Stress from school. Fast food for dinner. Chips and sodas for lunch. Camped out for hours in front of a computer screen. All of these factors can contribute to the deterioration of a child’s physical and mental health. Add in the busyness of parents and the general hustle and bustle of life, and you’ve got an area of a child’s life desperately in need of attention. Enter Every Kid Healthy Week.

The Seventh Annual Every Kid Healthy Week will be April 22-26, 2019. According to everykidhealthyweek.org, it is “an annual observance created to celebrate school health and wellness achievements.” The week shines a spotlight on programs implemented by schools to improve students’ physical and mental well-being. From teaching about proper nutrition, to supporting physical activity and other healthy initiatives, Every Kid Healthy Week is designed to encourage schools to help kids live healthier lives.

What is your child’s school doing to promote healthier habits? Check out ideas for how you can take part by visiting everykidhealthyweek.org.

Stress from school. Fast food for dinner. Chips and sodas for lunch. Camped out for hours in front of a computer screen. All of these factors can contribute to the deterioration of a child’s physical and mental health. Add in the busyness of parents and the general hustle and bustle of life, and you’ve got an area of a child’s life desperately in need of attention. Enter Every Kid Healthy Week.

The Seventh Annual Every Kid Healthy Week will be April 22-26, 2019. According to everykidhealthyweek.org, it is “an annual observance created to celebrate school health and wellness achievements.” The week shines a spotlight on programs implemented by schools to improve students’ physical and mental well-being. From teaching about proper nutrition, to supporting physical activity and other healthy initiatives, Every Kid Healthy Week is designed to encourage schools to help kids live healthier lives.

What is your child’s school doing to promote healthier habits? Check out ideas for how you can take part by visiting everykidhealthyweek.org.

Eight-year old Jeffery Rapes knows he can do anything he puts his mind to. He loves climbing the ranks of Tae Kwon Do. “I have achieved getting my black belt, which I am very proud of,” he states. In addition to being fun and a great form of exercise, Tae Kwon Do has benefited Jeffery in several areas of his life.

His grandmother, Donna Blanton, has seen first-hand the impact that the sport has had on him. “Jeffery was a scared little boy when he came to live with his Grandparents,” she says. “He had terrible anxiety and separation anxiety. Tae Kwon Do gave him focus, confidence and security; and a second family that he knows loves him. (It) gave him more friends and a feeling of belonging.”

Nothing can compare to that type of impact on a child’s life.

Here’s more on this month’s student profile …. Jeffery Rapes.

How long have you been doing Tae Kwon Do?

I have been taking Tae Kwon Do for 4 years.

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

Yes. Focus and confidence.

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

It has made me a lot more confident, and made my self-esteem greater.

What are some things Tae Kwon Do has helped you achieve?

I am much more focused about long-term goals and what I want to do with my life. I love music and animals and want to become a veterinarian.

Why would you tell another kid that they should do Tae Kwon Do?

It gives you focus, responsibility, and leadership. You also learn to defend yourself against bullies.

Earlier this month we celebrated National Sleep Awareness Week, March 3-10. I think we’d all agree that sleep is something that can be severely underrated, yet of extreme importance. Here are just a few reasons why not getting enough sleep each night can be so detrimental:

• You can get sick easier. Lack of sleep can lead to a compromised immune system. Your body has a more difficult time fighting off sickness when you’re tired.
• Your decision-making is hindered. It’s harder to make wise decisions, or even think, when you’re tired. Memory and alertness suffer, too.
• You increase your risk of gaining weight. Indeed, some studies show there is a correlation between adults sleeping 5 hours or less each night, and their weight gain.
• Your skin pays a price. Tired inside can show on the outside. More wrinkles, uneven skin color and even looser skin can result from lack of sleep.

Bottom line – get the rest that you need! Your body will thank you for it.

