SolanoFit_Mar_Apr_2011_optimized

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Health Becomes You

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VEGGIES Do A Body Good

Why Tri?

Tri-athletes share their mojo to move!

soFitkid’s COLORING CONTEST Page 12

GO GREEN Go Eco-Clean Tips

Todd Rewick

THE RACE DIRECTOR Reshaping the Nation

Scan to Watch

NOT FOR SALE

OUR GREEN FUTURE

Learn how Page 38

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HOW GREEN IS YOUR CITY? Mayors Weigh In

Your Complete Guide to Health, Fitness, and Beauty


PICK A HEALTHIER LIFE.

Eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables is an important part of staying healthy. Stock up on the freshest produce and more from local growers and vendors at our Vallejo Farmers’ Market and Vacaville Produce Days, and discover just how natural good health can be. Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Farmers’ Market 975 Sereno Drive

Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Produce Days 1 Quality Drive

Every Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Every Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both are year-round and open to the public! kp.org


Congratulations

#24Jarrett T

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Bush!

hank you to all of my friends and fans for your

support this season. I have much love for my hometown Vacaville, and I am excited about Solano Fit's mission to make a healthier county! We can all be champions for health and wellness! Let's be the county that gets healthy together! Let's make our county shine!

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Watch Jarrett's Interception

SolanoFit Magazine

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on cover 12 soFITkids Coloring Contest 18 Why Tri? Tri-Athletes Share Their Mojo to Move 20 Todd Rewick THE RACE DIRECTOR

Running Races, Raising Funds, Reshaping the World

26 Veggies Do A Body Good 28 Go Green Go Eco-Clean Tips 39 How Green is Your City? Solano Mayors Weigh In!

28 Go Green Go Eco-Clean Tips

contents fitbody 13 Just Tri It: The Scoop on Fitness 14 A Fleet Feat: The Best Part of Waking Up 15 The SoFit 4: Get Fit Outdoors with These Four Exercises

fitmind MAR / APR 2011

M A G A Z I N E

24 Vena’s Victory 30 Natural Health and Wellness:

I'm finding that I have to prioritize my time... in order to balance it all for the kids.

-JESSICA CHATTEN-BROWN, PAGE

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New Ideas for Recycling

fitfood

April 9, 2011 • 8 am

17 You Are What You Eat 26 Vegetarian Diets: Are They Right For You? 27 Color Me Healthy: Adding Color to Your Diet

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GRAPEVINE

S & J Advertising’s

The Monthly

M A G A Z I N E

Blue Ridge

S o l a Fnamily o FDiental t Magazine

3 9IN ,IU -C$ONALD S


healthwatch

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21 Leading By Example: The NorthBay Way 31 Ahchoo, God Bless You! Allergies Got You Down? 37 Easy Does It: The New Prescription for Health

Todd Rewick is Running For Good

fitplanet 28 Eco Tips for the Household: Go Green Eco Clean 34 Wide Open Spaces: Solano Land Trust Protecting Our Lands

35 Be A Green Superstar: Five tips to be more environmentally friendly

36 Cal Poly Set to Lead 2011 Shell

ECO-Marathon

39 The 2020 Vision: How Healthy Could We Get in 10 Years?

sofitsuccess 48 Congratulations Jessica Chatten-Brown

plus... 32 Calendar: Fitness Events, Races, and More 33 Party Hearty Zumbathon 38 ShredderMan Visits Solano Libraries

❝ We quickly realized that the word 'fit' incorporates so much more than physical fitness.

-A HEALTHY 2020 VISION, PAGE

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Do. Care. Support the Dream.

The Future is Here

15 Four Exercises to Start Your Spring

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If healthcare were designed by women, we’d have chosen better footwear.

SolanoFit Magazine

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Blue sky, rolling hills, open roads...

This is

SOLANO

COUNTY

What are you waiting for?

Photos by Ryan Bates Photography

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S o l a n o F i t M a g a z i n e

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Blue sky, rolling hills, open roads...

COUNTY

What are you waiting for?

S o l a n o F i t M a g a z i n e

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All the information you have been asking for… Our Mission to You SolanoFit Magazine is here to make achieving health and wellness easier for you, by featuring the people and programs that are making a difference in Solano County. Each issue we strive to bring you tips for emotional well-being, physical fitness, internal health, beauty, and fashion, from experts who care. Together we can change our lives, our cities, and our county for the healthier. Advertise with SolanoFit ads@solanofitmag.com Want to share your inspirational story or be featured as a weight loss success profile? share@solanofitmag.com Interested in being a reader model? model@solanofitmag.com Got an upcoming event? events@solanofitmag.com We want to hear from YOU! at opinion@solanofitmag.com

For all other general questions Mail SolanoFit Magazine P.O. Box 2548 Vacaville, CA 95696 Phone 707.929.3565 Fax 707.929.3565 Web www.solanofit.com

M A G A Z I N E

PUBLISHER

OMAGINE MEDIA MANAGING EDITOR

JESSICA ADELE EDITORS

WENDY VANHATTEN COLLEEN HUTCHINSON DESIGN DIRECTOR

CRYSTAL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

MICHELLE SLAPE FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

RYAN BATES PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

O. JOHNSON DISTRIBUTION

RELIABLE DISTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTORS

SHIHAN MARY BOLZ, SHERRI LUDWIG RD, VALERIE OZSU, ASHLEY DOBSON, VERONICA MONTI RD, DIANE BARNEY, STEPHANIE MUSILLO, ALETA GEORGE, MARK FLOWERS SolanoFit Magazine P.O. Box 2548 Vacaville, CA 95696 707-925-3565 www.solanofit.com SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENT OF ARTICLES OR ADVERTISEMENTS, IN THAT THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED THEREIN MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE EDITOR, SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE, OR OMAGINE MEDIA. THE APPEARANCE OF THESE ARTICLES AND ADVERTISEMENTS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT BY OMAGINE MEDIA OR SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE. OMAGINE MEDIA AND SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY FORM OF MEDICAL TREATMENT OR FITNESS PROGRAM, NOR DO WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO UNDERTAKE ANY SUCH TREATMENT OR PROGRAM ON YOUR OWN. WE URGE YOU TO SEE YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY KIND OF MEDICAL TREATMENT OR FITNESS PROGRAM. OMAGINE MEDIA AND SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, FOR ANY PRODUCTS FEATURED, ADVERTISED OR DEMONSTRATED. ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE THE PROPERTY OF SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE AND WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT AS WE SEE FIT FOR THE PUBLICATION. SOLANOFIT MAGAZINE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS AND/OR OMISSIONS, ALTHOUGH CARE IS TAKEN TO ENSURE ACCURACY. THIS PUBLICATION AND ALL OF ITS CONTENTS ARE COPYRIGHTED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER, IS PROHIBITED.

Email info@solanofitmag.com

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Your Baby Deserves the Best Care—Right From The Start Most women enter pregnancy thinking about the doctor she will choose. But your doctor is only part of the story. Your Sutter OB/GYN has a you and your baby with the very best care. You also have access to some of the latest medical technology available anywhere. And with MySutterOnline you have free online access to request appointments, view test results, request prescription renewals and much more—for you and your child. Ask about MySutterOnline when you call for an appointment!

707-427-4900 srmf.org

SolanoFit Magazine

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Advisory Board Catherine Tanner, MSN >> Ms. Tanner has been serving Solano County as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Touro University Medical Center. She has over 14 years of working in health care, including primary care medicine, medical / surgical nursing, and physical rehabilitation. Jim Riley CFP™, EA >> Jim Riley, a principal of Napa Wealth Management, has an extensive background in wealth management, with particular expertise in retirement planning, tax preparation, insurance and accounting matters. A Princeton graduate, Certified Financial Planner™, and an Enrolled Agent, Jim has lectured and written extensively on financial planning issues. Married for 23 years, Jim and his wife have made the North Bay their home for 21 years. Contact him at Jim@NapaWealth.com Michael Parker, CEO and President Club Management Solutions Inc. >> Mr. Parker served as Vice President of Operations for one of the top 50 Health and Fitness companies in the United States. He has since turned attention to the operation and expansion of his own exclusive private personal training studio and the development of Club Management Solutions, Inc. Michael also sits on the advisory committee to Bryan College, an accredited Personal Trainer professional school in Sacramento, California. Samantha Cooprider, VP >> Samantha is a Senior VP, Culture Change Partner, Executive Leadership Coach & Facilitator at Learning as Leadership. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor at Millennium Sports Club Vallejo. In her spare time, Samantha volunteers for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Organization & trains for endurance events to support non-profits. She graduated from University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Kristin Mattingly >> Born and raised in the East Bay, Dr. Kristin attended the University of California, Davis, and graduated with a B.S. in Neurobiology and Physiological Behavior. After graduating Valedictorian from Lifewest Chiropractic College in Hayward, she served the Vallejo area for several years, specializing in health and rehabilitation.

A Note from the Editor Hello FIT Friend,

S

pring has sprung! It’s time to grab our running shoes or hiking boots and head for the hills. We are surrounded by such an amazing landscape. Solano County provides an abundance of rich farm lands, beautiful city waterfronts, and rolling hills. This county is perfect for walking, running, and exploring. As if we needed more convincing, the mayors of each city weighed in on the topic of wellness, as it relates to our planet, and eco-friendly measures that each city has initiated. Healthy people need a healthy planet. Despite present statistics that show Solano County near the worst for several health indicators including obesity and diabetes, we believe that together we can reshape our destiny. I write this thinking about my children and the habits that I will leave them. An interview with Teresa Courtemanche, the mother of slain council member Matt Garcia, is a testament to this truth. We don’t know who we are raising… the next activist, the next leader, or a future difference maker. His story, and her triumph in the face of devastating loss, is a reminder that what we do today, shapes who our children become tomorrow. Todd Rewick is poised to reshape the nation as the eminent race director. Mel, Summyr, and Vena aren't professional athletes, but they are running for good causes and inspiring others to do the same. What cause motivates you? What future do you envision for your children? As individual cities, we can do good work, but with a united effort of 430,000 residents, we can do great work! Why not unite to decrease obesity, diabetes, pollution, and waste? We could be the healthiest county in California! I know it’s just a dream, but it’s a dream to be the "finest" that we can be! Thank you, Matt. Keep the Dream Alive,

Jessica Adele

Fine Quality Products and Nutritional Advice

Southampton Shopping Center (next to Raley's) 872 Southampton Rd. Benicia, CA 94510 707-747-5782

*

*Offer valid through 4/30/2011 and my be combined with member discount. Not valid on Club Specials.

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I’m one rider, inspired by one little boy with diabetes, to join thousands of other riders across the nation, supported by contributions from thousands more. I ride for the 24 million people living with diabetes, and the 57 million more Americans currently at risk. I ride for one little boy. Who will you ride for?

START A CHAIN REACTION. STOP DIABETES.

Napa Valley Tour de Cure Sunday, May 1, 2011 Veterans Home of California Yountville, CA

Register at

diabetes.org/ napavalleytourdecure

1-888-DIABETES

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NATIONAL FITNESS SPONSORS:

SolanoFit Magazine

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M A G A Z I N E

We

wants to be your friend!

love

your ideas, suggestions and your opinions. Join us on where you can get the scoop on fitness motivation, tips, and upcoming SolanoFit events.

UPCOMING in

next issue

CHAMPIONS 5

Share their secrets:

and how to bring out the champion in you.

PLUS

COVER CONTEST ?

Get ready Zumba fans!

Our Favorite Facebook Fan Comments

How Your Words Inspire Us!

Annette T. — "I love the things you post… very positive words " Annette T.

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Kelley M.

Marie T. — "I love the capability of downloading your magazine and sharing the information with all my friends, family and co-workers. Thank you, your magazine is awesome!" Kelley M. — "I keep meaning to write you – all 100 mags were gone by the end of last week."

SolanoFitKid's I Get Fit

Coloring Contest Enter for a chance to WIN a new bike!

***Online Feature: Financial Fitness*** WHAT SAY YOU? Read Jim Riley CFP™, EA take on Investing in a Fit Future in this issue’s online feature at www.solanofit.com. You do not want to regularly be in a position to have to sell stocks ❝ or bonds to pay the bills. I suggest you look into investments that pay

you a regular stream of income.

Join other SolanoFit readers and comment. Your opinion matters! 12 12

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s

body body

o, you’ve completed a 5k or 10K. Like to swim? Remember how to ride a bike? If you do, then it may be time to try a triathlon to take your experience to a whole new level. WHAT IS A TRIATHLON? A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event that involves sequentially swimming, cycling, and running competitively. The four most common triathlon distances are:  Sprint: 750m swim, 20km ride, 5km run  Olympic: 1.5km swim, 40km ride, 10km run

JUST TRI IT.

exchange, you raise money to support their cause. TnT supports patients battling leukemia and lymphoma, but there are many other options out there. Follow their plan, and you will get across the finish line. And as much as you may envision winning, try to focus on the experience, especially as a beginner. Enjoy the process. If you win, let it be the icing on the cake, but know that the experience of finishing can be much more memorable than your finishing time.

