~Wid
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
"Never forget ! "
Growing up in my family there was one thing that was constant for sure.My father was a Pearl Harbor survivor and we were taught from day one "Never forget Pearl Harbor!"
To all our Veterans a heartfelt thank you for your sacrifice that gives us the freedom we experience today!
Thanks Dad!
Wid
To all our Veterans a heartfelt thank you for your sacrifice that gives us the freedom we experience today!
Thanks Dad!
Wid
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
It’s Your Call . . .
There was a Letter to the Editor in the local paper recently responding to an earlier letter that urged people to take responsibility for their eating and health choices. (Sound familiar?) The responding lady was saying she didn’t want anyone – including the Government – telling her what her family should eat or how they should live their lives.
That attitude concerns me when people don’t take a hard look at the consequences of their actions. We’re all concerned with the escalating costs of government at all levels and the rising cost of living in general. Each year the obesity epidemic costs the nation more than $117 billion in medical costs and lost productivity. We’re talking about 68% of the U.S. population who are overweight or obese.
What really caught my eye was a report from Sweden that stated men who are obese at age 20 have already taken years off their lives – eight years to be exact. Researchers tracked the military records of 5,000 men, starting at age 20 and going up to age 80. They found that most men who were obese at 20 were apt to be plagued by excess weight for the rest of their lives.
This is why I have spent so much time talking about the problems of obesity, especially in young people. Now is the time to take action and realize that your health is your responsibility if you truly care about living a long and healthy life.
~Wid
That attitude concerns me when people don’t take a hard look at the consequences of their actions. We’re all concerned with the escalating costs of government at all levels and the rising cost of living in general. Each year the obesity epidemic costs the nation more than $117 billion in medical costs and lost productivity. We’re talking about 68% of the U.S. population who are overweight or obese.
What really caught my eye was a report from Sweden that stated men who are obese at age 20 have already taken years off their lives – eight years to be exact. Researchers tracked the military records of 5,000 men, starting at age 20 and going up to age 80. They found that most men who were obese at 20 were apt to be plagued by excess weight for the rest of their lives.
This is why I have spent so much time talking about the problems of obesity, especially in young people. Now is the time to take action and realize that your health is your responsibility if you truly care about living a long and healthy life.
~Wid
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"The Elements"
I truly enjoy building the castle! Making the pile as big as possible! In the case of the "Winners Circle Weekend" we call the bricks "elements"! They are coming together very nicely.
Landing Charli Turner Thorne as our featured speaker along with "The Ultimate Elvis Experience" from Vegas as our dinner show, gives us a solid foundation. I'm excited to build the Gala from here on.
We certainly hope you are planning on attending the weekend event. I promise you will have a good time.You too are one of the "elements"!
Wid
Landing Charli Turner Thorne as our featured speaker along with "The Ultimate Elvis Experience" from Vegas as our dinner show, gives us a solid foundation. I'm excited to build the Gala from here on.
We certainly hope you are planning on attending the weekend event. I promise you will have a good time.You too are one of the "elements"!
Wid
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Halloween Tips ~ Reducing sugar intake
With Halloween coming up, give some thought as to what you hand out to all the little ghosts and goblins that come to your door on October 31.
If you're set on shelling out something sweet, here's the caloric info:
• Fun/snack size Snickers - 72 calories
• Fun/snack size Baby Ruth - 85 calories
• Fun/snack size M&Ms - 90 calories
• Fun/snack size Butterfinger - 100 calories
Eat one of each (approx. 350 calories total), and a person would need to walk briskly for over an hour and a half to burn them off!
The Cooper Institute of Dallas, Texas suggests some Zero Calorie handout options:
• Plastic insects, ghosts, skeletons
• Halloween-themed pencils/pens
• Temporary tattoos or animal stickers
• Halloween bracelets or rings
• Bouncy balls, bubbles or whistles
• Plastic vampire teeth/fangs
• Sugar-free gum
~Wid
If you're set on shelling out something sweet, here's the caloric info:
• Fun/snack size Snickers - 72 calories
• Fun/snack size Baby Ruth - 85 calories
• Fun/snack size M&Ms - 90 calories
• Fun/snack size Butterfinger - 100 calories
Eat one of each (approx. 350 calories total), and a person would need to walk briskly for over an hour and a half to burn them off!
The Cooper Institute of Dallas, Texas suggests some Zero Calorie handout options:
• Plastic insects, ghosts, skeletons
• Halloween-themed pencils/pens
• Temporary tattoos or animal stickers
• Halloween bracelets or rings
• Bouncy balls, bubbles or whistles
• Plastic vampire teeth/fangs
• Sugar-free gum
~Wid
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"New Digs"
It is time to update your records.
It is official we have moved offices!!
Our new address is
2625 East Cactus Road
Phoenix, AZ 85032
We are located on the second floor of the
Student Activity Center in the east wing offices
of the SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE CAMPUS.
Our phone numbers, emails, and fax has not changed.
Phone: 480-517-9700
Fax: 480-517-9739
Emails:
Erik Widmark: wid@gcsg.org
Gary Nees: gary@gcsg.org
Tara Heinrichs: tara@gcsg.org
We look forward to seeing you at our new digs!
~Wid
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Children’s Caloric Intake from Snacking
Cable network CNBC recently ran a very informative program entitled “OBESITY – America’s #1 Health Problem” in which the question was asked: “Why in a society obsessed with being thin, has it never been easier to be fat.”
There was a quiz that went along with the program, and I think it is important to pass along some of the topics discussed. Let’s start with this question:
Among American children aged 2 to 18, what percentage
of their daily calories come from snacking?
You had four choices ranging from 10% to 50%. Here’s the answer:
According to a study published in Health Affairs magazine, American children between the ages of 2 and 18 derive a full 27% of their daily caloric intake from snacking. The study compared data from Federal diet surveys conducted between 1977 and 2006, and compared to 30 years earlier, snacks have increased calorie counts, and snacking itself has become more frequent, with the majority of the nation's children supplementing their three meals a day with nonstop grazing on potato chips, soda and candy bars. "We are at the point where every age group in America is moving towards constant eating," said study co-author Barry Popkin, "and we see no evidence that's going to slow down."
Not very encouraging – and there’s more to come in future blogs.
~Wid
There was a quiz that went along with the program, and I think it is important to pass along some of the topics discussed. Let’s start with this question:
Among American children aged 2 to 18, what percentage
of their daily calories come from snacking?
You had four choices ranging from 10% to 50%. Here’s the answer:
According to a study published in Health Affairs magazine, American children between the ages of 2 and 18 derive a full 27% of their daily caloric intake from snacking. The study compared data from Federal diet surveys conducted between 1977 and 2006, and compared to 30 years earlier, snacks have increased calorie counts, and snacking itself has become more frequent, with the majority of the nation's children supplementing their three meals a day with nonstop grazing on potato chips, soda and candy bars. "We are at the point where every age group in America is moving towards constant eating," said study co-author Barry Popkin, "and we see no evidence that's going to slow down."
Not very encouraging – and there’s more to come in future blogs.
~Wid
Friday, September 24, 2010
Zane Erik Snyder
On September 21st at 3:44PM my fourth grandchild was born. A bouncing baby boy 8lbs 12oz and 22 inches long. Welcome baby Zane Erik Snyder. I must admit that when Adam and Erika passed along Zane's middle name to me I was taken back to say the least. An honor indeed that I hope I am worthy of.
