THE GYMANIMALS

The Gymanimals One Year Black-Tie Anniversary Celebration!

2012-01-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

On behalf of NoFace Productions, BeMe Events and Golden-One Enterprises would like to cordially invite you out to the upcoming Black Tie Anniversary benefit, celebrating the aspirations and efforts of The Gymanimals and its founder, Gerard England. The Gymanimals: Black Tie Anniversary will be taking place at the Aurum Lounge, 915 Peachtree Street, Atlanta Ga, starting at 7pm. This celebration will have live performances by local artists, guests speakers, refreshments and other entertainment.

CHEF ANJA'S CORNER! HEAR A SINGLE MOTHER'S SOLUTION ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY!

2011-10-14T12:04:00.000-04:00

I am Chef Anja - former single mother(of 18 years) on a tight budget ( my daughter is now in college) my passion for the last 8 years has been fitness and nutrition and I would like to pass on what I learned to other people so they may take from it what they can and change their lives in small ways to make a great impact overall.

In the effort to battle and change obesity we have to go all the way back - kinda like peeling all the layers of an onion. It didn't start with lazy people and it didn't start with people who didn't care.

It started with people trying to make a buck . it started with the media. it started with conveniences like drive thrus drive ins and anything else that made this society sedentary - less mobile - less in tune with their own REAL lives. It continued with the pharmaceutical companies. (lots of people don't need half the drugs their on.. if they only ate different)

BUT - it now does start with the parents - anything and everything you do your kids will repeat. the good the bad and the ugly.

so let's talk about food let's talk about moving and let's talk about self esteem.

changing the way this nation eats behaves and thinks of itself isn't easy. but it doesn't have to be difficult either. it's one small step at a time.

if your an overweight parent with low self esteem you will have overweight kids and grand kids with low self esteem because typically cycles are continued thru family history.

lets change it. one small step at a time.

Parents have to start. kids will follow.

lets start with your goals. your self. your esteem. your stress level. your knowledge of nutrition (or media induced lack there of)

I'm not here to preach, Im not here to yell. I'm not here to redicule . I'm also not here for giving you a quick fix or a magic pill.(only the media will sell u that for everything from weightloss to less wrinkles to a higher labido to not feeling blu)

I'm going to give solid sound advice... about it all.. starting from the bottom up.

next time we will address self esteem - self worth.. realistic food changes life style changes that won't change how you already live but enhance how you live. there is no one fits all solution .

we will start from the inside out. from the bottom up.

Meet LAILA! A 15-YEAR OLD BULLY VICTIM WITH AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY!

2011-09-29T16:25:00.000-04:00

Hello my name is Laila Treadwelll im 15 years old I’m a sophomore in high school I love sports and music and I might be just like you , but since I was a little girl I was bullied. I was bullied for everything from sticking up for the special needs children or my weight to having a learning disability ( ADD) and had Special Ed classes when I was younger, lastly I was bullied for my look which includes my weight, and because I have a little dwarfism in my body. I was physically, cyber and verbally bullied. They Physically bullied me by tripping me, pushing me up against lockers, pushing my books out of my hand ext. Verbally they would call me ugly, pig, demented, restarted, dumbass, in 8^th grade people would ask me out and I would say yes and all they did was try to get secrets out and personal problems, then when they got what they needed after a day they would break up wit me and tell the whole world everything. The biggest incident in my life was: I had a pool birthday party and I invited these three girls that I thought were my friend and I’m a major dancer, so I blasted the music and started dancing in my bathing suite and the three girls took videos off me dancing and I said strongly “please don’t put this on face book” and guess what.. They ignored me and uploaded it onto face book . I found out a few weeks later by my best friend and she showed me the video and there was about 2,000 comments that included “eww that fat bitch cant dance. “eww shes a pig” “oh looks it’s the fattest person alive trying to dance.” that ruined my self esteem and confidence and ruind the way I viewed life. See during this time my family was going through tough times my family also picked on my for my weight and also calling me dumb blonde , everyone was arguing it was like I was living in hell and I couldn’t get out. It got so bad that I did not want to come home everyday I dredged going to school and going home. My style began to change and my writing became more graphic and depressing, I became quieter and sad and always alone. What hurt me the most is that I did not stand up for myself. I thought it was me against the whole world and everyone was against me. I thought I had no one to talk to. So I sat there in silence and let people walk all over me during school and let the emotions build and build up started thinking of suicide and I started cutting ( the worst decision of my life). I was detaching myself from anything I would usually do I GAVE UP! One day I did it I actually tried killing myself this was the 7^th attempt and I finally pulled through it . I OD’D on my medication for ADD I took almost the whole bottle I felt weak throwing up and feeling dizzy and I passed out on my bed………………………………………….

