Happy New Year! Healthy New Year as well! Now that the calendar pages have turned to January again, the holiday parties are over with, the cookies, candies, and other calorie-laden goodies of the season have been eaten, habits have been broken...and hopefully, resolutions have been made. If you're one of many who say you're going to eat better/exercise more in the New Year, the county has two exciting opportunities starting next week to put you on that road to success!
Check out the Weight Watchers Open House on Monday, Jan. 6 at 5:00 p.m. in the Wickham Annex's Multipurpose Room at the Hanover Courthouse complex. Learn about their exciting new Simple Start program, which gives you two weeks of easy, fast-to-fix, delicious meal ideas to jump start that first-of-the-year weight loss you've been working towards. Join the Weight Watchers At Work program, too, which will meet on Mondays at the same location. Weigh-ins start at 5:15 p.m. weekly. Contact Brenda Setelin at 804-365-6084 for info.
An exciting new session of Zumba Fitness kicks off at various locations throughout Hanover County for six fun weeks beginning Monday, Jan. 6. Check out the class schedule (there are about nine held each week) and register directly with Christie Tripp, the instructor, by calling 804-306-1668. As always, 50% financial payroll incentives for County employees - including Library staff! - apply with minimum attendance requirements!
Join a class, buddy up with a friend, just get up off that couch and move. Make 2014 your healthiest, happiest year yet!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
SimplyFit turns one year old - you get the gift!
The fun folks at SimplyFit (who led many of the various movement activities at PRL's Full Staff Day) are celebrating their first birthday this Saturday, Nov. 9. Guess who gets the presents? YOU!
Bring the whole family out for a day of fun, food and fitness Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The SimplyFit Fall Festival and Birthday Bash takes place at their main facility, 2830 Ackley Avenue, Richmond, VA. Lots of cool activities are on tap, including apple bobbing, a bounce house, carnival games, group exercises, fitness testing, chair massages and healthy cooking demos! Don't forget the glitter tattoos and raffle prize drawings! Call 804-262-7777 for directions or more info, or drop an e-mail to info@simplyfit.com.
Bring the whole family out for a day of fun, food and fitness Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The SimplyFit Fall Festival and Birthday Bash takes place at their main facility, 2830 Ackley Avenue, Richmond, VA. Lots of cool activities are on tap, including apple bobbing, a bounce house, carnival games, group exercises, fitness testing, chair massages and healthy cooking demos! Don't forget the glitter tattoos and raffle prize drawings! Call 804-262-7777 for directions or more info, or drop an e-mail to info@simplyfit.com.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
ONLY in Richmond!
Call me crazy, but once the leaves start falling, I start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. Anyone who's ever lived in Richmond for more than ten minutes knows that folks down here LOVE their seasonal Tacky Lights displays, and it seems every year there's someone trying to out-do the next guy. For the first time ever, I think Sports Backers has everyone beat.
The inaugural CarMax Tacky Light Run, a 6K run through the lovely 900-home Walton Park neighborhood (known for its plentiful Tacky Lights displays) off Coalfield Road in Midlothian, is set for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6:00 p.m. The event is untimed, so there will be plenty of opportunities for participants to ooh and ahh at the lights while running the course in their favorite holiday garb. Don't forget to compete in one of the many best-dressed categories, including Santa, holiday sweater, seasonal costume, and more. Organizers say it will be TACKY. ('Nuff said. I'm there!)
Tacky Light Run participants receive a stocking's worth of cool swag, including a glow kit, jingle bells (!), a finisher's t-shirt and a prestigious holiday ornament finisher's medal. (No coal here!) Cost is $35.00 through the end of the day October 15; price increases to $40.00 on October 16. In the true spirit of seasonal giving, though, Sports Backers announced that groups of six to fourteen people receive a rebate of $3.00 per person, and groups of fifteen people or more receive a $7.00 rebate per person. Ho ho ho!
For more information or to register, visit the Sports Backers website or the Tacky Light Run Facebook page (www.facebook.com/tackylightrun). Fa la la la la, run run run!
The inaugural CarMax Tacky Light Run, a 6K run through the lovely 900-home Walton Park neighborhood (known for its plentiful Tacky Lights displays) off Coalfield Road in Midlothian, is set for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6:00 p.m. The event is untimed, so there will be plenty of opportunities for participants to ooh and ahh at the lights while running the course in their favorite holiday garb. Don't forget to compete in one of the many best-dressed categories, including Santa, holiday sweater, seasonal costume, and more. Organizers say it will be TACKY. ('Nuff said. I'm there!)
