Game Day: Wildcats, Lady Cats in Mt Pleasant
All roads lead to Mt. Pleasant on this big Friday game day. The Lady Cats’ softball team will be playing for at least a share of the district championship against the Lady Tigers as both teams wrap up district play. The Lady Cats defeated Mt. Pleasant at home earlier this season, 10-4. Both teams are tied with Texas High for first. Texas High is playing Greenville in another district finale. The top three teams all have 9-2 records in district play. The Lady Cats are 22-6 for the season. The Lady Cats could slip down to third place with a road loss Friday evening.
Meanwhile the Wildcats’ baseball team also finds itself tied for first place in the district with Hallsville as they meet Mt. Pleasant Friday night. The Wildcats and Hallsvill each have one district loss. The Wildcats have an 8-1 record in district play. They edged by Mt. Pleasant, 3-2 at Eagle Stadium behind the pitching of Triston McCormick back on March 28. The Wildcats have a 14-6-1 season record. They still have district games next week as they host Greenville on senior night Tuesday and then travel to Hallsville on Friday for a game that could be for all the district marbles.
St Mark Baptist Church Annual Men & Women’s Day Celebration April 23rd
St. Mark Baptist Church in the St. Mark Community, will have their annual Men & Women’s Day Fellowship Program on Sunday, April 23 at 3:00 pm. Special guest church will be Independent Baptist Church and Pastor, Rev. Bobby Thomas. Special musical selections will be rendered by St. Luke Baptist Church, Rev. Troy Young, pastor and East Caney Baptist Church, Rev. LaVelle Hendricks, pastor. All churches are invited to come help us lift the name of Jesus. Lunch will be served from 1:00-2:30. If grounds are soaked from the rain; put on your walking shoes, park by the side of the road and walk on down to the church for a Hallelujah Good Time in the Lord.
Charles and Sharon Helm to Chair 2017-2018 Lights of Life Campaign
In a press release, Meredith Caddell announced, on behalf of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors, the 2017-2018 Lights of Life Campaign & Gala Chairs will be Charles & Sharon Helm.
As everyone knows, the Helms have a longstanding commitment to this community and they are truly the perfect choice to lead the efforts of the Lights of Life Campaign. In discussion with Charles & Sharon, it was clear that they would serve as Chairs, ONLY if they could give it 110% and that was their comment when they called with their confirmation, “We Are All In”.
Charles and Sharon are the owners of Helm Hotels Group, a portfolio of lodging companies including Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Comfort Suites and La Quinta. They have been in the hospitality business for over 35 years. Not only are they committed to their businesses, but they are truly committed to their community. Here is a brief list of Boards and Clubs the two of them have been involved with:
Charles: City of SS Board of Tourism & Promotion, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce (Vice President), Hopkins County Regional Convention Center (President), Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation (President), Alliance Bank, Texas Hotel Lodging Association, Best Western (Chairman), plus many additional committees with Best Western International.
Sharon: PTA, Standard Club, Dial Study Club, Thailan Society, Fall Festival, Blue Bonnet Garden Club, Blue Blaze Booster Club & the LGA. Not to mention the countless hours of softball, baseball, soccer & choir mom duties.
Currently, in the midst of work and civic commitments, they always find time to enjoy their family. They have a daughter, Monica Helm Glenn & husband Zach which have two girls, Lulu (3) & Zeffie (1). They also have a son, Chase Helm & wife Michelle which have one son, Henry (3 months).
“Charles and I have already been brainstorming on new ideas to make the campaign and gala another fun and memorable campaign. We are currently booking the band and catering company, while deciding on an amazing theme for the gala. We will share what’s been confirmed with the committee at the first campaign committee meeting, planned for May 16th”. said Sharon Helm
“I could not be more excited to be working with Charles & Sharon. I have had the pleasure of working with Charles over the years through the civic center and rodeo and have witnessed Sharon’s impeccable style as she redesigned the civic center and countless hotels. What more could we ask for in Campaign Chairs…Hard working, dedicated, passionate and caring. They embody each of these qualities and we are BLESSED to have them as the 2017-2018 Lights of Life Campaign Chairs” stated Meredith Caddell.
