Akron Today Magazine

Akron Lifestyle and Entertainment

Health & Fitness

Should You Make Your Child a Professional Athlete?

If your child has an inclination for sports, you might be like many parents who fantasize about helping them pursue becoming a professional athlete.  This could include dance, football, tennis, horse showing, baseball, gymnastics, soccer or any number of other physical, competitive pursuits.

I am writing this article to give these parents general advice on things to consider.  I am doing this because we, as a family, are pursuing this kind of goal.  It is fun, but also expensive and a huge amount of time and sacrifice.  Here is what you need to know.

High School sports are fun.  But being top dog in a sport in your high school is not a sign your child can go pro in a sport.  In fact, many players who are serious about their sports do not play high school because the time spent with the high school team takes away from more serious training.  My oldest daughter, for example, was a very good high school tennis player but when she tried to compete in more serious tournaments, she quickly realized younger players were much better than her.  She did not want to go pro anyway, but as a parent, we thought she was hot stuff till we saw what real competition looks like.  Don’t get too excited to early.

Second, remember coaches are there to motivate you, earn a living and try to get the best out of the player they can.  This might result in stroking a parent’s ego a bit on how good a kid is.

Next, have a long term goal, not a short term goal.  Winning is not everything.  Proper training and physical fitness appropriate for the age along with good technique is more important than winning at a young age.  Being a serious tennis family with our youngest means we get to see parents freaking out all the time because their kid loses or has an off day.  Guess what.  Every weekend is another chance to get out there and get better.  But negativity will hurt that long term performance.

This we have seen lead to high stress in kids as well as parents getting divorced.  If you cannot deal with the stress that comes with this level of constant training and competition you may be better off not taking it so seriously.

Also, you should consider money.  Most sports are very cheap to play casually.  Take tennis for example.  Playing on a public court with 3 week old balls is a very cheap way to have fun and stay fit.  However, if you are serious about it, you are going to have 3 or more racquets that are $200ish and have them restrung each month at $35 a pop plus indoor memberships and multiple lessons per week plus a gym membership.  Then you are going to be travelling around your local area and if you are lucky, you will be travelling nationally competing in bigger tournaments and working with specialists.  In the Summer months you might spend $600 per month and Winter closer to $1,000 per month at least.  If you look at the serious Tennis academies in Florida, they are $60,000 per year in many cases.

So that $25 Walmart tennis racquet and old can of balls playing in the park can quickly become a very expensive proposition.  And in case you are wondering, no you cannot become great without some serious money and time.

Of course, there are exceptions when your child is a total freak of nature athlete.  But even then you cannot just pick up a sport in an afternoon.  Strategy and coordination must be learned.

These are just some of the issues you need to think about as a parent of a talented youth athlete.  I am not telling you not to pursue it.  I am saying you need to be realistic about chances and also about your ability to provide the resources to be successful.  Good luck.

How To Protect Your Children From The Summer Heat

Summer vacation is the perfect time for children to enjoy hours of outdoor sports and other activities. However, the summer heat also brings the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion. These heat related problems can result in simply an irritating sunburn or serious health consequences. This is why it is important for children and parents to know some of the ways they can protect themselves from the sun. This includes knowing what clothing to wear, what places to avoid, and the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Wear The Right Clothing

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to dress your children in clothes that will stop them from getting hot. As a general rule, it is best to dress your children in loose clothing that is made out of as light of a material as possible. The clothing should be loose enough to allow the air to circulate, and something like a loose button up shirt will help to increase air circulation. Clothing that is of a light color is preferable, but it is important to avoid dressing your children in heavy clothing that is lightly colored. Brimmed hats will help to prevent sunburn, and will further help to keep them cool.

