Growing older has its rewards. We watch our children grow into young adults. We also watch careers flourish thanks to our hard work. We reap the rewards of that hard work with opportunities to play the way we want. And, we’ve earned the respect that can only come from a lifetime of experiences and lessons learned.

But growing older also brings new challenges, especially when it comes to our health. When we were young, we could bounce back from almost anything. In college, we’d stay up all night studying and pass the test the next day – or stay out all night with our friends. When our kids were first born, we woke up at all hours of the night to change diapers, rock them back to sleep and still made it to work on time the next day. We also thought we could skip seeing the doctor every year because our bodies were strong.  

This month we celebrate Father’s Day and, with it, Men’s Health Week. While Father’s Day is seen as an important time to honor your dad, Men’s Health Week is often passed over without a second thought. But, part of being a good father or being a good son for your father is making sure you’re in good health. So, I am asking that you, and I, pledge to take a few simple steps this year to help each of us live a long and healthy life.

Annual physical

Have you ever said to yourself, “The only time I need to see a doctor is when I’m bleeding or something is broken?” That’s a nice macho comment to make to your friends, but, sensibly, you should see your doctor at least once a year. Your provider can do simple tests and conduct a physical in order to identify small issues before they become big problems. 

Most health issues, if caught early, can be controlled, allowing you to really live your life when you get older. Your doctor will help monitor important things like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight and provide screenings for cancer. 

Having an annual physical isn’t the only exam you need to schedule. If you’re over 50 or have a history of colorectal or prostate cancer in your family, schedule an exam. Colorectal and prostate cancers are serious diseases that affect almost 6,000 Arizonans every year. Both can be very aggressive, but when caught in the early stages, they can be treated quickly and effectively.  

Most men tend to avoid this discussion because of distorted perceptions of what the procedure is like. I can tell you from my own experience that the exam is not as bad as you imagine. I won’t lie and tell you it’s pleasant, but it is not the nightmare you may have in your mind. I had my exam several years ago, and I am glad I did. My doctors found a noncancerous (thankfully) polyp that was easily removed. If it hadn’t been for the exam, I never would have known about this or other problems that could have been lurking. 

When you do have your colorectal and prostate exams, don’t panic if you get an abnormal test result. Talk to your doctor about all your options and try to learn as much as possible about your condition. You can find more information about the benefits of colorectal and prostate cancer exams and free resources by looking up the “Fit at Fifty” program on the Arizona Department of Health Services website at fitatfiftyhealthcheck.org.

Physical activity

Heart disease is the number one killer for men, which is why you need to think about what you eat and how active you are. 

Another one of those macho ideas that men have is that we can continue doing the same kinds of physical activity that we used to do indefinitely. Do you remember what it was like to be young and have unlimited energy? You played hard at whatever sport you wanted and bounced back almost immediately. But years of wear and tear take a toll on the body, and now it’s time to be a little more realistic about physical activity.

The goal should be motion for about 30 minutes every day. That doesn’t mean heading down to the local basketball courts and joining hour-long pick-up games with a bunch of 16-year-old kids. Unless you’re a former college basketball standout and you never stopped playing, you’re probably going to leave the game with a bruised body and ego. That’s not to say you can’t challenge yourself, but be smarter and do the kinds of activities you’re going to enjoy and that give you the maximum health benefit.  

If the thrill of competition and winning are still important to you, then by all means be competitive. Never give up on your drive to succeed. My advice is to be competitive within your limits. Part of growing older is gaining wisdom and, with wisdom, you learn to set reasonable expectations.

Better eating

This is the easiest thing you can change to take better care of your health. Eating better doesn’t just mean fruits and vegetables all the time; it means eating balanced foods and in moderation. It’s easy to go for the quick meal, especially when life is hectic and stressful. And, it’s also easy to fall into a pattern of eating foods that are not healthy because they are right in front of you, like the morning donuts at the office or the fast food restaurant that is on the way home. 

A great way to start eating healthier foods is to make it a family effort. Try to plan family meals – sitting around the table eating together can be a great way to slow down your eating. Lead by example in your family; eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, not sugary drinks, and don’t overindulge at mealtime. There are some great tips and recipes on how to eat a balanced diet at eatwellbewell.org.     

