When talking about being healthy and fit, people often don't think any further then diet and exercise, however there are many other aspects to a healthy lifestyle that we must consider. A big issue in health today is binge drinking. Some people may not be familiar with this term, but it is happening more and more often these days, especially with teenagers and young adults. I believe that being well informed on as many health related topics as possible will be beneficial to my career in the Health, Wellness and Fitness industry. This article will be a great tool to help me keep clients informed about drinking, whether it is for themselves or their children.
The article Teen Drinking: What's a Parent to do? by Tawny Sinasac is about teen drinking, how dangerous it is, how often it is occurring and how to reduce the chances of a teen binge drinking. I chose this article because I think it is very important to touch upon the fact that many teens are not only drinking starting at a very young age, but are binge drinking. Binge drinking is considered as 5 drinks in a sitting for men, and 4 drinks in a sitting for women. This kind of drinking leads to alcohol poisoning, injury and in many cases, death. The article follows the story of a teen who was found dead from binge drnking face down in a stream only a few steps from his home, with a blood alcohol level that was three and a half times the legal limit(Hamilton Spectator.) It is ok to enjoy a few drinks now and then, but you need to know your limits, keep it safe and know that binge drinking is not a healthy behaviour. I think that this news article will be useful in my future career to use with anyone who may have a problem with drinking or who may be trying to recover from a problem with alcohol or an injury that was caused from an incident with alcohol. Also, more specifically this article will be very useful when I will be working with young athletes who are notorious examples of teens who take part in binge drinking. We often hear on the news about young sports teams in trouble for getting together after a game and partying a little too much. This is not only a health risk to themselves and those around them, but also to their future. This article will be a great tool to help these young athletes understand the dangers of binge drinking, and also as a tool for their parents to help deter their children from drinking using some of the tips also included in the article.
View the article here:
http://www.thespec.com/living/familyparenting/article/681394--teen-drinking-what-s-a-parent-to-do
References:
Sinasac, T. (2012.) Teen Drinking:What's a Parent to do? Retrieved from http://www.thespec.com/living/familyparenting/article/681394--teen-drinking-what-s-a-parent-to-do
Friday, March 23, 2012
Article Review
I decided to do an article review based on a topic that would be helpful to my future career in the Health, Wellness and Fitness Industry. This article caught my eye and seems to be following a current popular trend of “weight loss challenges” in which the motivation to lose weight is heightened due to the competitive edge of competing towards a common goal with others.
This article found in the Globe in Mail on January 17, 2012 is by Leslie Beck, and is all about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s goal to lose 50 pounds in approximately 22 weeks. The article describes that Rob and his brother Doug are participating in the “Cut the Waist” challenge, a challenge established to bring awareness to how important
waist circumference is in relation to health. Rob and Doug plan to weigh in weekly, announcing their results to the public (Globe and Mail.) I chose this article because I find it extremely encouraging and motivational to see a well known politician allowing the public to be included in such a personal process. I also noticed that he has some great goal setting and behaviour changing elements included in his plan that should contribute to his success. He has a specific goal, a concrete timeline, his plan is public, requires accountability, has a competitive nature and also he has support. The information in this article will be helpful in my career because whether or not he does meet his goal (although hopefully he will,) this is something I can show to my clients in the future to display to them a proper weight loss plan as well as how to properly set goals for success. A plan like this will hopefully also be great motivation for behaviour change. I could also start my own “Cut the Waist” challenge and use this article to help me set benchmarks for my clients within the program. The only thing that this article fails to provide is what Ford’s plan is for exercise, which is a key factor in healthy weight loss. This is something that would obviously need to be included if I did a similar weight loss challenge for clients in the future.