Avoid Cars And Hot Places

Heat stroke generally occurs when a child is exposed to a hot confined space. This is why parents should make sure that they do not leave their children in hot spaces. One of the most dangerous and common places are car interiors. It is important to never leave a child in a car unattended, and to know that simply opening a car window will not protect your child from heat stroke. Similarly, children should be provided with a shady place to rest. This is especially important during and after exercise when children are most susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Know The Signs Of Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke

Finally, parents should know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include redness of skin, excessive sweating, cramps, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. The warning signs of heat stroke include cessation of sweating, vomiting, cramps, and high body temperature. Parents should know these warning signs and be vigilant. Children suffering from heat exhaustion should be taken to a cool place, and those suffering from heat stroke need to be taken to the hospital immediately.

Akron Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing along the Cuyahoga River is a pleasurable experience many people enjoy every spring, summer, and fall in northeast Ohio. The winding, calm river is ideal for families who want to take advantage of the summer months enjoying water activities with their small children.

There are several places around northeast Ohio that allow you to rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the river and enjoy a fun weekend with your children. These are three of the many businesses for renting a kayak or canoe.

  1. Crooked River Adventures

100 Stow St,

Kent, OH 44240

(330) 541-7467

https://fareharbor.com/crookedriveradventures/

  1. Burning River Adventures

2025 Munroe Falls Avenue

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

(330) 969-2628

http://www.paddletheriver.com/

  1. Killinit Kayaks Inc.

3803 1/2 State Rd,

Akron, OH 44319

(330) 760-3533

https://killinitkayaks.com/

Before you decide to rent a kayak or canoe from one of these businesses, visit their website and check for availability, hours of operation and prices. Some of these businesses accept coupons and are very friendly and accommodating.

If on the other hand you own a kayak or canoe and decide to take it on the river, remember the safety precautions and rules and regulations you have to abide by before entering the waters on the Cuyahoga River.

  1. All kayak, canoes and inflatable boats must be registered in the state of Ohio. The boat registration must be carried onboard, and ID is required if you are visiting from other states where registration is not required
  2. Life jackets in wearable condition and right size are required for each person on the boat, kayak or inflatable boat. If you have children under the age of 10, they MUST wear properly sized life jacket at all times.
  3. No alcohol is permitted while on National parks or rivers
  4. No littering
  5. Children under the age of 12 MUST be supervised by an adult at all times if operating their own kayak, canoe or inflatable boat.

A fun weekend with the family will forge unforgettable memories for your children.  Safety should never be undermined, nor ignore.  A life jacket can save the life of your child. If they complain the life jacket is not comfortable, find another one that will fit them better, but do not relent about them wearing one.

Enjoy your summer.

Support for People Caring for Aging Parents

Home Care Provides Peace of Mind

Caring for an aging parent is a major source of stress for caregivers. Trying to manage your loved one’s health, and home, while juggling a career and raising your own family, can be overwhelming. Your health, and your relationships with your spouse and other family members, can suffer. But what are your options?

For many in this situation, the solution is home care. At BAYADA Home Health Care, our nurses, aides, and therapists enable people to remain safely in their homes with comfort, independence, and dignity – and provide families with peace of mind.

Why home health care?

The clinicians come directly to your loved one’s home. Patients heal more quickly at home than in the hospital, since they are able to remain in familiar surroundings. And home care can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that all of the details are being handled for you and your loved ones are being cared for where they want to be.

How do I know what home care services are needed?

For seniors who are relatively healthy but need help to remain safely at home, services from a therapist can help your loved one with stairs, bathing or increasing or maintaining independence with daily tasks. Others may require skilled services from a nurse or therapist. Some companies, like BAYADA, provide specialized services to keep those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses safe in their homes.

How can I know that the caregivers are high quality and trustworthy?

You should consider only those home care providers whose caregivers are employees of the company – not part of a registry. Reputable companies have stringent hiring standards, including checking references, criminal background, and work experience. BAYADA hires only those who provide care with compassion, excellence, and reliability – our core values.

Make sure the provider is accredited.

BAYADA is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner, a leader in home care accreditation.

BAYADA Home health care has been in business for over 40 years, however is new to Ohio with an office located at 2497 State Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

For more information about how BAYADA can help you and your loved ones find peace of mind, call 330-929-5512.

