North Atlanta Fit Life

Easy, Healthy Recipes for Avocado Toast & Mediterranean Chicken

Champion's Place Gives Back

ALPHARETTA|DULUTH JOHNS CREEK|SUWANEE PEACHTREE CORNERS

Sept/Oct 2020

FREE!

TEENS & COVID: What You Need to Know

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Tracie Morse ~Publisher

Adapting to this strange COVID world is fluid at School is in session and no one is more best. Things can feel almost normal some days. affected by our decreased social interaction Then someone you were around gets fever, you and increased screen time more than teens. have to get tested, and wait for results in Please read the important article on page 7 to quarantine. Life goes on, and so does COVID, so Keep Your Teens Mentally Healthy. we have to get used to living in a pandemic.

That's why this issue is dedicated to Self Care.

55 Fitness is OPEN and caters to adults aged Please do all you can to make time for yourself, to 55 and above. Find out why garlic and dreams rest and recharge, have some fun, stay healthy should be part of self care for mature adults in and keep others safe by wearing a mask, and pay FIT BEYOND 55 on page 14. attention to what your body needs. It's never We are honored to showcase Champion's been more important than now!

Place in our GIVING BACK feature on page 16.

Be sure to tune into What amazing work they do in our community!

Find episodes under BLOG on our website.

Exercising is part of a self care routine, but wait, there's more! Check out our FIT TIP by Eat the Frog Fitness Johns Creek on page 5 to learn what to incorporate into your self care regimen.

As always, the FIT FARE recipes on pages 1819 do not disappoint! 3:8 Juice gives us a delish avocado toast for breakfast or snack.

Check out our FIT EVENTS calendar for live and virtual events, and look for us at events as we are able. Can't wait to see you!

Think you might have bad breath? Let's be honest...who's going to tell you? Our friends at Imagix/Town Center Dental have some HEALTHY SMILE, HEALTHY YOU tips on page 6 so no one ever has to figure out how to tell you your breath stinks!

LIVE WELL. BE INTENTIONAL. CHOOSE HAPPY!

SUPPORT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES Alpha OBGYN..............................................17 Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia...............8 Eat the Frog Johns Creek.............................4 Fit Club International..................................20 Hidden Values..............................................20 Imagix/Town Center Dental........................7 Mountain High Outfitters...........................23

Norcross Fit Body Boot Camp......................20 North Atlanta FitLife HIRING.........................21 Robert D. Fowler YMCA..................................24 Stretch Zone.......................................................8 Structural Based Therapy................................9 Xquisite Marketing...........................................20 3:8 Juice & Eatery.............................................19 55 Fitness...........................................................15

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Fit Tip

8 KEY FACTORS FOR BETTER SELF CARE Sleep: Sleeping habits

Nourish: Food = energy.

Exercise: Take care your body

stressful situations at home/work, poor sleeping, and bad eating habits.

Balance: Prioritize the needs

Timeout: unplug and step away

"It is okay to unplug and step away to regain perspective."

Organize: Creating systems of organization

Read: reading literature

Schedule: Schedule time

By: Devin "DC" Campbell, Membership Manager Eat the Frog Fitness Johns Creek

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Healthy Smile, Healthy YOU

What To Do About Bad Breath Dentists refer to bad breath as halitosis.

How Oral Hygiene Habits Affect Your Breath

How Your Life Can Lead to Halitosis

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See a dentist as soon as possible to treat any current dental concerns.

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HELP TEENS MANAGE MENTAL STRAIN

COVID-19 may have begun as a physical health crisis, but like their parents, children, teens and

"Children, teens and college students (or young adults) are likely to experience stress and anxiety caused by disruptions to school, work and life."

college students (or young adults) are likely to experience stress and anxiety caused by disruptions to school, work and life. In fact, a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found 45% of adults felt the pandemic has impacted their mental health.

A study by Jean M. Twenge, author of "iGEN," showed adolescents and young adults in the late 2010s experienced serious psychological distress, major depression or suicidal thoughts and more attempted suicide compared to those a decade earlier. That was before a global pandemic turned life inside out.

For parents of teens and young adults in these unprecedented times, these tips may help create a sense of comfort and security that boost their children's mental health.

When so much else is unfamiliar, creating a sense of consistency can provide an environment

STRUCTURE

kids come to expect and rely on. Find elements of

Between school, parents working from home and

the day that can become part of a new routine,

the frequent changes in stay-at-home orders, it

like wake-up and bedtimes, meals together

can be difficult to maintain a family routine.

without electronics or a walk around the block.