Papa Wid
Papa Wid
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
This bears repeating!
There was an article in the USA Weekend supplement this past Sunday that points out a number of things we have discussed in our blogs about healthy living over the past two years, the most important being:
Your health is your responsibility!
The article goes on to say:
“It is not the doctor’s job, the hospital’s job, your spouse’s job or the Government’s job to keep you healthy – it’s up to you. We suffer from chronic diseases that are too often the result of poor habits. The choices you make today are usually the health you have tomorrow.
Stay active. If you’re looking for the Fountain of Youth, look no further than that pair of sneakers in your closet. A daily ‘dose’ of 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise will go a long way toward keeping you healthy as you age.
You are what you eat. Diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars provide lots of calories and little nutrition. The key is to fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables.
The article concluded with two other bits of good advice:
Stop smoking and Keep a healthy emotional outlook
~Wid
Your health is your responsibility!
The article goes on to say:
“It is not the doctor’s job, the hospital’s job, your spouse’s job or the Government’s job to keep you healthy – it’s up to you. We suffer from chronic diseases that are too often the result of poor habits. The choices you make today are usually the health you have tomorrow.
Stay active. If you’re looking for the Fountain of Youth, look no further than that pair of sneakers in your closet. A daily ‘dose’ of 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise will go a long way toward keeping you healthy as you age.
You are what you eat. Diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars provide lots of calories and little nutrition. The key is to fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables.
The article concluded with two other bits of good advice:
Stop smoking and Keep a healthy emotional outlook
~Wid
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
"The Warranty is Up"
Not that anyone cares, but it's over! The tank is empty,the well has run dry...yes, I need knee replacement surgery!
I went to see my good friend Dr Chick,former Cardinal orthopedic surgeon,to confirm what I already knew.As he looked at the X-rays he just laughed and said "Wid, the warranty is up!"
When "Get up, Get Active, Get involved,Get Healthy" became extremely difficult it was time to try and improve my quality of life.The plan is to first try a new treatment called "Gel Therapy". I will receive 5 injections on each Monday to start with and then evaluate from there. Doc thinks I can buy some time with the shots. We'll see.....I will let you know!
Wid
I went to see my good friend Dr Chick,former Cardinal orthopedic surgeon,to confirm what I already knew.As he looked at the X-rays he just laughed and said "Wid, the warranty is up!"
When "Get up, Get Active, Get involved,Get Healthy" became extremely difficult it was time to try and improve my quality of life.The plan is to first try a new treatment called "Gel Therapy". I will receive 5 injections on each Monday to start with and then evaluate from there. Doc thinks I can buy some time with the shots. We'll see.....I will let you know!
Wid
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
We’ve Got a Ways to Go . . .
The other morning I was greeted by an unsettling headline on the front page of my daily paper: “A quarter of Arizonans estimated to be obese” topping a story in which the Director of the State Department of Health Services stated, “Obesity is getting worse and worse every year. It’s astonishing, really.”
For the past year and a half, the majority of my weekly blogs have cited all sorts of statistics pointing out that Americans today are fatter and less active than ever before while offering advice from leading experts on the benefits of physical fitness, proper nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle as a way to get overweight people to mend their ways.
The latest report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 25.5 percent of Arizona’s population are obese, placing the state in the middle of national rankings. Going back to 1995, only 13.3 percent of the State’s population were considered obese. From a national perspective, 72.5 million U.S. adults are obese, and no state has met CDC’s goal of reducing obesity prevalence by 15 percent by 2010.
Fewer than one-third of adults exercise at least three times a week. Two-thirds of Arizonans age 65 and older have reported themselves as obese. We have quoted a U.S. News & World Report article that revealed nearly one-third of our children and adolescents are overweight or obese and either suffering from or at risk of serious chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
We’ve been able to cut down on the incidence of smoking, so now we must be even more aggressive in attacking the Nation’s most serious health problem. There aren’t a lot of easy answers, but understanding the consequences of being overweight or obese should provide the motivation to get us to make better decisions as to what and when we eat and how we lives our lives.
Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
~Wid
For the past year and a half, the majority of my weekly blogs have cited all sorts of statistics pointing out that Americans today are fatter and less active than ever before while offering advice from leading experts on the benefits of physical fitness, proper nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle as a way to get overweight people to mend their ways.
The latest report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 25.5 percent of Arizona’s population are obese, placing the state in the middle of national rankings. Going back to 1995, only 13.3 percent of the State’s population were considered obese. From a national perspective, 72.5 million U.S. adults are obese, and no state has met CDC’s goal of reducing obesity prevalence by 15 percent by 2010.
Fewer than one-third of adults exercise at least three times a week. Two-thirds of Arizonans age 65 and older have reported themselves as obese. We have quoted a U.S. News & World Report article that revealed nearly one-third of our children and adolescents are overweight or obese and either suffering from or at risk of serious chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
We’ve been able to cut down on the incidence of smoking, so now we must be even more aggressive in attacking the Nation’s most serious health problem. There aren’t a lot of easy answers, but understanding the consequences of being overweight or obese should provide the motivation to get us to make better decisions as to what and when we eat and how we lives our lives.
Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
~Wid
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
"Drake Cedric Widmark"
DC Wid was born on August 10---weighed in at 7pounds 9ounces and was 21"long!
Pa Pa Wid has 3 now and 2 more on the way! Congrats to father Dallas and mother Em!
Cinda and I are so fortunate and are having a great time watching our family grow!
Wid
Pa Pa Wid has 3 now and 2 more on the way! Congrats to father Dallas and mother Em!
Cinda and I are so fortunate and are having a great time watching our family grow!
Wid
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
GCSG Offices To Move to Southwestern College Campus
To say that we are excited about the impending move of our offices to the campus of Southwestern College in Northeast Phoenix would be an understatement.
The College has sponsored our Essay and Art contests, and this past year the top winners in these competitions were awarded scholarships to the College. Now the SWC name will be associated with every Grand Canyon State Games event as our Title Sponsor. GCSG participants will be increasingly drawn to the College’s 35-acre campus at 2625 East Cactus Road, just west of Piestewa Freeway (State Route 51).
Southwestern College was officially founded in 1960, although its beginnings go back to 1917 as a Christian conference center. It moved to its present campus in 1954 where today it remains a growing, regionally-accredited institution offering Bachelor degrees in such disciplines as liberal arts, business administration, secondary education, counseling, religion and music.
One thing that has to happen before we make the actual move is to assist our current landlord at the River Drive Commerce Center in finding a tenant to take over our existing lease. The 4,649 square feet of rentable space at 2120 East 6th Street in Tempe located just off of 101 (and a short distance from the ASU campus) has been our home for the past 10 years, and it has served us well. It has a large open space that can be configured to a tenant’s specifications, with extensive phone and electrical wiring already in place, plus two small enclosed conference areas and a kitchen.
To view a layout of the office, click www.gcsg.org/ads/floorplan.pdf, or call me at (480) 517-9700.
