The Weekly Word

Health Tip of the Week
A certain topic came up twice this week over approximately 45 minutes with two different so I thought it was an idea worth diving into. Modern life kind of forces us into sedentary situations. As kids, most schools have you sitting around all day "learning" with little to no movement mixed in throughout the day. Then, we go to college and do a little more of the same, and eventually become grownups where most of us work jobs that do not require physical exertion. This has led to many serious health ailments and people of all ages are afflicted by this type of lifestyle. So, I have a question for you all: Wouldn't it be NEAT if we can rid obesity or cardiovascular disease without spending more time in the gym or reducing calories?

Well, as it turns out, we just might be able to. Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis, or appropriately shortened to NEAT, measures the amount of physical activity we take part in that is not a formal workout. These are things like like walking, yard work, choosing to stand rather than sit, or getting involved in a game with your kids. These short bursts of movement, mixed in periodically throughout the day, will help you feel better, move better, improve body composition, and ultimately, can add years on your life. In regards to movement, the mindset of doing a little bit often over the course of the day can really add up. 

What I've Been Thinking About...
As I was driving to our District Championship meet for Track & Field, I was listening to one of my all-time favorite coaches Dan John break down an interesting concept. On one end, he talked about being fit to perform a task like say, climbing a rope. The second idea involved performance which looks at, can you climb the rope to go save that person from XYZ. One asks are you physically fit to do it, the other asks are you physically fit to do it AND able to perform under pressure? 

Fast forward a bit and known I am at the meet watching one of the best throwers in the area struggle. I used this individual as an example to one of our kids and described to them what appeared to be "paralysis by analysis". I was talking to his coach for a period of time and I mentioned that it seems like he is overthinking this thing and he looked at me and said sarcastically, "ya think?" I took that response as this must be an ongoing problem! The kid is physically able to perform the task but his mind was getting into the way it was really beginning to effect his performance in competition. Being fit to perform is one thing, being able to perform when it counts is another.

What I've Been Watching...
The Roast of Tom Brady is described as, "Sports figures and comics team up to roast former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who will be forced to take the hits in this full-contact comedy special hosted by Kevin Hart; from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles."

I read the description above and laughed a bit because this does not even remotely tell you what you are getting yourself into if you decide to watch it. The jokes are ruthless, brutal, offensive and everything a roast is supposed to be. Brady gets hit from just about every angle possible and I have to say, he took it all quite well! 

What I've Been Reading...
Investing in Kids Now Can Prevent Crime in the Future

For the past year or two I have been thinking of ways to get kids off screens, out of trouble, and be more physically active. Time and time again, in all regions of the world, the answer seems to lie in after school programs. In America, almost 70% of juvenile criminal activity occurs between the hours of 10 am and 10 pm. The first thing to do ensure is that they attend school, and then give them a sense of purpose after school. An activity, a club, a social event, etc. to keep them in busy and engaged in a positive activity before they head home for the day. Then, when at home, give the parents resources so that they, alongside their child can thrive. The article outlined above focuses on four approaches that work and they are as follows: 

1. Make high-quality early care and education available to kids from birth to age five from families with low incomes.
2. Offer voluntary parent coaching to at-risk parents of young children through home visiting.
3. Provide effective school day and afterschool programs to improve school climate and keep kids on track.
4. Help kids who have had contact with the juvenile justice system by providing them and their parents effective interventions to steer them away from crime.

Quote of the Week
"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will" -- Suzy Kassem

I hope you all have an awesome week!
​Chris Fluck