Taking a leap generally refers to making a significant change regardless of potential negative consequences. When making a change to your lifestyle to better your health, taking a leap certainly applies, but what about negative consequences? There are still some perceptions of exercise that spawn the attitude of ‘it’s not worth it’. Exploring the potential negatives of exercise (and then immediately using logic and common sense to dispose of those concerns) is a friendly reminder of how important it is to take the leap.

Don has been a faithful, consistent member of The Pointe for about five years. He grew up in Ballwin and is a 1978 graduate of Lafayette High School. Before joining The Pointe, he had been attending another fitness center for about three years. In that eight year span he has lost a considerable amount of weight and had one knee replaced (with the other imminent). The draw to The Pointe for Don is primarily the facility amenities. Don’s routine includes swimming laps in the pool and using the hot tub early in the morning, then heading up to the fitness center to finish off by using an elliptical trainer, bike, track, and strength circuit. Don makes it in at least four days per week and is able to dedicate three hours to his Pointe routine. He is impressed with the facility’s equipment maintenance and cleanliness. In addition to his fitness routine, he likes bringing his grandson in for the recreation pool.

Every year resolutions are made. For 2020 why not make a prediction?  Be a Nostradomus for your health. A resolution is simply a statement. A prediction, on the other hand, creates a mystical tone that can inspire you to bring that prophecy into existence. Anyone can state they are planning to complete a task. When it comes to bettering your health, it’s not a single task. It is the accumulation of small tasks performed over and over to attain improved health and then maintaining it. Let’s touch on some daily tasks necessary to be healthier in 2020.

The Keeven family have been regular Pointe patrons for over 20 years. Pictured from left to right are Josh, Weston, Reilly, Ella, and Shanta (Shanta’s husband, Jim, is not pictured). Josh is new to fatherhood (contrats!), a Purdue graduate in Mechanical Engineering, and is currently a First Lieutenant Combat Engineer in the USMC. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, he enjoys surfing when he has time. Reilly is a Junior at Purdue studying Mechanical Engineering. He is currently in the NROTC Marine Corps at Purdue. Coincidentally, he also enjoys surfing when he gets to visit Josh in California. Weston is a Sophomore at Purdue also studying Mechanical Engineering. He, too, enjoys surfing during visits with his brother, but also has a passion for Texas hold’em and enjoys playing that with friends. Ella is currently in seventh grade at Selvidge Middle School. Her busy schedule includes basketball, volleyball, and soccer club teams. Now that she is old enough to take advantage of The Pointe Fitness Center, Ella says that is what she likes most about The Pointe. Shanta is a familiar face in the fitness area, but also loves volleyball and plays in The Pointe’s Co-Ed volleyball league. Although Jim doesn’t make it to The Pointe very often, he is also very active and enjoys outdoor projects to stay active.

The holiday season is about giving. It is a time when selfless acts and generous gifts are exchanged among family and friends. This time of the year is truly a magical season to show appreciation for others. But what about the empaths out there whose altruistic ways are a year round quest…….or burden? What about those that spend so much of their time either actively giving or worrying about others? Is this done at the expense of their own well-being? The constant concern for everyone else sounds stressful, but how does it really affect health?

Kris and her family have been members of The Pointe for 20 years. She and her husband of 28 years, Jon, began using Ballwin’s recreation facilities as an outlet for their kids, twins now 23 years old. Kris is very busy with work as a realtor in the west county area and has recently added wedding planning to her hectic schedule. Her daughter, Leah, is to be married in the Spring of 2020. Congratulations, Leah! 

Diabetes is a complicated disease that can affect multiple systems in the body. It is characterized by an irregularity with the body’s natural insulin system. Insulin is a necessary substance that allows cells to absorb glucose(sugar), the cells main source of energy. When the insulin system is not working properly, cells cannot take up energy and the bloodstream is overloaded with glucose. Complications resulting from diabetes may include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nervous system disease, and other complications. The best course of action is prevention. In 2015 over 84 million Americans age 18 and over were considered pre-diabetic with over 23 million of those age 65 and older. The cost of treatment and lost productivity due to diabetes eclipsed $300 billion in 2017. This, of course, catches the eyes of insurance providers. The Point is teaming up with HabitNu to offer a diabetes prevention program. The program is a Centers for Disease Control approved program. It is available FREE to Medicare eligible individuals. 

Joining in 1996, Doug is a charter member of The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. He even has a ceremonial brick in the facility’s courtyard to prove it. Doug holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and throughout his counseling career he worked with kids and teens in psychiatric and educational settings. He has retired from formal social work, but continues to try to help provide youth with positive experiences and enjoys keeping in contact with some of those he has met along the way. This dedication and background gives Doug an appreciation of The Pointe and the parks and recreation programs offered in Ballwin.

As men reach middle age, there are physiological and behavioral factors that lead to something called Dad Bod. All sources credit Mackenzie Pearson with publishing the term in 2015 in an online essay entitled, “Why Girls Love the Dad Bod”. By now, most readers know the term, Dad Bod. In short, it describes a male that may be slightly overweight, but it has more to do with body fat percentage…..one that works out, but doesn’t have the muscle tone of a professional athlete.

Obesity is a topic that arises anytime lifestyle related health issues are discussed. The correlation between obesity and high cost disease such as Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease is irrefutable. When looking into the numbers of childhood obesity, specifically, it is clear that obesity is not just an adult health problem. That may not be a surprise, but this discussion has persisted for many years among the health and wellness industry while the statistics worsen. The question is, “Why?”

Matthew and his family have been members for about four years, but he has been coming to The Pointe since he was in middle school. He is currently a junior at Maryville University majoring in Cyber Security getting real life experience in the field at Maryville’s Cyber Fusion Center.

Jo Jo moved to the St. Louis area about 10 years ago in search of work. The past 3 years he has worked for Circle 7 Taphouse and Grill in Ballwin. Working in a customer service industry, Jo Jo’s personality is a great quality. As he puts it, he must have “a face that says come talk to me”. He also enjoys giving his free time as a volunteer. He explains that one of the best gifts he can give to others is his time. He likes to find new ways to give to the community here and his community in Mexico. Another quality of his includes finding new interests. Jo Jo is a self taught artist (painter) and enjoys practicing piano. (The next time his face says ‘come talk to me’, ask about his art…..it really is impressive.)