Health and Fitness

Skechers settles with FTC over misleading ads

David Boraks — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:34:27 +0000

Skechers ads claimed the shoes would improve fitness and appearance. (Source: FTC.gov)

Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission announced May 16, 2012, that Skechers USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges that the company deceived consumers by making unfounded claims that Shape-ups would help people lose weight, and strengthen and tone their buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles.

Did you buy Skechers Toning Shoes? You may be eligible for a refund. Go to www.ftc.gov/skechers.

The settlement with the Manhattan Beach, California-based Skechers is part of the FTC’s ongoing effort to stop overhyped advertising claims, and follows a similar settlement with Reebok International Ltd. last year.

The FTC alleged that besides Shape-ups, Skechers also made deceptive claims about its Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes. Consumers who bought these “toning” shoes will be eligible for refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit, and can submit a claim here. The settlement with the FTC is part of a broader agreement, also being announced today resolving a multi-state investigation, which was led by the Tennessee and Ohio Attorneys General Offices and included attorneys general from 42 other states and the District of Columbia.

“Skechers’ unfounded claims went beyond stronger and more toned muscles. The company even made claims about weight loss and cardiovascular health,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC’s message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims.”

Oct. 28, 2012, “FTC orders refunds for those who bought ‘muscle-toning’ shoes” – Reebok settlement

Saturday program looks at returning home from hospital

David Boraks — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:32:44 +0000

Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville presents a Senior Saturdays workshop this Saturday, May 19, on “Hospital to Home,” by Faye Freeze, RN, ACM, Presbyterian Hospital Case Manager. The program runs 10 to 11 a.m. in the hospital community room, 10030 Gilead Road, Huntersville (off Exit 23).

What should you do after being discharged from the hospital? Learn valuable tips and information that can help you regain your strength and health after you are discharged from the hospital.” Free. To register, call 704-316-3872. Light refreshments will be served.

Free health screenings offered for CMS athletes

David Boraks — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:26:53 +0000

Registration is open through May 28 for student athletes in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to receive free health screenings under the “Heart of a Champion Day” program of Carolinas HealthCare System. It’s the fifth year that CHS has offered the event to CMS students.

The screenings check for heart abnormalities that could lead to sudden death and may include an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Neither heart test is offered during a routine athletic screening. Last year, nearly 2,000 student-athletes participated and nearly 200 were found to have medical conditions that required follow-up.

Students who want to participate must register at www.heartofachampionday.org by May 28. Click on the “Students” tab at the top of the page.

Screening appointments are limited, so register now. CMS will provide free transportation to the screening location.

CBCC announces June blood collections

David Boraks — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:22:21 +0000

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas has announced blood drives in June in the north Mecklenburg, Lake Norman and Statesville area, including one June 18 at the Lake Norman YMCA.

June 01, 2012
Peoples Bank‑ Mooresville
1074 River Highway
Mooresville, NC 28117
1:00 pm ‑4:00 pm

June 02, 2012
The Grand Theatre AmStar
206 Norman Station Blvd
Mooresville, NC 28117
2:30 pm ‑6:30 pm
Free movie ticket to all donors!

June 03, 2012
Birkdale Village
8712 Lindholm Drive #206
Huntersville, NC 28078
2:30 pm ‑5:30 pm
Free Birkdale Village voucher to all donors!

June 13, 2012
PIT Instruction & Training
156 Byers Creek Rd
Mooresville, NC 28117
3:30 pm ‑5:30 pm

June 18, 2012
Lake Norman YMCA
21300 Davidson Street
Cornelius, NC 28031
8:00 am ‑ 11:00 am

June 18, 2012
Lake Norman YMCA
21300 Davidson Street
Cornelius, NC 28031
4:30 pm ‑7:30 pm

June 24, 2012
Regal Theaters Birkdale 16
16950 Birkdale Commons Parkway
Huntersville, NC 28078
2:00 pm ‑ 6:00 pm
Free movie ticket to all donors!