Beginners Guide to Yoga Types

The practice of yoga has been developed for thousands of years and is more attainable than ever before. Yoga studios are in every town, and Youtube channels like Yoga with Adriene ensure than there’s a practice for everyone out there. Yoga is about challenging yourself to become better and it’s an exciting journey. Here are seven common types of yoga with the benefits and differences to help you get started.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a branch of yoga that focuses heavily on proper alignment and relaxation. This style of practice is heavily modified with props such as straps, blocks and chairs. This method is perfect for those with aching bodies or handicaps and beginners. The tempo in this practice is slow and gentle, allowing you to reach full relaxation, with proper alignment in a number of poses. Iyengar increases stamina, flexibility and strength while promoting inward reflection and developing focus. By focusing on alignment, this practice will bring new strength to less used areas of the body.

Hatha Yoga

This is a more traditional practice of yogic poses and breath work meant to cultivate the body, mind and spirit. Any yoga practice that leads one through poses is considered Hatha and has been used to describe many Western practices of yoga. A typical Hatha practice will guide you through an asana, yoga postures and sequences, and pranayama, breathing techniques. A class described as Hatha won’t leave you feeling sore, but more flexible and calm.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is a practice containing 26 postures that are performed in a studio that is heated to temperatures over 90°F. This yoga practice has become the basis for hot yoga classes, which differ through postures taught during practices. These special poses are shown to work every part of the body and give attention to the internal organs, muscles and ligaments. These positions are meant to work together with the heat to release every benefit possible from the practice.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga’s purpose is to release tension in the body to allow energy to flow more freely. Poses are held for 45 seconds to 3 minutes typically, soothing joints and allowing moments of deep focus and meditation. This branch of yoga is slow paced, and deeply relaxing. Beginners, those with limited mobility and highly stressed persons will appreciate this class that promotes patience and is a great way to get started on a yoga journey.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini is a practice for those who are looking for a deeper, more spiritual connection through yoga. Besides yoga poses and flows, Kundalini incorporates chanting and meditation throughout the routine. This style’s purpose is to awaken the energy at the base of the spine to flow into all seven chakras. The yogic devotion allows the mind to become clear and feel more in tune with oneself. Some yogis describe having a sort of awakening through this style of practice that allows them to see their potential and purpose in life.

Vinyasa Yoga

This is one of the more common types of practice, especially in the West. Vinyasa flows yoga postures together, by moving with the breath. The practices are usually never the same and move through asanas at a faster pace than Yin yoga. Breath is the driving force of this practice and leads you to your intentions and movements. While moving through a flow, you might find yourself beginning on your hands and knees and then transitioning into down dog. Ujjayi breath is encouraged during this practice, a rhythmic breath through the nose, which increases relaxation.

Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda is another style for those looking to grow a deeper connection through yoga. This practice follows five principles, designed to improve mind, body and spirit. Sivananda uses exercise, breath work, relaxation, a vegetarian diet and meditation as a way to live a more full, healthy life. Beginning in this practice is fairly easy, as it begins with 12 basic poses to master before moving on. This is slow, mindful work that will promote a balanced way of living.  

Yoga is meant to create discipline and higher relaxation in life and has numerous benefits for mental and physical health. Connecting to the breath is an important step, and accepting your body where it’s at that day is vital. Some days might be more difficult than others, or some styles of yoga might not be for you, but don’t give up on the process.

LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.

Don’t Let Your Lifestyle Choose You

One of the most common things that make me think about moving to a different location from the Akron area is the idea of being in a place where the healthy lifestyle of people is more prevalent.  It is a legitimate thought as the healthy lifestyle indexes for Ohio are middling at best.

However, just because the averages are not where someone would like it does not mean you need to let the lifestyle of where you live pick you. 

One excuse I often think about is the seasonality of Ohio.  You cannot always do the same things year-round.  We love hiking as a family but not into Winter hiking.  So I tend to do less in Winter.

However, if you look at some of the best places for active lifestyles in the nation, some of the top cities have the same seasons.  Wisconsin, Colorado and Idaho all have highly ranked health indexes based on lifestyles.

So, what can you do to not fall into the trap of a less healthy lifestyle in Akron Ohio?

