With dozens of eyes fixed on my back, I slowly crept to the end of the dock and wiggled my toes over the edge. I could feel my heart beat in my chest and butterflies take over my stomach. I was 10 years old and I had been dreading this moment ever since I arrived at camp: the swim test.

I was never a very strong swimmer, but with the squeal of the lifeguard’s whistle, all my swimming fears came to a harsh reality. Halfway through the test, my legs and arms felt like Jell-O, and I soon found myself struggling to stay above water.

Dozens of campers and counselors watched as I hopelessly tread water in a panic. I shouted out to the dock, beckoning the lifeguard for help. I could see and hear my older sister pleading with him to go get me.  After what seemed like an eternity, the lifeguard finally dove into the murky lake waters, effortlessly swam over with a life float and pushed me back to shore.

As I lay on the dock trying to catch my breath, I realized that I was just like my mother … terrified of the water. I was humiliated. My eyes swelled with tears as I realized that friends and strangers had just watched one of the most terrifying and embarrassing moments of my life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning. Of these 10 deaths, two will be children under the age of 14. While drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional death in the United States, non-fatal submersion injuries are also a predominant issue. More than 50% of non-fatal drowning patients treated in emergency departments require hospitalization, and consequences of a near-drowning experience can be as severe as permanent loss of basic functioning.

At highest risk for drowning are males, who  make up 80% of drowning deaths. Minorities also suffer a significantly higher rate of drowning. According to the CDC, “The fatal drowning rate of African-American children ages five to 14 is almost three times that of white children in the same age range.” This could be attributed to limited access to swimming pools, lack of interest in learning how to swim and lower rates of choosing water-related sports as a recreational activity.

Research shows that formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning for kids ages one to four. However, older generations report having less swimmi

ng ability than younger adults. Ability to swim also decreases with lower levels of education. Some other factors that influence drowning risk are a lack of barriers to bodies of water, lack of supervision, failure to wear a life jacket, alcohol use, and seizure disorders.

Unlike many animals, humans aren’t born knowing how to swim. It is something we must be taught.  However, we shouldn’t go through life without knowing how because of a fear of water or fear of failure. Swimming is a skill that is vital for our own safety and the safety of others. Therefore, children and adults of all ages should make it a point to learn.

You don’t have to go far to begin. There are many places where you can learn how to swim for beginners of all ages! The Athens YMCA has two pools, one indoor and one outdoor. Swimming lessons are divided up according to age. According to Ben Schultz, the aquatic director of the Athens YMCA, pediatricians recommend that you introduce infants to water under close supervision as early as six months of age.

“Six months to three years is a great time to get children accustomed to the water as well as parents comfortable in the water with their children,” said Schultz. This age group takes classes with the help of their parents. The goal is to teach the infant basic movement in water as well as control over their breathing. The course also seeks to make the child comfortable in water.

The next age group, ages three to five, learns fundamental swimming skills as well as boating safety and rescue skills. Youth swimming lessons for ages six to 12 build on top of the basic skills already acquired. Students are taught the different strokes and diving fundamentals while also developing an appreciation for swimming as a lifelong sport.

Adults are sometimes embarrassed if they never learned how to swim as a child. Some have avoided water at all costs after a dramatic experience that made them fear bodies of water. However, the Athens YMCA offers swim lessons to adults age 13 and older that cater specifically to this group.

According to Schultz, adults tend to be more apprehensive about taking swimming lessons. “An adult may have spent their entire life not knowing how to swim or even feeling comfortable in the water.  They carry these fears with them into the pool.  As adults, we tend to over-rationalize our fears.  Children typically have not spent much time building fears.  They are often very excited to jump right in,” says Schultz.

Schultz emphasizes the importance of learning how to swim, even as an adult. If you’re nervous around water, he recommends taking a deep breath and relaxing. He believes it is important for an adult beginner to feel comfortable at the pace in which they learn how to swim. “Learning to swim is very important; adult lessons can be at whatever pace the adult would like,” says Schultz. Getting started is easy! All you need to learn how to swim are goggles, a towel and swimsuit.

