Christy Goff: How to deal with Stress

On August 10th, Christy Goff, faced with speaking on such a vast subject as Stress, gave an encapsulated overview supplemented by an exhaustive handout.

Stress is anything that inhibits the balance among physical, emotional, and mental power. It can be external or internal. Physiologically, stress upsets the equilibrium among serotonin, a brain hormone concerned with feeling good; cortisol, an adrenal hormone and glucose, both concerned with the Flight or Fight reaction. This disruption can result in symptoms such as poor cognition, fatigue, depression, and exhaustion. In extreme cases, to wit, burnout, the stress factor(s) must be aborted, lest permanent damage ensue. At times, we need a little bit of stress to keep us going at optimal function.

The speaker posits that stress is treatable, entailing channels in the forms of physical activity, nutrition, and relaxation/sleep. She gave a rundown of the intrinsic benefits of each, and how to go about utilizing them. It is certain that she touched upon experiences of everyone in the audience.

For certainly, stress and coping mechanisms have been with us from early evolutionary times. It has been the property of all of us.

Relay for Life: August 11

Katie Leis, Community Development Manager, of the American Cancer Society discussed Relay for Life, annual event to benefit the American Cancer Society.

It will occur on 8/12 at Cal Anderson Park, with the purpose of raising money to fight cancer. She averred that cancer never sleeps. She provided information as to how to register on line and gave information as to the events. Also, there will be a Bark for Life in which dogs will participate. The opening ceremony at 10AM will recognize the survivors of the disease. A ceremony called Luminaria is one in which those who have succumbed will be remembered. The closing ceremony’s aim is to educate the participants and all others, with the motto, Fight Back.

In addition, President Dave presented Katie with the club’s $500 check toward the cause.

American Cancer Society

Last week’s presentation came in three parts:

Paul Kilian spoke of the Cancer Resource Centers, of which 10 exist in WA. His, the Valley Resource Center, sees some 1,000 patients par year. Volunteers visit every patient on infusion. They provide support, wigs, gifts, and information binders to the patients. Advocates are full-time employees and work in behalf of this work, to the extent of lobbying in the legislature. The Committee on Cancer, a branch of the American College of Surgeons, is a consortium of professors concerned with screening and other matters. These organizations are devoted to improving social situations and quality of life for cancer patients. A 24/7 telephone network is there to answer all questions and concerns.

Audrey Fine, RN, dwelt mainly on prevention, but touched on gene therapy. This method stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells. Positing that cancer touches all our lives, she quoted the head of the Resource Centers, to wit, 50% of cancer could be prevented if we implement what we already know. She also noted that the Research Department boasts 47 Nobel Prize winners. Prevention includes smoking avoidance, early detection, HPV vaccine, and the realization that tanning and obesity are risk factors. Access to health care is a must. The cost of cigarettes has become a factor in discouragement of the habit. Patients are seen at the resource centers regardless of ability to pay. More are needed to be screened. Certain barriers in getting patients to be seen are language, poor education, time off from work, infancy, old age. The centers have interpreters.

Kimberly Arent dealt with the matter of funding for this work, namely Relay for Life: August 12th , from 10AM to 6PM this annual event will take place. Participation is urged for as many as possible. Signups are with Alan. Our contact for this program.

President Dave Hanson Outlines USR 2017-2018

July 6th was our first meeting for the 2017 Rotary year. President Dave Hanson outlined his new lineup and restated our focus for the year. Kids are primary as we seek to improve on our past efforts and look to increase our visibility and look for additional avenues for Service.

SandPoint Block Party, and a good time was had by all.

The Block Party was anticipated and well-received by the neighborhood. There were treats and games for the kids, and a fire engine for them to swarm over. Hamburgers and hot dogs abounded.

Rotarians scurried around, most clad in identifiable T-shirts provided by Tim Lenihan. The burgers (plain, cheese, and veggie) were turned out, over hot grills, by Dave Mushen and Ron. Our Nearest Star caused one and all to broil a bit. Tom and his musicians (Ranken File) provided totally audible entertainment.

All who participated shared the feeling that it was a pleasure and privilege to serve. In fact, according to our motto, that is what it is all about. Photos!

Univerisity Sunrise Rotary Supports Enactus

Univerisity Sunrise Rotary supports Enactus, a student organization that brings together a diverse network of college students, academic professionals and industry leaders from around the world to focus on a shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of entrepreneurship. Team members contribute their time and talent to projects that improve the lives of people around the globe. Each participant demonstrates that individuals who are armed with information, a passion for people and business know-how can be real agents for change.

Powerful life lessons are attained outside of the classroom because Enactus tackles projects that are tied to real targets with the help of real professionals. The outcome of each project can change the lives of Enactus students and the lives of the project’s beneficiaries in real and substantial ways.

Enactus is an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Enactus comprises of 1600 universities in 36 different countries with over 66,500 students that holds competitions awarding universities prizes for their social entrepreneurial project outcomes.