The Foundation Board of Directors increased the goal for this year’s campaign from $250,000 to $300,000. This will be the 1st year for this aggressive goal but the Foundation Board believes in the continued generosity and support of this community. The impact the Foundation has had for our hospital has been tremendous with over 2.1 million dollars in contributions. The projects and equipment that have been purchased in the past have allowed our hospital to offer many additional services in order to provide better patient care.
The Foundation Board will be selecting the project(s) to fund in the upcoming week and that will also be announced at the first campaign meeting. “It’s always exciting to see what will be added to our hospital through the funds raised each year. We will need everyone’s support to reach our goal, but we know that the residents of Hopkins County will not let us down” commented Caddell.
The sponsorship letters will go out mid-June to repeat sponsors because they receive the first right of refusal. As in previous years, we expect a quick response and commitment from the community.
The Lights of Life gala is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2018 6:00p.m. – 12 midnight, at the Civic Center and it promises to be another fun filled evening of fine dining, dancing to a great band and bidding on amazing live and silent auction items. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please call the Foundation office at 903-438-4799.
Livestock on Highway; Wood County Sheriff’s Report April 12-18, 2017
In the recent past, there have been a large number of animals in the roadway calls. We would like to remind drivers to be careful, especially at night when animals can be hard to see. We would also like to remind livestock owners to check your fences as often as possible which would help with this problem.
As you can imagine, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office spends a considerable amount of resources on this problem. This is time that our deputies could spend on other calls for service which would benefit all of the citizens of the county.
Section 143.102 AGRICULTURE CODE. RUNNING AT LARGE ON HIGHWAY PROHIBITED
A person who owns or has the responsibility for the control of a horse, mule, donkey, cow, bull, steer, hog, sheep or goat may not knowingly permit the animal to traverse or roam at large unattended, on the right of way of a highway.
An offense under this section is a Class C Misdemeanor.
April 12, 2017 to April 18, 2017
April 12th
At 1:58 a.m., Wood County Sheriff deputies assisted the Winnsboro Police Department who were actively pursuing a suspect on Highway 11 near the Camp County Line. One Wood County deputy positioned his car in the westbound lane while the other Wood County deputy positioned his car in the eastbound lane. As the suspect approached, he slowed and then came to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road. He was then taken into custody by the Winnsboro Police Department.
At 7:42 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37N, near CR 4836.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3120 in Quitman at 8:23 a.m. in regard to an animal complaint call. The reporting party stated that a neighbor’s dog was chasing his cattle in his pasture and he shot at the dog. He stated that the previous day, the dog had actually attacked one of his cows and injured the cow’s tail. The deputy met with the dog’s owner who was issued a warning to contain his dog.
At 10:01 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778, off of Highway 80E.
At 10:01 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779, north of Highway 69N.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2911 in regards to a possible burglary. The complainant reported that the window screen on the NW side of his residence was off and the window was broken and then opened. At the time, none of his belongings were missing, but will advise if he discovers anything gone.
At 7:44 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186.
April 13th
Deputies were dispatched to Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins at 1:43 a.m. on an assault call. The complainant stated that, during a pool party, 3 fellow students physically picked her up and attempted to put her in a trash can. Investigators will follow-up.
At 7:52 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779, just north of Highway 69N.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2422 in Mineola at 9:28 a.m. The reporting party stated that, after tenants moved out of her rental property, she discovered multiple credit cards and I.D. cards with names other than her tenants. Investigators will follow-up on this case.
At 10:13 a.m., a bull calf was discovered on E. Highway 154 in Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1970 in Yantis at 2:01 p.m. on an assault call. The victim stated that a family member had assaulted her during the course of an argument. Tommy Wayne Davis, 50, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2770 in Mineola at 2:40 p.m. on a scam. The victim reported that she received a phone call from someone claiming to be her grandson. He stated that he had been in an accident and he knew a lawyer who could keep it off of his record. A second man, claiming to be a lawyer named Peter Walsh, instructed her to get two $1,000.00 Wal-Mart gift cards then give him the card numbers which she did. He called her again, later in the day, and instructed her to get two more $1,000.00 Wal-Mart gift cards in order to keep her grandson out of jail. She did as instructed, but later, believing that she had been the victim of a scam, contacted the Sheriff’s Office. This case has been forwarded to investigators for follow-up.
Sheriff Castloo advises to be very wary of this scam and contact the Sheriff’s Office if you do receive one of these or similar calls.