But the next morning I woke up I really thought I was going to die but I didn’t. All this came out with a lot of effect I was diagnosed with depression , I have very low self-esteem, I have to go to therapy every week, I’m on anti-depressants , I use to think about suicide frequently and would want to hurt myself. But lucky I have gotten a lot of help and I’m still on the road to recovery one step at a time I will get better and one step at a time we can stand for what we believe is right and hopefully end bullying. One step at a time we can come together and get our voice heard. My major goal is to stop bullying and prevent any child/teen/ ext. to have to go through what I had to go through. And hopefully get suicidal rates down.

THE GYMANIMALS WILL BE AT POWER FERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

2011-09-12T22:49:00.003-04:00

THE GYMANIMALS WILL BE AT POWER FERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY FAIR ON OCT.22 11AM -1PM! 403 Power Ferry RD. Marietta GA. 300067

KNERD STAR IS AN AVID SUPPORTER OF THE GYMANIMALS! A WONDERFUL ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILDREN!

2011-08-31T15:49:00.001-04:00

Knerd Star Bio

this the download link for Knerdy World Sampler.... www.knerdstar.bandcamp.com
"Young & Gifted" are understatements for pre-teen rapper, model, songwriter, dancer and scholar Knerd Star. She developed a love for reading, writing, music, and fashion at an early age. With the influences of her uncles, Knerd Star was rapping at the age of five. By the age of eight, Knerd Star was using her talent of writing to create songs. She even used her raps to study and achieve in school.

She continues to write new songs and perform for kids all over Georgia. Her latest single, "Hello, Mr. Bully" is becoming an instant favorite among parents and children alike. It's emphasis on positivity, non-violence, and communication between peers help reinforce the anti-bullying message. Although she is only 12 years old, Knerd Star is truly a rising talent. She hopes that through her music, kids all over the world will be inspired to reach for their dreams with the belief that being smart is cool.

Follow her online
www.facebook.com/knerdstarfanpage
www.twitter.com/knerdstar
www.youtube.com/itschelseyTV

www.knerdyworld.blogspot.com

HEALTH FACTS AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY

2011-08-31T15:31:00.000-04:00

Health Facts and Risks Associated with Obesity

Not surprisingly, it’s impossible to be considered healthy and obese. A number of diseases become more of a threat as body mass increases.

Obesity in adults is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.
Are you obese? The BMI formula for adults is: (weight in pounds/(height in inches x height in inches)) x 703.
In 2008, third-party payers spent over $1,400 more per obese person in medical costs than was required of individuals of a normal weight.
Obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers including those of the colon, breast, and esophagus.
Aside from aiding obesity, physical inactivity is a risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
The medical costs associated with obesity in 2008 were around $147 billion.
The medical costs associated with type 2 diabetes in 2007 were $116 billion.
In 2007, those with type 2 diabetes spent 2.3 times as much of their income on medical costs as those without diabetes.
Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
Obese individuals often produce more cholesterol, which is a risk factor for gallstones, heart attacks, and strokes.
Babies of obese mothers have an increased risk of being stillborn, premature, oversized when accounting for gestational age, or having neural tube defects, such as spina bifid a.
Obesity makes you more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides.
Breastfeeding protects against childhood obesity.
Women who are obese have an increased risk of abnormal menstruation and infertility.
The risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially of the lower joints, is higher in obese individuals.
Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma and pulmonary blood clots.
Gout is more common in obese individuals.
Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, in now being diagnosed in obese children as young as two years, especially if it runs in the family.
Hospitalization costs for obesity-related conditions in children and adolescents were at $127 million by 1999.
Obese children with type 2 diabetes face the same risks of developing blindness, kidney disease, and amputations as adults.
Obese individuals account for 90% of type 2 diabetes cases.
Heredity can contribute between 5% and 40% in terms of developing obesity.
An obese person is more likely to have poor posture, which contributes to lower back pain and disc problems.
Obese women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to give birth to children who will become obese.
Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic inflammatory disorders, regardless of age.
If you are obese and experience a brain injury, you are more likely to suffer from decreased brain oxygen tension

