If This News Doesn't Concern You, You Must Have Stock in Big Pharma

I will always stand by the notion that Pharmaceuticals have a place, a limited place, in our lives. But pharmaceutical companies are in the business of making money. That is it. No where in the literature does it ever state that drugs cure anything. They manage symptoms. And maybe just maybe by managing symptoms the body just might heal itself. Sometimes to heal we are called on to do some work of our own. I hate to say it, we generally don't. We're geared to take the path of least resistance, the one requiring the least amount of effort on our part.

So this is where we as a society end up. Selling and peddling drugs in the name of health....as long as we give the drug a specific use like a diagnosis...and to help out on the sales we'll create a bigger market by lowering the standards for that diagnosis.

{A story that demonstrates what these companies care most about - It's always about the $$$: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/against-odds-lipitor-became-worlds-080130310.html }

This concerns me as a human, a mother, and as a health professional. I encourage everyone to take a good hard look at what is really happening here. I encourage to look at where you are choosing to spend your money. I encourage you to consider other more holistic alternatives. In fact I encourage you to look at what you are eating, doing and drinking that either aids in you remaining healthy or slowly takes your health away from you.

Living healthy in today's society takes effort I know, but the side effects are wonderful and just think how much money you will save NOT getting sick and NOT spending your money on drugs. I can certainly find some other ways to spend my money!

This news SHOULD concern you. This news SHOULD encourage you to discover healthier alternatives to pharmaceuticals.

Are Psychiatrists Inventing Mental Illnesses to Feed Americans More Pills? | | AlterNet

Yes, School Lunches SUCK! So pack your own!

I totally agree - School lunches suck! There is really no redeeming factor in school lunches. But what I don't read here is: Why not pack your own lunch. And that goes for us parents as well as for our students (read children).

I mean really, we can bitch all we want and we can even fight for change. I really think Jamie Oliver has a point here - Why not TEACH our children and our cafeteria staff to make not only healthy meals, but healthy choices! He has shown how it can be done.

But alas, that takes effort & work. It's just easier to leave it to a service and be done with it. It's easier and cheaper (well not really if it's done well).

OK, it's easier! But we can't be lazy about our own health or the health of our children. So I say take control and pack your own lunch.

And while you are at it, fix your own breakfast and have dinner as a family!

Yes, our school lunches suck and the vending machines at work are no substitute for a healthy snack.

But folks, you have a CHOICE to buy the stuff or pack/fix/prepare your own!

That all said, If we as a society choose to offer lunches to our children, then we should be sure the children's health is considered first and foremost.

Just my thoughts on the matter...

sAq

BBC News - Jamie Oliver says healthy school food standards 'eroded':

'via Blog this'

GMO's: Genetically Modified Organisms - The Rights of Consumers v Corporations

The debate over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) and consumer protection is a perfect example of "We the People" v "We the Corporation".

It seems to me so logical that "Yes, of course" all foods should be labeled when they are NOT purely produced by mother nature.

The fact that there is a debate at all screams how the power of large corporations and their profits weigh in more heavily then the health and well-being of the people, the consumer of such foods.

The fact that these corporations are making huge profits and yet having no accountability over the long-range implications of the GMO's on consumer health is an outrage to me.

I believe in the freedom of choice. And in this incidence, as far as the USA in concerned, we are being denied the choice of knowing how our food has been manufactured and produced.

I want to eat healthy. I want to be healthy. I'd like to think corporations will have my best interest in mind while producing these GMO foods, but the truth of the matter is immediate profits out weigh my future health in the long run.

"While the Act includes provisions relating to the genetic modification of organisms,
from the development and production to the release and application of GMOs, as well
as the use of gene therapy, it does not govern the labelling of products that contain GMOs,
or stipulate the need to disclose this information to the consumer," says Natasha Wright,
an associate, at law firm Adams & Adams."

OK I can accept that no one else takes responsibility for my health. But in this case I can not only be informed, I have no way to fight back and hold anyone corporation accountable to the potential adverse health reaction to my body ingesting a multitude of GMO's.