Lastly, preparing mentally is just as important as preparing physically. Attitude sets the proverbial stage, as participating in any endurance event requires more than a plan and strong body; it demands determination and mental toughness for the challenge of a lifetime. Remember, toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in the muscles. The experience encapsulates a basic life lesson: self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. 

By Samantha Cooprider “Scoop”

 The Long Course or Half-Ironman: 1.9km swim, 90km ride, 21.1km run I ronman: 3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, and a marathon (42.2 km) run But these become more than just tough fitness events. The experience breaks down mental and emotional boundaries for participants, and can produce a release that is simply indescribable. It is life-enriching, magical, memorable, and for some, spiritual. Learning how to push beyond what you think is possible for yourself, realizing your true potential, is a powerful moment that everyone could know. People everywhere are beginning to realize the fun and triumph they feel training for these endurance events, and the word is getting out. In 2010, participation for triathlons was at an alltime high. GETTING STARTED If you’re in, the best way to train for your first endurance event is to join a team. You will be training a lot, so training with others who can share your pain, keep you motivated, and tell stories on those long training days, will make a world of difference. There are a lot of how-to-books available, but since triathlons require a myriad of different skill sets, nothing replaces the coaching expertise and camaraderie you get by just going for it. I like training for events that support a cause. This allows me to improve my health while helping others. Plus, when I am feeling tired or don’t think I have any more to give, I can focus on how my contribution will benefit others. More often than not, that motivates me more than personal gain. There have been many races I finished only because I was doing it for a cause bigger than myself. Team in Training (TnT) is the most well-known endurance event training organization. Their organization provides you with a team, a coach, a schedule, and lots of other resources. In







4 REASONS YOU SHOULD TRI

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Challenge – it’s a great cross-training method to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit.

Contribution

– training with an organization that supports a cause raises funds for those who need it most.

Connection – group training allows you to meet new people and

create new friendships.

Competition

- not against others, but against yourself. And having an event inked on your calendar, gets you up and exercising when you may otherwise talk yourself out of it.

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A Fleet Feat: The Best Part of Waking Up

Monica Motta completed her first marathon last December, and recalls that the training was not something to be taken lightly. “Getting the long runs in was not that bad. In fact, it was actually relaxing. It was my 40-hour work week, two small children, and a husband who worked a 50hour work week, that were the biggest challenges to my training. There were so many obstacles in the day that required my mental attention, that when morning came, it took all I had to roll out of bed at 5:30am to get in a run or hit the gym. In the end, it all worked out, and my oldest son wore my medal all day after I finished the marathon,” said Motta. Although it may seem like a huge challenge, marathon running can be accomplished by anyone who puts his or her mind to it. Baby steps are the key. Start by running a mile or two, and you'll be surprised at how far your feet may take you. Dustin Cloud, a teacher who has now completed several marathons, started running because he was very heavy. He first signed up for a 5k (3.1 miles), but then proceeded to do very little training for it.

e

By Ashley Dobson

ach Saturday morning, while the rest of world enjoys the weekend sleep-in, a group of dedicated individuals drag themselves out of bed, wipe the sleep from their eyes, and armed with a determination and a dream, make their way to a familiar location: Fleet Feet Sports in downtown Vacaville. It’s where the beginner runners go to learn, and where the experienced runners go for fun.

they will run are different, but their Thecollectidistances ve purpose is the same: be better than before.

DO YOUR FEET HURT?

“I went out and completely embarrassed myself,” he says. “I can still remember a group of women with strollers who passed me at mile two, and they were power walking! After that run, I decided that I would start training. The next year, I was ready for the Loop the Lagoon. I was so proud of myself when I finished.” After his race, he watched as the 10k runners started to finish. “I was in awe of how far they had just run. Six miles! Who does that?” he asked himself. He started to dream of running the same distance. And by September, he had run his first 10k. With the encouragement of a coworker, he considered a half-marathon, but soon thought, thirteen miles? Who really does that? But by February 2009, he had done that too! And so goes similar stories. Dustin has now completed several marathons and hasn’t looked back! “I hang my bibs and medals in my classroom. My students ask me all the time how far I ran last weekend and they stare in amazement when I give them the answer. For some, the school-required “once-a-week mile” seems like torture, so they probably think I’m a bit off for running twenty miles on a Saturday morning in middle of November. Then again, four years ago I would have never have dreamed I could run this much,” said Cloud. Motta echoes these thoughts, “One year ago, I would have laughed at anyone who said I would be running a marathon this year, but here I am, a marathoner!” The hard work and dedication are definitely rewarding. Not only do you get to be a part of a very exclusive group, but the feeling you get from working so hard for something for so long, makes you feel like you can do almost anything.

Let the fit experts at Fleet Feet Sports help your sore feet. Fleet Feet Sports Vacaville 354 Merchant Street Vacaville, CA 95688 707.449.9266 www.fleetfeetvacaville.com

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Jim Reikowsky, an employee of Fleet Feet Sports Vacaville and runner for over twenty years says, “You never master the marathon, but it sure is fun trying to sneak up on it. Oh, and that big shiny medal at the finish doesn't hurt either.”  Ashley Dobbs is Training Groups Director at Fleet Feet Sports Vacaville. For more information about starting your running program, contact her at (707) 449-9266.

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body body

Get Fit Outdoors:

Do the SoFit

FOUR 4 Exercises to Start your Spring

With Vacaville Bootcamp owner, Jeni Ivovic

W

hen we think of exercising outdoors, competitive team sports come to mind, but what if outdoor exercising meant taking your typical indoor gym routine outside. A recent study suggests that exercising in natural environments was associated with “greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy, and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression.” A change of scenery could be the one thing that invigorates your workout and keeps you from giving up. In the same study, “participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity, and stated that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date.” That's good enough for us.

1

Air Squat 1. Stand with feet about hip or shoulder-width apart. 2. If you choose to hold weights, you can keep them at your sides, hold them just over the shoulders or prop them on the upper thighs. 3. Bend the knees and lower into a squat, keeping the knees in line with the toes. 4. Lower down, no lower than 90 degrees, and push from your heels to go back to starting position.

5.

Do 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps.

Photos by MRS Photography

SolanoFit Magazine

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2

Lateral Side Step 1. Step out to the right, keeping the left leg straight and both feet pointing forward. 2. As your right foot hits the ground, bend at the hips, and push your glutes back as you shift all the weight to your right leg. 3. Bring your left foot in and place next to your right foot. 4. Repeat, leading with the right foot 4x and then switch, leading with your left foot. 5. Repeat for 1-3 sets of 8 reps (4x each leg).

Bench Pushup 1. Get into pushup position, with the hands slightly wider than the shoulders.

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2. Bend the elbows and lower into a pushup, keeping the neck in neutral alignment and lowering down as far as comfortable. Pull your belly button towards your spine, and do not dip so low that you overextend. 3. Push back to start and repeat for 8-12 reps. Repeat for 1-3 sets.

Bench Dips 1. Position your hands shoulder-width apart on a secured bench.

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2. Move your feet out as far out in front of you as possible. 3. Straighten out your arms and keep a little bend in your elbows in order to always keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints. Slowly lower your upper body down towards the floor and keep your elbows tucked into your sides. 4. At the bottom of the movement, slowly press off with your hands, and push yourself back up to the starting position with your triceps. Do 8-12 reps, for 1-3 sets.

Where members are family

3446 Browns Valley Rd. Vacaville

707-446-2350 124 Lincoln Road East Vallejo

707-644-7788 SPORTSCLUB 16 16

www.millenniumsportsclub.com w ww ww w .. ss o o ll aa nn o o ff ii tt .. cc o om m


mind food body

Fruit, whole grains, beans, eggs, and fish are other examples of whole foods. What they have in common is that they are all unprocessed and unrefined, and none of them contain added ingredients like sugar, salt, or fat. You also need to know how much you are supposed to eat per day to ensure your diet is nutritious. The food pyramid is a good tool to use, as it spells out the daily servings you should have of all the major food groups.

You Are What You Eat

By Veronica Monti, M.S., R.D., C.D.E

M

ost of us have been reminded about nutrition’s importance since we were kids, and your mom was right: it’s important to eat your vegetables. That is just the start, however, of ensuring you fuel your body with foods that are good for you. Many studies have found that adding whole foods, like vegetables, to your diet can make a huge difference in your overall health and may prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

SolanoFit Magazine

Per meal, your protein should be the size of a deck of cards, and your carbohydrate should be about the size of your fist. Half your plate should be vegetables, so choose your favorites! Following these portion sizes can help you stay in shape and give you energy. It is also important every day to eat a little bit of everything—grains, vegetables, fruits, fats and oils, milk and dairy products, and meats, beans, fish, and nuts. Eating a variety of foods provides you with

the vitamins and minerals your body needs. It is always best to get your nutrition through food, rather than relying solely on nutritional supplements.

Here are some healthy eating tips, including substitutes for “bad” foods that won’t make you miss them at all:  Read labels. Many foods have added ingredients like sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, salt, and hydrogenated oils.  Research the health claims made by nutritional supplements. Most, simply do not have enough scientific proof to back up their claims. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a good resource.  Eliminate distractions and focus on your food while eating. When you enjoy the moment and become more conscious of what you are putting in your mouth, you will find yourself more easily satisfied.  Do not deprive yourself of foods you love. If they are less healthy, have them less often and in smaller quantities.  Instead of sugary beverages,

drink water or milk. Replace juice with whole fruit, and replace white flour and rice with whole grain flour and brown rice.  Use vinaigrettes made with olive oil instead of regular salad dressing; eat nuts rather than chips; and use Mrs. Dash instead of salt.  Spend a little more time in the kitchen cooking with whole foods. If you do so, you can control exactly what’s going into your body. Why is our society filled with unhealthy and overweight people? One reason is an over-reliance on packaged and pre-made foods. As much as possible, avoid buying foods that come in boxes or cans. It’s better for your health and weight, and it may also prevent disease over the long term.  Veronica Monti is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator who’s affiliated with Sutter Medical Foundation. For more information, please visit suttermedicalfoundation. org/srmg or call (707) 427-4900.

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Why Tri? live to thrive Photos by Ryan Bates Photography

Mel Orpilla

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As the Community & Government Relations Manager of Kaiser Permanente, Mel knows all about Thriving. Mel signs up for at least one event every month - run, cycle, or tri. Knowing that he has an event in which to participate, keeps Mel motivated to train. By keeping his regimen diverse, his training isn’t hampered by weather or by the time of day. To beat fatigue, Mel remembers that it’s largely psychological. “I tell myself that my body can keep on going. Those thoughts pass in a few minutes, especially if I divert my thoughts somewhere else.” He remembers his father, who passed away three years ago at the age of 101. “He was fit until the very end. He worked hard his whole life at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In addition, he gardened and kept active by chasing his grand children and great grandchildren. I don't have a physical labor job like my father, so I have to compensate with my fitness routines - weights, running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and martial arts.” Mel hopes to leave the legacy that health & wellness is not an annual New Year's resolution, but a lifetime commitment and a way of life. He wants people to know that fitness never stops, or slows down, because of age. "This morning, I swam laps next to a 91-year-old woman who had Parkinson's disease. Now, that inspired me!" Mel receives inspiration from the song, "You Will Know," by Stevie Wonder. The lyrics of "You will Know" are about overcoming substance abuse, single parenthood, and finding love. Mel has overcome all three, and now believes that with a positive attitude and the belief in a higher power, anything is possible. Mel's fitness motto: Stay consistent, and like eating and sleeping, make fitness a normal part of your life. Mel's advice for your event: Be sure to plan out at least three to six months in advance, and train accordingly. Do it for yourself as a personal challenge and just have fun! 

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Why Tri? Summyr's In-Season

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Summyr’s first running event was Loop the Lagoon in Vacaville. From there, she was hooked. Soon, after she crossed the finish line of her first half marathon, Summyr went home to sign up for a full marathon, only 4 weeks away. Despite being a beginner, she realized a new enjoyment and a talent for endurance events. Fast forward two short years, and Summyr now races once a month. In order to overcome fatigue, Summyr gives herself a head-to-toe assessment, figures out where she can pull some mental energy, and then taps into that for her second, third, or fourth wind! But the thought of quitting is never an option! Summyr's favorite journey is when she swam from Alcatraz to the Bay. "My first attempt ended with me being pulled from the water as a result of hypothermia. The rest of that year was terrible! I mentally broke down, and I could barely do a running race without having anxiety that I wouldn't finish. I returned after a year of mental and physical preparation. I jumped off that boat for the second time, and pulled myself through the water until I hit that beach." There was no way Summyr was going to let that swim get the best of her! Just to put it in perspective, she did a half ironman two weeks prior to the Alcatraz swim. The half iron took her 5:54:32 to finish. Alcatraz took her 1:08:00 to finish. After Alcatraz, she had to sleep for the rest of the afternoon, but her half iron didn't faze Summyr one bit! Just goes to show you how mental this sport can be!

