Newsletter - Oct 2012 for Norfolk and Bristol Counties
Area
Captains Newsletter
October 2012 for
Norfolk and Bristol Counties
Gail Lewis 46 Elm Street East Bridgewater, MA 02333 (508)378-0459 gailistops@verizon.net
Quote for the month:
"If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude."
Maya Angelou
Hey
Everyone.......Welcome to October – another great month to lose some
weight. What better
time to get back (or stay on) track for the holiday season.
Even though Santa is a jolly ole soul, that does not mean you
need to be THAT jolly – a slimmer size at any season is a
great gift.
INFORMATION
Chapter Visits
– Still working on my
100% this year – there are still a few chapters left.
Let me know when you want me to come visit –
I love visiting in the fall.
That works too.
Fall Rally
I hope you all took my advise and put November 10th on
your calendar for this year's Fall Rally in Westford.
Lee Allen is planning an awesome time – don't miss out on the
fun. If you can, do a
couple fund raisers between now and then to raise some money to
defer the cost for your members.
I know with the money crunch these days it can be difficult
to attend but with a little help from your chapter, people can over
come the cost and get a lot of inspiration and fun.
Lee has sent the packet – if you have not received it, please
let me know. Summer
contests run from July 1st to September 30 – Deadlines
for registration is October 14th.
Make sure you get your information into the right places on
time. We will have a
blast.
CHAPTER
CHALLENGE
Most every chapter has signed
up for the chapter challenge – here are the ones I have listed to
start the first week of October.
It's not too late to sign up – your chapter could lose weight
AND be the winners. Let
me know if you want to be added.
Are we going to have fun.
MA 38 –
Braintree
MA 143 – Holbrook (the reigning champs)
MA 212 –
Weymouth
MA 348 – Taunton
MA 463 – Franklin
MA 439 –
Taunton
MA 493 – Fall River
MA 249 – Somerset
CHAPTER
IDEAS
All chapters are always looking for some ideas on meetings,
fund raising, etc.
Please send anything along to me and I'll publish in our monthly
news letters. Here is a
good one from 439 Taunton on a fund raising event they are having –
One member went to a consignment shop in their town and brings in
donations from the members – as things are sold, they get cash for
the items. Nice easy
way to make a few bucks and it doesn't cost anything.
Try it!!!
INSPIRATION
All leaders received an email from Barbara Cady talking about some
information that is available on the TOPS WEB sight that I thought
was worth repeating. If
you have not gone on and checked it out, please do.......and pass
this information on to your chapter members.
Any member can go in and check it out.
Here is Barbara's letter repeaded below......share with your
chapter. Thanks
Dear Members......
Do you ever find yourself searching the Internet for medical and
nutrition information to use in your weekly meeting program?
If so, I have a time-saving tip for you. Did you know that you have
free access to the Krames Education Library in the Members Area of
www.tops.org?
Every member does. After logging in, just click on the Krames
Library icon on the bottom right.
There are hundreds of easy-to-understand fact sheets and tip sheets
covering:
ñ
diseases and conditions
ñ
diagnoses and treatments
ñ
surgeries and procedures
ñ
wellness and safety for people of all ages and walks of life
ñ
33,000 prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and nutraceuticals
These are all located in one place for your convenience, and unlike
other medical info you may find on the web, the information in the
Krames Education Library is evidence-based and peer-reviewed by
medical experts. In other words, it's trustworthy and accurate.
TOPS has more than 100 chapter programs available in the Leaders
Corner of
www.tops.org,
but if you want to change things up or need information about a
specific topic, I highly recommend the Krames Education Library for
you and the members of your chapter.
I care,
Barbara Cady, President
TOPS Club, Inc.
I care
I loved this next section – it's called:
What you can learn from your pet –
There are 16 things listed - it really doesn't have anything to do
with losing weight but if you follow some of these points, it will
definitely put you in a better frame of mind AND make you more open
to losing. See if you
agree with me.......
Forget Multitasking
When dogs have a job to do, they give it their undivided attention.
It turns out people should probably do the same. Stanford
researchers found that attention and memory suffer in those who
juggle work, email, and web-surfing, compared to those who focus on
one task at a time. Other studies suggest employees actually lose
time when multitasking.
Take Naps
You won't catch your pet going from dawn to dusk without any
shut-eye. There's good evidence humans can benefit from catnaps,
too. A study involving about 24,000 people indicates regular nappers
are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than people who nap
only occasionally. Short naps can also enhance alertness and job
performance.
Walk Every Day
Whether you've got four legs or two, walking is one of the safest,
easiest ways to burn calories and boost heart health. Taking regular
walks can also help you:
lFight
depression.
lLose
weight.
lLower
your risk for type 2 diabetes.
lLower
the risk of breast and colon cancer
lKeep
your bones strong.
lKeep
your mind sharp.
Cultivate Friendships
People are social animals, and friendships have measurable health
benefits. Researchers in Australia followed 1,500 older people
for 10 years. Those with the most friends were 22% less likely to
die than those with the fewest friends.
