May 20 Potluck Salad Lunch

Last year we had several meals together and someone suggested we have another potluck lunch but to make it a salad potluck lunch. So May 20, after the Sunday service, we will do exactly that. We want you to come and bring your favorite salad and/or finger food dish. As far as a program, we are planning on a brief but fun connective activity, so stay tuned for the details.

Back to the Future

Remember when we were all children and we'd run in from school/ playing and ask Mom for something to eat? We'd be handed an apple or an orange, some celery or carrot sticks. For our Sunday coffee hour, we are taking a page from that era and at the same time following the lead of the King County Public Health and, among others, the Highline School District--in trying the Eat Healthy Program (sees The Highline Times, April 6). Have you noticed some coffee hour changes? Several of you have already joined in on these changes, and we have asked families with kids to get their ideas and involvement as well. We want everyone to participate in this. So give us your ideas and suggestions and any way you would like to participate in this endeavor.

The Real-World Benefits of Strengthening Your Core

Think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Whether you're hitting a tennis ball or mopping the floor, the necessary motions either originate in your core, or move through it.

No matter where motion starts, it ripples upward and downward to adjoining links of the chain. Thus, weak or inflexible core muscles can impair how well your arms and legs function. And that saps power from many of the moves you make. Properly building up your core cranks up the power. A strong core also enhances balance and stability. Thus, it can help prevent falls and injuries during sports or other activities. In fact, a strong, flexible core underpins almost everything you do:

• Everyday acts. Bending to put on shoes or scoop up a package, turning to look behind you, sitting in a chair, or simply standing still--these are just a few of the many mundane actions that rely on your core and that you might not notice until they become difficult or painful. Even basic activities of daily living-bathing or dressing, for example-call on your core.
• On-the-job tasks. Jobs that involve lifting, twisting, and standing all rely on core muscles. But less obvious tasks-like sitting at your desk for hours-engage your core as well. Phone calls, typing, computer use, and similar work can make back muscles surprisingly stiff and sore, particularly if you're not strong enough to practice good posture and aren't taking sufficient breaks.
• A healthy back. Low back pain-a debilitating, sometimes excruciating problem affecting problem affecting four out of five Americans at some point in their lives-may be prevented by exercises that promote well-balanced, resilient core muscles. When back pain strikes, a regimen of core exercises is often proscribed to relieve it, coupled with medications, physical therapy, or other treatments if necessary.
• Sports and other pleasurable activities. Golfing, tennis or other racquet sports, biking, running swimming, baseball, volleyball, kayaking, rowing and many athletic activities are powered by a strong core. Less often mentioned are sexual activities, which call for core power and flexibility, too.
• Housework, fix-it work, and gardening. Bending, lifting, twisting, carrying, hammering, reaching overhead-even vacuuming, mopping, and dusting are acts that spring from, or pass through, the core.
• Balance and stability. Your core stabilizes your body, allowing you to move in any direction, even of the bumpiest terrain, or stand in one spot without losing your balance. Viewed this way, core exercises can lessen your risk of falling.
• Good posture. Weak core muscles contribute to slouching. Good posture trims your silhouette and projects confidence. More importantly, it lessens wear and tear on the spine and allows you to breathe deeply. Good posture helps you gain full benefits from the effort you put into exercising, too.

Weak, tight, or unbalanced core muscles can undermine you in any of these realms. And while it's important to build a strong core, it's unwise to aim all your efforts at developing rippling abs. Overtraining abdominal muscles while snubbing muscles of the back and hip can set you up for injuries and cut athletic prowess. If washboard abs are your holy grail, it's essential to trim body fat through diet and aerobic exercise and build strong abdominal muscles through frequent core exercise sessions.

source: HEALTHbeat, June 28, 2011, Harvard Medical School

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From the Children's Department