Help for stress

Life can be stressful, and that stress can have long-term effects, such as depression. When you’re suffering from depression, it makes it harder to be more physically active, eat well, work and focus on all the things you need to do to ensure your family is safe and healthy. Depression can be a serious medical condition, but it can also be treated. If you feel as though you may be suffering from depression or are overstressed, ask for help. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “I’m a man and don’t need help from anyone,” but there is no shame in reaching out for help. Sometimes a chat with a professional can be all it takes to put you back on your successful track, or a doctor may prescribe medication to help put your life back in balance. Most employers offer an Employee Assistance Program that will offer free or low-cost access to a mental health professional. Your health insurance plan also has to provide mental health care for you. These programs are there for you; don’t hesitate to use them. It’s another good way to show leadership in your family. Also, be a good friend and, if you notice the signs and symptoms of depression in the people around you, reach out to them and ask if they need help.    

Smoking

If you’re still smoking, stop. Every puff of a cigarette or cigar takes time off your life. You’re losing years in which you can watch your children grow up to be adults, and you will be missing out on all the benefits of your hard work. Smoking is simply not worth the price you pay with your health. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and quitting isn’t easy. But, when you look back on your life and all the hard work you did to get here, you know you have the strength to take on tobacco. If you need help, call the ASHLine at 1-800-556-6222 or go on-line to ashline.org.

We owe it to ourselves and our families to be at our best, both mentally and physically. By taking a little time and effort to focus on our own health, especially as we get older, we can all be the men our families and community deserve. 

Will Humble is the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. You can read his daily blog on-line at directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov.

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We’ve all heard how powerful our brains are. Our hearts, just like our brains, produce a powerful electromagnetic field that can be measured on an electrocardiogram (ECG). However, in a match-up between the two, did you know that the heart is 60 times more powerful than the brain? According to the Institute of HeartMath (IHM), an organization dedicated to helping people reduce stress, the heart generates the largest electromagnetic field in the body and can be measured from several feet away. 

Furthermore, IHM’s researchers have conducted numerous studies that confirm a connection between the heart and emotions; and our hearts receive benefits when influenced by positive emotions. Therefore, paying attention to how we feel is more important than ever, and every day presents an opportunity to practice. 

Speaker Arielle Ford refers to this as “feelingization” – getting your feelings in sync with your heart. 

One of the many benefits of meditation is to quiet our constantly thinking mind, the cause of our stressful thoughts, and allow ourselves to experience peace without mind. But, we can reap the same benefits as meditation “on the go” as we weave through the many tasks of our busy lives.

Here are a few quick and simple, yet powerful, tools to help move your thoughts out of your head and into your heart, balancing your emotions. The way to making any of these tools effective is to monitor how you feel and implement them in your moments of struggle.

“In our deepest moments of struggle, frustration, fear and confusion, we are being called upon to reach in and touch our hearts. Then, we will know what to do, what to say, how to be.” 

– Roberta Sage Hamilton

1 The Institute of HeartMath offers a tool called The Quick Coherence Technique. I refer to it simply as HeartMath breathing. It involves three steps. Read through the instructions, then give it a try. Step One: Place one hand over your heart and focus your attention on this area. It might help to close your eyes if you’re in a safe place to do so. Step Two: Breathe deeply, but normally, as if your breath is coming in and going out through your chest. Continue breathing until you find a natural rhythm. Step Three: As you maintain your focus and breathing, activate a positive feeling by recalling a time when you felt good. This can involve bringing a loved one to mind, perhaps a pet, or remembering a special time in your life. Feel the love you have for another, or the love they have for you. Repeat these steps as often as necessary, focusing on your heart, your breath and then love. What’s great about this breathing technique is that it also incorporates imagery, and imagery is powerful in creating experiences in our lives.

2 Self-help pioneer, Louise Hay, offers a way to turn around negative feelings and get to the root cause by asking yourself one question in moments of angst, and that question is: “What am I believing to be true in this moment?” A client experiencing test anxiety answered this question, “I’m believing that if I don’t pass this test, I’ll never have a career in engineering” – quite a severe consequence for a college student. When asked if that were true, he responded, “Well, now that I think about it, no.” Sometimes holding our negative thoughts up to the light of truth, as in this case, is enough to make them dissipate. But, just to be sure, I like to pair this technique with a mantra to counter the negative belief. All you have to do is take the original answer, as irrational as it may sound now that it’s been voiced, and turn it into a positive statement or create one that serves you, for example, “I’ll pass this test and have an amazing career in chemical engineering!” or “I’ve worked hard in this class and I know the material well.” This technique can also be combined with HeartMath breathing, repeating your new mantra at the third step. If you remember the experience in which the negative belief was formed, you could apply the following tip. 

