When Yoda says MOTIVATED, you say DEDICATED!

The entities of motivation and dedication complement one another perfectly; they facilitate one another. With a rough definition of the term motivation being "the driving force by which humans achieve their goals," usually upon positively identifying that 'driving force,' we hold onto it tightly, reluctant to let it go. It is as if we have found our way, figured something out or been let in on a secret. Consider a mouse struggling to find his way through a maze, once, and then subsequently much more efficiently. A wise person would dedicate himself to the perpetuation of this "force," so as to facilitate the accomplishment of goals and ultimately, happiness.

I am no Star Wars nerd, but a discussion of "the force" is not possible without referencing these movies. For your perspective, check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_(Star_Wars). Most interesting to me and relevant to this blog is the concept of "force sensitivity," whereby an individual possesses a particular affinity for the force; they seem innately capable of expressing the force via special powers. It seems that in the Star Wars saga this ability is born and less often made.

I have seen people take hold of a kind of force, across the demographic, late in life and against significant odds. I have observed this repeatedly, outside of science fiction. Ordinary people are really capable of extraordinary things, after accomplishing which, they become extraordinary people, who show the way to others. Pay it forward. When people ratchet up to a new level of "force sensitivity," they understandably feel better about themselves, other people and the situations that life presents. A degree of wisdom manifests, as they pit the confidence of their successes against new trials. The individual seems to vibrate at a higher level and everything becomes easier to them. I have likened this to an avatar the person capably assumes; some video game icon like Super Mario who finds the magic mushroom and breezes through the game.

Sadly, some never find the magic mushroom, usually because they never look. In answer to the following exchange between Luke and Yoda: “[Luke:] I can’t believe it. [Yoda:] That is why you fail.” I have seen more than a few fall chronically short of their goals for lack of self confidence or belief in themselves. But courtesy a nudge in the right direction by someone who has been where the individual is trying to go; given the right mentoring and moral support, previously insurmountable obstacles are removed - prompting a mental and finally physical victory.

Watch, as Luke strains to raise the X-Wing fighter from the swamp. R2D2 and Yoda look on with excitement...they believe in Luke and know he can do it, but he doesn't believe in himself. His motivation is lacking and so he can't express the force. But after a sufficient period of hard training, Luke catches a glimpse of his full potential, which is essentially limitless. He then dedicates himself fully to becoming a Jedi and he's off to the races.

MOTIVATION <-------------> DEDICATION

More perspective from Yoda:  

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Rise-in-kids-CT-scans-raises-alarm

Rise-in-kids-CT-scans-raises-alarm

"In the US, the average radiation dose to which we are exposed has doubled in the past 30 years. The average dose from natural background sources has not changed, but what has changed is a more than six-fold increase in the average radiation dose from medical imaging. The biggest contributor to this increase in the radiation dose from medical imaging is from CT: In 1980, about 3 million CT scans were done each year in the US, whereas the number now is over 70 million. Radiation doses from CT are typically more 100 times those from conventional x-ray exams, such as a chest x-rays or mammograms, and there is now direct epidemiological evidence of a small but statistically significant increased lifetime cancer risk at CT doses."

http://sciencewatch.com/inter/aut/2010/10-mar/10marBren/

DDIP 23 Graduation Ceremony - Special Awards issue

DDIP 23 Graduation Ceremony - diploma and ID tag issue

Perkiomen Formation Run to Cadence

Spring Mountain Marching Cadence 2

Spring Mountain Marching Cadence

DrillSpeak Manatawny

Press Release - DrillSpeak Mission to Kiddie Academy

 

Thursday, July 14 - Harleysville, PA.


This morning, Dr. Drill. Mrs. Drill and the Drillbits embarked on a public health mission to Kiddie Academy, Harleysville.We were invited to Kiddie Academy by owner, Sean Thomas, to bring all the healthy motivation inherent to Dr. Drill Instructor Program to the students of his facility, who range in age from infants to nine years old. The DrillBits, clad in their camoflauge Zero Dark Thirty t-shirts raced proudly around the place in preparation for the healthy event, personifying the DDIP philosophy of "what you put in, you will get out!"


Training began indoors, where Dr. Drill engaged the group in a period-of-instruction on his "Four Motivating Health Tips:"

1.Use your head: Learn something every day at Kiddie Academy

2.Eat Right: "What you put in, you get out" applied to your diet

3.Exercise: Move it or lose it!

4.Work together: Teamwork makes the dream work!


The Kiddies of the Academy were loud and proud, shouting back cadences and giving their all thoughout the assembly. The group was highly-motivated and clearly grasped the concept of, "health-is-wealth."