1.      It is critical to have a year-round plan.  You can choose activities that you can do year-round, such as a gym, indoor tennis, racket ball, basketball, working out on equipment you own, etc.

2.      You can also tough out an activity year-round even if it is not traditional.  One person I know who is very fit runs every day year-round with a group except for thunder storms.  All other conditions she goes out, no matter the temperature or condition.

3.      Not planning to do the same thing year-round, know what you can do in each season and have a backup plan for when the weather is not cooperating.

A healthy lifestyle is not just about the excursive.  It is also about diet and let’s face it, we have less healthy places to eat and more easy but bad places to eat.  But this is a matter of planning and doing a bit of research as well.  Places like Chipotle have healthy options for something fast and most places will have healthy options.  If you are looking for a breakfast or lunch, First Watch is a great option that is healthy and sprinkled around the Akron area.

We are not going to have all the options of a big city on the West coast any time soon but they do exist.  Plan ahead and you will be able to not just default to a bad option when you are famished. 

Plus, you can always start preparing some more things in advance and not needing to grab a meal out as often.  If you are taking care of  more meals at home and taking advantage of outdoor activities such as the wealth of walking paths and hiking trails in Akron you can save a lot of money, improve your fitness and choose the lifestyle you want, instead of defaulting to the one most common near you.

 

Exploring Nature Spots Near Akron

Akron, Ohio is home to some amazing bike, hike, and walk trails in Ohio. A short distance from
the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and housing a few of its own lengthy hiking trails, there are
plenty of opportunities, and gorgeous hidden nature spots in, and around Akron.

1. Portage Lakes State Park — Wingfoot Lake State Park —993 Goodyear Park Blvd. Suffield,
OH 44260

If you’re looking to do it all, kayaking, boating, swimming, hiking, and having a large group of
people, Portage Lakes State Park will be able to accommodate all of your needs. It features
many different lakes as well as a wetlands area that attracts many different species to the
surrounding area. There are also events that take place in the park which showcase the multipurpose
use of the park.

2. Cascade Valley Metro Park

Located in south Akron, this metro park offers a large range of different trails for you to explore.
The Overlook area offers amazing views and a relatively easy trail which is great for children or
beginners. More experienced hikers might enjoy the moderately challenging Highbridge Trail
which has some beautiful views of the Cuyahoga river.

3. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm —1828 Smith Rd. Akron, OH 44313

As well as having three walking/hiking trails, this park and nature realm is a great place for
children or adults who want to learn while they hike. There includes seasonal exhibits as well as
a great kids adrea and a on-site naturalist who is happy to answer any kinds of questions about
the area and wildlife. This area houses many beautiful observation decks, ponds, and even a
large ravine. This is a perfect place to take the whole family to enjoy and learn about the
outdoors.

4. Treaty Line Area in Sand Run Metro Park —995 Treaty Line Rd. Akron, OH 44313

For those wanting to work up a sweat, the Treaty Line Area inside the Sand Run Metro Park
might be right for you. It features several challenging hills and workout stations that can further
challenge you during your walk. This trail is also pet-friendly and features restrooms and a
picnic area which makes it well suited for groups.

5 Ways To Improve Your Life AND Cut Expenses

The first thing we need to do is agree that some of the things in this article are not going to be more fun.  When I write, “Improve Your Life” I mean in a healthy way, not in a binge drinking frat party way.  The real key to this article is if follow all of these things, you should save many thousands of dollars per year and also be healthier and happier.

Next I want to say I got this information from all over.  We reference some things, in other cases you can do a search and find different numbers from different sources.  This is not a scientific research paper – just an interesting article on how to save money while improving your life.

Cold Showers

Your first reaction might be “Hell no!” but give me a moment.  There are a lot of people that swear by cold (or colder) showers because they have significant benefits and they save you money.  Cold showers have been associated with increases Alertness, Refines Hair and Skin, Improves Immunity and Circulation, Stimulating Weight Loss, Speeding Up Muscle Soreness and Recovery, Easing Stress and Relieving Depression.  I have also heard that taking a cold shower when you cannot go to sleep and getting in bed right away will put you in a great, deep sleep if you have trouble with that kind of thing.