The importance of learning how to swim is undeniable, and whether you are looking for swimming lessons for the kids of for yourself, Athens has all the right facilities and instructors to cater to your needs. In addition to the YMCA, swimming skills can be acquired at the Athens YWCO. For more information on both locations, visit their websites at www.YWCO.org and www.AthensYMCA.org.

Every day, we are bombarded with diet ads on television, the Internet and even the big screen. It seems that, in today’s society, everyone wants the quickest, most effortless solution to weight loss. Many of these proclaimed solutions focus on the ‘one sure way’ to succeed in getting fit. However, these claims are often unrealistic.

If you search “quick weight loss” online, you will find methods that say they are the secret to losing large amounts of weight in a short period, some of which don’t even require diet change or exercise. There are diet supplements, diets that eliminate food groups and even surgical procedures.

Diet pills are a popular weight loss fad that can be found just about anywhere, even on the shelves of your local grocery store. These pills serve different functions, depending on the active ingredients. Some pills suppress appetite while others slow fat absorption or increase calorie burning. While some of these pills may help you lose weight, they are intended to be used alongside a balanced diet and suitable exercise plan. Maria Breen, a registered dietician and sports nutritionist at the University of Georgia, warns against potential dangers of these diet pills. According to Breen, not all brands of diet pills are regulated by the FDA. This means that the labels may contain ingredients that aren’t listed. They can also promise results that aren’t necessarily attainable.

Some diets advertised focus on eliminating entire food groups. The popular Atkins diet, for example, eliminates carbohydrates from your plate while encouraging consumption of meats, eggs, and cheese. While diets such as this may work for a short term, Breen says that, after a few months, most people gain more weight than they intended on losing. This is due to what she calls the “rebound effect.” The rebound effect occurs when your diet is successful at first, but rebounds when weight loss slows down. The dieter tends to get discouraged and gains the weight back. This could be attributed to the emotions experienced from the failed diet.

Like supplements, there are possible dangers to these types of diets as well. For example, diets that emphasize eating large amounts of meat could put you at risk for kidney disease. Diets that cut out food groups completely can be hard on your heart, kidneys and bones. To be successful, Breen stresses the importance of a lifestyle change as opposed to crash diets. Through behavior modification and more normalized eating, you can lose the weight and keep it off.
One of the most drastic fads in weight loss is through medical procedures. Gastric bypass, for example, alters your digestive system so that you eat less and are full faster. Studies conducted by the CDC show that weight loss solutions such as this can be successful for long-term weight loss. However, not everyone is eligible for such drastic procedures. To qualify, you must have a BMI of 40 or higher, which would classify as extreme obesity. While the potential for success using surgical procedures can be enticing, there are also very serious risks associated, including hernias, malnutrition, low blood sugar, and stomach perforation.

The greatest number of people who have successfully lost weight (and kept it off) will tell you that, for most of us, the best weight loss solution is to maintain a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Breen recommends working with a dietician in order to create a diet that best suits you. Physicians, she says, are also useful if you have other medical problems that could be contributing to weight gain or the struggle to lose weight. Personal trainers can also assist in creating an exercise plan that fits your ability.

In order to achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a healthier lifestyle in the long-term, Breen offers three helpful tips:

1. Get educated. If a diet fad sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t just rely on what the commercials say about a diet, or even what books may claim. Seek information and second opinions before diving into any weight loss plan.
2. Remember that there is no ‘secret’ to weight loss. If a pill, diet or procedure claims to have the secret to losing weight, chances are it is not reliable.
3. Set attainable goals. Instead of tackling all of your goals at one time (such as exercising every day on top of cutting down your calories), you should focus on one or two lifestyle changes at a time. For especially busy families, any step in the right direction helps. Instead of jumping right into going to the gym every day, start by walking around your neighborhood for exercise.