Next, outside we went! The students took to the playground via marching cadence, "Nice and easy - NICE and SLOW...Kiddie Academy, HERE WE GO!" We conducted some rigorous physical training while the youngest recruits looked on.

To close the session, we brought the enthusiasm back indoors and reviewed the learning points of the day. Prizes were given out to the true motivators of the group; those who sounded off loud and proud, representing for their alma mater.

"1-2-3 DDIP, Kiddie Academy!"

As we loaded the DrillBits into the truck, the students could be seen crowding the windows, smiles on their faces and Dr. Drill stickers fashioned on their shirts!

Dr. Drill's "Mission Possible"Boot Camp Assembly Series features a high-energy, fun-filled, participation-packed performance that highlights the importance of healthy living, teamwork and moral character in America's youth.

The President's Health Initiative has brought America's public health crisis of childhood obesity and poor physical fitness into the forefront. Dr. Drill's unique program engages students in an interactive experience that energizes and empowers them to be more aware of the value of healthy habits.

"We found Dr. Drill's enthusiam to be contagious and applaude his efforts to be such a wonderful mentor to our youth. I attended a Home & School meeting tonight and all the parents in attendance said their children came home excited about their experience." A.C.

For more information on a DrillSpeak assembly at your school, contact us at

215-855-6154 or via email at drdrill0530@live.com.

www.drdrillinstructor.com/drdrillspeaks.htm

DrillSpeak Mission to Camp Manatawny!

-Press Release- DrillSpeak Mission to Camp Manatawny!   Tuesday, July 12 - Douglassville, PA. Last night, Dr. Drill and the Night Pirate platoon embarked on a public health mission to Camp Manatawny, a Christian Camp in Douglassville, PA. We were invited to Manatawny by Camp Leader and DDIP Warrrior, Dave Garrett, AKA "Bandit," to bring all the healthy motivation inherent to Dr. Drill operations to his 7th and 8th grade campers. Accompanying Dr. Drill, were a capable bunch of Pirates, who lead-by-example, personifying the DDIP philosophy of "what you put in, you will get out!" Training started indoors, where Dr. Drill engaged the group in his Stay Fit While You Sit regimen. The campers were loud and proud, shouting back cadences and giving their all. The incredible spirit of Camp Manatawny was on full display. Next, outside we went! Campers took to the fields via marching cadence, "ah nice and easy - NICE and SLOW...Manatawny, HERE WE GO!" We circled up, conducted some physical training in the "instructor leads, you follow" format. We sure worked up a sweat doing the Leaping Leni Lenape! To close the evening, the various tribes battled one another in a fierce tug-o-war, with a rope commandeered from the docks in Philly, just as the sun dropped below the horizon. There we sat in school circle, the Campers of Manatawny and the DDIP Night Pirates - unified by hard work and comaraderie: "1-2-3 DDIP, Manatawny and the Pirates, Yo Hoh, Me Hearties!" "Manatawny is a camp, retreat and gathering place situated on 87 acres in a peaceful, country setting within easy driving range of Valley Forge, Allentown, Reading and Lancaster. It is a place where groups gather to learn, to dine, to relax and to energize their creativity. It is the perfect location to revitalize body, mind and spirit. Use this section to describe your event in full. Be sure to tell your contacts why the event is being held - offered annually, to benefit a particular cause, to celebrate, etc.

Dr. Drill Instructor, Inc. 14 Lincoln Ave Lansdale, Pennsylvania 19446 www.drdrillinstructor.com 215.855.6154

Event Block

Event Block

Dr. Drill's "Mission Possible"Boot Camp Assembly Series

features a high-energy, fun-filled, participation-packed performance that highlights the importance of healthy living, teamwork and moral character in America's youth.

  

The President's Health Initiative has brought America's public health crisis of childhood obesity and poor physical fitness into the forefront. Dr. Drill's unique program engages students in an interactive experience that energizes and empowers them to be more aware of the value of healthy habits.

"We found Dr. Drill's enthusiam to be contagious and applaude his efforts to be such a wonderful montor to our youth. I attended a Home & School meeting tonight and all the parents in attendance said their children came home excited about their experience."  

  

For more information on prices/availability for your school, contact us at 

215-855-6154 or via email at drdrill0530@live.com.  

Human Resources - Mission Possible?

 
 
 
Night Pirates: tonight, you will be lead by Babushka.



GMC: You are forever on "the list." Tomorrow, you will be lead by the capable Glaze.


