Growing up in California, one of my favorite fitness activities was surfing. Of course, surfing is a highly social sport and when you get into it you immediately have a bond with other surfers. Among my high school surfer buds was a guy named David Kitagawa. Dave lived in my neighborhood in Walnut Creek, California. Now, if you are familiar with Walnut Creek, you are fully aware that it’s not exactly a surfing town. Nonetheless, we were dedicated surfers and we weren’t going to let a little land come between us an the ocean. So, on a regular basis, we made the 80-mile drive to Santa Cruz to ride the primo waves. We had an absolute blast honing our wave-carving skills in Santa Cruz and I will never forget those days with Dave and others in our shredding crew. We would ride waves for most of a day and when we were exhausted, we would scarf down enough food to feed a football team before making the long drive back home.
After high school Dave and I went our separate ways. I moved to San Diego for awhile and rode my last waves down there. After that, I moved inland and my surfing endeavors came to an end. While I loved to surf, I had to chose my priorities and if I hadn’t moved away from the beach, I probably would have never made it through college. Meanwhile, Dave actually moved to Southern California for college so he could study and surf everyday. I always admired Dave’s discipline in managing his work and recreational activities. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in design, he started a successful design business in Huntington Beach and lived out his high school dream of surfing at his leisure. I should also mention that Dave was excellent at what ever he did. He was an “A” student, a first-class surfer, an extraordinary artist, and an exceptional friend.
After I moved to Colorado in the 1990s, Dave and I somehow lost touch. I guess we both just got busy doing what we loved in the places we loved. Last week, I was thinking about Dave and decided to look him up. After searching the Internet and connecting with his brother on Facebook, I was suddenly hit by the horrific news that Dave passed away on March 26, 2009, at the age of 43. I am still in disbelief when I think about it, but only for a second … because the second I think about David Kitagawa’s death, I think about his life. Dave was such an inspirational person that he will live forever in many ways. When I think of Dave, I remember him as a life artist; someone who was constantly making his life exactly what he wanted it to be, and as he did that, he was also making profound, permanent changes to the world around him.
Dave’s life artistry was highly evident in the surf community. He loved surfing and the lifestyle associated with it. His dedication to the sport was inspirational and infectious. In doing what he loved, Dave inspired others to do what they love. I am grateful to be one of the many he inspired. If you need a dose of inspiration, take a look at the memorial video below, which was put together by Dave’s brother Ron Kitagawa. After you watch it, get out and do whatever it is that you love to do. In the spirit of Dave Kitagawa, do it to the best of your abilities … in doing so, you will better yourself and inspire those around you. On that note, I am headed out for a mountain bike ride.
© – This material is copyrighted and may not be copied, reproduced, or adapted without the express permission of Dr. William L. Elliott, Ph.D. (HealthBuilding.com)
The 11 Commandments of Good Nutrition
This article is one that I have handed out to clients, patients, and students for many years. The purpose of the article is simply to provide individuals with some quintessential nutritional guidelines that most everyone should keep in mind, with a little humor added in. Of course, this does not include everything that everyone needs to know about nutrition. These are just some basic rules to consider … and don’t forget that the “basics” are usually the most important when it comes to any diet (and no, I don’t believe that “diet” is a “four-letter word”). While this is copyrighted material, feel free to print yourself off a copy and put it up on your refrigerator. Over the years, many have have found it to be helpful in one way or another.
1.) Thou shalt consume enough fluid to maintain adequate hydration each day. (Carefully consider the demands of physical activity on this one.)
2.) Thou shalt eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
3.) Thou shalt eat foods that are high in dietary fiber (e.g., whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits).
4.) Thou shalt eat smaller meals but eat them more frequently throughout the day.
5.) Thou shalt moderate your intake of high fat foods, saturated fats, and trans fats.
6.) Thou shalt moderate your intake of high sugar foods and added sugars (i.e., table sugar, honey, syrup, etc.).
7.) Thou shalt moderate your intake of alcoholic beverages.
8.) Thou shalt never-never-ever-ever eat deep-fried Spam (nothing against Spam, this is just a reminder that you shouldn’t eat everything).
9.) Thou shalt offset “caloric balance” to achieve and maintain personal fitness goals.
10.) Thou shalt supplement, as necessary, to achieve and maintain personal fitness goals.
11.) Thou shalt study food labels and other informative sources to educate yourself about good nutrition and healthful eating habits.
The above guidelines are not “set in stone”. They are generalized and directed at a broad population. Extreme care should be taken in designing your individualized nutrition plan. Any health concerns that you may have with regard to these guidelines should be discussed with a qualified health professional, prior to following them.
© – This material is copyrighted and may not be copied, reproduced, or adapted without the express permission of Dr. William L. Elliott, Ph.D. (HealthBuilding.com)