I believe I should have that right to know what I am ingesting, to be informed so that I can make my own decision and choose what I believe best for me.

Right now without labels we are being denied that right.

It's wrong period.

When something is fought so strongly like the fight for GMO labeling in the USA, then I can't help but think that even the corporations who are creating GMO's don't know the long range health consequences and want only to profit now and wipe their hands of future responsibility.

That is just shameful.

South Africa, as this article explains is taking a stand. So should the USA!

Consumers are protected by GMO Act - Adams & Adams:

'via Blog this'

Fit to Enjoy a Full Life - Push-ups to Kayaks

When I commune with nature via a hike or kayaking adventure I always return to my real world refreshed and invigorated.

I feel humbled and awed in the presence of Mother Nature. I feel saddened by our disrespect for her beauty and   value to our existence.

When I venture forth into the rather tame reaches of nature I emerge with a much larger heart for not only the wild life it's natural habitat but our humanness as well.

Rarely do I go on adventures alone. A pal or a few pals join me. We each share the moments of taking in the oft times hidden world. We talk about anything and everything. We see nature and each other within the light of Oneness.We are as much a part as we are separate from nature and ourselves.

I have always believed that fitness is NOT always about being buff, having the knock-out body, breaking sound barriers on our bikes, in the water or on our feet. The athletic achievements, though mentally and spiritually uplifting and satisfying in themselves, pale in comparison to living an abundant life.

Being FIT to me, and it is just my opinion, one I base my professional personal training world around, is the ability to DO what you enjoy in life.

Being able to perform 25 full push-ups is not the important thing to me. BUT being able to do those push-ups ALLOWS me to climb rocks, swim in the lakes & oceans, pick up and carry the children in my life, hoist that kayak onto my car and play a game of tennis with one of my favorite people in the world.

That is what being FIT means to me. So I will lift my weights. I will go for runs (or at least do my best). I will do my push-ups and sit-ups.I will feel proud of those athletic achievements (first in my age-group or just NOT last!) and PR's.

But the love I feel, the satisfaction I experience comes when I can take that fit body on adventures in nature with my friends. That fills my heart & mind with love and soothes my anxious soul.

http://www.myspace.com/sherrillaquinn/blog/544480329

Exercise! Don't underestimate the curative properties..

Yes, of course I'm going to jump on an article that highlights exercise as medicine. I'll keep highlighting these articles until it finally dawns on folks that movement is good. Not only is it good for the often over emphasized aesthetic reasons (Ok, I get it sexy bodies sell magazines, products and services), but movement (A.K.A. Exercise) is great for the mind, spirit and our over all health.

Exercise does not have to be difficult. We can vary it up any which way and benefits mount. Sure there are precautions and progressions when first starting out. Sure as you get fitter, you got to change it up, mix it up, challenge yourself. But it's not rocket science folks.

So here is another reason to get yourself moving. There are so many options out there for everyone that you are bound to find something that clicks with you. Clubs, DVD's, YouTube, TV stations, Recreation, hikes, biking trails, pools...come on it's available no matter socio-economic strata you are on...options are available.

BBC News - Exercise should be 'standard part of cancer care'

Check out some of the stats in this article if you need convincing.

In Health Always!!

sAq

There is no reason to QUIT! Lots of reasons to START!

Aging is NOT a disease. But we tend to "age" faster when we allow ourselves to become less active, physically, mentally and spiritually. We become dis-eased when we give up on ourselves and our health in particular.

Cultivating a "can do" attitude no matter your age, no matter your obstacle takes mental & physical practice. We have to keep investing in our health every day. 

And oh yes, once you succumb to the "I'm too old" to learn, to grow, to try something new, to give it your best, then you will create that reality around you. You become too diseased to DO anything.

We will age and we will begin to slow, who cares. But why must we rush it with inactivity and lethargy?

Challenge the misconception and "just do it!".

Inspirational read...

Bike Swim Run » Can You Run Even When You’re Older?