~Wid
The College has sponsored our Essay and Art contests, and this past year the top winners in these competitions were awarded scholarships to the College. Now the SWC name will be associated with every Grand Canyon State Games event as our Title Sponsor. GCSG participants will be increasingly drawn to the College’s 35-acre campus at 2625 East Cactus Road, just west of Piestewa Freeway (State Route 51).
Southwestern College was officially founded in 1960, although its beginnings go back to 1917 as a Christian conference center. It moved to its present campus in 1954 where today it remains a growing, regionally-accredited institution offering Bachelor degrees in such disciplines as liberal arts, business administration, secondary education, counseling, religion and music.
One thing that has to happen before we make the actual move is to assist our current landlord at the River Drive Commerce Center in finding a tenant to take over our existing lease. The 4,649 square feet of rentable space at 2120 East 6th Street in Tempe located just off of 101 (and a short distance from the ASU campus) has been our home for the past 10 years, and it has served us well. It has a large open space that can be configured to a tenant’s specifications, with extensive phone and electrical wiring already in place, plus two small enclosed conference areas and a kitchen.
To view a layout of the office, click www.gcsg.org/ads/floorplan.pdf, or call me at (480) 517-9700.
~Wid
Monday, July 19, 2010
"To my dear friends"
Dear Terry, Percy , Brandon, and Carla,
To me the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is all about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that those of us who remain may lead a better life!
For the 9th straight year participation has increased. Recap:
Wrestling: 80 participants
Basketball: 996 participants (83 teams)
Baseball: 220 participants (11 teams)
Volleyball: 276 participants (23 teams)
Cross Country: 32 participants
Track: 42 participants
Softball: 480 participants (24 teams)
Grand Total 2,126
Summary:
First of all Wrestling, for a first year event 80 participants is outstanding! I feel this sport will grow and be a strong contingency in the future.
Basketball continues to produce high numbers of athletes. Operationally I feel we do a very good job in our largest sport.
Baseball: My plan is to approach the Arizona Diamondbacks to combine our resources and enhance the sport
Volleyball has leveled off. We need to research our recruiting efforts to increase participation
Track and Field and Cross Country: I thought that making these events “FREE” would be more of a factor. Operationally we need to improve Cross Country significantly and be more diligent in recruiting Track and Field athletes.
Softball dropped slightly this year due to financial reasons for multi divisional teams.
Trust me when I say that I am very conscience of the obligation and the responsibility to maintain the integrity of this important endeavor. It is my heartfelt commitment hoping that Lori would be pleased and that the family posses a deep sense of pride in the ownership of the largest Native American Sports festival of its kind in the country. WE ARE DOING OUR BEST!
With Deep love and respect,
Rainmaker
To me the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is all about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that those of us who remain may lead a better life!
For the 9th straight year participation has increased. Recap:
Wrestling: 80 participants
Basketball: 996 participants (83 teams)
Baseball: 220 participants (11 teams)
Volleyball: 276 participants (23 teams)
Cross Country: 32 participants
Track: 42 participants
Softball: 480 participants (24 teams)
Grand Total 2,126
Summary:
First of all Wrestling, for a first year event 80 participants is outstanding! I feel this sport will grow and be a strong contingency in the future.
Basketball continues to produce high numbers of athletes. Operationally I feel we do a very good job in our largest sport.
Baseball: My plan is to approach the Arizona Diamondbacks to combine our resources and enhance the sport
Volleyball has leveled off. We need to research our recruiting efforts to increase participation
Track and Field and Cross Country: I thought that making these events “FREE” would be more of a factor. Operationally we need to improve Cross Country significantly and be more diligent in recruiting Track and Field athletes.
Softball dropped slightly this year due to financial reasons for multi divisional teams.
Trust me when I say that I am very conscience of the obligation and the responsibility to maintain the integrity of this important endeavor. It is my heartfelt commitment hoping that Lori would be pleased and that the family posses a deep sense of pride in the ownership of the largest Native American Sports festival of its kind in the country. WE ARE DOING OUR BEST!
With Deep love and respect,
Rainmaker
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
"One of Our Own"
In 1994 our athlete of the year was Michael Slaughter! Michael was an accomplished track athlete and and an avid bowler!
The difference is that Michael was blind and confined to a wheel chair.For 18 years Michal found a way by bus transportation to our events. He was a loyal participant, always interested in doing his best.
Michael passed away last week from natural causes resulting from a fall.He will be missed.He was truly "One of Our Own!"
Wid
The difference is that Michael was blind and confined to a wheel chair.For 18 years Michal found a way by bus transportation to our events. He was a loyal participant, always interested in doing his best.
Michael passed away last week from natural causes resulting from a fall.He will be missed.He was truly "One of Our Own!"
Wid
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Someone Special
Summer Games Power Player
Every once in a while a fabulous human interest story presents itself. We have one for you. This years Power Player for swimming ! Thirteen-year-old Joe Underwood really learned to swim before his 4th birthday when his first teacher, a specialist in working with the disabled, tossed him in his backyard pool, leg braces, clothes and all. He is now a familiar sight at USA Swimming meets around the Phoenix area as he lines up behind the blocks in his wheelchair. Joe began swimming competitively at age 8 with AZ Disabled Sports, and Joe now holds a dozen national records for junior disability swimming and has begun traveling to US Paralympics meets seeking to represent the US in London in 2012. As a mentor to children with new spinal cord injuries at St Joseph’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Joe spreads the message of empowerment that comes from athletics for individuals with disabilities. While he rarely wins races at USA swimming meets, he enjoys the competition and the camaraderie with his team mates and benefits from the training as much as any of them. He hopes to be seen as a role model to other disabled kids, encouraging them to be as active as anyone and find ways to pursue their dreams regardless of their abilities.
Every once in a while a fabulous human interest story presents itself. We have one for you. This years Power Player for swimming ! Thirteen-year-old Joe Underwood really learned to swim before his 4th birthday when his first teacher, a specialist in working with the disabled, tossed him in his backyard pool, leg braces, clothes and all. He is now a familiar sight at USA Swimming meets around the Phoenix area as he lines up behind the blocks in his wheelchair. Joe began swimming competitively at age 8 with AZ Disabled Sports, and Joe now holds a dozen national records for junior disability swimming and has begun traveling to US Paralympics meets seeking to represent the US in London in 2012. As a mentor to children with new spinal cord injuries at St Joseph’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Joe spreads the message of empowerment that comes from athletics for individuals with disabilities. While he rarely wins races at USA swimming meets, he enjoys the competition and the camaraderie with his team mates and benefits from the training as much as any of them. He hopes to be seen as a role model to other disabled kids, encouraging them to be as active as anyone and find ways to pursue their dreams regardless of their abilities.
Monday, June 28, 2010
"Doug"
When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
Good Bye my Friend,
Wid
Good Bye my Friend,
Wid
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF GRAND CANYON STATE GAMES
Release Date:
June 16, 2010
Media Contact:
Erik Widmark, (480) 517-9700
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF GRAND CANYON STATE GAMES
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Southwestern College, a private, not-for-profit Christian college in Phoenix, announced today that it has signed a five-year agreement to be the new title sponsor of the Grand Canyon State Games; a year-long, multi-sport Olympic festival for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities.
