Enjoy a Hike

    After your mouthwatering turkey, dressing and all the delicious accompaniments, including the pies, enjoy the outdoors. Visit a park in your area, or a little further away. Take a hike at a local state or county preserve, you'll be amazed at what you will find. Enjoy geocaching, learning about habitats and animals. My local parks offer eco-saturdays. I love stopping in to learn about bats, or plants, counting the various birds they can spot and just watching the kids as they learn how to use a gps. Go online to find parks you might enjoy, some offer swimming, canoe or kayak rentals. Breath real fresh air, revitalize your body and mind. You'll come away refreshed! This is a great way to spend quality time together, or alone and its also inexpensive. Don't forget sunscreen and water. Take your camera to shoot a few great photos to send to friends, post them (flickr and other great outlets), print them! Remember, leave only footprints.  Visit: http://www.floridahikes.com

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

   Turkey is a very good source of protein. A four ounce serving provides 65.1 percent of the daily value for protein, along with 11.9 percent of the DV for saturated fat, about half the amount of saturated fat food in red meat. The structure of the human body is built on protein. We use animal and plant sources of protein for our amino acids and rearrange the nitrogen to make the pattern of amino acids we require.

    Turkey is also a good source of the trace mineral selenium. Selenium is of fundamental importance to human health. It is an essential component of several major metabolic pathways, including thryroid metabolism, antioxidant defense systems and immune function. Some studies have suggested a strong inverse correlation between selenium intake and cancer incidence.

    Turkey is a good source of another cancer-protective nutrient, vitamin B, niacin. Components of DNA require niacin and a deficiency of niacin has been directly linked to genetic (DNA) damage.

    B Vitamins for Energy and Cardiovascular Protection. Vitamin B6 is important for energy production, in addition to its DNA actions, niacin is essential for the conversion of the body's proteins, fats and carbohydrates into usable energy. Niacin helps optimize blood sugar regulation via its actions as a component of a molecule called glucose tolerance factor, which optimizes insulin activity.

    

Hoop Shot

West Orange Warriors (West Orange High School, Winter Garden, FL)

With only four returning starters, Coach Eric Jones is optimistic about this years basketball team. 

"We have a lot of youth, with a few seniors, but the bulk of he scoring will be done by the underclassman," said Coach Jones.

One freshman who is a big help, according to Coach Jones, is Owens Perez."We'll see how he does. Metro is difficult playing, but he should be able to handle it."

The Warriors have a couple of good scorers, according to Coach Jones, such as Aaron or A.J. Richards, returning guard. Other returning varsity include:  Johnathan Rozier, guard, Malcom Anderson, guard, Ek Uachi-Lois, forward and Deandre Carter, guard. The young team has some difficult challenges ahead with Olympia, Ocoee, Metro and even Wekiva, a new school.

the West Orange Warriors are hosting a Jamboree on Nov. 20, with Evans, Eustis, Lake Brantley and University. The Warriors record last year was 11-16.

Kayaking-Everglades & More

Wherever I travel, I like to try to rent a kayak. Whether in rivers, lakes, along the coast or even in the Everglades. I know what you're thinking (alligators and crocodiles), well if you don't bother them, they wont bother you, most of the time anyway. And please don't feed them. 

    Down in the Everglades, in the Ten Thousand Islands, one of my favorite places to kayak for nature and birding (eco-tours), the best guide is Captain Wright with Everglades Area Tours (www.evergladesareatours.com). You will be impressed with the mangrove tunnels, cypress hammocks, fishing for tarpon and snook from your kayak or canoe and spying on the abundance of resident and migratory birds. I found a great roosting place for the Roseatte Spoonbill and the juveniles are fun to observe as they learn to hunt for their meals. But you have to be very quiet or they will fly away. The Everglades are a great place to kayak (or canoe) as there are eight different eco-systems with more than 300 species of birds including Bald Eagles, herons, kites and egrets to name a few. And the history of the area is captivating. the Everglades has a unique quality to share with you. If you like adventure. At night, its' a whole new world.

    There are several guidebooks available (mine will be out in 2009), offering maps with journaling about dozens of blueways you can explore. I never recommend kayaking alone. guidebooks will help you with what to expect, what to bring, where to go to see different landmarks, etc. (birds, fish, historical landmarks). Guidebooks will also tell you which routes are good for novices and which are for the more experienced paddler. 

    

    

A Walk in the Park

One of my favorite things to do is to go for a walk, or hike in one of the local parks. Usually the state parks are my favorite as they offer more things to do and have better trails. A few around Florida that I enjoy are: DeLeon Springs Park, (www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings) Rock Springs Park, Kissimmee State Park, any down in the Everglades (like Seminole-Collier), John Pennekamp Coral Reef, in the Keys, Homosassa Springs and a plethora of others around the state. We have unique parks in which visitors can hike, go paddling, or to the beach, fishing, scuba and one park even has an underwater cave. Most parks offer camp sites for tents (primitive) and some for RV's/Campers. Florida offers thousands of miles of greenways and trails. Check out one of Sandra Friends excellent guidebooks for hiking. (www.floridahikes.com)

    I've found several groups through the Meetup (www.meetup.com) and you can hook up with new friends who enjoy the same hobbies as you. Some adventure clubs, hiking or paddling groups meet once per month and others are more active. You can participate as often or as little as you like, learning from others the terrain, equipment to take, birding routes or geocaching. From expert to  novice you can enjoy your hike through nature more every time. Listening for the call of a warbler, identifying helpful and harmful plants and learning about the history of the land, are a few of the benefits to hiking in our parks. 

