I’ve learned yoga is a really good workout.   Weight training feels great.  And you can get a pretty good endorphin “buzz” on the recumbant bicycle.  Who knew??!!   Well, spring is right around the corner and if your workouts are feeling a little flat…I thought I’d pass along some great tips on beating workout boredom I came across in the April issue of Fitness Magazine.

    If you pound away calories on the treadmill going one speed….at one incline…you may be missing out.  Fitness trainer Jamie Norcini suggests playing with the control panel.  After a 5-minute warm-up…jog 2 minutes…then walk two minutes and end the set with a sprint.  Repeat the cycle for 30 minutes.  The time will fly by.  For a little variety, Norcini recommends placing a pair of dumbbells beside the machine and jump off every 3 minutes to do one minute of arm toners.

    If you’re tired of training solo….become a groupie and get a workout buddy or two.  Check out the local running and swimming clubs.   Fitness Magazine even offers help finding a virtual partner at their website www.fitnessmagzzine.com/findabuddy.

     If spinning’s your thing…but you’re tired of going nowhere fast…bring your mind (and the motivation) back into your workout.  Spinning insturctor Karen Dubs suggests setting a positive intention and use it as a mantra between the lower and higher intesity portions of your workout.   Then there’s my personal vavorite motivational technique.  Fire up your i-Pod and change the way you ride with every song.  The variety of  music and techniques will keep things interesting.

    If you’re bored with your elliptical workout….take it in a different direction.  After a few minutes at a steady pace….set the resistance and do four strokes forward….then four strokes backward.  Repeat for 2 minutes before returning to your original pace.   As an added bonus….every time you change direction….you work your core to maintain balance.

    If you’re down on your downward dog….no problem!  With so many yoga hybrids to sample….there’s no need to get stuck in a holding pattern.  I hadn’t even heard of Iron Yoga and Hip Hop Yoga (thanks Kanye and Rihanna!)  There’s also Pole Yoga, Antigravity Yoga and Buddah Camp (yoga, tai chi and Pilates all in one!)

   If you love to lift….but need a change…Quit counting reps.  Popular Los Angeles-based trainer Lalo Fuentes says lift until you can’t go one rep further with good form.  Then move on.  He also recommends tinkering with your technique.  Do fewer reps.  Pause at several points throughout each move to work your muscles better. 

     If the fun has gone out of your run…sign up for a charity walk to give you a whole new purpose.   You can also alternate speed-walking with your run.  Chances are you’ll go even farther!

   And if the weather’s got you wimping out….recreate your fair-weather routine indoors.  You can turn your road bike into a stationary one by mountintg it on a Cycle Ops Magnetic Bike Trainer….or run in place with the Stamina InTone Jogger trampoline.   It’s not my thing…but I know many people who swear by their workout dvd’s.  There are literally hundreds from which to choose.

      Hey!  It’s been three months since you made that new year’s resolution to get in shape.   Don’t let boredom stop you now.   Shake things up and you won’t want to stop….ever!!

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    I recently learned about a special program designed espcially for injured service by Naval Medical Center San Diego….and thought you might be encouraged to know our injured heroes will not be forgotten.    I want to share with you excerpts from an article written by Mass Communication Specialst 3rd Class, Jake Berenguer.

     “Navy Medicine provides significant treatment to injured combatants not only through first response in theater, but also through a continuum of care starting with the transition back to the United States and throughout the recovery process.

     Project Comprehensive Aesthetic Recovery Effort (Project C.A.R.E.) is a multi-disciplinary patient care initiative to help restore function and appearance of traumatically injured service members.”

     According the Cmdr. (Dr.) Craig Salt….head of the department of plastic surgery at Naval Medical Center San Diego….lack of proper function or the emotional repercussions of a patient with the scars of a severe injury needed to be addressed.  Cmdr. Salt is spearheading Project C.A.R.E. to improve the aesthetic appearance of combat injuries to those who have given so much in the line of duty.

     “Patients often have a hard time coping with the stares of strangers or even looking at their own reflection, says Cmdr. Salt.  “I decided to be proactive and seek them out to let them know what options were available to them.  I wanted to fix what can be fixed and help them with their appearance post injury.”

