Shaq, Feed the Kids & Orlando Magic

Shaquille O'Neal partners with Feed the children and FaithWorld Center in Orlando, Monday, March 2. Phoenix Suns Center Shaquille O'Neal is teaming with Oklahoma based international hunger relief organization Feed the children and FaithWorld Center of Orlando for the "PB & Shaq" event to be held, Monday, March 2, at 6 pm at FaithWorld Center of Orlando (7601 Forest City Rd). Each Attendee must bring at least 10 jars of new peanut butter or a $20 donation to the event for admission. For more info visit our website: www.fit-4-sports.net

The Phoenix Suns will take on the Orlando Magic, on Tuesday, March 3.

Repetitive Injuries Awareness Day (holiday!)

Repetitive Strain Injuries Awareness Day - The Last Day in February.

Repetitive strain injuries are the damage that we cause ourselves by doing the same activity over and over again. Typing and moving a mouse around can cause carpal tunnel syndrome - a type of repetitive injury. But any motion that you do over and over again without a break can result in physical injury - that could mean office work, bending, lifting, swinging a hammer, operating a piece of machinery - even walking! But there are some steps you can take to prevent repetitive strain injuries - and that's what this holiday is all about.

Is your workspace laid out ergonomically? You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor, thighs are parallel to the floor and back is supported. Your neck should be straight, arms held in a comfortable position and nothing should hurt.

Take a few minutes every once in a while to stretch. Walk around, flex your wrists, circle your neck, roll your shoulders, touch your toes - work out the kinks. Make it a habit to include lots of different motion in your day to avoid injury.

Pay attention to your body, and rest when you need to. Any kind of work can lead to exhaustion, then strain and injury - even sitting at a desk. Don't wait until you are hurt to take  a time out- build regular breaks into your day.

 

Worthy Cause

We all have our pet charities and will give to most, however some are near and dear to our heart. Even in these tough times, Americans have shown their heart, their gratitude and willingness to help by opening their wallet or checkbook. Here are a few upcoming events I wanted to share with you. MS has touched the lives of a few of my friends and I like to support them as I am able. You will see later on, one of my other favorite charities is the American Cancer Society and I am also a wish granter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I love volunteering my time or resources as I am able.

I am thankful we live in a country where we can do this.

Thank you!

March 3 - Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS), Mid Florida chapter, National MS Awareness Week, March 2-8, 2009, Kick-off, Tuesday March 3, Noon-1 pm, Wall Street Plaza, downtown Orlando, Join the Mid Florida Chapter, Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Johnny and Jayde from XL 106.7 and get ready to move it closer to  a world free of MS.

For more info, call 407-478-8882 or http://flc.nationalmssociety.org

March 5

Winter Springs WineStyles Benefit for MS

Thursday Marc 5, 7-10 pm, 1196 Tree Swallow Dr, Ste. 1314, Winter Springs, FL 32708, wine tasting, finger foods, musical entertainment, giveaways and silent auction. $20 pp in advance or $25 at door. Wine club members $15,/$20. RSVP requested, but not required. For reservations or more info: 407-327-2378.

Crabbing on the Coast of Georgia

A delicate and balanced system, beautiful and precious are the barrier islands of Georgia. More than one-third of the coast of North America is bordered by barrier islands. Along the Atlantic there are more than 300 barrier islands, from Maine to Texas (more than 18 states). Between 75 and 95 percent of all marine species are dependent upon these estuaries that are formed behind the barrier islands. They allow marshes to build up in the quiet waters of the sound. These marshes filter pollutants that come from the mainland rivers and when the marsh grasses die they create detritus, a valuable food source for small marine organisms. Many commercial, industrial and recreational activities in the estuary are vital to the economy of Georgia. Georgia receives $3.5 billion annually directly or indirectly from coastal shipping ports. Each year Georgia Shrimpers catch 4 million pounds of white shrimp, totaling $16 million and 17 million pounds of fish and shellfish, totaling $25 million. Sixty-five million dollars is added to the economy of Georgia by fisheries. 

I love watching men fish (and women). It's mostly serene at times, unless you happen to be on  a large vessel out at sea when they start hauling in the "big ones". Recently I was given a lesson in "crabbing". I'd seen the markers of crab traps from Louisiana to Georgia and often wondered about the crabbing lifestyle. A very competitive field as well. Interestingly enough the blue crab prefers both the brackish water inshore as well as the high-salinity ocean waters to complete its life cycle. 

www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com

Sasha Cohen, Olympic Skater

Sasha Cohen earned the Silver Medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics. Is she going to compete again in 2010? She says she will make that decision later this year. Qualifications for the 2010 Winter Olympics will begin in January of 2010. Her training regimen right now is hectic. From September through May she does shows (i.e. Smucker's On Ice, coming to Orlando in Feb.), she is busy touring. I spoke with Sasha just after she returned to the states from a whirlwind tour abroad. 

When she is preparing for the Olympics she sets aside blocks of time, when she is at home, is more focused and has more intensity on the ice. Sasha performs in about three to five competitions per year. While in training she will skate for three hours then does various training off the ice as well including cardio. She also enjoys yoga, pilates, going to the gym, swimming, running and biking, which she can do year round, as she lives in Newport Beach, CA. 

She admits her inspiration and motivation comes and goes but it takes balance. She has patience for what she loves to do and follows her heart. Lance Armstrong has been a great inspiration to Sasha, she readily admits. "What he did, and how he did it is unbelievable." 

She also admits that staying injury free is a challenge, you also need to know how to pace yourself. "You don't want to be lazy and you don't want to burn yourself out."