At 6:55 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 4925 in Quitman in regard to a theft call. The complainant reported that an unknown person had stolen money from a container inside her home. There were no signs of forced entry, but the house might have been left unlocked.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2167 in Quitman in reference to a theft. The reporting party stated that an unknown person had stolen a go-cart from her fenced backyard.
April 14th
At 4:53 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 and CR 1350 in Quitman.
April 15th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2610 in Mineola at 12:55 a.m. on a deceased person. A male, 80, was found deceased at his residence and was pronounced dead by the Justice of the Peace.
At 5:37 a.m., cows were reported out on 182 on the Alba side near the dam.
At 9:36 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312/CR 4660 in Winnsboro.
At 1:24 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 @ 1799/799 in Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to West Loop 564 in Mineola at 5:37 p.m. on a theft call. The complainant reported that an unidentified male had stolen a tool, valued at approximately $140.00, from the store shelf and walked out of the store unnoticed by hiding the item. The complainant reported the incident after finding the empty box on the shelf. The person was observed on the store surveillance video and the responding deputy recognized the subject. This case will be turned over to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2771 in Mineola at 5:56 p.m. on a burglary call. The reporting party stated that an unknown person had vandalized the residence and stolen most of the wiring from the house. The house is vacant and the owner is currently in the process of refurbishing it. The shed behind the house was also burglarized and wiring stolen. The value of the stolen wiring is approximately $15,000.00. This case will be forwarded to investigators for follow-up.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 in Quitman at 11:29 p.m. on a disturbance call. Two family members were involved in a mutual combat disturbance with minors present. Erica Veronica Hammer, 35, of Quitman and Justin Pearce, 34, of Gladewater were both arrested for Assault causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
April 16th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2840 in Mineola at 1:58 a.m. on a disturbance call. When they arrived at the location, they made contact with an individual with a very strong odor of alcohol and minor injuries who was walking down the road. He stated that he had been assaulted inside the residence by a person known to him. The deputy then contacted the 2nd person who also had visible injuries and he admitted to having a mutual fight with the 1st individual, but didn’t want to pursue charges. Billey Ray Gentry, 32, of Mineola was arrested for Public Intoxication.
At 6:10 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 312 in Winnsboro.
At 6:44 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869, east of FM 2088.
At 12:36 p.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69, south of 779 in Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to N. FM 312 in Winnsboro at 6:01 p.m. in reference to a disturbance. The complainant reported that, during an argument, a family member had assaulted him with a weapon. Carmen Renee Pyron, 47, of Winnsboro was arrested for Aggravated Assault Family with a Weapon.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 in Yantis at 8:11 p.m. on a suspicious vehicle call. Upon contact with the driver, the deputy noticed drug paraphernalia and a small container in the front seat of the vehicle. A controlled substance was discovered inside of the small container. Christopher Hayden Kimbley, 35, of Mineola was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
April 17th
At 3:28 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 and FM 852.
At 8:40 a.m., cows were reported out on Loop 564 at FM 1801.
At 10:05 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37N at CR 4186.
A citizen came to the Sheriff’s Office at 4:16 p.m. to report a theft that had occurred at his residence in Alba. He reported that he believed a person known to him had stolen 3 checks out of his checkbook when she was inside of his residence. He discovered they were missing when he was reviewing his bank statements and noticed those checks had been written at Wal-Mart and Brookshire’s. He was advised to contact his bank and the police agency in the city the checks were cashed. Investigators will follow-up.
At 6:25 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4890.
At 8:21 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 778/FM 1254.
April 18th
At 1:54 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69/CR 2370.
At 7:17 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 37N near CR 4165.
At 7:20 a.m., cows were reported out on Highway 69, north of FM 779.
Deputies were contacted via telephone at 10:19 a.m. from an individual wishing to report a theft. An unknown person had stolen a trailer valued at $1300.00 from her home on CR 3819 in Hawkins. Investigators will follow-up.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Cumby Robotics at World…Experience in Photos
The Robotics teams from Cumby High School are among 1400 high school students from around the globe at VEX World Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. On Thursday April 19, a Parade of Nations was held. After today’s Opening Ceremonies, contests will begin. Here are some photos our teams have sent so far.
