FitKids TV Holding Auditions

from Omni Fitness Club

"One of every two children in Michigan today is likely to die prematurely from preventable cardiovascular disease or preventable cancer. Two major contributors to chronic disease - sedentary lifestyle and excess weight - are becoming more prevalent with each passing year." This position statement is from the Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

Here's our position statement: Let's do something about it!

We are calling all kids seven to 12 years of age to be part of a very unique opportunity to be on FitKids TV, a brand new kids' exercise show, which is set to debut this Fall. It's a show for kids and by kids - and we're looking for cast members.

"We're not looking for the most athletic kids or skinny' kids, we're looking for out-going kids who love to be physically active and who will be willing to serve as exercise ambassadors' to help us promote the benefits of physical activity throughout our community," states Jeff Wolf, General Manager of the Omni Fitness Club.

The idea of a kids' exercise show is part of PEAK (Programs Encouraging Active Kids), which is a one of a kind fitness facility specifically for pre-adolescent children. "The Omni Fitness Club has always been community oriented and this is just one more way of offering Muskegon residents (of all ages) an opportunity to exercise."

A casting date has been set for Saturday, August 16, and parents of interested children can contact Jeff at the Omni Fitness Club for registration and a casting time. There is absolutely no fee for registration or to be on TV. "This is how we choose to spend our advertising budget," says Lana Carson, Owner, Omni Fitness Club. "I would much rather invest in something that gives people the opportunity to exercise, rather than just a print ad. People need to experience physical activity. They need to feel successful at it, that it feels good, and that it's really not as bad as what they think it may be!"

"We are thrilled to get this project started. Several parents have already called for information for casting and their response has been extremely positive to the idea of an exercise show just for kids," states Jeff. "We're proud of this initiative and we're looking forward to making an impact in our community."

If you would like more information on FitKids TV, please contact Jeff Wolf at (231) 739-3391.

If you would like help designing a fitness program that's just right for you, call MarySue or Lana at the Omni Fitness Club at (231) 739-3391.

Mercury Fillings

by Linda Donley, from the offices of James R. Donley, DDS

Recent research now shows that amalgam (silver) fillings might not be safe for some people.

After 30 years the FDA is changing their position and now is issuing a warning about placing amalgam fillings in pregnant women and young children.

The FDA website states, "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses." Dental amalgams contain 50% mercury and the mercury accumulates in the body and is toxic to the brain, nervous system and other organs.

The debate is now centered on how much mercury a person can be exposed to without suffering adverse effects. Many European countries have already banned amalgam fillings for several years and about a third of the dentists in the United States do not place them in their patients.

Mercury has already been removed from thermometers and vaccines and pregnant women have already been advised not to eat mercury tainted fish. Industrial plants are already regulated on their mercury emissions.

As you know, Dr. Jim has not placed mercury fillings in any of his patients for several years now because he has felt it was not the best choice for his patients. He also recommends that large amalgam fillings be replaced when they begin to show signs of breaking down because they may cause teeth to crack and break. When this happens, a crown would have to be placed in order to save the tooth. Thus, a much larger investment would now be required.

By July, 2009 it is expected that the FDA will issue special controls on mercury fillings which may lead to tighter regulations in the future.

If you have large amalgam fillings that you are concerned about, please call our office at (231) 744-6661 to schedule an exam with Dr. Jim. He can give you recommendations on the options available to you to address your concerns.

Dr. Donley and staff can be reached at (231) 744-6661. Their offices are at 166 N. Causeway in North Muskegon.

New Technology, Low Prices and Unique Frame Selection Distinguish Lauren Taylor Eyewear

by Gary Scott Beatty, Editor, On the Shore Magazine

If you have bought eyewear in Muskegon County over the last 40 years, you have probably come in contact with Lauren Taylor Eyewear owner and dispensing optician Kent Osborne.

