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About:

Lorton Valley Star Newspaper
monthly and on the web
www.LortonValleyStar.com

Covering the greater Lorton, VA area from Fairfax /Franconia Parkway to Prince William Parkway.

Contact Information:

Floyd Harrison,
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Lorton Valley Star Communications, LLC

Please E-mail:
Publisher@
LortonValleyStar.com
for press releases about Lorton or advertising inquiry

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Print deadline is 20th

Office:
703-372-2828 Voice Mail

Mail to:
Lorton Valley Star
P.O. Box 1436
Lorton Valley, VA 22199

Urgent? Publisher Cell:
571-274-7389

© 2005 Floyd Harrison T/A
Lorton Valley Star Comm.
All international rights reserved; No copying in whole or any element is permitted.

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Mother's Grieving Heart

On November 10, 2000 Maria's daughter Crystal was killed in a terrible accident. Maria went through what no mother in the world wants or expects to go through.

Go To Site…

To moms who have suffered the loss of a child:

When Maria was faced with the death of her child, all the books she read provided the same answer. This answer was not good enough. She began to write poetry. Her poetry was a way for her to find the answers to the terrible crisis that she could not find in any book. Through writing her poetry, Maria became closer to God and she found during her journey, that God's mercy is a sufficient answer to any crisis or devastating situation.

Those poems are now available in the book, "Crystal, A Mother's Grieving Heart" published by Lorton Valley Star. It is available in Occoquan at the Coffee House of Occoquan and at Attic Treasures. It is also available online from Maria's web site.

Buy the book now…

Copyright © 2003 Maria Carneiro, of Montclair, Prince William County, Virginia, USA

All international rights reserved.

94 Pages
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1994 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.



Catalog Data:

Carneiro, Maria A.
Crystal, A Mother’s Grieving Heart
Original Publication:
A.D. 2005
ISBN 0-9764770-0-9

Grief, Poetry

Library of Congress Number TXu1-189-869

Cover Art:
Michelle Carneiro
Graphics and Layout:
Floyd Harrison




Publisher:
Lorton Valley Star Communications
P.O. Box 1436
Lorton, VA 22199
USA

See Coffee House

See Attic Treasures

Health Department Urges Flu Shots.

CDC Recommends H1N1

The Fairfax County Health Department urges all residents to get a seasonal flu shot as soon as possible through their primary care physician’s office, other health care providers, local pharmacies, grocery stores, and some public libraries.  Residents may find a location near them by logging on to www.flucliniclocator.org.
There is an ample supply of seasonal flu vaccine this year.  Seasonal flu shots are now widely available in the community.

• All children 6 months – 18 years old with Emphasis on children 6 months – 4 years old, and older children, who have increased risk for complications from influenza due to chronic medical conditions
• Family members and caregivers of children less than 5 years old
• Adults 50 years and older
• Pregnant women
• Adults with chronic medical conditions
• Family members and caregivers of adults over age 50 or who have chronic medical conditions
• Residents of long term care facilities and staff who come into contact with them

More information on the seasonal flu vaccine guidance is available on the CDC’s Web site:  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/index.htm.
The CDC also recommends that adults over the age of 65, and adults 19 – 65 with increased risk of pneumococcal disease due to medical conditions, receive a pneumonia vaccine. In additional to a seasonal flu shot, the CDC recommends getting the novel H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available in October. 

Autism Growing Problem Needing Recognition

To increase public awareness and education of autism related issues, “The civil rights issue of the 21st century” the Virginia Autism Project will host Autism Summits throughout the State this Fall and Winter. An Autism Summit will be held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, On Monday, October 5, from 6:30-8:30pm. Summit participants will discuss changes needed in Virginia.
A January 2010 rally in Richmond is planned to promote the overwhelming need for improved services for autism in Virginia. Legislators, candidates, the insurance industry, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), and the autism community will be participating.
Autism is a complex, treatable, lifelong, neurobiological disorder diagnosed by a medical doctor. One in every 150 children, and 1 of 94 boys, is diagnosed with autism - more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.  The rates of autism in Virginia are increasing at an alarming rate, while many health insurance companies currently exclude meaningful coverage for autism treatments and therapies, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA). “We hope to inspire community leadership on the need for better services for individuals with autism in Virginia”, stated Pat DiBari, President of the Virginia Autism Project.
For more information about the Northern Virginia Autism Summit or the Virginia Autism Project, contact our Northern Virginia Regional Director, Teresa Champion, 703/440-8843, teechamp@gmail.com or Lynn Miller, 301/404.1221. The president and vice president are Pat DiBari, Jodi Folta, 19465 Deerfield Ave, Suite 208, Leesburg, 20176