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games are organized by the Arizona Sports Council and sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee through the National Congress of State Games. The Games provide a year-round showcase for the talents and aspirations of Arizona’s amateur athletes, and give an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the many attributes the state of Arizona has to offer.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this fantastic relationship with the Grand Canyon State Games to be an integral part of the largest annual sports festival in the country,” said David Barnes, Executive Vice-President of Southwestern College. “The Games mirror a lot of ideals that Southwestern College promotes – sportsmanship, academics and competition – and we think this is a perfect fit for Southwestern College.”
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games is about to kick off its summer schedule, starting with the Summer Games on June 18 that will feature more than 8,000 participants competing in 32 sports over three days. Following that is the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games (July 15-18) which will feature seven sports – baseball, basketball, cross-country, softball, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.
“I believe this partnership will send a message to the community, the state and the nation as to the importance of teamwork with academics and sports,” said Erik Widmark, Executive Director of the Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games. “Additionally, the shared vision of building world-class athletic facilities will be foremost on our minds as we move forward together.”
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games are in its 18thyear, and has seen more than 374,000 participants over that span. For more information on the Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games or to register for any of the events, call (480) 517-9700 or go to www.gcsg.org.
Southwestern College is a private, not-for-profit Christian college in Phoenix, Ariz., with rigorous academic standards offering a wide variety of majors and degrees. With the addition of baseball starting in 2010-11, Southwestern College, a NAIA school and NCCAA Division 1 member, will now compete in 10 sports. For more information about Southwestern College, go to www.swcaz.edu.
###
June 16, 2010
Media Contact:
Erik Widmark, (480) 517-9700
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF GRAND CANYON STATE GAMES
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Southwestern College, a private, not-for-profit Christian college in Phoenix, announced today that it has signed a five-year agreement to be the new title sponsor of the Grand Canyon State Games; a year-long, multi-sport Olympic festival for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities.
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games are organized by the Arizona Sports Council and sanctioned by the U.S. Olympic Committee through the National Congress of State Games. The Games provide a year-round showcase for the talents and aspirations of Arizona’s amateur athletes, and give an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the many attributes the state of Arizona has to offer.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this fantastic relationship with the Grand Canyon State Games to be an integral part of the largest annual sports festival in the country,” said David Barnes, Executive Vice-President of Southwestern College. “The Games mirror a lot of ideals that Southwestern College promotes – sportsmanship, academics and competition – and we think this is a perfect fit for Southwestern College.”
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games is about to kick off its summer schedule, starting with the Summer Games on June 18 that will feature more than 8,000 participants competing in 32 sports over three days. Following that is the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games (July 15-18) which will feature seven sports – baseball, basketball, cross-country, softball, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.
“I believe this partnership will send a message to the community, the state and the nation as to the importance of teamwork with academics and sports,” said Erik Widmark, Executive Director of the Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games. “Additionally, the shared vision of building world-class athletic facilities will be foremost on our minds as we move forward together.”
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games are in its 18thyear, and has seen more than 374,000 participants over that span. For more information on the Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games or to register for any of the events, call (480) 517-9700 or go to www.gcsg.org.
Southwestern College is a private, not-for-profit Christian college in Phoenix, Ariz., with rigorous academic standards offering a wide variety of majors and degrees. With the addition of baseball starting in 2010-11, Southwestern College, a NAIA school and NCCAA Division 1 member, will now compete in 10 sports. For more information about Southwestern College, go to www.swcaz.edu.
###
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Southwestern College Grand Canyon State Games!
We have a new Title Sponsor!
In the biggest deal in the history of the organization we have agreed to a five year agreement with Southwestern College to become our new Title Sponsor!
Provisions: In each of five years
1. Art / Essay Contest Sponsor
2. Free office space
3. Cash
I believe this partnership will send a message to the community, the state, and the nation as to the importance of teamwork with academics and sports. Plus, the shared vision of building world class athletic facilities will be foremost on our minds moving forward together. Thank you Dr. Barnes.
~Wid
In the biggest deal in the history of the organization we have agreed to a five year agreement with Southwestern College to become our new Title Sponsor!
Provisions: In each of five years
1. Art / Essay Contest Sponsor
2. Free office space
3. Cash
I believe this partnership will send a message to the community, the state, and the nation as to the importance of teamwork with academics and sports. Plus, the shared vision of building world class athletic facilities will be foremost on our minds moving forward together. Thank you Dr. Barnes.
~Wid
Monday, June 7, 2010
"Something cute from my good friend Lew Shaw"
The Economy is so Bad That . . .
1. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
2. I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"
3. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
4. If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
5. McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
6. Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
7. A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.
10. Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
11. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.
12. American Express is begging you to leave home without it.
13. The Mafia is laying off judges.
14. Exxon-Mobil is laying off 25 Congressmen.
15. Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh, Great!! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!
And, finally...
16. I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Lifeline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.
1. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
2. I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"
3. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
4. If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
5. McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
6. Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
7. A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.
10. Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
11. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.
12. American Express is begging you to leave home without it.
13. The Mafia is laying off judges.
14. Exxon-Mobil is laying off 25 Congressmen.
15. Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh, Great!! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!
And, finally...
16. I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Lifeline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Fewer Sugary Drinks Can Lower Blood Pressure
A research study came out last week that stated drinking fewer sugary drinks may help lower blood pressure. The study found overweight people with high blood pressure who drank one less sugar-laden beverage a day significantly lowered their blood pressure over 18 months.
For most Americans, that means cutting soft drink intake in half. Food and beverage companies are under pressure to reduce the sugar content in their products in line with the recently-passed health reform legislation which is promoting ways to prevent disease as well as treat it.
Too much sugar not only makes people fatter, but is also a key culprit in diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. A researcher at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center said American adults drink an average of 2.3 28-ounce servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day.
As our daily Arizona temperatures move into triple digits, and our liquid intake goes up, we all should look for more healthy drinks to consume. Hey, water’s more a bad choice.
~Wid
For most Americans, that means cutting soft drink intake in half. Food and beverage companies are under pressure to reduce the sugar content in their products in line with the recently-passed health reform legislation which is promoting ways to prevent disease as well as treat it.
Too much sugar not only makes people fatter, but is also a key culprit in diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. A researcher at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center said American adults drink an average of 2.3 28-ounce servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day.
As our daily Arizona temperatures move into triple digits, and our liquid intake goes up, we all should look for more healthy drinks to consume. Hey, water’s more a bad choice.
~Wid
Friday, May 14, 2010
Survey Ranks Obesity as Nation’s Most Serious Health Problem
In a survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by Rasmussen Reports this past April, 25% of the respondents ranked obesity as the most serious health problem facing the Nation, followed by Cancer (23%), Heart Disease (22%), Diabetes (11%), AIDS (4%) and Mental Health (2%).
Data we have previously quoted indicate that two-thirds of adults are either overweight or obese, yet the Rasmussen poll found that just 30% of adults considered themselves overweight.
The survey went on to say that 58% of American adults have at some point in their life been on a diet to lose weight, and 35% of that group are still on one. But 59% of those who may have dieted are not doing so anymore, while 37% of all adults say they have never been on a diet.
Sixty-eight percent (68%) of women say they went on a diet to lose weight, compare to 48% of men. Those between the ages of 30 and 64 are more likely to have dieted than younger and older Americans.
Three out of four adults (76%) say that when they go on a diet, they do so by changing their eating habits on their own. Thirteen percent (13%) use a commercial diet like Weight Watchers, and 10% consult a doctor before dieting.