My Team - Buffalo Marathon

The running season begins with the Buffalo Marathon on Sunday May 29th. An unlikely team, my running buddies & I, will run further than we have in at least 10 years if not in our lives. No it's nothing major, no 50-miler, no full marathon, it's just this team of friends doing the 4-person relay. No biggie to runners, but HUGE to each one of us.

We go toe-to-toe with our own personal "Beast" of uncertainty, insecurity, fear, excuses, doubt, commitments, family pulls, injuries and yet...move ahead anyway.

This goal has more to do with our own minds. The rewards are bigger than the mere 10K or 12K we'll each contribute. Running has brought us together. We're a TEAM.

http://www.myspace.com/sherrillaquinn/blog/543082924

Happiness - Being "Active" in the Pursuit

...And there's that "ACTIVITY" factor again!

Being truly happy. Inwardly happy. Not externally, see how much I have accumulated, vaux happy. It's not hard, it's only heart-felt.

If you donate your time & money do it for non-recognition and see how it really makes you feel.

Build your friendships because you honestly like the person you are be-friending, not for their business contacts. Give of yourself to them for no other reason than sharing the "gift of yourself" to them.

That higher-purpose, where you hold yourself accountable to the highest form of who you are. No, not this worlds definition. YOUR definition of your highest self. You might have to pause and LISTEN to find what that means to you. You will hear it, but you must be still to hear it. You won't have to ask permission or get affirmations from anyone, you will know.

And there it is: Be Active. Get Physical. MOVE your Body! Nothing like a walk around the neighborhood, a day toiling the garden, going for a bike ride, playing tag with the kids, hiking along the river rocks...being active just for the fun of it.

Activity is part of the overall "Happines Equation".

Daily Good is an inspirational Blog to those on the journey and to those who wish to continue.

Enjoy

sAq

DailyGood: 10 Keys to Happier Living

Tomorrows 5K - DO I really care about the beer?

I'd like to think I care more about running to benefit the homeless, or whatever organization benefits from my participation, but do I?

I run for me and my own practice at self-discipline and dedication. I enter races with friends for a good time and the challenge.

But do I really take time to consider the people behind the organization the fees support?

I do and I don't. I choose my event out of convenience for me. Then I choose it if I think the organization is sound and serves a larger purpose, generally. Then I choose it for the post-race party.

Today I thought about those who actually NEED the food served each night at "Friends of the Night People".

Here's my story: "Tomorrows 5K"Tomorrows 5K"

Inertia by Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) on Myspace

If you have read any of my blogs you know I believe in the power of movement, physical exercise, fitness and, sports to be a positive influence in our mental, spiritual, emotional and yes, physical well-being.

I'm a fitness expert to some folks. I have made a life out of encouraging people to get and stay fit and healthy. I live it, breathe it, think about it.

Yet, I am human. I have my moments of lethargy. I have my moments where I just don't wanna "Just DO it".

I was content to ride my bike and go for walks around the neighborhood.

Since my time of "competing" was well behind me I was content to be a healthy fit. I would leave the PR's to the young studs and "studdettes" coming up behind me.

As the saying goes, the less you do the less you can do. Soon I found I couldn't run. I could run around a soccer field ok, but I couldn't go out and run without hurting BIG time. I thought I was done, toast, finished with racing.

But then a friend, a colleague wanted to do a race. She was starting about the same pace I was, a walker/jogger. A "Wogger". She wanted to be a jogger. So of course I figured I'd help her achieve that. Why not, it's what I do.

In order to help her I need to DO it. I needed to run too. So we entered some races. We had illusions of grandeur, but failed miserably (except that we dared to enter and dared to try).

We kept at it. We even got another and her husband to join in on the journey. Soon we were a team by "default".

Now we encourage each other, because we have a goal: A 10K this May. To be a four-person team to run in the Buffalo Marathon.

Well, you can't do that without training. Not unless you want to disappoint yourself and pay the physical price the following days.

Been there. Done that BS!

Inertia, procrastination, stuckness was getting in my way. I was reluctant to run on my own. I was reluctant to try some longer runs on my own. I was rationalizing. Inertia had me in her grasp.

