HEALTH AND FITNESS WEB SITES

American Heart Association - full of useful information for those starting an exercise program and for those already exercising regularly. Includes useful tools such as the Exercise Stress Test and the Desirable Weight and Target Heartrate charts.

Yogacentral - outlines excellent techniques in six soothingly designed sections: Relax, Breathe, Workout, Stretch, Chant, and Chat

Fitness Partner Connection Jumpsite - contains a comprehensive library that covers weightlifting for beginners, walking programs, motivation, low-fat nutrition, and more. Also, huge collections of well-organized links on any fitness topic that comes to mind.

Ask Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. - author of "8 Weeks To Optimum Health"

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association - IHRSA - dedicated to the promotion of physical fitness through its member clubs

U.S. President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports - guidelines for a personal excercise program

American Council on Exercise - non-profit organization has info on the certification of fitness professionals, plus educational materials about fitness, exercise and nutrition

American Cancer Society - dedicated to helping everyone who faces cancer through research, patient services, early detection, treatment, and education

FitnessManagement - features health and fitness information for fitness professionals and enthusiasts.

Swine Flu Precautions at Island Athletic Club

Many of you are concerned about the spread of Swine Flu (H1N1 variant of Influenza A) and your personal safety regarding your visits to the Club.   Although the cases of Swine Flu in the US have so far been no more virulent than“typical” season Influenza A, we are taking a proactive approach in an effort to limit the spread of the infection. While we are concerned, we are not worried.   We want this to be an environment where you can be comfortable knowing we are making efforts to keep it safe and clean.   With your cooperation, we believe our plan will work.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and our local health departments have stated that there is no need for alarm or for action other than taking the following precautions:

•  Wash your hands frequently

•  Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing (use a tissue and then discard it immediately; or cough or sneeze “into your elbow”)

•  Avoid touching your eyes/nose/mouth

•  Avoid close personal contact with other than family members (e.g. shaking hands, kissing) •  We ask that you stay home if you exhibit symptoms of the flu:   fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and (sometimes) vomiting and diarrhea.   A single one of these symptoms is not a reason to stay home.   You've all had the flu – you know what it's like.

In addition to the above personal precautions, Island Athletic Club is taking the following steps:

•  Our cleaning service, ServiceMaster, confirms that the cleaning products they use for bathrooms, countertops, etc. are effective against Influenza A.   The shower areas and pool deck are sprayed with chlorine, which kills essentially all microorganisms.

•  The disinfectant cleaner we use for wiping down exercise equipment and other “high touch” surfaces is known to be effective against bacteria and virus, including Influenza A.

•  Alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations are located at the entrances to both locker rooms, the Group Exercise studio, and near the front desk.   We encourage you to use them.

•  Club Staff will wipe down equipment and change towels frequently.   Physically wiping the equipment is important for removing virus in addition to using chemicals that kill virus.

•  Members should continue to wipe down the exercise equipment before and after use.

•  Club Staff will frequently wipe counters, telephones, door handles, and other “high touch” areas with disinfectant.

•  Members and staff should practice “social distancing” between each other.   Verbal communication is obviously fine; but avoid touching until the possibility of pandemic is over.

•  Again, members and staff should stay home if they feel sick with symptoms of the flu.