September is nearly upon us. We will have the opportunity to renew our commitment to advance the fight against ovarian cancer. While our dedicated NOCC staff and volunteers continue to raise awareness about the disease throughout the year, we are intensely focused this month on raising awareness, education, support, and funds for research. This month, teal’s the appeal. Speak of it, wear it, and share it.

Throughout September, there will be countless ways to promote and support the cause. Tens of thousands will participate in NOCC Run/Walks nationwide, dress and decorate in teal, learn the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of the disease, and use social media to share information and images that have the potential to save a life.

NOCC’s EARLIER Awareness Initiative℠ and the TAKE ACTION. NOT CHANCES.℠ campaign
This year the NOCC’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month campaign is TAKE ACTION. NOT CHANCES.℠ Created in partnership with a member of the NOCC community, this campaign is designed to inspire and promote earlier awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and earlier conversations with doctors. Read more about the EARLIER Awareness Initiative℠ here.

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JULIE BECK a senior editor who writes about Health shared in The Atlantic on August 19 that … “As everyone knows, depressed people are some of the most boring people in the world,” Mindy Kaling writes in her book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? “I know this because when I was depressed, people fled. Except my best friends.”

In a section titled “Best Friend Rights and Responsibilities,” she vows, “If you’re depressed, I will be there for you … I will be there for you during your horrible break-up, or getting fired from your job, or if you’re just having a bad couple of months or year. I will hate it and find you really tedious, but I promise I won’t abandon you.”

Having a relationship with someone who’s depressed can be difficult. It’s hard to hear a friend say negative things about herself; it’s hard to know how to help. These are among the more noble reasons people might have—or they may just not want to be brought down themselves by spending time with someone who’s depressed.

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Lizzie Fuhr from PopSugar offers this healthy advice:

Whether you’re looking to lose a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight, stocking up on healthy snacks for work is essential. Fueling your body with quality nutrition will increase energy levels, helping you feel more productive, and also stave off fatty and sugary cravings.

1.   Fresh fruit: You can’t go wrong with fresh fruit at the office! Put your favorite sliced fruits and berries together in a beautiful salad for the office fridge, so you can scoop out the perfect portion to enjoy all week long. If that sounds like too much effort, pack low-maintenance picks like apples, oranges, and pears, so all you need to do is wash and eat.

2.  Veggies: Bring a tub of baby carrots, celery sticks, or already steamed edamame to the office. You can easily find prepackaged options at your grocery store, but skip the ranch or blue cheese dressing, and opt for a small side of hummus instead to offer your body some protein.

3.  Healthy bars: Unfortunately, not all bars deemed “healthy” are created equal. Look for bars that are relatively low in sugar and high in fiber and protein. If you eat a bar that’s all carbs and sugar, then chances are you’ll experience a crash after eating it, just as if you’d chowed down on a candy bar.

4.  Single servings of trail mix: Take the issue of portion control out of the picture, and prepackage small baggies of trail mix or dried fruit and nuts at home. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to keep tabs on exactly how much you’re eating.

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Short, fast intervals (called HIIT, or high-intensity interval training) are the way to go if you want to melt fat and target a muffin top. But if you’re not quite certain if you’re doing it right, Sean Bartram, the trainer for the Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders and author of High-Intensity Interval Training For Women ($18), will let you in on a few secrets. Stop fearing HIIT and start reaping the sweat-inducing workout’s benefits with these beginner-friendly tips.

You don’t have to go all out at the start: That image of a sweaty, muscly man defying gravity doing box jumps is enough to make anyone intimidated about trying an interval workout. But almost any explosive movement can be modified until you’re ready to take your workout to the next level. “Don’t be intimated by HIIT,” Sean says. “If you don’t feel comfortable taking on the plyometrics exercises, you can always substitute.” For example, Sean recommends doing areverse lunge instead of a jump lunge if you’re not ready for jumps. Focus on mastering these moves first, and add more explosive ones when you’re ready.

Form is more important than reps: That speed demon who’s racking up squats like nobody’s business? Don’t pay her any attention — it’s more important to focus on your own form and ensuring that you’re doing your reps correctly. “We have one golden rule and that’s always form first, speed second. We’re about quality, not so much quantity,” Sean says. So if you can only do five perfect squats in 30 seconds, pat yourself on the back for focusing on form.

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On September 19, 2015 the Healthy Lombard Foundation will host its fourth and final Flat Apple Hot Spot in conjunction with Sky Centers Martial Arts’ Annual Open House. In addition to offering children, ages 4 – 14, an opportunity to can earn one “bite of the apple” (a raffle ticket) by participating in the Sky Centers inflatable Obstacle Course Challenge, this event will also celebrate the achievements of this summer’s participants with the drawing and presentation of Flat Apple Raffle Prizes.

Parents/Guardians may register their child/children on-site or on-line prior to the event by clicking on the link provided at the top of the Healthy Lombard Foundation’s website at www.healthylombard.com or on the site’s Flat Apple 2015 page.

The event will take place between the hours of 10 AM-1: 30 PM at Sky Centers Martial Arts www.skycenters.com located at 112 W. ST. Charles Rd. in Downtown Lombard. Parking is available on the street or just west of Sky Centers at the State Farm and Accounting parking lot. Everyone attending must enter through the front entrance of Sky Centers and must receive a wristband in order to participate.

The raffle tickets earned at this event will be added to those already collected at the three previous Flat Apple Hot Spots. The Raffle Drawing will be held at 2PM. Winners need not be present. The winner’s names and corresponding prize will be list on the Flat Apple 2015 web page following the event. Prizes include a child’s bike – partially donated by J & R Cycle of Villa Park, a mini Apple I-Pad, Beet Headphones, and sports equipment.

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