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- FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS - WadnMday, February 4, IBM
Life-long fitness
begins in youth
Obesity among children and ado
lescents is on the rise. In fact,
according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the proportion of young
people who are overweight has
more than doubled in the last 30
years.
A major contribution is lack, of
regular physical activity. Most
children start out very active; wit
ness any toddler. With age,
though, comes decrease in activi
ty. By the time they hit high
school, recent studies indicate half
the girls and one-fourth of the
boys don’t participate in any
planned physical activity on a reg
ular basis.
In schools, physical education is
in a downward spiral. According
to CDC, daily enrollment in physi
cal education classes has dramati
cally decreased, from 42 percent
of high-school students in 1991 to
25 percent in 1995.
Regular physical activity is one
of the keys to a lifetime of good
health. Besides helping to control
weight, it helps reduce feelings of
depression and anxiety and pro
motes psychological well-being.
Physical activity doesn’t need to
be competitive to be enjoyed. In
fact, many children would be well
served if we focused less on win
ning in sports and more on just
being out there having a good time
and learning a new skill.
To help promote physical activi
ty as a life-long habit, the CDC
has just released comprehensive
guidelines for schools, parents and
communities. The guidelines urge
personal and community-wide
development and promotion of a
variety of “kid friendly” physical
activity programs for young peo
ple. The good news is that chil
dren don’t have to be on a compet
itive team to get health benefits.
Regular moderate physical activi
ty, such as walking, dancing and
biking will help children now and
later.
Among the recommendations
made is that schools require physi
cal education for all students from
kindergarten through 12th grade
on a daily basis. Another is that
Drought-prods your lawn now
It’s possible to drought-proof a
lawn. But homeowners must pre
pare for drought long before the
hot, dry days of summer begin to
brown the turf. You prepare for
drought by making the turf as
hardy and vigorous as possible.
That begins as soon as the turf
greens up in the spring. Healthy,
drought-prepared lawns can save
water, too. Water needs of well
conditioned lawns can withstand
up to three weeks of dry weather
without going dormant.
Research shows that drought
resistance varies widely among
turf varieties. Meyer Zoysiagrass,
for example, will wilt in as little
as five dry days even when man
aged properly. Tifway bermuda,
on the other hand, can go without
water up to 20 days before show
ing signs of stress.
When a lawn is not healthy,
browning can occur much earlier,
sometimes causing serious dam
age. The best way to condition a
lawn for drought is with minimum
watering, although fertilizer appli
cations are Important, too.
Limited watering can encourage
drought tolerance. “All too often,
people irrigate lightly and fre
quently,” said Gil Landry, The
University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension turf spe
cialist. “Homeowners should
learn to recognize when the grass
needs water and then water only
when necessary.” One of the first
symptoms is when the turf turns a
dull, blue-green color and the leaf
blades fold or wilt. Footprints
will remain when the turf is
walked on.
Light, frequent irrigation leads
to a shallow root system, making
the turf more vulnerable to
drought. Heavy irrigation, when
the turf needs it, promotes a deep
root system and hardier turf. TUrf
specialists recommend soaking
the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Moderate use of fertilizer is also
a key to drought-proofing. Excess
nitrogen encourages leaf growth,
Finn Debbie
schools increase the amount of
time students are active in physi
cal education classes.
The CDC also recommends
school and community programs
offer a diverse range of competi
tive and non-competitive activities
that are appropriate for different
ages and ability. They have found
programs are most effective when
they provide access to safe facili
ties outside of school hours,
emphasize enjoyable activities and
sports that can become activities
for life and help students develop
the skills and confidence to con
tinue to enjoy participating in the
sport or activity.
How to pacify
pint-size shoppers
Few children are “bom to shop,”
but the following suggestions may
make a trip to the grocery store
more pleasant.
•Children who are hungry or
tired do not make good shopping
companions. Try to schedule trips
to the market after meals and
naps.
•Despite the best-laid plans, chil
dren seem to get hungry when you
least expect it. Be prepared and
take along a small plastic bag
filled with crackers, dried cereal or
dried fruit. (Although it may be
convenient, never give a child an
unwashed piece of fruit from the
produce department.)
•A book or small toy tucked into
a pocket or handbag can distract a
restless child and allow you to
complete your shopping.
•Use the cart’s safety belt and
securely fasten a young child into
the seat. If a child is placed in the
basket, insist that he or she remain
seated.
•Involve older children and ask
them to help you by placing items
in the cart.
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Cowie
which increases the water needs
of the plants. Not only does this
mean more frequent mowing, it
also leads to thatch buildup.
Thatch, the layer of dead plant
material around the base of turf
grass, traps water, discouraging
the plants from putting down deep
roots. The thatch layer should not
be more than a half inch deep and
homeowners should limit applica
tions of nitrogen before and dur
ing hot, dry weather.
