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Disclaimer: All political ads are paid by their campaign committee and have no affiliation with The Martin News.
Disclaimer: All political ads are paid by their campaign committee and have no affiliation with The Martin News.
Disclaimer: All political ads are paid by their campaign committee and have no affiliation with The Martin News.
Disclaimer: All political ads are paid by their campaign committee and have no affiliation with The Martin News.
Annually celebrated on the third Friday in May is National NASCAR Day. This day is a celebration of NASCAR drivers, celebrities, corporate partners, media, and millions of fans coming together to raise funds for charitable causes. NASCAR believes their greatest asset is the power and passion of their NASCAR fans: passion both for the sport and for giving back. NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the NASCAR spirit. If you are a NASCAR fan you have a favorite driver for sure. My driver was and still is Dale Earnhardt Jr. My son’s favorite driver was and still is Jimmy Johnson but is pulling for some new ones too. We love to watch NASCAR. My favorite races are Saturday Night Races and my favorite track is between Daytona, Talladega and Atlanta. Who is your favorite driver?
Tift County school officials are watching the weather forecast closely as Tift County High's graduation ceremony is scheduled Saturday morning at Brodie Field. As of late Tuesday, the National Weather Service is predicting an 80% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday.
"We are monitoring the weather situation along with our partners at the Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service," school officials said on social media. "If it is determined that there is a need to make a change to ... the time or location of the ceremony, we will notify everyone as soon as possible."
Because of this week's rain, Wednesday's graduation practice for seniors has been moved into the Tift County High Performing Arts Center in an effort to preserve the field at the stadium. As of now, another practice is scheduled Thursday at Brodie Field.
The annual Graduate Walk at seniors' elementary schools has been rescheduled for Wednesday. It had been scheduled for Tuesday but was delayed because of weather. The annual event is highly anticipated at elementary schools as seniors in their caps and gowns walk through the halls of the schools they attended as elementary-level students.
SGSR Traffic Control Division donated money to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation from a portion of the proceeds raised at the First Responders Cook Off and Festival. SGSR Traffic Control loves their community and giving back.
Source: SGSR Traffic Control
The Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week by awarding $30,000 in Incentive Grants to teachers throughout Tift County Schools.
Teachers applied for the grants to fund a variety of projects that aid in educating and developing students.
The 28 teachers received grants awarded for "out-of-the-box" ideas, including classroom transformations to enhance career exploration, video broadcasting and audiovisual technology, cordless microscopes, and STEM construction kits and books. Students from pre K through 12th grade in all 11 schools will benefit from this year's grants.
The Incentive Grants are funded by the Foundation’s educational chairs in such areas as reading, writing, languages, agriculture, science, music, arts, government, physical fitness, and special needs.
Schools and teachers receiving grants are:
Omega Elementary received three Incentive Grants – teachers Sharnell Mickins and Paige Bennett received grants from the Virginia Short Lindskog Foreign Language & Global Awareness Chair; and teacher April Johnson, Special Hearts Chair.
Annie Belle Clark Elementary received four grants – teacher Caitlyn McFarland,
George McCarty School Counseling Chair; teacher Kathi Green, Terri Nalls Reading Angel Chair; teacher Kaitlin Tucker, Sara B. Gibbs Mathematics Chair; teacher Tori Bennett, Steve Rigdon Community Service Chair and It's a Small World Geography Studies Chair.
Len Lastinger Elementary received three grants – teacher Gwen Robinson,
Glenn Burton Science Chair; teacher Jessica Peters, Bob Wight Challenge Chair; and teacher Victoria Beemer, Skoot Dimon Healing Arts Chair.
Northeast Middle School received four grants – teacher Erica Gann, Mikie Wolff Humanities Chair; teacher Trisha Bridges, Glenn Burton Science Chair; teacher Brian Saturday, Joe Courson Media Chair; and teacher Ashlyn Reaves, Mother Earth Environmental Studies Chair.