Inova Breast Care Institute Powering Up to Fight Breast Cancer

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Inova’s Breast Care Institute will be holding Power of Pink breast health events throughout Northern Virginia during the month of October. Events will include breast health lectures, a shopping day to benefit cancer survivors, a luncheon and a free mammogram day on Saturday, October 10. For more information about these and other events throughout the Northern Virginia region please see:
http://newsroom.inova.org/article_display.cfm?instance_
code=inova&article_id=5314
 

The Inova Breast Care Institute treats more than 1,000 women each year and has multiple entry points throughout Northern Virginia, more than any other hospital or healthcare provider in the area. The Institute’s collaborative approach and use of advanced technologies allows leading physicians to treat the most challenging types of breast cancer.

Power of Pink breast health events are free for those registered and attendees will receive a free gift. Events are being held at the following locations:

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Advances in Breast Care Lecture
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker’s Lane, Alexandria
Thursday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
The Many Faces of Breast Cancer
Inova’s Life with Cancer® Family Center
8411 Pennell Street, Fairfax
Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m.-noon
Free Mammograms for women over 40, who have a physicians order and are registered
For more information call 703-916-2700
Free mammograms offered at:

         Inova Fairfax Hospital
            3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church
            Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
            2501 Parker’s Lane, Alexandria
            Inova Springfield-Franconia HealthPlex
            6355 Walker Lane, Alexandria
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Breast Education Day
Inova Fairfax Hospital
3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church
Thursday, Oct. 15- Saturday, Oct. 18
Shop to Benefit Life with Cancer®
Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Corner Mall

Monday, Oct. 19, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Breast Health and Women’s Imaging Open House
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker’s Lane, Alexandria

The Inova Breast Care Institute is a member of the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers in Northern Virginia, an organization that monitors the quality of care delivered to breast cancer patients in the region. For more information about IBCI and its events in October visit www.inova.org/girls or call 703-916-2700.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.

Bad News, Abused Bodies

By Linda Nedilsky, NASM CPT

The trouble with news today is your get little “bites” of information. Just like fast food, there is little substance to “chew” on when it comes to our TV or radio news programs, especially when it applies to our health.
  For example, last year while listening to a local radio news station, I heard them announce “Recent studies have shown that drinking milk causes an increase in heart failure.”
  That was the only information they gave out. And like most people driving on the way to work, they would think they heard “milk is evil!”
The problem with this “condensed” version of the study was the fact that there were no specifics. For example, what kind of milk is bad? Is Fat Free milk bad as well? And if milk is bad does that mean that all products made from milk will cause heart disease?
  The problem with most of us, we don’t have time or energy to research every news item we hear, so it becomes “the law”.. in this case.. Milk is bad for you. Now I am sure that the milk producers will have something out to counter that study, showing that milk builds healthy bones, strong teeth.. actually that’s already out there. You get my point.
The problem is that most people, as busy as we are, will take the ball and run with this short 3 minute “sound bite” and start on a path that is misleading due to the insufficient information.

Lessons to be learned.

