Today, weekends in the city means visiting shopping centres, eating out or visiting theme parks.

Malaysia is now among the top 20 trading nations. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, (Pisa) our children's reading, mathematics and science skills are ranked 55th, 57th and 52nd against those of other countries but we cannot make light of what we have also lost.

Between 1966 and 1972, I lived in a remote area in Besut, Terengganu, when my father was posted to Sekolah Kebangsaan Darau as a headmaster. Father rented a one-room wooden house. There was no television or electricity but for all I can remember, life was absolutely exciting.

We children would have good fun in our backyard, a small piece of land covered with lallang which belonged to our neighbour.

In front of our house, there was another small piece of land that belonged to another neighbour, filled with thick grass for the cows to graze.

We would pass our time watching the cows graze, giving them water in a bucket if the weather was hot. Accompanied by our neighbour's children, we would spend most our time roaming and running back and forth between the backyard and the front of our house.

How different it is today. Now, most families in the Klang Valley, including mine, have to restrict children from going outside alone for safety reasons.

It is sad to see children today struggling to find a place to play. A child needs to play as a restless child will have shortcomings.

In a way, children today have a less safe and spontaneous social life. Hence, we see stressed teenagers, teenagers running away from home and other juvenile-related issues.

In the 1960s, we walked everywhere. Walking to school was fun as we did it with friends under the rubber trees. Then after school, we walked in another direction for religious classes.

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LIFE THEN AND NOW: Growing up in carefree times

During their lunch break Tuesday, Cindy McNeill and Hannah Warme hit the gym for a workout.

At 61, McNeill has been working out regularly at the Carol White Studio in Rapid City for the past eight years. Warme, just 17, has been hitting the gym for the past two weeks.

Both women have the same goal in mind health and fitness.

"I just want to get healthy," Warme said. "I'm getting a lot stronger already."

Warme, who has lost and gained weight before, said she hopes to lose weight with her new workout routine, but her overall goal is something much bigger. She is changing the way she eats and the way she thinks in hopes of avoiding weight-related health issues such as diabetes.

"It's a lifetime change," Warme said. "I want to do this for me."

McNeill started gaining weight in 2003 after she stopped smoking. She started working out with White and lost 30 pounds. Today, she works out three days a week.

McNeill said she worries about the growing issue of obesity in the country. "I think it's horrible," she said. "Education is going to be the key."

Fitness trainer Tanya Wolf said her clients are often overwhelmed by all of the weight-loss gimmicks and plans out there. She helps them understand that they need to get "back to the basics," which are exercise and healthy eating.

Wolf, who works at White's studio, tries to get her clients to take a holistic approach to their health. They look at how they eat and how much they move. Then, they make a plan from there.

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Women focus on health, fitness

September 19, 2012 3:38PM

Family health, safety and fitness fair

Help your family and friends learn to be safer this school year and join Rush-Copley for Play it Safe a family health, safety and fitness fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Rush-Copley Healthplex, 1900 Ogden Ave., Aurora.

Kids of all ages and adults will be able to learn and interact with a variety of fun and educational exhibits both indoor and outside, including stranger danger education, touch a truck with a fire and ambulance exhibit, fitness demos, sports and water safety, backpack safety, concussion prevention and child safety seat checks by a certified child passenger safety technicians.

Drawings will include a free Discovery Club birthday party, swimming lessons and other prizes.

No registration is required. Learn more about Play it Safe at http://www.rushcopley.com or 866-426-7539.

Michael Madsen at Hollywood Palms

Actor and Chicago native Michael Madsen will host his three favorite films at the Hollywood Palms in Naperville, Sept. 21-22.

Madsen will host Reservoir Dogs at 7:30 and 10 p.m.; Strength and Honour at 7 p.m.; and Vice at 9 p.m. Fans can meet Madsen from 6 to 10 p.m. He also will be on hand to accept an award at the Naperville Independent Film Festival during closing ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

Tickets to the screenings are $10 and can be purchased at http://www.atriptothemovies.com. Tickets for the Naperville Independent Film Festival are $22 and can be purchased at http://www.naperfilmfest.org.

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Take Note: Health fair, Hollywood Palms

Prostate cancer screening tests will be given by appointment, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Glendale Adventist Medical Center's cancer center, 381 Merrill Ave. 818-409-8100.

Child and infant CPR class, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Fee $30. Reservations required; download registration form from the website. Simi Valley Hospital, in the cafe, 2975 N. Sycamore Drive. 805-955-6890. simivalleyhospital.com

Posture and the Alexander Technique: Shula Sendowski discusses how the technique helps correct muscular habits, noon Monday, Sept. 24. Chatsworth Branch Library, 21052 Devonshire St. 818-341-4276.