Public Invited to “Show and Tell”; Flight For Life Adds Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Flight For Life has added a new fixed-wing Pilatus PC-12/45 to its fleet of lifesaving aircraft. The public is invited to a “Show and Tell” event Thursday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport sponsored by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. The new aircraft will allow for increased speed, efficiency and capacity for air ambulance services throughout the multi-state coverage area.
Fixed-wing Pilatus PC-12/45 similar to the one shown here.
“This new fixed-wing aircraft will open a world of possibilities and services to patients in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma,” said Stan Holden, Chief Executive Officer of Flight For Life. “Flight For Life’s fixed-wing service will serve as a connector for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System’s dedication to fiscal responsibility as a steward of community resources and leader of health care innovation throughout the country. With this aircraft, we will achieve greater economies of scale, extending the reach and mission of each of the system’s locations and services throughout a much larger area.”
In addition to what the helicopter ambulance service currently provides, the fixed-wing aircraft adds another facet to the patient-transport capabilities of Flight For Life. The fixed-wing aircraft will allow Flight For Life nurses and paramedics the opportunity to ensure the continuity of care for patients as they move from one facility to another, both within CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System and beyond.
“Having a Flight For Life fixed-wing aircraft based in Tyler will establish greater efficiencies and allow for improved response capabilities for Flight For Life’s ground ambulance counterpart, Champion EMS,” said Scott Kunkel, RN, MBA, NREMT-P, CMTE, FP-C, Chief Administrative Officer, Flight For Life. “Flight For Life will reduce the burden of ground-based EMS units tasked to transport patients long distances, thereby increasing the capability of Champion EMS units to respond to local 911 emergencies.”
“The PC-12 aircraft will allow Flight for Life to extend our critical care transport medicine expertise to a greater population of patients in Texas and our surrounding states. The increased speed, range, operational ceiling, all-weather capability, and the ability to operate out of relatively small airfields make it an excellent platform to provide the same high quality critical care as we do in our rotor aircraft, but in an extended environment,” said Mark Anderson, M.D., Chief of Emergency Care at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “Transporting patients in a pressurized cabin allows our aeromedical crews to operate over the top of weather that could potentially ground our helicopter fleet, and the controlled cabin pressure protects our patients’ physical condition at those altitudes. The increased interior space provides more physical access to both the patient and the critical life support equipment utilized by our teams of flight nurses and specially trained paramedics. The same ventilators, monitors, and specialty equipment, such as intra-aortic balloon pumps and pediatric transport pods, that we utilize in our rotor aircraft will be available for the fixed wing platform, increasing the interoperability of our crew members. We look forward to meeting the critical care transport medicine needs of our future patients and their families.”
The PC-12/45 has a pressurized cabin with a service ceiling of 30,000 feet, cruise speed of 327 miles-per-hour (285 knots), and a range exceeding 1,800 nautical miles (nm). Flight For Life can accommodate a combination of up to one patient, two pilots and three clinical crew members in the PC-12/45, however, standard configuration and crew are one pilot and two clinical crew. The Pilatus PC-12 offers an incredible Flight Management System, room for a patient’s family member and extensive medical equipment.
“The fixed wing aircraft offers increased poor-weather capability, as well.” said Kunkel. “The fixed wing aircraft’s marginal weather capability exceeds even that of Flight For Life’s instrument-certified helicopter and includes the ability to fly in icing conditions. Range, speed, efficiency and capacity are more favorable for the fixed wing aircraft when the distance of transport is longer. For instance, the identified primary service area for each of Flight For Life’s four operational helicopters is roughly 100 miles from their bases in Palestine, Winnsboro, Longview and Wills Point; whereas the primary service area for the fixed wing aircraft will be 350 miles – and the range actually extends up to 1,800 miles, if required.”
“The increased range and reach of the fixed-wing aircraft will extend the mission of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs and CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System by providing access to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler and the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital as tertiary care destination facilities that provide specialty care medicine across a much broacher geographic landscape,” said Lindsey Bradley, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer for CHRISTUS Northeast Texas and Senior Vice President of Group Operations for CHRISTUS Health. “The increased range of Flight For Life’s services will be a force-multiplier for integrating a network of hospitals across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and many other states that are linked under the CHRISTUS Health System.”