3 Ho’oponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice in forgiveness typically carried out by a kahuna, or healer. In the modern world, we can utilize this tool all by ourselves, without ever having to confront anyone. This method is carried out with four short phrases, repeated until reconciliation is felt. The statements are: I’m sorry; please forgive me; I love you; thank you. I like to vary these expressions depending on the situation, as I don’t always remember them in this order or get the sentence structure correct. For example, after having my parking space “stolen” at Target, I caught myself feeling angry towards the other driver. Remembering the old saying that holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die, I used Ho’oponopono and in my mind repeated, “I forgive you. I’m sorry. I love you. Thank you.” Even if it sounds forced at first, stick with it. You can even apply this for deeper work by recalling a troublesome memory and repeating the process. It may have to be practiced at different times until all aspects of the memory have been addressed. You’ll know your work is complete when you can look at the entire memory without feeling any negative emotion.

Remember, there is no way to get these techniques wrong when you’re connecting with your heart. Overthinking how and when to apply them means you’re staying in your head. So, instead of trying to get it right, let go and allow yourself to experience the healing benefits of “feelingization.” 

Roberta Sage Hamilton’s quote continues, “What is right is always in our deepest heart of hearts.”

Danielle Medrano is a performance consultant and founder of Mindful Management. She helps people mentally prepare for their best performances in high-pressure situations. For coaching or speaking engagements, please contact her at danielle@mindful-management.com.

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Shared historical and cultural experiences underlie the combined Jewish-Chicano focus of radio KFNX-1100’s program, Phoenix Talk Back

At first glance, it wouldn’t seem that Jews and Chicanos have much in common. But, digging deeper uncovers parallels in both history and cultural experiences. It is this nexus that Phoenix Talk Back, which bills itself as “The world’s first Jewish Chicano talk radio show,” counts on for fascinating guests and, sometimes, for controversy and debate. The hour-long show airs at 10 a.m. on Sundays on KFNX 1100 AM; it is also available on the internet. Listeners of all political leanings can call in and participate in the frequently spunky conversations.  

The two co-hosts are Viva Samuel Ramirez, who is boldly proud of being a Chicano, and Lou Show (his radio name), who is proudly Jewish. The show is Lou’s brainchild, born of his personal reaction to what he sees as injustices in Arizona. He characterizes the show as “info-tainment.” 

Ramirez came on after a previous Latino host couldn’t identify with being a “Chicano,” a label that can spark its own controversy in the Mexican American community, with both positive and negative connotations. “He couldn’t even say the word, which is why Lou asked me on,” comments Ramirez, adding that he wants to defuse the strangeness of the Chicano word among Latinos, too. “I want that no ears should be offended when they hear the word, Chicano,” he says. 

Viva Ramirez’ late father was Sam Ramirez, a long-time Chicano community leader, former president of Valle del Sol, and good friend of the Chicano activist group that includes Alfredo Gutierrez, a co-founder of the Valle del Sol Coalition. Sam Ramirez also was the director of the VDS Barrio Youth Project. Viva sees himself following in his father’s footsteps and advocating for local Chicanos and Mexican immigrants.

Recent Phoenix Talk Back topics have been heavy on immigration. It is not only a hot topic these days, but one which binds Jews and Chicanos together. Saul Diskin, a local Jewish author who wrote Santana and Saúl about his long-time relationship with a Chicano, explains: “My parents’ experience was the same as the experience of many Mexicans in 1910 who were forced to flee their homeland; innocent people who only wanted to tend to their milpas. In 1915, the Czar ordered all Jews to leave. They faced religious and social persecution. My mother remembered the famine where she saw her playmates die in the streets. When they came to the United States, they were despised. They only wanted to live a better life. There is a kinship between the two groups.”

Diskin is scheduled to be on an upcoming show to discuss Jewish-Chicano relations. “I think the show is a good idea for people who have identified as being in these different groups. It’s not necessary that they agree on everything, only that they find common ground to talk to the other.”

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A stroll through an architectural delight makes for an entertaining summertime excursion, and an educational one. Here are a handful of possibilities. Most tour providers try to accommodate persons with special needs, but call ahead for specifics.