The Cooperative Extension
Service recommends a soil test to
determine the turf’s pH, phospho
rous and potassium needs.
Potassium is important for good
drought resistance. Soil types and
conditions also affect turf drought
resistance. Clay soils absorb
water slowly, so lawns on clay
soils require more water. Sandy
soils absorb water much faster, so
they require less water.
Do not forget our program
“Vegetable Garden Basics,”
Saturday, Feb. 7 beginning at
10:30 a.m. The program will be
held at the Sawnee Community
Center, 1090 Tribble Gap Road in
Cumming. The program is free,
but please register in advance by
calling the Extension office, (770)
887-2418. The University of
Georgia Cooperative Extension
Service is committed to providing
access for people with disabilities
and will provide reasonable
accommodations if notified.
The Cooperative Extension
Service offers educational pro
grams, assistance and materials to
all people without regard to race,
color, national origin, age, rex or
handicap status.
Abby
By Abigail Van Buren
Universal Press Syndicate
DEAR ABBY: My husband and
I have a different opinion about
the rules of marital separation.
Early in our marriage, following
the birth of a child, my husband
became unhappy with our union.
Without warning, he announced
that he was moving out for a trial
separation. During that time, he
slept with another woman.
He claims that his infidelity was
justified because he had moved
out. Had I known that the separa
tion was his idea of permission to
resume a single lifestyle, I would
likely have made very different
decisions on my own behalf. If
his rules apply, whenever I feel
I’m “unhappy” and need to get
away, it’s OK to take a nice vaca
tion and sleep with whomever I
find attractive. However, I doubt
he would approve of the shoe
being on the other foot, although
he thought it was permissible for
him to behave that way.
I believe a trial separation
serves as a vehicle for couples to
work out their differences and in
no way nullifies the marriage
vows. In my opinion, only when
there is intent to dissolve the
marriage and a suit for divorce
has been legally filed are the
vows waived.
I say he cheated on me and had
an affair. He says not. Abby,
what do you say?
FORGIVING BUT
UNABLE TO FORGET
IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR FORGIVING: I, too, say
he cheated on you when he had
an affair. However, you were suf
ficiently committed to each other
for the marriage to have with
stood his infidelity.
Since this is still a bone of con
tention, you would be wise to
seek professional counseling to
discharge your lingering anger. It
Horoscope
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
A revision in your philosophical
out-look is possible. A new study
will fascinate you. Avoid a ten
dency to be quarrelsome. Share
warm times with family this
weekend.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
This should be a notable week
regarding career interests. A
raise, a new job offer, a promo
tion or a success is likely. The
weekend accents matters of the
heart.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Delays in connection with work
could upset you this week.
However, you may be making an
important business contact social
ly. The weekend favors having
guests over.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
You’ll have a clearer perspective
about a matter from your child
hood. Early week domestic
upsets will be quickly resolved.
The weekend finds you very
much in love.
LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22)
Problems in parenting may arise
early in the week. However, in
romance feelings will deepen.
You may receive a social invita
tion from a business colleague.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept 22)
It’s a week that promises you
financial gains through business
interests. However, relations with
a co-worker may be sticky. The
week end is especially romantic.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)
You may feel that someone has
let you down early in the week.
Later, you’ll have luck with col
laborative ventures and intellec
tual work. Your personality
shines this weekend.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)
A person you’ve helped out in the
past comes to you for help once
again. This is the week to make
deals and buy and sell. The week
end favors romantic and social
get-togethers.
SAGITTARIUS (N0v.22 to
Dec.2l) The early part of the
week finds you nursing a resent
ment, but you’ll snap out of it
later when you meet with a won
derful romantic or social opportu
nity. The weekend is pure fun!
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to
Jan. 19) This is a topsy-turvy
week for you in business. A set
back could be quickly followed
by a triumph. This weekend
you’re at your very best socially.
You’ll attract romance.
AQUARIUS (Jan.2o to Feb.
18) Difficulties could arise with a
friendship, perhaps due to a
financial concern. However,
will undoubtedly strengthen your
union.
DEAR ABBY: My wife has
allowed our 16-month-old daugh
ter, “Alicia,” to sleep in our bed
(off and on) for some time. My
wife gets tired of walking up in
the middle of the night to rock
Alicia back to sleep, so she picks
her up and brings her back to our
bed.
I try to help out by going into
Alicia’s room and rocking her
and eventually laying her back
down in her crib. This usually
works, but when my wife brings
her into our room, she destroys
the progress I was making in
keeping the baby in her own bed.
I love our daughter very much,
but I end up with little feet hit
ting my chin and I don’t sleep
well. My wife doesn’t seem to
mind, but I want our bed back.
Alicia has a beautiful crib and I
think in time she will learn to
love it, but my wife says she
can’t stand to hear her cry.