Tacky Light Run participants receive a stocking's worth of cool swag, including a glow kit, jingle bells (!), a finisher's t-shirt and a prestigious holiday ornament finisher's medal. (No coal here!) Cost is $35.00 through the end of the day October 15; price increases to $40.00 on October 16. In the true spirit of seasonal giving, though, Sports Backers announced that groups of six to fourteen people receive a rebate of $3.00 per person, and groups of fifteen people or more receive a $7.00 rebate per person. Ho ho ho!
For more information or to register, visit the Sports Backers website or the Tacky Light Run Facebook page (www.facebook.com/tackylightrun). Fa la la la la, run run run!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Get R.I.P.P.E.D. and Fall into Fitness
Hey, everybody! There's a super new high-energy fitness class starting next week for Hanover County employees called Get R.I.P.P.E.D. that you don't want to miss!
Simply put, R.I.P.P.E.D. - which stands for resistance, interval, power, plyometrics, endurance and diet - is the "one stop body shock" - a plateau-proof fitness formula offering consistent results and challenges in each and every class! Your body, I'm told, never gets "accustomed" to one set of exercises because the routines (and muscle emphasis) is constantly changing. Many participants say they can burn 750-1000 calories during each super-effective 50-minute workout session. How awesome is that?
You can Get R.I.P.P.E.D. through the county's Be Well program at Henry Clay Elementary School (310 South James Street, Ashland, VA 23005) on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning October 1 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (Class won't be held on October 10 but made up on the 29th.) Cost is $64.00 (eight bucks per class). Participants need to bring their own hand weights (five, eight or ten pounds) or a resistance band, and a yoga mat.
To register, contact the instructor, Jennie Richie at jrichie@hcps.us. For more info on the program, visit their website.
Simply put, R.I.P.P.E.D. - which stands for resistance, interval, power, plyometrics, endurance and diet - is the "one stop body shock" - a plateau-proof fitness formula offering consistent results and challenges in each and every class! Your body, I'm told, never gets "accustomed" to one set of exercises because the routines (and muscle emphasis) is constantly changing. Many participants say they can burn 750-1000 calories during each super-effective 50-minute workout session. How awesome is that?
You can Get R.I.P.P.E.D. through the county's Be Well program at Henry Clay Elementary School (310 South James Street, Ashland, VA 23005) on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning October 1 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (Class won't be held on October 10 but made up on the 29th.) Cost is $64.00 (eight bucks per class). Participants need to bring their own hand weights (five, eight or ten pounds) or a resistance band, and a yoga mat.
To register, contact the instructor, Jennie Richie at jrichie@hcps.us. For more info on the program, visit their website.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
As our thoughts turn to fall...
Wow! Where has the time gone? Has your summer been half as crazy/hectic/fun/exciting/healthy as mine? I hope it has been!
A lot of people tend to cut back on their fitness regimens once the weather heats up. You'll probably hear "it's too hot" or "there's too much other stuff going on"...to me, summer is the perfect time to ramp up your workouts. Too hot outside? Go walk inside an air-conditioned mall or check out your local library's stack of exercise DVDs (hint: use "exercise" as your "word or phrase" and change the "location" to "adult DVDs"). Try something totally new - if you're a cyclist, take up tennis. Swim instead of jogging. (Do like I did, and take your seven-year-old dog to a first-time beach vacation...see the sun rise every morning and walk more than four miles daily while WonderMutt tries to figure out the sand/bathroom thing!) Point is, just keep moving. Your body (and health) will thank you for it in the long run.
The calendar says we're slipping into autumn, day by day. Hard to believe another season of sun and fun has passed us by, but there's so much to look forward to once the calendar turns to September. With that in mind, I wanted to share a scrumptious super-energy kale soup recipe shared by my fabulous Zumba instructor, Christie. Who doesn't need more energy? And talk about simple to fix!
She writes: "I made this Kale Soup last week and it is really, really good (even my kids ate it!)! The recipe feeds 4 to 5. I would double it if you want leftovers. It is so yummy, I am making more tomorrow with my extra Kale as an energy boost before tomorrow night's classes." (Well, shoot, if kids will eat it, you know it must be tasty!)