Arizona Biltmore

Designed by Albert Chase McArthur (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright) and opened in 1929, the Biltmore earned the sobriquet, “Jewel of the Desert.” Throughout the decades, the owners, including William Wrigley, Jr., have succeeded in maintaining this status through renovations and enlargements. Visitors will be impressed by how a series of architects have developed an ultra-modern architectural complex while remaining true to stylistic sources. Tours last about one and half hours.

Where: 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix 85016

When: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m.; private tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more

Admission: Free for hotel guests; $10, non-guests 

Info: 602-955-6600 (call for reservations); arizonabiltmore.com/about/history

Douglas Mansion

Canadian James Douglas purchased the “Little Daisy” Mine in 1912, during the heyday of copper mining in Arizona. Shortly after, in 1916, he built the Douglas Mansion nearby as much to accommodate visitors as to serve as a family residence. The exterior of the Southwest-style adobe brick structure has been beautifully restored as has been the Library room. The rest of the interior now serves as a museum that features a 3-D model of the boomtown complete with underground mine tunnels. Now part of the Jerome State Historic Park, the mansion is surrounded by other buildings and artifacts associated with the mining industry. There are no formal tours, but self-guided tours are enabled by video and print interpretive materials.

Where: 100 Douglas Road, Jerome, AZ 86331

When: 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. daily

Admission: free with Park entrance: $5, adult (14+); $2, youth (7-13); free, child (0-6)

Info: 928-634-5381; azstateparks.com/Parks/JERO/

San Xavier del Bac Mission

Although the founding of the mission is attributed to the Jesuit missionary, Eusebio Kino, in 1695, the exquisite example of ecclesiastical architecture seen today was built by an O’odham workforce under Franciscan leadership between 1783 and 1797, when the region was still territory of the Spanish Crown. The statuary and wall murals also date to this time; the style emulates that of the Spanish baroque. The building and its contents have suffered much over 200 years – from earthquakes, lightning strikes and old age – and have needed frequent repair. Since being designated a National Historic Landmark, meticulous conservation of the interior decoration has been completed. Work on the exterior, to repair the original brick walls and restore the lime-plastered surface, is on-going. Volunteer docents conduct tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, four times daily, except Sundays. Tours begin at the Museum entrance at times given below. The church is open to the public 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

Where: 1950 W. San Xavier Rd., Tucson AZ 85746

When: Mondays through Saturdays at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Admission: free (donations suggested)

Info: patronatosanxavier.org/visit

Orpheum Theatre

The theater was part of a downtown construction boom that preceded the Great Depression, along with the San Carlos and Westward Ho hotels. The Orpheum opened on January 5, 1929, and features a Spanish “baroque revival” style. First intended as a venue for vaudeville shows, its use extended to musicals and movies. A series of owners neglected the upkeep of the original decoration and architectural detail. It wasn’t until 1985 that the building was added to the historic register and serious restoration began thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre. The grand re-opening took place in 1997. Mid-day, hour-long tours, including a backstage visit, are conducted by trained docents.  

Where: 203 West Adams Street, Phoenix 85003

When: varies, usually early afternoon; check calendar

Admission: free

Info: 602-262-6225; friendsoftheorpheumtheatre.org

Mystery Castle

Destined for an early death from tuberculosis, Boyce Luther Gully left Seattle for Phoenix and embarked on a wild project in the 1930s to build a fantasy “castle” for his daughter, Mary Lou. Gully constructed the three-story, 18-room edifice in the foothills of South Mountain Park using cheap, readily available materials including many salvaged and re-purposed elements. The house was unfinished at the time of his death in 1945. Mary Lou only lived in the house as an adult (there was no plumbing or electricity until the 1990s), but she gave tours until her death in 2010. 

Where: 800 East Mineral Road, Phoenix 85040

When: Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; October through June

Admission: $10, adults; $5 children (5-15)

Info:  602-268-1581; mymysterycastle.com/location-and-tours

Tovrea Castle

Alessio Carraro was a poor Italian immigrant who fulfilled the American dream as a successful land developer and miner. He constructed the “Castle” in 1930, intended as a hotel and the centerpiece of a grandiose development project, which plan fell apart. In 1932, E.A. Tovrea, founder of the prosperous Arizona (later Tovrea) Packing Company, purchased the castle. The Tovreas respected Carraro’s vision, especially with respect to the design of the surrounding Cactus Garden, and preserved what is one of Phoenix’ most striking landmarks. The “Castle” tours, conducted by community volunteers, last about two hours and are wheelchair friendly. Tours are limited to 14 persons, so visitors must book in advance, by phone or on-line (see info below).