     According to Berenguer’s article, Project C.A.R.E. consolidates resources through Navy Medical Center to address a patient’s needs through multiple disciplines.   Using a team approach to medical and supportive services, each patient is individually evaluated and a comprehensive treatment plan is formulated.

     Cmdr. Salt adds, “I wanted to work in tandem with anyone who could be beneficial to the recovery of the patients.  I am seeking out contributions of emotional support from chaplains, or the talents of dermatologists and neurosurgeons.  This needs to be a collective effort to restore form, function and esteem.”

     Berenguer spoke with one of Cmdr. Salt’s patients….Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony Guerrero.  “He has helped me out so much.  He is making a huge difference in people’s lives.”  Guerrero was injured in an explosion Sept. 9, 2006 while serving in Iraq.   He suffered serious facial injuries.

    Cmdr. Salt replaced missing bone in Guerro’s face with an artifical structure to fill an indention.  Laser surgery removed the powder furns from the explosion to lessen the visibility of the scars.

      As with so many injured soldiers and Marines….the issue after a debilitating injury is self esteem.    “After the blast, I didn’t look like myself,” said Guerrero.  ” Since beginning the surgical reconstruction, I feel so much better about myself.  I can definitely see a huge improvement and look more like I used to.”

    Cmdr. Salt’s hope is that Project C.A.R.E. will grow through promotion and coordination efforts throughout all branches of the military.

   Project C.A.R.E.  picks up after an injured patient’s regular treament ends.  And for some….that’s where the real recovery begins.   Cmdr. Salts says a handful of patients have been helped so far…and after pitching the idea to several other military hospitals…the potential for growth is immense.     Cmdr. Salt’s hope is this, “We want to help each service member identify their needs and work as a team to restore their form, function and self image.”

     Do our courageous American heroes deserve anything less?       If you’d like more information about Project C.A.R.E. visit:   http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcsd/Patients/Pages/ProjectCARE.aspx.

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    County healthy officials are reporting an increase in the number of influenze cases in San Diego.  The annual trend is always a concern because “flu” is a contagious, respiratory virus that can not only cause miled to severe illness.  It can also lead to death.  In fact, every year in the U.S. some 36,000people die from the flu.

     Fortunately, if diagnosed quickly and accurately…there are ways to manage the symptoms and shorten the duration of your bout with the flu.  That’s why local health experts are touting the benefits of flu testing.  If you think you might be sick….a rapid flu test can provide a result quickly.  The new FluSTAR tracking and reporting system uses a simple nasal swab and provides results in 10 minutes.  You can even take the flu test challenge by answering a few questions to find out if a flu test is right for you.  Check out http:www.flutest.com.

   Stop by your nearest clinic without an appointment if you need a flu test.  The spread of flu is a major public health concern and health officials want to stop a possible epidemic in its tracks.  You can also visit your doctor’s office or urgent care center.  If a test is administered within 48 hours of flu onset….a healthcare practitioner may recommend medications to treat the symptoms.  (FYI…There are 18 CVS Pharmacy MinuteClinic locations in the San Diego area where you can get immediate assistance!)

….According to pediatrician Dr. Nicholas Levy…professor at UCSD School of Medicine and Director of El Camino Pediatrics….if influenza is diagnosed in adults within 48 hours of onset…it CAN be treated.  “In children,” says Dr. Levy…diagnosis avoids the unnecessary use of antibiotics…which are ineffective in treating the flu.”  Dr. Levy goes on to explain, “If you feel symptomatic or your child is exhibiting these symptoms…a flu test is highly recommended.  The results will help your doctor appropriately diagnoses and treat you.”

   Need more encouragemnt?  Check out these facts:

* A recent study shows that diagnosis based on symptoms alone generates six times more false positives for flu than diagnosis with the aid of a  rapid test.

* Flu CAN be treated if diagnosed within 48 hours.

* If, in fact, you have the flu….you can make decisions that reduce the risk of transmitting it to others by staying home…avoiding  public places and limiting contact with infants and seniors.

* Symptoms include fever, aches chills and fatigue.

