April 7, 2012 – SML Women’s 5K Run/Walk & Children’s Fun Run
Fitness fun for the whole family – join thousands from the Jacksonville, Florida community on Saturday morning, April 7, 2012, for the Shannon Miller Lifestyle Women’s 5K and 1 Mile Children’s Fun Run!
The Children’s 1 Mile Fun Run will start at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Women’s 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:30 a.m.
Visit race vendors and enjoy the SML community Health Fair, featuring FREE health screenings.
Plan on a day of family health and fitness fun at the Jacksonville Landing in downtown Jax!
- Proceeds from the race will benefit the Shannon Miller Foundation to fight childhood obesity.
To register, and for sponsorship information, 2012 vendor agreement, volunteering, and frequently asked questions, please visit the Shannon Miller Lifestyle website.
February 25, 2012 – Daily’s Ortega River Run
Whether you are looking for a 1 Mile Fun Run or a 5 Mile Grand Prix Race, or even a nice Walk, the Daily’s Ortega River Run has the Saturday family event for you.
The Ortega River Run starts and ends at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School, at the intersection of Ortega Boulevard.
The day’s events will include:
- t-shirts for all runners, and awards
- a Family Friendly Street Fair
- the famous Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Boy Scout Troup 26
- refreshments and food samples from local restaurants
For more information about this historic race, Registration, and a map, please visit the Ortega River Run web page.
Chiropractic Care to Boost Your Immunity
Regular Chiropractic Care at one of our American Chiropractic clinics can help to improve your health.
As shared in a recent article by Dr. David Jockers for Natural News, the benefits of chiropractic care continue to be proven in scientific studies.
The nervous system and immune system are hardwired and work together to create optimal responses for the body to adapt and heal appropriately. Neural dysfunctions due to spinal misalignments are stressful to the body and cause abnormal changes that lead to a poorly coordinated immune response. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to boost the coordinated responses of the nervous system and immune system.
Subluxation is the term for misalignments of the spine that cause compression and irritation of nerve pathways affecting organ systems of the body. Subluxations are an example of physical nerve stress that affects neuronal control. According to researchers, such stressful conditions lead to altered measures of immune function & increased susceptibility to a variety of diseases.
Wellness based chiropractors analyze the spine for subluxations and give corrective adjustments to reduce the stress on the nervous system. A 1992 research group found that when a thoracic adjustment was applied to a subluxated area the white blood cell (neutrophil) count collected rose significantly.
To read the complete article, please visit: “Chiropractic boosts immunity”, by: Dr. David Jockers, in naturalnews.com
February 12, 2012 – 26.2 with Donna
Be part of the 26.2 with Donna – The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer – is the only U.S. marathon dedicated solely to raising funds to end breast cancer; Sunday, February 12, 2012.
“Our mission is to passionately produce world class running events to raise funds for ground breaking breast cancer research and empower women living with breast cancer.”
The marathon, half-marathon and relay events will begin near the Mayo Clinic Campus in Jacksonville, Florida and follows a spectator lined course through the unique beach communities of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach.
To register for the race, for more information about the race, a course description and map, Race Weekend events, and more, please visit the 26.2 with Donna website.
February 3, 2012 – National Wear Red Day
Join in the Celebration of National Wear Red Day at the Avenues Mall on Friday, February 3, 2012, from 3:30 to 8:30PM.
The American Heart Association is holding an All Gender Casting Call to hear your (and your family’s) stories about how heart disease has effected your family – both struggles and triumphs, at the casting call held on National Wear Red Day.
All women over 18 who participate in the casting call will be considered for submission to the National Go Red For Women casting call in the spring of 2012.
Heart disease is the number ONE killer; make it your mission to save a life by sharing your story at this National Wear Red Day event!
For more information, please visit the Go Red for Women.org website, and the Avenues Mall on Facebook.
January 28, 2012 – A Walk in the Woods
There will actually be two Walks in the Woods at Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens on Saturday, January 28: one fitness and one casual.