CJ THE WORKOUT KID IS A BIG GYMANIMALS SUPPORTER! WE LOVE HIM!

2011-08-31T14:56:00.000-04:00

Workout kid is a DVD fitness series which includes two 40-minute long workouts especially for kids, one for beginners and a second, more advanced workout for kids who have been exercising for awhile. Both videos feature safe, fun moves that get kids off the couch and moving around to upbeat music with kids their own age. Some of CJ's signature moves include Power Jacks, The Shredder, The Fighter, The Invisible Jump Rope, Butt Kicks and Flyaways. Offering encouraging words and motivation, he stresses proper workout technique, taking frequent water breaks, stretching, and emphasizing correct warm-up and cool down time.

CJ and his friends lead by example while exuding an authentic, happy and healthy self image.

$49 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

2011-08-31T14:51:00.000-04:00

CDC awards more than $49 million to strengthen State and local health departments
Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:01:00 -0500

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today awarded $49 million in grants, partly supported by the Affordable Care Act, to improve the quality of health care and strengthen the public health infrastructure. Awarded to all fifty States, the grants strengthen State, local and territorial health departments’ capacity to perform critical epidemiology and laboratory work, detect and prevent healthcare-associated infections and support immunization programs. This is double the spending for the same programs in 2010.

THE GYMANIMALS COMIC BOOK: COLLECTORS EDITION

2011-08-24T05:55:00.001-04:00

The Gymanimals children's book! RSVP your copy today: 2noface@gmail.com Watch the excitement on your child's face as they learn about the importance of health and fitness through the stories of the Gymanimals! Collectors edition. Cartoon series is in production, release early 2013. 5% of every book purchase goes to aiding the fight against childhood obesity! yaaay!

HEY! HERE'S A WAY TO CALCULATE YOUR CHILD'S CORRECT WEIGHT TO SEE HOW CHILDHOOD OBESITY MAY AFFECT YOUR FAMILY!

2011-06-09T13:15:00.000-04:00

FYI, your BMI is PDI.
Huh? Would you like a translation? Here it is: For your information (FYI), your body mass index (BMI) is pretty darn important (PDI).
Did you know you had a BMI? Body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Too much body fat is a problem because it can lead to illnesses and other health problems.
BMI, although not a perfect method for judging someone's weight, is often a good way to check on how a kid is growing.

Calculating BMI

The best way to determine your BMI is to have your doctor do it for you. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and your doctor can discuss the result with you.

Four Categories

Once you have calculated your BMI, you'll learn that you are in one of four categories:

Underweight: less than the 5^th percentile
Healthy weight: greater than or equal to 5^th but less than 85^th percentiles (in other words: 5^th to 84^th percentile)
Overweight: greater than or equal to 85^th but less than 95^th percentiles (85^th to 94^th percentile)
Obese: greater than or equal to the 95^th percentile

A kid whose BMI is at the 50^th percentile is close to average compared with the kids of the same age and gender who were measured to make the chart. A kid at the 85^th to 94^th percentiles is considered overweight. And a kid who measures at or above the 95^th percentile is considered obese, a term doctors use that means very overweight.