Start being more informed about your own health. Don’t believe everything you hear or see. Understand that there is “no miracle” pill, or miracle diet that will drop pounds overnight. If like most, it did not get on your body in one week, so it certainly won’t come off in one week. And as we get older.. the pounds drop off slower, and even slower if you are a women over 40.. sorry girls.. it’s the facts of life.
  For my young clients, develop healthy eating habits, and healthy exercise routines that you can follow the rest of your life. Stop trying quick fix programs. Be consistent and be honest with yourself.
  Most dieticians will agree, a balance of all macro-nutrients is essential to having a healthy body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol are signals that your body is sending out telling you that you are not treating your body very well. I like to call it  “self abuse”. Yes, you are abusing your body, and your body is crying out for help but you are not listening.
If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, and or high blood pressure, those diseases did not just happen the day you walked into the doctors office and was told you had a medical condition. Those diseases were a result of years of poor eating, and having a sedentary lifestyle.
If you do not have any of these diseases pat yourself on the back, but realize that just because don’t have them today, does not mean you will not develop those diseases if you continue to with a unhealthy life style.
  But Linda.. “I hate weighing my food”, or “ I don’t have time to fix my meals at home”  My answer: ”Oh, so will you have time to visit the emergency room because you had a stroke or heart failure?”
  But Linda, I’m too tired to walk on the treadmill every day!  I get home from work and I just crash. My answer: “Oh so you would rather rest when you get to the hospital after you have a heart attack?”
But Linda, I have to take the kids  here and there, and with work and all.. I just don’t have the energy to exercise or eat right. Besides, I heard pizza was healthy. Isn’t it? My answer:“Kf you have a stroke how do think your family will feel when you are not there with them .. enjoying life?”
My goal is to help everyone of you to become more healthy then you were when you walked in the door for the first time. It’s about your future; its about staying healthy, its about staying out of assisted living facilities; its about feeling great at age 90. Its about the quality of life you have when you get older.
  My father is 80 years old, struggles everyday with pain from his diabetes, and he is anemic because he has a leaky heart valve.  He can’t play golf anymore, and just walking across the driveway to come to our house is a challenge. I am sure if he knew he was going to have to take 30 pills a day, and spend his life going to doctors or and having his blood thinner checked, and testing his blood twice a day, he would have taken better care of himself when he was in his midlife years.
So next time you get on the scale and you get frustrated, don’t give up because you are making positive changes to your body by eating better and exercising on a regular basis. Believe in yourself!  Be honest and consistent. I promise you will feel better and you will be glad you made important lifestyle changes. And you will see a new you. To your health!

Linda S. Nedilsky, owner, NASM CPT
Fitness Together - Lake Ridge
703-490-8161
www.ftlakeridge.com

The Secret to Controlling Your Weight

By Sally Ramsdon,
Lake Ridge Hypnosis

If you’re like most people, you have tried all the diets, pills or programs to lose weight, and they failed completely… or maybe you lose weight, only to gain it all back months later, leaving you feeling miserable and blaming yourself for “failing again”.

The truth is it’s not your fault! You just didn’t know the real truth about weight control, until now.

The secret to weight control is simply this; it really is all in your mind… your subconscious mind.

We like to think that our analytical, problem-solving conscious mind is in control, but it is our subconscious mind with all our past experiences that actually drives our behaviors, emotions and habits.

In the relaxed state known as hypnosis we can communicate directly with our subconscious mind and habit change can happen quickly, easily, effectively. This is why Weight Loss Hypnosis is the best way to lose weight… and keep it off for good.

A new hypnosis program is now available locally to address the issues which may be affecting your eating habits. “Know the Secret” Weight Control Program is to be lead by Certified International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapist Association (Im DHA) Hypnotist, Principal Hypnotist of Lake Ridge Hypnosis, Sterling Harris.

Call for your free screening session now, to join either the individual or group program, at Sterling’s Woodbridge or Fairfax City locations. Either way, you’ll meet with your Hypnotist weekly for the first month, with ongoing live and CD support.

Most of us become overweight because we use food to satisfy emotional needs; to compensate for something we feel is missing in our lives. Often, the reasons you began overeating are anchored in your past; some emotional event that caused you to begin eating for security, self-preservation or protection. The memory of the event remains sealed in your subconscious mind, even if you have consciously forgotten it.

“When do you overeat? Where do you overeat?” and most importantly, “Why?” asks Sterling at your free screening session. Next, he will help you look back on your life, and locate the event, or events, which led to your current attitude towards food. This is the first step in eliminating the subconscious desire for excess food.

During your program, you will learn and practice a variety of techniques to instill a new attitude towards eating, such as “I am satisfied with small amounts of healthy food”. You’ll discover how you can strengthen your self image, self-esteem and self-confidence!

When practiced throughout your program, these attitudes become a permanent part of your outlook on life. New eating habits are formed, that will last you a lifetime. The weight easily stays off; and the roller coaster ride is over.

Now you “Know the Secret”, you can call 703-881-9124 for your free screening to discover if you can qualify for this innovative weight management program. Woodbridge’s first ever such group program kicks off Tuesday May 12, so call now to save your place.

Why doesn’t willpower work?
Many people fail to realize that willpower is a product of the conscious mind. They say to themselves, “I’m going to use all the willpower I’ve got, to get this weight off or stop smoking, etc.” but if the subconscious mind is not on board, willpower alone is not enough.

WHY DON”T DIETS WORK?
Dieting is just a form of self torture people go through, until they eventually give in to their subconscious desire for excess food. Weight goes up and down the scale continuously.