    I always bring bug spray with me, my cell phone, but turn on vibrate, my camera and sunscreen. I keep these  items (and a few more) in my truck at all times, even a first aid kit since I like to travel so much ;-) I believe in planning ahead. I like to have a change of shoes (comfortable for walking, biking or hiking) in the car so whenever I'm in the mood, or better yet, have the TIME, I can stop off at one of the local parks, Oakland Nature Preserve, or Tibet-Butler and breath in fresh air, listen to the call of birds and hopefully snap a few new photos of different birds or butterflies. One afternoon I caught a woodpecker pecking away on a snag. I was fascinated how he would climb inside the tree, then come back out and peck some more. 

    On Saturday I followed a Brownie Troop around just for a short while to hear what intrigued them and they were on a scavenger hunt. On another occasion I followed a red carnival on a sandy trail through a sparsely canopied area. There are great guidebooks to help you identify various habitats; from birds to plants to reptiles and seashells. These are very handy. I enjoy looking at different tracks on the ground and identifying them; fox, birds, panther, or other cat. 

    So what are you waiting for? Go explore a park. Get your passport for the Florida State Parks, or your own state and learn something new!

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga (from Yogamatrixstudio)

Laughter yoga is an innovative stress solution. Laugh for no reason, but for good reason.

Laughter is fundamental.

10 Good Reasons to Laugh

1. Laughter is a stress buster - it reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine an cortisol.

2. Laughter strengthens the immune system - the immune system is important in maintaining good health by keeping infections, allergies and cancers at bay.

  Recent research into the effects of laughter by Dr. Lee S Berk, professor at Loma Linda University, CA, demonstrates that laughter will increase the count of natural killer cells (NK cells-a type of white cells) and antibody levels.

  Laughter therapy helps to increase antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages.

3. Laughter is anti-aging

  It tones facials muscles and expressions

  Laughter causes an increase in blood supply to the face, which is why some people look flushed. this nourishes the skin  and makes it glow.

  People look younger and have more fun when they laugh.

4. Laughter is an aerobic exercise - it stimulates the heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise.

  Dr William Fry, Standford University, claims one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine. 

  The singular benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of well-being because more oxygen is taken in during laughter.

  It is an exercise regime suitable for all, including people confined to a bed or a wheelchair.

5. Laughter is internal jogging.  laughter massages internal organs by enhancing the blood supply and increasing their efficiency. This is especially good for proper bowel movement. 

  Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to improve muscle tone. 

6. Laughter is a natural pain killer

  Laughter increases the levels of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist who is suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, benefited from laughter therapy in a situation when all painkillers were ineffective. 

  Endorphins released as a benefit of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from arthritis, spondylitis and muscular spasms of the body. 

7. Laughter can control high blood pressure. laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones. 

  Experiments have demonstrated that a 10-minute laughter session leads to a reduction of 10-20 mm in blood pressure.

8. Laughter ca help dump depression and anxiety.

  the stress and strain of modern life takes a heavy toll on the human body and mind.  

  Better sleep

  Reduced depression. Some people claim they can manage without prescribed anti-depressant pills and tranquilizers.

9. Laughter alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma. Laughter improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood.

  Laughter club members report a marked reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks. 

10. Laughter just makes you feel good.

  Laugh and the world laughs with you. How you react to life is up to you. Live life laughing!

OH, YOGA!

    I started learning yoga about two years ago. Unfortunately I wasn't very consistent due to my travel schedule and then the yoga moving to a different location that I didn't like. Finally, after joining the YMCA, I started going once in a while, in addition to other classes and cardio. A few more interruptions of skin cancer surgery (stitches in 3 different places), prohibited me from working out and then in June of this year I was involved in a car accident. Unfortunately this only compounded everything. The accident exacerbated my injuries. I started going regularly to the chiropractor and added massage therapy. Never quit feeling right. Well, not to languish, I'm getting back into yoga.

    I attended a hatha yoga class today at YogaMatrix Studio in the Dr. Phillips are (if you live in Central Florida, you'll know). I spoke with the owner and head instructor (Edely) on the phone a few days before my class. I could tell she was/is very experienced. She's been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, she didnt even want to be a teacher. but she is phenomenal. Her classes are full, men and women of various ages give up a few hours on a saturday morning to breath and stretch their way to health and happiness. I could write for a while on the various classes she offers and the benefits, but I just wanted to share a few things in this blog and will have more on yoga.

    Top 10 Reasons to Try Yoga (from yogamatrixstudio)

1. Stress Relief - reduces the physical effects of stress on the body by encouraging relaxation and lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include: lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as  easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia.

2. Pain Relief - yoga can ease pain. Studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga asanas (postures), meditation or a combination, reduced pain for people with conditions such as cancer, m.s., auto-immune diseases and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain and other chronic conditions.

3. Better Breathing - teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths. It improves lung function and triggers body's relaxation response.

4. Flexibility - helps improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of motion and reducing aches and pains. 

5. Increased Strength - yoga asanas uses every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. Yoga also helps to relieve muscular tension.

6. Weight management - can aid in weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning calories Yoga also encourage healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.

7. Improved Circulation - improves circulation and as a result of various poses, more efficiently move oxygenated blood to the body's cells.

8. Cardiovascular Conditioning - even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen intake.

9. Better Body Alignment - helps to improve alignment, helping relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems. 

10. Focus on the Present - helps to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help created mind-body health. I opens the way to improved coordination, reaction time ad memory.