Love sports?

If you love sports, you live in the right place, and you are going to love this issue. I have lived in Lake County most of my life and until just recently, I had no idea that there were so many opportunities to get involved in local sports activities, or that there are so many opportunities to watch sporting events.

Lake County is home to a multitude of facilities, such as Florida’s largest sand volleyball complex in Tavares, championship-level disc golf courses, and the National Training Center in Clermont.

With the help of Steven Clenney, Lake County’s sports development and tourism coordinator, this month we’re providing a closer look at some of the local sports facilities, as well as some of the exciting sporting events coming this year.

That’s not all—we also have engaged several local sports professionals for advice on how to improve your game. For example, we share insight from Brady Singer, the Florida Gators’ star pitcher and the projected top pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft. Did you know he was born and raised right here in Lake County? I have to be honest, we have the advantage on the inside scoop, as Brady’s mother, Jacquelyn Singer, is a member of the Akers Media Group team. Also, be sure to look for the advertisements that list dates and times of city industrial leagues and opportunities to get involved. Even if you don’t play, sponsoring a local team is a great way to give back and promote your business while encouraging a healthy community.

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and even learn something new. Our team, particularly one of our longtime, multi-awardwinning writers, James Combs, has worked really hard to assemble this guide about Lake County sports. He has been covering topics in Healthy Living for almost 10 years and, as always, has over-delivered.

Until next month,

Doug Akers / President doug@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers / Publisher/Editor-In-Chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark / Chief Creative Officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com editorial, design & photography

Leigh Neely Managing Editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Staff Writer james@akersmediagroup.com

Theresa Campbell Staff Writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

Chris Gerbasi Staff Writer chris@akersmediagroup.com

Jason Fugate Creative Director jason@akersmediagroup.com

Volkan Ulgen Art Director volkan@akersmediagroup.com

Josh Clark Senior Designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

Michael Gaulin Production Director michael@akersmediagroup.com

Fred Lopez Chief Photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com contributing writers

Fred Hilton, Richard T. Bosshardt M.D., Dave Ramsey, Joy Stephenson-Laws, Alexandra Alfred, Vijay Eswaran, Ilona Selke, Ilchi Lee, ,Evan Crosby sales & marketing

Tim McRae Vice President, Sales & Marketing tim@akersmediagroup.com

William Carter Advertising Executive william@akersmediagroup.com

Jacquelyn Singer Advertising Executive jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com

Cree Howard Sales Executive Assistant cree@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Chastain Sales Assistant shaena@akersmediagroup.com administration

Deb Matlock Director of Client Services deb@akersmediagroup.com Aubrey Akers Advertising Coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com distribution

Scott Hegg / Distribution Manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com digital social media

Garrett Reardon / Digital Specialist garrett@akersmediagroup.com

COMMENTS OR vital.

Not One For The Road

Binge drinking is the most common and costly alcohol problem in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Binge drinking is defined as a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or above, or 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 grams of blood—that’s usually five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women in about two hours. Statistics show it is most common among the 18-34 age group but crosses all ages.

The new blood pressure guidelines have been in the news a lot lately, reflecting the belief that changes in lifestyle and eating habits work as well or better than medication. This study, the first in 14 years according to the American Heart Association, lowers the reading that indicates high blood pressure. The old numbers were 140/90, but now 130/80 is considered the point where diet change or medication is recommended. The study also eliminated a category, prehypertension, that has been identified since 2003, the AHA says. According to a news release, this should be reflected in a 14 percent increase in those diagnosed with high blood pressure, so earlier intervention may mean fewer problems with heart attack and stroke due to high blood pressure. Getting your blood pressure checked is easy and painless. Most pharmacies and grocery stores have machines onsite for testing and will give you information about your blood pressure readings. These stores include Publix,

Note: High school students are defined as those in grades 9-12.

Source: CDC. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2013.

Lunch And Learn

Gather in the Mattison Conference Rooms at Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares from noon-2pm March 6 to hear about “Family Dynamics: Legal & Emotional” from attorney Todd Mazenko and marriage counselor Burt Bertram, and “Fraud Protection” from Jarrod Strickland, financial crimes investigator, Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The complimentary seminar includes lunch and is open to the public. However, reservations are required. Email joan.ordazzo@ahss.org or call 352.253.3270.

TVRH WANTS YOU!

The Villages Regional Hospital is looking for good recruits—volunteers, that is, to serve its auxiliary. “If you’re familiar with the auxiliary, then you know its volunteers work in a variety of departments at the hospital,” Lou Emmert, president of the hospital auxiliary, said in a press release. “In fact, they do a little bit of everything—from working at the hospital’s gift shop and information desks to serving as patient representatives to shuttling patients to and from the parking lots to manning the fundraising for Ye Old Thrift Shoppe in Lady Lake. They also fill in the gaps by assisting hospital staff and providing extra services for patients, guests, and family members.” Volunteers are needed most for early evening (4-8pm) shifts and weekends. For information, contact the volunteer placement office at 352.751.8176.