PINTS FOR PATRIOTS

For every pint of blood collected from now thru July 31, 2012, CBCC will make a financial contribution to support military families and to thank hospitalized veterans in the Carolinas with a “Freedom Coin,” through the MFLCF Products for Good Program. Each coin will include a thank-you note listing the CBCC donor’s name.

More public drives can be found by logging on to the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Web site at www.cbcc.us. CBCC also has donation centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, and Union County. You may call 704-972-4700 to make an appointment at any location.

Please note the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas’ minimum weight requirement for blood donors is 120 pounds.

MURDOCK Study seeks people with acne

David Boraks — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:04:52 +0000

The MURDOCK Study, based at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis, is recruiting 250 people for a study of genetic factors affecting severe acne and adverse responses to treatment with oral medication.

The study needs people ages 12 to 18 who have a current or previous diagnosis of acne vulgaris and who have received oral medicines in their treatment, including Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret. Children must have parental consent.

Participants will receive a $25 gift card for time and travel. For more information, visit the MURDOCK study website, https://www.murdock-study.com/new-studies/severe-acne

RELATED COVERAGE

April 27, 2012, “Playing our part in improving medical care” – Read Jennifer Montague’s background article explaining the MURDOCK Study and research under way at the N.C. Research Campus.

Montessori school lecture looks at food as a medicine

David Boraks — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:33:41 +0000

Dr. Sheila Kilbane

Davidson Montessori School will present a lecture this Saturday, May 12, by Dr. Sheila Kilbane on “How Food Is Used as Medicine to Prevent Many Childhood Illnesses.” The lecture is at 1 p.m. at the school, 605 South St., Davidson.

Dr. Kilbane is a board certified integrative medicine pediatrician. She has extensive interest and training in nutrition, allergies, autism, sensory integration disorder, ADHD, and integrative/holistic medicine.

Free, but seating limited. RSVP at www.davidsonmontessori.org.

More than zero: Fitness plan for a reluctant athlete

David Boraks — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:36:53 +0000

Not so long ago, movement was built into daily life by sheer necessity. People walked because the car wasn’t an option. They got their food from gardens they planted themselves and drew water up from a well. Without modern distractions like television and computers, kids spent long days outside running and swimming and playing active games. Who wants to be cooped up inside with nothing to do? Well obviously, things have changed and daily movement has become something much more intentional. And not always easy to accomplish!

The secret to success, for me, has always been simply moving more than zero every single day. It doesn’t have to be a lot and it’s not about forcing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy! Personally, I love to swim, bike and run with friends. I’ve been doing these things since I was a kid and I still enjoy them just as much! The important thing is to find an activity you can love and then to do it, every day, just enough, remembering that the main goal isn’t winning a race or losing a pants size but simply to move. To do more than zero.

Frankly, I don’t know a whole lot of people who really feel inspired by running on a treadmill or lifting weights up and down. I think exercise should be social and fun. If you are not having fun, keep searching until you find that activity that does make you happy. You can get an amazing workout on a paddle board, or volunteering to help build a trail, or helping a school put in a garden.

Of course you can expect lots of days when you just don’t feel motivated to move. I have them too! Then I have to ask myself if there is a real underlying cause (like a small injury or a signal that I’ve pushed too hard the day before) or if I’m just being lazy. I often can’t answer this question until I start to move. So I start, knowing full well that I don’t have to complete the workout exactly as planned. I don’t have to run 6 miles if walking 3 feels like enough, or chase my friends on the bike if a yoga class feels like a better idea. I do, however, have to do more than nothing. So I strap my running shoes on, and I start moving. Nine times out of ten I start to perk up once I get going and I’m able to complete my workout as planned.