What is interesting is that only 30% of the adults in this survey consider themselves overweight, while it is generally agreed that more than double that number are either overweight or obese.
Is the poll at fault, or do we say, “Let’s get real, folks!”?
Wid
Data we have previously quoted indicate that two-thirds of adults are either overweight or obese, yet the Rasmussen poll found that just 30% of adults considered themselves overweight.
The survey went on to say that 58% of American adults have at some point in their life been on a diet to lose weight, and 35% of that group are still on one. But 59% of those who may have dieted are not doing so anymore, while 37% of all adults say they have never been on a diet.
Sixty-eight percent (68%) of women say they went on a diet to lose weight, compare to 48% of men. Those between the ages of 30 and 64 are more likely to have dieted than younger and older Americans.
Three out of four adults (76%) say that when they go on a diet, they do so by changing their eating habits on their own. Thirteen percent (13%) use a commercial diet like Weight Watchers, and 10% consult a doctor before dieting.
What is interesting is that only 30% of the adults in this survey consider themselves overweight, while it is generally agreed that more than double that number are either overweight or obese.
Is the poll at fault, or do we say, “Let’s get real, folks!”?
Wid
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"10,000!"
For the first time in our 18 year history the nations largest amateur Winter Sports Festival eclipsed the magical "10,000" athlete threshold. The 17 weekend marathon, except for Easter weekend ,captured 10,313 athletes!! 23 sports were up and 11 were down.
A special thank you to my loyal staff,supportive board members,competitive athletes,tireless volunteers, and knowledgeable commissioners for their unconditional commitment to this worthy endeavor!
Next up the Summer Games, followed by the crowning jewel of our year long format, The Lori Piestewa National Native American Games!
Thank you one and all!
Wid
A special thank you to my loyal staff,supportive board members,competitive athletes,tireless volunteers, and knowledgeable commissioners for their unconditional commitment to this worthy endeavor!
Next up the Summer Games, followed by the crowning jewel of our year long format, The Lori Piestewa National Native American Games!
Thank you one and all!
Wid
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Awards Aplenty and Scholarships!
The celebration honoring the 2010 Art and Essay Contest winners drew a capacity crowd at Southwestern College in Phoenix on April 23. The top essay winners from grades 11 and 12 each received four-year scholarships to the College, and two-year scholarships were presented to the adult winners. These scholarship awards benefited 20 individuals and amounted to a total of $115,000 if utilized in full by attending Southwestern College.
The essay contest drew 2,924 entries from 49 states, of which 105 were selected as medal or certificate winners. The aggregate over the past 15 years now stands at 47,790 participants. Shea Van Slyke, an eighth grader from Bios Christian School in Gilbert, and Sadhana Kumar who attends kindergarten at the Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori School, read their gold medal essays for the assembled families and friends.
Eighty-eight art contest winners out of 1,570 received gold, silver or bronze medals or honorable mention certificates. Samar Waterworth spoke about her inspiration for the illustration which appeared on the cover of the evening’s printed program. Many of the winning entries were on display for the enjoyment of all in attendance.
Special recognition went to Alan Lambert, Commissioner of the Year; Desert Dolphins Synchronized Swim Team, Athletes of the Year; 76-year-old Mary McBain, 2009 Premier Power Player; and John Startt who is retiring from the GCSG Board (including two years as President.) John faithfully made the 420-mile round-trip from his home in Sierra Vista and never missed a meeting in nine years!!! That’s dedication!!!
~Wid
The essay contest drew 2,924 entries from 49 states, of which 105 were selected as medal or certificate winners. The aggregate over the past 15 years now stands at 47,790 participants. Shea Van Slyke, an eighth grader from Bios Christian School in Gilbert, and Sadhana Kumar who attends kindergarten at the Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori School, read their gold medal essays for the assembled families and friends.
Eighty-eight art contest winners out of 1,570 received gold, silver or bronze medals or honorable mention certificates. Samar Waterworth spoke about her inspiration for the illustration which appeared on the cover of the evening’s printed program. Many of the winning entries were on display for the enjoyment of all in attendance.
Special recognition went to Alan Lambert, Commissioner of the Year; Desert Dolphins Synchronized Swim Team, Athletes of the Year; 76-year-old Mary McBain, 2009 Premier Power Player; and John Startt who is retiring from the GCSG Board (including two years as President.) John faithfully made the 420-mile round-trip from his home in Sierra Vista and never missed a meeting in nine years!!! That’s dedication!!!
~Wid
Friday, April 16, 2010
"Birthdays!"
Today my son Dallas is 30 years old! I quit keeping track of my own a long time ago....for obvious reasons.What started out to be a small family BBQ has mushroomed into a full scale gig at, you guessed it, our house! That pleases me.Erika, Adam, and grandson Kael arrived by plane last night. Cindas' folks Barb and Doyle are driving from San Diego today as are Adams folks Rick and Judy from L.A.! Jessica flies in from Vegas tomorrow and Dallas' friend Lincoln is going to surprise him from Seattle!
Add in some friends from Dallas' work,and Punks entourage plus some neighbors of course,and there you have it....A small casual family get together.
Should be fun!
Happy Birthday my son!
Wid
Add in some friends from Dallas' work,and Punks entourage plus some neighbors of course,and there you have it....A small casual family get together.
Should be fun!
Happy Birthday my son!
Wid
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
It’s Up to Us!
With all the talk about controlling healthcare costs, one statistic that hit me revealed 70% of what is spent for healthcare is for diseases linked to our behavior in some way and how we live our lives.
Two examples cited indicated that the average annual tab for someone with diabetes is over $2,100, and for asthma, it’s $1,100.
More and more companies are urging employees to adopt healthier lifestyles and enroll in programs to manage chronic illnesses.
On a previous blog, I quoted Dr. Andrew Weil who stressed the importance of making smart decisions if you want to eat for optimum health and achieve a healthy weight. His bottom line prescription is to cut down on all food products with any kind of flour and sugar. He advises people to fill their shopping carts with vegetables and lean meats and to stick to the outside aisles in the supermarket where you’ll usually find unprocessed foods.
You may also have read that buried in the 2,400-plus pages of the Healthcare Reform Act is a provision requiring chain restaurants around the nation to post calorie counts for each item they serve.
All of this helps to make the public more aware that we should focus not only on how much we eat, but also what we eat.
~Wid
Two examples cited indicated that the average annual tab for someone with diabetes is over $2,100, and for asthma, it’s $1,100.
More and more companies are urging employees to adopt healthier lifestyles and enroll in programs to manage chronic illnesses.
On a previous blog, I quoted Dr. Andrew Weil who stressed the importance of making smart decisions if you want to eat for optimum health and achieve a healthy weight. His bottom line prescription is to cut down on all food products with any kind of flour and sugar. He advises people to fill their shopping carts with vegetables and lean meats and to stick to the outside aisles in the supermarket where you’ll usually find unprocessed foods.
You may also have read that buried in the 2,400-plus pages of the Healthcare Reform Act is a provision requiring chain restaurants around the nation to post calorie counts for each item they serve.
All of this helps to make the public more aware that we should focus not only on how much we eat, but also what we eat.
~Wid
Thursday, April 1, 2010
"Recognition!"
