April 28, 2024

Pop Warner Football Safer than Organized Soccer

interviewexpertsPop Warner is the nation’s largest and oldest youth football and youth cheerleading organization with over 425,000 participants in 44 states and several countries.  The program helps kids ages 5-15 learn teamwork and competitive drive. Pop Warner football was founded in 1929 by Joseph J. Tomlin in Philadelphia. Since then, membership has been increasing steadily. In 2010, more than 250,000 kids were involved in Pop Warner football programs, and the number is continually growing.

Pop Warner has established a leadership role in youth football and cheerleading by requiring all head coaches to pass a coaching education course. The coaches teach football basics—how to line up correctly, how to tackle safely and effectively, how to read an offense, and so on. Kids can only compete with kids of similar age and size since Pop Warner enforces a strict weight and age format in order to reduce the risk of injuries.

According to a recent statistic, Pop Warner football is safer than soccer, with 12 percent fewer injuries than organized soccer in the same age range.

Pop Warner only recognizes the team’s athletic accomplishments, not the individual’s. They don’t keep track of personal achievements. Pop Warner doesn’t count blocked kicks, sacks, or touchdowns. Teamwork is always applauded. Pop Warner doesn’t build stars, nor do they want to boost a young ego. Whether the young players have good days or bad, they are still an important part of the team.

One of the great things about Pop Warner is that it isn’t just about sports. The program recognizes that kids need to achieve in the classroom just as much as the playing field. Pop Warner also awards annual scholarships to deserving top scholar athletes. With the support of national partners, Pop Warner has been able to award over $1 million in 20 years.

 

Rick Dover, Knoxville Businessman, Builds Structures to Meet Needs of Today’s Seniors

Rick-Dover-SeniorsRick Dover, Knoxville general manager of Family Pride Corporation, is proud to be recognized as a preservationist in East Tennessee. For nearly two decades, Rick Dover and Knoxville-based Family Pride Corporation have worked to preserve the history of Knoxville and its surrounding areas through repurposing some of the area’s best-known structures.

As Rick Dover of Knoxville tells us, Family Pride Corporation was inspired by his need to find the perfect place to care for his own grandfather, Richard Emerson. During his search, Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, realized the heavy demand for a charming, compassionate place in which seniors can live comfortably while having their needs sufficiently met. On this idea, Family Pride Corporation was founded, says Rick Dover. Knoxville has seen the handiwork of Dover and his team, who seek to provide the best possible environment for seniors.

Personalized care is the goal of Rick Dover and Knoxville-based Family Pride Corporation. As Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, explains, the goal is to create a positive atmosphere for each member of a Family Pride Corporation community. After learning personally that the family of each senior has unique requests, Rick Dover and Knoxville staff work hard to address those needs individually.

Dignity and compassion are the hallmarks of each community, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville residents know that what sets Family Pride Corporation apart from others in the industry is its attention to giving seniors extra perks that make their stay even better than home. Talented chefs provide meals each day, Rick Dover of Knoxville points out, and Family Pride Corporation staff encourage interaction between community members, finding that this makes a big difference.

Realizing that many families have budget concerns, Family Pride Corporation works hard to keep costs affordable while still providing high-quality care, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville families especially appreciate that Family Pride Corporation requires no buy-in fees or deposits, Rick Dover of Knoxville says.

As Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, describes, Family Pride Corporation specializes in finding historic buildings for use in meeting the growing demands for senior care. Studies have shown that seniors desire familiarity and comfort, and Rick Dover and Knoxville team members work hard to ensure each community has a home-like feel. Family Pride Corporation offers a variety of communities to meet the varying needs of seniors, from independent living facilities to memory care communities and more, says Rick Dover. Knoxville communities include revitalizing the Oakwood Elementary School, located on the north side of town. Additionally, Family Pride Corporation has restored several buildings in Oak Ridge and Loudon, according to Rick Dover of Knoxville.

Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, has a long history in real estate, having once worked for the company that became CBRE. He logged an impressive history at that firm, winning multiple awards for his excellent salesmanship, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville is now Dover’s home, where he has won multiple awards for his preservationist work. Rick Dover of Knoxville is currently working on communities throughout East Tennessee. In addition to providing affordable care to seniors, Rick Dover, Knoxville, is committed to preserving the planet for future generations to enjoy.

Telecommuting as the New Business Trend

interviewing-expertsWorking from home has become an increasingly popular option for those employees who desire freedom from the traditional 9-to-5 routine. A number of misconceptions about telecommuting have circulated in recent years, so a few facts are necessary to explain further.

