Valdosta Daily Times

April 19, 2009

Get Active: The magic pill you have been looking for

Todd Smoot

Have you found the one magic pill that will help control the development of, or lessen the impact of, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, mental depression, insomnia and ED? 

What would you be willing to pay for one such pill?

Do you think there may be any adverse side effects from such a drug? Are you willing to endure whatever side effects there are for such a drug? Are you ready to have this drug prescribed for your children?

While you wait for a drug company to develop this magic pill, there are a variety of actions you can perform to help control and/or lessen the impact of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, mental depression, insomnia and ED. Walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, martial arts, ballroom dancing, lifting weights, soccer or playing with your children, parents and/or pets 3-7 times a week is the answer. Consult with your family physician or other specialist, and I am certain they will agree. Listen to the commercials on the radio and TV that are public service announcements about the dangers of these medical conditions. Exercise with proper nutrition is the starting point, and the common thread for controlling or lessening the effects of all of these conditions, the one magic pill. This drug is available to all ages, sexes, races and abilities. The effects are equally positive for all who take this magic pill.

The magic pill is available now, and you do not need to use your co-pay, get a prescription, go to the drug store and worry about side effects. Your cost is making the time 3-7 times a week for between 20 minutes and an hour. Proper equipment should be located and utilized, or you may cause other areas of concern. Start slowly and work your way into a program. Seek knowledgeable resources to get that program. Enjoy the side effects of enjoying a higher quality of life, being happier, having more energy, being more productive and impacting the lives of friends and loved ones. Be confident in sharing your new drug with your children, and encourage them to follow in your footsteps. Save real money on healthcare, insurance, fuel and clothing.

Be one of the people who utilize the magic pill that has been available since the beginning of mankind.

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On Thursday evenings, listen to Talk 92.1 FM for the radio program that will offer an interview with recognized experts concerning the benefits of an active lifestyle. This Thursday, be listening and call in with your questions. In the meantime, start a program to be proactive and preventative – rather than reactive. Listen in and become involved on Talk 92.1 FM between 6-7 p.m. You will learn from this program.

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The Valdosta Grand Prix circuit for 2009 started on Jan. 1 and continues throughout the year. There are five events throughout the year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. In each of these events, points can be earned towards overall and age group categories. Four of the five events will have an entry fee of $5 and a cap for a family of $20; however, no t-shirts will be offered. Awards will be given out to overall, masters and the top two in each of 16 age groups, both male and female. The way the points are awarded should keep everyone close in the standings. Be a part of the 2009 Valdosta Grand Prix. In conjunction with this Grand Prix is one designed for the younger folks who run the 1-mile events. Get the family involved in either the 5K or 1-mile events – you will feel the difference.

April 25 – The Walk for Charity event is celebrating 39 years in the Valdosta community, and they are planning to add a 5K run to the day. Applications are now available. Save the date for a local 5K that will support numerous organizations in our community. The finish line is presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.

May 2 – Dewar Elementary School is presenting a 5K and a 1-mile run, and there is a challenge to all of the schools in the area to have more participants than Dewar. This event is open to runners and walkers in the area of all ages – they have a tot trot, too. Applications are out. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.

May 9 – Colony Chase 5K in Fitzgerald. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.

May 16 – Sunrise Rotary 5K will be held in Valdosta. Applications are out. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC. 

May 25 – The second event of the Get Active Grand Prix will be presented with a 5K and 1500 meter run (the metric mile). See information above about the Grand Prix. Make plans now to participate in this event on Memorial Day in Valdosta. The entry fee is only $5. Applications are available now. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.

June 6 – The Child Advocacy Center presents the second annual Run for the Children 5K in Valdosta. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC. 

July 4 – The Valdosta 5K is the new and only Independence Day running event in Valdosta, continuing the tradition. The Valdosta 5K is part of the Valdosta Grand Prix circuit. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.

If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Become a member of the GetActiveSouthGeorgia yahoo group, with over 131 other people. Listen to the Get Active radio program on Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.