Live in the Moment
Living in the moment may be one of the most important lessons we can
learn from our pets. In a study called "A Wandering Mind Is an
Unhappy Mind," Harvard psychologists conclude that people are
happiest when doing activities that keep the mind focused, such as
sex or exercise. Planning, reminiscing, or thinking about anything
other than the current activity can undermine happiness.
Don't Hold a Grudge
Part of living in the moment is letting bygones be bygones. Let go
of old grudges, and you'll literally breathe easier. Chronic anger
has been linked to a decline in lung function, while forgiveness
contributes to lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety. People who
forgive also tend to have higher self-esteem.
Wag
OK, so maybe you don't have a tail. But you can smile or put a
spring in your step when you're feeling grateful. Researchers have
found a strong connection between gratitude and general well-being.
In one study, people who kept gratitude journals had better
attitudes, exercised more, and had fewer physical complaints.
Maintain Curiosity
According to a popular saying, curiosity may be hazardous to a cat's
health. But not so for humans. Researchers have found that people
who are more curious tend to have a greater sense of meaning in
life. Other studies have linked curiosity to psychological
well-being and the expansion of knowledge and skills.
Be Silly
Indulging in a little silliness may have serious health benefits.
Cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center found a
stronger sense of humor in people with healthy hearts than in those
who had suffered a heart attack. They conclude that "laughter is the
best medicine" – especially when it comes to protecting your heart.
Get a Back Rub
The power of touch is nothing to sniff at. The Touch Research
Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has
found massage therapy can ease pain, give the immune system a boost,
and help manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. The
touch of a loved one may be even more powerful. In one study,
married women experienced less anxiety over the threat of an
electric shock when they held their husbands' hands.
Drink Water When You're Thirsty
Dogs don't lap up sports drinks when they've been playing hard – and
most people don't need to either. During a typical workout, drinking
water is the best way to stay hydrated. Water gives your muscles and
tissues critical fluid without adding to your calorie count. Be sure
to drink more than usual on hot days or when you're sweating a lot.
Eat Fish
Most cats would trade kibble for a can of tuna any day. Luckily, you
can choose to make fish a regular part of your diet. Salmon, tuna,
trout, and other fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which
may reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and
arthritis. In addition, Rush University researchers found that
people who eat fish at least once a week are 60% less likely to
develop Alzheimer's disease.
If You Love Someone, Show It
Dogs don't play hard to get – when they love you, they show you.
It's a good approach for people seeking to strengthen their
relationships. A study published in the journal Personal
Relationships suggests small, thoughtful gestures can have a big
impact on how connected and satisfied couples feel.
Play
Goofing off is not just for kids and kittens. In his book, Play, Stuart
Brown, MD, writes that playing is a basic human need along with
sleeping and eating. Play enhances intelligence, creativity,
problem-solving, and social skills. So take a cue from your pet and
devote yourself to an activity that has no purpose other than sheer
fun.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
A hike in the woods may be a dog's idea of bliss, but it has plenty
of benefits for the human mind and body as well. Spending time
outdoors can enhance fitness, increase vitamin D levels, and reduce
stress. In children, playing in natural settings has also been
linked to better distance vision, fewer ADHD symptoms, and better
performance in school.
Make Time to Groom
Aside from the obvious health benefits of bathing and brushing your
teeth, grooming can have a number of positive effects on your life.
Good personal hygiene is vital to self-esteem. A tidy appearance can
also help you get and maintain a job.
Stick to a Schedule
Pets like the consistency of a routine – they can’t tell a Saturday
from a Monday. The same goes for the human body clock. People sleep
better if they go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even
on weekends. Sticking to a consistent schedule for bathing,
dressing, and eating can also improve the quality of sleep.
As promised at the 9-15 Inspiration Workshop, here is the recipe for
the muffins...........
LOW FAT APPLE SPICE MUFFINS
(as seen at the 9-15 Inspiration Workshop)
2 cups flour
(optional use 1 cup white and 1 cup whole wheat)
½ tsp baking
soda
1 pinch salt
¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp ginger (optional)
2 large egg
whites
2/3 cup skim milk
2/3 cup nonfat
plain yogurt
1 cup sugar (optional to use raw sugar)
2 TBLS
Applesauce
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 large or 2
small chopped/diced apples
for strudel
topping:
2 TBLS brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
a few nuts chopped optional
Preheat oven to
350 degrees – spray muffin tins (mini or regular size)
Whisk together
all dry ingredients in large bowl until well combined.
Use fingers to make a well in the center of the ingredients.
In a separate
bowl, whisk the egg whites, skim milk, yogurt, sugar, apple sauce
and vanilla until smooth.
Add chopped/diced apples to wet mixture.
Save a few pieces of apples to put on top of strudel mixture.
Pour the liquid
ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and mix to make a
thick batter.
Pour the batter
into the prepared muffin cups, filling them almost to the top.
Mix strudel
ingredients in small bowl.
Sprinkle
strudel mixture to the top of the muffin mix – add a little piece of
apple on the top for appearance.
Bake in
preheated oven until golden brown and toothpick inserted into the
center comes out clean.
Regular size
muffins 25-30 minutes – mini muffins 18-20 minutes.
