This post is for animal lovers who enjoy a sweet story about the human-animal bond, and how Owen Howkins, a handicapped 9 year old boys’ life was turned, around with the help of his disabled, 3-legged canine friend, Haatchi.
Owen was born with Schwartz-Jampel Syndrom, a rare, painful condition, that causes muscles to permanently contract, resulting in severe muscle stiffness.
Owen and his dog Haatchi
Haatchi, an Anatolian Shepherd was abandoned on railroad tracks, when he was 5 months old. He was hit by a train, and left to die.
The dog was rescued, brought to a local animal shelter, and then adopted by Owen’s parents.
Owen states “I didn’t really meet many others with disabilities and felt like the odd one out, which made me really sad. But when I saw Haatchi , and saw how strong he was, even though he only had three legs, I became stronger myself. I love him so much.”
I’ve followed this story on You Tube, and decided to post it on my blog. If you go to You Tube and search for Owen and Haatchi, you’ll find many videos of their continuing story there.
Copyright 2015 Irene Pastore and Tour De Core Personal Training
Exercise shouldn’t kill you.Most people would agree with that. But the reality is that exercise does kill, when you’re not prepared, don’t understand the risks, or your fitness level isn’t up to the task.
MOTHER NATURE DOESN’T FORGIVE
If you’re out in the wilderness, on a rocky hillside, riding the rapids, or up on a mountain, you need a plan, and know what you’re doing, because the mountains don’t care, and hikes can turn deadly.
Get a grip. Wear appropriate footwear. Obey trail signs and don’t wander off.
Hiking alone in Mexico, 25 year-old Hari Simran Singh Khalsa of Brooklyn, New York, was found dead on January 2. Missing since December 30, his body was found in a ravine near the town of Tepoztlan.
Khalsa told his wife that he planned to go on a short hike, and in a later message told her he walked further than intended, and also told friends that he climbed too high onto another mountain by mistake.
His family said he died of head injuries from a fall over rough terrain, in the Tepozteco Mountains.
In his last text message to a friend, he said that he was on top of a very high mountain, and not sure how to get down. He had a liter (about 4 cups) of water and a bag of trail mix.
Study maps. Know where you’re going, and what to expect.
10 HIKING TIPS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
Get in shape. Strengthen your core.
Learn about the terrain.
Check the weather forecast before you set out.
Wear proper clothing, and footwear for the anticipated weather conditions, and terrain..
Carry enough water and food for your trip.
Don’t hike alone.
As you ascend, make note of your ability to descend. If you think you won’t be able to navigate the terrain safely on the way down, turn around and go back.
Study maps of the hiking trails before setting out on your trip.
Keep in mind that in remote areas, your cell phone is useless.
Know what type of wildlife you may encounter.
CORE STRENGTH MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE
A strong core prevents falls, by stabilizing your spinal muscles. Instead of landing on your head, back, or knees, you’ll remain upright, whether you’re walking on icy pavement in a city street, or engaged in wilderness sports and recreation activities.
Here’s a list of related articles about outdoor recreation safety.
This story is all over the internet, so I’ll just add my two cents. While Senator Harry Reid was exercising with an exercise band, it broke, hit his eye, causing him to lose his balance, and take a bad fall. He hit his head on nearby equipment, breaking bones near his right eye. He was also diagnosed with a concussion, and broken ribs. As of today, medical reports say that he may lose vision in his right eye.
CAN AN EXERCISE BAND CAUSE BODILY INJURY?
Do not hold the band In front of your face.
Indeed it can. In fact, any type of exercise equipment can cause injury if not used carefully.
Elastic bands seem innocuous, because they’re non-imposing, they don’t intimidate, they almost look like a child’s toy.
OLDER ADULTS AND EXERCISE BANDS
Senator Reid is 75 years old. He was standing while exercising with an elastic band.
Either he pulled the band beyond a safe range, causing it to snap, or the band may have been overused, and should have been replaced. He then lost his balance, and fell head first onto exercise equipment in his home gym.
Persons over 65 should use great care while exercising to prevent accidents. Loss of balance is more likely in an older adult.
HOW NOT TO USE AN EXERCISE BAND
Do not pull the band beyond its’ capacity, causing it to break.
Do not stretch the band beyond its’s limits.
Don’t use the band while standing, if you think you might lose your balance during exercise..
Don’t hold the band near your face, especially close to your eyes. If it breaks, you can suffer an eye injury.
Don’t use the band if you have long fingernails, because they can puncture the band with holes, causing the band to break while in use.
Don’t wear jewelry while using the band, to avoid puncturing the band.
Don’t let your kids play with the bands. Elastic bands are not toys.
Don’t allow distractions while you’re exercising with bands, and all other equipment. Stay focused on what you’re doing.
Don’t store your exercise bands near heat or sun. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Keep the bands away from dogs and cats to prevent injury to your animals.
Replace bands after extended use.
Copyright 2015 Irene Pastore, and Tour de Core Personal Training.
Irene Pastore Fitness 