View the article here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/weight-loss/is-rob-fords-weight-loss-goal-realistic/article2305054/
References
Beck, Leslie. (2012.) Is Rob Ford’s Weight-loss Goal Realistic?. Retrieved from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/weight-loss/is-rob- fords-weight-loss-goal-realistic/article2305054/
This article found in the Globe in Mail on January 17, 2012 is by Leslie Beck, and is all about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s goal to lose 50 pounds in approximately 22 weeks. The article describes that Rob and his brother Doug are participating in the “Cut the Waist” challenge, a challenge established to bring awareness to how important
waist circumference is in relation to health. Rob and Doug plan to weigh in weekly, announcing their results to the public (Globe and Mail.) I chose this article because I find it extremely encouraging and motivational to see a well known politician allowing the public to be included in such a personal process. I also noticed that he has some great goal setting and behaviour changing elements included in his plan that should contribute to his success. He has a specific goal, a concrete timeline, his plan is public, requires accountability, has a competitive nature and also he has support. The information in this article will be helpful in my career because whether or not he does meet his goal (although hopefully he will,) this is something I can show to my clients in the future to display to them a proper weight loss plan as well as how to properly set goals for success. A plan like this will hopefully also be great motivation for behaviour change. I could also start my own “Cut the Waist” challenge and use this article to help me set benchmarks for my clients within the program. The only thing that this article fails to provide is what Ford’s plan is for exercise, which is a key factor in healthy weight loss. This is something that would obviously need to be included if I did a similar weight loss challenge for clients in the future.
View the article here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/weight-loss/is-rob-fords-weight-loss-goal-realistic/article2305054/
References
Beck, Leslie. (2012.) Is Rob Ford’s Weight-loss Goal Realistic?. Retrieved from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/conditions/weight-loss/is-rob- fords-weight-loss-goal-realistic/article2305054/
Sustainability and Human Consumption
In my opinion, human consumption is the greatest contributor to the issues we are experiencing with sustainability. People are so unaware of their consumption levels of un-renewable energy and other non-recyclable materials that we are in danger of creating a non-sustainable environment for future generations. If we today can take a few simple steps such as reducing our waste, using renewable energy and supporting sustainable agriculture, I believe we can ensure a sustainable environment for the future.
I cannot understand why people in Canada are constantly purchasing and consuming food that has been produced across the world. Why would you choose to eat something that was grown in a different country, preserved with pesticides and then shipped to your home town for purchase, when you could be consuming the same product that has been grown organically, locally and is probably more cost efficient. If we put more of our consumer dollars into local farming, we could be preserving sustainable food systems close to home, helping to make sure that there will be a sustainable food source to provide for others hereafter. Next time you pick up an apple shipped from China versus the one next to it that was grown in Ontario... think of what kind of planet you want your future children, and their children to be left with.
When talking about sustainable or renewable energy, it seems like a large task to tackle, but it’s not. It is as simple as switching to a renewable energy source. There are so many alternatives to fossil fuels as a source of energy these days such as solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity and more (Wikipedia,) that there is no reason why we should not be all shifting over and using a more sustainable use of energy.
Finally, the thing that every person should be doing to help improve our environment’s sustainability is to properly dispose of waste, and use products that have less packaging and will therefore create less waste. So many products are either sold in bulk or are sold with recyclable or compostable packaging these days that I do not understand how we are still creating so much waste. We all know about recycling and its importance, and by now, in 2012, we should all be actively recycling. An example of a great way to improve sustainability is a new program that the province that I live in participates in called the “Green Bin” program, which is where all “organic” waste such as food and paper packaging go into your green bin and is picked up weekly with your garbage and recycling and then taken to a site where it is turned to compost and used as soil. (Toronto.ca.) All you have to do is take items such as food waste, paper packaging, tissue, paper towel and other like products and put them in your green bin instead of the garbage. On your garbage day, put your green bin out with your regular garbage and recycling and notice how much your regular garbage waste has been reduced. This is such a great program that has become mandatory in my city, and I believe that it would be so helpful in reducing non reusable waste as well as harmful waste emissions from landfills that are just burning heaps of garbage rather then turning it into something useful.
Sustainability is a major issue when looking towards the future. But I believe that if we are all to takes simple steps such as reducing our waste, using renewable energy, and supporting sustainable agriculture, then we can make a real impact on maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.
References
Green Bin Program – Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from
http://www.toronto.ca/greenbin/faq.htm
Sustainability. (n.d). Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
I cannot understand why people in Canada are constantly purchasing and consuming food that has been produced across the world. Why would you choose to eat something that was grown in a different country, preserved with pesticides and then shipped to your home town for purchase, when you could be consuming the same product that has been grown organically, locally and is probably more cost efficient. If we put more of our consumer dollars into local farming, we could be preserving sustainable food systems close to home, helping to make sure that there will be a sustainable food source to provide for others hereafter. Next time you pick up an apple shipped from China versus the one next to it that was grown in Ontario... think of what kind of planet you want your future children, and their children to be left with.