Both Walks in the Woods are fun and informative.- Both Walks in the Woods start at the front kiosk, and are free and open to the public.
At 8:00 am, the Fitness walk:
A solid three mile hike through the Arboretum’s trails with a Biologist/Naturalist. A great way to kick-off the weekend.
At 9:30 am, the Casual nature walk:
A walk through the Arboretum’s trails to learn all about the 13 ecosystems through which they pass.
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens holds Walk in the Woods on the fourth Saturday of each month.
Please contact Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens – info@jacksonvillearboretum.org – to let them know if you will need special accommodations.
For more information please visit the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens website.
January 8 – Kicks For Sticks 5k and Mile Fun Run
The race is brought to you by The Crosse Foundation, a charitable organization of the Jacksonville Bullies, which was founded to help support and grow the sport of lacrosse.
“We use lacrosse to help our local youth learn about sportsmanship, teamwork and to open doors for some of our young people to receive college scholarships, and the 5K is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said foundation spokesperson Brianne Toole.
The time and place: Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Jacksonville Landing in downtown Jacksonville.
Kicks for Sticks 5K begins at 9 a.m., followed by a Kicks for Sticks Fun Run at 9:05 a.m.
Biggest Loser Season 11 – The Purple Team, Olivia Ward and HannahCurlee, will be making a guest appearance and running in the Kicks for Sticks 5k. Bring your camera because there will also be a meet and greet after the race from 10-12.
Also meet and greet the players of Jacksonville Bullies and the Jacksonville Bullies Dance Team, The Belles.
For more information, and to Register for the races, please visit the Jacksonville Bullies Lacrosse Facebook page.
December 31 – Vystar Gator Bowl 5K Run
If you enjoy running or walking as part of your exercise routine, you should register for the Gator Bowl VyStar 5K Run, which starts at 10am at the Jacksonville Landing.
This annual New Year’s Eve event draws thousands of local and national participants. The course runs through downtown and along Jacksonville’s scenic Riverwalk.
Participants in the Gator Bowl VyStar 5K Run can also make a $10 donation to Wolfson Children’s Hospital and receive a red arm band, bearing the name of a child who is a patient.
For more information, and to register for this race, please visit the Vystar Gator Bowl 5K Run web page.
November 26 to January 1 – Winter Wonderland
Snow: Every night experience snow in Florida as the Amphitheatre turns into
* * * * * * * W i n t e r W o n d e r l a n d * * * * * * *
* * * * * Ice Skating * * * * * The Igloo Ski Lounge * * * * *
* * * Frost Kingdom Express Train * * * * Ice Slide * * * *
The Elf Village: This unique and magical interactive experience is great for kids! Explore a variety of elf houses, each with their own unique details!
Visits from Santa (through 12/24): Kids of all ages are welcome to come out and visit with Santa Claus! Don’t forget to bring your wish list and drop it off for Santa in our oversized North Pole mailbox!
* * * * * Sleigh Rides * * * * * Blizzard Bounce * * * * * Obstacle Course * * * * * Games * * * * *
For directions, prices, times and more information, please see the Winter Wonderland website.
December 17 – Festival of Trees Children’s Holiday Program
The Jacksonville Public Library and the Junior League of Jacksonville continue a holiday tradition with the Festival of Trees Children’s Holiday Programs.
Families are invited to come to the alligator couch in the Children’s department of the Main Library to:
- hear a story
- participate in a craft.
Holiday trees decorated and donated by the Junior League will be displayed in the Children’s Department at the Main Library through December 30.
At 2pm – Winter Wizard will spread the magic of the season will read a story, and then attendees may participate in a craft activity.
For more information, please visit the event listing on jax365.com, or the Junior League of Jacksonville website.
December 10 – Season of Hope 5K/15K Run
Join Tyler’s Hope and The UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration for the 2nd annual Season of Hope, Dystonia- Parkinson’s Run on the beautiful Gainesville Hawthorne Trail.
Help in funding neurology research to fight these disorders.
This will be a wonderful race on the Hawthorne Trail in Gainesville’s Paynes Prairie (PAVED trail), for the person who just wants to run on a majestic trail where wildlife is abundant!
