RAINY DAY REMEDIES

Remember the old saying “April showers bring May flowers”? Before we can enjoy summer fun, we have a month of rainy days to endure.

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Keeping your kids entertained inside is no easy task, but we’ve got a few ideas that might do the trick. So put away the iPads and turn off the Wii. It’s time for some old-fashioned fun!

Put on a Talent Show

It’s can be your own version of America’s Got Talent. Challenge your kids to find something that they love to do and show it off. Little kids can say their ABCs, and older kids can do a dance or sing a song. Encourage them to dress the part and have the other kids serve as “judges” – but positive feedback only!

Break out the Games

Nothing beats a good game of Candy Land or Go Fish. Your kids will enjoy the competition and this is a good way to work on skills such a patience and communication.

Get Creative

Paint, crayons, play-doh – Kids love it all. Give them a chance to be creative, and they’ll be busy for hours.

Play Dress Up

Playing dress up is always fun. This time, have them dress up in their real clothes – not costumes. When you find clothes that don’t fit, set them aside to be used as hand-me-downs or donated to folks who need them.

Cook Up a Storm

Get your kids in the kitchen. It’s a great chance to teach them how to eat healthy and stay busy. Here are some kid-friendly recipes to try. Who knows? You may even have a chef on your hands!

Get Out and Explore!

Marbles, Monkey Joe’s, Kidzu or the Museum of Life and Science? In our area, the possibilities are endless. There are plenty of great places in the Triangle to explore with your kids.

Hit Up the YMCA

A trip to the Y is sure to cure cabin fever. Play some hoops or a game of Marco Polo in the pool. This is a great way for your kids to get some exercise without having to brave the rain.

Hope you enjoy these 7 easy ways to beat the rain and enjoy those April days. What’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day?

ASTHMA: FACTS & MYTHS

Most of us can’t wait for spring.  We’re tired of scraping windshields and bundling up in coats and boots. The warmer weather, blooming flowers and chance to spend time outside are welcome changes.

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For some suffering with asthma, spring can cause breathing troubles and dangerous asthma attacks.

With more than 300 million people suffering from asthma worldwide, it’s important that we all know the facts.

Myth: Asthma is a psychosomatic disease.

Fact: Asthma is a genetic disease that results in the inflammation of bronchial tubes. While some people’s asthma may be triggered by stress, that is not the cause of the illness. Interaction with pollen, smoke, or perfumes is just as likely to trigger asthma.

Myth: If I don’t feel my symptoms, my asthma is gone.

Fact: Asthma is a chronic, long-term disease. It cannot be cured or outgrown. Even if your symptoms subside, you should continue to take your prescribed medication.

Myth: Asthma is not serious.

Fact: For most asthmatics, asthma is not serious. However, without proper treatment, asthma can be life threatening. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma accounts for one-quarter of emergency room visits each year and is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization for children.

Myth: Children with asthma should not exercise or play sports.

Fact: All kids need exercise! Certain athletic activities may be better for children with asthma, but with the proper medication and care, all asthmatics should be able to participate in sports and exercise.

When kids with asthma exercise or play sports, extra precautions should be taken. Make sure medication has been taken before starting the activity, and have a plan in place in case of an asthma attack.

Think you could have asthma? Take this test to see if you are at risk.

DIABETES: FACTS & MYTHS



Celebrity Chef Paula Deen

 This week, celebrity Chef Paula Deen revealed that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008. She's certainly not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association there are appoximately 25.8 million adults and children living with the disease.

The ADA recently surveyed the American public to find out how much people know about diabetes. The results show that there are still many misconceptions about the disease.

Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease.

When asked to rank which disease (diabetes, breast cancer, AIDS) was responsible for the greatest number of U.S. deaths each year, not even half of respondents chose diabetes (42%).

Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS    combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Myth: Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes.

According to the survey, approximately one third of respondents knew this myth was false (32%).

Fact: No, it cannot. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

According the survey, approximately three in five respondents (59%) did not know that this is a false statement. In addition, more than half (53%) of respondents did not know that risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Take this test to see your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

LIVING HEALTHY AT THE Y: TRACEY WILSON

Small changes can make a huge difference. Don't put your life on hold while you wait for a number on the scale.” -- Tracey Wilson

At 252 pounds when she first joined the Finley Y, Tracey was so overweight that she had to hold her breath to tie her shoes and couldn’t walk non-stop for 15 minutes. When she got diagnosed with Celiac disease, she had to be very careful about what she ate. After two years of a gluten-free/milk-free diet, and losing slowly, 10 pounds at a time, her whole outlook has changed.

“It’s made an AMAZING difference in my life; I’m so thankful that I don't miss any of the foods I can no longer eat. I've also had a blast reworking my favorite recipes to meet my new diet needs.”