Although telecommuting offers the freedom of working at home, keep in mind that it often requires additional hours. According to a number of studies, telecommuters work an average of six additional hours each week. Since an employee is working at home, clients, customers and employers believe that telecommuters are available at all times. Often it becomes difficult to establish boundaries between home life and work. When choosing to work from home, determine a set time when work activities must be completed and stick with it as much as possible.

Similarly, telecommuting requires an individual to have a certain level of discipline. When working in an office, an individual’s mere presence is often considered good enough for his or her superiors. However, telecommuters are usually held to greater standards than office employees because of a lack of visibility. Working from home means that an employee is still accountable for completed work even if the daily schedule has flexibility.

For some telecommuters, working from home feels lonely and isolating. Those who need a little socializing during the workday would do well to schedule a lunch date with friends to reenergize and refocus.

The perils of working from home also include the inability in most cases to pursue job promotions. At the managerial level, it is hard to justify working from home when employees depend on consistent attention. An individual’s salary can stagnate as a result.

It is important to note that telecommuting also carries a few attractive benefits.  Telecommuting reduces a number of costs associated with full-time employment. It can save on transportation costs, clothing expenses and restaurant bills. Telecommuters also avoid expensive childcare costs, though many workers still seek out assistance on a regular basis. Having children around will generally create distractions that take away from the task at hand.

This new business trend requires a significant effort for an employee to telecommute successfully. However, the ability to work from home allows an individual to build a private space. This often leads to more efficient operations, which is a desired result for all involved.

 

Integrity Spas on the Health Benefits of Owning a Spa

Integrity-Spas-WomanLeawood, Kansas-based Integrity Spas has become known as a premier online retailer of luxury, custom-built spas. Integrity Spas provides a full line of luxurious portable spas that have been designed harnessing the expertise of medical and orthopedic professionals as well as engineers who understand the unique function and design of hydrotherapy tubs. In this brief Q&A, Integrity Spas answers questions about the positive health benefits of owning a spa.

Q. First of all, is a spa the same thing as a hot tub?

Integrity Spas: Technically, the word has several definitions including a resort with natural mineral springs. It also means hot tub, but Integrity Spas products are so much more than that, we feel good about calling them spas.

Q. What kind of health benefits do spas like Integrity Spas provide?

Integrity Spas: Hot tubs are not just for socialization. Hot tubs such as those Integrity Spas manufactures provide a much needed hydrotherapeutic massage, which has been proven to aid in stress reduction, relaxation, sleep disorders, and back and muscle pain injuries, and can actually address disease.

Q. What is hydrotherapeutic massage?

Integrity Spas: Simply put, hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. It has a long history going back to ancient times. In recent years, hot tub technology like what we’ve developed at Integrity Spas has been really refined to maximize its therapeutic benefits.

Q. Can you give some examples?

Integrity Spas: A study conducted by Applied Human Science’s Journal of Physiological Anthropology concluded that hot baths before bed significantly accelerated the onset of sleep and increased the ability to stay asleep longer. Also, according to the IHTA trade organization, people are finding great success in dealing with stress-related anxiety through hydrotherapy and report improvement in spine mobility, functional scores and a reduction in the daily duration of pain.

Q. It seems obvious that hot water would help with muscle pain.

Integrity Spas: Yes, it does help, as the presence of hot tubs in most athletic facilities demonstrates. Strength, endurance and mobility exercises in hot moving water decrease joint loading, and the possible increase in circulation provided relieves chronic pain and functional difficulties.

Q. You mentioned circulation. Is there a cardiovascular benefit associated with hydrotherapy in Integrity Spas?

Integrity Spas: Definitely. The American Heart Journal has reported that a home-based thermal hydrotherapy program in a unit like Integrity Spas manufactures improves cardiac failure symptoms and heart rate response to exercise in patients with mild chronic heart failure. The Mayo Clinic states that spending time in a hot tub may actually be less stressful to the heart than getting on an exercise bike. They conclude that a heart patient whose doctor has recommended exercise should have no trouble in a hot tub such as those made by Integrity Spas.

Q. Are any other diseases positively affected by spending time in a spa?

Integrity Spas: The New England Journal of Medicine reports that hot tub therapy helped a group of patients with type 2 diabetes reduce blood sugars, lose weight and improve sleep patterns. Likewise, patients with hypertension can benefit from hot tubs built by Integrity Spas. The Canadian Medical Association has reported that a 10-minute dip in a hot spa reduces blood pressure in patients with treated hypertension.  Integrity Spas is proud to be able to make products that really help people.