Summyr Fien

Summyr's fitness motto: If your mind can do it, tell it to tell your body to do it. Advice for readers who want to tri? Start small, start fast, and don't stop until you reach the finish line. And then go home and sign up for another one! 

Photo by Ryan Bates Photography

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following year. He had found his passion! But after years of running distance events, he needed a new thrill, and sought out triathlons as a more difficult challenge. “Triathlons made sense to me. I had the endurance and I was already using the other disciplines (swimming and cycling) on my recovery days from running.”

Running for Photos by Ryan Bates Photography

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GOOD

If you like to run in Solano County, you most likely have heard of Todd Rewick. With a passion for the sport that is exceeded only by his passion for helping others, Todd’s creative and expert influence can be noticed across several races throughout northern California.

His beginnings with race directing started as an owner of Fleet Feet Sports. “One part of our mission was to provide the community with race direction and consulting, in order to foster more local events, and to increase the awareness of running. We had an obligation to support nonprofit organizations, such as the Vacaville Public Education Foundation and the Matt Garcia Youth Center, that were willing to promote running and walking to raise funds for

their causes.”

very fulfilling, from my vantage point throughout the entire event, to talk to athletes and to experience their anticipation and excitement. So when someone asks me, are you running today? I say, yes, through every athlete that participates. Directing for me is my race, through the eyes, sounds, and sweat of the athletes.” Fitness events in Solano County, with the cooperation of the cities, are vitally important as a funding source to sustain programs that support education, youth centers, disease research, support care facilities, and programs that help the disadvantaged. These events support a positive, healthy lifestyle, and encourage us to use alternative ways of transportation, namely our bodies. Todd's advice for your next race adventure? “I would tell every beginner to be patient, that there is an athlete within everyone, and to set ambitious goals and exceed them.” Before Todd blows up as one of the nation’s top race directors, SolanoFit asked him about the legacy that he would like to leave, and just like a proud dad, it came back to the kids. “Just like any dad, I think about my children. My daughters mean everything to me. They are the future, and I would hope to encourage all children to get involved in fitness events that promote discipline, confidence, a healthy lifestyle, and a sense of accomplishment.” For more information go to www.runforgood5k.com 

Todd Rewick -Race Director Extraordinaire

With wildly popular race events growing in Solano County, what does the future hold?

Todd’s Motto: The journey, or the road, to fitness is much more rewarding than the result or the finish line.

Under his leadership, the Vacaville Loop the Lagoon has become the premier fitness event in Solano County, raising over $20,000.00 for the Vacaville Education Foundation. His most recent adventure, the Run For Good 5K on April 9, benefiting the Matt Garcia Foundation, has raised over $30,000.00 and is quickly becoming the go to event. With a $4,000 prize purse, that includes cash and prize rewards, RFG5K provides a quality experience like no other. But that is just the beginning. RFG5K has now become a national series, with race events spawning as far as Alaska!

Like a lot of people, Todd started running for fun in order to get the t-shirt and to stay in shape, “ in no particular order,” he points out. Todd had no competitive running experience in high school or college, and he struggled very early on with repetitive use injuries, namely shin splints. “After my legs got accustomed to leaving the earth repetitively, my endurance improved and I fell in love with longer distance running.” In the fall of 1995, Todd started training for a marathon, and completed the Napa Valley Marathon in March the

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Todd has a very positive outlook towards running and walking events in our community. “With continued community support and generous sponsors, I see strong growth with running and walking events in Solano County. I feel proud to have helped the participation and growth of these events. Just a few years ago, there was one event in the county. Today, there are close to a dozen. One day, I would like to see every type of event available within our community.” Race Directing is very fulfilling on many levels, but Todd says he enjoys giving back to the community, whether it be raising funds for public education or a worthy charity, giving kids a chance to scream with joy as they cross the finish line to receive their ribbon, getting someone with health concerns moving for the first time, or giving an elite athlete an opportunity to test his or her skill. “It’s

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health watch Team NorthBay

Leading By Example By Diane Barney

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Photo courtesy of RunForGood 5K

When it comes to fitness, employees for NorthBay Healthcare don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk, run the run, bike the bike, and boogie to the beat.

sets, interests, and abilities. We’re trying to provide a lot of different choices to encourage them all to have healthy lifestyles,” says McCollum.

“And that’s just scratching the surface,” says Ken McCollum, vice president of Human Resources, who himself is an avid cyclist and runner.

One of the more popular activities at NorthBay is cycling. “Team NorthBay” has more than 80 members, and has opened up to the public. It’s composed of cycling enthusiasts and novices, their family members, friends, and neighbors.

from the Department of Health and Human Services. NorthBay Center for Women’s Health is a member of the national organization Spirit of Women, who is partnering with the Office of Women’s Health to get the message out about women and heart disease.

“Everyone’s welcome,” says team Captain Patrick Garner, R.N., an administrative coordinator at VacaValley Hospital. Garner also chairs NorthBay’s Bike to Work Committee, and has been instrumental in hosting Bike to Work events.

A routine was choreographed, and a number of NorthBay employees danced to a special song in the cardiovascular surgical suite. The video was then melded with that of four other hospitals, and shared on the Internet.

Team NorthBay is planning to participate in the May 1st Napa Valley Tour de Cure, a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association.

“We’re hoping it goes viral,” says Lynne DiModica, Women’s Services program coordinator. “After all, the message is important. We want women to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, and act on them.”

For the past two years, NorthBay Healthcare, a nonprofit healthcare system based in Fairfield, has fielded a team of more than 200 members in the Run 4 Good fundraiser, which benefits the Matt Garcia Youth Center and Fairfield’s Police Activities League. “As a presenting sponsor of the event, we encouraged our employees to participate by paying part of the entry fee,” explains McCollum. “They responded, and then some.” Employees have gathered two years in a row on the old county courthouse steps, prior to the race for a team photo, all wearing special NorthBay T-shirts. And they’re planning to do it again this year, at the April 9th event. “It doesn’t matter whether they walk or run. We do have some very serious runners, but we also have folks who walk. They take their families, they push their babies in strollers, they walk their dogs,” says McCollum. “It’s a way of emphasizing both fun and fitness.” NorthBay has about 1,800 employees and operates two hospitals, four centers for primary care, a cancer center, and a center for women’s health in northern Solano County. “That’s a lot of employees with a lot of different skill

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SolanoFit Magazine

“When the idea of participating in this event came up, I didn’t hesitate for a moment,” said Garner. “I knew this would be a perfect fit for Team NorthBay. We’re all about emphasizing good health.” This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 as a team, and to build individuals’ skills by having weekly bike outings, weather permitting. “I have four co-captains, so between the five of us, we’re usually able to lead a group. So far we’ve cycled in Green Valley, Vacaville, and Davis, and have more Saturday morning rides planned,” says Garner. Not to be outdone, the folks at NorthBay’s Center for Women’s Health put on their dancing shoes in February for heart health month. NorthBay was one of five hospital systems in the country selected to be featured in a national campaign sponsored by the Office of Women’s Health

The dance is called, “Make the Call: Don’t Miss a Beat.” That’s also the idea behind NorthBay’s Day of Dance event, which was Feb. 26 at Westfield Solano mall. Zumba, ballroom dancing, jazz, and tap classes were all taught. The public even got a quick lesson on NorthBay’s special dance. The free, one-day event emphasized cardiovascular wellness, offering health screenings and dance classes. “Dancing is infectious,” says Mary Dickey, interim service line director for the Center for Women’s Health. “It’s a great way to have fun with friends and get in shape.” The video production and the Day of Dance celebration is NorthBay’s way to “educate, engage, and empower the women of Solano County to take charge of their health care, by learning about heart disease and the impact that exercise has on their health,” says Dickey. “Dancing is exercise and most women love to dance.” 

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“The Run For Good 5K is an outstanding road race...this is one of my favorite races of the year.” “Northern California runners looking for a fast 5K might do well to show up...” -San Jose Running Examiner

Downtown • Fairfield, CA

presented by:

April 9, 2011 • 8 am

Benefiting Fairfield’s

REGISTER

and find further information on the RFG5K national series at:

MATT GARCIA YOUTH CENTER

www.RFG5K.com

$4,000 Prize Purse • 3 Deep Awards USATF Certified Course • Chip Timing

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Run Hard

Be Green THE

YARBROUGH

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FOUNDATION

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Keep the Dream Alive By SolanoFit Staff

She can still hear him. “Mom, what are you doing? Get up! Let’s go, c’mon!” When times get tough or when she gets discouraged, his voice rings clearest. In his absence, these are the words that motivate her to keep his dream alive. Teresa Courtemanche, the mother of Matt Garcia the great young leader and inspiration to all those who knew him, now serves her community as president of The Matt Garcia Foundation. He was always so energetic. As a boy, she could hardly contain his boundless enthusiasm. “I used to hold him and rub his head to calm him down,” she reminisces. Her eyes twinkle, and then glisten with tears. There is always pain, but there is also hope. There is solace in giving others what her son lived to give. He wanted young people to believe in themselves and to reach their potential despite their upbringing, despite adversity. Matt Garcia embodied that dream. He overcame an upbringing ripe with violence, he overcame the doubters who underestimated his passion, and he succeeded in becoming the youngest councilman elected in the state of California. Matt was on his way to even greater things. And yet, like a familiar story in our nation’s history, some of our brightest leaders are taken before their time. Slain in 2008 by the violence he dreamt of ending, he is now memorialized at The Matt Garcia Learning Center, The Matt Garcia Youth Center, The Matt Garcia Foundation, and in the hearts of those who loved him.

Teresa and Raymond taught little Matt how to do that. Grown up Matt was teaching us. That’s how it works. That’s how important our lives are to future generations. Love beats indifference every time.

Teresa and Raymond Courtemanche raised Matt, and all of their children, to give back, and they live a life of giving to this day. It’s part of an indelible legacy birthed in their home, and realized in Matt Garcia’s skyrocketing political career. It’s a legacy that is still alive, a resolve that is even stronger since his passing. It is a spirit that is stronger than violence, and stronger than despair. It’s hope, it’s love, and it’s faith. It’s God. It’s the potential for greatness He put in us, to deny ourselves and to put others first.

“Mom, am I in the paper today?” Matt would shout, as he stormed in the house like a whirlwind during his campaign. “Mom, do you think I got a chance? Do you think I can win!” "Of course," she would tell him. She laughs and smiles, as she remembers it like it was yesterday. Thank you, Matt Garcia. God bless you, Teresa and Dream Team. Indeed, we can all win.  The Matt Garcia Foundation needs your help to stop crime, support our youth and strengthen our commuity. To donate time or money please email mattsmom@ mattgarciadreamteam.org. Keep the Dream Alive.

Watch Matt here. F : @ : S B G >

But Matt’s life is a testament to another truth. Matt was surrounded by family who encouraged his civic responsibilities. His grandfather ran for the Richmond City Council. Matt would later comment on what a profound impact that had on his life.

Support the Dream Order your shirt online at

www.solanofit.com

“Everyday we learn something new. Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day… It doesn’t have to be an “A” the next day, but let’s hope it improves.” – Matt Garcia SolanoFit Magazine

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mind body

Vena’s Victory

By SolanoFit Staff

❝Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.❞Anonymous It was time to try something new, something she had not considered, and something she did not think was possible for her. She wanted to test her limits. She wanted to know that she could do anything into which she put her heart, soul, mind, spirit, and body. She remembered that if people could fight cancer, diabetes, heart disease, amputation, and still complete a triathlon, she could fight her obesity.

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Summer of 2010 Meet Vena Ford: The Triathlete Now when she tells most people, they look at her in disbelief and she says kindly, “Yeah, really. I did a triathlon.” She worked hard and pushed herself to complete a Sprint Triathlon (500 meter swim, 13 mile bike, and 2 mile run) in Pacific Grove, California. “When I crossed the finish line, I could not believe it. Yet, at the end of the course, were the people I love and appreciate so much to this day. The support of my team, my sisters, my friend and my coach, Nicole, got me past my personal limitations to finish.” Though Vena loved two of the three sports, she hated the running. Completing a triathlon? That was going to be light years away from her comfort zone. But for fifteen weeks, she got up at 5:30am, and was out the door by 6:15am. Occasionally, she would ask herself, “Who is crazy enough to do this?!” But on each occasion, she answered her own question by getting up and training again.