LiL 4’s Kids Club Non-Profit Fundraiser
LiL 4’S FOUNDER LATITIA CONLIFFE WITH VOLUNTEER SANDRA CUMMINGS
In Sulphur Springs, there is a non-profit after-school organization that serves children ages 2-18. President of Lil 4’s is Latitia Conliffe and Vice President is Sandra Cummings, both of Sulphur Springs. The location for the club is 200 Fuller Street, where kids flock for fun, snacks, singing, homework time and lots of TLC and opportunity to talk about their day and what’s going on in their lives. The concept of the club is Latita’s, based on her own life experience of poverty, being homeless at times, and being on her own since age 15. She is a mom and now a grandmother, and is carrying out her dream of being able to provide a safe haven and a loving place for kids to come to. Through her seven years of experience with the club, she says they are drawn like a magnet to positive reinforcement and the personal interest it provides. Food, wholesome activities and simple caring fill unspoken needs in many of the children. Right now, a total of about 36 youngsters are taking advantage of what the club offers on weekday afternoons.
Parents are encouraged to come to the club and get involved in their childrens’ activities. Latita realizes that a majority of them live in a single-mom household, and some are being raised by single grandmothers. Many do not have positive role models to look up to. Her team of volunteers strive to provide strong leadership and guidance along with fun and laughter. Helping with food on a regular basis is Dinner Bell and Lindsey’s Plates. Assistance also comes from other sources. Fundraising is ongoing on in the form of requests for donations of money. Individuals, businesses, organizations, churches and everyone is being asked to help keep the club going. Money is used for daily operating expenses, food, snacks, juice, shoes, clothing, toys, books, personal grooming items, wholesome movies and other items they can use. A summer field trip is planned, and donations are needed for that as well. There is an account set up for donations at Guaranty Bank and Trust in the name of Lil 4’s. Here are other ways you can contact the club.
Lil 4’s Kids Club, 200 Fuller Street, Sulphur Springs Texas 75482
214-809-1908 Latitia Conliffe, President
and on Facebook
Designing An Effective Weed Control Program By Mario Villarino
As the year progress, our ranchers and farmers have initiated soil management and weed control programs into their ranch/farm. A common question I get later in the year is often related to weed control failure. As Ag producers start planning weed control programs, it is very important to identify weeds as they emerge in their fields. Sometimes weed identification can be challenging specially in early stages of the weed (many plants look alike when small) many times needing flowers or inflorescence for identification. A common basic herbicide strategy is to use a general herbicide to kill broad leaf- weeds. Many non-specific herbicides are based in 2-4D, a restricted use herbicide in the state of Texas. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) 2,4-D is an herbicide that kills plants by changing the way certain cells grow. 2,4-D comes in several chemical forms, including salts, esters, and an acid form. The toxicity of 2,4-D depends on its form. The form also affects what will happen to 2,4-D in the environment and what impacts it may have, especially on fish. 2,4-D is used in many products to control weeds, and it is often mixed with other herbicides in these products. 2,4-D was first used in the United States in the 1940s. Products containing 2,4-D may be liquids, dusts, or granules. The liquid forms may be concentrated or ready-to-use. There are over a thousand products with 2,4-D in them that are sold in the United States. 2,4-D kills broadleaf weeds but not most grasses. 2,4-D kills plants by causing the cells in the tissues that carry water and nutrients to divide and grow without stopping. Herbicides that act this way are called auxin-type herbicides. It is often needed to do more than one application to obtain proper control, but since 2-4D is a growth hormone for plants it effect is not immediate. It is important that pesticide applicators allow several weeks after applying 2-4D based herbicides before deciding if a second application is needed. It is also important to remember to conduct weed control before temperatures get too high and weeds get into latent heat stress mode. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Let’s Shape Up By Johanna Hicks
Let’s Shape Up, Hopkins County!
With spring in full bloom, many thoughts are turning to summer, vacations, travel…and swimming! Ugh – the dreaded swimsuit! We probably all need to build in a little (or a lot) more physical activity to get our bodies in better shape.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. Recommendations by the American Diabetes Association and other agencies, indicate that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week (working up to 60 minutes daily) can have optimum benefits, as described below. Remember the ABC’s of physical activity: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity; Break it up into 10 minutes segments to fit your lifestyle; Cool down with gentle stretching.