How does one overcome inertia? One step at a time. Read on...

Inertia by Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) on Myspace

Still Snowing, but Dreaming of Spring Gardening

Ah gardening! In Buffalo, NY where the ground is still very frozen and covered with snow we can only dream and plan our gardening efforts for spring. Some locations such as Novato, CA are probably just about ready to be clearing the winter debris out of the yard and cleaning up the garden beds.

I LOVE to work out in the yard. It's refreshing and in the evening all you have to do is start the fire pit, flame up a few hamburgers, break open a couple cold ones and kick back to admire all your hard work.

Gardening and yard work is so immediately gratifying. Even for one like myself who is better at digging up, racking, clearing, cutting, hauling and watering then planning the look of the yard. That I leave up to the experts.

Early spring cleaning is both rewarding and invigorating to the body and soul. Yet, it does come with it's aches and pains. I usually hear all about it on Mondays at the gym where I work.

So let me give you a few pointers that have helped me out over the years.

1. Take your time. You don't have to do it all in one day. Really, you don't.

2. Take some stretch breaks. Really. Stand up tall, lean back, supporting your low back with the palms of your hands and gently bend the opposite direction you've been bent all morning.

3. Stand in the doorway, open your arms and hold onto either side of the opening, now lean in. YES, expand that chest.

4. Lastly, put your foot up. Yes, just one. Up on the fence so you look like you are doing a lunge. Now bend the front knee, bring your chest to the thigh and then straighten out the leg. Feels good in a uncomfortable kind of way.

Although we have some more snow coming our way in the still winter wonderland Buffalo, NY I can't help but feel that spring really is not that far off and the planting season will once again begin.

Here's a great read of an article I found this afternoon. Enjoy.

Master Gardeners: Aging gardeners can continue their passion with a few tweaks - Marin Independent Journal

Truth and the road Toward Wellness

Traffic jams. Weddings. Job demands. Economic uncertainty. Spouse or partner disagreements. Lost keys. Time constraints. Truth. All "STRESSORS". All things or events that happen within our daily lives. All things that appear to cause us "stress".

In actuality it's what we THINK of those events, circumstances, demands, truths that create our "stress", those internal rumblings about in the mind. The mind, therefor, is our the cause of our stress - jitters before a speech, uneasiness with a jobs requirements, negative emotions about a truth, anxiety about the future that isn't even upon us yet.

These rumblings about, if left unchecked can lead to increased blood pressure, poor eating habits, broken partnerships, loss of jobs, intestinal distress, sore muscles, more colds...the list goes on.

We seek out help to cure the symptoms, yet ignore the cause. In truth, our mind.

Become aware of your internal chatter, your thinking when faced with a situation, either good or bad. Notice how the mind leads you down a path that either creates distress or eustress.

The event just IS.

We can be our own worst enemy or we can be our greatest asset, just by developing a strong mind, a mind disciplined in seeing the truth, accepting the truth, and living on in truth. That's the ideal, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't aspire toward that.

Don't get me wrong, there is no blame here. An area, I feel wellness has done a disservice. I'm talking about being accountable to yourself, owning up to how we accept or deny truth.

If we accept our role in our mental health we can either reduce our dependence of medications that squash emotions, reduce blood pressure, drive down illnesses, make us numb to reality.

Will that make the event or circumstances go away? NO! But we can allow our selves the opportunity to create the best possible outcomes by first accepting the truth.

The truth can set you free of the chains of our own self-imposed prisons, which leave us helpless and hopeless.

It's easier said than done depending on the walls we have built to keep truth out - denial, blame, anger, rationalizations, avoidance... They can be thick walls and they can require some assistance in not only bringing them down, but being able to face what they are hiding.

I have discovered that workout buddies are invaluable in my quest for physical fitness. What about a mental health/spiritual buddy that helps us along this journey as well?

Not just a sounding board, but a guide, a buddy whom you can help and they can help you stay on the path toward mental & spiritual wellness. Maybe the road wouldn't seem so treacherous.