Why Tri? But five weeks into her training, she hit a wall. “I was working hard, perfecting my swim stroke and breathing, when my coach pulled me aside in the pool and told me that she was concerned. She said I would need to pass a swim test so that I could be allowed to do the open water swim!” Vena knew she wasn’t doing as well as the rest of her team, but she figured she was making good progress. “I didn’t think that I was that bad.” When the words hit her ears, she was devastated. She now feared elimination. All of this work to fail now? The truth hurt: she was not where she needed to be. Pass the test or be disqualified. “So, I promised her that at our next team swim, I would be ready.” Coach Nicole said, “Ok,” and walked away. She thought to herself, ‘I will not fail. I will not fail. I will not fail. After all this, I will not fail.’ She thought of her teammates, she thought of her struggle, and most of all, she thought of not letting herself

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mind body

F I T N E S S

down. She was not going out like that – not now, not ever. She told herself that she was going to make this team; she was going to be ready. She would not allow herself a choice. To stay on the team, she would have to pass the test, and prove that she was ready. But after continued practice…she was getting nowhere.

Vena swam. She had to complete sixteen laps. Vena focused and forced herself to feel comfortable under the pressure of the clock. After two laps down, she started to get tired. So, in her head, she began to sing to herself a song called "Strength, Courage, and Wisdom" by India Arie. Six laps completed.

“I was depressed, so I called my cycle coach, Joe, and told him about my problem. He gave me the most valuable five words anyone could have given at that moment: ‘VENA! You can do it!’”

“It was an exhilarating and exhausting day, but one of the best days of my life.”

And that was the spark. Right then and there, Vena pledged to swim every night, for the next week, in order to get her time down. “I hung up the phone, packed my swimsuit, cap, wax, nose plugs, and headed to the 24-Hour Fitness pool in Vallejo.” And did she swim? She swam sixty to ninety minutes a day, every day, for seven days. “I pushed myself and I timed myself. I was not going to let the team down by not passing a preliminary swim test.” She was tired, but she was committed. Every late evening, she went to the gym when no one was in the pool. That next Sunday was go time. She jumped in the water and warmed up. About thirty minutes in, Coach Nicole came over and asked, “So, you ready?” Vena replied, “As ready as I am gonna be!” “Go!”

SolanoFit Magazine

She swam to the rhythm of the song, and it became… easy. She never touched the ground. She felt good. She felt relaxed. She wasn’t tired anymore. 10 laps completed. She began to swim like everyone else and it felt great. She kept swimming. At the end of lap 16, Coach Nicole stopped her. “GREAT! You did it!” she said. But Vena felt so good, she could have kept swimming. Then Coach Nicole said, “Ok. See you tomorrow!” and she left, just like that. No celebration. No parade. But then, Vena says she realized two things. "One, this was only the first challenge that I would have to overcome, and two, the World Cup was on and she wanted to see it! My coaches knew I could do it; I was the one who had to come around.” She would get the chance to celebrate an even greater triumph later, when she crossed the finish line on September 12, 2010. “It was an exhilarating and exhausting day, but one of the best days of my life.” Vena pushed beyond her comfort zone and beyond the limitations she placed on herself. “The feeling was, and still is, amazing," Vena says. "No matter who you are, you can do this...I dare you!” Where is Vena now? She is on to the next one, and on to her next victory. 

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mind food body

Vegg Out!

Vegetarian Diets, Are They Right For You? By Stephanie Musillo, candidate for MS, RD 2011 Graduate Student, Masters of Science in Dietetics

“I’ll have a salad with a side of salad.”

If that’s what comes to mind when thinking of a vegetarian diet, it’s because today’s society portrays vegetarian diets as boring and unappetizing. Vegetarian diets can be extremely beneficial to your health when followed properly.

of saturated fat in the diet but creating a lack of beneficial nutrients like protein and calcium. Other plant-based foods ensure adequate intake of these eliminated nutrients. All these plant-based diets offer positive health benefits, but vegetarians need to make sure they are getting enough essential nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12, commonly found in meat and dairy products.

Nutrients Needed by Vegetarians Protein…builds and repairs muscle tissues…in beans, nuts, nut butters, peas, and soy products like tofu, tempeh, miso, and veggie burgers. Milk products and eggs are also good protein sources for lacto-ovo vegetarians. Iron…carries oxygen-rich blood throughout the body… in iron-fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, turnip greens, molasses, whole wheat breads, peas, and some dried fruits like as apricots, prunes, and raisins. Calcium…builds strong bones and teeth…in calciumfortified breakfast cereals and juices, soy products, and some dark green leafy vegetables like collard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, and mustard greens. Milk products are excellent calcium sources for lacto-vegetarians.

People who choose to exclude meat and other animal-derived foods from their diet do so for many reasons including physical health, economic issues, animal welfare factors, ethical concerns or religious beliefs. The foods a person excludes are not nearly as important as the foods one includes in their diet. The key is to eat a variety of foods that provide the right proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Zinc…enhances the immune system…in white, kidney and garbanzo beans, zinc-fortified breakfast cereals, wheat germ, and pumpkin seeds. Milk products are a zinc source for lacto-vegetarians.

Raw Food Diet

Well Planned Vegetarian Diet

This diet can promise perfect health or create serious malnourishment if not followed properly. It is a lifestyle choice not a weight loss plan, consisting mainly of uncooked, unprocessed plant foods such as vegetables, nuts and seeds. Most raw foodists spend time peeling, chopping, straining, blending, and dehydrating. Since raw foodists believe high heat leaches enzymes and vitamins critical for proper digestion temperatures cannot be higher than 118 degrees. This diet is rich in nutrients and fiber, low in fat and sugar. Raw foodists as well as vegetarians need to make sure they’re getting in enough vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Eliminating meat from the diet doesn’t mean you can fill up on empty calorie foods like cakes, cookies or starchy carbohydrates. A proper vegetarian diet is only healthy when it includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats like canola oil and avocados. The American Dietetic Association says appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of life, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Variations of Vegetarian Diets

Disease Prevention

The vegan diet eliminates all animal-based products, honey included. Their diet consists of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Vegans may also be categorized as pure, strict, or total vegetarians. A pure vegetarian’s diet focuses on whole, natural foods and often restricts processed foods. Lacto-vegetarians include dairy but exclude meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians include dairy and eggs but exclude meat, poultry, fish, and seafood. Pescatarians eat fish and seafood. Flexitarians are semi-vegetarians who focus on vegetarian food with occasional meat consumption.

Vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease like heart attack and stroke, lower cholesterol, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Intake of saturated fat and cholesterol is lower. Intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and E, folate, carotenoids, flavenoids, and other phytochemicals is higher.

The Vegetarian Diet

According to the American Dietetic Association, a well planned vegetarian diet can meet all the recommended nutrients. The key is to consume a variety of foods in the right amounts for your individual caloric needs. The food guide pyramid separates foods into five main groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, meat, beans and nuts. Pure vegetarians eliminate milk, milk products, and meat portions, benefiting health by reducing the amount

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Vitamin B12…provides energy for our bodies and protects our nerves…in breakfast cereals, soy-based beverages, veggie burgers, and nutritional yeast.

Whether you are a vegetarian or are considering a vegetarian lifestyle, it is important to meet with a food and nutrition professional like a registered dietitian. They can assist you in tailoring your personal diet to meet your specific needs and provide current and accurate information about vegetarian nutrition, foods and resources. 

Vegetarian Books and Resources Learn more with:  Becoming Raw: The Essential Guide to Raw Vegan Diets  Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a PlantBased Diet by Brenda Davis, RD and Vesanto Melina, MS, RD.  Vegetarian nutrition information is available at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/vegetarian.pdf

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mind food body

COLOR ME HEALTHY The Beauty of Adding Color to your Diet As the food industry relentlessly markets every fad diet and product, Americans are forgetting how to eat healthily and happily. Changing your diet and success won’t happen overnight. With proper choices and a steady exposure to yoga (and its principles), you can build the discipline, patience, and compassion to overcome the many forces against you – no matter how formidable they seem! Adding colorful vegetables and fruits is a simple way to add the nutrients to our diet that we so desperately need. Take a look:

Red

– Contain nutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid, and quercetin. They help lower blood pressure, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cancer. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and help with arthritis. Examples: tomatoes, strawberries, red cabbage, radishes, red onions, chilies, red pepper, and beans.

By Sherri Ludwig, MSRD

resveratrol, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin. They support eye health, lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, boost immune system activity, support healthy digestion, fight inflammation, reduce tumor growth, and act as an anticarginogens in the digestive tract. Examples: beets, berries, red grapes, red wine, blueberries, and black and purple cabbage.

White – Contain nutrients

such as beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, and lignans that provide powerful immune boosting activity. These nutrients also reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and balance hormone levels, reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers. Examples: dairy products and onions.  Sherri Ludwig has been in the nutrition and fitness industry for over thirty years. She is a Registered Dietitian and the owner Yoga for Total Health in Fairfield. For more information contact her at 707- 372-0239.

Orange and Yellow

– Contain beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C. They promote eye health, reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, promote collagen formation and healthy joints, skin, and hair. Examples: lemon, bananas, grapefruit, carrots, mangos, apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes, oranges, tangerines, peaches, papayas, tomatoes, and nectarines.

Green – Contain chlorophyll, fiber, lutein,

zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and beta-carotene. They reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, normalize digestion time, support retinal health and vision, fight harmful free-radicals, and boost immune system activity. Examples: asparagus, watercress, spinach, lettuce, zucchini, green peppers, green apples, pears, avocados, and green grapes.

4th Annual Benicia Education Foundation

Run For ∞ New This YearEducation ∞ Sunday, April 10, 2011

1 Mile Fun Run • 5k Walk/Run • 10k Run

Blue and Purple

– Contain nutrients which include lutein, zeaxanthin,

www.BeniciaRunForEducation.org SolanoFit Magazine

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planet mind body

So Fresh and So Clean By SolanoFit Staff

d

id you know that due to top secret trade laws, companies aren't mandated to list ingredients on cleaning products? Uh…they are referring to the products we use to clean our showers, bathrooms, kitchens, and counter tops. Yes, sir. Ok. That’s scary with a capital… S-C-A-R-Y. We took a look at the new book, Planet Home: Conscious Choices for Cleaning & Greening the World You Care About Most for a healthier way to clean.

Purchase book at Amazon.com

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Non-Toxic Green Tips

Avoid harsh chemicals and hidden ingredients with these clean green tips: SoClean Step 1: Who’s Looking At You? Using a one-to-one mixture of vinegar and water to clean your windows is not just economical; it’s healthy. If you miss that oh-so-familiar smell of popular glass cleaner or the smell of vinegar is too distracting, go for organic glass cleansers. SoClean Step 2: The Eatery We assume you like a clean kitchen, but chances are, the oven hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. Try this: simply sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the oven (where most things drop and drip), and shoot a few streams of water from a spray bottle, so that the baking soda forms into a damp paste. Let it soak overnight, then simply wipe with a sponge in the morning. This way you can avoid breathing in those dangerous chemicals from aerosol sprays. SoClean Step 3: Dust and Unclutter Who needs aerosol sprays? Simply wiping dusty surfaces with a damp rag can wipe away the grime. Pay attention to areas of your home that hide dust germs, like shelf tops, piles of books, decorative furniture, or anything that you haven’t moved in a while.

SoClean Step 4: The Restroom The poor ventilation of most bathrooms makes continued use of harsh chemicals harmful to your health. Try a non-toxic approach with baking soda paste. To clean tubs and sinks, mix a tablespoon of baking soda, dish soap, and warm water to create a paste. Add elbow grease and essential oils for an aromatic effect. Use a solution of warm water and natural soap to wipe down surfaces and handles. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant for door and sink handles covered in germs and fecal matter – disgusting, but true. SoClean Step 5: Floors Galore Ensure that your vacuum comes with a HEPA filter (most do), that way you’re not kicking up dust that your nostrils will have to filter. Use a soap-and-water solution to mop up bathroom or kitchen floors. And if you don’t already, xnay wearing shoes in the house. Now that you know what germs live on door handles, just imagine what’s on the bottom of your shoes. Y’eck! 

A Day For Women CeleBr atiNg He altH & WellNe ss

Saturday, April 16, 2011 • 9 am - 3 pm

reat yourself to a day of health information, fun and inspiration at NorthBay Healthcare’s 8th annual women’s conference. At this popular community event, participants choose from a variety of workshops focusing on women’s health.

Fee: $30 | $25 Seniors (65+) | $20 Earlybird (before 4/1). Continental breakfast and lunch are included. Visit NorthBay.org or call 707.646.3280 for registration and workshop information.

Keynote speaker Reneé Wall Rongen is an international award winning humorist, speaker and author. Her inspirational and hilarious keynote address delivers the tools for today’s world, propelling her audiences to live more productive, passionate, purposeful and profitable lives.

