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5 Reasons Why You Should Play Pickleball
Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport with more than 48 million players nationwide! The largest player demographic is 18–34-year-olds. Nineteen percent of Americans have played at least once in the past year!
Below are five great reasons why you should join the party and not be left behind while all your friends are having such a good time.
1. It’s great exercise. Although pickleball is not as physically demanding as sports like basketball or tennis, it’s also not as high impact and can provide an excellent workout. Pickleball players are constantly moving and often display bursts of quick movements which elevate their heart rates, improves flexibility, balance, and agility. Also, the rapid back-and-forth ball exchanges near the net challenge hand-eye coordination and improve fast reflexes.
2. It boosts your mental health. Smacking a ball across the net is a great stress-reliever and can help lower blood pressure. The game’s fast pace and strategizing can also sharpen the brain’s ability to think more quickly. Winning games or just individual shots releases those “feel-good” endorphins, too.
3. It’s easy. Unlike for golf and tennis, you won’t need lessons to play pickleball at a respectable level. In fact, the serve, which is the hardest shot to master in tennis, is the easiest shot to make in pickleball. If you can hit a ball back and forth on your home’s ping-pong table, you can play pickleball.
4. It’s not expensive. More and more parks today have pickleball courts available for free play. Even indoor pickleball facilities usually charge less than ten dollars for two-to-three hours of play. Beginners can buy a paddle for $50 or less and balls cost little more than tennis balls. Portable nets are around $110. With paddles, balls, a net, and a piece of chalk to draw lines, you can be play “driveway pickleball” in about 10 minutes!
5. It’s friendly, accessible competition. What other sport offers the chance for parents, grandparents, young adults, and children to compete together? Pickleball may be the only sport where an older player can legitimately defeat a younger, more agile player. Also, women can successfully compete against men.
Bottom line: Play pickleball because it’s flat-out fun! It’s also a sport you can play for the rest of your life. Search online for a pickleball club in your area or call your local YMCA to find a game near you. See you on the court!
For tips and strategies on pickleball, check out my book Winning Pickleball, available wherever you buy books.
Winning Pickleball
Written by David Satka
Foreword by Leigh Waters & Anna Leigh Waters
978-1-57826-995-2, $15.95 paperback
978-1-961293-02-1, $9.99 ebookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com -
Mindset and Motivation Help Bodybuilder Recover From Traumatic Brain Injury
Like a lot of 20-somethings, Adam Elnekaveh felt bulletproof. His love of fitness and passion for adventure had led him to Thailand, where he took a risk and went helmetless on a motorcycle. He doesn’t remember the devastating accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury and paralysis on his left side.
Defying all odds, the former bodybuilder now lives an independent life after being declared brain dead, but Elnekaveh says his transformation is so much more than physical. His biggest breakthroughs, he says, revolve around mindset and motivation.
In his new book, Rebuilding Adam: The Tragedy, he recounts his fall from famous fitness influencer to the devastation of losing his most basic bodily functions, and his long, tedious road to recovery — both physical and mental. He gets candid about seldom-discussed side effects of profound physical changes, including how his injured state impacted his relationships.
Through the raw honesty of his reflections, Elnekaveh invites readers to bear witness to his struggles to regain speech, mobility and a sense of normalcy while navigating the complexities of personal relationships. This tale of resilience and hope showcases one man’s remarkable transformation from the depths of despair to surpassing all expectations.
In Rebuilding Adam: The Tragedy, readers will discover:
– Pure Inspiration: Elnekaveh’s relentless journey from the brink of death to rebuilding his life.
– Raw and Honest Account: Of what it takes for a person to rebuild a life from scratch.
– Mindset Mastery: Strategies for focusing and channeling your mindset to achieve your goals.
– Changing Perspectives: A story that will shift how people perceive adversity, achievement and the power of the human spirit.
This is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the unyielding strength of the human spirit and a guide for anyone facing their own battles.
“It’s not just my story,” Elnekaveh added. “It’s a story dedicated to the people every year who are forced to rebuild their lives and start everything all over again. I hope that this memoir can provide comfort, guidance and a small glimmer of light in even the darkest moments.”
About the Author
Adam Elnekaveh is a former bodybuilder and fitness influencer who was just two months away from launching his first fitness app when he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in a tragic motorcycle accident in May 2018. He continues to defy the predictions made by his doctors, and today, he is an author and motivational speaker who delivers his raw, unbiased account of his recovery with a wit and warmth that truly inspires and energizes.
For more information, please visit https://strivetodefy.com/, or connect with Elnekaveh
on Instagram (adamrosevision), Facebook (adam.rose.1614), TikTok (@adamelnekaveh), YouTube (@AdamRoseVision) and LinkedIn (adam-elnekaveh-17b9b7133).