Where: Visitor’s Center, 5025 East Van Buren, Phoenix 85008

When: June and July tours begin at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; closed in August; tour schedule changes seasonally; check on-line for fall schedule

Admission: Adults: $15; Seniors/military/students: $13; Children (2-12): $10; Children under 2: free.

Info: 1-800-838-3006; tovreacastletours.com/castle-tours

Taliesin West

The winter residence of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright from 1937-1959, the building also functioned as a working studio and school, including “tents” in which first-year students were required to live. The architectonic composition epitomizes Wright’s goal of integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. The most visited architectural site in Arizona offers an array of guided tours, such as the two-hour “Night Lights Tour,” the 90-minute “Desert Walk” and the three-hour “Behind the Scenes Tour,” which features discussions with Wright associates.

Where: 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale 85259

When: Facility is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (except major holidays); 90-minute “Insights Tour” conducted at frequent intervals daily, specialty tours less often; check tour calendar at zerve.com/TaliesinWest/calendar

Admission: $32-$60 for adults, depending on type and length of tour; less for children, but on some tours no children, or no children under 12, allowed; purchase tickets in advance at zerve.com/TaliesinWest

Info: 480-627-5340/855-860-2700 

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Image of La Alondra de la Frontera graces one of U.S. Postal Service’s inaugural series of “Music Icons” stamps

Tejano music pioneer, Lydia Mendoza (1916-1997), is being honored by the United States Postal Service (USPS) with the issuance of the Lydia Mendoza Forever Stamp. Mendoza, who was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, achieved fame during the 1940s singing corridos and boleros in Spanish, accompanied by her 12-string guitar. 

Known as “La cancionera de los pobres” (the songstress of the poor) and “La alondra de la frontera” (the lark of the border), she is the first legend recognized by the USPS’s new Music Icon series, which, in 2013, will also include Johnny Cash and Ray Charles. 

In 1977, Mendoza sang at President Carter’s inauguration. In the 1980s, she received a National Heritage Award and, in 1999, President Clinton presented her with the National Medal of the Arts. “Her legacy,” Clinton stated, “is as wide and deep as the Rio Grande Valley.” Now, it lives on 30 million postage stamps.

The stamp is now available for purchase at local post offices, on-line at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

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No, seriously. Reckitt Benckiser, the parent company of Air Wick Solids, has launched a new National Park Collection. This Wal-Mart exclusive set of scents from four of America’s best-known tourist traps is, according to an official press release, “inspired by the vibrant scents of nature.”

The Parsippany, New Jersey, company appears concerned that those of us who can’t afford to travel this summer will be left longing for the smell of Glacier Bay. Therefore, the nice folks at Air Wick have partnered with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, and a whole bunch of Dow chemists who have cooked up some cocked-up sprays and air fresheners that smell like nature. Specifically, the nature found in Hawaii’s Honokohau National Historical Park; the paradise flowers of the Virgin Islands National Park; the green grass and summer meadows of Yellowstone National Park; and Glacier Bay’s sniffy Alaskan icebergs.

“The National Park Collection from Air Wick,” the press release promises, “allows families to bring home vibrant scents that were inspired by the nation’s most beautiful parks, all without ever having to leave their homes.” The heck with scenery and getting away and roadside hotdog stands – Air Wick knows that we travel for the smells we’ll find once we get where we’re going.

The full range of park-inspired products includes a line of scented candles, automobile freshening sprays, household aerosols, and something called The Flip & Fresh, which slowly burns an aromatic oil that approximates dogwood and fresh moss.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the new line will go to the National Park Foundation, according to Reckitt Benckiser. “Our national parks provide us with the purest scents of nature, and Air Wick searched America’s national treasures for inspiration for this new collection,” swears Jerome Lemaire, the company’s marketing director. “We hope this partnership inspires families to experience our parks first-hand and begin a lifelong relationship with America’s most treasured places.”

In the meantime, there’s the smells. 

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Beer aficionados in festival crowds and in noisy cantinas will be guzzling popular cerveza brands. But, the true beer connoisseur doesn’t need a holiday as an excuse to sip a cold brew. 