Shirts are available for first 300 participants and prizes for the top 3 M/F 5k and 15K runners.
Please register by December 8; registration fee increases on day of race.
For more information, and to register early, please visit the Season of Hope 1K/15K page on the active.com website, and the Tyler’s Hope website.
Help for Back Pain During Pregnancy
From an article by Dr. Ken Whidden, DC, at Emerald Coast Chiropractic
Back pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy and should be expected to some degree by most women.
Back pain may be experienced during any point of your pregnancy; however, it most commonly occurs later in the pregnancy as the weight of the baby increases. Back pain can disrupt your daily routine or interfere with a good night of sleep. The good news is there are steps you can take to manage the back pain that you experience.
How common is back pain during pregnancy?
You are not alone if you are experiencing back pain during your pregnancy. The prevalence varies with reports, showing between 50 to 70 percent of all pregnant women having back pain.
What causes back pain during pregnancy?
Back pain during pregnancy is related to a number of factors. Some women begin to experience lower back pain with the onset of pregnancy. Women who are most at risk for back pain are those who are overweight or had back pain prior to pregnancy. Here is a list of potential causes of back pain or discomfort during pregnancy:
- Increase of hormones – hormones released during pregnancy allow ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birthing process of your baby; this shift in joints and loosening of ligaments may affect the support your back normally experiences
- Center of gravity – your center of gravity will gradually move forward as your uterus and baby grow, which causes your posture to change
- Additional weight – your developing pregnancy and baby create additional weight that your back must support
- Posture or position – poor posture, excessive standing, and bending over can trigger or escalate the pain you experience in your back
- Stress – stress usually finds the weak spot in the body, and because of the changes in your pelvic area, you may experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy
How can you prevent or minimize back pain during pregnancy?
Back pain may not be prevented completely, but there are things that you can do to reduce the severity or frequency. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the back pain you are experiencing:
- Use exercises approved by your health care provider that support and help strengthen the back and abdomen
- Squat to pick up something versus bending over
- Avoid high heels and other shoes that do not provide adequate support
- Avoid sleeping on your back
- Wear a support belt under your lower abdomen
- Make sure your back is aligned using a chiropractor
- Get plenty of rest.
- Elevating your feet is also good for your back
Contact American Chiropractic to make an appointment to relieve back pain with Dr. Hunziker.
To read the rest of Dr. Ken Whidden’s article, please visit the Emerald Coast Chiropractic website.
NOV 30 – DEC 22 – Gingerbread Extravaganza
See an assortment of gingerbread creations built by chefs, bakers, architects, culinary school students, families, and other creative individuals – 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays.
Gingerbread and confection creations on display range from traditional houses to animals and fairy tale themes, and ignite that exciting magic of the holiday season. Hundreds of hours are required for the construction of these edible structures – amazing sights to behold!
These gingerbread novelties will be on display at the Jacksonville Historical Society headquarters, in historic Old St. Andrews Church, immediately across the street from the Veteran’s Memorial Arena.
The whole family will enjoy playing the Scavenger Hunt and find specified items throughout the display.
This Gingerbread Extravaganza is a charity event for the benefit of the children’s programs of the Jacksonville Historical Society.
For more information about this event, including suggested donation amounts, please visit the Jacksonville Historical Society Gingerbread website.
December 2 and 3 – Amilia Island Holiday Home Tour
Amelia Island Museum of History presents their 5th annual Holiday Home Tour, on December 2 (Friday) and December 3 (Saturday) from 10- 4.
This tour features five beautifully restored, vintage homes located in Fernandina Beach’s historic district.
Each of the homes will be open to the public for the very first time, and these homes are decorated by professional florists and designers.
Enjoy a refreshing walk between homes, or take a ride on the free trolley service which will transport guests to each of the homes, while costumed carolers hark back to the days of Charles Dickens.
For contact information, or to purchase tickets to the Holiday Home Tour, or to the special luncheon at the Beach Street Grill, please visit the Amelia Island Holiday Home Tour website.