So fine, it is good for you if you can hack it.  But does it save you a lot of money?  I found a calculator for shower costs online here.  I did an example where I did a colder, shorter shower and a longer, hotter shower and compared the cost.  Turns out a family of 4 would save $478.50 in a year.  Not bad – and good for you.

Drink Less

Well, this is already starting to sound really sucky.  Take cold showers and stop drinking.  But in 2018 more evidence has been steadily coming out that the whole 1-2 drinks a day are good for you thing is not really true.  Women should have much less than that and even men should only be have a couple a week.  I found another calculator that will help you see how much you are spending weekly on alcohol.  And remember, it is not as good for you as you have been lead to believe.

In this very reasonable example, I have used this calculator and estimated a $1,872 annual expense per person.  If you live in a big city and like to go out with friends or coworkers a lot you are spending a lot more than this in fact.

Eat Less

The average American consumes more than 3,600 calories daily.  This is a 24% increase from 1961, when the average was just 2,880 calories. A man needs around 2,500kcal a day to maintain his weight with a healthy , balanced diet. Woman need around 2,000kcal a day. These values can vary depending on age, metabolism and physical activity, among other things.  Body builders and professional swimmers should not try this at home.

With all of this in mind, we simply eat too much – and food costs money.  We eat 37.5% too much food to be exactish.

How much money does the average person spend on food per month?  This figure varies based on age and income level.  Assuming you are middle class and a fairly young adult, it is $173 per week times 52 weeks which equals $8,996 in annual food costs.  Now if we cut that back by 37.5%, we would be saving $3373.50 per year per person.  And you would also save money on health care as it would reduce the likelihood of many weight related diseases.

This gets even crazier when you consider Forty percent of food in the United States is never eaten, amounting to $165 billion a year in wasted food, according to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council.  This would figure that you might be throwing away 40% of the groceries.  If you are someone throwing away a lot of food, plus eating 37% more calories than you need, it means 75% of your groceries could be wasted or eaten when they should not be.

Cook More

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, the average American household spent $2,787 on restaurant meals and takeout, compared to $3,971 on groceries. But in 2015, the average amount spent on restaurants and takeout jumped $221 to $3,008. Grocery spending, by contrast, increased just $44 per household to $4,015.

We all know that restaurant food tastes great.  It is higher in sodium, bacon fat, fried breading and slathered in butter or some delicious sauce.   If you learn to make good, healthy meals at home and cut the restaurants, you can save money and be healthier very easily.  Going out no more than once a week should cut that restaurant bill in half or less, saving approximately $1,500 a year and

Walk or Bike More Short Trips

In 2017, the average household made 1.5 trips per week to grocery store.  Most likely these were done driving.  As mentioned above in the article, chances are you have too much food in your home already so going 6 times a month is too much.  But instead of saying “You can’t go”  let’s say you can only go on bike or walking unless you are going for a big run that should only happen 2-3 times per month.

Walking and biking are great exercise and if you really want something, just make yourself go on foot.  Chances are the craving will not be worth it if you have to walk there.

By using this strategy you will help yourself cut down on those food and alcohol expenses mentioned above while also saving gas and car maintenance.  AAA estimates that it costs 58 cents per mile to operate a car. Of that 58 cents,  only around 11 cents is in gas. The other 47 cents goes for expenses like, maintenance, insurance and depreciation.

So if you cut down on short trips by walking or riding your bike more, you could save several dollars on each trip and get better fit and buy less crap.  Putting a savings tag on this is harder but let’s say you cut $5 a week in car expenses plus another $10 per week in stuff you do not buy on a whim.  That is small but would add up to $780 saved in a year.

All told, all of these things would make you healthier.  And I certainly do not mean to imply to never take a hot shower or have a glass of wine again.  But the little daily things add up to huge savings and health benefits.  Let’s recap.

