Dedham Health

Dedham Health and Athletic Complex

Phone: 781-326-2900

Tips for a Safe Holiday Season!

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The holiday season is in full swing 

and while most of us are out enjoying ourselves, there are evil Grinches out there ready to ruin our holiday if we are not paying attention. Unfortunately, some of these Grinches are outside sources, while others are Grinches of our own making.

via GIPHY

Here are a few helpful hints to assist you in getting through the holiday season safely:

1. It can be a stressful and depressing time for many of us. Even though we try to make the best of it, we tend to slip into a bit of the holiday blues. Combat this with getting some regular exercise through each week of the holiday season. Whatever exercise that helps you to elevate your mood is perfect. FYI, Aerobic exercise is a great mood-booster.

2. Be conscious of not imbibing too much this holiday season. As alcohol can help you feel merrier during that holiday party, it can lead to poor choices and making you feel more like a Grinch for the next few days. Keep alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks at those fun holiday parties.

The next few tips are to help protect us from the evil Grinches that try to attack while we’re out enjoying the holiday season. During this time, we shop more, attend holiday parties, carry more money, have our hands full, load our cars with presents, and have gifts are being delivered to our doors. In general, we are more distracted, which means we are the perfect prey for Grinches. Here are some tips to avoid waking up in Whoville.

Accept the fact that there are dangerous people everywhere and not everyone is out there to enjoy the holidays.

3. Keep presents in the trunk and out of sight.

4. Park in a well-lit area of a parking lot. The closer to the entrance, the better.

5. If you are alone and feel uncomfortable walking to your car at night, ask for an escort to your car.

6. If possible, have at least one hand free or use a shopping cart to allow quick use of your hands if needed.

7. Don’t flash your cash.

8. Be aware at ATM’s when withdrawing money. Don’t let anyone in the vestibule – even if someone uses their card to buzz in, ask them to wait outside. Don’t have your back to the entrance – while hiding your pin code is important, maintaining a side profile puts you in an opportune position of awareness.

9. Package theft is at an all-time high. Schedule packages to be delivered when you are home.

Lastly, the weather outside is frightful, therefore always check your footing. If slipping and falling keep your chin on your chest to avoid hitting your head. No one really needs visions of sugarplums while laying by your car! Happy Holidays!

-Guy C., Fitness and Martial Arts Director at Dedham Health

World Day of Bullying Prevention – Competence Builds Confidence

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When you look through the windows of our martial arts studio, you will see students working the action phase of a conflict – punches, kicks, and techniques designed to stop a physical threat. However, what you’re really watching is the growth of the confidence those skills instill in our students. A strong foundation in the martial arts gives children the ability to resolve and diffuse conflicts with their words instead of their fists. As Patrick Lyons, one of our Jr. Black Belt student instructors, describes it, “the first thing ever taught in Kenpo, whether or not the student realizes it. One’s first ever class [and every class] starts with the front position: right hand in a fist and the left palm over it. This symbolizes how you have your weapons learned from karate, your right hand, but they are covered and are only used when absolutely necessary, symbolized by your left hand. Words are always the way to go even if using my karate may be easier”.

He’s right, throwing a punch is easier than offering friendship to the bully calling you names. Kicking a bully is easier than controlling your anger and frustration, telling them to stop, and warning them to stay out of your personal space when you’re being grabbed or pushed. There are times when fighting back is necessary, required, and the right thing to do when standing up for yourself or others, but, knowing their strikes will hurt and injure their opponent, our students learn to lead with kindness. Their words are the bully’s best option. Competence builds confidence.

Join us at DHAC Martial Arts, Monday, October 1st and #blueup for our World Day of Bullying Prevention Open House, ages 4-6, 4:00-4:45 pm, and ages 7-11, 5:00-5:45 pm. Come and learn the verbal and physical skills to combat bullying.

-Cynthia S., Assistant Martial Arts Director at Dedham Health

What Your Child Will Gain From Training in the Martial Arts

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What will your child gain from training in the martial arts? In the essay portion of his junior black belt test, Patrick Lyons, one of our student instructors, was asked to write about the impact his eleven years of training at DHAC Martial Arts has had on his life. Here is his introductory paragraph: 

Karate has had a massive influence on my life, from the day I started nearly eleven years ago to today, over the years, I have learned so many valuable lessons and undergone countless experiences that have, no doubt, shaped the person who I am today. Some of these lessons are the kind that one would expect to learn from martial arts, such as self-defense, discipline, and self-control. Others, however, are not so clear-cut, such as courage, friendship, and a better appreciation for the world around me. Finally, the most important thing karate gave me was something that I could call my own, and that no one could ever take away from me. Over the past eleven years, karate has been so much more than a fun hobby or activity to pass the time. To me, my Kenpo journey has been a transformative experience that has shaped and molded the person who I am today in every aspect of my person. 

 

We are so proud to have Patrick as one of our students, and his words express how martial arts training goes far beyond the punches, kicks, and techniques drilled on the mats- it becomes an integral part in your growth as an individual. Come join us for class and begin your own journey. 

– Cynthia S., Assistant Director of Martial Arts at Dedham Health

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