NorthBay.org

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A FREE event for mamas of all ages and stages

Family Fun and Spring Shopping Boutique

Hometown Location National Reputation

April 17th, 2011 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Shadelands Art Center 111 N Wiget Lane (of Ygnacio Valley Rd) Walnut Creek, CA

The local choice for excellence in professional education. E d u c at i o n o s t E o pat h i c M E d i c i n E p h a r M acy p h y s i c i a n a s s i s ta n t s t u d i E s

Live Entertainment Mother’s Day Marketplace Pampering for Mom Arts & Crafts Raffle Prizes Fun Zone with Bounce House and Clown for the Kids!

p u b l i c h E a lt h

Raffle Proceeds Donated to

A Passion for Caring – A Passion for Service 1310 Club Drive : vallejo California 94592 T 707-638-5200 : W tu.edu For vendor information, contact Sell it Events 925-848-5966 www.sellitevents.com

SolanoFit Magazine

TouroUniversityCalifornia_1/2pg ad.indd 1

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2/7/11 12:08:24 PM


mind body

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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hen people think about recycling, they think about trading in bottles and cans. True, recycling is the process of reusing a given product (beyond its intended use), or producing a new product from recyclable material. But I propose a new idea about recycling that relates to our wellness. How about recycling outdated information that harms our health, for new information that can help it?

New Ideas for RECYCLING By Valerie Ozsu MSN CNM NP

can only grow older. Consider the difference: "older" is wiser, more skilled, and more valued. "Old" is decrepit, frail, and outdated. "Grow" is forward, upward, and alive. Change your lexicon, and change your life. We don’t grow old; we grow older.

Let us begin by realizing that our own personal health is our own personal responsibility. It is our own unique success or failure, and it is not the whim of any government agenda. Taking responsibility for our health can mean rethinking old ideas and trying alternative strategies to improve our lifestyles for ourselves. Consider the following:

New idea: Just because you’re not sick today, doesn’t mean you’re not

* Old idea: The hospitals have cornered the market on wellness. New idea: Let’s not confuse healthcare with well-care, and let’s not assume that wellness can only come from a prescription. Though are bodies are similar, they are not the same, and the wellness industry is as diverse as the human body. We each respond to treatments, foods, and medications a little differently. Go on a mission to find what works for you. If you seek, you will find.

getting sick right now! We are what our habits make us. In addition, relying on doctors and drugs to make us well, is a far cry from optimal health. Consider your health and wellness as a function of everything you do in your life: your hobbies, your work, your friends and your thoughts. Are these life-giving connections, or life-draining? Bring in the idea of a healthier attitude, both mentally and physically, and recycle any negative thoughts, beliefs, or habits. When it’s time to leave this earth, go as God intended, having loved fully and lived well. 

* Old idea: Growing older is growing old.

New idea: Seriously, isn’t that an oxymoron? Old is not an appropriate term to describe a living being. We use the word negatively, as if a living being is no longer changing or no longer growing. In reality, we can’t grow old; we

* Old idea: If I am not sick, I am healthy.

Valerie Ozsu MSN CNM NP ProEft Practitioner owns Natural Health and Wellness Center, Inc. For more information on what true wellness can do for you call to reserve a seat and join her in a free wellness lecture at 418 Elizabeth Street, Vacaville, Ca. 707-689-5395.

Natural Health And Wellness Center, Inc Valerie Ozsu, MSN, CNM, NP Pro EFT / Matrix Practitioner Nutrition Response Testing 418 Elizabeth Street Vacaville, CA 95688 707.689.5395 • 707.631.1048 vonhwc@yahoo.com

Get a complete nutritional evaluation for $75! (Normally $120 - that is a $45 savings!)

Would you like to attract more health in your or your family’s life? Natural Health and Wellness Center can assist you in restoring and improving your health from Menopause/PMS symptoms, infertility issues, insomnia, weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, ADD/ADHD/ASD, fibromyalgia, stomach and joint pains, post cancer treatment nutrition and more... Saliva Testing now available for hormone evaluation. Official Water Station for the best alkaline healing water in town only $5/gallon.

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health watch

s

proliferate fluids. Stick to a clear, bland diet.

ALLERGIES By Dr. (Shihan) Bolz, Licensed Acupuncturist DAOM, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Master of Science Oriental Medicine Master Martial Arts Instructor, 6th Degree Black Belt

easonal allergic rhinitis is a medical term for what is commonly termed hay fever. Symptoms may include seasonal or perennial sneezing, rhinorhea (runny nose with a clear, watery discharge), nasal congestion, itching, and often conjunctivitis and pharyngitis in response to airborne allergens. Allergic rhinitis may be seasonal or perennial. Three basic types of seasonal allergic rhinitis include 1) spring, 2) summer, and 3) fall with the allergens being different in each season. Spring allergens are usually tree pollens, summer allergens usually grass pollens, and fall allergens usually weed pollens, a common one being ragweed. Perennial allergic rhinitis will occur in some patients without regard to season. The most common allergens in perennial rhinitis are fungi spores, dust containing insect feces and proteins, and animal dander. Allopathic medicine treatment relies mainly on antihistamines and sympathomimetic type drugs, such as ephedrine and pseudo ephedrine. Both have side effects which many people find unacceptable. Glucocorticoid and corticosteroids may be resorted to if antihistamines are inadequate. Desensitization treatment is possible if antihistamines are poorly tolerated or if steroids are necessary. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) looks at both the branch (symptomatology) and the root (cause) of any disease or imbalance (anything less than optimal health). Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medical Herbology are excellent modalities for treating allergies of all kinds and are based on sound, safe, and effective techniques without the use of harsh pharmaceuticals. Treatment in OM during acute attacks and between acute attacks will be different. The

Favorite Fan TJ "Jessica, we need more magazines at Gold's Gym. We are already out! Thanks so much."

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underlying cause of allergic rhinitis must be addressed; otherwise it will always be there. Chasing the symptoms with medications will not work and can cause the spleen, kidneys, and liver to be even weaker, compounding the problem. The Oriental Medicine practitioner may treat only the symptoms at the acute stage and then wait to treat the underlying causes between

Food contributing to dampness and phlegm includes food that is raw, cold, sweet, or mucusforming. Highly sweet and mucus-forming foods include meats, eggs, dairy products, fats such as lard and butter (avoid hydrogenated fatssuch as margarine altogether), oils, oily foods such as nuts and seeds (especially peanuts), and foods containing concentrated sweeteners. Simple sugars from sweeteners and fruits also encourages the growth of infections and yeasts. Other contributors include food that is refined or highly processed, rotten, stale, parasite-infested, or chemically treated. Some products with damp-causing properties seem to have worse effects than the mere sum of their properties. One such example is ice cream. It is very sweet, very cold, highly mucus-producing and often full of chemical additives. Furthermore, its concentrated sweeteners and often added sweet fruits do not combine well with dairy, a high-fat protein.

Chasing the symptoms with medications will not work and can cause the spleen, kidneys, and liver to be even weaker, compounding the problem.

Some foods which dry dampness are rye, amaranth, corn, azuki beans, celery, lettuce, pumpkin, scallions, alfalfa, turnip, kohlrabi, white pepper and bitter herbs such as chaparral and chamomile. A good substitute sweetener is brown rice syrup or barley malt in recipes where one would normally use sugar. 

attacks, or address both at the same time, depending on the severity of the condition. The more severe the symptoms, the more symptomatic treatment must be addressed. With acupuncture, many times, both the symptoms and cause are addressed.

Acupuncture Plus

In between attacks, the patient should take whatever herbal formula is indicated for their habitual bodily condition and deficiency and deep-underlying phlegm. If the rhinitis is seasonal, the patient should begin supplementing the “root” six weeks to three months before the offending season. The same is true of the acupuncture point prescriptions. Your OM practitioner can prescribe both the correct acupuncture and herbs for your condition.

Personalized Medicine

There is an alternative, a truly natural way to help the body heal, without side effects.

Appropriate dietary therapy is of utmost importance in this condition since a damaged digestive always plays a part. Avoid foods which damage the digestive system or strongly

455-0638

310 E. Monte Vista Ave. Suite B www.acupunctureplus.us

Shihan Mary Bolz

Licensed Acupuncturist

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Do You Know What Day It Is? MARCH

April 28th

The Vegetable Patch Rockville Rd, Suisun Open June through December Looking for a Farmers Market Near You--go to www.pcfma.com

Take Our Daughters to Work Day —We

Are Their First Impression, Show Them Strength And Integrity

March 9th No Sm

king Day—

Encourage Someone To Kick The Habit, Obama Did It!!

March 13th Daylight Saving

Time Begins—Enjoy The Extra Hours Of Sunlight!! March 17th

St. Patrick’s Day

April 29th

Races and Events

Wine & Food Jubilee April 8th 6:30pm-9:30pm Nut Tree,

Vacaville

F : @ : S B G >

Run For Good April 9th 8:00am 675 Texas Street, Fairfield Party Hearty Zumbathon April 9th 1:00pm TBA: go to www.zumbawithsonia.com for updates

March 20

First Day of Spring March 21st – March 27th

Akasha Yoga is offering a week of special discounts and free events to the community. To reserve an appointment, call 707-455-7750. Reservations for services are booked on a first come, first served basis and space is limited.

ORDER YOUR T-SHIRT ONLINE AT

NorthBay Healthcare Women’s Conference April 16th

Davis Food Co-op

9:00am-3:00pm TBA: go to www.northbay.org

620 G Street, Davis, CA 95616 Call (530) 758-2667 for more info.

Loop the Lagoon April 30th 8:30am Lagoon Valley Park,

HANDS-ON Gluten-Free Croissants —Tues, Mar 1, 6:00 p.m. Insturctor: Amy Radbill $30

Tour de Cure May 1st 6:30am Veteran's Home of California, Napa

HANDS-ON Cook with a Kid - Cookies and Brownies —Wed, Mar 2, 6:00 p.m. For children 10 and older. INSTRUCTOR: Stephanie Shimada $35 ADULT & CHILD

Center, Walnut Creek

Vacaville

Local Farmers' Markets

Fairfield Farmers’ Market Starting May 5th- October 6th 4-8pm Jefferson Street at W. Texas Street Vacaville Farmers’ Market Starting May 7th- October 15th 8am12pm Main Street between Parker and Dobbins —Plant A Vegetable Garden This Spring

April 1st April Fool’s Day April 7th No Housework Day— Do Not Stop By My House Today, We Celebrate This One!

April 18th

Income Tax Day April 22nd Earth Day —Protect This Place We Call Home And Future Generations Will Thank You

April 24

th

Easter

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www.solanofit.com

Celebrate Mama April 17th 11:00am-4:00pm Shadelands Art

Benicia Farmers’ Market Starting April 28th – end of October 4-8pm First Street

APRIL

April 9, 2011 • 8 am

Benicia Education Foundation April 10th 8:00am First & B Street, Benicia

th

Organic Farms www.chilenobeef.com www.cachecreekmeat.com www.fulloflifefarm.com www.eatwell.com www.nutnother.com

Vallejo Farmers’ Market Year-round Saturdays 9-1pm Georgia Street & Marin Street Aliki’sProduce Corner of Orchard Ave and Fruitvale Rd, Vacaville Open June through October The Country Barn 2678 Rockville Rd, Suisun Open June 20 through July 20 Dixon Fruit Market 7808 Batavia Rd, Dixon Open Year Round dixonfruit.com Erickson Ranch 2482 Cordelia Rd., Cordelia Open June through October ericksonranch.com Larry’s Produce 4606 Suisun Valley Road, Suisun Open June through December larrysproduce.com Nola’s Fruit and Produce Cherry Glenn Road, Vacaville Open May through October Pedrick Produce 6850 Sievers Road, Dixon Open Year Round

MARCH CLASSES OFFERED

Gluten Free Homemade Granola 101 —Thurs, Mar 3, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Amy Radbill $25 Baking with Olive Oil—Fri, Mar 4, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Selina Wang $25 Indian Street Food—Sat, Mar 5, 2:00 p.m. Instructor : Viji Gururajin $25 Vegetarian Sandwiches—Tues Mar 8, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Amy Radbill $25 Low-Fat , Low-Sugar, Whole Grain Quick Breads—Wed, Mar 9, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Holly Istas $25 Stuffed Vegetables—Thur, Mar 10, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Amy Radbill $25 Calci-YUM : Calcium-Rich Foods For Better Health—Mon, Mar 14, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Rebecca Tryon $25 Cooking 101 - Herbs, Spices & Other Flavors II—Tues, Mar 15, 6-8 p.m. INSTRUCTOR: STAFF $25 Money-saving Pressure Cooking—Wed, Mar 16, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Dennis Zanchi $25 It’s Tea Time in India!—Sat, Mar 19, 2:00 p.m. Instructor : Viji Gururajin $25 Intro to Beans—Mon, Mar 21, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : Staff $7 Sassy Salads*—Tues, Mar 22, 6:00 p.m. *Includes meat. Instructor : Rebecca Tryon $25 HANDS-ON Healthy Thai At Home—Thur, Mar 24. 6:00 p.m. Instructor : SARAH PALMER $30 HANDS-ON Cultured Vegetables—Sat, Mar 26, 2:00 p.m. Instructor : Ilah Jarvis $30 HANDS-ON Three New Cakes—Wed, Mar 30, 6:00 p.m. Instructor : SARAH PALMER $30

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Ron Goss.....Before! November 24, 2009

Weight: 230 lbs Body Fat: 22% Muscle: 179 lb Height: 6’ 0”

Health Education & Training Center 424 Executive Court N. Suite C • Fairfield CA. 94534

(707) 863-9620

Located next to Solano Community College

Rons Goal : “He just wanted to get his Body Weight below 200 lbs.”