Warriors: Mater the Greater will be calling the shots tomorrow.


Survivors: Asspack is on point this Saturday.


All others who have tossed your hats in the ring also must assume leadership roles. You will function in support of this chosen leader, acting as their counsel and as the precious human resource which you are, to be used accordingly.


Instructors and Guides are to shadow the process, keeping safety in place and only engaging when absolutely necessary. Leaders: confide in the on-duty Instructors for curriculum, admin and logistics before crossing the "line of departure."


Your mission: To discipline, motivate, educate and exercise your unit to an optimal state-of-health.


How you accomplish this is entirely up to you...the curriculum is yours. You must honor every participant in your platoon...they have skills and strengths which you must employ appropriately to get the job done. All this is honored and considered in your devising your plan-of-attack.


Safety is paramount.


The session ends with YOU in school circle with the short stinkin hairs standing on end, speaking passionately about a mission accomplished, courtesy teamwork! The personification of a fireworks display that you are less content to watch, and more interested in acting out.

OOOO AAAAA - Ooh Rah

Harvard weight study leaves taters tottering; growers

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2011/06/Harvard-weight-study-leaves-taters-tottering-growers/48932750/1

"It's just irresponsible on Harvard's part," says Gene Grabowski, senior vice president of Levick Strategic Communications, who was eating a bag of potato chips when reached at his office. "Whenever a study like this one comes out, it creates a real problem for an industry."

Harvard School of Public Health vs. Industry Lobbyist?

Irresponsible, Gene? Ever heard of the glycemic index? Potatoes are broken down into glucose, in many cases, faster than soft drinks. Potatoes aren't the devil...nothing wrong with some spuds every now and then, but make french fried potaters and other high glycemic-index foods the mainstay of your diet and...BAD THINGS:

• Skyrocketing blood sugar
• Hormone imbalance
• Metabolic syndrome:
• Overweight
• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Chronic disease

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates-full-story/

Shade: A weapon against skin cancer, childhood obesity

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/story/2011/06/Shade-serves-as-a-weapon-against-skin-cancer-childhood-obesity/48965070/1

Add the sun to the multitude of factors which can prevent our children from engaging in adequate physical activity. It's rays and accompanying heat are real obstacles that must be accounted for and worked around.

1. Plant some damned trees!
2. Erect some man-made shelter...perhaps of solar panels, which power fans that would cool the playground and provide light for physical activity in the evening, when temperatures are lower.

But by all means, we must increase exponentially the quality and quantity of physical activity in and out of the scholastic setting.

The Importance of Being a First Responder

Last Saturday I took part in a CPR re-certification. As it was an absolutely beautiful day, I wasn't exactly looking forward to spending what would amount to four hours indoors, going over material that I already felt I had a good command of. However, I must say that it was time well devoted to sharpening up on the basic life-saving methods that will undoubtedly serve me well someday.

We gathered at a fellow Instructor's home, at 1pm. As I pulled into the driveway, I was greeted by a jovial middle-aged man with a smile and his hand stretching through the window of my jeep, prior to it even coming to a halt. It was Joe Cohen, I would soon learn, our CPR Instructor and extremely nice guy, who had also agreed to allot a portion of his weekend to teaching us this valuable skill. We gathered in a room in the house and passed around CPR manuals, while Joe set up his video, which would help guide the instruction. The host generously provided food and beverages.

I braced myself for a very long and boring curriculum, but I was soon to be reminded of the importance of refreshing one's skills in the basics and it was glaringly apparent that Joe genuine enjoyed, if not loved to teach CPR. Our class was heavy on practical application, the student:teacher ratio was extremely favorable and Joe took all questions with enthusiasm. There were five students attending this CPR course, but I don't know why there weren't fifty! During each section of the instruction, I found myself moving from adult to child CPR dummies, rehearsing the procedures on the different sizes...considering the anatomy and imagining a particular situation and how to ideally respond. With children in this world now, I was more motivated yet to know what the hell to do.

The importance of knowing how to respond and being that person to respond first, when others are either paralyzed with fear or apathy, is extremely important. Anyone who has ever witness someone choking can attest to how truly scary a situation that is. Once, when I was traveling in upstate NY, we stopped a some greasy spoon for a quick meal. A few tables over, there was a very large family (literally and figuratively) enjoying their lunch, when the amiable chatter gave way to silence. I looked over to see a teenager holding his neck and going through various stages of color change, obviously choking, while his family looked on, apparently unable to provide aid. After what seemed like perhaps 10 minutes, a young man from the kitchen strode out and beat us all to the punch; grabbed the boy from behind, delivered a few sharp thrusts and out came a french fry. Quite the hero, he absolutely saved a life that day.