Are you looking for some excitement and intrigue? Seeking a family-friendly event the kids will enjoy? How about a little action and movement? You can find it all at Master Shim’s 13^th Annual World Class Tae Kwon Do Open Championship.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 27. Although there is a competitive element, the main impetus is for improvement and growth for each participant. All belt levels are invited to take part. It will be a wonderful opportunity to see amazing demonstrations, including board breaking and sparring. You’ll also have the chance to see incredible strength and determination from each person involved.

The Championship will take place at Dutchtown High School in Hampton, Georgia. Find out more by visiting us online, at atlantatkd.com.

Self-professed Roller Derby Girl Crystal Booth is relishing her new role at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do. She started her journey at the Fayetteville school, and has recently been named the School Manager at the Peachtree City location. “I have a new home!” she exclaims.

Crystal’s resilience and ability to adapt to change come from her courage in the face of adversity. She has overcome difficulties, and loves the way Tae Kwon Do allows her to chart her own course. “Being a cancer survivor for 10 years now, and in that time having 7 knee surgeries sure makes classes interesting! But that’s why I LOVE Tae Kwon Do at Master Shim’s. This journey is mine, and no one else’s! I am allowed to work with my Masters to make each and every Poomsae, Kick, Break, and new move one that I can accomplish to the best of my ability!”

Meet an inspirational woman of strength …. Crystal Booth.

How long have you been doing Tae Kwon Do? Why did you start?

I have been doing Tae Kwon Do for a little over a year. I started taking classes a few months after my son Peyton started at the Fayetteville location. I joined and a week later was in my first tournament!

What made you select Master Shim's for your Tae Kwon Do experience?

After doing a lot of research and talking to friends of mine, we chose Master Shim’s because of the values they have and expect out of each one of their students. I knew that was where we were meant to be!

What has motivated you to continue climbing the ranks of Tae Kwon Do?

My kids! No, not just my biological sons, but my kids at Master Shim’s. They push me (and compete) with me to be the very best I can, and who would I be to let down a bunch of kiddos that are looking up to me for direction?! Not only does the way getting a tip or a new belt make me feel the need to keep on going, but the hugs and smiles I get from the kids is the best motivation ever!

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

Tae Kwon Do has given me a confidence in myself that I didn’t know existed. I have the power within me to achieve anything that I want to, as long as I work hard and WANT IT. Knowing that you have an army behind you cheering you on isn’t a bad feeling either! My self-esteem is a work in progress, but one that has come a long way! I love myself, I love what I am capable of, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, I can do anything!

What changes have you seen in students who take Tae Kwon Do? Why would you recommend it to others?

The changes that I see in students is unbelievable. Even in my own son, who is ADHD, the change has been huge! You see them have more control over themselves, and the knowledge they are responsible for the decisions they make and the outcome they will have. The discipline here at Master Shim’s was a huge reason we chose this school!

Anything else you would like to add?

If I could tell any adult thinking about trying Tae Kwon Do for themselves it would be DO NOT WAIT! Once your feet hit the mat and you feel the amazing support system that instantly surrounds you, you’ll know you made the right choice! Don’t wait, trust me. Those tired days get easier, the hard parts become second nature, and you become FIERCE!

When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day, they think of wearing green, shamrocks and parades, amongst other fun activities. And although each of these items bring the holiday to mind, none of them give a true indication of the meaning behind St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick was a patron saint and a national apostle of Ireland. He is famous because he is credited with successfully bringing Christianity to his country.

The reason St. Patrick’s Day is commemorated on March 17? That day is widely accepted as the date of his death, in AD 461. Oh, and the purpose of the shamrock? According to legend, the three leaves of a shamrock are designed to symbolize the Holy Trinity.

So, as you prepare for your day of festivities and don your green ensemble, take a moment to think on the life and legacy of the patron saint.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

Although we are well underway into the new year, it’s not too late to make a commitment, or a resolution, aimed at becoming a better you. And with March being designated National Nutrition Month, you have extra motivation.