A true beer connoisseur has a year-round, life-long affair with the frothy elixir that is the alcoholic lubricant to get feet dancing, throats singing and the party rolling.    

Cerveza and tequila go mano a mano for the title of the national drink of Mexico (although some historians contend that pulque deserves that title); both have evolved from humble homemade beginnings to be the country’s largest domestic and export products. Some brewers have even tried mixing the two in certain brands. However, according to the Beverage Media Group, there are more beer consumers than tequila and wine drinkers in Mexico and the United States. 

A primer of beer’s evolution in the country south of the border is as colorful and boisterous as Mexico’s history. So this month, Latino Perspectives tips its bottle in salute to this fascinating tale of the ale.

Cerveza derives from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the scientific name of the ale yeast

Fermented drinks similar to beer in Mexico date back centuries to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, according to the book, La Cerveza en México, published by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc. Long before Hernán Cortés and his soldiers crashed the Aztec party, imbibing native tribes were micro-brewing their own. Pulque, from the fermented sap of the maguey plant, was the pre-Colombian drink of choice. Tesgüino, made from fermented maize, created a low-alcohol, amber liquid that gave a light buzz. It canbe found in Mexico today among the Tarahumara in Chihuahua, who still drink it from a gourd, and in Sonora and Colima. Another ancient beverage, pozol, is produced in Oaxaca, Chiapas and Tabasco with corn and cacao beans. 

After the Conquest, Spaniards introduced European-style beer brewed with barley, which most beer fans in Mexico and the United States have since come to know and love. However, the brewery industry in Mexico took off with the arrival of German immigrants in the 19^th century. By 1918, there were 36 brewing companies quenching the thirst of Mexicans. 

By 1925, cerveza had displaced pulque as the alcoholic drink of choice for Mexicans. European immigrant beer-brewers campaigned against native drinks by claiming they were produced by unsanitary methods, including the use of feces as fermenting material, and promoted beer as “rigorously hygienic and modern.” This negative campaigning effectively ended pulque’s popularity. 

Throughout the 20^th century, consolidation eliminated the multiple competing breweries until only two survived: Grupo Modelo and FEMSA (Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.). These two conglomerates control 90 percent of the Mexican beer market. Today, beer is a big export, with most ending up in the nearby U.S., which ranks 12^th in the world for beer consumption per capita. In addition, Mexican beer is sold in more than 150 other countries.  

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]]> http://latinopm.com/features/the-cerveza-report-16817/feed 0 http://latinopm.com/health-fitness/fitness/total-immersion-16779 http://latinopm.com/health-fitness/fitness/total-immersion-16779#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 14:20:51 +0000 latinopm http://latinopm.com/?p=16779 By Virginia Betz

To a strong swimmer, a large expanse of water in a natural setting must be irresistibly inviting, particularly in contrast to the usual repetition of laps in a single lane of a concrete pool (probably shared with another swimmer). Open-water swimming is a draw for the recreational swimmer who just wants a change of scene, but is also becoming more popular among amateur and professional athletes who train for endurance events, such as triathlons and channel crossing.

Locations for open-swimming near Phoenix

Many municipalities prohibit swimming in natural water features within their boundaries. Water quality could be an issue and, most likely, there is an unwillingness to incur the inevitable expenses associated with habitual public use. In Arizona state parks, visitors are permitted to swim anywhere, but finding a place suitable for a real long swim may not be so easy. The best choices for open-water swimming near Phoenix are large lakes/reservoirs with developed recreational facilities. Many have specially designated areas for swimmers (no motorboats or jet skis) and include safety features, like platforms and buoys, along with other amenities, such as picnic areas and lavatories. Information about lake conditions (temperature, wind speed, etc.) can be obtained before planning your visit. A few destinations appropriate for swimmers of average skill are listed below.

