The Spring 2010 Challenge Life Rock ‘N Run! Rock music clinics May 18th – 21st at Barrow High School. The Spring Whaling Walk and Run is Saturday May 22nd @ 10AM, leaving from Barrow High School. Everyone who attends will get a long sleeve Challenge Life T-shirt!
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Tumiqqaaq!
“The First Step”
What is the first step? The first step is a program that promotes activity and rewards weight loss. The first step is a six week program where the goal is to lose six pounds but rewards the biggest loser in each division with a special prize. You can participate as a team (3 – 4 individuals), a family (2 – 6 individuals), or on your own.
What are the activities? The activities are up to you. You can participate in city league basketball or get together with a group of friends for dance aerobics. Participate in the many “Challenge Life” activities or take a walk with the family. If you would like a workout program and you’re not sure where to begin, go to the Challenge Life website (www.challengelife.org) and try one of our varied workout programs.
What are the rewards? A longer life, more energy, sleep better, lower your risk of coronary heart disease, strengthen your bones, reduce stress, rev up your metabolism, improve your physical appearance, lower your blood pressure and much more. Oh, and “Challenge Life” will throw in the following incentives:
First Place: The first place individual and group in each division will receive a round trip ticket on ERA Alaska.
Second Place: “Challenge Life” workout gear.
Where and when do we sign up? Sign up and weigh in will take place at the Barrow High School basketball games the weekend of January 29 and 30. The weigh in will be conducted by the Barrow High School cheerleaders outside the gymnasium.
Health, An American Epidemic
A “health time bomb” is ticking in the United States. The ten leading causes of death in the United States include five examples where diet and an inactive lifestyle play a major role. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease all have a strong relationship to diet and lack of activity. Diet and activity also play a significant role in the “quality of life” of Americans. Fiscally, at a time when our country is struggling with debt, health care is placing a tremendous strain on the economy. If we use diabetes as just one example, the total direct medical cost in the United States in 2007 was $116 billion. We have a problem!
In Alaska, health issues are even more pronounced. Recent statistics taken from Trust for America’s Health, 2007 and Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, 2003 reveal the following statistics:
In 2002, the number of Alaskan Natives (20 years or older) diagnosed with diabetes was 15.3% of the population compared to 7.3% of the rest of the population.
According to the 2000 census report, the national average for life expectancy in the United States was 76.7 years. Alaskan Natives have a life expectancy of 69.4 years.
What We Can Do!
Health for your heart: You can lower the risk of heart disease by walking 20 minutes, three times a week.
Weight Loss: You need a combination of cardio and strength training for 45 minutes, 5 – 6 days a week. Of course, eating healthy makes a big difference.
Take the “First Step”
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Anaktuvuk Pass News and NotesIt’s amazing how a little wind, fog and snow can turn a two day stay into three and possibly four days. Its all
good though as Sam and I are using the extra time to initiate a host of new programs. Here is a little news
from one of the most scenic villages in Alaska:The Mentor Program
The high school boys and girls are organizing a month long basketball instruction and competition league for
grade school boys and girls. The coaches (high school players) will draft a team, hold practice sessions, coach games and report
results. In turn, “Challenge Life” will provide summer camp tuitions for the high school players and contribute to their fund raising
effort for plane fares.Village Health and Weight Loss
The high school students are playing a major role in helping to create a healthier village. Students will weigh in residents, provide
a series of fun activities and post nutrition notes and work out plans around the village. After a six week period, the students will once again conduct a
weigh in. The biggest losers, among participants, in the team division (3 – 4 people) and family division (2 – 4 members) will all earn
free tickets on ERA Alaska. The students, in turn, will raise money for their class trip or summer camp programs.The Music Program
Sam Sokaitis entertained classes, community members and gave individual guitar lessons to aspiring musicians the past few days. The goal
of the music program is to excite residents about the opportunities and joy in the world of music.Foundations
Foundations is a motivational program by “Challenge Life” that draws the relationship between education and opportunity for students
and young adults. Recent graduates, Mary Hugo, Rhoda Mekiana, Violet Kakenya and Rebecca Mekiana are just a few of the individuals
that are hoping to benefit from travel and education with the “Challenge Life” team. The four, who took a trip with “Challenge Life” this
past fall will be heading to Washington State this April to visit college campuses and explore career goals.Kids Hoop
In a basketball barnburner, Little Dribblers Team Members Darren Morry, Austin Angook, Kavik Angook-Hugo, Angela Williams, Lloyd
Hugo, Joseph Nuaapigak and Shanna Sheldon led their team to the Challenge Life Kid’s Hoop Championship.Family/Friends Hoop Classic
The Braves, led by TJ, Amus, Megan, James and Daryl, gained a little revenge on their way to a championship and victory over the
Lakers. The Lakers had stunned the undefeated Braves in a semi-final tilt but the Braves were having none of it in the finals and battled to a
decisive victory.The Women’s Winners
Rebecca, Rhoda, Mary, Violet and Amanilla not only captured a championship in the woman’s division but made it all the way to the
semifinals of the open division. Not only do these woman love to play, “these women can play!”Art and Music Expressions
Students and communitiy members are busy completing art and musical expressions for a couple of “Challenge Life” programs. A cover
for the Children’s Inupiat Activity Book will be taken from entries submitted to “Challenge Life” by February 14th. Students have also begun
submitting lyrics and music for the “Challenge Life Music Sends A Message Program.” Early submissions have used lyrics to express an opinion on
topics ranging from environment and global warming to responsibility and basketball.Well that’s it for now, see you soon. The snow does stop by June doesn’t it?
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