University Sunrise donated $500 to promote Enactus students developing a green energy stove. Our Green Energy Stove’s differentiating factor is in its clean stove power generators. The power generators in the stove generate electricity during cooking by converting wasted heat energy into electricity. This electricity will be used to charge and power up devices such as cell phones and lamps. Working with established partners, we want to pilot the Green Energy Center Gambia, Nigeria, Gabon, and Ethiopia with 700 units.

Melanie Barstow, Following the Boys in the Boat

*Onward like the swallow going
Flies the speed of oar and shell.
Oh the wild delight in knowing, ‘
Tis our pow’r that does the rowing…..

Captivated by the book ,”The Boys in the Boat”, Melanie Barstow has successfully volunteered to conduct tours of the University of Washington shell house and related historic spots. The response has been large.

In her talk, she reviews the book’s story, noting:

the Depression era
the fortitude of the rowers
the privations of the young men
the hard and dangerous jobs they had to take
the adversities, including the family’s abandonment of the principal character at his age of 15.

Altruism, self-sacrifice, and fortitude were the sine qua non that made possible the successive triumphs of this Husky crew, This culminated in their Olympic triumph in Berlin in 1936 as they represented the U.S. Specifically, the order of finish; USA/Italy/Germany. It is notable that the margin between winning and not winning is at times measured in hundredths of a second. In 1936, the times were 6:25.4, 6:26, and 6:26.4.

*All in unison of action, with the noble satisfaction….
…..Coolly every power invoke…
Onward, make her cut the water,
Onward make her cut the water—
And for fame of alma mater, stroke, stroke, stroke.

*Excerpts from the Cornell Rowing Song.

Julia Cosse’ of Cosse’ International

Julia Cossé, well immersed in the family securities business, Cossé International, spoke on the subject of “How to Pick Stocks that Go UP”.

An exhaustive study, identifying stocks that doubled within six months, found a certain commonality among them. From the results of this have evolved principles to guide one in choosing such companies.

To wit, look for:

Increase in earnings of the stock’s underlying company to have increased.
Moreover, the earnings’ increase has accelerated, preferably into double digits.
The accelerated increase should be due to something, i.e. a new product.
Example: Microsoft’s periodic new devices to meet demand.
The industry that includes the company has been doing well as a group.
Volume. Institutional investors, as contrasted to individuals, create volume changes. Therefore, increased upside volume is a good indicator.
Medium-sized companies. These have good growth potential. Very large companies have already seen growth. Small companies’ stock may be hard to exit at the right time.
Pay attention to what kind of market we are in.

Comment: Be thus guided and you cannot lose. Maybe

Christy Goff is Sleeping in Seattle

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

If you, or anyone within earshot, does this at night, there may exist a case of sleep apnea. This is a condition in which an intermittent cessation of breathing temporarily starves the heart and brain of oxygen.
This is one of the points made by Christy Goff of Pacific Science Centers.
In case of the above, a night in the sleep lab would be a well-advised move. If such is the diagnosis, a number of treatments is available.

Other facts about sleep included in her talk:

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep.
Cortisol and epinephrine are active in the waking process
Melatonin, building during waking hours, causes crepuscular drowsiness.
Serotonin acts to help a happy awakening.
There are 3-4 sleep cycles per night. Deep sleep comes first, followed by REM sleep. It is during REM that we dream.
Naps should be limited to about 20 minutes, lest a hormonal imbalance occur.
As we age. deep sleep time decreases. By age 85, 20% of the night is spent awake.
Insomnia risks include stress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.A relation exists between obesity and sleep. Those who sleep less tend to gain weight. The appetite increases in such cases, entailing the hormones Ghelin (appetite enhancer) and Leptin (satiety indicator).

To enhance sleep:

Finish water intake an hour before retiring.
Exercise early in the day.
Get on a schedule for sleep, to balance hormones.
Restrict time in bed.
Arise at the same time each day regardless of energy level.
Do not get into bed until sleepy.
Don’t stay in bed if not sleepy.
Read. Do not use TV or phone.
Turn off electrical devices 30-60 minutes before wishing to go to sleep.
Do not use caffeine at the end of the day. It blocks the hormone, Adenosine, which causes drowsiness.
Keep it cave like–cool and dark. 65 degrees is the ideal temperature.

See a sleep specialist when–

There is snoring
There is a use of sleeping pills
It is difficult to fall asleep.
Tossing and turning occur.
Interruption in breathing occurs
There is frequent or early awakening.
Irritability or inability to concentrate during the day occur.
Tiredness or depressing happen on awakening.
There is a desire to take frequent naps.

Join Us June 29th Annual Sand Point Block Party

On Thursday, June 29^th our Rotary Club is hosting its annual block party for Solid Ground Housing in Sand Point. Solid Ground believes that housing & family stability are foundational to ending poverty in our area. This event which started out years ago as a small barbecue has turned into one of the primary social events of the summer for the residents. Be sure to block out your calendar from 4pm to 8pm on the 29^th and be sure to invite your friends to help. If you need additional information reach out to Jeff Mushen at jeffrey.m.mushen@ampf.com.