This-N-That
Breast Cancer Survivors Paddle To Second Place In New Zealand Dragon Boat Festival
Sarasota, Fla.—Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) Paddling program’s NBP Survivors in Sync (SIS), consisting of breast cancer survivors, won several medals in the 2023 International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, New Zealand. Overall, they placed second, only behind the Lake Karapiro home team. SIS placed third in the 500-meter race and first in the 200-meter race, beating the two local teams that beat them in the 500-meter race. SIS holds the top spot for teams in the Northern Hemisphere and they were the only U.S. team to make the top ten. Overall, 85 teams from around the world participated in the festival.
10 Tips To Become More Physically Active
Fredericksburg, Va.—Most people need more exercise, despite the mounds of research that show the many health benefits of doing so. According to the U.S. Department of Health, adults should aim to exercise at least 150 minutes and up to 300 minutes per week at a moderate intensity level or a minimum of 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.
Knowing what is needed isn't always motivation to be more physically active. Doing small things can initiate healthy habits and increase activity levels overall. Here are 10 ways to try and be more active throughout the week:
1. Set a reminder on the phone to get up and walk for 5 minutes every 2 hours. This is especially important for those who work at a desk all day.
2. Park in the back row when you go out shopping. The extra steps to get in and out of the store will add up quickly.
3. Plank a day! Wake up, and plank for a minute. Getting in the habit will start the day off right.
4. Invest in a stand-up desk, which will help burn more calories and keep you from sitting all day.
5. Do five-minute wind-down mobility exercises before bed (i.e., arm circles, hip circles, touch toes, chest openers).
6. Pick a new location to explore every month, either through biking, walking, running, or hiking.
7. Set a monthly challenge to get 10,000 steps every day. Research shows you only need around 7,500 to gain significant health benefits, so start the goal small and work up.
8. Try a mobility yoga routine after work each day. This will keep you feeling more energetic, moving, and improve flexibility.
9. Commit to 10 minutes of walking and stretching each morning. That is a little time, but it will make a big difference throughout the week.
10. Take the stairs in buildings that have elevators. Use them as an opportunity to get more activity in during the day.
--Information provided by Jennifer Scherer of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. To learn more, visit https://www.fburgfitness.com.
Field Notes
Congratulations to Adam Dibble, CPESC, CESSWI, vice president of sales for environmental solutions at Profile Products, who received the Sustained Contributor Award from the International Erosion Control Association at the 2023 awards ceremony. The award recognizes an IECA member who has made outstanding contributions to improve the erosion and sediment control industry for a sustained period of time.
Ecore International, the largest converter of reclaimed tire rubber in North America, has acquired 360 Tire Recycling Group, a tire recycling management company. This alliance strengthens Ecore’s position in tire and buffings collection, while aiding in the procurement of raw materials for the company’s flooring and surfacing products.
Bowie Industries appointed Ramy Turf Products as their new dealer in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky. Ramy supplies the upper-mid-west with seed and erosion-control products, and the expertise to apply them correctly.
Hospeco Brands Group, a manufacturer of personal care, cleaning, and protection products is merging with Monarch Brands, wholesalers and manufacturers of microfiber, commercial laundry linen, institutional textiles, and wiping products.
MaxLite, a provider in the LED lighting industry is celebrating its 30th anniversary in business. The company has been manufacturing and marketing energy-efficient products to its customers since 1993.
Fecon LLC, a manufacturer of heavy-duty site preparation equipment and related forestry accessories is looking to expand its dealer network in several market segments, including forestry, agriculture, construction, utility, and tree care. Interested dealers can inquire about openings in their area at www.fecon.com.
John David, the Chief Strategy Officer of USA BMX, the largest sanctioning body for the Olympic sport of bicycle motocross racing (BMX), has been named the new President and CEO of Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, replacing Al Kidd, who retired in June.
© Can Stock Photo / tomwang
Five Must-Do Exercises To Grow Old Gracefully—And Safely
Boise, Idaho—Growing old gracefully can be a challenge. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 3-million adults 65 years and older, or 1 in 4 seniors, fall every year. These falls can be life-altering accidents. CDC reports falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for seniors while 1 in 5 falls result in serious injuries such as head traumas, hip fractures, or other broken bones.
Here are five exercises for seniors:
1. Everyday deadlifts. Use typical household items like a milk jug, a case of water, a duffle bag, or a laundry bin to perform the exercise—just remember to bend at the knees to lift.
2. Chair squats. Strengthen leg muscles by practicing standing up from a chair hands-free or doing squats daily.
3. Standing on one leg. Seniors who can’t balance on a single leg have shorter, slower strides, which can create a fall risk. Practicing single-leg balances for 10 seconds to minimize that possibility.
4. Side-lying windmills. Lie on your left side with your left leg extended and your right leg bent across your body at a 90-degree angle. Keep your left shoulder and hip rooted to the ground. Bring both of your arms straight out to your left side. Your arms should stack on top of each other. Rotate the right arm up and over your head while trying to touch your fingers to the ground. Allow your eyes to follow your arm for as long as possible. Rotate fully around to the starting position. Pause briefly and start again.
5. Daily walking. Experts say you can reap all the benefits you need from walking 7,500 steps per day. That can be three to five 10-minute walks a day. The speed doesn’t matter, just the steps count.
--Information provided by Peak Physical Therapy, an Idaho-based, private physical therapy practice group. For more information, visit peakphysicaltherapy.net.
Fun For Seniors
A new study by Seniorly.com analyzed 11 senior lifestyle factors in all 50 states and D.C. including average weather, the cost of living, the number of restaurants and golf courses per capita, the size of the senior population, overall health, proximity to airports for family visits, and more to determine the most fun state for seniors seeking social connection, recreation, and healthy aging.
The 10 most fun states for seniors are Florida, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Hawaii, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Delaware.
The 10 least fun states are Kentucky, Nevada, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, and Texas.
Great Play Giveaway Winner Announced
Jennifer Harrison from the Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Va., is the winner of the Great Play Giveaway presented by Parks & Rec Business and Camp Business magazines. As the winner, the school will received a brand new playground from BCI Burke valued at almost $40,000!
As part of the annual contest, all recreation departments, camps, and schools are invited to enter to win a playground for their community that will help children develop skills that transcend the playground, including motor skills, cognitive planning, and cooperation.
“Greenbrier Christian Academy is so excited to offer our elementary students the opportunity to have additional play space for their recess and after-school outdoor recreation time,” says Harrison. “We feel very blessed to have been chosen for this giveaway.”
Thank you to everyone who participated and keep trying for your chance to win.