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/
Rebuilding-Adam-Tragedy- Elnekaveh/dp/1916849806/ Rebuilding Adam: The Tragedy
Publisher: Woodbridge Publishers
ISBN-10: 1916849806
ISBN-13: 978-1916849808
Available from Amazon.com
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Healing Through Harmony: Cellist’s Memoir a Vivid, Operatic Tale of Deception and Redemption
Laurinel Owen arrived in apartheid South Africa on Christmas Day, eager to discover where her cello playing could take her. From the stage, she saw him for the first time. Their life together was bliss until he invited her to the family vacation home: When she knocked, his wife opened the door. But Owen couldn’t give up on the man she had fallen in love with. He followed her back to America, where they married and lived together for 22 years. Then, upon his death, his daughter from his first marriage announced: “My parents were never divorced.”
Owen would discover that her husband, Klaus, was a bigamist who had bilked her out of thousands of dollars. But that wasn’t all. Klaus was the son of a Nazi murderer who had fled the United States amid FBI accusations of being the head of the American Gestapo.
Owen, a concert cellist, chronicles the fallout of her decades-long life with Klaus in her powerful new book, Strings Attached: A Memoir of Betrayal, Bigamy, and Self-Discovery.
“Betrayal is universal. Mine was extreme,” Owen said. “I want to support and inspire others in pain and show them that there is a way through their difficulties.”
With honesty and vulnerability, Owen invites readers into her multi-faceted tale of deceit, self-deception and the high price she paid for living in denial. Her husband’s transgressions spawned a three-continent lawsuit that Owen had to navigate while bearing the weight of the shame, guilt and anxiety she carried over her part in the real-life drama.
Though music was her anchor, Owen also found healing through various traditional and nontraditional modalities, including psychology, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and meditation.
Strings Attached aims to inspire anyone who has loved, been betrayed, and is seeking recovery and support.
About the Author
Laurinel Owen enjoys an international career as a cellist and journalist. She has published over 130 articles in Strings Magazine and the British magazines The Strad and Muso on topics related to cello technique, soloist, luthier and music school profiles, concert, festival, and record reviews. She has also been on “assignment” in France, Germany, Russia, England, Italy, the Czech Republic, China, South Africa and the United States. Her book, Bowed Arts, a biography of cellist Bernard Greenhouse, was published in German and English in 2001 (Kronberg Verlag).
For more information, please visit www.laurinelowen.com, or connect with her on Facebook (Laurinel Owen) and Instagram (laurinelowen).
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/
Strings-Attached-Memoir- Betrayal-Self-Discovery/dp/ B0D43WC39Y Strings Attached: A Memoir of Betrayal, Bigamy, and Self-Discovery
Publisher: Koehler Books
Release date: July 19, 2024
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8888243947
Available from Amazon.com and BN.com
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Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling Walks Readers Through Proven Method in Privacy
What happens in the counselor’s office stays in the counselor’s office, but it isn’t always constructive, says couples therapist Ziba Graham Jr.
“At the beginning of my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I quickly learned that the traditional counseling methods that I was taught in graduate school don’t always work,” Graham explained. “My conversations with couples were depressing, focusing on their problems and who was at fault. We weren’t seeing the positive results that all three of us so desired.”
Graham knew he had to change his counseling methods or get out of the field altogether. He wanted to find and implement strategies that actually worked; that helped couples focus on the future, not dwell in the past; that produced results quickly; and that resulted in authentic behavioral and cognitive changes so that couples could maintain their improved dynamic for the long haul.
In Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling: A Practical Method Men Will Appreciate, Graham shares the groundbreaking strategies he used to help hundreds of couples dramatically improve the quality of their marriages — strategies that often meant his counseling services were no longer necessary.
“It was always a great day for me when I got fired,” Graham quipped. “I decided early on that I would try to help all clients resolve their difficulties as quickly as possible so they could become interdependent, fully functioning people again, and to see that happening was terrific!”
After retiring from counseling, Graham wanted nothing more than to share his method with the masses. In his book, readers will learn how to:
• Communicate effectively
• Avoid laying blame
• Improve a partner’s behavior without nagging
• Leave the past in the past
• Use the miracle question to identify what they want and recall better times
• Recognize what is working
• Focus on the future instead of negative past experiences
• Determine what not to do and say
• And so much more
Insightful and thought-provoking, Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling is a valuable resource for anyone who’d rather seek solutions than wallow in problems.
“Using this method will resolve conflicts in usually three to four guided conversations,” Graham added. “By simply answering questions, you will be empowered to discover your own solutions. Most importantly, the problem or conflict is never identified, allowing you to focus on getting back to a joy-filled marriage.”