Tortoise & The Hare Revised

There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could get  rid of his spare . Tired of hearing him boast, ‘Slow and Steady’, the tortoise, challenged him to a “get in shape” contest. All the animals in the forest gathered to support their peers.
Hare started his intense workout, hitting the gym every night. He was sweating like crazy, and was so sore he could barely walk. He stopped eating all the foods he loved and counted every calorie that went in his mouth. He gave up on those horrible carbs, and even gave up those evil fats.
On the weekends he felt he deserved a break, after all he was so good during the week. Every weekend Hare would reward himself with pizza and beer. He would make fun of Slow and Steady  because surely Slow and Steady could never win the contest eating so much good food and never breaking a sweat when he worked out. At the office, Hare would ask Slow and Steady, “how do you expect to get toned if you are never sore?“   Hare would announce proudly, “Look at me.. I can barely sit down but I know I am getting results!”  All the other animals that worked at the office snickered at Hare as he walked very gently down the hall, moaning with every step.      
Each week the hare would visit the gym less and less, after all, he had already lost some weight and just the fact that he was barely eating, would be good enough to reach his goal. Hare thought, “There is plenty of time to get back on track.”  
‘Slow and Steady’ felt full of energy. He ate well, and worked out smartly. He had not stepped on the scale once, but could feel that he had lost some fat. He even felt like his shell was fitting better. He never stopped his program, consistently doing his workouts and making sure he never missed a meal. He never stopped keeping his goal in mind.
He never thought about Hare or the weigh-in date..he just kept plugging away.
The animals who were watching cheered loudly for ‘Slow and Steady’ was looking really hot! Hare realized that Slow and Steady was looking very fit! Hare still had only lost an inch or two..but he wasn’t worried, he had lost that much weight so many times before.  
 Hare went back to the gym, but this time he worked twice as hard.. spin class, power lifting, boxing, and  jogging until he dropped. His knees  started to bother him, his low back was killing him, but he kept on with his “intense” program. He cut out bread, pasta, potatoes, bananas, and even carrots, his favorite.  
But it was too late! He was too tired and sore to workout anymore. He was so hungry he broke down and entered a  pie eating contest 3 days before the final weigh-in.
‘Slow and Steady’ reached his goal and felt great. His doctor was proud of his accomplishments and his girlfriend thought he was the hottest tortoise in the forest.
But the real contest was the annual weigh-in. Sure enough ‘Slow and Steady’ kept his body in good shape, but Hare, after one year still was overweight, tired and looked 10 years older with saggy skin, circles around his eyes, and his ears were flopping down.
Hare reminded himself “don’t brag about how fast you can get in shape, for ‘Slow and Steady’ wins the race.

 FINAL NOTE: For successful weight loss and over all improvement in health, focus on the big picture. Get healthy by changing a few lifestyle habits. Stop stressing the body out by strict low calorie, fat free, or low carbohydrate diets. Eat small balanced meals including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. If you are not sure what a “healthy” eating plan is, ask a professional, such as a certified nutritionist or registered dietician to help you. Pick an exercise program you can use the rest of your life; Not one that will just get to your short term goal. If you are not sure what exercises are appropriate for you, then hire a professional to help you set up the right program for you. Learn to take time for yourself and your family. Long term emotional stress (worrying) will cause the body to retain fat, especially around the belly, will cause sugar levels to be off, and blood pressure to rise.   
Be real! If you are 50 years old and want a body of a 21 year old athlete, then you are dreaming.. but that does not mean you can’t be healthy and feel great and look great at age 50.
Remember, just like the tortoise, keep on plugging away, keep the finish line in mind, and  you will succeed.

Linda S. Nedilsky
Owner, NASM CPT
Fitness Together - Lake Ridge
703-490-8161
www.ftlakeridge.com
 

Making History And Renewal

It’s in the Thought …

By Coach Sally

What a history-making year we’ve had in Lorton Valley! We enjoyed the long-awaited Lorton Workhouse Art Center opening, and witnessed several other first, including the inaugural Laurel Hill Pleasure Ride, and our first ever Day of the Horse celebration.
American Legion celebrated 75 years of service, and the Mason Neck Lions Club celebrated their 40 years. Finally, and none too soon, restoration began on The Old Country Store.

