Fitness, any way you can

Winter activities can include snowboarding, skiing and even sledding, and although those are the big ones we think about, there are other, less conventional ways of keeping in shape this winter. And wouldn't you believe it, they are really a lot of fun!

Instead of going to the gym and wasting your money this holiday season, grab a bunch of your friends, and head outside. All you need is mother nature to drop you some snow. Any activity you can think of regarding snow can be considered moderate to heavy physical activity. Throwing snowballs, building a fort, running and sliding and sometimes even just walking through the stuff.

Think back to when you were little, running around outside all the time. Chances are if this was your activity of choice as a kid, you were in pretty decent shape. You may have cared less back then that it was below freezing and snow found its way into your now sopping gloves and boots. But the same fun can be had today, and why not?

A little non traditional exercise can go a long way when it comes to staying active and fit. You use a lot of core muscles and get the heart rate going, you use your arms and pull your legs. Throwing a snow ball is just like throwing a base ball, dragging your legs through 3 feet of snow can be like running much longer distances, building up a snow fort by scooping snow can feel like swimming and knocking your buddies fort down can feel like lapping them over and over.

So if you love the New England outdoors as much as I do, and love throwing caution to the arctic winds and growing down, give this unconventional method a try. Just make sure to drink plenty of water, because it will be easier, with all the snow gear on and the cold temperatures, to become dehydrated.

So get out of the gym, dress warm, have fun and stay active!

A date with pizza and french fries

Snow has fallen, roads have slickened and the temperature has officially dipped uncomfortably below freezing. I guess that means the yearly ritual of winter is upon us, which not only puts a stop on some outdoor activities but also opens up a box of winter sports! And with this season approaching I offer only a fare warning.

Skiing is my main support of fun during this time, or at least it used to be. Times have changed and I seldom have time to partake in an activity I enjoy. But last year I got the opportunity to pick it up again during a trip in North Conway. My girlfriend was there and she wanted to try skiing for the first time. My suit mate, who incidentally works on the slopes in Sunapee, said "Dude, don’t try to teach her yourself, even if your a veteran skier, don’t try to teach someone that close to you."

At first what he said made perfect sense, it may be hard to teach her no matter how much I knew. So I stuck it in my brain and off we went to the northern mountains of NH. When we got to the slope we went straight to the lodge and asked to order lessons, I figured I might as well sit in on it. They informed us that they were booked and we were faced with the ultimate decision. I weighed the options and we both said, "We'll what could go wrong?"

Long story short the next thing we knew we were heading up the hill, and I'll spare some details but we got to the top and after a lesson of "pizza" and "french fries" it started right away. All of a sudden "I was rushing her" and "she wasn’t paying attention" and "I wasn’t listening." It was a rough 20 minutes trying to make it down that slope... Eventually she just decided to walk the rest of the way down while I got my grove back and skied slowly on the slope next to her.

Well, it turns out my friend was right. All though we hugged and made up, it was still a hairy time when you are that close to each other. Teaching needs to be done with some authority. And when it comes to a relationship, lets face it, the guy has none.

So heed my words both men and women young and old, and the words of my pal, the veteran skier. Under no circumstances, even if the lessons are booked for the day, should you try teaching your significant other. You’re just asking for trouble.

Climbing as liberation

I have been following around a climber, Steve Wright-Eaton for a month and a half now, taking pictures and using them and interviews to compile a multimedia presentation. Although I have not yet climbed the rope or ascended the rocky cliffs myself, there is a lot to be said about the sport.

To get some good shots I hiked to the top of the cliff on a few occasions and the view was always stunning, no matter where we were or what time of the day it was. And I only hiked up the back side of the cliff, and although it was steep, it was not as hard as it would have been if I climbed.

There is a mental barrier when it comes to starting the climb and getting past your comfort zone of the ground your feet have grown so attached to. When I talked to the KSC student I have been asking why he does what he does many times and his answers are always the same, "Its a liberating experience," and "there is nothing else like it in the world."

And seeing the view from where I took pictures and while looking over the edge with my camera I could see where the barrier breaks and the liberation begins. You are fighting the human instinct to keep both feet on flat ground. Trusting your hands and feet to work in ways they are not accustomed, and scaling a piece of rock with less than stable cracks. And I imagine that when you get through all that and look down and out and get to see what you have accomplished and repel down, I can see the reward you would get.

Wright-Eaton told me its an escape, a good way to rid your mind of stressful things outside of climbing, such as term papers and work. You just focus on whats around you the entire time you are up there. And while taking all of this in, when I get over this cold of mine, I think I'm going to start breaking some barriers... or maybe when it gets warm again.

Do you think climbing is a liberating experience? Share your stories, whether they be from southern New Hampshire or not. Do you think I should give it a try?

Breakfast before a hike

I was shooting photos for a class of mine last weekend and I didnt have time to eat breakfast. I am going to say that was one of my worst decisions ever. It was early in the morning and I did not leave myself ample time.