Eighth Street Middle School received three grants – teacher Laura Holland, Skoot Dimon Healing Arts Chair; teacher Jennifer Braziel, Fred Tucker Physical Fitness Chair; and teacher Eve Rogers, William & Hattie Hanna Agriculture Chair.
Matt Wilson Elementary received one grant – teacher Temeka Butts, Cathy Kvien Family Reading Chair.
Charles Spencer Elementary received two grants – teacher Sonya Godwin,
Skoot Dimon Healing Arts Chair; and para-pro Jessica Walden, Syd Blackmarr Arts Chair.
G.O. Bailey Elementary received two grants – teacher Joanna Daniels, Janet & Julie Cannon Reading Encouragement & Development Chair; and teacher Savannah Harvin, Bob Wight Challenge Chair.
Northside Elementary received one grant – teachers Stephanie Bullington and Mindy Palmer got grants through the Julian Cannon Reading & Writing Skills Enhancement Chair.
Tift County High received four grants – teacher Breanne Dawson, Homer Rankin Journalism Chair; teacher Jennifer Alexander, Glenn Burton Science Chair; teacher Ann Marie Day, Woody Wagenhorst Legal, Oratorical & Governmental Chair; and FFA advisors Justin Martin, Reece Bozeman, Mason Grant, and Ashley Thoron received a grant from the William & Hattie Hanna Agriculture Chair.
The education foundation also annually recognizes outstanding public school teachers in Tift County based on nominations from parents, students, school staff, and teachers’ peers.
To nominate an outstanding Tift County teacher for an Excellence in Teaching Award, click here. The form must be completed by May 31.
SGSR Traffic Control Division donated to Smarr Smith Foundation from a portion of the proceeds raised at the 2nd Annual First Responders Cook Off and Festival held the first weekend of May. Pictured is Donnie McCrary, Sumter County Sheriff Eric D Bryant, and Gene Fairchild with SGSR Traffic Control Division.
Source: SGSR Traffic Control
May is proclaimed Foster Care And Foster Family Recognition Month By The City Of Tifton And Mayor, Julie Smith.
CASA staff attended The City of Tifton's council meeting on May 6th, 2024. Mayor Julie Smith announced, on behalf of herself and the City of Tifton, that May 2024 is proclaimed Foster Care and Foster Family Recognition Month!
At the meeting, they were able to give a much deserved recognition to the 2024 Betty Ryfun Child Welfare World Changer Award, Leiutenant Chris Luckey with the Tift Police Department! Lt. Lucky is a very important part of Tift County's fight against Child Abuse. He is relentless in his efforts to make sure that the children are safe and that perpetrators are brought to justice. Tifton appreciates all that he does to make sure Tift County's children are safe and secure!
Source: Coastal Plains CASA
On Tuesday, May 1st, the Government Committee for the Sylvester- Worth County Chamber of Commerce hosted a tour for the Worth County Middle School Ambassador Program students of our local government.
The tour included insightful visits to numerous key locations within the community including: First, the students drove by the City of Sylvester Water, Gas, and Light, the Industrial Park, and Olam Edible Nuts.
Next stop was at the Worth County E-911. Huge thanks to Director Jennifer Webb and her team for showcasing their dispatch room and what they do for the community.
After that was on to the Worth County Building and Zoning. Thank you to Zoning Administrator Anne Jackson for speaking with the students about Building and Zoning in Worth County.
Then the next stop was to the Worth County Extension Office. County Extension Coordinator Scott Carlson gave the students a comprehensive look at the work the Extension Office does for our community.
The next stop was the Worth County Chamber of Commerce & EDA Office. The students got to see and tour the office where they promote, maintain, and enhance business relationships with the community.
Couldn’t miss stopping by the wonderful City of Sylvester, Georgia Government. A big thank you to Mayor Proctor, Councilman Powell, City Manager Autron Hayes, City Clerk Markesha Bivens, Maintenance Shop Superintendent Richie Childers, Human Resource Manager Tanita Norris, and Main Street Manager Karen Singletary. Thank you to the entire team for answering any questions the students may have had.