Your own Lorton Valley Star web-site too underwent a happy revival! Have you looked it up yet? You can find our bright and active new look on the internet at http://lortonvalleystar.com

In the health section, Lorton Valley Star assisted you to feel as good as you choose. We started out in January with ten tips to set New Year’s resolutions that stick for good. Do you remember them? If not you’ll find a reminder below, which you can try out this year!
You began to free yourself by busting myths and allergies; creating fresh new good habits that replaced those less so; uplifting your sports and academic performance in ways you can use to make your life more wonderful each and every day. You connected better with others by understanding what makes you and those you care about feel loved and supported; and by practicing empowering ‘I’ and inclusive ‘WE’ language. With 2009 before us, we each have a fresh new chance to make a positive difference in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Hooray!
Take a moment to kick back and imagine yourself moving through the best year you can possibly imagine for yourself. How is this ideal life? What is on your new bucketlist? How do you experience yourself? Imagine you wake up tomorrow and this is your reality. What are the people around you noticing that is different? What are you doing and thinking differently? Using this imagination-makes-real technique makes each day, each year intentional rather than accidental. Look what I made happen vs. it happened to me.

May I share with you a difference I intend to make throughout this coming year? Making relationships highest priority, I want to experience fun, to connect deeply, to communicate clearly, take steps to really understand, and enrich the lives of all who know me.
I’ve stated what ‘I’ want, sure… but is it “clear, specific, measurable, contextual, controllable by me, life enhancing and satisfying for all involve?” Am I clear how it will look/sound/feel when I get it? No! Let’s make it real, a specific action and outcome.

I commit to establishing and participating in a 12 week Lorton Valley discussion program called ‘Compassionate Communication’ Wednesday nights 7-9pm beginning January 16, 2008, and to interact with one or more people who, like me, practice one or more aspect of compassionate communication each and every day.

Huh? ‘Compassionate Communication’, sometimes called NonViolent Communication NVC, is a communication process that focuses on honest self-expression — sharing what matters to you in a way that’s likely to inspire compassion in others, and empathy — listening with deep compassion. If you’d like to join the new Lorton Valley Compassionate Communication Discussion Program, please call 703-494-7699 or email speaknvc@bigfoot.com
Sharing my commitment with you all reinforces and strengthens my resolve many-fold. What differences to you intend to make this year? Who are you going to share yours with? You’re welcome to send them into us here at the Lorton Valley Star, and if you ask us we’ll publish them for you next month.

You can take advantage of Resurgent Thinking’s special “2009 Change Now” programs to create and execute powerful resolutions this year for sure, for life-coaching to get the most of 2009, to quit smoking, improve your sports or academic performance and more call 703-881-9124 or email lvs@resurgenthinking.com

I’d Rather Be A Dog

  Ms. Jones woke up one Monday morning with a terrible pain in her neck. The day before, she had been lifting heavy boxes and packing in preparation for a move to a new town. The pain was too severe for her to just ignore it and get on with the packing at hand so she called her doctor’s office to schedule an appointment. “I’m sorry Ms. Jones, the earliest the doctor can see you is tomorrow at 4:00.” “But my neck is really killing me. I can’t even look to my left!” she says in exasperation. “I understand Ms. Jones but we are booked. Should I schedule you for tomorrow afternoon?” Ms. Jones considers the alternative but sitting in the emergency room for six hours doesn’t seem any more appealing than waiting out the day on her own bed where she can at least lie down. “Yes, go ahead,” she replies.

Finally, 4:00 tomorrow has arrived and Ms. Jones can‘t get to her doctor‘s office fast enough. “At last, relief is on the way,” she thinks to herself. One hour later… “Well Ms. Jones, it looks like you’re going to need some x-rays. Just let me get this referral written up and you can call XYZ Radiography and set up your appointment with them. They close at 5:00 so you‘ll have to wait until tomorrow to call.” Ms. Jones lets out a long sigh and resigns herself to the fact that no relief is in sight.

The next day, Ms. Jones calls XYZ Radiography first thing in the morning. “We can fit you in next week on Wednesday morning,” says the receptionist. Ms. Jones chokes back the desperation in her voice and remains calm using every ounce of her will. “Are you sure there’s nothing any earlier?” she asks. “No ma’am. That’s the earliest opening we have.” “OK, I‘ll take it,” Ms. Jones says weakly.