Cool muffins in
their cups for about 5 minutes before removing to finish cooling on
wire racks.
Recipe makes 18
regular size muffins or 36 mini muffins.
150 calories
for regular size muffins – 35 calories for mini muffins.
Freeze in small
bags (individual servings) for a quick, easy breakfast.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT (on the
funny side)
That’s it for October.
Have a great month.
Halloween Skit
Narrator
Shopper
Good Angel
Bad Angel
Props:
Toy
shopping cart or basket for a few items
Candy, Halloween stickers, small cans playdoh, noisemakers, Halloween
pencils, Halloween bouncy balls, temporary tattoos, small bottles of
bubbles, sugar free gum, raisins, etc.
Costume for the Trick or Treater
Face Mask
Narrator:
Halloween
will be here before you know it and we all know that Halloween, to most
children, means candy. To
promote good nutrition and dental health, is the aim of T.O.P.S.
members. So when
trick-or-treaters ring your door bell, offer them some fun alternatives,
instead of sugary treats.
Here is a
T.O.P.S. member shopping for Halloween treats.
Shopper:
Let’s see. What
should I buy? What do little
kids like?
Bad Angel:
Candy, you dolt!
Good Angel:
Not candy. Too much
sugar.
Shopper:
Candy isn’t good for teeth either.
I don’t want to contribute to their dentists’ yacht fund.
Bad Angel:
It’s Halloween! One
time a year won’t hurt.
Good Angel:
The little kiddies binge on Halloween.
This sets up a bad precedent.
Bad Angel:
Precedent? President?
Peppermint! Yes, buy
peppermints. They’re good
for you.
Shopper:
It is Halloween. It
is only one night. Maybe
some candy isn’t so bad.
Bad Angel:
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ha,
ha, ha, ha, (maniacal glee)
Good Angel:
Wait a minute. Not so
fast. Kids don’t have to
have food to have fun. What
kind of message is a T.O.P.S. giving?
Shopper:
I really want to encourage good eating habits.
Bad Angel:
Bah!
Shopper:
I don’t want to give the message that only sweets are good.
But what else do kids like?
Bad Angel:
Cigarettes
Good Angel:
There are lots of fun alternatives to candy.
Look here’s some:
Apples
and boxes of raisins, and sun flower seeds
Bad Angel:
GAG!
Good Angel:
and there’s
Stickers,
Place items in the cart.
Halloween pencils,
Halloween bouncy balls,
Temporary tattoos,
bubbles,
balloons,
sugar free gum,
etc.
Shopper:
This is the perfect solution.
Kids will be so happy.
And I’m happy.
Bad Angel:
And I’m disgusted.
Good Angel:
And I’m De-e-e-lighted!
Narrator:
It’s now Halloween.
Our T.O.P.S. shopper has put
all the good non-candy alternatives in a big bowl.
The trick-or-treaters can now pick out what they want.
They love doing that.
Bad Angel
(wearing
face mask):
Trick or Treat!
Good Angel:
What are you supposed to be?
Bad Angel:
A politician
Good Angel:
Figures.
Narrator:
I hear the doorbell.
(Ring a bell, or knock loudly on the door)
Shopper:
Ooohoooh, I hear
someone.
Narrator:
The door is opened.
Trick-or-Treater:
TRICK-OR-TREAT!
TRICK-OR-TREAT!
Shopper:
Oh how cute! Here’s
your treat. Pick something
out of the bowl.
Narrator:
Note how happy the child is.
Trick-or-Treater:
Thank you.
Shopper:
You’re welcome.
Enjoy.
Good Angel:
Aren’t you glad you listened to me?
Bad Angel:
Hey! Tomorrow the
stores put all their Halloween candy on sale.
Everybody loves a bargain.
Good Angel:
But our T.O.P.S. are intelligent.
They control their emotions, and don’t let emotions control them.
…
Halloween
Song: (To the tune of “She’ll Be Comin Around the Mountain)
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
We won’t buy any candy. No,
we won’t sneak any candy.
No, we won’t eat any candy when they come.
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
To the witches and the ghosties, to the pirates and the bums,
And we’ll all weigh in with losses, every one!
Halloween
Song: (To the tune of
“She’ll Be Comin Around the Mountain)
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
We won’t buy any candy. No,
we won’t sneak any candy.
No, we won’t eat any candy when they come.
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
To the witches and the ghosties, to the pirates and the bums,
And we’ll all weigh in with losses, every one!
Halloween
Song: (To the tune of
“She’ll Be Comin Around the Mountain)
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
We won’t buy any candy. No,
we won’t sneak any candy.
No, we won’t eat any candy when they come.
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
To the witches and the ghosties, to the pirates and the bums,
And we’ll all weigh in with losses, every one!
Halloween
Song: (To the tune of
“She’ll Be Comin Around the Mountain)
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
We won’t buy any candy. No,
we won’t sneak any candy.
No, we won’t eat any candy when they come.
Oh, we’ll
give away all goodies when they come.
Yes, we’ll give away all the goodies when they come.
To the witches and the ghosties, to the pirates and the bums,
And we’ll all weigh in with losses, every one!