NEWS
■ BRIEFLY
FIT CLUB’S salute of the week goes to 40 enterprising Central Coast women — for at least 20 years the group has been running their own weight control support team. The word-of-mouth gathering has life members it’s been going for so long. Meetings are every Wednesday from 5.30pm-7pm, at the Ulverstone Basketball Centre. After the weigh-in the group chats about the past week’s challenges and the triumphs experienced. FIT CLUB FACT: According to the Department of Health and Human Services annual report 34.1 per cent of the State’s population is sedentary undertaking no physical activity — which is higher than the national average. FIT CLUB feedback: ‘‘Dear Fit Club, all my life I have . . . yo-yo dieted . . . it is going to be wonderful to read about Fit Club and go with you on this. I too am 43 years old and obese and I am trying to lose weight, so from one old girl to another . . . YOU GO. Look forward to reading about how you are going each week and do not give up ‘‘WHAT a great idea! This year is the first year that I haven’t made my new year’s resolution to lose weight. Why? Because I always break it and it never happens . . . I would be keen to register for the Fit Club to keep me motivated’’ ‘‘I’VE TRIED everything, including personal trainers and I want to join the Fit Club so we can do it as a community.’’ CANCER Council Tasmania chief executive Lawson Ride issued a warning this week about obesity and cancer. He said the recently released Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer global report sends a warning to governments and food manufacturers alike. The list of cancers linked to obesity has grown in the last 10 years to include colon, kidney, pancreas, oesophagus, endometrium and post menopausal breast. Mr Ride said the current Federal and State Governments will be judged on how they respond to this population health crisis. To contact Fit Club email libbyb@theadvocate.com.au or call 64987815.
UNIQUE SOUND: Members of the Burnie Taiko group incorporate stylised movements with Japanese rhythms to create their art.
Getting fit to the beat of a drum
A GROUP of folk in Burnie are not at all shy about beating their own drum — and getting fitter with every strike of their baton. The art of Japanese Taiko drumming is emerging as a new hit phenomenon taking off with a colourful bunch of Coasters and Fit Clubbers are being invited to get along and find out why. ‘‘It’s a great work-out with the added bonus of playing with a fantastic bunch of people,’’ said club member Maria PerezPulido. Ms Perez-Pulido is the cultural development officer at Burnie City Council and she says at the end of a tough day there is nothing better for stress release than hitting the Taiko drums. ‘‘I always want to come back for more. ‘‘Taiko is much more than a series of rhythmic sounds produced by the powerful impact of wood onto skin. ‘‘The incredible sound, colourful uniforms and visual feast of stylised movements that so captivate audiences across the globe are important aspects of this style of percussion — but they represent only the tip of the invigorating iceberg that is Taiko. ‘‘Our group provides a means of personal development, active participation, fun, friendship and community entertainment.’’ Taiko is also being taken into schools through the Active After School Community (AASC) Program — a national initiative designed to engage traditionally non-active children in physical activities. ■ Burnie Taiko practises at Hellyer College, Mooreville Rd, Tuesdays, 5.30-8pm. Visit www.burnietaiko .com for details or contact Maria Perez-Pulido by emailing mperezpulido@burnie.net or calling 0400 127 776.
Dayna’s on a roll when it comes to fitness
WHEN Dayna Fletcher isn’t hanging from an old hills hoist clothes line at home she’s probably playing cricket or roller blading. This week on a hot day at Somerset eight-year-old Dayna rollerbladed with her mother, Jacinta, to collect the mail at the post office. The Fletchers both get Fit Club awards this week — Dayna for strapping on the blades and her mother for being willing to go out with her daughter. Fit Club psychologist Colleen Jackson has this week urged parents to encourage their children to walk, ride bikes, or roller blade whenever possible. ‘‘Whilst it is easy to give in and shuttle kids to and fro, it might be much more in their best interests to encourage them to walk or cycle,’’ Dr Jackson said. Every action counted when battling the nation’s childhood obesity epidemic, which was having a significant impact in this region. There needed to be a cultural shift back to the days when walking was seen as a feasible means of transport. Ms Fletcher said she aimed to try to park a little distance away from school and walk her children the rest of the way. Dayna and her mother regularly walk to do errands — including trips to the shops and the post office.
Dayna Fletcher