  The following week, Ms. Jones arrives at XYZ Radiography and takes a seat in the waiting room. Finally, it’s her turn to be x-rayed and when she is finished the technician tells her that after her radiographs are interpreted someone will contact her doctor and she can set up an appointment with him to discuss the results. Ms. Jones thinks that she will soon explode. “How much longer must I suffer?” she thinks.
  Two more days pass. Ms. Jones is notified that her doctor would like to see her now that he has had a chance to review the radiologist’s notes. She makes another appointment with him for the following week and braces herself for the news. “I think that based on these findings, surgery will be the best option for you,” he tells her. So he writes her yet another referral, this time to a surgeon, and Ms. Jones (can you guess what’s coming next?) finds that she must wait another four weeks to see the surgeon. Needless to say, Ms. Jones will not be moving any time soon.

Ms. Jones woke up one Saturday morning to find that her dog Fido was limping and seemed to be in great pain. She wondered if maybe he had slipped on the stairs in the middle of the night. He was getting old after all. Ms. Jones called her veterinarian to make an appointment for him. “We can see you this morning at 11:00.” “Great,” says Ms. Jones, “I’ll take it.” Upon examination, the veterinarian determines that Fido needs some x-rays to make sure that he hasn’t torn any ligaments or fractured a bone. Half an hour later, the x-rays are done and the doctor tells Ms. Jones that unfortunately, it looks like Fido will need to have some surgery to fix his leg. She tells Ms. Jones to schedule Fido’s surgery with the receptionist before she leaves. “We can get him in next week,” says the receptionist. “How about Wednesday?”

By Shelby Moses, Veterinary Assistant
Crosspointe Animal Hospital

Empowerment – It’s in the Words …

By Coach Sally

Empowering Words

Have you met Prince William’s famous cartoonist, Crystal Wormack yet? If you haven’t read her cartoons, you’re in for a treat in this Star edition!

Crystal is 12 year old and in the 7th grade. With the guidance of her mother, Tracy Wormack, Crystal is establishing her own LLC: Wormack Productions and Creations.

Inspiring Personal Power!

Crystal’s language is personal, powerful and full of possibility. “I developed the idea [for Angel the Puppy] when I was 8, and I used to read a lot of comic strips and thought, ‘Why can’t I do that?’“

When I share my own experience, and when I speak or write confidently in 1st person, I convey personal power, and inspire audiences throughout our greater Lorton community! Woohoo!

Giving It Away

Crystal’s teacher is quoted as saying “you can achieve high standards at a young age”. This general, impersonal, generic “you” refers to ‘everyone else’, not to me, and not really to you [the person I’m speaking to] either.

The teacher’s statement doesn’t belong to anyone in particular. It is impersonal, disembodied, so no-one need really take notice nor act. Hence it lacks power.

How much stronger would the teacher sound with “I am proud of Crystal’s success” or “Stop for a moment and think about this. If your fellow student, Crystal, can become a famous, published cartoonist at 12, then every student in this school can…”

Disempowering Role Models

Sadly, many TV characters, politicians, teachers and other role models subscribe to the disempowering “you”. An example of this is the all too common add on “…you know…”

Redskins Defensive Coordinator, Greg Blache, said “You want your guys to understand… you don’t throw him under the bus”. Greg’s using the impersonal “you’. He doesn’t mean YOU [the reader]. He means himself, doesn’t he? However, he isn’t owning it.

Reed Doughty, Redskins Safety, wasn’t thrown under the bus at all. Out of the game with a virus, Reed saw his replacement, Chris Horton, crowned ‘defensive player of the week’. He’s back on the field as I write, as Redskins win over Arizona.

Reed speaks honestly and powerfully from his heart, and introduces next weeks ‘group spirited language’ with his “us”. “I’d be lying if I wasn’t a little jealous… If he beats me out, it’s because he’s a better football player. I’m going to help other guys, help myself by helping other guys to make us the best team”.

Give your kids a head start. Speak from your heart and from your own perspective. Give your children a strong model to emulate. Start now. Be a star!

Join us next week to foster cooperation via the royal “we” and more! Meantime, Star readers who register for Resurgent Thinking’s Personal Empowerment Program, Sports Performance or Learning Enhancement Sessions will receive, as our gift to you, The Power Communication Tool Kit. Email lvs@resurgenthinking.com or call 703-881-9124 to get yours!

