causes of auto accidents.

One way to determine how much sleep you need in a 24 hour period is to try and awaken without the help of an alarm clock for several days in a row. This will help to redress any sleep deficit you have and will also help you understand the sleep requirements of your own body.

If you find that you are sleeping enough hours but are still not feeling properly rested, examine certain issues that could be causing you to have poor quality sleep even if you are getting the requisite number of hours.

People who work nights (shifts) or who travel a lot between time zones (jet lag or jet daze) may find that their disturbed sleep patterns impact energy levels and performance.Cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol consumption also interrupt sleep. Remember caffeine is not just coffee but also many other beverages and its effects can be felt up to seven and half hours after consumption.Sleep apnea can also interrupt sleep because it can cause the person to awaken, snore, gasp, pause in their breathing and so on.Kicking and jerking of limbs during the night or conditions such as the Restless Legs Syndrome may cause one to awaken at night and suffer disturbed sleep.Night sweats, a common feature for menopausal women, can also interrupt sleep and cause fatigue the next day.Medical conditions, chronic pain and certain medications can also be the underlying cause for poor sleep.Partner disturbances are another factor one should examine to determine the cause of lack of good quality sleep. Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits for Active Lifestyle!Extra Sleep Improves Your Fitness LevelsBaby Fitness For A Good SleepHow Does Sleep Deprivation Affect Fitness?How Sleep Deprivation Can Impact Health And Fitness?Sleep – How Much Is Enough? – Part 1Posted in: HEALTHY LIVING

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