A New Year means A New You! Personalized & Group Training Your Body Works Offers Sate of the Technology, Equipment and Personal Training to help you accomplish all of your Health & Fitness Goals

Ron Goss....Today!

TRX - Cybex - Startrac - Power Plate and MORE......

Multi-sport Training & Coaching Still dreaming of finishing a Marathon, 10k, 5k, or maybe even a Triathlon. Your Body Works offers Certified Coaching combined with the support of our experienced staff & Athletes. FREE Clinics every week!

Whatever your goals are, we believe you can achieve them! www.yourbodyworksfairfield.com

SolanoFit Magazine

Weight: 203 lbs Body Fat: 12% Muscle: 179 lbs Inches Lost: 13.25 “Ron never thought he could run more than 2 miles because of knee pain. On July 25, 2010 Ron completed his 1st Half Marathon and On December 5th Ron completed the 2010 California International Marathon under 4.5 Hours.

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WIDE OPEN SPACES Solano Land Trust: Protecting Our Lands

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ide open spaces are a dominant characteristic of the Solano County landscape, but with California's population expected to grow by 11 million new residents by 2030, open space preservation cannot be taken for granted. Founded in 1986 as the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation, the group changed its name in 2004 to the Solano Land Trust. Solano Land Trust was established as a result of litigation involving open space advocates, land developers, and a municipal government. This unusual genesis created a board that reflects all sides of landuse issues united in the mission to preserve the agricultural legacy and natural landscapes of Solano County. Using innovative, nonconfrontational techniques, SLT has permanently protected 19,892 acres of natural areas and agricultural lands to date. The mission of Solano Land Trust is to permanently protect and preserve farmland, ranchland, and open space in Solano County, through the acquisition of land and agricultural conservation easements, education, and land management. Grazing on our lands is also important to our mission. Grazing continues historic use patterns, helps control invasive weeds to improve native plant communities, and provides a source of income for property maintenance. To protect and enhance our lands, we work in close partnership with various private and public entities, including the University of California, San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and PG&E. We also work hand-inhand with several nonprofits including Access Adventure, Rush Ranch Educational Council, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, Napa-Solano Audubon, and the Solano Resource Conservation District.

Our anchor properties at Jepson Prairie Preserve, King-Swett Ranches, Lynch Canyon, and Rush Ranch represent the rich and varied landscape that makes Solano County unique. From rare vernal pools to tidal marsh wetlands to rolling serpentine grasslands, our properties serve an important role in preserving these habitats for residents in the local community, the Greater Bay Area, and all of California. Working in close partnership with landowners, state and federal agencies, cattle and sheep grazers, nonprofits, and our many dedicated volunteers, Solano Land Trust will continue to protect and preserve Solano County’s farmland, ranchland, and open space well into the future.

Protecting Farms and Ranch Lands with Conservation Easements As in many areas of the United States, the conservation of farmlands in Solano County is a complicated topic. Preservation of open space and agriculture must be balanced against housing and industry development pressures. Farmers face increases in labor, water prices, and competition from large scale and international farming. The prime conditions for growing in Solano County, however, render the land irreplaceable. Conservation easements assist the agricultural sector of the economy to maintain vigor and grow in production. And, the existence of large farms and tracts of open space contribute directly to quality of life. In 2007, a local newspaper survey placed “rural atmosphere,” “small town feeling,” and “open space” among the top 10 best things about Solano County. In 2002, Solano Land Trust completed an evaluation of the state of agriculture in Solano County, and developed a plan for protecting

Suisun Valley

Protecting Farms and Ranch Lands with Conservation Easements 34

Gordon Valley Falls

this valuable resource by using conservation easements. Funded by the Packard Foundation, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Plan proposes to protect lands with highly productive soils and adequate agricultural water. The plan identifies several sub-areas of the county— Dixon Ridge, Winters, and Vaca, Lagoon, Suisun and Green Valleys—as having high agricultural preservation priority. Solano Land Trust’s goal is to protect between 20,000 and 40,000 acres of agricultural lands with conservation easements over the next 20 years.

What is an Agricultural Conservation Easement? An agricultural conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between the landowner and a conservation agency, such as Solano Land Trust. The landowner sells only the development rights of the property to the agency. The land continues to be used for agricultural purposes and is still owned by the farmer or rancher. Conservation easements can provide farmers with the working capital necessary to maintain agricultural use of the property in perpetuity. In general, agricultural conservation easements limit subdivision, nonfarm development, and other uses that are inconsistent with agriculture.

Gordon Valley - Suisun Valley

Fruit Tree Blossom - Vacaville

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planet mind body

Be a Green Superstar

By Aleta George and Solano Land Trust Photos by Jim Lewis and Kendy Lewis (Linear Park Trail)

Five tips to be more environmentally friendly Rolling Hills of Fairfield

Benefits of a Conservation Easement To Landowners • Retain private property rights to land after selling or donating easement—keep the family farm • Realize equity in land • Can reduce property taxes and provide significant other tax benefits, such as favorable estate tax treatment To the Public • Safeguards the heritage and character of Solano County. •

Contributes to the quality of life in the county

Solano Land Trust is hosting several fun, recreational events on their properties this spring and summer, including bird hikes, wildflower hikes, and volunteer workdays. They also have several upcoming special events: The 3rd Annual Kite Festival at Lynch Canyon, April 23, 2011 The 21st Annual Rush Ranch Open House, April 30, 2011 The 4th Annual Lynch Canyon Trail Run and Community Hike, June 4, 2011: includes a half marathon, 10K, and a 2.5 mile community hike

• Protects top-grade Class I & II soils for food production • Preserves agriculture as an economic mainstay of the county • Provides fresh, local and seasonal fruits and vegetables • Supports local farmers and ranchers These events are a perfect reason for the whole family to get outside, and they can help counter an alarming statistic by the Kaiser Family Foundation that on average, children spend at least seven hours a day inside using electronic media. "I've been running for over 25 years. One of my favorite local running spots is Lynch Canyon. It offers the runner a challenging course and wonderful views of Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais, and Mount Diablo,” says Solano Land Trust volunteer Kimble Goodman. Lynch Canyon is a 1,039 acre open space that is open to the public through a partnership of Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks. For more information about agricultural conservation easements contact Solano Land Trust’s Executive Director, Nicole Byrd, at (707) 432-0150 x210 or nicole@ solanolandtrust.org. To learn more about the Lynch Canyon Trail Run go to lynchcanyontrailrun.com. 

Linear Park Trail - Fairfield

Jepson Prairie - Rio Vista

Is being more environmentally friendly one of your goals? Being green is easier than you may think. Here are five easy tips for being a better friend to our planet from the Climate Action Reserve, an environmental non-profit based in Los Angeles that is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

1 2 3 4 5

Swap modes of transportation: If you currently drive to work, choose one day of the week to change your mode of transportation. If distance permits – or if you love exercise – bike to work. Ask if your building has a bike rack in a secure location. Or, take public transportation and use the time on the bus or train as a chance to read, prepare for the workday or listen to music. Buy local: Buying produce, food and other goods from local companies not only supports your community but also generates less emissions because the items aren’t shipped from another location via truck, plane or train. And while you’re shopping locally, remember to bring your reusable bag. Reduce, reuse, recycle: This is one of the oldest mantras for environmentalists. It’s easy to cut back your impact on the planet if you reduce the amount of goods you use. How often do you realize you have an entire closet jam packed with items you never will use? Reuse what you do have and recycle items you no longer have a use for. You can repurpose them or pass them on to someone who can use them. Button down the hatches: It’s easy to make your home more energy efficient. Replace your old incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) and turn off lights when you’re not in a room. Check the insulation in your home to make sure heat is not escaping. And, ask your local utility if it has any programs to help customers make their homes more energy efficient. Balance your emissions: We are responsible for creating greenhouse gas emissions when we drive our cars, fly on planes and use electricity and natural gas. We are also indirectly responsible for emissions when we use goods and services. It’s nearly impossible to not generate emissions. So, you can balance out what you are responsible for by buying offsets. The first step to balancing your emissions is to calculate your personal carbon footprint. Numerous carbon calculators are available for free online, including the EPA’s Personal Emissions Calculator (http://www. epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html). Next, choose and purchase offsets from a credible offsets provider that ensures the environmental integrity of its emissions reductions. Be sure to choose a provider that provides full documentation on where the offsets came from and how they were generated.  The Climate Action Reserve is the premier carbon offset registry for the North American carbon market. It establishes high quality standards for quantifying and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction projects, oversees independent third-party verification bodies, issues carbon credits generated from such projects and tracks the transaction of credits over time in a transparent, publicly-accessible system. By ensuring that GHG reduction projects provide true environmental benefit and earn high quality offsets, the Climate Action Reserve is creating a trusted and valuable commodity and bringing credibility and efficiency to the carbon market. For more information, please visit www.climateactionreserve.org.

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California's population expected to grow by 11 million new residents by 2030 SolanoFit Magazine

Vena F. "Great Issue! So much great information to read. "

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planet mind body

The

SUPERCAR Cal Poly Supermileage Vehicle By SolanoFit Staff

T

Team members from left to right: Adriano Agostino (F), Tim Lui (F), Myles Bradwel (B), David Williams (B), Kyle Savage (F), Bob Somers (B), Gabriel Mountjoy (F), John Biddle (B), Jose Garcia (B), and Ann Peters (F)

he Shell Eco-Marathon challenges high school and college student teams from around the world to design, build, and test energy-efficient vehicles. With annual events in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, the winner is the team whose vehicle goes the farthest distance using the least amount of energy.

SolanoFit took a moment with Gabriel Mountjoy, president of Cal Poly’s perennial favorite, the Supermileage Vehicle Team

their cars to the limit of minimal fuel consumption. If we saw commercial car companies following suit, we could turn around this energy crisis.

SoFit: How long has Cal Poly been involved in the Shell Eco-Marathon? GM: The team began as a senior project in 1993, and then reformed in

SoFit: Best of luck to Gabriel and the entire Cal Poly 2011 SuperMileage Vehicle Team!

2005 to compete in the SAE Super Mileage Competition in Michigan. The following year, and years to come, the team began competing in the Shell Eco-Marathon. We have done exceptionally well in the Shell Eco-Marathon for many years and plan to continue this tradition. The sole purpose of the team is to design and build fuel-efficient vehicles. This year we have changed categories in the competition. We now are building an urban concept car that won’t have the same efficiency of our previous prototype vehicles, but we expect it to get around 500 MPG. This new car is most similar to a Smart car, in size.

The Shell Eco-Marathon Americas 2011 takes place April 14-17, 2011 in Houston, Texas at Discovery Green. 

SportRehab Physical Therapy using Pilates for Rehab

SoFit: How is the Super Mileage Team chosen each year? GM: Students volunteer. We do outreach to get new people interested each year, but its open. Anyone may join, and as long as they put in hard work, they will be allowed to attend competition. We currently have twelve students on the team building this new car. I approximate that about twenty students will have worked on this car by its completion.

SoFit: So, Cal Poly took the grand prize in 2007. What’s your secret!? GM: Well, we can’t reveal all of our secrets, but I can say that the biggest part is weight. We do everything we can to reduce our car's weight, especially the rotating weight, such as wheels and sprockets. Additionally, we reduce our rolling resistance with high pressure tubeless tires and special bearings. Aerodynamics plays a relatively small part when we are traveling at an average speed of 15 mph; however, we do still take this into account.

SoFit: Why is a competition like this important? GM: This competition is important because it shows the available technology today that could be applied today. There are not too many new inventions at the Shell Eco-Marathon; however, many teams use innovation to push

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81 Cernon Street Vacaville

707.447.9750

Pilates Studio

www.sportrehabphysicaltherapy.com w w w. s o l a n o f i t . c o m


health watch

Easy Does It

Modest Exercise: The new prescription for health from the physicians of Kaiser Permanente

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine call for "accumulating 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week." Intense or vigorous effort is not required, but can produce the same benefits of moderate activity in a shorter amount of time, which may be preferable for some. Normal chores, activities, and pleasures also count.

t

he physical activity doesn't have to be done in one continuous bout; you can accumulate short spurts of activity, from walking several blocks to climbing a flight of stairs, so that it adds up to the recommended 30 minutes. Scientists now say that the benefits of accumulated periods of activity are probably equivalent to those of a sustained vigorous workout such as aerobics, swimming, tennis, or rowing. In fact, exercisers who divvy up their workouts into short chunks actually seem to get a greater boost in the ratio of "good" cholesterol to "bad."