Bipolar relief will be discussed by Tom Wootton from Bipolar Advantage, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24. Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 415-992-5315. bipolaradvantage.com

New Horizons lecture: Self-Advocacy Wesley Witherspoon gives a talk geared for special needs individuals but useful for the general public, 3-4 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26. 15725 Parthenia St., North Hills. 818-300-7123. newhorizons-sfv.org

Prostate Cancer Screening at Simi Valley Hospital, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 30. Appointment required by Wednesday, Sept. 26. 2975 N. Sycamore Drive. 805-955-6899.

Pregnancy Resource Center of the San Fernando Valley Run/Walk for Life and Family Fun Day: Fundraiser for the

Los Angeles County Heart Walk: The American Heart Association's 5K walk/run to raise awareness of, and funds for, research on heart disease and stroke, 8 a.m.-noon Sept. 29. Pledges of $100 receive a T-shirt. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. 213-291-7094. heartwalkla.org

Walk for Lupus Now: Fundraiser for programs and services offered by the Lupus Foundation of America, 10 a.m. Sept. 29. Entry of $100 for T-shirt. Check-in, 9 a.m. Exposition Park, enter at Figueroa and 39th streets, Los Angeles. 877-910-9779. walkforlupusnow.org/losangeles

Kids Health and Fitness Day: The Conejo Recreation & Park District and the National Charity League present the event with hands-on activities for children to learn about nutrition and exercise, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 29. Free. Thousand Oaks Community Center, 2525 N. Moorpark Road. 805-381-2793. crpd.org

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Health & wellness classes and events in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas beginning Sept. 20, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

More than half of Americans say candidates positions on Social Security and Medicare are very likely to impact their vote during the upcoming election but debate over the future of these programs doesnt appear to be prompting an increase in personal retirement savings. In fact, the number of U.S. consumers who report making financial preparations for retirement has fallen to 70%, the lowest level in three years, according to a retirement readiness index released today by Ameriprise Financial (AMP). The New Retirement Mindscape 2012 City Pulse index examines the 30 largest U.S. metropolitan areas to determine where consumers are the most prepared for and confident about retirement and also tracks national and local retirement trends over time.

Hartford-New Haven (#1), San Diego (#2) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (#3) claimed the top three spots on the third annual index while Washington D.C. (#30), Charlotte (#29) and Indianapolis (#28) ranked lowest. Metropolitan areas were scored based on responses to a national survey that measured consumers likelihood to have determined the amount of money they need to save for retirement and their actual saving habits. The index also takes into account if people report planning for a variety of activities during retirement and express confidence about achieving their retirement goals.

While the majority of Americans we surveyed express positive feelings about retirement, were still seeing a significant lack of confidence in fact, nearly half admit theyre concerned about outliving their savings, says Suzanna de Baca, vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial. The economic environment surely contributes to this uncertainty, but with proper planning, people can regain a sense of financial security and confidence in the future.

Financial preparedness elevates top ranked metros

Several things set apart the top ranked metros. Residents of Hartford-New Haven, San Diego and Minneapolis-St. Paul are significantly more likely to say they are making financial preparations, including setting aside money for retirement, determining how much they need to save and consulting with a financial advisor. Perhaps as a result, they are also much more likely to feel on track and financially prepared for retirement.

In top-ranked Hartford-New Haven, three-quarters (75%) of residents say theyve set aside money for retirement, compared to 63% of people nationwide. Nearly half (49%) report feeling on track for retirement the most of any metro and a sentiment expressed by significantly fewer consumers across the U.S. (37%).

However, despite the efforts theyve made from a financial standpoint, residents of these areas are only on par with the rest of the nation with regard to planning for the activities theyd like to pursue during retirement a fact which may leave them less prepared than they actually feel. In fact, in third-ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul, where residents report the highest levels of financial preparation, a mere 18% say they have given a lot of thought to where they might live in retirement and how they plan to rest and relax.

While the story isnt as positive for the bottom ranked metros, it may not be as grim as it initially seems. Indianapolis and Washington D.C. are on par with the national average with regard to financial preparation, while Charlotte scores just slightly below. However, residents of these metros report a significant lack of confidence in their ability to reach their retirement goals.

Significant differences and regional trends noted in this years rankings

Excerpt from:
Retirement Readiness Lacking in Some of America’s 30 Largest Metros

SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Report published by Stratford Retirement informs caregivers and elderly about financial options for assisted care.

While Americans continue to live longer than ever, often well past traditional retirement years, there is a growing concern about the ability of Medicaid to cover long-term care cost. What has traditionally been a safety net for middle-income people with assisted care needs, has now turned into a contested political topic.

StratfordRetirement, a licensed memory care and assisted living facility in Seattle, often advises caregivers about the costs associated with long-term care, whether it be in a nursing home, an independent living facility, or at home. Based on their experiences, the staff has releasedareport, free to everyone, that helps the elderly and their loved ones make educated choices about how to pay for assisted care.