Build Muscle for a Faster Metabolism,
Long-Term Results

By Alissa Carpio, NASM-CPT

The thought of building muscle has gotten a bad rap in the eyes of aspiring exercisers, especially women.  There’s a misconception that building muscle equates to bulking up and will make one look bigger.  Another popular stereotype is that cardiovascular (aerobic) training is the only way to go if you are looking to burn fat and lose weight.  Both of these statements are false, and this article will dispel these myths and teach you the important facts about weight training.
Resistance training is essential for anyone wishing to increase their metabolism, have stronger bones and joints, burn fat and have a tight body.  You’d probably agree that those are all good things, right?  So why does weight training get such a bad rap?  One theory is that when people see photos of professional bodybuilders who’ve managed to put on great amounts of muscle mass, it scares the general public away from the weight room.  The truth is, without intentionally following an extremely difficult and rigorous training regimen on an almost daily basis, most people won’t look like a professional bodybuilder.  Arnold Schwarzenegger said it best when he likened it to a recreational golfer saying “I want to be good, but I don’t want to be as good as Tiger Woods.”  Most people don’t have the genetics and drive to become elite athletes, so it shouldn’t be a concern.  Muscle mass is built through hard work, time and consistent effort.  If you get to a point where you feel like you have enough, you can always cut back or simply maintain where you are.  But the benefits are so great, it would be a shame to shy away from such a rewarding form of exercise.
Another theory is that aerobic or cardiovascular exercise is the best way to burn fat.  The truth is, resistance training is the best way to work your anaerobic system.  Having good anaerobic endurance equates to better aerobic endurance.  It makes every day tasks a lot easier, increases energy and stamina, and results in a much faster metabolic rate than aerobics alone can offer.  Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption following a weight workout is anywhere from 3 to 38 hours following the actual exercise session.  This means the body continues to burn fat stores up to that long after you are finished exercising!  Another study showed that performing high-intensity interval training, although using about half as many calories during exercise, burned a larger amount of subcutaneous fat than traditional aerobic exercise.  One of the most important observances to note is that while one session has a profound effect, it is the cumulative effort of the exerciser that results in long-term, dramatic results.  In other words, consistency is the key!  Long-term resistance training will result in a faster metabolism.
Most of the benefits of a higher metabolic rate are obvious.  It gives you more energy.  It gives you a better quality of life.  It also gives you the luxury of being able to eat more calories and actually use them for fuel, rather than have them being stored as body fat.  And when weight is at a healthy level, risk for diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease go way down or are even completely eliminated. 
Experts recommend performing resistance exercises at least 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes per session.  It’s best to include several exercises for every major muscle group of the body.  If you’re not sure where to start, talking to a personal trainer can help tremendously.  A trainer will talk with you about your current lifestyle and level of fitness.  She will help you assess and set goals, then develop a plan to get you there.  You will learn how to perform exercises safely and correctly and to maximize your time spent working out to get you the best results. 
The answer to health and fitness is simple, but it’s definitely not easy.  Include resistance training in your exercise regimen, be consistent, and talk to an expert trainer if necessary, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving long-term success and a better lifestyle.

Alissa Carpio
NPC Fitness Competitor
http://www.alissa.net
alissa@alissacarpiofitness.com

By Coach Sally

In July Lorton Valley Star you read how your allergies can be cured the same way that great sportspeople like Tiger Woods improve their game; by simply imagining yourself playing with great success.
In response, allergies have been eased, and readers are asking for more about sports performance.
What intrigues Star readers most about imagining repetitively throwing that slam-dunk, hitting the hole in one, scoring, until success seems normal?

•Is it the sheer ease—15 minutes a day wherever you are?
•Is it the delightful relaxation you get as you do your practice?
•Is it the extra enjoyment and self-confidence this method brings you?
•Is it the speed and effectiveness with which this process works?
•Is it the convenience in practicing without your team, or paying green fees?

Had a bad day? Relive it, but this time make sure that you succeed at every opportunity! Anything and everything becomes possible in your imagination.
Just make time that you will be undisturbed, sit back in your favorite chair, take a series of deep breaths, allow your mind to relax, and imagine freely. See yourself having the very best day, and game, that you can possibly imagine.
When you are improving your game by simply imagining ongoing success, you’ve copying the most successful champions. They know success begins in your mind.
Guess which golfers said… “I am the toughest golfer mentally... Master the mind!”; “I worked hard on the mental side of my game!”; “Golf is a game of inches. The most important are the six inches between your ears.” 
Resurgent Thinking’s Performance Coaches and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists have perfected The High Performance Mind Coaching SystemTM. and guarantee it will help you improve your game, whether it’s golf, basketball, hockey, football, yoga, whatever.
For Example: The Resurgent Golfing Program is a mental training technique that gives every level of golfer from beginner to professional the ability to hit straighter drives, sink more putts and have more fun on the golf course.
And the best part is, you don’t have to tell anyone that you’re using it. When your golfing buddies see your amazing improvement they’re sure to ask “When did you take all those lessons?”. You can just smile and say “What lessons? I’ve been working on my mental game.”
Remember, it’s how you think during those 3 seconds it takes to swing your club that will determine your golf score. Turn off the confusing mind chatter going on as you swing. Stay relaxed and focused when you putt. Master Your Mental Game…One Shot at a Time.

