GATOR NATION!

Once Again, we prove it is a Gator Nation! The University of Florida, Gators, have won their 3rd National Championship. 24-14. The third BCS national Championship for Florida, 2nd one under Meyers. Tim Tebow, QB, the most decorated College football player,the heart and soul, consistently and continuously demonstrates his phenomenal leadership qualities as well as athletic prowess and skills. Dedication pays off! It was an emotional game for Head Coach Urban Meyers, Tim Tebow and the Gator team and coaches. Defenses were beating each other teams. Didn't overlook offenses. 

"Our teammates kept fighting all four quarters. We play for each other," said Tebow.

According to Coach Urban Meyers, "Turnovers were the game. Our guys played really hard and they are the best!"

Fruit Fights Belly Fat

Belly fat can hurt your health. A waistline larger than 35 inches can raise your risk of metabolic syndrome-a combo of high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high cholesterol and high blood sugar-that can up your chances of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Try an apple a day - people who eat apples significantly reduce their risks. A recent study by the NHANES found that apple eaters have smaller waistlines with less belly fat, lower blood pressure and a 27 percent lower chance of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. They also had significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; high CRP is linked to heart disease.

Chop apples and add them to chicken salad, saute apples for a side dish, subsittue applesauce for half the oil or butter when baking. Just a few suggestions for getting more apples in your diet.

REV Up, Rejuvenate Your Body

For most athletes I believe we all try different products to help us relax, rejuvenate or REV up to give us energy. I've recently been trying a new product, REV-Trainer's Epsom Salt. I have a teenage daughter who tends to have accidents (frequently; sprained ankles, wrists, etc.) so I thought I'd let her try it out first, since most of what I've been doing has been yoga, or some walking and mild cardio (up until the New Year). She re-injured her ankle, so I asked her to soak it in the foot bath or the bathtub with REV Epsom Salt. She did and said her ankle was feeling better. I've kept the container on my tub thinking I would finally use it. And I have. I went kayaking a few weeks ago and was sore when I came home, so I thought, why not try this REV's Trainers formula and see if it does make a difference. The first night I felt relief, was sore, as to be expected and the next day I was busy with other activities around the house, so naturally I was still giving my muscles a workout, so I gave it another soak. REV Epsom Salt comes from the earth, a natural healing agent, not created in a chemical laboratory. REV's special formula is a combination of magnesium and sulphate, essential oils such as geranium, rosemary, spearmint and eucalyptus, selected for their stimulating and healing properties. REV has helped the body recover from tough workouts by alleviating muscle aches and pains and soothing overworked feet. This can be done in as little as 15 minutes. 

Endurance and performance athletes will appreciate this quick fix for the grueling regimens that put extraordinary stress on muscles, tendons, skin, joints and bones of the human body. So if you have muscle cramps, inflammation and minor sprains. REV Trainer ingredients are known to circulate oxygen, deliver antioxidants, regulate enzymes, control nerve functions, flush toxins, form joint proteins and support insulin production. (You be the judge.) REV Trainer Epsom formula can be found at CVS (drugstores in US), or visit their website at www.rev-life.com They have other products available. 

So far I've noticed some improvement, both physically (relieving my sore muscles, aches and pains) and mentally. I've also felt a little energy when I get out of the tub. Something of a little caffeine or energy boost. Just enough so you don't feel drained and sore.

Maybe REV can help with my mental clarity, being focused and calm... who couldn't use that.  

Here Fishy, Fishy, Bass Fishing

Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, BASS, changed the world of fishing when Ray Scott founded BASS in 1968. This year marks the 40th year of their organization.
I'm far from a pro, except when I'm interviewing one or have the pleasure of casting a line from a skiff which happens to be carrying an "experienced angler". Even as a child I used to fish, back then it was with live bait we would catch in our backyard (worms). On the rare opportunity I get to fish now, I love to learn something new about bait, hooks, location (remind you of real estate?), location, location and timing, I then get to share this wealth of knowledge with others.
Go find some fish... http://www.fit-4-sports.net or http://www.newtraveladventures.com
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/index

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.