Read "Truth" Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) | blog on Myspace and let me know your insights.

Collision Sports: Head Trauma, Depression, Suicide Link

You have a son or perhaps a daughter playing football? This is an important article to read. Football is a GIANT and you better believe there will be forces out there (NFL on down) that will dispute these findings will even stoop to childish name-calling and racial slurs to deny some hard truths.

Collision sports are a hazard to our brain health as we age.

I personally love football. I loath, however, the football business machine of today. Quite frankly, I find some, not all, of the professional athletes complete ass-holes.

The ones that are good for business are bad for society. My son, an athlete himself, is ashamed to be considered in the same league as these male athletes, that get away with treating women with disrespect and the law with even less reverence.

The plain and simple truth is football poses some very serious health risks that may not be exposed until mid-life, well after the athletes are out of the lime light and off the publics radar screens.

The most irritating thing about this article along with other research studies that conclude similar results, is that it may well get buried, get over-looked, denied consideration.

Why? Because football is BIG money. Not only pro's, but colleges and high schools, community organizations etc. Let's not forget the businesses that depend on the football as well, networks, corporations that advertise, and other media organizations. The list goes on and on.

But I'm not trying to say we should bring down football. But the risks should be communicated loud and clear. If you truly understand the risks and you would like to see your child participate, so be it.

Life is about taking risks.

All I suggest is to read the information as if it were about your son or daughter years down the road.

Medical News: Pro-Bowl Player's Suicide Renews Head Trauma Debate - in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine from MedPage Today

The Dangers of Energy Drinks Finally Gets Noticed

We knew this was coming and I'm glad it is getting plenty of air time. 3 of the morning shows yesterday covered the story. Hopefully, the right "markets" see the warnings.

"Energy Drinks" have scared me over the years. I, too, have trained too many people that live off these beverages. As a Trainer,  I experience their emotional and physiological ups and downs with these drinks. The unfortunate thing is that these folks don't understand the true health risks associated. And they certainly don't comprehend the risks associated with working out along with their use.

It was my son who noted not long ago, "Mom, have you noticed that they advertise sleep aids within the same commercial slots as they do energy drinks."

The modern day uppers and downers and all over the counter. In fact children easily have access to these "beverages"

I feel the same about energy drinks as I do diet aids. They are dangerous. But yet, the "market" still exists. The "market" being the consumer. We don't always know what is good for us because we are blinded by the possible benefits.

In this case more energy. Which essentially could be improved through diet, rest and exercise.

Instead of moderating our diets with the strength of our own minds we'll take drugs.

Instead of dealing with our own anxieties we'll take drugs.

Instead of moderating our own schedules of rest and work we'll take drugs.

Is it any wonder that we need to be "regulated" into improving our own health?!

If we search for answers in drugs, we clearly do.

Pediatrics report details risks from energy drinks - Yahoo! News

Aging — Clinical Trials Exclude Patients Who May Benefit - NYTimes.com

Research. You can't live with it you can't without it. Research & studies that university & universities professors stake their financial lives on has had a history of blind spots. And this is another example one of them.

Can we recall how most if not ALL research on human subjects was mostly performed on men, college-aged men. It was assumed that the results of said research could be used for the "other sex" as well. Women argued for years that hormones have got to play a role in the reactions of medications and treatment plans. Was it not until the 1990's that the Women's Health Initiative was established. 1990's!!!!!!

Like no DUH!

Have you ever read a research study that within the conclusion states, that "more research is needed" to assume that this course of medication works across other population groups. Were those studies conducted or was the short-sighted results all that the was publicized. Could we have prevented many deaths from medication reactions?

Have we not seen how medications, meant for adults, are used for children. Just lesser mounts?! Anti-depression drugs comes to mind.

DUH!

Blind spots. This article demonstrates our continued blindness and dare I say neglect, of using sample groups from all populations who will make use of the drugs.

Research is good. It certainly can advance health care, but lets be sure we take the blinders off before we assume profit margins on the sell of those drugs...