    Bottom line.  Although everyone is likely to be affected by flu…children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years….and adults over the age of 50…are at higher risk for having serious flu-related complications.  So take extra caution during this flu season.  At best…the flu is miserable.  At worst…it can be deadly.  Stay on top of it and you or someone you love won’t have to be a statistic.

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    What does that mean for you?   Well, if you’re among the women who can literally count each eyelash…..or invest in every new mascara and eyelash-thickening product that comes along….you might just want to check this out! 

   Dr. Susan Stuart of La Jolla Skin is among the first to carry Latisse in San Diego.   “This simple application grows luxurious eyelashes.”  says Dr. Stuart.   “It literally makes them longer, thicker and darker!”   And the studies on Latisse back up her claims.   The solution is easy to use.   It’s applied once a day to the base of the upper eyelashes (like eyeliner!) with a sterile single-use-per-eye disposable applicator.  According to the studies…in as little as eight weeks, users can expect to see improvement in the form of longer, fuller and darker eyelashes.   After 16 weeks, the results are significant.  Ongoing treatment is required to maintain the effect.  If treatment is discontinued…eyelashes will gradually return to their original state over a period of weeks to months (the average eyelash hair cycle.)

    A few possible side effects were noted during clinical trials on Latisse…including darkening of the eyelid skin and hair growth in other areas of the skin the solution frequently touches.  (Could my husband’s receding hairline be next?   Don’t get too excited Honey!   More clinical trials are needed!)  A small percentage of study participants reported itching or eye redness.  Obviously, for people with existing eye conditions….a doctor’s advice is necessary before using the product.

     Latisse was developed by Allergan and it’s the first science-based treatment approved by the FDA for thin or spotty eyelashes.   Only time will tell just how effective or well-received the new Latisse solution will be.   But after decades of glopping sticky, black mascara on my nondescript eyelashes….I’m going to keep a close eye on this cosmetic breakthrough.   Just think….no more racoon eyes!!    Questions? contact lajollaskin.com  or www.latisse.com.

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In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a little late jumping aboard the vitamin D bandwagon.   We’ve heard it all before when other nutrients…such as vitamin E…proved a disappointment after years of studies.  Why should “D” be any different?   Most of know vitamin D’s number one job is regulating calcium and storing it in our bones.    But the benefits go beyond our bones.   It also triggers the genes in our bodies that inhibit cell growth….which may prevent cancer cells from forming.     According to “Fitness” Magazine, women who spend more time outdoors in the sun and drink 10 or more glasses of milk a week when they’re in their teens and twenties have lower rates of breast cancer than women who don’t.   Other research suggests too little “D” can increase the risk of colon, ovarian and breast cancers.   And there’s more!   The vitamin also regulates the activity of the immune system’s cells…helping ward off infections and protect against such autoimmune disorders as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.   And if that’s not enough….perhaps the fact that vitamin D helps prevent inflammation in the body will convince you.  Why is that important?   Inflammation has been linked to heart disease and it regulates blood pressure.

Now the bad news.   According to the Office of Dietary Supplements in Washington D.C…. nearly 80 percent of Americans don’t have the amount of vitamin D necessary for good health.  One third of the population…mostly women….fails to meet even the current minimum.   As many as half of young adults are low in “D,” putting them at risk for developing a rare bone disorder called osteomalacia.

The good news?   It’s easy to bump those vitamin D levels right where they need to be.   Many health experts believe supplements  are the best way to boost those vitamin stores….but several food sources can also do it for you.     Add a little salmon,…canned tuna in oil…fortified milk….fortified cereal and eggs (with the yolks, please!) to your diet and you’ll be well on your way.     And finally….harness the power of the sun!    Go outside 5 to 30 minutes at least twice a week….when the sun’s shining!   In fact, (and don’t tell my dermatologist!) you need to skip the sunscreen and go out when the sun is at it’s highest…between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.    (Of course, if you plan to be outside longer than 30 minutes…get the SPF 30 and cover up!)   But the sun is key to the production of vitamin D.   For those of us who live in the southland…this should be no effort at all.