How BMI Can Change

It's important to remember that BMI is interpreted differently for adults. There are separate charts for men and women, but they don't use percentiles at all — just number ranges that are considered underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese (which means very overweight). That's because adults have stopped growing and their age is no longer a major consideration when it comes to weight.
Kids, on the other hand, are growing. And it's common for kids to gain weight during certain times in childhood, such as puberty. The charts take growth into account.
The following example shows that in action: Here's a look at a boy as he grows yet stays in the 50^th percentile for BMI, which means he's average. Notice that his BMI goes up and down, but he continues to stay at the same percentile.

Age	BMI	Percentile
2 years	.5	50^th
4 years	15.8	50^th
8 years	16.0	50^th
12 years	17.5	50^th

Where BMI Can Fall Short

BMI is not the whole story when it comes to someone's weight. A more muscular kid might have a higher weight and BMI but not have too much body fat. A smaller kid could have an ideal BMI, but might have less muscle and too much body fat.
Also, it's very common for kids to gain weight quickly — and see the BMI go up — during puberty. Because of these and other considerations, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether you are at your ideal weight.
If your doctor tells you your BMI is high, don't let it get you down. Instead, talk to your doctor about what you should do to lower your BMI. Unlike adults, kids don't usually need to diet. But by eating healthier and getting more exercise, a kid can improve his or her BMI.
Controlling a weight problem while you're still a kid can help you avoid becoming an overweight adult and developing health problems like diabetes and heart disease. With a little effort, your BMI will be JWIOTB — just where it ought to be!

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: March 2011

RIP'S INFORMATIONAL VIDEO OF THE MONTH

2011-04-21T20:45:00.000-04:00

A MUST SEE!!!

ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR OVERWEIGHT TEENS

2011-04-21T20:28:00.002-04:00

     From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.
Teens who are overweight tend to have health risks, and a study now says these problems could include weaker bones.
    Researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University found the weaker bones in a study of 143 overweight 14- to 18-year-olds. Dr. Norman Pollock:
    ``Those overweight adolescents that had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes had lower bone mass than the overweight adolescents that did not have any risk factors.’’ (10 seconds)
Pollock says that teenagers with weak bones can make them stronger by being physically active. This includes things like weight training, jogging or sports.

     The study in the Journal of Pediatrics was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Learn more at hhs.gov.
HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Stress and Childhood Obesity: GINA'S INFORMATIONAL VIDEO OF THE MONTH

2011-02-11T17:01:00.001-05:00

Physical activity reward system is an easy and effective way to motivate teenagers and children for physical activity

2011-02-11T16:52:00.000-05:00

There's an old saying, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink". The same can be said about a child or teen when it comes to physical activity. You can offer the best programs possible, but if the child/teen is not motivated, you can't make them move, at least not long enough to develop a lasting habit. At NewWayFitness, we combine our passion for living a healthy, active lifestyle with our understanding of how to provide parents a new and rewarding way to motivate their child or teen to get up, get moving and get more out of life. There are hundreds of child and teen movement programs currently available. We would like to hear of your methods to get children active. And do you think rewarding physical activity straddles the thin line of inducing eating disorders? Please comment

INTRODUCING THE GYMANIMALS!

2011-01-26T13:06:00.000-05:00

THE GYMANIMALS BLOG WAS LISTED #4 IN TOP 50 BLOGS ON OBESITY!

2010-12-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

Mary Armstrong just published an article on The Top 50 Blogs For Understanding and Perventing Childhood Obesity @ www.medicalassisstantcolleges.com Its stuff like this that makes a difference in public opinion on the crisis of Childhhood Obesity. These are our children, why should we wait for the government to assisst us in getting them healthy? Let's do our part as a society. On Jan 25th we're officially dubbing that day Childhood Obesity Awareness Day! We dont need the Government to sanction it, we the people do!! On the 25th have your children drink water instead of juice, have an apple instead of chips, or prepare a healthy meal at dinner and discuss the topic of health and fitness!! Do it for the future of this nation!!