November 25 – Jacksonville Landing Christmas Tree Lighting
Jacksonville Landing’s 56-feet-tall Christmas Tree lights up and sparkles with more than 78,454 light emitting diodes and over 240 ornaments!
This 25th Annual ceremony starts at 7 p.m. and will help attendees imagine a winter wonderland with their favorite Christmas songs performed by the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, special appearances by musical guests Kelley Rees, Branch & Dean, Harvey Williams, Roz Burrough and Noel Freidline, and conclude with a spectacular fireworks show on the beautiful St. Johns river.
Those who arrive early will enjoy the pre-show full of music and carols by the orchestra and choral group.
This is a free event.
For more information, please visit the Jacksonville Landing website.
November 19, 2011 – Right Whale Festival
Celebrate the North Atlantic right whales’ annual return to their only known calving area in the Southeast U.S. With as few as 350 remaining, there are many local efforts to protect these critically endangered whales from extinction.
The Right Whale Festival at Jacksonville Beach will be featuring:
- live music,
- food,
- arts & crafts,
- kid’s activities,
- educational exhibits,
- a Silent Auction, and more.
The day starts with a Beach 5K Run and Fun Run at 9:00 AM. Help Clean up our beautiful coastal beach from 9 until 11. And the Festival officially begins a 10:00 AM.
Each winter right whales migrate south along the east coast of the U.S. to give birth and raise their calves in our warm coastal waters before returning to their feeding grounds by early April.
Join in the 3rd annual Right Whale Festival at the Jacksonville Beach, Seawalk Pavillion to learn how we can lessen human impacts and bring peace to the right whales that share our coastal waters!
For more information, please visit the Right Whale Festival page on the Sea2Shore Alliance website.
Saturday November 12th, 2011 Workday at Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
Saturday, November 12th, starting at 9AM, enjoy the beautiful outdoors and help the Arboretum look its best for their event up-coming event, Step Out In Nature.
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens are looking to tidy their trails and spruce up their shrubs prior to the event.
Volunteers are asked to Please bring gloves and wear long pants and closed toed shoes.
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens can accommodate most group sizes as long as they have advanced notice.
Please visit the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens website for more information, and contact info@jacksonvillearboretum.org to register to help.
November 11, 2011 – Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade
We owe so much to the men and women who have served, and are serving in our Armed Services – they are protecting us, and our Country, and preserving our rights and freedom.
Join in the celebration as Jacksonville honors our true American heroes – our veterans and active-duty military.
The City of Jacksonville will hold its annual Veterans Day patriotic parade on Friday, November 11, 2011, starting at 11:o0 AM, and featuring more than 3,500 participants – including grand marshals, senior military officials, active-duty and retired military units, veterans groups, local high school marching bands, military organizations, decorative floats, giant balloons, JROTC units and more!
The Parade starts a the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.
For more information, including the Parade Route and photos of the 2010 Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade, please visit the Jacksonville Office of Special Events website makeascenedowntown.com/
November 5, 2011 – Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Memory Walk
Join in the 3rd Annual Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Memory Walk in Nocatee Community Park in Ponte Vedra, FL, on Saturday, November 5th.
This event provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support to fight this disease.
100% of the net proceeds from this event will benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs.
T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. A limited quantity of t-shirts and goody bags will be available on event day while quantities last.
To Register for the event, to donate, and for more information, please visit the Free To Breathe organization website.
Chiropractic for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
More and more people are finding how natural healing, drug-free, hands-on adjustments by chiropractic doctors can provide relief for their symptoms.
An article by the University of Maryland Medical Center states:
CTS [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome] is commonly treated by chiropractors. The methods most chiropractors use to treat CTS include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports. Two studies support the use of chiropractic treatment for CTS.
In the first study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment. Most of these improvements were maintained for at least 6 months.
A second study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.
If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or other disorders like back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches, please make an appointment to see Dr. Hunziker. He will evaluate your condition and recommend the proper treatment.
To read the full article about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, please visit the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
