Author Archives: tylerbballen

Let’s go Camping!- Blog on ALL.com 8/19/13

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We can hardly believe September is almost here- but that means it’s time for fun Fall activities!

If you’re looking for a healthy family bonding experience in the great outdoors, why not plan a camping trip?

maine camping

Here in Virginia, you can camp at many state parks including spots in Virginia Beach, up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, down in the valley by Harrisonburg, by the Shenandoah River or along the Appalachian Trail. If you want to find state parks or campgrounds in your area you can search GoCampingAmerica.com.

To make the most out of your camping adventure, here are some tips:

1) Don’t forget to pack the basics: a tent, plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray, sleeping bag, lantern, lighter, warm clothes, trash bags, first aid kit, toothbrush, toilet paper, chairs for around the fire, hiking shoes/socks, bathing suit/towel if you’re planning other excursions

2) We always encourage physical activity, so we suggest you incorporate hiking, biking, tubing or fishing into your plans! Many state parks have trails and paths mapped out or tubes you can rent to explore the waterways. You could even catch a fish for dinner!

3) Pack healthy snacks like trail mix and make a healthy dinner, like these recipes we found on Pinterest: Kebabs, Pasta Foil Packets, Baked Potatoes

kebab

And then, of course, the best part of camping: S’mores for everyone! Try one of these variations of the campfire classic.

Campfire Banana Splits

bananas

Peanutbutter S’mOreos

smoreos

Candy bars, strawberries, cookies, ect!

smores

If you have any other favorite camping recipes please share them in the comments below!

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Bluberry Month Recipes– Blog post on ALL.com 7/18/13

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Did you know July is Blueberry Month? Blueberries are so good for you because they’re packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients to protect your brain and decrease wrinkles, catechins to burn belly fat and they increase the production of dopamine. We’ve scoured the web for the best healthy blueberry recipes to share with you. Follow our “Healthy Living” Pinterest Board for more recipes all the time!

Blueberry crumb bars

bars

Cous-cous fruit salad

cous

Blueberry protein smoothie

smoothie

Blueberry crumble pie

pie

Blueberry gorgonzola salad

salad

Gluten-free blueberry muffins

muffins

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Lace up those sneakers! — Blog post on ALL.com 6/5/13

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Lace up those sneakers because today is National Running Day!

From the National Running Day website, this day is dedicated to everything about running:

“A day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. Wherever we are and whomever we’re with, we run—fast or slow, alone or with others, all over town or just around the block. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that’s simple, inexpensive, and fun. It’s the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment.”

We encourage everyone on the Ask, Listen, Learn team to get out and RUN today! It doesn’t matter how far or fast or where you are. You could go for a run at lunch with your coworkers, after school with your kids, or head off on the trail for 30 mins of alone time after dinner. It’s also easy to search for National Running Day events in your area if you want celebrate running with a new group of pals.

tcc running

TCC running along the Potomac last summer

It’s no secret running is one of the best exercises for your mind and body- so why not take this holiday to make a commitment to incorporate running into your weekly routine?

While you’re out there, we suggest you tweet or instagram with the hashtag #IMARUNNER and Timex will donate $5 to the One Fund Boston to help victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Happy trails!

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Get Happy: It’s National Bike Month — Blog Post on ALL.com 5/15/13

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May is National Bike Month, and this week is Bike to Work Week!

Last April, we posted about Smart Biking in Spring, with great tips for bike safety, like:

“Obey traffic signals and signal your turns. For a left turn, hold your left arm straight out. For a right turn, hold your left arm at a 90 degree angle up or hold your right arm straight out. When coming to a stop, hold your left arm out and down with your palm facing back.”

bike

We know everyone on the Ask, Listen, Learn team strives to live a healthy lifestyle every day, and biking has some wonderful health benefits for your mind and body! Biking is a cardiovascular activity that’s good for your heart and burns calories for a slim waistline, but maneuvering around trails while balancing is also good for your coordination skills. As with any exercise, biking boosts the immune system, prevents weak bones and joints, and lowers cholesterol.

In regards to commuting to work, it’s important to note studies have shown that people who exercise in the morning are happier throughout the day. Morning exercise sets your circadian rhythm- your daily cycle of mental, physical and behavioral changes while you’re awake and asleep. It also fills your lungs with fresh air and stimulates blood flow to the brain, like the Ask, Listen, Learn game, to improve mental alertness and elevate your mood.

For more info, check out the League of American Bicyclist’s Bike Month Guide or search for Bike Month activities in your community!

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Dr. Wolf on how to #JointheConvo on underage drinking– blog post on ALL.com 4/4

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Dr. Anthony Wolf is a member of The Century Council’s Education Advisory Board and has practiced psychology for more than 25 years with children and adolescents in the Massachusetts area. He is a best-selling author of 2 books: Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall? A Guide to the New Teenager and I’d Listen to My Parents if They’d Just Shut Up.

Teens say that parents are the leading influence on their decision to not drink alcohol underage, but sometimes the conversation may be hard to start. Here is Dr. Wolf’s advice on how to #JointheConvo and talk to your teens about underage drinking this month!

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Dr. Wolf's house had sweet decor

Dr. Wolf’s house had sweet decor