Everyone likes to be recognized for their accomplishments! On April 23rd at Southwestern College we will try to do just that!
Our Annual Celebration Banquet is in the planning stages and the momentum is growing.
We plan to acknowledge our Art/Essay contest award winners,Volunteer of the year,Athlete of the year,Commissioner and venue of the year recipients.Our Power Player award winners have also been invited.Sponsors and board members will also be in attendance.
New Executive Commissioner Ron Wolfley will emcee the evening and Mogollon will provide the entertainment.Plus,there are always some special surprises!
You are invited! Reception and registration starts at 5pm with dinner and show at 6pm. Cost is $15 a person (beat that),with the address for the College being 2625 E Cactus Rd,85032,Phx Az. Please RSVP to Tara Heinrichs at 480-517-9700 by April 21.
It's all about"Recognition!"See you there!
Wid
Our Annual Celebration Banquet is in the planning stages and the momentum is growing.
We plan to acknowledge our Art/Essay contest award winners,Volunteer of the year,Athlete of the year,Commissioner and venue of the year recipients.Our Power Player award winners have also been invited.Sponsors and board members will also be in attendance.
New Executive Commissioner Ron Wolfley will emcee the evening and Mogollon will provide the entertainment.Plus,there are always some special surprises!
You are invited! Reception and registration starts at 5pm with dinner and show at 6pm. Cost is $15 a person (beat that),with the address for the College being 2625 E Cactus Rd,85032,Phx Az. Please RSVP to Tara Heinrichs at 480-517-9700 by April 21.
It's all about"Recognition!"See you there!
Wid
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
"An Honor and a Privilege!"
Yesterday morning I was for the seventh straight year in attendance for The Seventh Annual Lori Piestewa Memorial sunrise service at the base of Piestewa Peak. It truly is one of my favorite days of the year. The outpouring of love, respect and culture strikes my heart each and every year.Terry, Percy, Baby Shaq, and Carla are so gracious and sincere in making sure the ceremony honors ALL fallen soldiers, it takes my breath away.I feel very fortunate to pay my respects and witness a legacy that continues to sustain itself on a grander scale as time moves on.Dear ones..."It was an Honor and a Privilege!"
Rainmaker
Rainmaker
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
"Forty Years is a Long Time1"
This past weekend I had the privledge to attend my forty year Cal Western University football reunion! It was nothing short of amazing! I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat apprehensive about attending...I can't really explain why. Bottom line, once the evening got under way with a social hour I couldn't get enough of it. I realized it was a very important part of my life and the coaches ,players ,and friends from this era are relationships that fill up a chapter of significant influence that I still hold dear to my heart. I was also pleased my wife Cinda was there to share in the evening as she came along in the next phase.
I have a sense of guilt that I haven't done a better job of making the effort to stay in contact with some amazing people represented in this contingencey. I've promised myself to improve in this area from here moving forward.
"Forty Years is a Long Time!"
Wid
I have a sense of guilt that I haven't done a better job of making the effort to stay in contact with some amazing people represented in this contingencey. I've promised myself to improve in this area from here moving forward.
"Forty Years is a Long Time!"
Wid
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
"From my dear friend Lew Shaw"
The truth hurts .
Someone had to remind me, so I 'm reminding you, too.
Perks of reaching
50
or being over
60
and heading
toward
70!
1.
Kidnappers
Are not very
Interested in you.
2.
In a hostage situation,
You are likely to be
Released first.
3.
No one expects
You to run --
Anywhere.
4.
People call at 9 PM
And ask,
'Did I wake you? '
5.
People no longer
View you as a
Hypochondriac.
6.
There is nothing left
To learn the hard way.
7.
Things you buy now
Won ' t wear out..
8.
You can eat
Supper at 4 PM..
9.
You can live
'without sex
But not your glasses.
11.
You no longer think
Of speed limits
As a challenge.
12.
You quit trying
To hold
Your stomach in
No matter who walks
Into the room.
13..
You sing along
With elevator music.
14.
Your eyes
Won ' t get
Much worse.
15.
Your investment
In health insurance
Is finally beginning
To pay off..
16.
Your joints are more
accurate meteorologists
Than the national
Weather service.
17.
Your secrets are safe
With your friends
Because they can ' t
Remember them either.
18.
Your supply of brain cells
Is finally down to
A manageable size.
19..
You can ' t remember
Who sent you this list..
And you notice
These are all
In big print
For your convenience.
Forward this
To everyone
You can remember
Right now!
ONE MORE THING:
Never,
Under any circumstances,
Take a sleeping pill,
And a laxative on
The same night!
Someone had to remind me, so I 'm reminding you, too.
Perks of reaching
50
or being over
60
and heading
toward
70!
1.
Kidnappers
Are not very
Interested in you.
2.
In a hostage situation,
You are likely to be
Released first.
3.
No one expects
You to run --
Anywhere.
4.
People call at 9 PM
And ask,
'Did I wake you? '
5.
People no longer
View you as a
Hypochondriac.
6.
There is nothing left
To learn the hard way.
7.
Things you buy now
Won ' t wear out..
8.
You can eat
Supper at 4 PM..
9.
You can live
'without sex
But not your glasses.
11.
You no longer think
Of speed limits
As a challenge.
12.
You quit trying
To hold
Your stomach in
No matter who walks
Into the room.
13..
You sing along
With elevator music.
14.
Your eyes
Won ' t get
Much worse.
15.
Your investment
In health insurance
Is finally beginning
To pay off..
16.
Your joints are more
accurate meteorologists
Than the national
Weather service.
17.
Your secrets are safe
With your friends
Because they can ' t
Remember them either.
18.
Your supply of brain cells
Is finally down to
A manageable size.
19..
You can ' t remember
Who sent you this list..
And you notice
These are all
In big print
For your convenience.
Forward this
To everyone
You can remember
Right now!
ONE MORE THING:
Never,
Under any circumstances,
Take a sleeping pill,
And a laxative on
The same night!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
What Needs to be Done?
Several top nutrition and fitness experts offered their ideas recently as to what needs to be done to combat childhood obesity.
Give kids more physical activity at school. “We know kids need at least an hour a day of physical activity. We should design the school day to include before and after school time to ensure that happens.”
- Charlene Burgeson, National Association for Sport and Physical Education
Schools should serve more healthy foods. “What is served in schools is important not only because of the direct impact on children’s diets, but also for the message it sends about healthy eating. If schools are selling unhealthy foods, it’s telling children that it’s okay to eat these foods whenever they want as opposed to teaching them that candy bars and soda pop are treats to be eaten only occasionally.”
- Margo Wootan, Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest
Stop junk food advertising to kids. “I love what the White House is doing. In addition, it will be important to tackle the powerful and pernicious influence of food marketing directed at children.”
- Kelly Brownell, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University
Offer more healthful foods in school vending machines. “Thankfully there are a lot more schools that have switched to healthy vending, but it’s important that we have nutritional standards for all foods served throughout the school.”
- Diane Pratt-Heavner, School Nutrition Association
More “Green Space” in our communities. “We need a policy that mandates every time a building permit is issued, the developer/contractor must include green space for parks, playgrounds, community gardens, sidewalks and bike trails along with areas for markets that feature local produce. This would change the face of America and the size of its youth.” - Melinda Sothern, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
I am hopeful the public is becoming more aware of the importance of physical fitness and good nutrition, and that each of us as individuals need to make the right decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
~Wid
Give kids more physical activity at school. “We know kids need at least an hour a day of physical activity. We should design the school day to include before and after school time to ensure that happens.”