"I started with Kindy Optical in 1967, downtown on Western Avenue in the Lyman Building," said Kent in the Lauren Taylor Eyewear store he runs with wife, Judy, and the licensed doctor of optometry that performs their exams, Dr. Becky Snippe, O.D. "I started my apprenticeship there and worked there about one year. I went to Co-Optical, finished my apprenticeship there and worked there for 10 years."

Kent's experience covers just about everything to do with making, selling and distributing eyewear. "I've worked wholesale, retail, the manufacturing of glasses as well, the actual grinding of lenses. I've worked for one hour service stores, I worked for a wholesale lab, I managed retail stores. I've had stores in Grand Haven, Manistee, Fremont, Ludington - we had as many as three stores open at one time. I had one on Apple Avenue called the Optical Shop."

Kent and Judy settled on Lakeside and have operated Lauren Taylor Eyewear there for two years. They thought long and hard about where to set up shop. "One consideration is there's never been an eyewear shop here. Also, Lakeside is a very loyal community. They like to do business with a local person rather than go to a big box store. And I live in Lakeside, so I can walk back and forth to work. You can't beat the view," he said, pointing out the office's front window at Great Lakes Marina and Muskegon Lake.

If many area residents would rather shop a local business than send their money out of state at a box store, they're not spending more, said Kent. His prices for glasses are less than the box stores. "I have low overhead so I can keep my prices low."

New Lens Technology - Lauren Taylor Eyewear is the only area store to carry Seiko Freeform Lenses and Kent is excited about the new lens' advantages. "It's new technology, a more accurate prescription and you get a wider field of vision.

"Seiko is the company which owns the patent on it, which is owned by Zeiss, a familiar name for medical equipment and cameras, so you know the quality is there."

Frame Variety - Kent set out to stock frames unlike any currently found in other eyeglass stores. "Other places around here are carrying basically the same thing," he said with pride. "Most of the frames I carry are different from what you see in other eyeglass stores in the area."

For instance, Lauren Taylor carries Maxey, a German-made European style frame that no one else in West Michigan carries, said Kent. "We also have some hand made, hand painted frames from Best Image in Italy, the Vivid Boutique line, a line from designer Harvé Benard, Rave, and more. I'm a distributor for Lido West, because they're a little more unique.

"For customers who want something way out there, Plume frames are made one at a time, when customers order."

Kent also uses his frame shaping expertise to offer customers custom shaped lenses, faceted or frosted, called a "boutique cut."

Lauren Taylor Eyewear also carries less expensive frames, also carefully chosen by Kent. "They are not closeouts. "These are all current, warrantied frames."

Kent warned customers have to be careful who they choose to take care of their eyes. "If you thought you wanted to sell glasses, you could open a store next week. There's no licensing or requirement for you to have any knowledge about it."

It's good to know eyeglass customers don't have to worry about knowledge and experienced care when they come to Lauren Taylor Eyewear.

NEMT Transportation Now Provided by Chariots of Fire

by Lynn Edlund, President, Chariots of Fire Transportation

We're pleased to announce the availability of Chariots of Fire Medical Transportation to West Michigan, a community based, non-emergency, medical transportation company.

My husband, Dr Edlund and I realized the need in the community for a non-emergency, medical transportation company. He knew this to be a critical missing element of proper health care, essential for many patients to attend their health related appointments.

We are a transportation company serving the needs of health plan providers and thousands of clients across Michigan daily. We have now expanded to offering prepaid transportation to medical appointments, shopping, movies, airports and more. We accept all insurances that cover medical transportation, Visa, Mastercard, and personal checks. We also offer a voucher system that allows our customers convenience, as well as a discount!

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year with minimal advance notice needed.

Our drivers are M-Dot certified and have Michigan Chauffeur's Licenses. Driving, criminal and background checks are performed to establish our drivers' suitability to take you where you need to go.

We value the opportunity to build a relationship with you and provide compassionate, dependable and courteous transportation.

To schedule transportation from Chariots of Fire, call toll free, (866) 751-FIRE (3473), (231) 759-7800, fax (231) 759-7811 or email Chariotsoffire@live.com.