Next stop was at the Sylvester Fire Department. Thank you to Uncle Bill’s Pizzeria in Sylvester for lunch that was held at the Fire Department. A huge thank you to Assistant Chief Casey Chapman and the whole department for teaching the students about what it means to be a fire fighter.
Couldn’t miss stopping at the Worth County Courthouse. Thank you to the Worth County Clerk of Superior Court with Clerk of Court Marcia Kimbro Inman, Worth County Probate Court with Judge Virginia Acord, Worth County Registrar's Office with Supervisor Brandy Bowles, Worth County Sheriff's Office with Don Whitaker, Worth County Tax Commissioner with Chief Appraiser Ben Barbee, and finally the Worth County Board of Commissioners Office with Clerk Angela Harrah.
The Government Committee is grateful for all of the public officials, educators, staff, and volunteers for making this year's tour a success! This includes all those listed above, Worth County Middle School, Jean Brooks, and Sherry Curry.
Source: Sylvester - Worth County Chamber of Commerce
Don't miss the 1st Annual Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat For Humanity Day on May 18th. It's a great opportunity to give to an amazing cause that impacts the entire community of Valdosta and Lowndes County and you can enjoy a full day at the park, an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet, Free Parking, Reserved Concert Seats to see World Classic Rockers, and MORE! Plus, former NFL star Willie Colon will be joining in as the guest speaker for this day! Please visit store.wildadventures.com.
Source: Wild Adventures
May is the perfect time for enjoying the outdoors and bike riding with your family. Riding a bike is a great way to get kids outside and encourage them to stay active, but without precautions in place, it can be a cause of serious injury. Here are some simple rules to follow to keep the little ones safe:
1. Make sure your child’s helmet meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards.
2. A helmet should sit on top of the head in level position, should not rock forward, backward, or side to side.
3. Helmet straps must always be buckled, but not too tightly.
4. When the helmet is positioned on your child’s head, the rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
5. The straps should form a “V” under the ears when buckled.
6. A helmet should hug the head when the mouth is opened wide.
If you ever have any questions, please visit
Sumter County Middle School Band was fortunate to have 14 students be selected for Honor Band. The students spent a Saturday participating in the GMEA District 2 Elementary Honor Band Clinic hosted at Lee County High School. After arriving, our students met a clinician and 50+ students from various schools and began making music. Students spent 6 hours working on 3 to 4 songs they had never seen before today and were able to put on a phenomenal concert for parents. Pictured R to L and F to B: Tobias Harris, Daniel Lara-Guzman, Isaiah King, Kylen Porter, Demetree Merritt Jr., Camille Bell, Johnny Perez Morales, Anthony Morales-Luis, Jeremiah Tyson, Stephen Thompson Jr., Chaisen Tatum, Philip Dalton, Elijah Monts, and Malik Boyton.
Source: SCSD
Sumter County Middle School Agriculture students, taught by Mr. Brinson Brock, have studied floral design and many have shared their work with friends and family. Pictured here, Kashun Mathis sells his favorite creation to SCMS School Nurse Mrs. Peggy Franklin and her husband, both of whom are avid Future Farmers of America supporters.
Source: SCSD
With National Hamburger Day coming up on May the 28th, let’s talk burgers! Where do you get your favorite hamburger from? Or even better, what do you put on your hamburger? If I am in a plain jane kinda mood, I have cheeseburger with cheese and meat only but my hamburger has to be thin and well done-burnt. If I am in a spunky mood, I
With National Hamburger Day coming up on May the 28th, let’s talk burgers! Where do you get your favorite hamburger from? Or even better, what do you put on your hamburger? If I am in a plain jane kinda mood, I have cheeseburger with cheese and meat only but my hamburger has to be thin and well done-burnt. If I am in a spunky mood, I will get meat, cheese, pickles and onions on it but it still has to be real thin and done-burnt! Isn’t it crazy how we all like different burgers fixed different ways? In Sylvester, there are many places where you can get a good ole burger. One burger that Sylvester is known for is the Carlton Burger. If you are from here, you definitely know what I am talking about. If you have never heard of them, it is something you should for sure try. Be sure to enjoy your favorite burger with friends and family on May the 28th.