We all have the potential to be the hero...to act, but there are books written on the sort of situation where scores of people stand on the scene, while someone teeters precariously on the boundary of life and death but NO ONE TAKES ACTION! After sitting for Saturday's CPR cert, it is crystal clear in my mind again that rehearsal of immediate actions; of the fundamentals, is paramount. I am no stranger to this notion, but still I forget. When I was in the USMC, we were constantly training on the basics: taking care of your person and your gear; employing your weapon system; operating in various terrain; what to do in the event of a near ambush? Far ambush? How to cross a danger area? Contact front, R/L. We would conduct rehearsals for every mission we would carry out, going through the sequence mentally, prior to embarking on the actual mission. For then, it was the real deal, and mistakes were unforgiving.

We should all therefore have a basic command of the life saving steps - RESTORE THE BREATHING, STOP THE BLEEDING, PROTECT THE WOUND, TREAT FOR SHOCK. We must all know how to act in the case of emergency, to prepare ourselves to be first responders. We should also seek out the best, most qualified and enthusastic teachers to educate us. I am confident that Joe Cohen was that person, last weekend. Thank you Joe and see you again soon, with a larger group.

To book Joe for a CPR/First Aid certification, contact me at drdrill0530@live.com.

The Sad Shape We're In!

Physical Activity Levels of High School Students, 2010 

The above link will take you to a study connected to the CDC's, Healthy People 2010, which is a public health effort released this past December. Included in the objectives of HP 2010, is an increase in physical activity for America's youth. 

The following physical activity standards were established for high schoolers and the data was collected:

1. One hour of aerobic activity daily
2. Strength training three or more times weekly
3. The first two criteria, taken in combination

As you might guess, American student's test scores for physical activity were found to be on par with their performance in math and science - in fact they sucked even worse:

"The findings of this study indicate that approximately 1 in 10 U.S. high school students met the HP 2020 objective for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities (PA 3.3). Tragically, the number of 9-12 graders actually meeting these low standards for combined physical activity was in the teens: "Nationwide, 12.2% of high school students met the HP 2020 objective for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities." Furthermore, females, upperclassmen and obese students scored worse than the rest.

The following also turns Dr. Drill's stomach: "The HP 2020 target for PA 3.1 (aerobic capacity) was 20.2%." How ambitious of us to ask that 20% of America's future practice healthy habits.

While this study represents a mere snapshot of the tragedy that has become true American public health (not the effectiveness of our emergency-care system or life expectancy, but quality-of-life, the prevalence of people engaging in the active process of health), and the authors admit some limitations, it does give us an appreciation for the magnitude of the problem, as well as potential implications down the road. The scientific community has made no secret that for the first time ever, an American born today may not enjoy the same health as previous generations. One instigator of this harsh forecast is the prevalence of obesity:

"Over the next few decades, life expectancy for the average American could decline by as much as 5 years unless aggressive efforts are made to slow rising rates of obesity, according to a team of scientists supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The U.S. could be facing its first sustained drop in life expectancy in the modern era, the researchers say, but this decline is not inevitable if Americans — particularly younger ones — trim their waistlines or if other improvements outweigh the impact of obesity."

Health is wealth, my friends, and as the saying goes, "At least you've got your health." But the data suggest we don't even have that. We're so focused on the fiscal happenings of Wall Street, that indeed, Main Street is overlooked, not only in terms of dollars and cents, but regarding another currency, the value of which is altogether more precious.

The good news is that this problem, like most of the big problems of this world, has a very simple fix:

GET OFF YOUR FAT ASS AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

With the weather being so stinking beautiful, get out and take a walk, ride a bike, hike, swim. Instead of being an armchair athlete, be a real athlete or at least try! There's nothing more sad really, than an overweight and unhealthy person, sporting your choice of professional sports jersey, eating junk while admiring finely tuned athletes take the field. That represents a sad irony and when it comes to such an adult taking his child to a sporting event, it's poor leadership...hipocrisy. You're either part of the solution or part of the problem.

Regarding the big decisions that government and industry might make to facilitate a public health change on the grand scale, Lord knows we all wish they would make the big plays. But if the news ticker is any indication of the capabilities of our nation politically, as the saying goes, "we might as well wish in one hand and shit in the other...see which one fills up first."

The road back to health doesn't begin at the White House, but in YOUR house. It's high time we Americans kicked off a grass roots effort to take the power back. Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way.