We would add a fourth point to this list: be sure you consult your health care professional before making any exercise or nutrition changes to your lifestyle.
The allure of quick solutions to health issues can reel in just about anyone. Instead of wasting your time on fads that promise unreasonable results in short periods of time, make an effort to get fit the right way. Recognize what you are able to do, and build a team of support to help you accomplish your goals. With time and commitment, you will soon be on the road to success.

To develop an exercise and diet plan for your own specific needs, consult your health care, fitness and nutrition professionals.

Every day, we are bombarded with diet ads on television, the Internet and even the big screen. It seems that, in today’s society, everyone wants the quickest, most effortless solution to weight loss. Many of these proclaimed solutions focus on the ‘one sure way’ to succeed in getting fit. However, these claims are often unrealistic.

If you search “quick weight loss” online, you will find methods that say they are the secret to losing large amounts of weight in a short period, some of which don’t even require diet change or exercise. There are diet supplements, diets that eliminate food groups and even surgical procedures.

Diet pills are a popular weight loss fad that can be found just about anywhere, even on the shelves of your local grocery store. These pills serve different functions, depending on the active ingredients. Some pills suppress appetite while others slow fat absorption or increase calorie burning. While some of these pills may help you lose weight, they are intended to be used alongside a balanced diet and suitable exercise plan. Maria Breen, a registered dietician and sports nutritionist at the University of Georgia, warns against potential dangers of these diet pills. According to Breen, not all brands of diet pills are regulated by the FDA. This means that the labels may contain ingredients that aren’t listed. They can also promise results that aren’t necessarily attainable.

Some diets advertised focus on eliminating entire food groups. The popular Atkins diet, for example, eliminates carbohydrates from your plate while encouraging consumption of meats, eggs, and cheese. While diets such as this may work for a short term, Breen says that, after a few months, most people gain more weight than they intended on losing. This is due to what she calls the “rebound effect.” The rebound effect occurs when your diet is successful at first, but rebounds when weight loss slows down. The dieter tends to get discouraged and gains the weight back. This could be attributed to the emotions experienced from the failed diet.

Like supplements, there are possible dangers to these types of diets as well. For example, diets that emphasize eating large amounts of meat could put you at risk for kidney disease. Diets that cut out food groups completely can be hard on your heart, kidneys and bones. To be successful, Breen stresses the importance of a lifestyle change as opposed to crash diets. Through behavior modification and more normalized eating, you can lose the weight and keep it off.
One of the most drastic fads in weight loss is through medical procedures. Gastric bypass, for example, alters your digestive system so that you eat less and are full faster. Studies conducted by the CDC show that weight loss solutions such as this can be successful for long-term weight loss. However, not everyone is eligible for such drastic procedures. To qualify, you must have a BMI of 40 or higher, which would classify as extreme obesity. While the potential for success using surgical procedures can be enticing, there are also very serious risks associated, including hernias, malnutrition, low blood sugar, and stomach perforation.

The greatest number of people who have successfully lost weight (and kept it off) will tell you that, for most of us, the best weight loss solution is to maintain a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Breen recommends working with a dietician in order to create a diet that best suits you. Physicians, she says, are also useful if you have other medical problems that could be contributing to weight gain or the struggle to lose weight. Personal trainers can also assist in creating an exercise plan that fits your ability.

In order to achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a healthier lifestyle in the long-term, Breen offers three helpful tips:

1. Get educated. If a diet fad sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t just rely on what the commercials say about a diet, or even what books may claim. Seek information and second opinions before diving into any weight loss plan.
2. Remember that there is no ‘secret’ to weight loss. If a pill, diet or procedure claims to have the secret to losing weight, chances are it is not reliable.
3. Set attainable goals. Instead of tackling all of your goals at one time (such as exercising every day on top of cutting down your calories), you should focus on one or two lifestyle changes at a time. For especially busy families, any step in the right direction helps. Instead of jumping right into going to the gym every day, start by walking around your neighborhood for exercise.