To make your own batch of this energizing super-food delish dish you'll need:
5 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (not stock)
1 Medium Carrot, peeled and chopped 1/4 inches (about 1 cup)
1 Cup Celery, diced
2 Large Red Potatoes, diced 1/2 inch cubes
3 Cups Kale, rinsed, stems removed and chopped into bite size pieces
2 tsp. dried Thyme
2 tsp. dried Sage
Salt and Pepper to taste
A lot of people tend to cut back on their fitness regimens once the weather heats up. You'll probably hear "it's too hot" or "there's too much other stuff going on"...to me, summer is the perfect time to ramp up your workouts. Too hot outside? Go walk inside an air-conditioned mall or check out your local library's stack of exercise DVDs (hint: use "exercise" as your "word or phrase" and change the "location" to "adult DVDs"). Try something totally new - if you're a cyclist, take up tennis. Swim instead of jogging. (Do like I did, and take your seven-year-old dog to a first-time beach vacation...see the sun rise every morning and walk more than four miles daily while WonderMutt tries to figure out the sand/bathroom thing!) Point is, just keep moving. Your body (and health) will thank you for it in the long run.
The calendar says we're slipping into autumn, day by day. Hard to believe another season of sun and fun has passed us by, but there's so much to look forward to once the calendar turns to September. With that in mind, I wanted to share a scrumptious super-energy kale soup recipe shared by my fabulous Zumba instructor, Christie. Who doesn't need more energy? And talk about simple to fix!
She writes: "I made this Kale Soup last week and it is really, really good (even my kids ate it!)! The recipe feeds 4 to 5. I would double it if you want leftovers. It is so yummy, I am making more tomorrow with my extra Kale as an energy boost before tomorrow night's classes." (Well, shoot, if kids will eat it, you know it must be tasty!)
To make your own batch of this energizing super-food delish dish you'll need:
1 Medium Onion
4 Cloves of Garlic, peeled and chopped5 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (not stock)
1 Medium Carrot, peeled and chopped 1/4 inches (about 1 cup)
1 Cup Celery, diced
2 Large Red Potatoes, diced 1/2 inch cubes
3 Cups Kale, rinsed, stems removed and chopped into bite size pieces
2 tsp. dried Thyme
2 tsp. dried Sage
Salt and Pepper to taste
Chop garlic and onions and let sit for 5 minutes (to
bring out their hidden health benefits). Heat 1 TBS of the broth in a medium soup pot. Sauté onion in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes
stirring frequently. Add garlic and continue to sauté for another minute
(continue to stir). Add 5 Cups of broth, carrots, and celery and bring to a
boil on high heat. Once it comes to a boil reduce heat to a simmer and
continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Add potatoes and cook until
tender (about 15 more minutes). Add Kale and Spices (cook another 5 minutes). If
you want to simmer longer for extra flavor and richness, you may need to add a
little more chicken broth.
Got your own recipes to share in this space? Want to share your own wellness success stories or fitness tips? We'd love to hear from you!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Upcoming Workshop for Special Needs Caregivers
EDITOR'S NOTE: Late this afternoon I just got word from Hanover County HR that this all-important workshop (below) is temporarily POSTPONED due to unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone's control. I'll definitely keep you posted as to the new date and time as soon as I hear something! - DJ
Just got word from our friends at MetLife Plan Smart Financial Education that they're holding a workshop especially for caregivers of special needs children soon. Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure takes place on Tuesday, July 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Social Services Large Conference Room (12304 Washington Highway, Ashland, VA, in the rear of the building). Feel free to bring your lunch (and your spouse!).
Topics covered during the seminar will include choosing a guardian, trustee or conservator; providing lifetime care through special needs trusts; selecting appropriate funding methods for these trusts; and protecting government benefit eligibility for SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
As always, it's super-simple to register. Visit www.metlifeplansmart.com (if prompted for an employer's name, use Hanover County [two words]); call 1-866-801-3547 or fax the registration form (available on the website) to 1-855-288-6015.
·
Just got word from our friends at MetLife Plan Smart Financial Education that they're holding a workshop especially for caregivers of special needs children soon. Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure takes place on Tuesday, July 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Social Services Large Conference Room (12304 Washington Highway, Ashland, VA, in the rear of the building). Feel free to bring your lunch (and your spouse!).
Topics covered during the seminar will include choosing a guardian, trustee or conservator; providing lifetime care through special needs trusts; selecting appropriate funding methods for these trusts; and protecting government benefit eligibility for SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
As always, it's super-simple to register. Visit www.metlifeplansmart.com (if prompted for an employer's name, use Hanover County [two words]); call 1-866-801-3547 or fax the registration form (available on the website) to 1-855-288-6015.
·
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Summer Superfood!