About the Author
Ziba Graham Jr. has an MBA from Indiana University, a master’s in social work from the University of Louisville, and an associate degree and substance abuse certificate from Vincennes University. In addition to writing numerous articles on relationships, he is the author of two previous books, Better than a Stick in the Eye and God, Church, Life, and Other Essays. Before his retirement, he was a marriage and family counselor in Evansville, Indiana. Graham currently spends winters in Tucson, Arizona, and summers in Conway, Michigan. He is married with three grown children and six grandchildren.
For more information, please visit www.fixyourmarriagebook.com.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fix-
Your-Marriage-Without- Counseling/dp/B0D1TYV1RL Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling: A Practical Method Men Will Appreciate
Publisher: Wheatmark
ISBN-13: 979-8887471815
Paperback: 156 pages
Available from Amazon.com and Walmart.com
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Enhancing Lives: The Transformative Power of Exercise for Parkinson’s Patients with Expert William Smith
Studies have shown that regular exercise can significantly improve fitness, energy levels, and pain management in Parkinson’s patients, helping them retain control over their daily lives. Renowned medical fitness expert William Smith, MS, NSCA-CSCS, MEPD, is available for your audience. Smith is author of the highly acclaimed book Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease: The Complete Fitness Guide to Improve Mobility, Strength and Balance and brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to the Parkinson’s community.
William Smith is available for interviews, webinars, and speaking engagements to discuss the benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s patients. His expertise and practical insights developed over 25 years working in fitness, healthcare, and medical settings make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Key Takeaways from Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease:
- Holistic Approach: Smith emphasizes a complete fitness approach, integrating resistance training, mobility movements, and light strength exercises to restore functionality and improve overall well-being.
- Practical Guidance: Clear, informative pictures and step-by-step instructions make it easy for patients to perform exercises safely and effectively.
- Lifestyle Tips: Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease offers valuable advice on how to structure daily routines to maximize energy levels and maintain motivation.
Praise for Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease:
Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease has received positive feedback from both readers and healthcare professionals. One reviewer noted, “This guide is unreservedly recommended for use with Parkinson’s patients and will prove to be an enduringly valued addition to community, hospital, and university library collections.” Another reader highlighted the book’s practical approach, stating, “The detailed instructions and clear pictures make it easy to follow, even for those new to exercise.”
EXERCISES FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Written by William Smith, MS
978-1-57826-766-8, $15.00 paperback
978-1-57826-767-5, $9.99 eBookPublished by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com -
Discover the Ultimate Guide to Homemade Pizza with “Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!”
Pizza night just got a whole lot better with the release of Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!, the latest cookbook by acclaimed author and culinary expert Sara Haas, RDN, LDN. This comprehensive guide takes you on a delicious journey through the world of pizza, offering over 75 fresh and innovative recipes that are sure to become household favorites.
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! is the perfect resource for pizza enthusiasts of all skill levels. With detailed instructions and a wide variety of recipes, this book ensures that you can create mouthwatering pizzas right in your own kitchen. Say goodbye to frozen pizzas and hello to homemade delights that cater to every taste and dietary preference.
A Pizza for Every Palate
This cookbook showcases the endless versatility of pizza, featuring recipes that range from classic favorites to creative new combinations. Some of the standout recipes include:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: A smoky, tangy treat that’s sure to be a hit.
- Double-Dough Pan Pizza: For those who love a thick, hearty crust.
- Peach & Jalapeño Pizza: A sweet and spicy combination that’s unexpectedly delightful.
- Hummus & Roasted Red Pepper Pizza: Perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Southwest Pizza: Packed with bold flavors and vibrant ingredients.
- Roasted Tomato Margarita Pizza: A fresh and flavorful take on the traditional Margherita.
- Chicken Giardiniera Pizza: A savory option with a touch of Italian flair.
- Hot Hawaiian Pizza: A tropical treat with a kick.
Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan, Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! has something for everyone. Each recipe is crafted with care, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.
Beyond the Pizza
In addition to the pizza recipes, Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! also includes a variety of homemade sauces and pizza extras like salads and desserts. These additions help you create a complete pizza night experience, making it easy to impress family and friends with your culinary skills.
About the Author
Sara Haas, RDN, LDN, is a professional recipe developer, food photographer, and freelance writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With features in prestigious publications such as Eating Well Magazine, Allrecipes, Shape Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal, Sara is a respected voice in the culinary world. She is also the author of Taco! Taco! Taco! and co-author of The Fertility Foods Cookbook.
Availability
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
- Author: Sara Haas, RDN, LDN
- ISBN: 978-1-57826-968-6
- Price: $25.00 hardcover
Published by Hatherleigh Press and distributed through Penguin Random House, Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! is available wherever books are sold. For more information, visit www.hatherleighpress.com.
Transform your pizza nights with Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! by Sara Haas. This cookbook is packed with recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat, offering endless possibilities for creating delicious and memorable meals. Embrace the art of pizza-making and discover your new favorite recipes with Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!.