We would add a fourth point to this list: be sure you consult your health care professional before making any exercise or nutrition changes to your lifestyle.
The allure of quick solutions to health issues can reel in just about anyone. Instead of wasting your time on fads that promise unreasonable results in short periods of time, make an effort to get fit the right way. Recognize what you are able to do, and build a team of support to help you accomplish your goals. With time and commitment, you will soon be on the road to success.

To develop an exercise and diet plan for your own specific needs, consult your health care, fitness and nutrition professionals.

With all the distractions of our day-to-day lives, it is easy to forget about all of the possibilities for fun right outside our front door. Turn the vast outdoors into a family adventure by planning a camping trip right here in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources manages 41 state parks that offer more than 2,700 campsites. These parks provide great locations all across the state for camping and other recreational activities.

State parks cater to all different types of campers. Whether you’re ready to brave the wilderness or looking for a more laid-back, adventure-filled getaway with the family, there is a campsite just for you.

Don’t let not owning a tent stop your family from this excursion. Participating state parks throughout Georgia have the “First Time Campers Program.” For the low cost of $50, you can rent REI camping equipment for two nights, which an experienced ranger will help you set up. Rangers also provide insider tips that will help your family become more comfortable during your camping experience. The developed campsites come equipped with electric and water hook-ups, making them more family- friendly for beginner campers. Restroom and showering facilities are within walking distance, and you can choose from sites built for pitching tents or those that allow for camper and RV parking.

Backcountry sites are a backpacker’s paradise. They are undeveloped, with no amenities for water or electricity – perfect for people looking to completely escape without even leaving the state! If you plan to stay at one of these sites, be well prepared with water and other camping necessities, as these will not be provided at the site.

If living in a tent for a few days just isn’t for you, there are other options that will still allow you to enjoy the camping experience. A yurt could be the ideal solution. Yurts are tent-like structures made of canvas and wood. Outside of the yurt, you will find picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. When you are ready to retreat from the outdoors, simply step inside to these furnished, glorified tents. Mattresses and electrical outlets within the yurt will make your camping trip extra cozy.

There is more to camping than just the tent and campfire, though. Camping is a great opportunity for campers of all ages to try out new sports and activities as well.

According to the Georgia State Parks website, many of these state parks provide a multitude of other opportunities for recreation. Some activities include:

• Archery
• Biking trails
• Canoeing
• Guided hikes
• Hands-on nature classes
• Fishing
• Disc golf
• Golfing
• Geocaching

Geocaching is a new craze that “combines the high-tech feel of online games with the old-fashioned fun of a treasure hunt.” (You can check out our own article about geocaching at www.athensmove.com/family/family-feature/geo-what/.) The object is to locate hidden containers called “caches” using your smart phone or GPS. In these containers is a small prize, which you take, then leave one for the next person. This state-wide scavenger hunt is a great way for the family to explore and learn more about the state of Georgia. The coordinates for the hidden treasures can be found at www.geocaching.com.
Camping trips are the perfect opportunity for a fishing trip, too! Within state parks, you will discover some of the best locations for fly fishing, bass and trout fishing in the country. Fly fishing is a more active form of the sport, while other forms allow you to relax in a boat or on the shore. Don’t have all the right equipment to fish? Don’t worry! Some parks allow you to rent fishing equipment for little to no charge. If you plan to partake in this popular sport, don’t forget that a fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16. These can be purchased for as little as $5 by calling 1-800-366-2661 or visiting
www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes.

Whether you’re a beginner or well-practiced, hiking is a great way to bring out the inner explorer in us all, and hiking can be for family members of all ages. Paved trails are available and are wheelchair accessible. If you’re bringing kids, try a less challenging trail to keep the hike enjoyable. For moderate day hikes, you can try Amicalola Falls, Blackrock Mountain or Cloudland Canyon. More challenging hikes with overnight camping are also available at these locations. While you’re out exploring, you can exercise your mind as well by visiting historic sites such as the Indian mounds of Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park or the earthwork fortification of the Confederacy of Fort McAllister Historic Park.