So, if you’re suffering from any combination of symptoms…ranging from headaches, backaches and stomach pain…to fatigue and bouts of colds or pneumonia…..load up on “D.”   And you may want to “mega-dose.  Studies show your multivitamin may not be enough.    Most multis supply 200-400 IU of “D” a day.   If you’re low…you may need to bump it to 1,700 IU a day.   

How do you know if you’re low on “D?”   Ask your doctor for a simple  vitmain D blood test.    An extra dose of “D” and a little time under the sun…may be just what you need to feel your best!!

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We’ve all heard about detox diets that can miraculously shed five to ten pounds in seven days.   It’s hard to resist the urge to give them a try.  Detoxing… in fact…. has become one of the hottest and fastest-growing health trends due, in part, to the celebrity endorsements of stars such as Gwenyth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.   They’ve all been on some form of detox diet to prepare for movie roles.

That said…many nutritionists advise against these rapid weight loss plans because they can be harmful.   Many of the diet plans are….in effect…”starvation diets.”  One popular plan says dieters may drink only one shake a day.  The concoction is made of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and laxative tea.  One shake a day for 10 days straight!  Of course you lose weight!   Duh! The laxative tea alone would do the job!  But it won’t last.

The good folks at Henry’s Farmers Market have come up with a healthy twist on the detox idea.   Henry’s nutritionist Janet Little has devised a six-week  “Whole Body Rehab” plan that focuses on slowly incorporating good ffods and eating habits into your diet to help your boday naturally cleanse.  It’s a safe way to jump-start the life style makeover process that can help you lose 5-10 pounds while also teaching you to re-think how you treat your body on a daily basis.   The goal is to help you turn your resolution into a long-lasting lifestyle change.  Plus, according to Janet…after the 6-week New Year’s plan…you’ll be sure to look good just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Henry’s officially kicked off the program January 5….but you can begin any time with Janet’s eating schedule, shopping list and recipes written out for you.   (http://www.henrysmarkets.com/h/Whole_Body_Rehab/.   Henry’s has also created a social media network for Whole Body Rehabers on SparkPeople.com.  Free of charge, anyone can join Henry’s team at their convenience where members can find extra tips on the program….while getting support from other Whole Body Rehabers.  Members blog about their individual experiences whith the program and ask questions directly to each other or to Janet.

Week One started last week with a three-day organic apple detox drink to cleanse toxins from the body.  After the first three days, healthy foods are brought back into your diet.    Each week has healthy tips on everything from drinking coffee….to exercise ….to vegetable and fruit flexibility!  

If your goal is to detox and lose some weight in a healthy way….I encourage to explore programs such as the Body Rehab plan at Henry’s.   Get your advice from an expert like Janet.  Try a gimmicky plan and you’ll lose weight initially….but you risk damaging your health and setting yourself up for failure when you return to your old health habits.     Make 2009 your healthiest year ever…by doing it right!

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Turns out… Dad was right.  About a lot of things, actually.   But last year, his belief about the importance of good health really hit home.   Low back pain started affecting every part of my life.  Getting out of bed in the morning.  Doing light housework.   The worst?   I couldn’t even swim without pain.   I was counting on swimming to be the activity I’d take into my old age.  I couldn’t even imagine life without it.

The MRI showed a bulging disc and the early stages of degenerative joint disease.   I quit working out…. did some light stretching and had a few sessions with a physical therapist.  The pain persisted.  An athlete all my life…I couldn’t believe this was happenning to me.   Turns out, back pain is the number one medical complaint.  I certainly wasn’t alone.

Hoping to avoid surgery….I got a couple of cortisone shots in my back….and a ray of hope.   The sharp, electric pain subsided slightly.   But the aching, sriffness and occasional blasts of pain were still part of my life.    For months, my chiropractor had gently suggested I try something called spinal compression.   He has the state-of-the-art equipment in his UTC office.  But I was skeptical.   When I finally realized I might have to consider surgery….I gave  Dr. Keith Jeffers a call.   He showed me studies from the Mayor Clinic….how how 89% of patients with herniated discs and degenerative disc disease had significant reduction in pain…..with no negative side effects.

