Clinton News Record, 2014-12-24, Page 5Wednesday, December 24, 2014 • News Record 5
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letter to the editor
Local physician speaks on the importance of regular physical activity
To the editor,
I have recently attended the Heart
and Stroke Update in Toronto, an
annual conference for physicians and
other health care providers.
I walked away with a profoundly
changed outlook on my own life and
what I have to do to improve my
health. With that in mind, I feel
obliged to offer my report to the
broader community.
There was an overwhelming com-
mon thread throughout all of the
sessions, regardless of the subject.
Without exceptions, during the two
days, every speaker spoke to the value
of regular physical activity and healthy
weight.
The benefits of regular physical activ-
ity are obvious to many for cardiovas-
cular health and cardiovascular reha-
bilitation, but they are much broader
than that. Regular physical activity is
important for mood, sleep, arthritis,
cancer prevention, lungs function,
muscle strength, general wellness and
energy levels. The list of benefits actu-
ally goes on, and on, and on ...
I was so moved by this quiet under-
current of the presentations, that I had,
that night, walked on the treadmill for
25 minutes. First time ever, I think. It
wasn't even that hard.
I consciously chose to capture my
motivation immediately that day,
rather than delaying it sometime into
the future. My conviction remains
unchanged and I have continued to do
the same, aiming for 35 minutes, five
days a week. I have been at it for nearly
three weeks and I hate to admit, but I
actually like it now.
I chose to write a letter, highlighting
the importance of regular physical
activity and healthy weight as two
related, but independent variables,
that are a key determinant of health in
our society. The timing is no coinci-
dence as this time of year brings reflec-
tion and perhaps motivation for
change.
I can honestly say, and those who
know me well would agree, that if I can
do this, anyone can.
Sincerely,
Stan Spacek, MD.
EARLY FILES
December 22, 1968
The Borkenstien Breathalyzer, a
compact little machine that weights
only 141bs., does a job out of propor-
tion to its size. If the police on suspi-
cion of diving while impaired detain a
person, this is the device he would be
tested on in Ontario. It registers
blood-alcohol content with a high
degree of accuracy, providing proof
admissible in all Ontario courts. No
toy, it carries a price tag of about
$1,000 retail. Breathalyzers are
located in O,P,P. detachments across
Ontario, as well as in city police divi-
sions in larger urban areas through-
out the province.
December 22, 1977
After serving the people in the Clin-
ton area for the past seven years,
Harry "Red" Merriman will be leaving
the Royal Bank in January to take ion
a new position at the regional office in
London. "We've enjoyed our stay
here;' Red noted "We've met a lot of
nice people here and made a lot of
friends." Red Merriman had been
active in the community over the past
years. Red is a member of the Legion,
the Loins Club and for a number of
years, has been the treasurer of the
Cancer Society.
December 22, 1982
Friday afternoon, several Huron-
veiw residents were kept busy making
napkin holders. In which they will
grace the tables and trays on Christ-
mas Day. They have only just begun
and need the help of residents to
make many more. Sunday morning
service was held in the chapel with
Reverend Norman Pick in charge of
thee worship. Frank Bissett presided
at the organ. The choir sang a Christ-
mas Anthem and Sarah Carter sang
the solo part and assisting the choir
and organ was Elsie Henderson ring-
ing her bells adding much to the
music.
December 24, 1997
The Huron and Perth Boards of
Education took their final step
towards extinction last week, as two
county's nine elected representatives
officially became the first trustees of
the Avon Maitland District School
Board (AMDSB). The four Huron and
five Perth trustees, who will represent
their oaths in front of about 200 family
members, friends and municipal rep-
resentatives Dec. 16th during the first
inaugural meeting of new AMDSB.
Along with words of encouragement
and good luck from the many repre-
sentatives present, the AMDSB
elected Huron County trustee Abby
Armstrong chair of the new board.
December 22, 2000
$75,000 worth of food for the hun-
gry people across the world through
the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Those
involved in the Clinton and Area
Growing Project for the Foodgrains
Bank, worked 40 acres of land north
of Clinton, and were able to get
41-42brushels per acre of edible
beans off the field, The money from
the growing went towards the total
raised. Along with church donations,
over $15,000 was raised and with the
Canadian International Development
Agency matching the funds four to
one, the total was over $75,000.
vdiniinR
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