Abby, what do pediatricians
say?
CROWDED BED
DEAR CROWDED BED:
Pediatricians differ on this issue.
While many believe otherwise,
most American families keep
their babies in separate beds. In
some other cultures, it is normal
for a baby to share the parents’
bed until midchildhood.
An infant will adjust to the style
the parents choose. You and your
wife must determine where you
want Alicia to sleep, then be con
sistent in establishing a pattern. It
may take several nights of crying,
but Alicia can learn to sleep com
fortably in her own bed, if that is
what you choose to teach her.
DEAR ABBY: You had a letter
in your column concerning a hus
band who didn’t speak to his wife
romance is a plus, and you may
become very much involved.
PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20)
Gainesville College
has an exciting opportunity for Forsyth County residents!
Gainesville College, North Georgia College & State University, and
Lanier Technical Institute are combining their efforts to bring quality
educational opportunities to the people of Forsyth County. NGCSU will
offer upper-level business administration and education courses, and
Gainesville College will be offering the classes shown below at the NEW
Forsyth Campus of Lanier Technical Institute*. All courses taught by
Gainesville College are generally accepted at University System of
Georgia Institutions.
Gainesville College
S Spring Quarter Course Offerings
MAT 104 Coll. Algebra 5:30*7:40 pm M/W
SOCIOS Intro, to Sociology 5:30-7:40 pm T/TH
*The Forsyth Campus of Lanier Technical Institute
is located off GA 400 on Majors Road. Entrance is
near Berean Church.
Spring Quarter Application Deadline is
February 27,1998 - Classes begin March 31
Call Gainesville College today
V at 770-718-3641 and find out
how you can take advantage
of this exciting opportunity.
Cr AINFSVTT I F ORTH EORGIA
VFAimiSd V College & State University
COLLEGE for the Spring Quarter
University System of Georgia course schedule and
p.o. Box 1358, Gainesville, ga 30503 application information.
WW X P^X‘ d " 706-864-1800
770-718-3641
-J
for three months because she told
him that she felt he was being too
harsh with their son. He also was
punishing her by refusing to have
sex with her.
I hope you told his wife to deal
with this behavior immediately,
because it will not get better by
itself. It will only get worse. If it
isn’t stopped now, 25 or more
years down the road she will still
be a victim of this childishness—
and it also will have an effect on
the children.
They should get counseling. If
she ignores this behavior, she’ll
become more of a doormat and,
look back at 40 years of misery.
She’ll have no self-confidence
left and will be emotionally dam
aged forever. I know.
BEEN THERE FOR 47
YEARS IN PITTSBURGH
DEAR BEEN THERE: I
advised the woman, who signed
herself “Confused in
Pennsylvania,” that she should
first try to discuss the cause of
their “misunderstanding” with her
husband, and if necessary, seek
joint marriage counseling to
resolve their problem. I also told
her that if her husband refused to
go, she should go without him in
order to repair her self-esteem.
Another reader offered some
insight into the husband’s puni
tive and selfish behavior. This
reader said she would not be at all
surprised if the husband was
involved with another woman,
and was using his wife’s criticism
as an excuse to feign anger and
avoid having sexual relations with
her, while enjoying her cooking
services, laundry services and
frantic efforts at reconciliation.
Now, isn’t that food for thought?
DEAR ABBY: Many times I
read letters in your column from
people complaining about what
some “insensitive” person said to
Extra funds will become avail
able to you this week. Something
could depress or anger you early
them in the market, etc., about
their adoption, their disability,
hair, size, color, cars or anything
else noticeable. Most recently, it
was about the number of children
(too many) a woman had.
You know what that is called?
Making conversation.
When people are standing next
to each other in a long line, they
often feel like reaching out to
make a connection, like in the old
days when people looked one
another in the eye when they
passed on the street
How are you supposed to start a
conversation when you don’t
know anything about the other
person? You look for signs to
latch onto. Read any book about
starting conversations, and you’ll
find that’s how they get started.
Why not take the opportunity to
welcome their reaching out, and
if there is a real problem, gently
correct them? Most individuals
do not start conversations with
the intention of being rude or
insulting. The reality is you do
have more kids or longer hair, or
are taller than average or whatev
er else it is they are “insulting”
you about. Their pointing it out is
not what made it so.
Remember, you can catch more
flies with honey than you can
with vinegar. If you respond with
something positive, and guide the
conversation from there, “doing
time” in line can become a few
moments of pleasant connection
with a fellow human being. Who
among us have lives so full we
don’t have room for a brief dia
logue with someone we don’t
already know?
TEFLON TINA IN
HAMBURG, PA.
DEAR TEFLON TINA: Your
viewpoint deserves considera
tion. More friendships and
(romances) have begun in line
than on-line.
in the week, but by the weekend,
you’re cheerful, charming and
content.