I decided to give it a try.   Treatment involved a significant time committment….twenty 30-minute treatments in less  than a month.     But I figured before doing something as invasive as surgery…it was worth a shot.    Dr. Jeffers uses a machine called the DRX9000…..the cadillac of spinal decompression equipment.  What sets it apart from some other traction machines is its computerized “servo motor,” which monitors the pull on the back.  So should the body begin to spasm…..the machine stops pulling. 

The treatments weree actually extremely relaxing.  The gentle pull (which got stronger as my treatments progressed) actually felt good.  It was a comfortable “release” of my tight back.   I didn’t notice any significant change until the 14th treatment.   Later that day…. I realized I had bent over to get something from the front seat in my car  without pain.   Stepping off a curb.  No pain.   Sitting at the news desk for an hour.  Only mild aching.   By the 20th treatment, the change was significant.   I slowly started swimming…gentle freestyle and backstroke.   A little “tweak” here and there….but I found I could rotate my lower body as I stroked….with very little discomfort!

I was elated…but wondered if the pain would return if I stopped the treatments.   In four months (including 3 maintenance treatments), things have only gotten better.   I can now stand at the kitchen sink or in front of the clothes dryer and work with out aching.   I’ve even added some butterfly and breast stroke back into my swim routine.  

I’m still careful.   Some days my back is tight and a little stiff.   I get a “zinger” from time to time.  But the pain no longer affects every part of my day.

Obviously, this technology isn’t for everyone.  As I rresearched spinal decompression, I also learned ome doctors aren’t convinced the technology works.   But for someone suffering from disc problems (and that includes the cervical spine.), sciatica or failed back surgery…the DRX900 might just be an option.   Dr. Jeffers admits not everyone is a candidate.  An honest, reputable doctor or health care provider will help determine that.   But for those who are good candidates,…Dr. Jeffers says he’s had 80% of his patients report significant reduction of pain and a return to normal activites.  (He’s especially proud of the guy who’s now back to 4-wheel driving…and the 55 year-old woman who’s returned to training for 10-K runs!)

Spinal decompression is FDA approved….but only a few insurance providers  cover the treatments.   However, if future studies show continued success…..it’s expected more insurance carriers will reimburse their customers.

I wouldn’t presume to tell anyone what to do when it comes to their health.   I just wanted to share my experience with anyone putting up with chronic back pain.   It’s no fun.  But if surgery isn’t for you….you might want to check out spinal decompression.    And shop around for the best!    Remember, when you’ve got your health…….life is good!!  Happy New Year!

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   Candy Cumming, Registered Dietician, is also a Wellness Education Specialist and Certified Solution Provider with Sharp Weight Management and Health Education.  I’ve known Candy for years.   When it comes to health advice, Candy takes a practical, no-nonsense approach.    She gave me some tips.  What she shared was so spot-on…without gimmicks and ultimately so “do-able…” I thought I would pass it along to you….un-edited….in its entirety.    

“WE’RE HEAVY INTO THE HOLIDAY EATING SEASON….SO HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO PRESERVE YOUR HIPS!”   by Candy Cumming.

    “Since being physically active is a wonderful stress-reducer and calorie-burner, you need to be active during the holidays.  Continue with your usual activity if you are already an exerciser.  If not, just add 15 minutes of walking each day.  You could even break that down into three 5-minute walks!  Play active games with your children.  Be creative: walk around the entire mall before you start shopping.  Park and then walk to view the light displays.  Plan outings to the zoo, Sea World and/or many of our beautiful parks.

    Smelling a German butter cookie in the oven marks my Christmas…so much so I can’t imagine Christmas without it.  In our family, we have limited baking to one recipe and we all get together to roll, decorate, bake and share cookies.  None of us gets a lot of cookies…but we do get to be together in a fun and memorable way.  Limiting the amount of baking you do and sharing that enables you to keep traditions alive without drowning in a sea of calories from baked goods.

   One holiday meal never made anyone fat.  But a few weeks of eating holiday goodies can add pounds.

    Festivites can overburden a calendar.  Be selective and choose the parties and events that are most meaningful for you and drop the rest.  This gives you the chance for som real R&R over the holidays.

