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New research shows that swimmers live longer than
walkers and runners. Not just a little bit longer. In a study of more
than 40,000 men ages 20-90, who were followed for 32 years, swimmers
were 50 percent less likely to die during the study period than were
walkers or runners.
Steven Blair, exercise science professor at University
of South Carolina, said, “I was surprised that the swimmers had a
statistically significant lower death rate than the runners, but they
did.”
Swimming is highly aerobic. It can be done year-round,
and it is low impact, meaning it doesn’t strain your lower joints as
intensely as running and walking. Blair also said, “One might speculate
that swimmers are less prone to lower-extremity injuries.”
“If you like to swim, this is just one more reason to
dive in. People who can’t walk or run because of physical limitations,
like arthritis, can reap all the health benefits of an exercise program
by swimming.” (AARP magazine, July-August 2009, page 17, “Lap It Up,”
Gabrielle deGroot Redford.)
Debbie Jones, a physical therapist at MHHS, said, “A
swimming pool would provide a way for those suffering from arthritis to
participate in low impact exercises without putting stress on the
joints. The heat can also provide pain relief and is beneficial in
relaxing tight muscles, which is common with those people who have high
muscle tone due to strokes and cerebral palsy.”
If you do not know how to swim, it is reassuring to know
that water exercises are done in shallow water or with new safety
equipment. A county pool would renew an opportunity for improved health
that has been available on a limited basis in the past. The Lights On!
program sponsored a water fitness class that met at Glenville State
College. Participants were transported by school bus to the pool for an
hour of exercise. This was a successful program, with several people
enrolling each semester.
When the Grantsville Pool was in operation, there were
classes for all ages. Little children would be playing water games and
there would be a period each hour for adult swimmers to do their laps.
Teenagers would have a period to do their dives. It provided recreation
for the whole family.
We encourage all Calhouners to support the drive for a
pool. The first pool was built with only local money, raised by civic
groups and youth organizations. We are a determined bunch of people. If
we want a pool, we will have a pool!
Attend the meeting at Arnoldsburg Community Building on
Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m.
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Danielle Bartlett, 10, was diagnosed with a Germinoma
brain tumor on June 10. The tumor shrank with chemo and she is in her
second of five weeks of radiation. She loves to receive cards and her
parents are hoping that she receives enough to be included in a category
in the Guinness Book of World
Records. Her address is 260 Country Club Road, Richwood, WV 26261.
You can learn more about her at
www.caringbridge.org/visit/daniellebartlett.
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