The risk of developing skin cancer will be substantially reduced for children who learn to “Block the sun, not the fun!” Sun Safety for Kids is dedicated to reducing the incidence of skin cancer through teaching and promoting sun protection to children. During the hour, while you are contemplating the subject of sun safety, one more Ame
The risk of developing skin cancer will be substantially reduced for children who learn to “Block the sun, not the fun!” Sun Safety for Kids is dedicated to reducing the incidence of skin cancer through teaching and promoting sun protection to children. During the hour, while you are contemplating the subject of sun safety, one more American will die from skin cancer. It remains the most common type of cancer in the United States despite being such a preventable disease. Keep your children safe! Encourage or require the use of Sun-protective hats, long clothing, sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses. To complement more reliable methods of reducing skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (such as sun avoidance, clothing, and hats) sunscreen can be very useful. However, limitations to the effectiveness of sunscreen include the following common user errors which are Failure to apply enough, uneven application / missed spots and Failure to re-apply. Because some amount of UV radiation might pass by the sunscreen, unintentional sunburn can occur. Think of these products as a back-up to other, more effective, and sun safety strategies. The sun emits a broad spectrum of radiation that includes harmless visible light as well as ultraviolet radiation. The bands of wavelengths that damage human skin are categorized as UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the main cause of the skin turning red, or exhibiting a sunburn. They can fracture the DNA in skin cells, resulting in mutations. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are the main cause of wrinkling, and discoloration. They cause the formation of damaging atoms called free radicals, and can inhibit the immune system from doing its job to prevent cancer. It is important to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB. If, and only if a sunscreen effectively filters out UVA rays as well as UVB rays (which is highly desirable) it may be labeled "Broad Spectrum." When shopping for sunscreen, always look for a product labeled "Broad Spectrum SPF" rather than simply "SPF." Certain antioxidants can augment the broad spectrum protection. Look for a mention of antioxidants on the product label but unfortunately there is not yet any rating system to help you compare antioxidant effectiveness between products. Probably the greatest drawback with sunscreen is that most people do not apply a sufficient dose. The SPF number is determined by the manufacturer using a “standard” application amount (required by the FDA) of 2 milligrams of product per square centimeter of skin. For the average adult in a bathing suit this would be a little more than one ounce, or approximately a shot glass full. (That’s one quarter of the typical 4 oz. sunscreen bottle.) When a person applies less than the “standard” amount, only a fraction of the labeled SPF will be achieved. Studies have shown that the average person applies less than half the “standard” amount of sunscreen, which results in an SPF of only about one third of that labeled on the bottle. Spray on sunscreens is particularly subject to under dosing. By contrast, if more than the “standard” amount is applied, the SPF achieved will exceed that labeled on the bottle. UV causes some sunscreen ingredients to gradually deteriorate on the skin’s surface in response to sun exposure. Sunscreen can also dissipate due to sweating, rubbing, and penetration into the skin. To maintain maximum effect, sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours. A single application before coming to school cannot be expected to adequately protect a child for afternoon physical education. These products must be applied liberally and, as with paint, two coats are better than one. Thus, Sun Safety for Kids coined the phrase: “Put on a lot. And don’t miss a spot!”
Information brought to you by sunsafetyforkids.org
National Learn to Swim Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim. With summer right around the corner, learning this invaluable life skill is even more essential for fun as well as for safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second-lead
National Learn to Swim Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim. With summer right around the corner, learning this invaluable life skill is even more essential for fun as well as for safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14. If we work together to promote the importance of swimming, we can improve this scary statistic and make water wonderful for everyone. If you do not know how to swim or you do not feel like you can teach your child to swim, please contact your local YMCA in Tifton or Albany for swimming lessons or to see if they know of anyone local in Sylvester that can teach your child to swim. It will be the best money you ever spend. I know I sure am ready for the Summer and swimming! We hope you all have a great Summer.