    Never go to a party on an empty stomach or with low blood sugar.  You’ll eat way too much once you arrive.  So have a light snack before going.  Something like string cheese and a piece of fruit would do.  It it’s a pot luck event….bring something fairly low in calories (fruit/veggie dishes) so you always have something to fill your plate.  You’ll make other health-conscious people happy too.  Look at your plate and divide it into quadrants.  Allow yourself to put some yummy high-fat food on 1/4th of the plate.  Fill the rest of the plate with low-calorie options.  By doing this you won’t feel deprived and you won’t regret over-eating either.

    Getting back to that 1/4 of a plate.  Invest your calories in a food that looks delicious…that you may only see once a year.  Eat and savor it…without guilt.  Skip the stuff you can get anytime…chips, cheese and crackers, store-bought cookies, etc.

   Keep your eating during the holiday time simple: fruits, veggies, lean proteins and some whole grains.  By simplifying and placing loving limits on the foods you eat day in and day out…you have a little leeway to enjoy some holiday fare.

    Be mindful of what you drink.  A spirit-loaded eggnog can pack as much as 500 calories.  And a typical wine, beer or mixed drink is at least 150 calories.  Avoid drinks with umbrellas as they are loaded with calories.  Always consider that alcohol calories come with “friends.”  By this I mean, you’ll eat more as you drink more.  If you do drink, limit it to one and switch to non-alcoholic and non-caloric options.

    Don not decorate your home or desk with holiday candies.  Once you see them, you’ll eat them.  So minimize exposure because “will power” is more myth than anything.   Being willing to keep your environment free of temptations is definitely the way to go.

    (My personal favorite holiday eating tip!)  Workplaces seem to teem with goodies this time of year.  See if you can win the support of your co-workers to minimize the goodies that inevitably show up.  Rather than keeping food out all day in the break room…limit it to one hour or just to one day/week.  Bring in some fun, fruits, like those tangerine “cuties” and leave those out for co-workers.  Many are relieved to have a healthy option!   If your office has been gifted with sealed containers of “goodies,” consider taking them to a homeless shelter.

    One of the more dangerous thoughts to have is “I’m going on my diet in the new year, so I might as well enjoy whatever I want these next few weeks.”  This thought gives us permission to over-indulge.  Unfortunately, the pounds gained seldom come off.  Most people end their diet the day or two after they start it.  I’d rather have the discomfort of being a bit more discreet with my eating over the holidays than eat with abandon and then face the discomfort of needing to lose the pounds I gained.”

    Candy’s tips aren’t magic…but the fact is, if you want to avoid starting the new year guilty, depressed , with 5-10 extra pounds….following her simple advice will surely save you the trouble.  Have a happy and healthy holiday! (I think I’m going to take a 5-minute break and walk around the building!  Thanks Candy!  Merry Christmas.)

To learn more about Sharp Weight Management and Health Education…..visit www.sharp.com/weight.

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And while I always look forward to the traditional parties, gift-giving and church services….I can’t help but focus on the food!   Seriously…. I’ve been backing off on the carbs and adding a few more sets to my swim workout for more than a week.   I want to be down a couple of pounds when I smother my pumpkin pie with so much whipped cream…it disappears!

But sadly…. while most of us will be over-indulging in the coming weeks….. an estimated 480 thousand people are in danger of going hungry across the county.   According to the San Diego Food Bank, the number of those in need is growing…but the supply of food is not meeting the demand.  In fact, today…the Food Bank has just seven weeks of food left in its supply. 

You can blame the struggling economy.  “We’re getting into more difficult months with the recession getting worse,” says Jennifer Perkins of the San Diego Food Bank. “We’re going to need to serve more and more families in San Diego.”

And while the thought of our neighbors going hungry is troubling in the short term…..when kids and families don’t get the nutrition they need….there can be serious long-term consequences.    We’ve all heard the startling statistics about diabetes.   Type 2 diabetes…the most common form of the disease is directly attributable to poor nutrition (and lack of exercise).   “Once only a concern for older adults,” according to Larissa Johnson with the Network for a Healthy California, “the problem is now epidemic among children because of diet. “ 

Johnson says the San Diego Food Bank is a critically important source of supplemental nutrition.  And don’t think the only source of that nutrition is fresh foods.   “The Food Bank provides many healthy food choices such as whole grains, beans and rice,” says Johnson. “Their inventory of frozen and canned foods are alsoa tremendous source of nutrition.”    But those supplies are dwindling.