The goal of the nutrition month is to increase awareness about the importance of good nutrition, and put attempts at healthy eating plans on the radar. How can you tap into this pivotal information and transform it into making a difference for you?

You can be aware of your caloric intake. What is a healthy number of calories for you to eat each day? Are you eating and drinking empty calories? Do you need to beef up more substantial calories?

Get the appropriate doses of fruits and vegetables. Eating five doses of fruits and veggies daily is associated with a lower risk of a number of maladies, such as heart disease and strokes.

Make informed food choices. While the potato chips, cookies and candies may taste good, excessive amounts of sugar and salt definitely don’t amount to healthy choices.

If you’re not taking good care of your body, there’s no time to start like the present. Kick off better dietary choices with National Nutrition Month.

“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”

- Thurgood Marshall, first African-American U.S. Supreme Court member

This month we are celebrating the incredible contributions, giftings and talents of African Americans, during Black History Month. It’s a time to recognize that in honoring these accomplishments, we honor all Americans who have benefitted from them. For instance, scientist George Washington Carver derived over 300 – yes 300 – products from peanuts! Among them – cosmetics, soap, plastics, cheese, coffee and milk! The inventions of physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson led to extensive telecommunications developments, including caller ID, the portable fax, the touch tone telephone, and call waiting.

Do your kids revel in water gun fights? They will want to thank Lonnie Johnson for this brand of fun. The Aerospace Engineer for NASA created the Super Soaker – the most famous water gun of all. Do you enjoy watching the movement of GIFs online? Well Lisa Gelobter was integrally involved in the creation of the Shockwave technology, which spurred the beginning of web animation. And that has led to GIFs galore!

Learn about, share and celebrate the varied accomplishments of African Americans during this month, and all year long.

Twelve-year-old Rebecca Drayton has achieved at least 11 belt levels in her Tae Kwon Do career. A member of the Demo team, she loves the great exercise workout she gets during her classes at the Fayetteville location. She and her family love Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do. “They do an amazing job of teaching respect for others and self.  Character is very important and modeled well by all masters and instructors,” says her mother, Lesley.

Rebecca is a GA (Girl in Action) at New Hope Baptist Church, and indeed stays active and on the move.  Here’s more on one of February’s profile students, Rebecca Drayton.

Why did you start taking Tae Kwon Do?

I have been doing it for a little over a year. I started because I wanted to try something new and had wanted to try martial arts for years.

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

I gained more strength and confidence. I also have better focus.

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

Tae Kwon Do has helped me with my confidence and self-esteem because I am able to do things I never even thought was possible. So now I think pretty highly of myself.

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do?

I like being able to surprise myself with new techniques.

Why would you tell another kid that they should do Tae Kwon Do?

I would tell someone that they should join Tae Kwon Do because it helps with focus and it improves your level of strength.

February is American Heart Month. The purpose of the designation is to promote heart health, and raise awareness about heart disease. We all know it’s vital to take care of your heart. But what does that look like? How do you do it? Regular medical checkups are a given. However, you want to ensure you are doing your part to keep your heart healthy and happy.

• Eat healthy. That’s a given. Lots of grease, fat and sugar is not good for your heart – or any other part of your body, for that matter. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide you with necessary nutrients. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Get active. There are numerous benefits to exercise. Helping that blood to flow and getting the heart to start pumping are just a couple of good reasons to get moving. Power walking, stationery bike, and yoga are all great starts. Tae Kwon Do is an incredible way to have fun, build self-esteem, get in shape and be active all in one.
• Manage stress. We all have stress. It’s a part of life. The key is controlling it and learning smart ways to counter its effects.

Of course, there are numerous other ways to take care of your heart. But starting with even these simple ideas can make all the difference.

Valentine’s Day also falls in the month of February. Take heart-healthy action as an act of love for yourself … and those you care about.