- Charlene Burgeson, National Association for Sport and Physical Education
Schools should serve more healthy foods. “What is served in schools is important not only because of the direct impact on children’s diets, but also for the message it sends about healthy eating. If schools are selling unhealthy foods, it’s telling children that it’s okay to eat these foods whenever they want as opposed to teaching them that candy bars and soda pop are treats to be eaten only occasionally.”
- Margo Wootan, Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest
Stop junk food advertising to kids. “I love what the White House is doing. In addition, it will be important to tackle the powerful and pernicious influence of food marketing directed at children.”
- Kelly Brownell, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University
Offer more healthful foods in school vending machines. “Thankfully there are a lot more schools that have switched to healthy vending, but it’s important that we have nutritional standards for all foods served throughout the school.”
- Diane Pratt-Heavner, School Nutrition Association
More “Green Space” in our communities. “We need a policy that mandates every time a building permit is issued, the developer/contractor must include green space for parks, playgrounds, community gardens, sidewalks and bike trails along with areas for markets that feature local produce. This would change the face of America and the size of its youth.” - Melinda Sothern, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
I am hopeful the public is becoming more aware of the importance of physical fitness and good nutrition, and that each of us as individuals need to make the right decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
~Wid
Monday, March 1, 2010
"What a Finish!"
The 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver are now history! Sometimes Olympic miracles go your way. Sometimes they don't.Billed as the "biggest game in hockey history" a miraculous American goal with 24.4 seconds left in the third period ended up only magnifying the agony of a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada.
An Olympics that began with the death of a luger ended Sunday with an exuberant celebration of Canada but also a Winter Olympics-record 37 medals for the United States!
"What a finish!"
USA USA USA
Wid
An Olympics that began with the death of a luger ended Sunday with an exuberant celebration of Canada but also a Winter Olympics-record 37 medals for the United States!
"What a finish!"
USA USA USA
Wid
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Details of First Lady’s Campaign to Combat Obesity
Here are the major elements of Michelle Obama’s campaign to combat obesity as reported in the news media:
She proposed that the Food and Drug Administration work with food manufacturers and retailers to make food labels more “customer-friendly.” The non-alcoholic beverage industry has said it will start putting caloric information on the front of its products.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging doctors to monitor children’s body-mass index, which is a calculation of height and weight used to measure body fat. The AAP president stated the obesity problem needs a national solution.
Serve more healthy foods in schools. Congress is due to rewrite the Child Nutrition Act this year, and the Obama Administration is asking lawmakers to spend $10 billion over the next decade to give schools more money to make needed changes. More than 31 million children get meals through the Federal School Lunch Program, and many youngsters consume up to half their daily calorie total at school.
The First Lady’s program advocated offering $400 million in tax breaks to encourage grocery stores to establish outlets in “food desert areas” where there are limited supplies of nutritious food or a lack of Farmers’ Markets – a step that would require Congressional action.
Set up a Web site – www.letsmove.gov - with shopping tips, a recipe finder and other resources.
Finally, something that we have long been promoting: Encourage children to exercise at least one hour a day.
~Wid
She proposed that the Food and Drug Administration work with food manufacturers and retailers to make food labels more “customer-friendly.” The non-alcoholic beverage industry has said it will start putting caloric information on the front of its products.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging doctors to monitor children’s body-mass index, which is a calculation of height and weight used to measure body fat. The AAP president stated the obesity problem needs a national solution.
Serve more healthy foods in schools. Congress is due to rewrite the Child Nutrition Act this year, and the Obama Administration is asking lawmakers to spend $10 billion over the next decade to give schools more money to make needed changes. More than 31 million children get meals through the Federal School Lunch Program, and many youngsters consume up to half their daily calorie total at school.
The First Lady’s program advocated offering $400 million in tax breaks to encourage grocery stores to establish outlets in “food desert areas” where there are limited supplies of nutritious food or a lack of Farmers’ Markets – a step that would require Congressional action.
Set up a Web site – www.letsmove.gov - with shopping tips, a recipe finder and other resources.
Finally, something that we have long been promoting: Encourage children to exercise at least one hour a day.
~Wid
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
“Let’s Move . . .”
The campaign to combat obesity – particularly among children – gained a prominent advocate when First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled her “Let’s Move” campaign that she hopes will sound the alarm of what has become an epidemic among the nation’s populace and will address what needs to be done about it, a theme we have been promoting in our blogs over the past year.
Drawing on her own experiences as a working mom with two young daughters, she spoke in a recent interview about struggling to juggle office hours, school pickups and extracurricular activities and often being too tired to make dinner at the end of the day. She acknowledged she did what was easy: ordering takeout or going to the drive-through.
She thought her girls were eating reasonably well until her pediatrician in Chicago told her he didn’t like the weight fluctuations he was seeing. “I was shocked because my kids looked perfectly fine to me. It was a wake-up call, but like many parents, I didn’t know what to do. I realized I had to become more aware of the importance of healthful food choices and exercise.”
The stated goal of the campaign is to eliminate childhood obesity in a generation. She admits it is an ambitious goal, “but we don’t have time to wait. We’ve got to stop citing statistics and wringing our hands and feeling guilty. We’ve got to get going on this issue.”
I couldn’t agree more. So “Let’s Move!” I’ll be discussing more details of the First Lady’s campaign in subsequent blogs.
~Wid
Drawing on her own experiences as a working mom with two young daughters, she spoke in a recent interview about struggling to juggle office hours, school pickups and extracurricular activities and often being too tired to make dinner at the end of the day. She acknowledged she did what was easy: ordering takeout or going to the drive-through.
She thought her girls were eating reasonably well until her pediatrician in Chicago told her he didn’t like the weight fluctuations he was seeing. “I was shocked because my kids looked perfectly fine to me. It was a wake-up call, but like many parents, I didn’t know what to do. I realized I had to become more aware of the importance of healthful food choices and exercise.”
The stated goal of the campaign is to eliminate childhood obesity in a generation. She admits it is an ambitious goal, “but we don’t have time to wait. We’ve got to stop citing statistics and wringing our hands and feeling guilty. We’ve got to get going on this issue.”
I couldn’t agree more. So “Let’s Move!” I’ll be discussing more details of the First Lady’s campaign in subsequent blogs.
~Wid
Sunday, February 14, 2010
"Anything is possible."
Paola Boivin,Republic columnist writes,"Thanks to Apolo Anton Ohno and a controversial finish, Saturday nights 1500-meter final didn't disappoint. The future of the Winter Olympics is better for it."
"This goes to show you," Ohno said." Anything is possible."
How true this is in life as well!
Wid
"This goes to show you," Ohno said." Anything is possible."
How true this is in life as well!
Wid
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Onside Kick!"
You gotta be kiddin' me! The Colts had the ball for 6 plays in the third quarter. Then there was the longest halftime in history (at least 45 minutes), to compound this time span the Saints made one of the b___iest calls in Super Bowl history opening the 2nd half with an" onside kick" which they recovered and converted into points! By the time Peyton and his teammates finally saw the ball again a lifetime had past! The biggest comeback in Super Bowl history was in motion.
