Video games, Legos, puzzles and soccer are all a part of Winston Ramdeen’s active lifestyle. And about 6 months ago, Tae Kwon Do joined that list of favorite activities. He is now a green belt, and in addition to building physical endurance, it’s given him a great social outlet. “I like it because it teaches you discipline, defense skills, it's fun, and makes you stronger in mind and body. I'll tell my friends they can learn something new and some Korean words. Most of my friend are there anyways!” Dad Herman and mom Carmen say he has also become more focused, and stronger since starting classes at the Fayetteville location.

Here’s more on 12-year-old Winston’s Tae Kwon Do journey.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

I was shy before, now it's easier for me to talk to other kids.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

I feel more confident and like myself better.

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

When I first started, I didn't know anyone and now I have a lot of friends. I didn't know anything about the Korean language; now I know quite a few words. I made it from Yellow belt green stripe to green belt in less than 3 weeks.

Why would you encourage someone else to consider Tae Kwon Do?

I would encourage anyone to do it because even if it's not easy it's good for your body and your mind, you can meet new people learn new things while having fun.

“I love all my Masters.”

While 5-year-old Denzel Ramdeen loves a lot of things about taking Tae Kwon Do classes at Master Shim’s Fayetteville location, his instructors reign supreme. His parents agree. “The instructors and staff at Master Shim's are very professional, understanding, patient, friendly and very approachable,” say Denzel’s parents, Carmen and Herman. They also love the changes they’ve seen in their son since he started taking classes about 6 months ago. He is “more confident, more focused and outspoken, (and his) social circle has expanded positively.”

Here’s more on Denzel:

What is your belt level?

My belt is Little Tiger white belt blue stripe.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

No problems, but I focus better while having fun.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

I feel better about myself when I get color tips.

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

I can speak in Korean I can kick and block. I made a lot of new friends big and small.

Why would you encourage someone else to try Tae Kwon Do?

It's fun and you learn new things.

Focused on honoring American military men and women who died while in service, Memorial Day is observed the final Monday in the month of May. Here are a few facts about the holiday:

• It became a federal holiday recognized the last Monday of the month of May in 1971.
• It was initially known as Decoration Day.
• The US flag is supposed to fly at half-staff until noon on this day.
• It is common for volunteers to place flags on the graves in national cemeteries
• In 1966, President Johnson named Waterloo, New York as the initial location of Memorial Day

Take time this Memorial Day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this county.

Scores of people don sunglasses in the summertime. Although some may wear them because they are in fashion, the reality is sunglasses go a long way in helping to protect your eyes.

May is Healthy Vision Month. During this time, the National Eye Institute sounds the clarion call to make eye health a priority. On their website, they provide a number of steps each person can take to help protect their vision:

• Use protective eyewear. You can benefit from wearing this eyewear when playing sports or other activities where eyes are susceptible to injury.
• Get a complete dilated eye exam. Allow your eyes to be thoroughly examined, as early detection of problems can be very beneficial.
• Know your family history. It can help to be aware of health problems other family members encountered. And speaking of health …
• Live a healthy lifestyle, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight. Your eyes, and your body in general, will thank you for it.

“Mom, I’m bored.”

“Dad, I don’t have anything to do.”

Do these refrains sound familiar? When school ends, kids can think suddenly there’s not as much to occupy their time. Sitting them in front of the TV, sending them out to play, or leaving them idle with no structure, are choices that may seem to work in the interim. However, long time periods with these options tend to be a lot less attractive.

Maybe you’re looking for an activity that the kids will find fun and exciting. You’d like something that will keep them engaged and challenged. Physical activity would be a bonus. You can get all of that, and more, at summer camp with Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

Expert instructors will foster a fun and safe learning environment for each child. Activities and field trips will make it an experience your child won’t soon forget.

Intrigued? Find out more by visiting us online at www.atlantatkd.com.

Food Allergy Awareness Week is meant to do exactly what its name implies – help educate people about living with food allergies, and increase awareness about the issue. This year, the week will be observed May 12-18. According to kidswithfoodallergies.org, the eight foods that cause the most allergic reactions in the USA are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and crustacean shellfish. Allergies are typically diagnosed using either a blood test or a skin prick test.

Once properly identified, treatment for allergies often means avoidance of the offending items. The great news is, a number of options are now available on the market to address allergy concerns. Allergic to gluten? You can still enjoy your favorite pasta and breads thanks to gluten-free alternatives. Craving delicious ice cream? A dairy allergy does not have to hold you back, courtesy of the proliferation of dairy-free ice cream choices.

If you’re not an allergy sufferer, understanding, patience and kindness can go a long way when dealing with dining options for someone with food allergies. A little bit of awareness now can make a world of difference later.

Motherhood is hard to define. That’s because there is no “one size fits all” definition. The word itself is simplistic. But all that it encompasses, is far more complex.

Chef, psychologist, cheerleader, chauffeur, referee, disciplinarian, friend, counselor, seamstress, shopper, encourager, problem-solver, boo boo kisser, story reader, teacher, laundry folder, dish washer, floor sweeper, household cleaner, ironing guru and countless other titles all help define the scope, the duties, the privileges and the joys of motherhood.

What would you add to the list? Add it – then thank your mom for doing it.

Celebrate your mom in a special way for her big holiday.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do!