Do you prefer to spend your time outdoors in or on water? Many campsites parks rent boats by the hour. One option is to rent a canoe, kayak or paddle boat to explore the calm waters of streams and lakes. See the sights with the family or participate in a guided excursion. On larger lakes, you can even rent motorized boats and practice water sports, such as wakeboarding, to make your camping trip extra thrilling.

Are you an animal lover? Seven state parks in Georgia are horse-rider friendly. With more than 100 miles of trails, a great option for adventure on your next camping trip is saddling up for a horseback ride. Bring your own horse or ‘rent’ one to explore the trails. Fort Mountain State Park and F.D. Roosevelt State Park offer guided horseback rides. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, a horseback ride is a fun way to liven up your camping trip.

Camping provides classic family fun for all ages. Whether you prefer roughing it in a tent, or a more relaxed experience in a yurt, there is a campsite that is a perfect fit for your family. Most importantly, don’t be fooled into thinking that camping is only sitting around a fire roasting marshmallows. On these mini-vacations, there are countless opportunities for exploration and fun for the whole family!

For more information on camping in Georgia, visit www.gastateparks.org.

In today’s appearance- and performance-driven society, the temptation to use steroids appears to be increasing. A steroid abuser could be anyone, from a high school baseball player trying to make the varsity team to a professional bicyclist striving to make history or a teenage girl determined to obtain the media’s idea of a ‘perfect’ body. Regardless of their goal, all of these people are faced with a decision: achieve success the natural way or with the help of steroids.
Anabolic steroids are a synthetic form of the male hormone testosterone. Taking this drug helps the user build muscle faster. Getting fit is important, so steroids can’t be too bad, right? Wrong. Anabolic steroids have serious side effects that can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.

Taylor Hooton was an average teenager from Plano, TX, where he pitched for his high school baseball team. As a junior, he was determined to be the starting pitcher for the varsity team the following year. He was told that, in order to do this, he needed to get bigger and stronger. Hooton, determined to succeed, secretly began taking anabolic steroids.

The steroids soon began to show their results. Taylor gained 30 pounds of mostly muscle. However, as often happens, bad results came with the good. Taylor began showing common side-effects of steroid use: acne, a puffy face, emotional outbursts, and eventually, depression. While Taylor’s parents did notice these changes in his body and attitude, they were still completely unaware that their son was abusing steroids.

On July 15, 2003, Taylor lost his life at the age of 17 as a result of his anabolic steroid abuse.

The Taylor Hooton Foundation was created by his family in Taylor’s memory. The foundation strives to educate everyone, from parents to athletes, about the devastating effects of steroid abuse.

Brian Parker, Educational Program Manager for the foundation, speaks to groups all over the country about steroids and other dangerous supplements not regulated by the FDA. “The dangers of APEDs [appearance and performance enhancing drugs] are very undervalued in our society, and bringing them to the forefront is something I think is needed and important,” says Parker.

Parker believes that when parents talk to their kids about steroids, they should tell them both the positive and negative side effects. “Steroids will make you bigger and stronger, and telling a child otherwise makes you lose credibility. But if you tell a child what these drugs are made of, where they are coming from, and what they can do to you in addition to the positives, then that balanced approach comes across as more knowledgeable,” said Parker.
When talking about the dangers of anabolic steroids, effects on your health are normally at the forefront of discussion. Steroids affect the body in a variety of ways, including side effects such as:

• Stunted bone growth
• Blood disorders
• Acne
• Liver cysts
• Hypertension

In addition to the toll steroids take on your body, they can also have negative psychological effects, including:

• ‘Roid rage,’ which refers to the increased aggression that the user may experience
• Severe depression
• Unhealthy restlessness
• Psychological addiction

Not only do steroids have tremendous negative effects on the body and mind, they are also regarded as short-cuts or cheating in sports. Millions watched recently as Lance Armstrong, a famous professional cyclist, won the Tour De France seven consecutive times. However, the whole world then also watched as every title Armstrong had won was stripped from him by the United States Anti-Doping Agency in 2012 when it was discovered that he was ‘doping.’
Many professional athletes claim that the only way they could compete at such a high level is with the help of steroids. These claims often alter the definition of success among younger generation athletes who look up to these professionals.