Thank You!

2010-05-14T23:45:00.000-04:00

We here at The Gymanimals blog site would like to take the time out to thank all those becoming members here and at the Official web site. Please tell your family, friends, co-workers, physicians and specialists to check out our sites. One person caring, can bring a world of healing...

Underage, Overweight: The Federal Government Needs to Halt the Marketing of Unhealthy Foods to Kids

2010-05-01T12:25:00.001-04:00

A Must Read: Click on link

ScientificAmerican.com

Become a Member of The Gymanimals!

2010-04-12T15:55:00.001-04:00

LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS

SPOTLIGHT MEMBER
PLATINUM MEMBER
FOUNDATION MEMBER
CORPORATE MEMBER

For more details... log on to The Gymanimals website at http://www.thegymanimals.com/!

Get The Gymanimals T-Shirt with Membership Today!!!

2010-04-12T15:52:00.001-04:00

Leon, "The Lean Lion!"

Gina, "The Gymnast Giraffe!"

Petey, "The Prize Fighting Primate!"

Rip, "The Rockin' Rhino!"

HERE'S A HEALTHY RECIPE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

2010-03-11T13:36:00.010-05:00

BARILLA PLUS PENNE WITH SPRING VEGETABLES

1box Barilla Plus Penne.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
1/2 medium white onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 bunch(1 lb.) asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1 inch diagonal pieces.
2 pints (4 cups) cherry tomatos, cut into halves.
3/4 cup(6 oz) chicken broth.
6 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips.
1 pound chicken, cut into thin strips.

COOK pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, HEAT olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and chicken strips. Saute them 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. ADD asparagus and continue cooking 4 additional minutes. ADD tomatoes and saute an adittional 2-3 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened. SEASON with salt and pepper to taste. ADD chicken broth and reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking to heat thoroughly. DRAIN pasta and add to skillet. Add basil, mix well and serve.

Bon Apetit'!

For more information about "THE GYMANIMALS" go to: www.thegymanimals.com

2010-03-11T13:04:00.003-05:00

Gina, "The Gymnast Giraffe"

2010-02-23T22:57:00.005-05:00

Hi! I'm Gina, "The Gymnast Giraffe." I am really proud that the First Lady, Michelle Obama, has decided to help fight our cause against childhood obesity. She has taken on an effort that The Gymanimals can't win alone.

To learn more about Mrs. Obama's efforts, go to:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/24/hicks-child-obesity-in-nanny-state/

Rip, "The Rockin' Rhino'"

2010-02-19T03:12:00.003-05:00

Hi! I'm Rip, "The Rockin' Rhino." The first problems to occur in obese children are usually emotional or psychological. However, childhood obesity, can also lead to life-threatening conditions to include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, cancer, and other disorders. Some additional disorders would include liver disease, early puberty or menarche, eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, skin infections, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Studies have shown that overweight children are more likely to grow up to be overweight adults. Obesity, during adolescence, has been found to increase mortality rates during adulthood.

Obese children often suffer from teasing by their peers. Moreover, some children are harassed or discriminated against by their own family. Stereotypes abound and may lead to low self esteem and depression.

A 2008 study has found that children who are obese have carotid arteries which can prematurely age a child by as much as thirty years, as well as, cause abnormal levels of cholesterol.

Leon, "The Lean Lion" Welcomes 'YOU' to The Gymanimals Blog!

2010-02-19T00:11:00.003-05:00

Hi! I'm Leon, "The Lean Lion." I'm the leader of The Gymanimals. Did you know there is an epidemic in America that's destroying the nation's tots called "Childhood Obesity"?

Childhood Obesity consists of 17% of America's children.The numbers are even higher in low income areas, where it is 25%. Now, more than ever, there's a grave need for physical education and health awareness for our children.

Please share your favorite healthy recipes, broadcast your child's fitness reports and sport achievements, or just contribute your opinion. All comments are valued and appreciated in effort to save our children. Grrrrrrrrr!