There are two basic types of physical activity: aerobic and resistance. Most people can do some degree of aerobic activity, but some might be instructed by a physician to avoid resistance activity. Examples of aerobic are walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing, gardening, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn (but not on a riding mower!), and running. Aerobic activity helps your heart work better by making the heart muscle more effective. Aerobic activity is also the type of exercise that most helps to get rid of fat in the abdominal area. Abdominal fat is also thought of as toxic fat because it is harmful.
Benefits of aerobic activity include: improved blood glucose levels, stronger more effective heart muscle, reduction in abdominal fat, reduction in stress and depression, increase in good cholesterol (HDL), improved blood pressure, and increased energy.
If your physician says it’s ok, you could also benefit from resistance or strength-building physical activity. This includes the use of weights or elastic bands, push-ups and pull-ups. Start by using ½-pound to 3-pound weights to work your arms and legs while standing or sitting. Do not carry weights when walking, because it could cause strain on your hip and knee joints. Do resistance activity 2 to 3 days each week, with eight to ten different exercises each time. Do 10 – 15 repetitions for each exercise.
Benefits of resistance/strength-building activity include: building muscles (it requires more calories to maintain muscle than does fat); improved strength and therefore better balance; increased stability which decreases the probability of injury from falling. If you have eye problems, your doctor will probably advise you to limit lifting weights.
Increase your chances to continue being active by starting slowly. Have a friend or spouse to be your partner. It is more difficult to quit when you have an accountability partner, plus it increases safety. Choose an activity and time that works best for you. If you are not the type of person who will go to a fitness center, do not choose that option. Don’t pay for a year at a fitness center without a trial membership period. If you would rather be outdoors, a park is a great place to walk. Sulphur Springs has two great parks to walk. There are also some indoor options for those who enjoy more stable climates. The mall and the ROC both offer indoor options and you don’t have to worry about rain, heat, cold, or snow! If you have foot problems such as neuropathy or poor circulation, you should not use a treadmill, take long walks, or jog unless your doctor approves.
Choose the best time for you. If you are not a morning person (I can relate to that!), choose later in the day. So, whether it is first thing in the morning, lunch, afternoon, or early evening, choose what works best for you! Add activities to your day, such as parking farther away from stores, taking the stairs instead of the elevator when given a choice, take “walk breaks” at work, or participate in Extension’s Walk Across Texas (http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu). That is a fun, motivating program that can be accomplished by yourself or with teams of up to 8 people. Side note: I see employees from our local banks walking during their lunch breaks. Many of them took part in Walk Across Texas in 2016 and they are still going! Good for you!
Be sure to stay hydrated when doing any type of physical activity. Avoid alcohol, because it actually increases risk of dehydration. Also, be sure to have the correct foot wear. Shop late in the day to get the best fit. Take a test walk in the store. If they don’t feel good in the store, chances are they won’t feel good at home, either! Be sure to have a shoe with plenty of room in the toe box and no slipping on the heal. Remember that running shoes are okay for walking, but walking shoes are not okay for running. If you can’t walk, you might try water aerobics, swimming, or chair exercises. I have a DVD called “Sit and Be Fit” for anyone who would like to check it out.
Keep in mind the main points: Start slowly, try to achieve 30 minutes most days of the week (increasing to 60 minutes when possible), choose the time that is best for you, and try to build in extra physical activity throughout the day. Let’s shape up, Hopkins County!
Upcoming Events
- 4-H Paper Clover Campaign will take place at Tractor Supply, Inc., April 26 thru May 7. Please consider giving $1 extra at check-out to benefit the local 4-H program.
- Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop: Saturday, May 20, 8:30 a.m., call the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 for details or to sign up
- Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness registration will be available to Sulphur Springs students in grades 1 thru 4. Forms will be delivered to the appropriate schools on May 10 for distribution to students. Parents, watch your child’s backpack next month!
- “Dinner Tonight: Cooking with the Chef” will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Hidden Lakes Hunting Lodge in Yantis. Watch for details to come, but save the date! This is going to be a great event for both men and women!
- Deadline to turn in registration to the Extension Office for 4-H Multi-county camp is Wednesday, May 31. Forms will go out in the next 4-H Gazette newsletter.
Closing Thought
If taking vitamins doesn’t keep you healthy enough, try more laughter. The most wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed – Nicolas-Sebastien Chamfort
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
