Tag Archives: Fitness

American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-Off Rally

By North SA Chamber Editor
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PrintJoin our Honorary Chairs Dr. Brian Woods –  Superintendent of Northside ISD, Ed Garza – Former City of San Antonio Mayor and SAISD President District 7, Dr. David M. Player – Founder, Chairman and Principal of Health by Design and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with other community leaders at the Kick-Off Rally for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Wednesday, September 10th, from 6-8 p.m. It is being held at The County Line – 10101 Interstate 10.

This event will rally together Step Out participants from across the city to share in the excitement of the 2014 Step Out event, which will unite thousands of people to help STOP DIABETES. We will be publicly introducing our 2014 Youth Ambassador for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Participants will also enjoy great BBQ while hearing from community leaders such as the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and will learn about the toll diabetes is having on this city and throughout the country. The rally will motivate and encourage teams to build enthusiasm for taking the first step to stopping diabetes through fundraising for Step Out. Step Out has already garnered the support of many companies in our community, both large and small, as well as family groups, clubs, and organizations. You will have the opportunity to speak with individuals who have stepped up to create and lead teams for Step Out and hear why they feel so strongly about ending this disease. Please join them in their fight to support the American Diabetes Association!

What: American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-Off Rally
When: Wednesday, September 10th, 6-8pm
Where: The County Line – 10101 Interstate 10
RSVP: www.diabetes.org/stepoutkickoff2014

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is one of the American Diabetes Association’s signature events. This annual walk brings communities together all across the country to raise funds for diabetes research and education as well as to raise awareness about diabetes right here in San Antonio. Participants will enjoy entertainment and themed rest stops along with prizes, food and multiple “zones” with lots of activities for the whole family. This year’s Step Out event will feature a 5K Walk/Run & 1 Mile Short and Snappy Family Walk. Step Out will be held at the Mission County Park Pavilions in San Antonio on Saturday, November 8, 2014.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, delivers services to hundreds of communities, provides objective and credible information, and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Get sweaty! Gold’s Gym Summer SweatFest continues

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-GoldsGymGold’s Gym continues their summer SweatFest even as temperatures rise. Come meet fellow San Antonians at this summer’s hottest, FREE workout series! Like your favorite Gold’s Gym on Facebook to hear the latest #SWEATFEST scoop. Workouts take place every Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Remaining locations are below.

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PS&Co. recognized again as one of the 2014 Healthiest Workplaces

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Padgett Stratemann & Co.PS&Co Healthy WorkplaceFor the second year in a row, PS&Co. was awarded gold-level recognition as one of San Antonio’s Healthiest Workplaces by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (“SABGH”) and the Mayor’s Fitness Council.  Employers were recognized for their work to improve team members’ health through worksite wellness programs and initiatives. To meet any of the three award levels (bronze, silver, or gold), the firm had to provide examples of a company culture encouraging and rewarding wellness programs, including health promotion and education, as well as offering opportunities for physical activities.

The Healthy Workplace Recognition Program was launched as a pilot project in July 2010, and has been growing since. In its first year, 10 applicants participated, 38 in the second, and showing an upward trend with 46 submissions for 2014.

All chosen nominees received formal recognition at the SABGH Quarterly Forum and 2014 Healthy Workplace Recognition Program (“HWRP”) Awards Reception held May 19,2014 at the Municipal Plaza Building, City Council Chambers.

PS&Co. is proud to have been given this distinction again, as it is a direct reflection of the efforts of all team members to meet and exceed, the firm’s challenge of being a healthy workplace.

Bexar County Games Valero Missions Cup Premier Baseball Tournament

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SASLogobcg baseball tournamentIf you’re a baseball fan or have a family member who is part of a youth baseball team, you won’t want to miss the Bexar County Games Valero Missions Cup Premier Baseball Tournament, presented by Ancira, July 19-20. Some of the best teams from Mexico and from around Texas have been invited to play in the 16U division at Missions Baseball Academy. Registration is open for the remaining divisions, 14U, 12U and 10U, with games played at Mission Concepción Sports Park and Southeast Skyline. Every team has a three game guarantee. The goal of the Bexar County Games presented by Ancira is to host top notch competitions in Bexar County sports facilities, which are some of the best venues in Texas. To learn more, visit SanAntonioSports.org/bexarcountygames.

blue-cross-blue-shield-logo-2014If you’re looking for something to do as a family this summer, be a part of San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge presented by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas.  San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge, kicked off in May at Port San Antonio when 1,500 runners participated in the D4 Heroes 5K. Now families are participating in free Zumba and Kid Fit classes at eight locations during the week where they are also receiving nutrition education. Exercising as a family is not only fun, but it helps make you accountable to each other.  Include friends in your activities, too, because the more you hang out with people with similar healthy goals, the more likely you are to stick with it.

