Greetings!
Good morning! Last Saturday? Beautiful turnout. Our hearts are full.
We learned something new this past weekend. When you reach a critical mass in an indoor mall (>200 WWAD participants) sanctioned by the National Mall Association (NMA) a new security level is triggered. Although we are at Mid-Ohio Foodbank this upcoming Saturday, you will see some changes at Polaris on March 6th. Many newly implemented security measures will be undetectable to you and me, one will not. The Mall S.W.A.T. team is what I am referring to.
There will be two dozen S.W.A.T. agents evenly distributed throughout Polaris Fashion Place, including 4 rooftop snipers (2 at Food Court entrance, 1 above Brio, and the other above Macy's) and a S.E.A.L in the Mall Fountain.
Although their weapons appear perfectly authentic (and quite intimidating at that), due to strict NMA policy they are loaded with either Silly String (TM) or water (previously softened). To answer your next question, no, we will not be made aware of which weapon carries which ammunition. Mall security has made us aware that would eliminate the "element of surprise".
Kathryn and I held an semi-emergent meeting with our attorneys this past weekend. Out of those meetings, two rule changes will be enacted. Although we are extremely confident with the judgment of the Polaris Fashion Police and their ability to respond rapidly on their Segways, our lawyers recommend we take the following precautions.
(1) All WWAD participants wear either (a) Head-to-Toe Gore-Tex branded water repellent material or preferably (b) a wetsuit. We do realize the exorbitant cost of the wetsuit (suggested retail $569.99) - please understand that we are looking out for your best interests and more importantly, your safety. I have negotiated a deal with national chain, Underwater USA, to offer a 5% discount for every walker purchasing 2 or more wetsuits. *Discount Code = Swim with a Doc (even though these wetsuits were made for walking).
(2) All WWAD participants are requested to wear 100% protective eye wear. Kathryn has priced out various options and secured us a great deal. Turns out an army surplus store out of Tulsa has a a large supply of authentic military rubber goggles for $17.95. (Please see column to the right)
We anticipate some of you may find us overprotective. Our attorneys have asked us to refer you to Silly String (TM) v. State of Minnesota/Mall of America, 1987 as a reminder of why we are making these amendments to the bylaws.
In unrelated news, my good friend Paul Ryan, a Representative of Wisconsin, and Walk with a Doc board member (once the Congressional Ethics
committee approves), received a coveted invite into today's Health Care
Summit. Is today the day that President Obama learns about Walk with a Doc?
Walk with a Doc is thrilled to announce our new sponsor. Please read on for more information.
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Just Walk! A Walk With a Doc Program Gets Support from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Groundbreaking Community Health Program Encourages Active Lifestyles
Columbus, OH - February 25, 2010 - February is heart month, so what better time to start or enhance an exercise program? And if you need more convincing that walking is a great way to get moving, how about taking that walk with a doctor? Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is pleased to announce its partnership with Just Walk! A Walk With a Doc, an innovative program that supports people in keeping active and motivated about their health between doctor's appointments.
"Help your heart, reduce stress and boost energy, meet new friends and have fun!" boasts the walkwithadoc.org, touting the program founded in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a board-certified cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Sabgir meets participants every Saturday morning at a Columbus area park or mall. The program has a proven track record of helping people commit to a healthy lifestyle through the encouragement of and interaction with others interested in improving their health.
Research shows we could gain two hours of life for every hour of regular exercise. Just Walk! A Walk With a Doc is free and open to anyone interested in taking steps to better health. Dr. Sabgir, other specialists and healthcare professionals are on hand to provide support and answer questions.
"We are excited to be a part of a program that shares our goal of improving the lives of the people we serve, and the health of our communities," said Barry Malinowski, M.D., medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. "Walk With a Doc is a fun, easy way for people to enrich their lives, and get healthy ... one step at a time."
Just Walk! A Walk With a Docis a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging healthy physical activities for people of all ages and all fitness levels. The weekly program allows people to reap the benefits of walking in a casual, no-pressure setting. More information about Just Walk! A Walk With a Doc Program can be found at www.walkwithadoc.org.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com.
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This Saturday - We are at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank!
This is going to be another very cool week!
Come join us on this field trip for children and adults. We will start at 8:30 with some information on the Foodbank and the Pound for Pound Challenge. We will be walking inside this massive warehouse of good karma. 5 laps = 1 mile.
There will be a laptop station set up for everyone who wants to sign up for the challenge. We will have a table for food, coffee, and water.
If you want to bring canned or boxed goods - that would be great. It is up to you. I personally plan on capitalizing on the opportunity. I want to get all the stuff I don't eat - OUT of the house WITHOUT any guilt.
Directions are easy. Please take 71 S to Exit 100 for Stringtown Rd toward Grove City and go 0.4 mi. Then turn right at Stringtown Rd and go 446 ft (approximately). Take the 1st right onto Marlane Dr and proceed 0.3 mi. Then take the 2nd left onto Brookham Drive
Mid-Ohio Foodbank will be on the right. Their address is 3960 Brookham Dr. Their phone is 614.274.7770.
www.midohiofoodbank.org.
Please join us this Saturday in showing them what
Walk with a Doc is all about. |
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Walk with a Doc Weekend at Fleet Feet: March 6,7
On the weekend of March 6-7th, 2010: Fleet Feet Columbus will be offering Walk with a Doc participants 20% off Asics, Brooks, and Mizuno shoes. In addition - the WWAD member will receive a special VIP card for discounts good on future purchases.
The deal is exclusive to WWAD participants and please mention our name at the counter to get the deal. This place is great. They take the time to walk you on their treadmill and evaluate your feet to make sure you get the correct shoes.
This is where Kathryn's family and my family go for shoes. This is also where my wife goes for exercise bras, but I can't put that in the newsletter or she would KILL me.
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Please remember we are at Mid-Ohio Foodbank this Saturday (not Polaris). Have a great Thursday and Friday!
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See you Saturday,
David
Walk with a Doc
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Military Rubber Goggles
Although these cannot be worn "comfortably" for longer than 3 to 4 minutes, they are proven time and time again to be water-tight - unless you are actually in the water.
WWAD's Favorite Olympian, USA Swimmer Eric Wunderlich - would not and does not approve for the pool as swim goggles.
They have been tested by us and will adequately provide dual-protection from both projected AND Silly String (TM).
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