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LISTEN Teens aren't typically known for expansive communication under typical circumstances, much less during a global health crisis. That makes it especially important to focus on what they are saying, validate their thoughts and create a sense of safety for them to continue to verbalize what's on their minds.

COACHING Find an expert who can support your unique

SLEEP

parenting challenges. A resource like All Kinds

Because your pace of life has probably slowed, you

of Therapy provides a safe place for families in

may not think kids need as much sleep. However,

crisis and helps demystify the private pay

during times of stress, rest is necessary to give your

mental health, substance abuse and

body and mind time to relax from the heightened

behavioral health care treatment industries.

state and digital forms of socialization. Multiple

The site provides parents of children with a

studies, including a report from Stanford that

directory of assessment, treatment programs,

labeled the problem an epidemic, have shown a lack

parent coach experts, teletherapy and

of sleep contributes to anxiety, depression and an

consultants who can assist families in crisis.

inability to concentrate.

SCHOOL

Teens and young adults may need mental health or substance use treatment due to feelings of isolation or the chance of colleges

When it comes to schoolwork, determine what is

not opening this fall," said Jenney Wilder,

realistic and achievable, and create short-term

founder of All Kinds of Therapy. "We deliver

goals. Don't be afraid to customize lessons at home to meet your student's needs. For example, if the assigned reading isn't holding your teen's attention,

facts about treatment programs, virtual therapy sessions, and other resources to help families during this national emergency."

encourage him or her to find more captivating material.

Resources offered through the site focus on treating diagnoses like depression, anxiety,

CELEBRATE SUCCESSES Victory may look different these days, but it's important to celebrate achievements, whether it's a

autism spectrum disorder, substance abuse, learning disabilities and more. Visitors can compare and evaluate various interventions

day without siblings fighting or the completion of a

and treatments.

family project like cleaning out the garage. Kids

Family Features

thrive on a sense of accomplishment, so when you find those moments, seize them and celebrate them.

Find resources to help your family navigate the mental and emotional impact of COVID-19 at allkindsoftherapy.com.

Jenney Wilder, Founder AllKindsOfTherapy.com

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Fit Events

September/October

Peachtree Corners Town Center RUNNING SEC RUN TO PLAYOFFS Weekly for football season Virtual www.fivestarntp.com GOLD RIBBON STRIDES VIRTUAL RUN/WALK September 1 – September 30 https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/A lpharetta/GoldRibbonStrides SUGARLOAF LIVE & VIRTUAL CHARITY TURKEY TROT 5K September 1 - November 26 https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/D uluth/WCSCCTurkeyTrot 2595 Sugarloaf Club Drive, Duluth TEAM MAGGIE 5K/10K Sunday, September 19th LIVE Stream Interactive Virtual Walk/Run https://www.facebook.com/events /973370626381566/

LABOR DAY DONUT DASH HALF MARATHON / 5K / MUNCHKIN RUN Monday, Sept 7th @7:30am Virtual runsignup.com/Race/GA/Columb us/BigDogClassic

PEACHTREE CITY CLASSIC 5K/15K Saturday, October 17th @8:30am Peachtree City Virtual https://ptcrc.com/ptcrcvirtual-race/

LABOR DAY 5K/10K/15K Monday, September 7 @8a Virtual www.fivestarntp.com

ADMH RUN FOR HEALTH - HOME EDITION Virtual 5K/10K Run/Walk and Fun Run Sunday, October 18th

BREAKFAST CLUB 5K Saturday, September 26 @8a Little Mulberry Park, Dacula SHE RUNs FOR FUN 5K Saturday, October 3rd Virtual www.sherunsforfun.com RUN YOUR HAPPY TAILS OFF 5K AND FUN RUN Saturday, October 3rd Virtual www.runyourhappytailsoff.com

BOSTON BOUND MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON Sunday, September 6th @6:30a Virtual STRAY DOG STRUT 5K runsignup.com/Race/GA/Suwa Saturday, October nee/Boston 17th @9am BoundMarathonHalfMarathon Newtown Park, Johns Creek