A little oversight before we rush of to general conclusions would help. Rushing may help in short-term business profits, but good research should be more inclusive so we can reduce injury and possibly deaths.

Aging — Clinical Trials Exclude Patients Who May Benefit - NYTimes.com

Sometimes by Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) on Myspace

As a professional in the Health & Wellness field do you ever hit the wall? Do you ever want to ask the world to stop for a moment so that you can get off?

Every once in awhile I do. I find it fascinating that others don't think that should happen. It's like they are truly surprised when I'm not 110% my happy-go-lucky self.

If you are in the field, what do you do to REFRESH? What do you do to reenergize yourself when you are usually the one to do the energizing?

Love to hear your thoughts.

Sometimes by Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) on Myspace

Exercise Helps Overweight Children Reduce Anger Expression

Not a new article, but still more evidence.

We as adults know that physical activity reduces stress from the first minute of activity. Makes sense that it can benefit children on an emotional and psychological level as well.

What a wonderful time to allow children to understand and channel their anger in a positive direction.

I don't believe anger is necessarily a bad thing. In fact, anger can be the very thing that motivates a person to DO something very positive. Many political and social movements have their origins in anger.

So why not direct anger toward making personal change as well.

Exercise Helps Overweight Children Reduce Anger Expression

Exercise helps overweight children think better, do better in math

Why must this shock us? The benefits of physical activity are endless, enduring and non-discriminating. Tell me who does NOT benefit from a child or an adult who engages in healthful nutritional spiritual, and YES physical habits....mmm...

I can think of only one...perhaps those who are currently benefiting from our nations LACK of physical activity and other healthy living habits...mmmm, whom do you think that might be????

Let's MOVE baby.

"I hope these findings will help reestablish physical activity's important place in the schools in helping kids stay physically well and mentally sharp," Davis said. "For children to reach their potential, they need to be active."

Exercise helps overweight children think better, do better in math

Eating Healthy: Don't fix what is working. Fix what is not.

I talk with people all day. I not only listen to what they are saying, but what they are avoiding.  It's part of my profession to listen, hear, give feedback, ask questions, guide the person toward a healthier lifestyle. It's a balancing act sometimes. Between understanding and being firm. Between being gentle and being tough.

The hardest part is what I call being the mirror. Showing people themselves. Reflecting back to them what they are saying in hopes that they see the truth. It's not easy to do and it's not easy to have it done to you. It is important however.

When we see the truth of our actions then we can make the necessary adjustments. When we see our problems with weight management clearly we can fix them. When we see what works we can use that as a tool for change.

Change is easy. We even know how to change. It's knowing what to change that is hard. We keep fixing what ain't broke thinking that is our "trying". It's not.

To me it is an example of our resistance to change itself. We want the end result of change. A lighter, healthier body. A better outlook. More energy. Lower blood pressure...Whatever, the list goes on.

Take eating better. For whatever reason. Mostly it is about losing weight, but the reason is moot.

During the week, when are lives are dictated by schedules at work and home we tend to eat OK. We moderate our breakfasts, lunches and most dinners all week. But it's the weekend that we go into with reckless abandonment.

Monday arrives. We step on the scale and poof, all the work we did to lose that 1-3 pounds the week before is gone. So we work all week once again to lose the same 1-3 pounds. we repeat the same cycle again and again. The fact remains we repeat the same cycle again during the week and repeat the same cycle on the weekend expecting a different outcome.

When it doesn't go our way we give up.

One could take this scenario and adjust it to suit, such as I'm good all day until "late night".

But there it is again. We SEE the problem. Late night eating. Weekend over indulging. Then we fix the week.  The week, the day is WORKING. It's the weekends and the nights that are broken.The problem is right before our eyes.

But we don't want to fix what's broke. we want to fix what's working. Resistance is another word for avoiding the truth.

Do we want to fix what is broken? No we don't want to NOT snack at night. We don't want to THINK about moderating ourselves on the weekends. In essence, we are resisting change.

We only want to fix what is working.