When talking about sustainable or renewable energy, it seems like a large task to tackle, but it’s not. It is as simple as switching to a renewable energy source. There are so many alternatives to fossil fuels as a source of energy these days such as solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity and more (Wikipedia,) that there is no reason why we should not be all shifting over and using a more sustainable use of energy.
Finally, the thing that every person should be doing to help improve our environment’s sustainability is to properly dispose of waste, and use products that have less packaging and will therefore create less waste. So many products are either sold in bulk or are sold with recyclable or compostable packaging these days that I do not understand how we are still creating so much waste. We all know about recycling and its importance, and by now, in 2012, we should all be actively recycling. An example of a great way to improve sustainability is a new program that the province that I live in participates in called the “Green Bin” program, which is where all “organic” waste such as food and paper packaging go into your green bin and is picked up weekly with your garbage and recycling and then taken to a site where it is turned to compost and used as soil. (Toronto.ca.) All you have to do is take items such as food waste, paper packaging, tissue, paper towel and other like products and put them in your green bin instead of the garbage. On your garbage day, put your green bin out with your regular garbage and recycling and notice how much your regular garbage waste has been reduced. This is such a great program that has become mandatory in my city, and I believe that it would be so helpful in reducing non reusable waste as well as harmful waste emissions from landfills that are just burning heaps of garbage rather then turning it into something useful.
Sustainability is a major issue when looking towards the future. But I believe that if we are all to takes simple steps such as reducing our waste, using renewable energy, and supporting sustainable agriculture, then we can make a real impact on maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.
References
Green Bin Program – Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from
http://www.toronto.ca/greenbin/faq.htm
Sustainability. (n.d). Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Cover Letter
Megan Pollard
3329 Palmer Drive
Burlington, Ontario
L7M 1Z7
905-999-0000
John Smith
Goodlife Fitness
1234 Healthy Road
Burlington, ON
A1B 2C3
Dear Mr. Smith,
As a loyal Goodlife client, I have been using your facilities for years and am impressed with the exemplary employees on your staff. I have always aspired to one day be a member of your staff, and so I am contacting you today regarding employment at one of your facilities.
I am currently a student at Mohawk College in the Health, Wellness and Fitness program. When I graduate in April 2013, I will be challenging for my Twist Conditioning Certificate as well as my CSEP-CPT Certificate! I am very interested in learning new things about health and fitness and hope you will consider hiring me to gain some experience in the industry.
I took formal dance lessons for 16 years as a child, which is what sparked my interest in health and fitness. I helped teach classes at my dance studio, so I have lots of experience instructing and motivating large groups of people. I believe these skills will transfer well into the health and fitness industry as I will be able to work well with my clients, providing them lots of detailed instructions and information to keep them working towards their diet and fitness goals.
I am very upbeat, outgoing and I really do love exercise and nutrition. I am excellent at problem-solving and enjoy working as a team as well as independently, always ensuring everything I do is top quality.
I will be an asset to your company Mr. Smith, and I can’t wait to show you how hard I can work. I am looking forward to hearing from you, so please give me a call to talk about my future with Goodlife Fitness!
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Megan Pollard
3329 Palmer Drive
Burlington, Ontario
L7M 1Z7
905-999-0000
John Smith
Goodlife Fitness
1234 Healthy Road
Burlington, ON
A1B 2C3
Dear Mr. Smith,
As a loyal Goodlife client, I have been using your facilities for years and am impressed with the exemplary employees on your staff. I have always aspired to one day be a member of your staff, and so I am contacting you today regarding employment at one of your facilities.
I am currently a student at Mohawk College in the Health, Wellness and Fitness program. When I graduate in April 2013, I will be challenging for my Twist Conditioning Certificate as well as my CSEP-CPT Certificate! I am very interested in learning new things about health and fitness and hope you will consider hiring me to gain some experience in the industry.
I took formal dance lessons for 16 years as a child, which is what sparked my interest in health and fitness. I helped teach classes at my dance studio, so I have lots of experience instructing and motivating large groups of people. I believe these skills will transfer well into the health and fitness industry as I will be able to work well with my clients, providing them lots of detailed instructions and information to keep them working towards their diet and fitness goals.
I am very upbeat, outgoing and I really do love exercise and nutrition. I am excellent at problem-solving and enjoy working as a team as well as independently, always ensuring everything I do is top quality.
I will be an asset to your company Mr. Smith, and I can’t wait to show you how hard I can work. I am looking forward to hearing from you, so please give me a call to talk about my future with Goodlife Fitness!