On Saturday, June 28, San Antonio Sports will host the Fit Family Challenge summer fun day at Hardberger Park, along with District 8 City Councilman Ron Nirenberg.  Between 8-10 a.m., we will offer Zumba, cooking demonstrations, a fitness walk, nature walk and more.  Remaining Fit Family Challenge big events will be Saturday, July 19 at Brooks City Base and Saturday, August 9.

Families can join the Fit Family Challenge at any time and the entire program is FREE.  Families that attend at least three weekday events and have their tracking logs stamped are eligible to win $1,000. To learn more, visit FitFamilyChallenge.com.

If you’d like to volunteer for these events, or any of our events, you can register online at SanAntonioSports.org/volunteer or contact Tony Benke at tbenke@sanantoniosports.org.  We happily offer service hours for students 14 & up.

Calling all companies: 2014 Corporate Recruitment Event

By North SA Chamber Editor
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CRE Walk LogoDiabetes is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation. For companies, it also leads to more sick days and less productivity on the job.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation data, the American Diabetes Association’s workplace cost calculator estimates that for a company with 1,000 employees:

  • 100 employees have diabetes
  • 27 of them are undiagnosed
  • 250 have prediabetes
  • $2.7 million is the average annual insurance cost for employees with diabetes and prediabetes
  • $912,438 is the annual increased cost if 50 percent of employees with prediabetes develop diabetes

The good news is, type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and it isn’t as hard as you might think. Losing just 7% of your body weight (which translates to 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and exercising moderately (like brisk walking) 5 days a week can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58%. Lifestyle changes also can prevent or delay diabetes complications. Companies can help their employees take control of their health while enjoying interactive team-building events by participating in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.

Join the American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with our Honorary Chair Dr. Brian Woods of Northside ISD, Corporate Recruitment Chair Stacy Rice of Peripheral Vascular Associates, Step Out Event Chairs Lenore Gregson of Kaiser Medical Managemet & Jay Gregson of Hallmark College, as well as other community leaders at the Corporate Recruitment Event for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on June 26, 2014 at Casa Hernán, 411 E. Cevallos, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.   This free informational event will be our official kick-off to the 2014 Step Out: Walk, which will unite thousands of people all over the city to help STOP DIABETES.

This is the key event in which to learn more about this community’s diabetes epidemic, the costs of diabetes to companies attending, and how the ADA can help.  Companies will also have the opportunity to meet the people mentioned above who are supporting our efforts this year and will walk away with free resources for your company. This event emphasizes the importance and value of having the business community take a leadership role in the fight to cure diabetes, while also creating a healthier environment for all employees.

What: American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Corporate Recruitment Event

When: Thursday, June 26th, 6-8pm

Where: Casa Hernán, 411 E. Cevallos

RSVP: Email Lisa Gibson at lgibson@diabetes.org or call us at (210) 829-1765 ext. 6124

Many of the escalating costs of healthcare are out of an employer’s control.  However, one of the most effective things an employer can do to control healthcare costs and improve employee health and productivity is to encourage healthy living in the workplace. Please join us in that fight!

Gold’s Gym introduces Summer SweatFest

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-GoldsGym

Gold’s Gym is introducing a new summer workout series called “Summer SweatFest”. Make plans to get in shape this summer and join Gold’s Gym for a seriously fun, goal-achieving boot camp series all summer long. The best part? It’s FREE!

Simply show up to one of the below locations, Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Come sweat with us!

Summer SweatFest Series:

June 14th Prue Road

June 21st Bandera Pointe

June 28th Live Oak

July 26th Goliad

August 2nd Culebra Road

August 9th Evans Road

August 16th Nacogdoches

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Fit Family Challenge gets families moving together this summer

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SASFExhibiting a commitment to promote San Antonio as a healthy and active community, Councilman Rey Saldaña joined San Antonio Sports officials to kick off the 2014 Fit Family Challenge, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, at City Hall on Tuesday, May 13.

Organized by San Antonio Sports, the fifth annual Fit Family Challenge anticipates registration of a record number of San Antonio families to participate in fitness activities between May and August.

A grant from the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation supports the free family fitness program aimed at motivating families to break away from a sedentary lifestyle, get out of the house and come together for fun, fitness-focused events.