If we want to get healthier. If we want to do anything better than we are right now we have to look at what is not working and fix that. We have to see the truth. Sometimes it takes a friend, a colleague, a professional and yes your fitness trainer to hand you the mirror and show you the hard truth.

I see it all the time. Most recently I see it in business. Instead of learning and growing from what is working to fix what is not they squeeze and squash the good and avoid facing what is not. Eventually the healthy part of the business will fail to make up for the unhealthy part of the business. Eventually, the whole business will become unhealthy. All because the leaders were trying to avoid fixing what was broken by fixing what was working.

If I want a healthy business I must use what is working to fix what is not. Not the reverse.

If  I want to be healthier I need to fix what is not helping me be healthy. It's as simple as that.

Don't fix what is working. Fix what is not.

China Sports Illustrated Cheers for the Queers! 中国《体育画报》同志，冲啊！

OK this to me is great news! Sports Illustrated, Queer Athletes (I say that with complete and utter affection) AND China!

Come on! It's Sports Illustrated! The male sport magazine that still produces the "Swim Suit" edition to it's subscribers. The Playboy version of women in sexually provocative "swim" attire.

The male-bonding magazine that covered football, basketball, baseball as if they were the ONLY sports being played and only played by "real" men.

That was before audience interests and profit making ads actually opened their minds and eyes to the new and potentially profitable markets of not only other sports, but women as well.

But today I learned that CHINA is now setting the pace for welcoming the LGBT market onto the front cover of their magazine.

A HUGE 3-part article introducing China to sports connection to the LGBT Athlete. The LGBT athlete has been around about as long as sports has really. I mean, come on, the original Olympic Greek athletes competed in the nude! In front of an all male audience...Paa-lease!

Kudos to China and the Editors of Sports Illustrated and the Sales & Marketing teams that realize that not only are there great LGBT athletes, but there is a HUGE audience who wants to read about them and see all the ads that come along side.

I know it is business that is leading the charge, but for once I am in total agreement.

One step forward to acceptance and appreciation. Maybe even one step closer to the realization that someone could be gay and still be a great athlete, person, friend, neighbor and role-model!

Childhood Obesity: Should Children Go on Diets?

I'll answer that with one word. YES!

But let me explain my reasoning because I'm not saying that children should be subjected to the rigorous, unrealistic expectations, obsessive-compulsive style of dieting I see adults put themselves through every year.

I prefer a more straight-forward subtle approach to weight loss or weight management. I prefer to guide them by example.

Over my years of watching parents who are obsessed with their weight, who often times are battling poor body images themselves, give their children an unbelievably hard time about their weight.

The parents go out, work, strive hard to stay thin, workout all the time and yet...their children are overweight.

Oh the horror! What will their friends think if they are being "healthy" and their children are over weight?

My first thoughts are OK so what are your own feelings about food and activity? Do you make meals fun or do you make them a battlefield?

Are you depriving them or are you demonstrating moderation?

Are you going out and working out and keeping them by the TV?

Do you rush them all around to all their after school activities and shove fast food or their meals down them?

Do your kids buy their lunches or do you prepare it "with" them?

Do you live close enough to your child's school and still drive them anyway?

I'm not saying it is easy. Raising healthy well adjusted children is NOT easy. You do have to be involved though and you do need your kids to be involved with you.

Being involved can be fun and rewarding and doesn't have to take you away from your own goals. But you might have to adjust.

It is my belief that we as parents should lead by example, guiding them by your actions and the way you go about being healthy. If your diet and your view of your nutrition is healthy than share it, get your kids involved with you.

If it's not, don't place that burden on your kids with unrealistic expectations. Share your struggles and your reasons for being healthy. Let them know your "why" without making them feel they have to adopt your "why". Allow them to share their why and their concerns.

When they are real young, you dictate was is brought into the house and what goes on their plate. When they are older give them some choices.

Take the time to prepare meals with them, sit down with them, share with them and allow them to share with you.

Then PLAY with them. There are so many active games inside as well as out. OK so you won't burn a bunch of calories, but will be active and you'll be influencing your children.

