The Long Run – December 2013

End of the Year Message from NSGA CEO Marc T. Riker

The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) reflects back upon a memorable year. We again thank everyone involved who helped make the 2013 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Cleveland a success; the athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, staff, media, sponsors, and financial contributors. Each of you were a vital part of The Games.

In 2013, the NSGA proclaimed a new definition of “personal best” that anyone can achieve. It’s not about a peak time or distance in sports. It’s about overcoming obstacles, surviving challenges and staying motivated throughout your life. During the year, we recognized several individuals with the Personal Best Award. Their stories on and off the field of play inspired others and show that “it’s never too late to get in The Games.”

2014 will bring another exciting qualifying year. Good luck in your preparation to compete and qualify for the 2015 National Senior Games in Bloomington/Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, cherish the moments of fellowship, fitness, and fun as you participate in a Senior Games state program.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season with family and friends. Let’s all continue to encourage others to get physically active.

State News: National Award for Kansas Senior Olympics

Kansas Senior Olympics has received the prestigious 2013 Park and Recreation Program Award from the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials(NACPRO) in Class I – Park and Recreation agencies in counties or service areas with a population of 500,000 or less. The annual Park and Recreation Program Award recognizes a NACPRO member agency that has provided a unique or exceptional program, activity, or event which serves as an outstanding example that other agencies could adopt or emulate. Kudos to our outstanding NSGA member!

If your state has similar news to share, please submit it tonews@NSGA.com for possible inclusion in future newsletters.

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Dorothy Sinson of Chicago has embraced challenges for her

entire life. “When I went to Oak Park High School in the 1940’s the prevailing belief was that the pressures and athleticism of competing would interfere with a girl’s reproductive capacities. Well, I went out for sports anyway and somehow managed to have kids. So much for that old theory!”

She let sports take a back seat while working and raising children. In retirement, she realized just being an avid fan of her grandchildren’s sports activities was not enough. “In 2009, I saw a tiny sign at my health club for an indoor triathlon and thought what the heck, I’ll give it a shot,” the feisty 82 year old recalls.  “When I beat a 35 year old woman I raced home, turned on the computer and signed up for the Chicago Tri Super Sprint. When I came in 2nd, I was hooked!”

This year, she lined up three triathlons “just to see what I could do.” The 2013 National Senior Games Presented by Humana was the main goal and she captured a gold medal in Cleveland. But there was another unexpected self-discovery that emerged from her journey, and it had nothing to do with athletics. Dorothy had the heart of a competitor, but one month before The Games she discovered she also had a heart of rock and roll.

Dorothy was invited to join with other Illinois senior athletes atNSGA’s Personal Best event held June 19 at the Chicago Ritz Carlton Hotel.  Featured was a mini-concert by Grammy Award winning artist Jim Peterik, a fellow Chicagoan who performed the iconic “Eye of the Tiger” and other hit songs he has written. “I did not think I would enjoy his show – Frank Sinatra is more my style,” she says. “It was not my kind of music before that day…but it is now!”  She wrote NSGA to share her newfound appreciation, and her comment appeared on the Facebook pages for both Peterik and the National Senior Games. By coincidence, the triathlon route in Cleveland started and finished at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

There’s even one more stanza to this song. “At the Chicago Triathlon in August my right calf muscle was acting up and I was scared I wouldn’t finish. As I passed a young volunteer, she screamed at me ‘You can do it….Eye of the Tiger!’  It was all I needed and I finished, happy and sore. Mostly happy.

“I still break into a large smile every time I think about all of this,” she adds. “Indeed, old dogs can learn new tricks.”

Check out the Athlete of the Month Page

For Minor Illnesses and Injuries, Urgent Care May Provide Quicker, More Affordable Alternative to Emergency Rooms

When people are sick or injured, many go straight to hospital emergency rooms (ER), where the average wait time is nearly an hour and average visit time is more than four hours.

Depending on the health condition and situation, patients should consider going to one of the many urgent care centers located in their cities or towns, which are often faster, less expensive and more accessible, while providing personalized care.

Read the Full Article Here

NSGA thanks Humana for sharing this feature. For more information on a wide range of related topics, please visit Health and Well Being in the Learning Center at www.Humana.com.

Do you have a blog sharing your experiences as a senior athlete? Do you offer helpful information about nutrition, training or other health and wellness topics online?  We’d like to hear from you!

Please email us at news@NSGA.com with a link to your blog and we will consider sharing the link in the Health and Wellness section of our website with others of its kind. To be clear, your blog must be dedicated to sharing useful information or interesting experiences. We cannot share any content intended to regularly promote a specific product or program for profit.