Quiz time! What has been depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, was first harvested more than 5,000 years ago and is the "number one fruit on Facebook"? That's right, everyone's favorite super sweet summertime treat, watermelon. Did you know, though, that watermelon is one of the hottest superfoods around?
The latest buzz in the foodie world is that watermelon is exceptionally good for you. A serving size of 2 cups (!) (what other food can you think of that measures a serving in THAT quantity?!) is only 80 skinny calories. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it fills you up without filling you out. Each serving piles on the antioxidants and provides about 25 percent of your daily vitamin C and 30 percent of your daily beta carotene (which our bodies convert to vitamin A).
Watermelon also contains lycopene, the miracle cancer-fighting substance. In years past, tomatoes seemed to get all the attention in the nutritional world for their high lycopene concentration. Nutritionists and food gurus alike now know that watermelons contain even more lycopene than their round, red, fruit cousins. Munching a slice or two of melon each day is said to lower your risk of certain cancers, including lung, oral, esophageal and colon.
All you juicing fanatics take note: watermelon can be juiced in its entirety - seeds, rind, and all! Scientists have discovered that the most nutrient-dense portion of the fruit is the rind, and that watermelon seeds contain beneficial fats. While deeply hydrating (with a 92 percent water content, how could it not be?), watermelon juice is also high in vitamin B6, which is essential for brain balance, lowering anxiety and keeping depression symptoms in check. Some suggest it might even play a role in regulating women's hormonal balances, which makes it great any time of the month!
How do you choose the perfect watermelon? Run your fingers along the center of the fruit. You should feel slight ridges, indicating the melon is "mature" (not-quite-ready melons are completely smooth to the touch). Give the melon a good "thump" - you should hear a hollow sound (some experts say the tone produced is a b-flat!). The fruit should feel heavy for its size (due to its high water content) and should have a creamy, pale yellow spot on its underside showing where it had ground contact in the farmer's field. Yummy straight from the 'fridge on a stiflingly hot day, even better just off the roadside produce stand, fantastic any way you serve it, watermelon is the ultimate year-round superfood!
Hungry for more? Check out the National Watermelon Promotion Board's website to learn more about the 300-plus varieties of watermelon grown; pick up astonishing trivia for your next dinner party; try some new recipes and read more about the myriad of health benefits contained in the fruit. If you're feeling creative, be sure to stop at their carving page and see just how beautiful (astounding/imaginative/incredible) healthy eating can be!
The latest buzz in the foodie world is that watermelon is exceptionally good for you. A serving size of 2 cups (!) (what other food can you think of that measures a serving in THAT quantity?!) is only 80 skinny calories. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it fills you up without filling you out. Each serving piles on the antioxidants and provides about 25 percent of your daily vitamin C and 30 percent of your daily beta carotene (which our bodies convert to vitamin A).
Watermelon also contains lycopene, the miracle cancer-fighting substance. In years past, tomatoes seemed to get all the attention in the nutritional world for their high lycopene concentration. Nutritionists and food gurus alike now know that watermelons contain even more lycopene than their round, red, fruit cousins. Munching a slice or two of melon each day is said to lower your risk of certain cancers, including lung, oral, esophageal and colon.
All you juicing fanatics take note: watermelon can be juiced in its entirety - seeds, rind, and all! Scientists have discovered that the most nutrient-dense portion of the fruit is the rind, and that watermelon seeds contain beneficial fats. While deeply hydrating (with a 92 percent water content, how could it not be?), watermelon juice is also high in vitamin B6, which is essential for brain balance, lowering anxiety and keeping depression symptoms in check. Some suggest it might even play a role in regulating women's hormonal balances, which makes it great any time of the month!
How do you choose the perfect watermelon? Run your fingers along the center of the fruit. You should feel slight ridges, indicating the melon is "mature" (not-quite-ready melons are completely smooth to the touch). Give the melon a good "thump" - you should hear a hollow sound (some experts say the tone produced is a b-flat!). The fruit should feel heavy for its size (due to its high water content) and should have a creamy, pale yellow spot on its underside showing where it had ground contact in the farmer's field. Yummy straight from the 'fridge on a stiflingly hot day, even better just off the roadside produce stand, fantastic any way you serve it, watermelon is the ultimate year-round superfood!
Hungry for more? Check out the National Watermelon Promotion Board's website to learn more about the 300-plus varieties of watermelon grown; pick up astonishing trivia for your next dinner party; try some new recipes and read more about the myriad of health benefits contained in the fruit. If you're feeling creative, be sure to stop at their carving page and see just how beautiful (astounding/imaginative/incredible) healthy eating can be!
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