Lake Pleasant

Part of the City of Phoenix Parks System, Lake Pleasant Regional Park surrounds a very large lake formed by Waddell Dam. The Lake has several coves that are “wake-free,” and, thus, safe areas for swimmers. In Castle Creek Cove, it is possible to do a three-mile swim from the mouth of the cove to the tip and back. A day pass is required to enter the park; it is $6 per car and $1 if entering by bike or on foot. Map and more details at maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant 

Bartlett Reservoir

Bartlett Reservoir is 22 miles east of Carefree. Formed by a dam of the same name on the Verde River, the area is notable for its spectacular scenery. The Reservoir is located in the Cave Creek Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, so vehicles need to purchase a $6 pass to park at the facility. Rattlesnake Cove, off-limits to motor boats, is the spot for open-water swimming inside the buoy line. The undeveloped beach front slopes gradually down to deeper water. Windy conditions often prevail in the area and can produce choppy water. Map and info at fs.usda.gov/tonto

Canyon Lake

canyon Lake

Canyon Lake, 15 miles up the Apache Trail from Apache Junction, is part of the Superstition Wilderness area of the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District. The Boulder Creek Recreation Area, off limits to motorized watercraft, is most recommended for open-water swimming. It is possible to swim a one-mile loop non-stop. As for all Tonto sites, a $6 parking pass is needed. Info at fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto

Lyman Lake 

If higher elevations appeal as the hot summer months approach, Lyman Lake at 6,000 feet is the largest lake in the White Mountains along the Little Colorado River. Because the Lake is so expansive (1,500 acres), it is popular for boating, but the west end of the Lake is a buoyed-off, no-wake zone great for swimming. Lyman Lake, 17 miles north of Springerville, is part of the Arizona State Parks system and has a $7 entrance fee for vehicles and $3 for individuals/cyclists. Map and info at azstateparks.com/parks/lyla

The special challenges of open-water swimming

Physical exposure

Open-water swimmers are exposed to greater extremes of  temperature than pool swimmers. Usually, the issue is cold. A warm body rapidly loses heat in cold water through conduction, and exercising in the water will accelerate heat loss due to convection. According to active.com, responses to cold include “shivering, constricting blood vessels, increasing metabolism, increasing urine volume, increasing lactate production and decreasing VO₂max,” all conditions guaranteed to diminish athletic performance. Wetsuits permit longer stays in the water but detract from the sensual experience of the water most recreational swimmers desire. 

Overexposure to the sun can also be a particular hazard for the open-water swimmer who, having committed to a long swim with no opportunity to rest, neglects to consider that, even in cool waters, parts of the body can be subject to sunburn.  

Sighting

In choosing a destination, the open-water swimmer will presume a straight line trajectory, but swimming in a straight line is easier said than done. Most swimmers take breaths on the same side every few strokes, which tends to cause the swimmer to veer to one side. Correcting for this tendency is easy when lap swimming, but for open-water swimmers, frequent stopping to adjust direction really slows down the swimmer’s progress and wastes energy. Ideally, open-water swimmers should adopt a symmetrical stroke with bilateral breathing. It also helps to learn to keep a low head position while taking frequent looks to stay on course. Learning such new techniques requires practice. 

Isolation

The lure of open water can also be a great disadvantage if a swimmer gets in trouble and there is no one nearby to note their distress. Even if there is a lifeguard on an ocean or lakeside beach, the surveillance of wide, open spaces is difficult. Take care not to underestimate distances or overestimate your swimming prowess. If the goal is to cover a significant distance, advise companions of your intentions; inexperienced open-water swimmers shouldn’t stray far from fellow swimmers or from a landing place.

Persons desiring to take up open-water swimming in a serious way ought to consider professional coaching in order to learn the special techniques appropriate for long-distance and/or competitive swims. With training and experience, swimmers can enjoy open-swimming in a greater variety of water contexts. 

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But, as I write this, I can’t help but take the news coming out of Boston right now personally. 

The granddaddy of all marathons – the Boston Marathon – marred by terrorism; explosions set off at the finish line; hundreds of people injured; several people dead, including an eight-year-old child. 

I am outraged, horrified and so saddened.

My family has stood to cheer me on just feet from where the first explosion went off.

I know the euphoria that a runner feels when the finish line comes into view. This city embraces this marathon like no other. It’s more than a marathon; it’s an experience. 

What happened in Boston is absolutely sickening. 

My phone started going off shortly after noon on Patriots Day, also known as Marathon Day in Boston. 

I’ve run it the last two years, three years in all. I didn’t realize how many people didn’t know I’d be sitting out this year’s race to rehab an injury after last year’s record-breaking Boston Marathon heat.

The phone rang, the texts went off and social media messages started coming in almost immediately from people wanting to know if I was okay. Right away I thought about Bonnie, my friend and executive producer who was running her first Boston Marathon. The explosions went off right about the time I figured she’d be crossing. I called her frantically and, when I got her voice mail, I panicked. I turned on the TV and sat in horror as I saw the video of the explosion and the terrified looks on the faces of spectators as they scattered like bugs. I watched in horror as runners collapsed and cried in disbelief.