Tracey 100 Pounds ago

AN ONLINE MOTIVATOR
Tracey started her journey 100 pounds ago by joining Sparkpeople.com, a free online resource that focuses on healthy life changes. Through the virtual resources, weekly weigh-ins and support she was been able to write and post her experiences, make new friends, and motivate others to stay on track. She’s even become a champion on the Sparkpeople.com website, posting retrofitted recipes and challenging other users to make life changes.

A SELF-DESCRIBED ‘KITCHEN SCIENTIST’
Tracey has re-engineered versions of once forbidden recipes and given them a healthy spin. After developing a menu of dishes, she’s cooked for kids at camps with similar food allergies.
“I’ve come up with my own recipe for coconut milk cheese for pizza, macaroni and cheese, etc. To see a child so excited to get a gluten and dairy-free pizza on pizza day at camp is so rewarding!”

Tracey Today

FROM 15 MINUTES TO 5K
Healthy eating combined with exercise has brought her weight down even quicker. After competing in a couple of 5K races, Tracey currently walks/runs 2 – 6 miles 5 days a week. She has discovered the joy of riding her bike “for miles and miles with a smile.” She’s also added the gym, pool and strength training three times a week.

With her newfound energy, Tracey is enjoying more quality time with her children, Jana, 15, Gillian, 13 and Nathan, 12 and likes that she’s setting a healthy example.

“I want to be a healthier mom, reminding my kids every day that I am so thankful for them and so blessed to be their mom…they are the best kids ever!”

A strong advocate of taking weight loss slowly, Tracey has successfully followed through on small life changes. “I no longer let my weight define who I am. I’m taking it 10 pounds at a time, one day at a time…all the while focusing on living life!”

JOIN US:LIGHTNER YMCA ACHIEVERS BANQUET

Join us November 17 to celebrate one of Raleigh's most revered leaders, Mayor Clarence E. Lightner, and help us honor the teens who participate in the YMCA Leadership Development program that bears his name - Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers Program.


The keynote speaker will be Brett C. Carter, President of Duke Energy North Carolina. He is responsible for advancing the company’s rate and regulatory initiatives and managing state and local regulatory and governmental relations, economic development and community affairs.

Carter was named as a 2010 Charlotte Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council. He also received the Whitney M. Young Award from the Urban League of Central Carolinas for outstanding dedication to philanthropy, diversity and inclusion.

Mark your calendar for the Lightner YMCA Achievers Leadership Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 pm at the North Raleigh Hilton.

Tickets are $65 each, and are available through the YMCA. Please email Jessica Howard for more information.

CITY OF OAKS MARATHON: RUN FOR FUN

Join your YMCA friends at the City of Oaks Marathon on Nov. 6. In fact, we're so excited about promoting healthy living in our community that we're sponsoring the YMCA Kids Marathon Mile for children ages 7 - 14!

There are 3 easy ways for you to participate in this new event. We just kids to set goals, get active, and just have fun!



• Full marathon: Complete 25.2 miles prior to the race. Complete your final mile on race day.

• Half marathon: Complete 12.1 miles prior to the race. Complete your final mile on race day.

• One-mile Fun Run: No pre-race running required.

Where: Meet us at the NC State Bell Tower at 7 am on November 6.


Registration Information: Go to www.cityofoaksmarathon.com to register. YMCA Participants receive $10 off any race entry fee. Just use discount code: rcooymca.


Each runner will receive a race bib, pull-string race bag, a finisher medal and an awesome experience as they cross the finish line. Participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast after the race.

Y LEARNING TOUR OF SAS TOURNAMENT

PGA Pro Bobby Clampett

Today, nearly a dozen students in the YMCA of the Triangle’s Y Learning Tutorial Program got a sneak peek at the SAS Championship. And, the students from Reedy Creek Middle School actually got to hit the driving range!

“This is a great opportunity for these children,” says Brad Davis, YMCA of the Triangle Vice President of Development. “The students are really excited about meeting some pros, and actually picking up a golf club. It is also a wonderful way for the kids to see the championship that helps make Y Learning possible.”

Proceeds from the 2011 SAS Championship will benefit Y Learning, the YMCA of the Triangle’s standardized after school tutorial program that is funded through the Y’s annual WeBuildPeople Campaign. This is the second year that the YMCA’s Y Learning program was selected as the tournament’s charity of choice. Last year, the tournament provided $200,000 to Y Learning.                                

“The YMCA of the Triangle does amazing work in its service for our community,” said Jeff Kleiber, Tournament Director of the SAS Championship. “Y Learning, the camp offerings, the character and leadership development are major contributions toward serving the needs of our underserved children. We are thrilled to be able to support this truly wonderful organization.”

Over the past 10 years, the SAS Championship has provided more than $2.5 million toward local community outreach programs.