You see, I was photographing a climber and we had to hike through the woods of Swanzey to get to the cliff. It was snowing and pretty darn cold. The hike through the woods took about 15 minutes and they climbed for about two hours.

Because I hadnt eaten my hunger was hindering my ability to focus. I imediatly cursed myself for at least not eating a granola bar, which I have plenty of back in my room. The climber told me I could get some shots of them climbing from on top of the cliff all I had to do was walk around and hike up.

At this point my concentration was so hindered that after I hiked to the top, took the pictures and walked down, I lost the cliffs edge, and had a sinking feeling in my already empty stomach. I was lost. My brain wasnt fueled, my glucose sugar levels were low, and i spaced out just long enough to get lost. A frantic marco polo game got me out of that situation but, it was still a very scary moment.

So let my blunder be a lesson to you, if your going hiking in the woods, or anything where you need to be focused, eat your breakfast.

Anyone else have any stories like this? I think it is important to higlight this issue, focus is everything.

Its pretty easy being green

The green movement is in full swing and everyone is striving to be more energy and cost effective. Not harming the environment as much as we used to and saving some dough in the process is something people are wrapping their heads around more easily these days.

The only downside is the usual amount of money you have to pay up front is more expensive. So some people are still wary these days to spend more money on something they can get cheaper in a different way. But once that initial investment has been made, you usually start saving money on different things along the way.

Bio-diesel for example, a little more costly up front, but it saves on costs of maintenance because of its cleaning effect on the mechanical innards. There is always a bright side to spending more up front. Especially when the product your trading in for is not only better for the environment, but you as well.

Bio-diesel wont give you the headaches and exhaust induced light-headedness that the petroleum based stuff will. Although the bio-diesel also has its drawbacks, so does the regular stuff, and these drawbacks are far easier to make up for.

What do you think about the cost effectiveness of using green products verses the stuff we have been using, like petroleum based diesel?

Is it worth it in the end, or is it just as easy as buying a different style of shoe and trying them on?

Lost and Fined

A new trend has made itself known in the news recently for New Hampshire. It became more well-known when a Massachusetts eagle scout was lost for three days at Pinkham Notch, but when they found him, the situation turned from jubilant back to worry.

You see they fined the kid $25,000 for the search efforts for him. Some other states do charge for the search but, according to this USA Today article, places like Oregon cap their charge at $500. Many other states don’t even charge the rescued.

Should this change in NH? I'm going to go with yes, and here is why. People don’t want to be lost, if they could help it, they would know where they are at all times relative to everyone else. The fine makes matters worse, after a while people may not even want to be found.

If they survive in the wilderness for a few days and know they have accrued a certain total to pay back to the state, they may not even want to be found. They may not have the funds or children may be so worried about the charges brought on their parents they would rather go on hiding when a search party comes around, unless the will to survive is at the breaking point of course.

But I think this would add so much more stress on the party that has lost someone. A mother is worried sick when her son doesn’t return from a hike with his friends. She spends days worrying about his safety; often times thinking maybe he is not coming back. Then the day comes, he is found, the stress the family has been under for the past few days doesn’t stop. Now they have to pay a fine of $25,000 or so. There goes the family’s nest egg and the last shred of composure they have.

So I say reduce the fine to a payable amount, one that won’t tare a family apart when the lost party is found, or get rid of it all together. Someone shouldn’t get fined for something they can’t help; getting lost doesn’t always mean they wondered off on purpose.

Anyone else have any arguments for either side of this?

Hacking and Hiking

There is a significant chill in the air and the guy running or biking by you may have just coughed or sneezed in your general direction. The flu season is hitting a little early this year and with H1N1 on the rise and on the move, I figured now would be the time to talk about healthy practices and enjoying the weather.

I'm not going to tell you to wash your hands because that's common sense by now but one thing I bet you don't know is that a chill in the air can actually be good for a cold. I talked to Tiffany Mathews, the coordinator of wellness education at Keene State College, a year or two ago and she informed me that with the proper warm attire little bits of cool fresh air into the lungs can help combat the virus, vs what I call a warm, stuffy germ incubator a room makes.

But with this remember, rest is best. You can take brief walks outside, but I wouldn't recommend going for a jog or a hike or even a bike ride. You need to rest your body while it fights off the virus or you'll throw it into strain and become even more sick.

So I just wanted to let you know, just because your sick doesn't mean you cant take 2-5 minute trips outside to get into the fresh air. It just means don't go for a run and pass out on Appian Way.

Change brings em' in

I drove down 101 last weekend and I noticed something strange but familiar: What once was green is now orange and red. That's right the foliage season is upon us again and it sure does feel too early for fall, even though it is now officially so. I don't know about you but I'm still waiting for the summer-that-never-was. But I guess we must leave the past behind us and turn towards the near future. This foliage season could be just what the economy doctor ordered.

I know Keene isn't a huge summer vacation spot, but there are parts of New Hampshire that missed out on a lot of beach visits this past summer. And as we leave that part of 2009 we now may see an economical tourist boost in this part of New England. I must say, if I didn't already live in New Hampshire I would be a leaf peeper, your worst highway nightmare.

