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!

Jumping on his trampoline and riding his bike are a couple of the fun things that 7-year-old Simon Kraushaar likes to do. Now he adds Tae Kwon Do to that list. He decided he wanted to try out a new sport. After friends gave glowing reviews about Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, Simon started at the Fayetteville location six months ago. “I think the instructors are all awesome!” states Devan Stewart, Simon’s mom. “They are great with the kids and make sure they have tons of fun while maintaining an appropriate level of discipline when necessary. Simon loves them and we always feel comfortable dropping our kids off with them for special events/camps.”

With more on his Tae Kwon Do adventure, here’s April’s student profile with Simon Kraushaar.

What is your belt level?

Green Stripe

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

I was very shy before and it has helped me with that.

Is it good exercise?

Yes. It makes me very tired at the end of the day.

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do? Why would you tell another kid that it is fun to do?

I like it because you learn how to fight if you ever have to defend yourself. I would tell another kid that it is fun because the instructors are always fun.

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

Because every time you get better at something new it makes you feel very happy.

Anything else you would like to add?

I really like sparring!!

Nine-year old Zachary Koehler is new to Tae Kwon Do, after starting in January. His grandparents gave the gift that keeps on giving … and though it’s early, they have seen some positive changes. “We gave him the membership as a Christmas gift,” states grandparents Barry and Kathy Holcomb. “He shows more willing(ness) to answer questions when asked,” they say, adding, “he has developed strength and flexibility.” With more on what made Tae Kwon Do a good choice, here’s this month’s student profile on Zachary Koehler.

What is your belt level? At what location do you attend classes?

I just received my yellow belt. I attend classes at the Fayetteville location.

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do?

It’s challenging, but in a good way. It is a sport you do at our own pace. You control your pace based on what you put into it.

What are some of your Tae Kwon Do achievements?

After being in it for only a couple of months, I have received my yellow belt. My flexibility and range of motion has improved.

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

It’s a fun sport that almost anyone can take up. It’s up to you what you put into it.

Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do has a new location!!

Calling all Augusta residents ….

• Our Evans, GA Martial Arts school is conveniently located in the Market at Riverwood
• Classes are offered for all ages – from Little Tigers (age 4) to adults
• Our matted floor provides an extra measure of safety
• No experience is necessary! We teach an easy step-by-step system
• Free trial is available

What are you waiting for? Check us out today. We can’t wait to meet you!

Easter is almost here. Whether you are commemorating a religious holiday and Jesus’ crucifixion, or observing the day of springtime fun, there are sure to be activities that you will enjoy.

Many parks and churches are hosting Easter egg hunts. There are a few notable holiday happenings around the city. Callanwalde Fine Arts Center will hold an Eggstravaganza event, while Callaway Gardens is pairing its egg hunt with a 5K race, a kids’ race, entertainment and an Easter Sunday morning sunrise service. Stone Mountain Park will also host an Easter Sunday service, both at the base and the top of the mountain.

Other activities during Easter weekend include the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn; several restaurants serving Easter brunch, including Park Tavern and downtown’s Ritz Carlton; and free entrance into several area national parks.

Celebrate. Commemorate. Invigorate yourself with a relaxing weekend of enjoyable activities.

Happy Easter from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) describes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The goal of the month designation is to increase awareness about autism itself, as well as anything relating to the condition. That includes understanding methods that can be used to help those dealing with autism. One such method is exercise.

According to autism.com, studies show that vigorous exercise at least 20 minutes in length, 3-4 times per week, can help decrease hyperactive or destructive behaviors. It also helps stave off unhealthy weight gain that can creep in with a sedentary lifestyle. If a loved one in your life is living with autism, healthy options are available to help.

Anyone seeking an activity that will get the blood pumping, the mind engaged and offer good clean fun doesn’t have to look any further. Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do may be the perfect physical exercise outlet for all ages. Click here to check out our free trial program: https://atlantatkd.com/beginners-martial-arts-classes-program/.