Getting into shape and staying fit is important for any age person but especially as we age, it is very important. When we are younger we want to stay fit and have that great body everyone dreams about but as you age health becomes the real factor instead of just the great looking body. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or h
Getting into shape and staying fit is important for any age person but especially as we age, it is very important. When we are younger we want to stay fit and have that great body everyone dreams about but as you age health becomes the real factor instead of just the great looking body. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can't do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores. Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls. These are just a few of the ways that the Mayo Clinic suggests we do and why to do it to get fit and stay that way. Staying healthy is a very important subject and you are never too old to exercise.
Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge at any age and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older. You may feel discouraged by health problems, aches and pains, or concerns about injuries or falls. If you've never exercised before, you may not know where to begin, or perhaps you think you're too old or frail,
Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge at any age and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older. You may feel discouraged by health problems, aches and pains, or concerns about injuries or falls. If you've never exercised before, you may not know where to begin, or perhaps you think you're too old or frail, and can never live up to the standards you set when you were younger. Or maybe you just think that exercise is boring. While these may seem like good reasons to slow down and take it easy as you age, they're even better reasons to get moving. Becoming more active can energize your mood, relieve stress, help you manage symptoms of illness and pain, and improve your overall sense of well-being. And reaping the rewards of exercise doesn’t have to involve strenuous workouts or trips to the gym. It’s about adding more movement and activity to your life, even in small ways. No matter your age or physical condition, it’s never too late to get your body moving, boost your health and outlook, and improve how you age. I know personally at the age of 41, I am not trying to win Miss America but I do want to feel good and when you feel good you look even better. Try just going on a stroll around the neighborhood. I have started walking and I actually take a different route every time I go walking. It’s in the same area but not necessarily the same streets which allows for different scenery and makes it feel like a fun walk versus a marathon. I usually walk one mile to three miles but the key to walking longer is staying hydrated so be sure to take a bottle of water with you, don’t walk in the hottest part of the day and start out slow. Remember you are not trying to win the race, you are just wanting to finish it.
Spring has sprung! Birds are chirping and flowers are blooming. The warmer weather welcomes fun in the sun. The seasonal shift also is a great time to shed light on skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer impacting Georgians. In most cases, skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, an invisible type of radiation that com
Spring has sprung! Birds are chirping and flowers are blooming. The warmer weather welcomes fun in the sun. The seasonal shift also is a great time to shed light on skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer impacting Georgians. In most cases, skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, an invisible type of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most commonly diagnosed skin cancers. Melanoma is the third most common, and deadliest, form of skin cancer. Anyone can develop skin cancer! People with lighter skin face a higher risk of developing skin cancer; however people with darker skin tones may often be diagnosed with skin cancer at a later stage, making it more difficult to treat. In fact, legendary reggae musician Bob Marley died at 36 years old from melanoma that had started under one of his toenails. The following tips may help to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer:
1. Wear sunscreen. It is important that sunscreen be worn year round. Be sure to select sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection.