My clients ask me all the time how I stick to my fitness disciplines. Like them, I have a family, a full time job, a house to care for. And I also have 5 a.m. mornings, endless miles on my bike, worn out running shoes (and a worn out dog for that matter!) They think I have some secret knowledge or special gear that keeps me motivated, strong and healthy. The truth is, there is no secret formula. There is simply moving your body – more than zero – every day.

Here are some suggestions for ways you can move your body in a way that is more enjoyable.

Participate in a BIKE Charlotte. BIKE Charlotte is seventeen days of bicycle related events to help families and friends break out the bike and use it as a means of transportation and recreation. (A one of my favorite events is the Taste and Cycle ride visiting downtown eateries). http://www.bikecharlotte.org
One day a week, try living without a car. Plan the errands you can do without your car and walk, bike, or take public transportation.
Join a local outdoor group such as the Audubon Society or Sierra Club and attend their events. You’ll meet other people, you’ll breath fresh air, and you’ll move your body.
Volunteer at your local animal shelter. The Walk to Adopt program allows trained volunteers to take one of the dogs from a shelter for a walk in an approved city park. Find out more at: http://www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org
Build a house. Habitat Charlotte and Our Towns Habitat for Humanity welcome everyone, even those with no construction experience. There are jobs for people of every physical ability. http://www.habitatcharlotte.org and http://www.ourtownshabitat.org.
Help build mountain bike trails. The Tarheel Trailblazers are a local mountain bike club who work to protect, improve and maintain the numerous trial systems in and around Charlotte. Find out more at: http://www.tarheeltrailblazers.com

Sarah Matchett is a USAC Certified Coach, and the driving force behind Cool Breeze Coaching in Mooresville. You can send your fitness and training questions to her at sarah@coolbreezecyclery.com.

Blood Drive Monday at Davidson United Methodist

David Boraks — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:28:06 +0000

Davidson United Methodist Church will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross Monday, May 7, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall, 233 S. Main St.

The goal for this and other drives is 55 units of blood. The American Red Cross plans a year out to supply the hospitals with the units they need so it’s so important to hit the goal.
Donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and show a photo ID.

Child care available by request. Sign up at the church Connect Center or contact Liz Powell (porters2@bellsouth.net or 704-892-5759).

Weight-loss challenge raises money for Habitat

David Boraks — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:25:08 +0000

CORNELIUS – Pat Berch, owner of Lake Norman Nutrition, and Marianne Hendrix, 15-year Our Towns Habitat for Humanity volunteer, will team up in May to host a Weight Loss Challenge to raise money for the housing organization and help area residents start a health and wellness campaign.

The challenge is scheduled to run May 1-22. You can register online at www.ourtownshabitat.org. Entry fee is a $20 donation to Our Towns Habitat for Humanity.

Participants get a free metabolic screening (valued at $75), free wellness coaching and a free smoothie and green tea from Lake Norman Nutrition. In addition, registrants will receive a $20 certificate to KADIFIT fitness.

Participants are encouraged to do their metabolic screening before May 1. The official weigh-ins will be weekly and at varying locations.

Our Towns Habitat builds affordable houses for people and since its founding in 1988 has served 220 families in the Mooresville, Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville communities. For more information about Our Towns Habitat for Humanity, please log on to our website at www.ourtownshabitat.org.

Lake Norman Nutrition sells meal-replacement smoothies, one-on-one wellness coaching and nutritional supplements. See www.lakenormannutrition.com.

Wildcats teach volleyball at May 6 Family Fun Day

David Boraks — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:34:14 +0000

Davidson College athletes will offer tips on your volleyball skills during the last in a series of Family Fun Days Sunday, May 6, 2-4 p.m. on the Davidson Village Green.

Davidson Parks & Recreation and Davidson College’s athletics department have teamed up to teach sports-specific skills followed by game time at three sessions this spring.

If you’d like to join in, register online at www.d-recs.org. For information: Call 704-940-9609.

The Davidson Village Green is at Main Street and Concord Road.