Warm and hot temperatures are here, so get out and splash! I don’t remember a longer winter or one that was so generous with achy joints, the results of a sedentary winter lifestyle from office work and driving.

Although folks in the community do routinely run, walk, lift weights, Jazzercise and Zumba throughout the winter months, shorter days and work schedules do not always afford the time or the energy for many to participate in a physical activity regularly.

Now that summer is here, there are no excuses to get moving!

Three years ago I took a personal inventory. Weight gain: yes; core strength: gone; need for sunshine: yes; a place to relax: YES. The result was the best summer in years and so close to home.

Now moving in the water during the summer months is a huge part of my life.

This spring I was counting the weeks, then days, but finally on Memorial Day the doors at Sta-Tan in north Ironton opened to that beautiful blue concrete “pond.” The water was not very warm the first few days but by mid week the water was “cool” enough to enter via the newly installed concrete steps for easy access.

If anything could be an incentive for an aging body to get in and splash, kick, paddle, walk, twist, bend and stretch it was the steps. And gracefully exit as well (very important).

Thousands of communities throughout our nation are engaging young and old in “get moving” activities.

I located a website for National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month 2012 and it stated that “in the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups.  This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth in alarming fashion. Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11.

“More than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke — conditions usually associated with adulthood.”

Swimming, walking, treading or just playing with your child in the water promotes weight loss, muscle toning and clear thinking.

Exercise in the water improves healthy eating habits, improved lifestyle and a good night’s sleep.

Sta-Tan Pool is abound with youngsters, “tweens” and teens (without smart phones in their hands) who are playing volleyball, swimming, diving, jumping, dunking, and playing basketball. It has been a refreshing experience!

Sta-Tan Pool is one of the Tri-State’s best treasures awaiting your arrival. It can lead to better health for you and your family, as well as the opportunity to make new friends and many happy memories.

Susan McComas

South Point