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Megan Pollard
Personal Introduction
.
Hello, my name is Megan Pollard; I am a 22 year old student attending Mohawk College in the Health, Wellness and Fitness program.
I graduated from Robert Bateman High School in June 2007 and have been working full time as a nanny ever since. I live in Burlington, Ontario and hope to one day own my own personal training and sports nutrition facility. I love to spend my time running and practicing yoga as well as eating and cooking healthy meals for myself and my family. My parents are my heroes and are the reason for my choice to pursue a career in the health, wellness and fitness industry, as well as the inspiration for the words I choose to live by daily.
My parents are my heroes. They have been through many hardships in life, yet they always have done everything they possibly can to provide myself and my younger sister with a privileged life... I am very blessed. My parents both work full time, and have always gone above and beyond within their workplaces, and that is where I get my work ethic from. I am great working as a team, and am always trying to think ahead and to ensure everyday runs efficiently. I also am always there to lend support and help to coworkers and to inspire everyone on my team to really work hard! My father is one of the reasons that I have chosen the health and fitness field for my career, as two years ago now, after battling with obesity for as long as I can remember, he decided to have gastric bypass surgery. He has now reversed his type-2 diabetes, lowered his blood pressure and bad cholesterol allowing him to come off of many prescription medications, and he now eats healthier, smaller meals and exercises every day. He motivates me to want to help others reach their weight loss and fitness goals without having to go to the extreme of weight loss surgery.
My personal motto in life is very simple and can be applied to life, and health seamlessly: “Change is uncomfortable.” If you want to change something, whether it be your career, your weight, or anything else... it is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it! If I am working out and I feel uncomfortable, I know that I am working hard towards change and will see results. No change is easy, but it is not supposed to be. My parents have gone through many challenging times in their lives that have forced them to change, whether it was career, financial or health related, those changes were not easy. But, without those changes, we would not be where we are today. I have learnt from my parents that I have to work hard for what I want, because when I reach my goals, it is my hard work I will look back on to appreciate how far I have come.
In conclusion, you now know a little bit about me, where I came from, where I am going, and how my parents, have been the inspiration behind my decision to pursue a career in the health, wellness and fitness industry. And remember my motto, “Change is uncomfortable!”
Hello, my name is Megan Pollard; I am a 22 year old student attending Mohawk College in the Health, Wellness and Fitness program.
I graduated from Robert Bateman High School in June 2007 and have been working full time as a nanny ever since. I live in Burlington, Ontario and hope to one day own my own personal training and sports nutrition facility. I love to spend my time running and practicing yoga as well as eating and cooking healthy meals for myself and my family. My parents are my heroes and are the reason for my choice to pursue a career in the health, wellness and fitness industry, as well as the inspiration for the words I choose to live by daily.
My parents are my heroes. They have been through many hardships in life, yet they always have done everything they possibly can to provide myself and my younger sister with a privileged life... I am very blessed. My parents both work full time, and have always gone above and beyond within their workplaces, and that is where I get my work ethic from. I am great working as a team, and am always trying to think ahead and to ensure everyday runs efficiently. I also am always there to lend support and help to coworkers and to inspire everyone on my team to really work hard! My father is one of the reasons that I have chosen the health and fitness field for my career, as two years ago now, after battling with obesity for as long as I can remember, he decided to have gastric bypass surgery. He has now reversed his type-2 diabetes, lowered his blood pressure and bad cholesterol allowing him to come off of many prescription medications, and he now eats healthier, smaller meals and exercises every day. He motivates me to want to help others reach their weight loss and fitness goals without having to go to the extreme of weight loss surgery.
My personal motto in life is very simple and can be applied to life, and health seamlessly: “Change is uncomfortable.” If you want to change something, whether it be your career, your weight, or anything else... it is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it! If I am working out and I feel uncomfortable, I know that I am working hard towards change and will see results. No change is easy, but it is not supposed to be. My parents have gone through many challenging times in their lives that have forced them to change, whether it was career, financial or health related, those changes were not easy. But, without those changes, we would not be where we are today. I have learnt from my parents that I have to work hard for what I want, because when I reach my goals, it is my hard work I will look back on to appreciate how far I have come.
In conclusion, you now know a little bit about me, where I came from, where I am going, and how my parents, have been the inspiration behind my decision to pursue a career in the health, wellness and fitness industry. And remember my motto, “Change is uncomfortable!”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)