David Contarino Sheds Light on Historic Congressional Win

David ContarinoPolitical strategist David Contarino speaks with the staff at Interviewing Experts regarding the astonishing win by underdog Michelle Lujan Grisham in the 2012 Democratic primary for Congress. Grisham went on to defeat Republican Janice Arnold-Jones in the general election.

Interviewing Experts: Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us exactly what role you played in this campaign?

David Contarino: I served now Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham as a consultant and senior advisor.

Interviewing Experts: You have been noted as saying that your work was easy once people understood who Michelle Grisham was.

David Contarino: Absolutely, yes. Congresswoman Grisham was an outstanding candidate. She was disciplined and courageous and demonstrated a commitment to the voters of the district that could not be matched by her opponents.

Interviewing Experts: And the congresswoman had some great supporters…

David Contarino: She had many key allies. Notably Emily’s list – a political group dedicated to helping pro-choice Democratic women win House and Senate seats. The organization also works for Democratic women entering gubernatorial races.

Interviewing Experts: Congresswoman Grisham relied on a lot of newspaper articles in the final leg of the campaign – why?

David Contarino: We used specific documents and public news articles to outline specific deficiencies in the opposition.

Interviewing Experts: And this this worked?

David Contarino: Voters responded so, yes. Virtually all undecided voters broke heavily toward Lujan Grisham in the final days and she went resounding victory by five percentage points.

Interviewing Experts: Toward the end of the campaign, one of the opponents launched a pretty tough attack against Congresswoman Grisham. Can you tell us why she never publicly responded?

David Contarino: She was tempted to respond, certainly. However, the Lujan Grisham campaign stuck with the strategy of believing that its own positive advertising and endorsements would blunt the dubious charges.

Interviewing Experts: That seems like a dangerous strategy as much as the media likes controversy.

David Contarino: The congresswoman had enough well respected third-party endorsements that it should have been obvious that any negative attacks were just feeble attempts to discredit the former State Health Department secretary.

Interviewing Experts: What are some of Grisham’s key priorities?

David Contarino: Lujan Grisham has always been a strong advocate for the people. She is additionally passionate in her defense of women’s health choices.

Interviewing Experts: Going back to those final weeks of the campaign – it seems that Grisham was more visible than her previously higher-profile rivals…

David Contarino: We chose to conserve funds early in the campaign, which meant we would have reserves for later.

Interviewing Experts: Grisham entered the contest late, correct?

David Contarino: I like to think that her opponents just got a head start.

Interviewing Experts: You were her senior advisor – who else was prolific throughout the campaign?

David Contarino: First and foremost, the volunteers; without them, their support, and unrivaled dedication to the cause we could have never done it. I worked closely with Dominic Gabello (campaign manager) and key staffers Debbie Armstrong and Gilbert Gallagos.

Interviewing Experts:  It’s pretty amazing that Grisham went on to win the general election after finishing third in the state convention.

David Contarino: It is definitely a rags to riches story, so to speak. We elected to spend very little early on, including at the convention. We decided that television advertising in the final weeks would be more effective.

Interviewing Experts: It seems you were correct…

David Contarino: Thank you.

Interviewing Experts: Before we close, we’d like to talk a bit about yourself and Congresswoman Grisham.

David Contarino: I’ve been in politics for as long as I can remember – more than 25 years, actually. I have served as a media consultant, campaign manager, and advisor. I have held responsibility in numerous successful campaigns.

Interviewing Experts: And you worked for a while under a very well known governor?

David Contarino: I was Chief of Staff for Bill Richardson – the former governor of New Mexico.

Interviewing Experts: This is assumably how you met Grisham – can you give us a quick background on her?

David Contarino: Grisham has a long family history and politics with an uncle, a cousin, and her grandfather all having been involved in New Mexico government.

Interviewing Experts: Thank you for your time today – we look forward to seeing you in the future.

David Contarino: I certainly appreciate the opportunity.

About David Contarino: David Contarino is an experience political strategist who has served under Bill Richardson and Jeff Bingaman, notably. His work with Democratic groups across the country have helped place candidates like Michelle Grisham. David Contarino is the president of Louisville, Kentucky’s Contarino & Associates.

KSA Kosher Explains Its Impact on the Kosher Industry

KSA KosherKosher Supervision of America (KSA Kosher) is an agency located in the western part of the United States. KSA Kosher is the largest and most renowned kosher certification in the country. According to the team at KSA, kosher sales continue to grow across the U.S. at a significant rate.  

Interviewing-Experts: What exactly is “KSA Kosher?”

KSA Kosher: KSA Kosher is a certification agency that approves products for kosher labeling in supermarket chains, restaurants and other venues where food is sold. All foods with the KSA Kosher label are in good standing after undergoing a rigorous examination.