I know Boylston Street well. I know how packed it gets with cheering people lined up along it, using their voices to give runners that last boost of energy. I know that last turn of the corner less than a mile from where the explosions went off. I know that had I been there this year, my sister, my daughter and my fiancé would have been just feet from where the first bomb went off, just as they had been before. 

The reality of all what could have been – and all that is – is simply surreal. 

For all the victims, my heart breaks. Their world will never be the same.

Bonnie crossed the finish line 15 minutes before the explosions. She was safe and we were all so relieved.

When my co-anchor walked in to work today, the first thing he did was give me a hug. 

We both got emotional tonight during the newscast, thinking about the “what ifs.”

Tonight we couldn’t help but show we are more than just faces on a screen. We are real people with real emotions.

Tonight the news got personal and we weren’t afraid to show it.

Catherine Anaya anchors CBS 5 News weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6 and 10 p.m. She is a mother of two, marathon runner and motivational speaker. Reach her at catherine.anaya@cbs5az.com; connect with her on Facebook, twitter and at CatherineAnaya.com.

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My introduction to our state legislature was uncomfortable. While an undergraduate student at Arizona State, I served as a majority intern in the House of Representatives. The discomfort came from being a Democrat working for Republicans, and only one of two Latinos doing so.

I took the internship hoping to improve my chances of getting into a top-tier graduate school. I was equally immersed in the community and my studies and, while most of my fellow interns wanted to become lawyers, my dream was to become a social science researcher. I was certain there was a strong relationship between policy-makers and those who research social problems.

My motivations were my surroundings. The neighborhood I grew up in was the scene of demographic change and, along with it, the sights, sounds and smells of Maryvale were changing. Ice cream trucks still patrolled the block but now tamale vendors did too. The tunes of Van Halen and Michael Jackson were now occasionally drowned out by Ramon Ayala. Don’t get me wrong, growing up on the Westside there were always Latino elements, but now they were increasingly prevalent and Mexican. It made some folks uncomfortable, even those who recognized that we shared a heritage with our new neighbors.

Despite the changes, I was still comfortable in my ubiquitous John F. Long home. Still, I knew things could, and should, get better, much better. Our schools, neighborhood safety and economic position all needed to improve drastically to avoid slipping into irrelevance. At that point in 1995, I swore I’d never leave the ‘Vale; I wanted to be a servant to my community.  

My internship showed me immediately that I had it all wrong. I learned quickly that there was little connection between policy and research and, for me, that was very disappointing. But, I also learned that trust, diplomacy and efficiency are valuable qualities because most issues are too complicated to convey completely. You never know who your allies will be and, with regard to programs, cost always outweighs effectiveness.

Obviously, I got over being uncomfortable. My internship was over 17 years ago and I have worked in government relations full-time ever since.

If you’re wondering why it is important for you to know about the legislative process, I have two good reasons. In the first place, laws are more than policies; they are moral documents that convey a society’s priorities.  

Second, in order for the Latino community to make itself a priority, it must be engaged in improving our educational system, public safety and economic development. When you are not engaged, you forfeit your political power by making those who do engage in the process more powerful.

Legislative advocacy for Latinos is critically important because of the huge gap between our lack of civic engagement and our growing population. Arizona’s Latino population in 1980 was only 16 percent. Currently, Latinos make up 30 percent of Arizona’s population and, by 2030, Arizona’s population could reach “majority-minority” status. However, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, while Latinos are 17 percent of the population of the United States, they only comprise 10 percent of voters. Latinos could, however, account for 40 percent of the electorate by 2030. If Latinos increase voter participation to the level of other groups, the number of votes cast by Latinos could double in the next two decades.

To become engaged it helps to know the legislative process. As for how a bill becomes law, I could try and explain every nuance, but what readers need is an understanding of the legislative process that can be applied independently. There are two basic components to passing a bill: the introduction and the process. 

The motivation behind bills, much like my own motivation for applying for the legislative internship, isn’t always obvious or transparent. But there is always a problem, incident or disagreement behind the genesis of every bill. 

Bills can come from both malicious and positive intentions but, with 1,395 total bills introduced last year, the malicious can go unnoticed. Keep in mind that one person’s special interest group is another person’s advocate.  

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