To top things off the most viewed TV event in history was finished off with a Saints interception and a 72yd runback for a TD! Turn out the lights,the party was over .
Great game! You couldn't help but feel good for the city of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina,and the 6ft cast off QB who won the games MVP! "WHO DAT."
Wid
To top things off the most viewed TV event in history was finished off with a Saints interception and a 72yd runback for a TD! Turn out the lights,the party was over .
Great game! You couldn't help but feel good for the city of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina,and the 6ft cast off QB who won the games MVP! "WHO DAT."
Wid
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"The Biggest!"
With over 100 events a year not everyone realizes that our Essay contest is "The Biggest " thing we do! This years 15th annual contest attracted 2,878, K to 67 years old, from 47 states bringing the grand total to 47,744 from all 50 states! Plus the Art contest overall total of 18,357 bringing the entire participation to 66,101!
A special thanks to Southwestern College for their inaugural sponsorship of this years Art/Essay contests! We look forward to the "Celebration Banquet" on April 23rd at Southwestern to honor our award winners. Save the date!
ps We had an essay from Bulgaria! We are now international!
Wid
A special thanks to Southwestern College for their inaugural sponsorship of this years Art/Essay contests! We look forward to the "Celebration Banquet" on April 23rd at Southwestern to honor our award winners. Save the date!
ps We had an essay from Bulgaria! We are now international!
Wid
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
U.S. Obesity Rates Stabilizing, but Still Too High
In case you missed the recent press reports, it is encouraging to learn that American obesity rates may have plateaued. That’s the good news. The bad news is that 68 percent of U.S. adults and almost one-third of youngsters remain either overweight or obese.
Based on a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity rates in American adults, which are higher than in any other country, held steady from 2000 to 2008, as did the trend among children ages 2 to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An adult who is roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight is considered obese. Even the youngest Americans are affected – 10 percent of babies and toddlers are precariously heavy. We’re also told that obesity has overtaken smoking as the biggest overall health threat facing the country.
As an obesity expert with CDC commented, “We may be at the corner, but we haven’t turned the corner as yet.” This is why I continue to urge each of you to . . .
Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
~Wid
Based on a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity rates in American adults, which are higher than in any other country, held steady from 2000 to 2008, as did the trend among children ages 2 to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An adult who is roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight is considered obese. Even the youngest Americans are affected – 10 percent of babies and toddlers are precariously heavy. We’re also told that obesity has overtaken smoking as the biggest overall health threat facing the country.
As an obesity expert with CDC commented, “We may be at the corner, but we haven’t turned the corner as yet.” This is why I continue to urge each of you to . . .
Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
~Wid
Friday, January 22, 2010
"Serenity!"
So much for the the "serenity" of rain! Tornado watch, airport closed down, flooding, Snowbowl without electricity, I-17 I-40 done, school being cancelled, high winds..........I hope you are all OK!
Wid
Wid
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"Rain!"
There is something special about a rainy day to me! It's soothing, cleansing, thought provoking, reflective, and it can also be disruptive.
Like most things everything in moderation and beware of excess. In Arizona things seem to come to an abrupt halt, in some cases for no reason. Take the early morning ride to work---for no apparent reason I keep thinking there is an accident up ahead because traffic is barely moving and the drive time is always extended. This morning luckily, the accident never occurred.
Construction comes to a screeching stop, school buses run late, no one is quite sure how to dress,
and the sniffles seem to increase. Hence in Seattle nothing changes. Speaking of change, it reminds me that nothing ever stays the same...you either get better or worse.
The weather report says that we should expect a couple of dreary days. My plan is to make them cheery productive days...in other words "get better". Having said that, I like the "Rain".
Wid
Like most things everything in moderation and beware of excess. In Arizona things seem to come to an abrupt halt, in some cases for no reason. Take the early morning ride to work---for no apparent reason I keep thinking there is an accident up ahead because traffic is barely moving and the drive time is always extended. This morning luckily, the accident never occurred.
Construction comes to a screeching stop, school buses run late, no one is quite sure how to dress,
and the sniffles seem to increase. Hence in Seattle nothing changes. Speaking of change, it reminds me that nothing ever stays the same...you either get better or worse.
The weather report says that we should expect a couple of dreary days. My plan is to make them cheery productive days...in other words "get better". Having said that, I like the "Rain".
Wid
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Following Through on Resolutions
The arrival of a new year is a great time to make resolutions to get rid of that excess weight, to be more active and faithful to your exercise regimen, or to commit to following a healthier lifestyle. The idea is to set realistic, specific and measurable goals and then stick with those objectives.
We all start out with the best of intentions. But I’m told that 88% of those who make New Year’s Resolutions do not achieve their goals. There’s an old proverb that says “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” That may be a bit strong, but it tells us that whatever good thoughts, good ideas and good intentions we may have, too often they don’t get translated into positive action that produce the desired results.
According to the Cooper Institute, 76-82% of those who begin an exercise program will drop out, 50% in the first six months.
Between 75-80% of those who begin a diet will revert to their old eating habits.
Between 60-90% of those who attend a quit-smoking program will start smoking again.
If you are serious about following through on your resolutions, you need to ask yourself why you have not been doing that particular activity in the past. The usual reasons are lack of time, not having the right knowledge or understanding of what you should be doing (in other words, not being properly motivated), or feeling you don’t have access to the proper facilities or opportunities to achieve your objectives.
Once you get past whatever has been holding you back and set your goals, think about the difficulty or intensity of the exercise in which you want to engage. While we all want to start out with a bang, it is best to start slow and build from there.
Another good suggestion is to have social support, whether it be a parent, spouse or friend. – people who will encourage and support your exercise routine. Don’t fall into the all-or-nothing trap for physical activity. If you miss a day, just pick it up the next day.
There is no value in simply planning to do good if you actually don’t do it. Once you get into the swing of it, you are on your way to repaving that road.
~Wid
We all start out with the best of intentions. But I’m told that 88% of those who make New Year’s Resolutions do not achieve their goals. There’s an old proverb that says “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” That may be a bit strong, but it tells us that whatever good thoughts, good ideas and good intentions we may have, too often they don’t get translated into positive action that produce the desired results.
According to the Cooper Institute, 76-82% of those who begin an exercise program will drop out, 50% in the first six months.
Between 75-80% of those who begin a diet will revert to their old eating habits.
Between 60-90% of those who attend a quit-smoking program will start smoking again.
If you are serious about following through on your resolutions, you need to ask yourself why you have not been doing that particular activity in the past. The usual reasons are lack of time, not having the right knowledge or understanding of what you should be doing (in other words, not being properly motivated), or feeling you don’t have access to the proper facilities or opportunities to achieve your objectives.
Once you get past whatever has been holding you back and set your goals, think about the difficulty or intensity of the exercise in which you want to engage. While we all want to start out with a bang, it is best to start slow and build from there.
Another good suggestion is to have social support, whether it be a parent, spouse or friend. – people who will encourage and support your exercise routine. Don’t fall into the all-or-nothing trap for physical activity. If you miss a day, just pick it up the next day.
There is no value in simply planning to do good if you actually don’t do it. Once you get into the swing of it, you are on your way to repaving that road.
~Wid
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