Interviewing-Experts: Where else can KSA Kosher certified products be seen?

KSA Kosher: Independent grocers, hotel chains, food manufacturers and bakeries also sell food that is certified by KSA.

Interviewing-Experts: How well known is KSA Kosher?

KSA Kosher: We are one of the major agencies in the United States, earning praise from numerous synagogues and rabbis both domestically and internationally.

Interviewing-Experts: Does KSA Kosher have a defined mission?

KSA Kosher: Yes, definitely. We are committed to providing the KSA Kosher certification to food items so they may be consumed by individuals who follow Jewish dietary law.

Interviewing-Experts: Can you explain further?

KSA Kosher: Our goal is to assure consumers that all equipment and ingredients utilized to process a food product will meet strict kosher standards.

Interviewing-Experts: Do you think the general public believes kosher certified products are safer?

KSA Kosher: Yes, we do. Given the strict rules of staying kosher, along with the close supervision by rabbis, many consumers assume that products with a kosher label possess an added supervision and set of eyes watching the preparation of the product and are less likely to undergo micro-biological contamination.

Interviewing-Experts: Why would a food not be considered kosher?

KSA Kosher: Reasons vary as to why a particular food may not be considered kosher. Most importantly is the species of animal, fish, or its by-product.

Interviewing-Experts: What else?

KSA Kosher: Other possible reason would include incorrect processing or slaughtering practices, blending of dairy and meat items, or the usage of non-kosher ingredients.

Interviewing-Experts: How many kosher food products are produced annually?

KSA Kosher: More than $30 billion in kosher foods are produced annually in the United States.

Interviewing-Experts: How much business will the kosher industry do each year?

KSA Kosher: More than 8 million people specifically look for the kosher label while grocery shopping. This results in nearly $3 billion in kosher food sales annually.

Interviewing-Experts: That’s quite a large figure!

KSA Kosher: And the annual rate is growing about 15 percent each year. This compares to just a 1-2 percent increase across the entire food industry. For most people, the term “kosher” truly means that the food is a quality product prepared with care.

Interviewing-Experts: Where are the KSA Kosher offices located?

KSA Kosher: KSA is based out of Los Angeles, but satellite offices are found throughout the world.

Interviewing-Experts: Does KSA monitor food production?

KSA Kosher: KSA staff members regularly visits facilities where kosher products are made to ensure accuracy.

Interviewing-Experts: What are inspectors looking for?

KSA Kosher: Inspectors will investigate the production to see that all food sources are exactly the same and continues to meet all kosher production regulations.

Interviewing-Experts: No substitutions?

KSA Kosher: Absolutely no substitutions are allowed without prior approval from the KSA office to ensure it meets Kosher regulations.

Interviewing-Experts: Who generally makes these inspections?

KSA Kosher: There are rabbis located in various areas around the world who oversee this process.

For more information on the KSA Kosher philosophy, visit their website at ksakosher.com.

 

Sleep as an Essential Element of Overall Health

Sleep is an essential part of a healthy life, just as much as a well-balanced diet or regular exercise. However, many Americans suffer from periods of sleeplessness at one time or another due to external factors. The stresses and pressures of daily routines can cause bad sleep habits. Major life events such as graduations, weddings and job losses also contribute to sleep deprivation. A lack of sleep does not simply decrease a person’s energy level – it can create damage to the cells and cause a greater risk of body fat. Most of this body fat is stored in the abdominal area, and might bring about serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Most health experts suggest avoiding alcohol and cigarettes immediately before bed. The nicotine in cigarettes is a stimulant that produces nervousness and jitteriness, similar to the effects of chocolate or coffee. Although alcohol puts the user in a calm frame of mind for a short time, it generally interrupts the nervous system and could lead to cases of night-waking.

The bedroom should be a place where an individual feels able to relax and unwind from a long day. A bedroom should be rid of such items as computers, televisions and other technological devices. People can ease into a nighttime routine by adjusting the room temperature to a comfortable level, which will aid in falling asleep – and staying that way. Even better, purchase a ceiling fan or a white noise machine that provides a peaceful, soothing sound.

Eating dinner well before bedtime will also help an individual fall asleep much easier. Eating right before bed often causes digestive problems as well as insomnia and heartburn. Additionally, working out before bed can create feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Endorphin levels will elevate and heart rate will increase, so the body feels awake. Schedule a workout for the morning or in the early afternoon.

Although these tips have all proven effective in improving sleep patterns, the most crucial piece of advice for poor sleepers is to try a number of different options in the hopes of finding a cure that works.