2. Cover up. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, sunglasses, and wide brimmed hats.
3. Avoid tanning. Stay away from tanning salons! Tanning bed use can lead to skin cancer.
4. Stay in the shade. This is extremely important during midday hours.
There are currently no routine preventive screenings available to check for skin cancer. Follow the tips shared above to reduce your risk. Also, regularly observe your body – all over - for changes! Remember: If you notice any changes to your skin, see a dermatologist (doctor who specializes in skin diseases). When caught early, skin cancer is treatable.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Isn’t it funny how a word or phrase, a holiday or a day to celebrate can remind you of a simple memory? I was reading just the other day about April being the month to celebrate different hats and I saw where they mentioned a straw hat. It took me back to Gordy. My daddy loved to do yard work and always wore a ball cap but as he got a l
Isn’t it funny how a word or phrase, a holiday or a day to celebrate can remind you of a simple memory? I was reading just the other day about April being the month to celebrate different hats and I saw where they mentioned a straw hat. It took me back to Gordy. My daddy loved to do yard work and always wore a ball cap but as he got a little older, he bought him a straw hat. He was the cutest thing ever with his straw hat on. He would wear it when he was picking up pecans out at our home in Gordy. He loved picking up pecans but wanted to make sure he kept the sun off his head and neck. When Larry was about three months old, he loved to hold that straw hat and my daddy thought he was so sweet wanting to hold the hat that was about the size of him. After daddy passed away, we now have the straw hat that hangs on an old straight back chair of my grandmother’s. Both hold such great memories. We love to look at that hat everyday. Who knew a simple hat would bring so much joy.
With it being Older Americans Month, it has me thinking of times with older people that have now gone on to their Eternal Home. It’s amazing what we learn from older people that we remember our whole lives. It’s also the simple things we do with our older friends and family members that leave us with memories that will last a lifetime.
With it being Older Americans Month, it has me thinking of times with older people that have now gone on to their Eternal Home. It’s amazing what we learn from older people that we remember our whole lives. It’s also the simple things we do with our older friends and family members that leave us with memories that will last a lifetime. I could seriously write a book but I will share some of my great memories. I was blessed with two grandmothers that quilted quilts and I have quilts in my house that they both quilted through their lives. I have some on our beds and then I have some on a quilt rack that my daddy built while he was living and then I have some hanging on my daddy’s ladder that he used for many, many years. I have always loved to write but one thing I did when all the little ladies were still living in my church was send them cards for every occasion. And I do mean every. Whether it was Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or any of the other holiday’s or even if it was just to say hello, I sent out cards. I loved to do it and they loved to get them. It was the simple things to them that meant the world. A funny memory I will never forget was when an older couple that I loved dearly saw my sister was getting married in the local newspaper, however they didn’t know she was divorced so they just assumed it was me and gave me a wedding present. How sweet was that?? They were no longer with us when I did get married so that early wedding gift was meant to be. Oh how I loved them!
May is recognized as Older Americans Month. Let’s give a SHOUT OUT to getting older. You may ask, “So what’s so great about getting older?” Well, ponder on these seven reasons to celebrate:
1. You’re nearing the top of a mountain which gives you perspective. As the years go by, you gain a perspective not found in younger years. Mysteries o
May is recognized as Older Americans Month. Let’s give a SHOUT OUT to getting older. You may ask, “So what’s so great about getting older?” Well, ponder on these seven reasons to celebrate:
1. You’re nearing the top of a mountain which gives you perspective. As the years go by, you gain a perspective not found in younger years. Mysteries of why things happened years ago start to clear up. You begin to see how the pieces of life fit together. The older you become, the more life makes sense.
2. You care less and less about what people think. There was a time when you put a lot of pressure on yourself worried about what people thought about you. Not anymore. Growing older rescues you from that kind of thinking.
3. You learn what’s really important. In your formative years, life centered on building a career. Maybe you put a lot of things on the back burner in your younger years, thinking ‘I will do that later.’ With every year that passes, I learn that life is all about relationships. Nothing is really more important.
4. You realize the need to make every day count. Focus on what you can do for the day, realizing that none of us are guaranteed the next day. Every choice counts and every day needs to be lived to the fullest.
5. You are morphing into the role of a sage. In many cultures, older people are held in high esteem for good reason. Life is the best teacher. Believe it or not, you may begin to have people seek you out for wisdom and guidance.
6. You get to see your kids and grandkids grow up. One of the joys of getting older is you get to watch the next generations grow into adulthood. You get the privilege of being a part of their journey.
7. At the close of every year, you’ve written another chapter in your book of life. When you die, your legacy is the life you have lived. Now is the time to work on your legacy. Make it count.