❝It's the total amount of activity that counts, not the manner in which you do it. ❞

One study found that men who took part in even small amounts of light or moderate physical activity had lower rates of heart attacks and death than sedentary men. In fact, men with 30 minutes of moderate exercise were as protected from fatal heart attacks as those who exercised three times as much. Another study found that men who walked as little as a mile a day had a 30 percent lower risk of stroke; those who walked more than a mile a day had a 50 percent lower risk. Even the most sedentary people should know that every bit of activity, no matter how small, counts. Just standing, instead of sitting, can burn up to 20 calories an hour. That's a pound a year if you stand instead of sit for one hour a day. If you move around a bit while you are standing, you'll get more benefit. But if you must "go for the burn," great! Many people enjoy a vigorous workout, the "high," the sleeker body, and the somewhat greater physical health benefits that come from more intense exercise. Just don't think that it's required for improved mental or physical health.

Health benefits of moderate exercise

Remember, it doesn't matter how brief your periods of activity are, as the benefits are cumulative. It's the total amount of activity that counts, not the manner in which you do it.

Not only is there clear evidence that moderate exercise is better than none, but there is also evidence that moderate exercise results in many of the same health benefits as vigorous exercise.

For more information about the benefits of moderate exercise, talk with your physician or log on to kp.org. 

W N

James H. Riley, CFP®, EA

Investment Management-Financial Planning

NAPA WEALTH MANAGEMENT 1836 Second Street Napa, CA 94559 (707) 252-1343

www.NapaWealth.com SolanoFit Magazine

37


Award-Winning Author of

Shredderman Comes

S E R I E S to Solano

By Mark Flowers, Librarian at John F. Kennedy Library, Vallejo

Libraries

We all know the importance of

reading and literacy. But for kids, even more important than reading a book can be having a concrete experience with it, such as meeting the author and getting a personal copy signed. It is an experience that can profoundly change the way kids see books and reading. Enter Solano Kids Read. For the fourth year, Solano County Library is asking the question “what if every kid read the same book at the same time.” Over the years, we’ve read books by Gennifer Choldenko, Patti Sherlock, and Gordon Korman, and given kids, parents, and teachers across the county an opportunity to meet these award-winning authors, and a unique opportunity to engage in county-wide discussions about a single book. The program, generously sponsored by the Solano County Library Foundation

❝What if every kid read the same book at the same time?❞ and the Vallejo Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament has garnered a tremendous response in past years, and the Library is proud to be continuing the program this year, featuring the novel Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen. If you know Van Draanen’s work from the popular award-winning Sammy Keyes mysteries, or last year’s movie of her novel Flipped (directed by Rob Reiner), you already know that she possesses a singular ability to pack thought-provoking, serious themes into funny, enjoyable story lines. Each of the Sammy Keyes books, for instance, centers on a semi-serious mystery which Van Draanen deftly balances with the comic exploits of middle school and the very serious business of an absent mother and a poor grandmother. In Secret Identity, pitched at a slightly younger audience (9-12 years old), Van Draanen displays all the same strengths, matching a witty, engaging narrator, with a very serious subject matter: bullying. When Nolan decides that he is

Scan Me A QR Code Up Scotty

finally fed up with being bullied by Bubba Bixby, he creates a website, in the guise of his new secret identity, Shredderman, devoted to exposing Bubba’s various bullying crimes, as well as explicitly mocking Bubba. While Van Draanen clearly sympathizes with Nolan’s exploits as a cyber-hero, she never shies away from the question (common to all superhero stories) of how and when to justify vigilante justice (in this case, whether Nolan has himself become a cyber-bully), as well as the question of the true sources of bullying. At the same time, Van Draanen keeps Nolan’s voice funny and light, and the pace quick. Written seven years ago, this book couldn’t be more relevant to recent and ongoing discussions about bullying. Van Draanen will be visiting a variety of schools and libraries throughout the county, and by choosing this book, Solano County Library hopes to open up discussions in classrooms, libraries, and communities all around the county about this important issue, at the same time that we are offering an engaging read to remind kids and adults alike of the pleasures of reading. And for anyone who loves the book, there’s even better news: Secret Identity is just the first in a series of novels about Shredderman, so there’s plenty more to read. 

Meet Author Wendelin Van Draanen  Springstowne Library, Vallejo

May 17 at 10 a.m.

 John F. Kennedy Library, Vallejo

May 17 at 1 p.m.

 Fairfield Cordelia Library

May 17 at 7 p.m.

 D.H. White Elementary School, Rio Vista

May 18, at 8:30 a.m.

 Vacaville Performing Arts Center

May 18, 10 a.m.

All author events are free but seating is limited. For more information please call 1-866-57-ASKUS (1-866-572-7587).

Is a quick response two-dimensional code readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with cameras, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background.

In an instant the QR codes link you to text, video, or product information. Dozens of free QR code applications exist. All the rage in Japan, tech experts believe that the wave has already hit American shores. Microsoft, Google, and several other companies have already adopted the technology, and will soon launch upgrades. If you haven’t seen them yet, you soon will! Sound complicated? If you can take a picture using your cell phone, you can scan a QR code. If your phone doesn’t already have Google Goggles installed, google Goggles and follow the instructions to download it to your smartphone. Each issue of SolanoFit will offer prizes, videos, and useful tips through QR codes. Join the age, and get scanning to WIN! No Smartphone? No worries! Just go to www.solanofit.com to enter contests!

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planet mind body

2020 VISION

w

A Healthier Future Starts with All of Us

hen we first began drafting SolanoFit Magazine in 2009, the mission centered on helping Solano County residents become fit. We quickly realized that the word 'fit' incorporates so much more than physical fitness. The word 'fit' relates to ability, or a suitability, to do something. Yes, Solano County residents could be physically more fit, but in what other ways might we increase our fitness? What can we do for our environment? In the 80’s, some of us laughed at recycling, as if it were some extreme fringe movement. Not so anymore. 'Eco' is the buzzword now, green is in vogue, and 80's kids are now 21st century parents, conscious of the legacy they will leave their children. In November 2010, with the launch of our first issue, we secretly began dreaming about what Solano County could accomplish in ten short years, by November 2020 – our 2020 vision, so to speak. The vision is still a little opaque right now, so we keep it simple: eat healthy, exercise, and think green. In addition, because we can’t possibly cover all of the cool innovations in green tech, and because a healthy planet fuels a healthy body, we will now include green tips in each issue, under our fitplanet section.

There are roughly 430,000 people in this great county. What can’t we do? What can’t we become? Could we each lose weight with a countywide movement? Could we become the healthiest county in California? Could we make green living more than just a neat idea? We could if we cared. Yeah, it might be a little romantic, but so was a dream to go to the moon, and so was a dream for racial equality. We think Solano County is an amazing county, and we think 430,000 strong sounds like an idea whose time has come.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead In the following pages are seven people who care. They are the men and women who bear the noble burden of governing our cities. SolanoFit is pleased to present your mayors and a brief snapshot of their thoughts on the importance of wellness and green living in your city. 

The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. — Gaylord Nelson (co-founder of Earth Day)

Earth Day is April 22, 2011. Make a change this year. SolanoFit Magazine

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planet mind body

City of Vallejo

Mayor Osby Davis

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A

lmost ten years ago, the City of Vallejo made a commitment to renewable energy by installing a solar plant at the City's Corporation Yard, which is capable of producing 31 kW of energy from a 244 module Sun Power Solar System. This project was funded by the city and a California Energy Commission rebate. This system provides supplemental electric power to Vallejo's Central Police Station and has proven to be a wise investment for Vallejo. 3) Building Energy Audits

We’ve continued our commitment to renewable energy with an additional solar plant on the roof of the Santa Clara Street City Hall/ Library Facilities. The system is comprised of Sanyo panels installed by Power Light Corporation at a cost of $2,386,514.00. These systems provide significant savings for the city, and will continue to provide savings for years to come, by producing approximately 50% of the energy required to power these facilities. The installation of photovoltaic systems has been a key step in our drive to reduce energy costs and consumption, while achieving greater self-sufficiency and sustainability. We are slated to receive up to $1,051,200 from a Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which is designed to save taxpayer dollars and create jobs in communities. Below is a summary of three of the five primary products that will be realized from these funds:

We will be using a portion of the $1,051,200 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to perform energy audits at municipal facilities. Upon the completion of this project, the city will have a number of scoped lighting and HVAC retrofit projects that it can implement as funding becomes available. Additionally, we are reviewing bids to convert many of our street lights to more energy efficient LED lights and we are preparing a Climate Action Plan for the City of Vallejo. We are delighted by SolanoFit’s message and look forward to the great partnerships that may develop as a result. Vallejo will continue to do its part in implementing eco-friendly opportunities for our environment and for our citizens.

1) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy Plan As a recipient of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, funding is in order to provide strategies that reduce fossil fuel emissions in transportation, building, and other applicable public and private sectors. Vallejo’s energy goal is to develop energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas. 2) Data Center Optimization This project will provide multiple opportunities for energy savings, such as air flow optimization, HVAC equipment, and server replacement.

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planet mind body

City of Vacaville T

he City of Vacaville has a pretty lengthy list of eco-friendly accomplishments. We reduced our carbon footprint a few years ago with the use of electric vehicles, as we have somewhere around 25 of them in our current fleet. It earned us the nickname, “Voltageville,” from those in the alternative energy field. We have solar panels installed at City Hall, as well as sites throughout the City, including Mayor Steve Hardy the Bella Vista Park and Ride lot, and several buildings in our Corporation Yard, which provide electricity for our electric vehicles and some of our facilities. In fact, the entire Transit Area at the Corp Yard is powered by solar panels. We also have several compressed natural gas vehicles in our fleet.

SolanoFit Magazine

For the last three or four years, the City of Vacaville, its businesses, and its residents have been recognized by Northern California Solar Energy Association for their efforts regarding solar power. Between 2007 and 2009, Vacaville ranked second among medium cities for total watts of solar power installed with 3.13 megawatts. Large solar installations were recently installed at Novartis, Mariani, the State Compensation Insurance Fund, and Alza. Solar panels will provide power to the new Vacaville Transportation Center at Ulatis and Allison Drive, as well. We’re proud of our efforts. They’re good for the environment and can also be cost-effective.

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planet mind body

City of Suisun E

co-conscious living is second nature for Suisun City. With the largest estuarine marsh on the West Coast, we understand the connection between everyday life and natural California.

Mayor Pete Sanchez

In Suisun City, we take pride in offering: 1. Promenades by the waterfront 2. Pedestrian and bike trails, both for fitness and as alternative modes of transportation 3. Help to the environment, through recycling, composting, protecting local waterways, and our community garden 4. Personal health and well-being, through programs like the HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) campaign 5. Our in-house Big Loser weight loss contest. You give $10, lose the most weight in a few weeks, and take all the entrants’ money. My first try was a disaster. I lost my $10 and gained 12 pounds. Over more than 20 years, Suisun City has reclaimed its waterway from the oil tanks and old warehouses that lined Main Street. Few knew there was water behind the old buildings.

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We’ve constructed a welcoming Waterfront Promenade, fishing docks, modern boat slips, and watercraft launch facilities. Now, you can walk or bike around, see kids throwing their fishing lines, watch thousands of swallows going back to their nests, and marvel at the gracefully swimming ducklings.