 

 

 

Mallory Fleming Considers the Benefits of Competitive Sports

Mallory FlemingMallory Fleming says that for her, volleyball is equal parts fun and friendship. As a longtime player, Mallory Fleming reflects on the positive role of competitive sports in her development in this recent interview with Interviewing Experts.

Interviewing Experts: What competitive sports experience influenced this positive opinion?

Mallory Fleming: Playing competitive volleyball for 10 years offered a first-hand look at what makes great teams succeed—and struggling teams fail.

Interviewing Experts: How do teammates bond?

Mallory Fleming: It’s a natural process in most cases. Teammates spend days, nights and even weekends together. They might meet up three or four times a week for practices and games.

Interviewing Experts: What’s special about teammate relationships?

Mallory Fleming: Teammates are supportive, win or lose. They will offer laughter and friendship even in the worst times.

Interviewing Experts: How does this transfer to the volleyball court?

Mallory Fleming: Building trust in friendships helps develop success on the court. Knowing that a teammate will always give her all is a big confidence booster.

Interviewing Experts: What can happen when the team struggles to gel?

Mallory Fleming: Teams play poorly when individual players argue, or if the team in general has bad overall morale.

Interviewing Experts: What’s a fun aspect of competitive sports?

Mallory Fleming: Traveling on the weekends and meeting team members from other schools is always enjoyable.

Interviewing Experts: How can coaches play a role in team unity?

Mallory Fleming: Coaches can support their team by encouraging social gatherings during spare time. A quick trip to the local ice cream shop after practice is always a fun way to bond.

Interviewing Experts: What valuable lessons can young people learn from sports?

Mallory Fleming: Kids can learn important values like good sportsmanship and proper etiquette.

Interviewing Experts: What other benefits make competitive sports so powerful?

Mallory Fleming: Competitive sports are structured activities, supervised by adults, that give participants a reason to get fit and stay out of trouble.

Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure Says Assisted Living Gives Seniors Independence

Kelley Hamilton BonaventureParents spend their whole lives caring for their children, and many of those children now are caring for their parents. According to Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure Senior Living, some adult children visit their parents in their homes and help out. For others, caretaking can mean blending households. But many people are also choosing an assisted living community, says Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO, as such places are gaining the reputation of being a positive place to end one’s days. As the chief executive officer for a company that builds and manages many senior living communities, Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure knows these facilities are active communities where seniors can actually live life.

In this interview with the staff of Interviewing Experts, Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure talks about the independence seniors gain by choosing an assisted living community. Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure also gives seniors and their adult children advice on how to make the transition as easy as possible.

Interviewing Experts: Thanks for joining us.

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Thank you for having me.

Interviewing Experts: Many people associate assisted living with giving up independence. Is this really the case?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: No, they really don’t give up independence; they actually gain independence through the move.

Interviewing Experts: But many children with elderly parents feel guilty dropping them off at an assisted living community.

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: This is the biggest educational piece that we do when we talk with families and residents. It is definitely not something to feel guilty about. These children are really giving their parents their independence back.

Interviewing Experts: But wouldn’t seniors enjoy more independence in their own homes?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: That’s what many people think. One thing I began to observe was that many seniors who sat at home were often overcome by depression.

Interviewing Experts: How sad! Why does that happen?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: For seniors who no longer can do things they used to be able to do in their home, sitting in the same familiar environment can become depressive.

Interviewing Experts: Can this lead to medical issues?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Absolutely. A lot of times, depression becomes masked by other physical symptoms, where seniors start not feeling great or having memory issues.

Interviewing Experts: What about seniors living with their children?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: That’s a good point, but a recent survey stated that only a quarter of seniors said they would want to live with their children.

Interviewing Experts: What’s the best way to prepare for this process?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: First, seniors and their families need to explore various housing and care options. Every assisted living community is different, but children should remember that their parents should live life on their own terms.

Interviewing Experts: Is the process confusing?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: It can be a confusing and overwhelming process. There is a lot to deal with. But with the right information and a commitment to doing your homework, it can also be a joyful process that results in a wonderful new home.

Interviewing Experts: What key issues should be addressed?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Where they will live, of course, is a big issue. The state of their health is an important part in this decision. How much care will they need? What activities will they enjoy? And of course their finances need to be in order.

Interviewing Experts: What if parents refuse to have this conversation?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: It’s important to respect their feelings when they make it clear they want to avoid the subject. However, consider pushing the issue if the parents’ health or safety is at risk.

 

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO, also points out that seniors tend to stay very active while living in an assisted living community. Kelley Hamilton and Bonaventure staff schedule regular social activities for their residents. Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure currently resides in Oregon.