But never the less, those stop-and-go road crawlers are just what we need today. With state and city still tightening their belts and funds being slashed in non profit community organizations, we need people moving through New Hampshire. We should welcome these foreign folk stopping and eating at our restaurants, using our public transportation, buying from our liquor stores when they come in and out of the state...

So even though summer never really made it to us, perhaps this fall season will make us forget all about that, with a nice heavy wallet.

Informed decisions about H1N1 (2)

College means one has reached a certain maturing state in being, and the ability to make decisions comes with those responsibilities. But with responsible decision making comes the need for information, because being informed is a key part of knowing what to do next.
With impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects the virus to affect 30 percent of students, because they are in a high-risk group, five to 24.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that the older age groups contact with the virus caused a resistance to it.
Also students are under stressers, tend not to eat well and live in large communities. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
This is where self health responsibility kicks in, whether it’s before or after anyone contracts any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and a good night sleep are two great things anyone can do for their immune system.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available. In this respect, if someone is misinformed, they can’t make the right choices to recover from any illness.
Many students were told to avoid the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and Wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff or students in the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to take care of themselves.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue, information would spread quickly.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill potential viruses in air or on surfaces.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.

So much fun, you forget its good for you

Last spring I saw students on the Fiske Quad walking tight ropes and climbing structures. Some people would just say this is an act of entertainment or a cheap thrill but I think its more. The same goes with skateboarders and BMX bikes around campus. Sure some of these might be obnoxious or even destructive, but just forget about the bad apples for a second.
All of the aforementioned activities are great workouts and physical activity. Tight roping really works leg muscles, and helps improve balance and even self confidence.
Skateboarding may seem lazy, but if you are doing tricks, in an appropriate setting, it works coordination and also strengthens the legs. Now BMX has so many benefits, akin to that of regular bikes. The core work out is there when you peddle and you get coordination added to the mix with tricks as well. Not to mention on top of that delicious sundae, you get a tension release as well, if its something you like to do. Which is equally as important to students as exercise. Stress is one thing we know all to well.
So get out there, find something you like to do and have fun doing it... and sure, lose a few calories.

Whats your fun and simple outdoor activity?

Student preparedness for incomming H1N1 virus

Coming to college means one has reached a certain maturing state in life, and the ability to make decisions comes with those responsibilities. But with responsible decision making comes the need of information, because being informed is a key part of knowing what the next step should be.
With the imminent impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects more than 30 percent of students to be affected by the virus, because they are in a high-risk group.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that age group has a type of tolerance because they were exposed to it before. Reports say that the age range that is most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu is young people, ages five to 24.
Also students are under a significant amount of stress. Along with that factor students in college tend not to eat well and live in a community. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
With these factors Burke said students need to be responsible for their self health. Weather it be before or after they contract any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and getting a good night sleep are two of the best things anyone can do for their immune system and may help protect against the seasonal flu or H1N1 virus.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, if it comes to it, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care and being seen at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available to you. In this respect, if you are misinformed or told to do something and then expected to do another, you can’t make the right choices to recover from your illness.
Many students were told not to go to the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates at least twice a week. Gordon believes this is helping to spread awareness and pushing students to think more critically about being more cautious. This includes covering sneezes and using hand sanitizer frequently.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include sudden onset aches, chills, fever of over 100.4, and the symptom unique to H1N1, nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff of the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to make a decision and take care of them self. Also they do not want the infection to spread to other students in the center, who are waiting to see a nurse for the common cold or an achy muscle.
Over the summer Burke sent KSC students an email, telling them to bring thermometers and a stash of food that could last a few weeks if they needed it.
Few students heeded the warning.
“I [told students to bring thermometers] even though I knew 90% of students wouldn’t bring a thermometer,” Burke said.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working very closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions and instructions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls. Gordon said they would receive germ masks to help protect them against the airborne virus, while they carry out their work.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, two to three days, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly and, for some reason, KSC does see pandemic levels within the next week, will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue and what it entailed, information would spread quickly and students would soon be informed.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill any potential viral transfer by contact.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.

The leaves are turning red and the air is cooling. The time to get in the last bit of summer fun is now. Frisbee players, bicycle riders and runners are out in full force.

The gym is nice but enjoying the weather while getting your fill of fitness fun is half of the experience. Getting out there and enjoying the weather can also be a confidence booster in my opinion for continuing your activity and not ending prematurely due to repetitive boredoms.

The sounds of the birds, the feel of the wind and the sun all make shooting hoops or running that much better. Opposed to doing it indoors with stagnant air and the sound of scuffing feet. The sun in the sky is cheering you on, the wind is helping you move.

So in a nut shell, before the leaves hit the ground followed by the snow and there is no where else to go but the gym, enjoy the closing days of good weather. Run a lap around campus with a friend, take the old bike out or toss a Frisbee or a ball on the quad. I say this because in a month or two, you’ll miss it. And well all with our cheerleaders outside were back again.