Terry Click escapes life's hustle and bustle with a board and a paddle. "There is great calmness as I am gliding across the water," he said. "I usually am mesmerized by the water peeling off the nose of the board, how quiet it is, how elegant. I appreciate all the nature around me and feel at one with it."
Every day, countless people look in the mirror and declare, "no more." They make a commitment to lose weight. For weeks, or even months, a rigorous diet and exercise regimen is followed. They lose weight. Friends marvel at their commitment.
Guy LaRue stands tall today, thankful for the ability to move on his own two feet. The Washougal football player was riding a quad in the sand when he rolled it and broke his back at the age of 14. He had four vertebrates fused, and two rods and eight screws placed into his spine.
Active and fit most of her life, after the birth of her second child Anna Stephens had some trouble getting back into the swing of things. "I just couldn't lose the weight," she said.
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in Washington and throughout the United States. Overweight children are at higher risk for lifelong physical and emotional health problems, among other issues.
Rushing Water Yoga is offering free yoga classes once a month in Crown Park.
There are benefits for dogs and their owners to spend time running or walking. Justin Anderson, of Washougal, said his 4-month-old goldendoodle, Kirby behaves better with a walk.
Maggie Lou Heltzel enjoys challenges, most any games and mingling with people. She is among the participants in beanbag baseball at Columbia Ridge Senior Living, in Washougal. Heltzel, 86, also enjoys playing bingo and exercise "sometimes."
To "unite" is defined as joining, combining or incorporating to form a single unit. There is a reason this descriptive term is included in the name of the organization that is made up of a diverse group of members who work together to "support youth, encourage families, enrich community and guide healthy choices."
An iconic landmark in the Columbia River Gorge is the centerpiece for the Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K Sunday, Aug. 10. Up to 1,000 runners and walkers will cross the 1,858-foot steel masterpiece from Washington into Oregon and work their way to the finish line at Thunder Island, in Cascade Locks. The grated road along the bridge allows participants to see the Columbia River flowing beneath their feet.