Oconee County High School Athletic Director Brian Deitz recognizes this within high school athletics. “I believe that student-athletes look up to professional athletes,” says Deitz, “and this influences decisions on everything they do including behavior, what they wear, what they say.” Deitz believes that the key to preventing young athletes from abusing anabolic steroids is by providing the facts. “I think that most important thing is educating our youth in and out school. If student-athletes are educated about the subject then they can make an informed decision,” states Deitz.

Ron Courson, the Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Georgia, agrees that the best way to combat steroid use is through education. UGA’s athletic training and nutrition departments do this using a variety of methods including a program for drug testing education, speakers and posting flyers in athletic facilities.

Another way the university ensures that their athletes abstain from these steroids is through drug tests. The UGA athletic department has its own drug testing policy (which performs drug tests weekly) in addition to NCAA mandated drug testing. Failing drug tests can have very serious consequences, including a year of suspension plus losing a year of athletic eligibility. This strong stance against drug abuse not only ensures that athletes train and eat properly, but it also guarantees that everyone is ‘playing fair.’

States Courson, “Sports have many attributes that you learn in terms of discipline and sportsmanship and fair play, and I think the use of anabolic steroids violates that because you’re competing on an uneven playing field. And, even if you are successful, how do you feel knowing that you used a drug that enabled you to basically cheat to get those results?”

Although steroid use is in the media spotlight fairly frequently, ongoing and far-reaching discussion and education are needed. With the help of the Internet, purchasing steroids is easier than ever, putting even young teens at risk of becoming dependent on these drugs. To combat this issue, discussion must begin in the home and be supported in schools and beyond. As Deitz says, “If children know that you care and understand then hopefully they can feel you are open enough to answer questions.”

Some eye-opening information and helpful resources about anabolic steroid use among young athletes can be found at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/anabolic-steroids.

Registration Information: Sign-ups conducted 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Herman C. Michael Park beginning Monday, April 15 on a first come first served basis until all spaces are filled.

Fee: $100 per session. First week’s payment is due in full at the time of registration. A $30 per child, per session, non-refundable deposit is due at registration to reserve any weekly session.

Summer Day Camp: Camp held at Herman C. Michael Park. The day begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 6 p.m.
Teen Extreme Camp: Camp held at Oconee Veterans Park. The day begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 6 p.m.

• Date:    June – August
• Phone:    (706) 769-3966
• Web:    www.oconeecounty.com/ocprd
• Email:    jtiller@oconee.ga.us
• Ages:    Kindergarten – 8th Grade
• Cost:    $100 per week, per child

• Phone:    (706) 549-8501
• Web:    www.canopystudio.com
• Email:    Ann@canopystudio.com
• Ages:    5 – 16 yrs.
• Cost:    $175per/wk, $130 per/wk for multiple weeks

• Dates:    May 22-24, May 28-31, June 10-28, July 8-19
*Closed Memorial Day*
• Phone:    (706) 543-9966
• Email:    db4444@aol.com
• Ages:    5-12
• Cost:    $115 weekly

• DATE:    Varies – visit athensclarkecounty.com/camps
• PHONE:    (706) 615-3589
• WEB:    www.athensclarkecounty.com/camps
• AGES:    3 – 12
• COST:    www.athensclarkecounty.com/camps
• 
Scholarships available

• PHONE: Varies by camp location; call (706) 613-3800
• 
WEB:    www.athensclarkecounty.com/camps
• AGES:    6 – 12
• DATE:    Most camps meet Monday-Friday:  
June 3-July 26
• TIME:    From 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• COST:    www.athensclarkecounty.com/camps
Scholarships available