In one year, a family of 4 average people can save the following:

  • Cold Showers: $478.50
  • 2 Adults In Family Cut Drinking: $3,774
  • Eating Only Recommended Calories for Family of 4: $13,494
  • Eating Out Maximum 1 time per week: $1,500
  • Walking more and driving less: $780

This is all based on averages, different sources and fuzzy math.  We are just having fun here.  But this would suggest these changes could save an average family of four $20,026.50 per year.  Your results will vary.  But that is a lot of savings and health benefit.

If this all seems a little extreme, remember to start small and no one says you have to go to this level.  Shorter showers and less restaurants alone could save you some cash.  Make it work for you.  This is just an example of how you can imagine a different life.

Get Fit For Spring Hiking

Fitness and endurance are important as you move into the spring, and you must begin by finding places where you will get the best workout. You need not spend your time int he gym if you do not wish to, and you may begin to hike instead. The Akron area has many good hikes, and you will find that hiking is often better for then going to the gym if you are not the fitness type. This article will show you all that is beneficial about hiking, how you must hike and where you may go in the area.

#1: Why Hike?

You may hike for a number of reasons. You may not be a runner, and it is easier to hike because you are not going as hard as you may for many miles at a time. The hiking that you do will be quite a lot of fun because you will see all the sights that you go near, and you will have time to stop and rest while you are moving. Hiking is an event that you may bring the whole family around for, and you will quite enjoy going on hikes that you have selected for their beauty.

#2: How Hard Is Hiking

Hiking is easy for the whole family to, but it is hard on your body. You will get a full workout that pushes you quite hard, and you will feel the burn in all your muscles when your are done. It is wise for you to hike for small periods until your re strong enough to go on for longer, and you will quite enjoy the way it feels to get through a hike where you got a workout without wearing yourself out.

#3: Hikes In The Akron Area

“We hike every week and go to so many different trails in the Akron area. It is amazing there are so many options.” – Ron McDaniel

There are three very good hikes in the Akron area that you must try. You may go to Cascade Metro Parks North and South for your next hikes, and they have many trails that you will quite enjoy, and you may bring your children to play in the park at the same time. This is a lovely time for all, and it is a strong hike for someone who loves being on the trail.

You may go to the Sieberling Nature Realm when you wish to be on the trail among all the nature and animals that you may find. The Akron area is filled with wonderful wildlife, and you will quite enjoy seeing the park from a new perspective every time you take a hike there.

Each of these hikes will help you get the workout that you need, and you will feel much better about your body once you are finished.

Back Pain- When To See A Chiropractor

Chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic medicine and have extensive training in anatomy and physiology like medical doctors do. They spend as much time in advanced education as their medical counterparts. They perform carefully orchestrated manipulations of the spine to restore vertebrae into proper alignment. These subluxations of the spine often cause back and neck pain and can impinge or pinch nerves along the spine causing pain in other parts of the body.

Chiropractors do specialize in treating back pain that is localized and back pain that may radiate down the arms or legs. They can perform and order x rays, MRIs and CT scans. They do not prescribe drugs, preferring to keep treatments natural, when possible. They will, if necessary, refer patients to see orthopedists or surgeons if they feel they cannot help the spine health of a patient.

If you have experienced back pain that has not improved with rest or application of heat or ice in two days, see a chiropractor. They can do scans and a physical examination of the vertebrae and back musculature. They can apply heat or electrical stimulation in addition to spinal manipulations to realign the vertebrae. In a few visits per week for a few weeks, most patients feel significant relief.

Many chiropractors are used by sports amateurs and professionals to keep spinal health at optimum levels. Ideally, regular chiropractic manipulations maintain back and spine health. See your chiropractor regularly or if an injury of the back is causing significant pain. If you experience shooting pain down a leg or arm, your chiropractor can adjust the vertebrae of the neck, thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine that all of the nerves emanate from. Most sports injuries can be successfully treated with chiropractic adjustments, quickly and safely.

Whether the pain is from a sports injury, fall or strain, chiropractors are trained to treat and diagnose many spine and back problems. As with any injury, don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. Let your chiropractor examine you and perform scans, if deemed necessary, to determine how severe the injury is and how best to treat it.