If you like music. DANCE!
If you like sports: Play floor hockey in the basement.
If you like nature: Go out for a walk, hike, snowshoe, make a snow castle.
If you like computers: Play Wii

If you like eating well, help them find ways to eat well. Explore the veggie isle at the grocery store. Hide veggies in soups, casseroles and spaghetti sauces. Use low fat dip if you need to. I know I didn't always like raw veggies either.

So do children need to go on diets?

Yes, the healthy kind.

Jack LaLanne Dead: Fitness Guru Dies At 96

I really thought this man was indeed going to live to at least 100! Then again, I thought he would be the ONE who really did live forever.

He is quoted as saying that "Dying would ruin my image", well maybe his passing just made him all the more human to us.

I am sadden by the loss of anyone. But I am amazed and motivated by who they were in this life.

Jack LaLanne Dead: Fitness Guru Dies At 96

Jack Lalanne LIVED his life well and encouraged others to do the same. He may have ruined his image by dying, but he inspired many to LIVE all of their years healthfully.

I know that he inspired mine. He was on T.V. everyday and I watched everyday I was home sick. That's back when we had only 3 channels to choose from!

University mourns the loss of student | WIVB.com

This tragedy in our WNY community hits close to home, a friend loses his life. Yet, it is one that is all too common on college campuses throughout the US. You can read between the lines. Alcohol was involved.

I knew this young man. His father coached my son in hockey for two years. My son played on the team with him, they shared the same position. He was over our house on more than one occasion.

Matt would take the time to chat with me while his buddies hung out in my son's man-cave basement. He was truly a great kid. A big, gentle loving bear of a boy.

Yet, he was like many typical teenage boys. He drank. He drank very heavily. He drank to excess. He drank 'til he vomited. He drank 'til he passed out.

The term moderation was NOT in his vocabulary. Was he unlike many of his friends? Only in that he possibly died from his excesses.

How does one teach moderation? How does one influence another to not go to such extremes? Can we? Do we, as parents, lay the law down and restrict and punish the excesses? Do we clamp down so hard that the kid rebels?

My good friend, whose family was like a second family to this young man, kept saying, "But he knew it was wrong." Wrong? Did he know? Did he realize the possible consequences? Did he?

These kinds of tragedies can make us look within. How did my behavior contribute to this? Do my actions speak for excess or moderation? Did I drink in moderation? Was my drinking merely a crutch?

As the saying goes, "We teach when we least expect."

These kinds of tragedies can make us look to place blame outside of ourselves. Why did someone let him drink that much? Who gave him the alcohol?

When I look back on my high school and college years and even the years after college I wonder sometimes how the heck did I make it through? What was it that kept me mostly out of harms way? Did I know moderation then? No, not really.

If indeed excessive alcohol lead to Matt's death, what did we miss? Was it just a fluke in his gene pool? Or was it something in our own behaviors that encouraged his excess. Did we model excess? Was Matt trying to tell us something in his behavior that we weren't picking up? Did he drink so heavily to avoid something?

These kinds of tragedies don't make sense in the scheme of things. A good kid is gone. A good kid who was headed toward good things has left us before he reached his full potential. A good kid who just didn't know that how he was living his life would one day take his life.

I don't know how to make sense of such events. I only know that my reaction to such things can either improve mine and others way of life or it can destroy our lives with sorrow, guilt and anger.

My prayers go out to Matt's family and his close friends. Right now, I pray for their comfort and peace. I pray that they may cry on the shoulders of all who both loved them and their son.

I pray that eventually they may use this tragedy to look within and maybe honor his life and death by asking themselves how might I become better by this.

University mourns the loss of student | WIVB.com

What's Your "Why"? by Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) on Myspace

Really changing habits or behaviors is a journey and it's not really meant to be easy. An important part of being successful is understanding your "why", the real reason for doing whatever it is you are attempting to do.

What's Your "Why"? by Sherrill A Quinn (Sherrill A Quinn) on Myspace