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DYSLEXIA DASH 2020 October 24th - November 1st Virtual https://runsignup.com/Race/GA /Atlanta/DyslexiaDash TRICK-OR-TREAT TROT VIRTUAL FAMILY FESTIVAL Saturday, October 24 – 25 https://runsignup.com/Race/GA /Norcross/TrickOrTreatTrot SPOOKY SPRINT FUN RUN (ages 9 and under) Saturday, October 24th @11a Thrasher Park, Norcross

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Fit Events DIRTY SPOKES BATTLE AT BIG COMMUNITY EVENTS CREEK 10/5.5 MILE TRAIL RUN Saturday, October 31st @8:30a KENTUCKY DERBY AT Big Creek Trails, Roswell AVALON Saturday, September 5th BOOS-N-BREWS BEER MILE 3:00 – 9:00p Saturday, October 31st @8a Avalon, Alpharetta Cherry Street Brewing Halcyon, Alpharetta BLUES AND DERBY

YOGA/FITNESS ALPHARETTA CITY CENTER RUN CLUB Thursdays @6:00 September 3 - October 29 Start at Core 57 YOGA ON THE GREEN Tuesdays until Sep 29 @ 8:30a Peachtree Corners Town Center FREE BARRE OUTDOORS Saturdays @10a, Thursdays @6 Through October 31st Downtown Alpharetta NEWTOWN PARK BARRE Sundays @10a September 20, October 11 & 25 NEWTOWN PARK YOGA Sundays @10a Sept 6 & 13, October 4 & 18 YOGA ON THE GREEN Tuesdays @8:30a thru Sept 29th Peachtree Corners Town Center

Saturday, September 5th 6 - 9p Town Green Peachtree Corners MOTHER SON EXTREME FUN Friday, September 11th 1-3pm Alpharetta Community Center ADADPTIVE RECREATION DANCE NIGHT Friday, September 11th 7-9pm Newtown Park Amphitheater PUP-A-PALOOZA Sunday, September 12th @11a Newtown Park, Johns Creek EAT THE FROG FITNESS JC GRAND OPENING September 19 2-6p 10945 State Brdg, Johns Creek SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Saturdays from 5:30 – 6:30p September 26th & October 17th Peachtree Corners Town Center SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Saturday, October 3rd @6:00p Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, Newtown Park, Johns Creek FLICKS ON THE BRICKS Saturday, October 3rd @7:00p Peachtree Corners Town Center

"Be strong. You never know who you are inspiring."

TASTE OF BBQ AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Saturday, October 10th 10a-6p Suwanee Town Center Park

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JOHNS CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL Saturday October 17th 10a-6p Atlanta Athletic Club TRUNK OR TREAT Wednesday October 21st 6-8p Johns Creek City Hall ADAPTIVE RECREATION YOUNG ADULT BINGO NIGHT Friday, November 13th 7-9p Newtown Park, Johns Creek HONORING OUR VETERANS Saturday, Nov 14th 10-11:30a Newtown Park, Johns Creek

FARMERS MARKETS & FOOD TRUCKS NIGHT MARKET – FARMERS MARKET AND MUSIC Fridays, 6:30 – 9:30p Sept 11th & Oct 9th Peachtree Corners Town Center ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 9a - 12p thru Oct 31st Alpharetta City Hall SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 8a - 12p thru Sept 26 Town Center Park, Suwanee

***ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES. PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES AND PRACTICE PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING.*** 13

Fit Beyond 55

Why you need Garlic and Dreams for COVID Self Care While many older Americans may be of the mindset that “age 60 is the new 40” that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be vigilant about their physical and psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The broad concept of self-care generally includes all those activities which contribute to maintaining good health.

Go for Garlic Breath!

It’s important for everyone’s self-care, especially baby boomers and seniors. Making a plan to eat a healthier diet can keep you healthy and active for longer. One great superfood example is garlic. It’s a powerful contributor in fighting off infections, boosts the immune system, helps lower cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Stay Social!

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, 43% of those over age 60 reported suffering from feelings of isolation and research shows

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that those feelings can lead to both mental and physical healthy problems. It’s vital to your overall wellness to stay connected even while maintaining a safe social distance.

WHATS A 5 LETTER WORD FOR 'PANDEMIC'?

It's a good idea to include activities like solving crossword puzzles and other kinds of thought exercises because they serve to keep the mind active and engaged, and they promote better mental acuity. If you can include some kinds of activities like this regularly in your daily routine, you will be able to keep your mind sharp and maintain a more positive outlook.