Source: SOWEGA Council on Aging
Sponsored by the CDC, National High Blood Pressure Education Month raises awareness about the impact high blood pressure can have on health. Written as two figures, blood pressure is measured as the pressure when the heart has pumped (systolic) and when the heart is in between beats (diastolic). When the heart pumps blood, blood pressur
Sponsored by the CDC, National High Blood Pressure Education Month raises awareness about the impact high blood pressure can have on health. Written as two figures, blood pressure is measured as the pressure when the heart has pumped (systolic) and when the heart is in between beats (diastolic). When the heart pumps blood, blood pressure is higher than when it is in between beats. The systolic measurement will be higher than the diastolic measurement. Normal Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic < 120mmHg Diastolic > 80mmHg At Risk Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic 120-139mmHg Diastolic 80-89mmHg High Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic 140mmHg or higher Diastolic 90mmHg or higher. Also know as hypertension, high blood pressure increases the risk of serious diseases and conditions such as heart disease and stroke. In the US, heart disease is the most common form of death whilst stroke is the third leading cause. Other risk factors of high blood pressure include congestive heart failure & kidney disease. In the US, approximately 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, however most people are not aware they have this condition due to a lack of signs or symptoms. High Blood Pressure Education Month encourages people to look at various lifestyle factors which may be contributing to high blood pressure. It is well documented that high levels of sodium (salt) is linked to high blood pressure. In the US, the majority of people consume more than twice the level of recommended sodium intake. Guidelines recommend up to 2,300mg of sodium per day for an adult. Those at higher risk should consume even less (up to 1,500mg of sodium a day). Higher risk groups include those who have diabetes, kidney disease, existing high blood pressure and African American people. It is also recommended that people eat potassium rich foods which help lower blood pressure. Potassium rich foods include fish, green leafy vegetables, bananas, citrus fruits and potatoes. Lifestyle changes which can help reduce blood pressure, include maintaining a healthy body weight , regular exercise, quitting smoking and following a healthy low sodium diet rich in fruit and vegetables. There are many affordable blood pressure monitors available for the consumer making it convenient to monitor your blood pressure at home. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, please check with your local physician.
When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Between having fun and checking out the lifeguards, most people don't think much about water safety — but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second
When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Between having fun and checking out the lifeguards, most people don't think much about water safety — but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines. Learning how to swim is essential if you plan on being on or near water. Many organizations provide swim instruction to people of all ages, check to see what classes are available in your area. "Buddy up!" That's what swimming instructors say. Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you're swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency. Get skilled. Speaking of emergencies, it's good to be prepared. Learning some life-saving skills, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. A number of organizations offer free classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters. Check with your YMCA or YWCA, local hospital, or chapter of the Red Cross. Know your limits. Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you're not a good swimmer or you're just learning to swim, don't go in water that's so deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers. That can be hard, especially when your friends are challenging you — but it's a pretty sure bet they'd rather have you safe and alive. If you are a good swimmer and have had lessons, keep an eye on friends who aren't as comfortable or as skilled as you are. If it seems like they (or you) are getting tired or a little uneasy, suggest that you take a break from swimming for a while. Swim in safe areas only. It's a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, rip currents, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions in the open water. If you do find yourself caught in a current, don't panic and don't fight the current. Try to swim parallel to the shore until you are able to get out of the current, which is usually a narrow channel of water. Gradually try to make your way back to shore as you do so. If you're unable to swim away from the current, stay calm and float with the current. The current will usually slow down, then you can swim to shore. Even a very good swimmer who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If you're going to be swimming in an open body of water, it's a great idea to take swimming lessons that provide you with tips on handling unexpected hazards. Some areas with extremely strong currents are off limits when it comes to swimming. Do your research so you know where not to swim, and pay attention to any warning signs posted in the area. For more information on subjects just like these, please visit kidshealth.org.
State Farm's goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers will enjoy the experience of protecting
Results start when you do. At Destiny Fitness, they have everything you need to stay in shape.
A memorable destination with unique excursions including agritourism, history, arts, food, shopping and more. Just off I-75, we’re the halfway point for travelers headed to central Florida on I-75. So, when planning your next interesting overnight stay, Think Tifton!
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