Titled "Paying for Assisted Living - A Guide for Seniors and Loved Ones," the report covers the multitude of payment alternatives available to families. It includes information on long-term care insurance, government programs, Aid and Attendance Veterans Benefits. It also includes information about taking advantage of life settlements and home equity.

Assisted living facilities typically offer condominiums or apartment-like housing to senior adults in need of help with everyday tasks. These tasks may include grooming, cleaning, dressing, or even eating. In spite of this extra care, residents of assisted living facilities generally don't require extensive nursing - although this often turns into a need later in life. One of the benefits of assisted living communities is that the expense, or monthly rent, is usually much lower than that of a nursing home.

For seniors who have been living independently for decades, navigating their financial options in this new world may be overwhelming. Many Americans assume Medicare will pay the complete cost of senior housing. The report explains why this is not often the case. Assistance from Medicare is very limited. Although Medicaid typically only covers nursing care, each state sets its own regulations on how funds are distributed.

This report also covers costs associated with memory care, also known as dementia care or Alzheimer's treatment. Memory care is considered a specialized type of assisted living, and the cost structure and payment options are often similar.

Caregivers and families that want to download this report free of charge should head over to: http://stratfordassisted.com/assisted-guide/

About Stratford Retirement

The Stratford at Maple Leaf is a recognized retirement facility that offers Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all under one roof in Seattle.

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Free Stratford Retirement Report Helps People Make Affordable Assisted Living Decisions

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpsgtExWGCY

17-09-2012 10:21 Answering you top health and fitness questions Watch My Weekly Fitness Tip: CHECK OUT VOLI SPIRITS "ASK THE TRAINER" In this exclusive session with Anja Garcia, you're going to learn: * FITNESS TIPS *Answers to your burning health and fitness questions [SUBSCRIBE TO THIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL ---------------------------------------- --------------------- And don't forget to check out my *NEW* Blog at -- Anja Garcia Fitness Trainer ADD US ON: ---------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: @anjagarcia Facebook: Category: Comedy License: Standard YouTube License

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Weekly Health and Fitness Tips: No Excuses! - Video

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (PRWEB) September 19, 2012

Bringing his unique science and fitness background together for online college students at Wexford University, Dr. Charles Foltz was recently named professor and will teach courses including biochemistry, advanced exercise physiology and more with a focus on health and fitness education. Wexford University offers a variety of online associates through doctoral degrees in health, fitness, exercise and nutrition.

With a masters of Public Health in Epidemiology and doctorate in Interdisciplinary Molecular and Cellular Biology from Tulane University and a bachelors degree in Molecular Neuroscience from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Foltz is currently vice president of Research and Development at eHealth Screenings and senior project officer at Hip Hop Public Health. He is also the creator of 360 Cardio and has partnered with Polar heart rate monitors, the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) and Total Health Interactive (THI). In addition, Foltz is a strength and conditioning coach and professional triathlon coach and manager. At Wexford University online, Foltz will teach subjects such as Biochemistry and Advanced Exercise Physiology with a focus on health and fitness for both local and international students.

Charles will offer Wexfords online students the perfect combination of science and real-world health and fitness experience and knowledge, said Jack Bauerle, Chancellor of Wexford University. He has worked with health and fitness organizations and individuals across the world, and were very pleased that hes bringing that wealth of wellness knowledge to Wexfords local and international students.

In addition, Foltz has earned certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist, a Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and a Certified Personal Trainer.

Wexford University offers degree programs including an associate of arts degree in Fitness Training, a bachelor of science degree in Health and Fitness, a master of science degree in Nutrition and Exercise, a master of arts in Applied Sports Psychology and a doctorate degree in Applied Sports Psychology.

Wexford University is dedicated to providing world-class education through cutting-edge technology, offering direct application degree programs in an accelerated format with 100 percent online learning to save time and money. Programs include an associate of arts degree in Fitness Training, bachelors degree in Health and Fitness, masters degree in Nutrition and Exercise as well as masters degree and doctorate degree in Applied Sport Psychology. Wexford University is the higher education division of NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association). For more information, please visit http://wexford.edu/.

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Wexford Online University Names Dr. Charles Foltz Professor with Focus on Science in Health and Fitness Field

Now readily available from Sea-Doo marine retailers around New Zealand, the Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 personal watercraft has earned its Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) two significant awards in recent months.

In June the RXP-X 260 was named the 2012 ski of the year by one of the watercraft industrys largest online forums, PWCToday.com.

John Salvatore of PWCToday.com said: "PWCToday.coms six-person selection committee awarded an amazing 9.14 average out of 10 to the 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X and nearly a perfect 10 in the fun factor category. From the looks to the handling, every rider had nothing but praise for this watercraft."