CATCH SOME ZZZZ'S! Sleep is just as important to your physical and emotional health as it was when you were younger. A good night's sleep helps improve concentration and memory formation, allows your body to repair any cell damage that occurred during the day,

and refreshes your immune system, which in turn helps to prevent disease.

Track your health!

It is always important to pay close attention to what your body is telling you and pass that information on to your primary care physician. As the pandemic continues, chronic conditions can be impacted by stress, loneliness and grief. Think about ways you can monitor and record aspects of your health and bring this information to medical appointments. This will help your doctor understand your symptoms.

All these activities taken together help to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and contribute heavily to the quality of life that a baby boomer or senior enjoys, which is more important than ever during this pandemic.

By: Brendan Skeen 55 Fitness www.55fitness.com

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Giving Back

At Champions Place, young adults with physical disabilities can lead independent and productive lives and experience life to its fullest.

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A FitLife favorite gift!

FOR YOUR BUMP AND BEYOND

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Fit Fare

Author: Sara Welch www.dinneratthezoo.com

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes

4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a

2 teaspoons olive oil

large skillet or pot, heat the olive

1 small onion finely diced

oil over medium high heat. Season

2 cloves garlic minced

the chicken generously on both

1/2 cup roasted peppers roughly

sides with salt and pepper. Place the

chopped (can use red, yellow or

chicken in the pan and cook for 4 to

orange peppers)

6 minutes on each side or until

8 ounces orzo pasta uncooked

golden brown. Remove the chicken

3/4 cup kalamata olives halved

from the pan.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 15 ounce can chickpeas drained and

Drain off excess fat leaving about 1

rinsed

teaspoon in the pan. Add the onion,

3 cups chicken broth

cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic,

kosher salt and black pepper to taste

cook for one minute more.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Add the orzo, oregano, roasted peppers, olives and chickpeas to the pan. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place the

Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g

chicken on top of the orzo mixture; add chicken broth.

| Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 691mg |

Bring everything to a boil, cover the

Potassium: 950mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar:

pot with a lid and place into the

8g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C:

oven. Bake for 35 minutes or until

24.4mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 5.6mg

chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

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Fit Fare - Plant Based

Best Avocado Toast Ingredients: 6 slices whole grain bread, toasted 1 Hass avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and cut into 6 wedges 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced 1½ cups thinly sliced cucumber 1 to 2 cups baby romaine lettuce or spinach ½ to ⅔ cup fresh alfalfa sprouts (optional) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions: Spread each toasted bread slice with an avocado wedge. Top with tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and, if desired, alfalfa sprouts.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with lemon juice. Serve immediately.

This easy, vegan avocado toast recipe makes a perfect portable snack or breakfast. Tightly wrapped in wax paper, these toasts will keep in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Recipe Compliments of Forks Over Knives

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Hybrid Pricing!

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NOW HIRING!

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Local Trail Guide Miles of trails in your own back yard!

ALPHARETTA

JOHNS CREEK

Big Creek Greenway – 8 miles

Newtown Park – 2 miles

3104-3122 Kimball Bridge Road

3150 Old Alabama Road

Webb Bridge Park – 1.4 miles

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center – 3 miles

4780 Webb Bridge Road

9770 Autrey Mill Road

Rock Mill Park – Attached to the Greenway.

Jones Bridge Trail – 4.6 miles

3100 Kimball Bridge Road

Garrard Landing Park Loop – 1.2 miles

9065 Barnwell Road, Chattahoochee National Recreation Area

DULUTH

8000 Holcomb Bridge Road

Wills Park – 1.7 miles

McDaniel Farm Park – 3 miles

11925 Wills Road

3251 McDaniel Road

SUWANEE

Bunten Road Park – 1.5 miles 3180 Bunten Road

Sims Lake Park – 1.2 miles

Shorty Howell Park – 1.25 miles

4600 Suwanee Dam Road

Suwanee Creek Greenway – 6.3 miles

2750 Pleasant Hill Road

WP Jones Memorial Park – 1 mile

375 Buford Highway

3770 Pleasant Hill Road

Settles Bridge Park Extended Loop Trail – 2.1 miles

PEACHTREE CORNERS

2.4 mile Extended Loop 298 Johnson Road

Simpsonwood Park – 3.1 miles

George Pierce Park – 1.2 and 2.6 miles

4511 Jones Bridge Circle

55 Buford Hwy

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