Fortunately….. some in the community are stepping up.  Just in time for the holidays,  the San Diego Chargers are hosting a Food Drive at Qualcomm Stadium during this Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.   Anyone is welcome to bring canned goods and other non-perishable items to the stadium and drop them in the Food Bank’s red barrels.  (By the way…those barrels will be staffed should you want to donate money instead!)

The Hilton family of Hotels is kicking off it 1st International “Hunger at Home” Tasting Gala to benefit the Food Bank Friday night, Nov. 21 at the Hilton Torrey Pines.  santp-hungerathome@hilton.com  The Hilton’s Ewell Sterner and his committee have a passion for the children in our community.   “181 thousand children go hungry in San Diego County,” says Sterner.  “That’s not acceptable.”

This holiday season, the economy may be dwn…but no one should go hungry.   We all can afford to make a small donation of food or money to help feed our neighbors in need.  Join with the Chargers…the Hilton Family of Hotels and all our community partners as we work to make sure NO ONE GOES HUNGRY IN SAN DIEGO!

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The loss of our mother was beyond painful for our family.   But the tragic loss was compounded by an aching sense of isolation.   No one talked about it.   Family members avoided the topic.  Our friends and neighbors avoided us.  Even our pastor couldn’t look us in the eye to offer any comfort.    In those days, the stigma associated with mental illness was firmly entrenched.   Suicide was simply not discussed.

In many ways….things are better these days.   The advent of Prozac and other effective depression treatments in recent years opened the floodgates of discussion.    Finally, it’s ok to talk about mental illness.   Sadly, progress in the acceptance of suicide as a fatal symptom of the illness lags behind.  But we can’t continue to talk in whispers about a problem that affects so many families.

Consider these numbers. In the U.S. a person dies of suicide every 16 minutes…claiming more than 30,000 lives a year.  Suicide now ranks first among causes of non-natural death in San Diego County.  Since 1995, suicide has taken the lives of nearly 4,000 in the county.  For every suicide completed locally….an estimated 8-25 are attempted.  The fastest growing group completing suicide is children between the ages of 10-14.  This rate has doubled in the last two decades.  White males in San Diego have the highest suicide rate of any race/gender combination.

Just ask Connie and Rex Kennemer.  Their 25-year old son, Todd, tragically took his life in November of 2005.  “This month marks Todd’s third year away from us,” says Connie.  ”Actually, Todd had been drifting away from us for some time as a result of mental illness.  Bipolar disorder had been “erasing Todd” until he couldn’t even recognize himself.  This is what mental illness does….replacing healthy thoughts with cruel and surreal fantasy until its victims are truly “out of touch with reality.” 

But rather than suffer in silence, Connie and Rex and hundreds of other survivors of suicide loss cope with their loss  by connecting with people who’ve gone through similar experiences.   Through the San Diego chapter of Survivors of Suicide Loss,  www.soslsd.org these friends and family members who have experienced unspeakable loss are focusing their pain on helping others survive…..BY TALKING ABOUT IT!

Connie and Rex explain it this way, “It is so important to understand what those who have mental illness feel like and endure so that we can have compassion…break the cycle of stigma and prevent others from taking their own lives.”

I wish such a group would have been available for me and my family.  We were so alone.   But as medical science continues to learn more about the brain chemistry  involved in mental illnes…the stigma is slowly lifting. 

But there’s more work to be done.  And you can be part of it.    The “Save a Life San Diego Community Walk” is this Sunday, Nov. 16.  You can register at 8 a.m. at the corner of 6th and Laurel in Balboa Park.   At 9, we’ll walk 3.1 miles through the park to promote prevention, awareness, education and support for survivors of suicide loss.  100% of the funds remain in San Diego….to help families like the Kennemers and others who don’t know where to turn after losing a loved one to suicide.

Hope to see you there.

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