Parks, Active Fun for the Whole Family

By Alissa Carpio, NASM-CPT

This time of year the days are hot and long, and while parents are anticipating the kids going back to school, the kids are trying to fit in every last bit of fun they can before summer break ends. Whether or not you’ve gone on a family vacation already this summer, there are plenty of fun activities you can do together before the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool.

Enjoy the Local Outdoors

Many opportunities exist for active fun in the greater Lorton area.  The benefits are threefold:  keep the kids active and entertained, enjoy time together as a family, and get everyone moving and participating in healthy activities. Whether you choose to head to the pool, or hike one of the many trails, the choices are almost limitless. Here are some fun activities to consider, right here in your own backyard:

• Ride on the bicycle trails at Mason Neck or Fountainhead
• Boat on Pohick Bay, Occoquan, Fountainhead or Sandy Run
• Camp at Burke Lake, or Pohick Bay
• Fish at Pohick Bay, Fountainhead or Occoquan
• Swim outdoors at Pohick Bay, or Bull Run
• Hike on the trails at Mason Neck, Occoquan, or the Cross County Trail.

For information on all of the Lorton and surrounding area trails and recreational facilities, visit the
• Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority website including Pohick Bay, Occoquan and Fountainhead at www.nvrpa.org, or the
• Meadowood SRMA also known as Meadowood Farm, http://www.es.blm.gov/lands/meadowood/index.php
• Mason Neck State Park, (charge for parking) http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/mas.shtml
• Mason Neck Federal Wildlife Preserve http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=51610
• Fairfax Cross County Trail http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cct/ or
• Gunston Hall even has a trail to the river http://www.gunstonhall.org/

Get Sporty

Team sports are a great way to elicit family bonding while having fun.  Inexpensive sports you can enjoy as a family include:

• Softball, baseball or waffle ball
• Kite flying
• Frisbee
• Flag football
• Miniature golf
• Volleyball
• Badminton

Attractions

Even non-sporting activities can get everyone active.  The best part?  You’re having fun while doing it and don’t realize you’re exercising

• Tour Woodlawn Plantation http://www.woodlawn1805.org/with the Pope-Leighey house. http://www.popeleighey1940.org/
• Tour Gunston Hall (Home of George Mason) http://www.gunstonhall.org/
• Visit the shops at Old Town Occoquan, http://www.historicoccoquan.com/
• Tour the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens (Home of George Washington)

Outdoor Safety

There are a few safety concerns to be aware of when participating in outdoor fun.  Always bring water to stay well hydrated.  Bring fresh fruit, granola bars and low-fat cheese to snack on for fuel during active fun.  Wear sunblock when activities include prolonged sun exposure.  Wear light, loose, comfortable, moveable clothing and proper footwear for hiking, bicycling and outdoor sports. Bring a change of clothing and hygiene items for long days or possible overnight trips.  If you plan to be near the water or in the woods, don’t forget the bug spray!

Additional Tips

For even more fun, go with family and friends.  As the saying goes, the more the merrier!  Plan a day trip with a picnic lunch and bring along a blanket and cooler with low-sugar drinks, low-fat yogurt, raw vegetables and sandwiches for a day of healthy fun.  Stash a box in your car for the summer that includes sports balls, Frisbees, kites, jump ropes etc. for fun on the go, any time!   For activities at a greater distance see; http://www.fxva.com/things
There’s nothing like spending quality family time together, especially when living busy and hectic lifestyles.  Take the time to care for yourself and your loved ones by enjoying some of these activities and supporting the local community at the same time. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ideas-active-family-fun

Alissa Carpio is an NPC Fitness Competitor and NASM Certified Personal Trainer.  She can be contacted through her websites: www.alissa.net or www.chayahwellness.com.