“Programs like the San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge are helping families get healthy together,” said Councilman Rey Saldaña.  “It’s free.  It’s fun.   And it’s accessible to everyone.”

fitfamilychallengeThe San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, is comprised of four three-week sessions that run from May 17-August 9. It promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people to make small changes, such as integrating a walk into everyday routines and choosing fruit over candy for snacks. There are 101 free events located throughout the city that include organized walks, 5K run/walks, Zumba and fitness classes for children.  There is something for every fitness level.

Participants are asked to 1) exercise as a family, at least 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week, 2) make healthy food choices and 3) keep a fitness journal through a tracking log or online tracking at fitfamilychallenge.com.   If they attend at least three weekly events during any of the four sessions, they are eligible for a prize drawing of $1000 at that session’s big event.

The program is open to all families in Bexar County. However, it focuses its message in the ten zip codes in San Antonio that have the highest rates of diabetes and obesity. Within those zip codes are seven school districts that include: San Antonio Independent School District, South

San Antonio ISD, Edgewood ISD, Harlandale ISD, Southside ISD, Northside ISD and Southwest ISD.  In an effort to eliminate barriers to participation, the weekly events take place at schools in the target neighborhoods.

Parents are the key to having children adopt a healthy lifestyle says Russ Bookbinder, President and CEO of the nonprofit San Antonio Sports. “Our vision at San Antonio Sports is to have healthy kids.  When the whole family is involved, kids learn that taking care of their bodies is important. Through modeling to their children, parents have the power to influence behaviors that will reduce risks associated with diabetes, cancer, obesity, and a lifetime of low self-esteem.”

Mark Canales started his journey to health two years ago at the Fit Family Challenge D4 Heroes 5K.  Over the course of 13 months, he lost over 100 pounds, his fitness levels improved and energy levels soared.  He has kept the weight off and will be bringing 15 family and friends to his third D4 Heroes 5K.  “I remember my struggles, being uncomfortable in my own body.  Now I look forward to working out.  Diet, not dieting, is huge too.  My message to everyone is whatever you do, just start.  Change is gradual but it can happen and you’ll feel better.”

More than 1,000 people registered to run the D4 Heroes 5K – a free, chipped and timed race offered through the Fit Family Challenge on Saturday, May 17.  The remaining sessions’ big events are:

  • June 7 (with District 6)
  • June 28 (with District 8)
  • July 19 (District 3)
  • August 9.

Weekly schedule (May 19-Aug. 8):

Every Tuesday:
Linton Elementary (NISD) 6 p.m.
Dwight Middle School (SSAISD) 5:30 p.m.

Every Wednesday:
Emma Frey (EISD) 5 p.m.
Rayburn Elementary (HISD) 5 p.m.
Whittier Middle School (SAISD) 5:30 p.m.
Univision 41 Únase al Reto (Woodlawn Lake Park) 6 p.m.

Every Thursday:
9th Grade Academy (SISD) 5:30 p.m.
SW High School – 9th grade campus (SWISD) 5:30 p.m.

About Fit Family Challenge
Fit Family Challenge, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, is a 12-week summer program motivating San Antonio families to learn about and increase physical activity and healthy nutrition.  Fit Family Challenge is a program conducted by San Antonio Sports, with funding from the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation and participation from sponsors, area school districts and volunteers.

Bragging Rights at Stake in 2013 San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SASports Corporate Cup logoGet your game on at the San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup presented by H-E-B, June 1 at the University of the Incarnate Word.   It’s field day for grownups!  Businesses large and small will participate in 13 sports, from the silly to the competitive.  From tug-of-war to golf chipping to a track relay, your team could win it all! The friendly competition is designed to spur co-worker camaraderie and celebrate community health and fitness.

Hosted by San Antonio Sports, the local sports commission, companies and organizations will be assigned to one of four divisions according to the number of their San Antonio-based employees.  Whether running in a 5K or kicking a soccer ball, employees will accumulate points for their teams. They can also earn points in the Charity Challenge, an opportunity to contribute goods and services to three local charities: The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope.  The Corporate Cup trophy and year-long bragging rights will be awarded to the top team in each division.

“This is not only a fun event for companies large and small, but it will foster a culture of fitness in our community, says Russ Bookbinder, San Antonio Sports’ President & CEO. “It’s a win-win-win event.  It promotes health, teamwork and camaraderie among co-workers.”

Proceeds from the Corporate Cup will support San Antonio Sports’ kids programs, which provide sports and fitness opportunities for more than 180,000 local children annually.  Visit www.sanantoniosports.org for San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup details or call 210-820-2100.