This is BRPs second PWCToday.com ski of the year award with the 2011 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130 model taking the top spot last year.

This year, the 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X was judged side-by-side with the best new watercraft from the industry by a variety of riders of varying skill and experience levels in multiple categories. With its improved rider ergonomics and new hull design, the ability of the new Sea-Doo RXP-X to allow riders to fully realise their performance potential led to high marks in overall fun.

The new high performance Sea-Doo also won a 2012 Red Dot award earlier this year for product design in the transportation category. The Red Dot design awards is a prestigious international design competition in which more than 1,800 manufacturers and designers from 58 countries submitted a total of 4,515 product designs.

New Zealand manager Richard Shaw says, when developing the new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260, BRP designers completely rethought rider ergonomics which lead to the new Ergolock system.

"BRP's ErgoLock system has received high praise for its angled foot-well wedges, a fully adjustable handlebar and a gradually narrowing seat designed to better connect the rider to the watercraft," says Shaw. "It reduces upper body fatigue by allowing the rider to ride with more confidence and less effort.

"The ErgoLock system also complements the tight turning aspect of the new, lean-in style T3 hull that test riders noted as providing near effortless turning capabilities."

The all-new T-shape (T3) hull - which embodies a literal T-shape when viewed from the transom - has extreme hard and soft chines allowing for more precise cornering, enhanced lean in and better tracking. The T-shape provides two running surfaces: a wide surface for low speed stability and a narrower surface in the middle that aids in rough water tracking and ability to lean into turns. Removable trim tabs extend past the transom to lengthen the running surface, acting to limit bow rise and keep the RXP-X more parallel to the water's surface. Three-position adjustable rear sponsons improve lateral stability and can be set for the riders skill level and riding environment.

Excerpt from:
Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 named ski of the year

After three seasons of tear-inducing strife, Parenthood fans hoping Kristina Braverman would face an easier road in season four were dealt a big blow as the closing moments of tonight's episode revealed the mother of three would be battling breast cancer this season.

Turns out, star Monica Potter was not only excited to explore this storyline, but actually suggested it to creator Jason Katims after going through a scare of her own. I caught up with Potter to talk about this deeply personal character arc, how The Braverman Family handles it and what lies ahead in Parenthood season four.

ETonline: What were your thoughts upon learning Kristina would battle breast cancer this season? Monica Potter: I actually had to go for a mammogram in April. I'd never had one before and didn't really know what to expect. The [technician] was reading the film afterwards and said she couldn't get a good reading, so I was a little nervous [because]. Then, I got a phone call to come back to the office and did the whole process again. The doctor said there was something there they wanted to keep an eye on. I ended up being fine, but it sparked an idea because that is really scary. As a mom, as a wife, as a friend, a sister, as a woman, you have to be the person who takes care of everybody. You can't be sick. So I called Jason [Katims, creator] and asked if we might explore Kristina having breast cancer this season. He emailed me back right away, saying he had the chills because the writing room just broke the story. Which is insane. It was so weird that this was a storyline they also wanted to explore.

VIDEO - Parenthood Stars Tease Season 4

ETonline: What have you learned from preparing for this storyline? Potter: I've learned a lot from friends and family members who've had it. The whole process has been interesting because you see how many people's lives change going through this. It's not just the woman, it's everyone in her life as well.

ETonline: How does Adam (played by Peter Krause) react? Potter: Adam goes into care-taking mode. "Are you OK, Kristina? Is everything fine? Are you feeling OK?" Inundates her with questions. For her part, Kristina is a little bit in denial since she feels fine. She keeps saying, "I don't feel sick." I know that's what a lot of moms in life would do. Keep calm and carry on.

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ETonline: Kristina is a character who always seems in control. Has it been exciting as an actor to play her in a situation where she has to give up a lot of her control? Potter: That's been the toughest part. She's a control freak, she really is [but] it comes from a place of love, not a place of selfishness -- she just wants to make sure her family is taken care of. So when this hits them, as a family, she feels helpless. She doesn't know how to react. At certain times, when she's alone, you'll see her break down but she doesn't show that too much because she has to be strong for the family.

ETonline: Kristina barely goes an episode without crying, and neither does the audience since your performance makes us empathize with her so deeply. But is playing such a raw nerve exhausting on you? Potter: I'm not a big crier in real life, I tend to laugh a lot more than I cry, so I guess I have a reserve of emotions. I don't cry at home, so I get to do it work. It's a good release. I also take everything Kristina does to heart, and feel everything she's going through so deeply. I modeled her a bit after my mom and my mom didn't always have the easiest life. She's such a care-taker and a go-getter [starts to cry]. Oh man, see, I'm fine talking about me, but switch it over to think about her, and those emotions are right there.

VIDEO - A Rocky Road Ahead For Sarah & Mark?

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Monica Potter On Personal 'Parenthood' Storyline