From http://www.newyorkcitizenone.com/index.php?start=50
| Domo Arigato Albany |
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Written by New York Citizen One
Saturday, February 02, 2013 13:22
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On Thursday evening, I ventured over to the Delaware Community School
for a presentation on the importance of making correct choices from the
Hydration Education Foundation. The audience were ages 5 to 12 year olds who were participating in the City of Albany's Recreation Department's Karate classes. Once again, I didn't get what I had anticipated. I met Shihan Butler outside of the school with snow spitting at us in the dark...there were no children two minutes before "go time." Shihan assured me that within minutes, the gym would be filled with 25 children...and he was correct. Jon Salkin prepared his hydration lessons and certificate for his short presentation at the end of class while I marvelled at the lessons learned by the karate students. When I first met Shihan Butler, I was surprised that he introduced himself as "Tony" as Mr. D'Antonio had always referred to him as "Shihan." Sure, I thought it an odd name for a man but who am I to question names. Tony never flinched...finally, with some patience, I googled "Shihan Butler" and discovered that "Shihan" = "Master." Shihan Butler is a Fifth Degree black belt who not only influences the lives of over 350 Albany students through the recreation department, he has a Dojo of his own! Learn about his Dojo here...I'll wait. The room filled with students who lined up silently at "attention" on the mid-line of the gymnasium. Shihan Butler and I chatted while the two instructors warmed up the students. The students worked through but kept a watchful eye on Shihan as he explained to me that they weren't used the Shihan's presence in their class. Without warning, Shihan strode to the front of the room...I had images of Yul Brynner, from the King and I, as awed respect fell upon the students who had been directed to sit. "We all have choices," Shihan tells his entranced students,"you make choices every day...you learn about stances, spirit and understanding...don't look at someone else and copy what they do...make your choice to be your own best in everything you do." Then, he points at a girl who seemed to be about 10 years old, she wore a purple belt, "you, up." The girl jumped to her feet and she was directed to demonstrate her moves for him. (I learned later that it wasn't my hearing that was bad...he was instructing in Japanese...an added benefit of participating in these classes.) The girl moved through her presentation with minimal sharpness, which I gathered was of major importance in karate. Shihan critiquest the performance as lacking...but encourages more practice. A group of five "colored" belts is selected to demonstrate...and, upon completion a silent Shihan asks, "Why don't you give me your best? If you fail in anything, at least you will know that you did your best. My colored belts are supposed to be leading by example!" (I must say, they were not impressive and I don't know what I'm looking at." Shihan explained the importance of fully committing to whatever they do in life and asked each how often they practiced their lessons at home...most answered "once or twice" but one brave soul answer, "I don't." Shihan Butler smiled and thanked him for his honesty with a sincerity that will ensure that young man will never give that answer again. The class listend as pearls of ancient wisdom were delivered to them...be true to yourself, take pride in yourself and maintain the dignity deserving of yourself...learn for yourself because you must be the best you can possibly be. Never, in any modern day class, have I seen any lesson as inspired and captivating as this simple hour filled with karate and hydration. After the life lessons were learned and the importance of "choice" inserted into each young mind, Shihan Butler handed the class to Jon Salkin of the Hydration Education Foundation. With open minds, the students learned the importance of hydrating their bodies with water rather than sodas or chocolate milk or the nasty energy drinks. While I'm sure I'll be just as impressed wtih other programs and classes I'm observing, Shihan Butler and his Karate classes have set the bar high. Not only do the lessons learned amount to much more than Karate, the parents of the children are welcome to join in the weekly lessons along with the student. One parent worked his stances right along with his child, his wife will be joining in next week and a sister too young for the program jumped in to participate in whatever she could. Shihan Butler, and the Parks and Recreation Department, is not only teaching karate, they are inspiring change, they are igniting pride in self and community, they are re-establishing dignity in Albany...and I say Domo Arigato, Shihan Butler. |
HEF Offers Solution To The Universal Costs of Obestity Upon Release of NYS Comptroller's Report
On October 24th, New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, released a report which
cites obesity and, in particular, childhood obesity, as an important
factor in the burgeoning health care costs to New York’s employers,
consumers and taxpayers. DiNapoli reports that “the total
obesity-related costs in New York State are estimated at more than $11.8
billion annually. Some $4.3 billion of such expenditures are funded by
Medicaid, with roughly half of that cost paid by New Yorkers’ State and
local taxes. Another $7.5 billion of obesity-related costs are paid by
Medicare, employers’ and workers’ health-insurance premiums, and
uninsured individuals.”
The Report goes on to state that the medical
costs that are attributable to overweight status and obesity totaled
$327 million in 2011. This figure reflects Department of Health
estimates of the number of obese and overweight individuals and Medical
Expenditure Panel Survey data on per-child medical costs attributable to
obesity.
Jon
Salkin, founder of the Hydration Education Foundation, “Gulpwater,”
offers a simple solution to this complex health problem and it doesn’t
limit consumer choices or cost them a dime. Salkin’s solution?
“Gulpwater.” The Hydration Education Foundation was established in 2011
to help spread the hydration message to children, parents, seniors and
all citizens interested in developing a healthier community while
decreasing the costs associated with the alternative. Salkin’s
Foundation offers lesson plans and other fun ways to initiate good
hydration habits in our youth as well as programs to modify behavior in
citizens of all ages to reach for a glass of good, clean water before
reaching for a glass of soda.
The
US Department of Agriculture has designated Hydration Education
Foundation, Inc. as an Official Community Partner. The IRS recently
granted it 501(c)3 public charity status as a not-for-profit. Request
free lesson plans or make a tax-deductible donation at www.gulpwater.org. Follow them on Twitter @gulpwater or at the Gulpwater Blog.