We continue sponsoring dozens of community events that take place outdoors along the Waterfront, just as Suisun City’s founders did during the Gold Rush-era shipping years. Suisun City residents love being outdoors, so we’ve invested in a system of dedicated recreation trails, in addition to parks of various sizes around the city. Using the Central County Bikeway and the McCoy Creek Trail, you can safely bike, walk, run, or skate across sections of our city, side by side with your neighbors.

edge of Highway 12, will provide access to a stateprotected natural resource and provide a new safe route to school for our students. Suisun City has signed onto the Healthy Eating Active Living Cities Campaign that supports more healthy and active communities through land use, availability of healthy food choices, and employee wellness. This program is a perfect extension of our community garden program and the weight loss challenge program launched by our employees. Now, if I could refrain from fast food stops, walk straight to the vegetable garden, harvest, and later cook healthy foods, I might just win next year’s Big Loser contest. Come and walk or bike Suisun City. You might just find your mayor hostage on the 40 minute walk. That way you can suggest other good things in which your elected leaders might invest. Find out more about Suisun City at www.VisitSuisunCity.com

It takes me 40 minutes to walk from Lawler Ranch to City Hall, always with a stop to stretch at the Anderson Drive bridge, or to watch a puppy seal swim by the tules. I just have to shake off the habit of stopping by McDonald’s for a breakfast burrito. Just last year, we completed a project to connect the Central County Bikeway to the Waterfront District with a bridge along the northern stretch of Main Street. Our Grizzly Island Trail project, along the south

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planet mind body

Rio Vista has a vision to become one of the prime green cities in Solano County. We are actively pursuing a solar array that would provide green electricity to the grid. We require our developers to offer solar power on new homes. This has been successful, and new residents in these energy efficient homes, report that their electric bills are very low. The City has industrial land that is attractive to energy-efficient businesses and builders. In fact, a local business is expanding to include an extremely energy-efficient building at our business park. Water conservation is important to Rio Vista, since we rely

SolanoFit Magazine

on groundwater for all our water needs. We are moving ahead with installation of water meters and encourage water conservation. Two years ago the City Council passed landscape guidelines for water-efficient landscapes and the use of drought-resistant plants. In fact, many residents are removing their lawns and practicing water-efficient gardening. The health of our growing children is always important. Children are an important resource, and it is vital that we encourage healthy eating, including school lunches. We would like to encourage healthy families through the eating of more fruits and vegetables, and less fast food. Medical care can be an issue, and Rio Vista will continue to seek to have a full-service medical clinic in town, which would permit residents to access medical care without having to drive over twenty miles to a clinic. Solano County can become one of the healthiest counties in the state. In Rio Vista, that would mean more medical care, regular farmers' markets, and an additional transit, in order to reduce automobile traffic on Highway 12. We would have new developments of energy-efficient homes and landscaping. Our children would glow with good health. Our residents would have all the shopping resources they need in town. We would have parks, ball fields, picnic areas, and trails throughout the city, and we would have families taking advantage of our waterfront and scenic ridge tops. Yes, there is much work ahead - but Rio Vista is committed to making our green future a reality.

City of Rio Vista

R

io Vista is a small, distinctive city in the heart of the Delta, on the banks of the Sacramento River. It is a focus for boaters and fishermen, and a stop on the itinerary of many motorcycle clubs touring the beautiful Delta. Rio Vista is conscious of the need to protect our Mayor Jan Vick environment, including the great variety of agricultural lands that surround us. Our city has a proud history and a legacy of quiet streets, beautiful Victorian homes, and a friendly small-town atmosphere.

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planet mind body

F

airfield has been committed to being a leader in the area of sustainability for several years. Our green leadership role began in the 1980s when the city installed an energy-producing cogeneration plant on the City Hall campus to reduce its energy costs. Fairfield also operates two of the most efficient water plants in the state.

City of Fairfield

Mayor Harry T. Price

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Today, Fairfield continues its commitment to building a sustainable community. We are using available grants and low-interest loans to make sustainable improvements in the community.

Our projects include: 1. Converting the city’s streetlights to more efficient LED lights. 2. Increasing the energy efficiency of the Allan Witt Sports Center by upgrading the lights and adding a cool roof and solar panels. 3. Conducting energy audits on all City facilities to identify more ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 4. Beautifying downtown with the Downtown WaterWise Demonstration Garden that provides a place for residents to learn ways to reduce water use and pesticides in their landscaping through wise choices in plant selection, material, and irrigation systems.

Fairfield’s choices lower the cost of operation, while improving the environment, making both financial and ecological impacts on our city, our county, and society as a whole. Nelson Mandela once said, “You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.” Simply put, our eco-conscious operations and policies are responsible governance, by making good fiscal choices that are good for the environment, too. The city strives to set a good example of ways to make our community more sustainable. Last year, the city spent time building alliances with several consumer-focused organizations, such as PG&E and the Green Business Council, in order to provide as much access to green resources as possible for our residents. Fairfield will keep moving toward greater sustainability.

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planet mind body

I

Mayor Jack Batchelor

am pleased to have the opportunity to share with the readers of Solano Fit Magazine what the City of Dixon is doing to further the movement of becoming a “greener” city. First of all, the City of Dixon has established an Energy Strategic Plan. This plan contains nine strategies that define what the City of Dixon will do to provide energy independence and reduce the cost of government and environmental impacts, while linking water to energy, in order to foster competition and opportunity for the residence of Dixon.

City of Dixon Strategies toward becoming a “greener” city: 1. Promote energy savings opportunities to the community, and provide incentive support to those who require assistance.

Cityy of Di

2. Increase awareness of the value in conservation of water both to the consumer and the City of Dixon.

Dixon Business

3. Increase awareness of new technology to reduce energy and water use to builders, developers, and homeowners that remodel.

by MacLaughlin & C

4. Offer support for local green-renewable events. 5. Offer training and support to our building inspectors. 6. Define and maintain a core set of conservation tools for modeling and management of target of opportunity. 7. Identify and execute a strategy that leverages current state and federal grants for energy solutions and research. 8. Encourage the California Public Energy Commission to evaluate and modify regulations on energy production and the transmission system related to energy. 9. Create local and regional focus on energy.

The City of Dixon has made progress related to our strategic energy plan. First Northern Bank of Dixon has installed Solar Voltaic panels on top of their office building to offset their energy consumption. Dr. Andy Frank, U.C. Davis, has a research and development group in Dixon working on plug-in electric vehicles. The City of Dixon has entered into a power purchase agreement at our Waste Water Treatment Facility, and will soon have a wind turbine installed to off-set the electrical cost associated with our water treatment plant. Our energy sub-committee will be meeting with city staff to discuss the results of an in-depth energy audit recently conducted, and will be bringing back to council, recommendations to move forward in our quest to reduce our energy costs. Lastly, the City of Dixon has joined California First, a group of cities and counties that assist homeowners in installing energy conservation measures in their homes, with the cost of these measures being added to their property tax bill and paid semi-annually through the county tax assessors office.

SolanoFit Magazine

The City of Dixon supports Solano Fit Magazine in their dream that Solano County would become one of the healthiest counties in the state by 2020. The City of Dixon will continue to promote healthy lifestyles through education, city sponsored activities for all of our citizens, and our continued commitment to preserving and restoring our natural resources.

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planet mind body

envirosports.com

THE LARGEST FITNESS BOOT CAMP IN THE WORLD!

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City of Benicia

Mayor Jack Batchelor Mayor Elizabeth Patterson

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E

veryone wants to be green because it is the right thing to do, and an added bonus is that it saves money and adds to our quality of life. The City of Benicia

conservation windows, solar panels for alternative energy, water conservation, and limiting bottled water use. Local businesses are mobilizing to “go green” by simple, affordable strategies such as reducing printing, on. We are adopting a solid waste reduction program that will include more recycling pick up, kitchen green waste, and commercial recycling, which will achieve the state goals for waste reduction. The city has a green purchase program, including janitorial products, paper and integrated pest management, reducing pesticide, and herbicide use.

have cleaner air. (We currently have one of the four worst air quality driving fewer miles and by switching to electric cars. The regulators

is preparing the state required plan for meeting AB 32 2012 and of the state of the art “scrubber,” which will reduce air pollution community gardens and a Farmers’ Market to promote healthy and fresh foods, and restaurants are considering partnerships with the community gardens for produce. Our streets are gradually being converted to “complete streets,” making it safer for bicycling

trend in California, we are fostering the idea that walking is

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Your Life, Your Body, Your Adventure!

jobs, we are matching our workforce that is highly educated with future jobs in the city, which reduces the need to commute and

SportRehab Physical TherapyP M using Pilates for Rehab A on keeping our local and independent businesses thriving, and we believe by identifying Benicia as a “green city,” we will simply add to our many assets and quality of life that is the envy of Solano County.

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SolanoFit Magazine

Beauty from the Inside Out

• Botox • Dermal Fillers • OBAGI Skin Care • De La Terre Skin Care & facials • Intraceutical Facials (oxygen infused treatments)

CENTER FOR INTELLIGENT HEALTH • CEDSA (Computer Electro Dermal Stress Analysis)

• Homeopathic/Herbal supplements • Detox /Wellness Programs (for balance and well being)

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be outdoors TRIATHLON SERIES • Alcatraz XXXI Escape from the Rock • Napa Valley Sprint Triathlon • Napa Valley Vintage (half-iron) Triathlon • Seattle Escape from the Rock • Tri, Girl, Tri - All Women’s Sprint Triathlon

Mon/Wed/Fri at 4:45 a.m. ($199) Or Tues and Thurs at 9:00 a.m. ($135)

JENI IVOVIC

CA Licensed PT Assistant, Certified Pilates Instructor

Learn more about this dynamic program Contact us at

VacavilleBootCamp@yahoo.com or (707) 290-3131 www.VacavilleBootCamp.com

Your Life, Your Body, Your Adventure!

SportRehab Physical TherapyP M using Pilates for Rehab A PIEL MEDICAL AESTHETICS

be adventurous SHARKFEST SWIM SERIES • Alcatraz • Boston • Lake Tahoe • Manhattan • Potomac River • San Diego

sharkfestswim.com SolanoFit Magazine

Beauty from the Inside Out

• Botox • Dermal Fillers • OBAGI Skin Care • De La Terre Skin Care & facials • Intraceutical Facials (oxygen infused treatments)

CENTER FOR INTELLIGENT HEALTH • CEDSA (Computer Electro Dermal Stress Analysis)

• Homeopathic/Herbal supplements • Detox /Wellness Programs (for balance and well being)

81 Cernon Street Vacaville • CHI Machine • NEW • • M’lis Detox body wraps • Detox Foot baths

707.447.9750

For appointments visit our website

1440 East 2nd Street Suite C Benicia CA 94510 Pilates Studio 707. 745. 3040

www.sportrehabphysicaltherapy.com PielMedSpa.com

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SoFit Success

Jessica Chatten-Brown

T

hree months after giving birth to her second child, Jessica laced up her shoes and hit the road again. Jessica loves to run, and in retrospect, admits that she might have taken it slower out of the gate if she had to do it all over again. Nonetheless, she accomplished an amazing feat by finishing the California International Marathon, not in her usual blazing time, but remarkable just the same.

>YOUR CHALLENGE

>WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?

The challenge was finding time to get out and run! I have a treadmill downstairs, but with two little kiddos under two years, the challenge to get downstairs for a thirty-minute run is pretty great. When I was training for the CIM marathon in December, my longest run was seven miles, as I was never able to get downstairs or outside long enough to get in the required amount of training. Running the marathon three months post-partum may have been a bit too early, but it was a huge goal of mine that I so badly wanted to reach.

Responses from family and friends have been heartwarming and encouraging. When I told them that my goal was to run a marathon three months post-partum, naturally they thought I was crazy at first, but then remembered that I'd find a way to achieve my goal(s).

>KEEPING MOTIVATED I remind myself of how incredibly good it feels when I am finished with my run, regardless of time. Once I overcome the procrastination hurdle, the run is actually the best part of my day. I've been running since elementary school, and it's amazing how I get the same feeling of accomplishment and euphoria now that I did when I started running so long ago. I guess this means that I've chosen the best sport for me. :)

>ADVICE FOR OTHERS STRUGGLING Be patient. There are so many compromises that we make as mothers (and fathers), and I honestly didn't take into account that I would be completely sleep-deprived most of the first six months of Devyn's life when I started my training. I would recommend sitting down with your spouse and creating some goals together, so that you both understand what the other person is attempting to accomplish, and figuring out how to work together towards those goals. Two kiddos is much harder than one, and I'm just now getting into some sort of groove, which is perfect, as I have the Boston Marathon in just over three months from now. ď §

GOOD LUCK to all moms the effort is SO worth it in the end!

>BIGGEST LIFE CHANGE I'm finding that I have to prioritize my time, as well as my husband's, in order to balance it all for the kids. Can I run in the morning before he heads to work? Or can we squeeze in a gym workout between our work schedules so that we can work out together? Now, we are constantly scheduling our days, which is something we didn't always have to do when it was just the two of us.

>WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF? I need to create realistic expectations for myself and my family after having a second child. The days are busier and the nights are longer, and I should have expected this, instead of thinking I could've jumped right in to a normal marathon training scenario. So, now that the marathon is over, I'm attempting to just try and fit runs (of any length) into my day, and learning to just be happy with what I've accomplished, regardless of distance or speed. This is easier said than done. ;)

To share your inspirational story or be featured as a weight loss success contact share@solanofitmag.com

Favorite Fan Nelson A. —"wahoo...got my copy at Anytime Fitness Vacaville!"

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Feel good. Volunteer.

SolanoFit Magazine

Change a life through reading by becoming a Solano County Library Literacy volunteer. The Library’s literacy program is looking for volunteers to teach reading and English-speaking skills to adults.Volunteers who read to children in clinic waiting rooms are also needed. If you have a couple of hours a week to help make Solano a more literate community, please call 784-1526 or go to solanolibrary.com for details.

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