September 2009 - On Top of the World Communities Info

September 2009 The World News® 21Back atThe RanchCammy DennisGolf - Drive Longer and PlayStronger!Whether you step up to the tee as abeginner or a seasoned player, there arealways things you can do to improve yourgolf game. The golf pro can assist youwith skill specific instruction and adviseyou on the best equipment. But a fitnessprofessional can guide you how to changeyour physiology, which will also have atremendous impact on your game.The specific mechanics of golf are complexand the swing itself is considered tobe one of the most vigorous movementsperformed in all athletics, generatingextraordinarily high amounts of force.Therefore, the physical condition of yourbody is crucial to your personal successon the golf course.This article is part one of a two partseries that will focus on golf conditioningand how you can improve your game.This article will focus on performance enhancement.Part two will focus on injuryprevention.Sport specific conditioning to enhanceyour golf game will include both strengthA group of women continue to meetthe third Thursday of each month in theHealth & Recreation Building, Room #2 at1:30 p.m.On July 16, Jane Kaufman, LicensedMassage Therapist shared information regardingthe benefits of massage for peoplewith cancer. She described the differenttypes of massage and how they affectthe muscles. She mentioned that researchhas shown that massage can decreasestress, anxiety, depression, pain, fatigueand stimulate endorphins – those chemicalsthat improve mood. She dispelled themyth that massage therapy spreads thecancer; but rather increases blood circula-and flexibility training. Strength is criticalfor improving club head speed. A recentstudy at the conclusion of an eight-weekstrength-training program demonstrateda 6.1% increase in club head speed.We all contend with age related muscleloss (called sarcopenia). From as earlyas our 20s, we lose about a half a poundof muscle every year. So, improving andmaintaining strength is the cornerstoneof a golf-conditioning program.Your flexibility has a lot to do withthe integrity of your posture, and yourposture will most definitely affect yourstance when addressing the ball. Accordingto Greg Norman and other experts,the transfer of energy and power fromthe lower body to the upper body is themost pivotal link and the most commonweakness observed in recreational golfers.By improving flexibility, broadeningrange of motion and increasing strengthin your core, this pivotal link can be improved.The key to coordinated action inthe golf swing is a high level of strengthand flexibility in the trunk area.The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa isexcited to offer our very first “Golf Conditioning”workshop. This course will beginon Oct. 12 and will run for two weeks. Youwill participate in four group sessions,and will also receive one personal trainingsession. Personal Trainers will lead youin sport specific conditioning to achievewhat I described above. You can enhanceyour golf performance. Reserve your spotby registering at the front desk.Upcoming events:• Tuesday, Sept. 1: Master the Possibilities“Healthy Life Presentation”at 2 p.m.• Tuesday, Sept. 8: Master the Possibilities“Medical Exercise Connection”at 9:30 a.m.• Saturday, Sept. 12: Special class!Drum Core at 10 a.m.• Oct. 12 through 21: Golf ConditioningWorkshop; sign up now atThe Ranch!Small group personal training now beingoffered!Women’s CancerSupport GroupBy Patricia Wo o d b u r ytion, which promotes faster healing.On Aug. 20, Cammy Dennis encouragedsome form of exercise that wouldimprove physical fitness, lower levels ofstress and increase feelings of relaxationand well-being. She described the classesavailable at On Top of the World.Dr. Ganesh D. Arora, Radiologist atClinical P.E.T. of Ocala, will discuss thePositron Emission Mammography, what itshows and the advantages.Women with cancer or a caretaker forsomeone with cancer, are welcome to attend.For further information, contactDiane Kirol at 854-8152.OcalaClown ExpressKathy & Charlie PetroskyCan’t believe the summer is almostover. We had a great resting time. Withfall arriving, it is time to get back intogear.The nursing home clowns continuedvisiting nursing homes during the summer.It was great to have a visitor with uswhen we went to Hampton Manor West.Jingles and Ding a Ling’s granddaughter,Jackie, came with us. She was a great helphanding out the musical instruments andhelping us in our program. We enjoy addingnew antics each time we do our program.The clowns have come to know we neverknow what Toot and Jingles will comeup with next. The residents enjoy singingand playing instruments with the clowns.It is really fun when we get a group whointeracts with us. We sing, dance, jokeand have fun. Would this be somethingyou would enjoy doing?We had our training meeting for thehospital on Aug. 17. All new clowns werewelcomed to join us. We went over ourpuppet routine and reviewed our skits.Our songs are always fun to do.In September, we look forward to startingup the hospital program at MunroeRegional Medical Center. We will be at St.Paul’s United Methodist Church and theOcala Chrome Divas. Hospice of MarionCounty has asked us to help with theirFlutterby Festival.As you can see, we do a variety ofthings. It is great to know that with thevariety you can do as much as you want.You know the type of activity you enjoyand are good at. Those are the ones yousign up for.What do you need to do to join us?Just call Dotsy at 873-9223.Come look for us at the Club Fair onSept. 17. Rosey Nosey will be there andwill be happy to answer any questions.We would love to have you join us! Hopeto see you!Gum Drop and TootD’ClownsPaula MagenWell, summer’s passed and D’Clownsare looking forward to another fun-filledbusy season. We were just contactedby TimberRidge to again appear for themonthly “Kids & Cookies” program. Thefour and five year olds from ChildhoodDevelopment Services share a crafts activitywith the seniors there. They lookforward to seeing the clowns and gettingthe Mardi Gras beads and stickers we giveout. It’s a magical hour for old and youngalike.Our first show at Emeritus (formerlySummerville West) will be on Sept. 2 whenwe entertain the memory support groupresidents. They enjoy our antics, songs,magic and skits. D’Clowns involve theresidents in the action and we love beingthere with this group.The Club Fair will occur on Sept. 17.We hope to sign-up some new clowns aswe have in the past.Aside from our twice-monthly meetingsand our regular scheduled events,we will be at the Sheriff’s annual HalloweenParty on Saturday, Oct. 31. This is awonderful opportunity for the kids in thearea to have a safe, fun time. D’Clowns doface painting, tattoos and have fun playinggames with the costumed children.We have already been contacted bythe March of Dimes and Signature BrandsEaster egg hunt for participation later inthe year. We do these every year.D’Clowns will also be in touch withother assisted living residences in thearea so we can spread the joy.We are a fun group who welcome you(boys and girls) to join us at our meetingson the first and third Monday at 1:30p.m., Arbor Conference Center, Suites Band C.Our first meeting will be on Sept. 21.We will teach you all you need to know.“All the world loves a clown,” as the sayinggoes. Experience the thrill of bringinglaughter and smiles to people’s faces.For more information, call Paula at 873-3433.Going Out of Town? Download a PDF of the World News at www.ontopoftheworld.com/newspaper