Play Golf and Live Longer

The benefits of the game of golf have been proven to be much more than a recreational activity to enjoy with family, friends and competitors, it lengthens our life!

When I was a golf professional is Florida, I had the awesome privilege of giving lessons to students who were in their 90"s. I don't mean their golf score, I mean their age! I often thought that the opportunity to play golf year round, kept people healthier.

Now there is a study proving golf provides health benefits that will keep us swinging for more years than if we didn't play golf. Research findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, revealed playing golf is great for the health of your heart, arteries and lungs. Golf may also help some chronic conditions including heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

Lead scientist Dr Andrew Murray, from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'We know that the moderate physical activity that golf provides increases life expectancy, has mental health benefits, and can help prevent and treat more than 40 major chronic diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer."

Another benefit that was obvious to me as a golf professional is the ability for older golfers to maintain balance. A normal process of aging is to struggle with balance unless you are doing something to combat the trend. The study proved a physical benefit of golf is improved balance. Playing golf will not only keep you alive longer, it could also improve the quality of your life.

Make it a priority to play more golf, your life may depend on it!

Click here to read the article from DailyMail.com

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Focus on Success

Successful people have razor sharp focus on their goals! In life you get what you focus on which includes your thoughts, actions, dreams and the words you say to yourself! 

I recently had the amazing opportunity to be around and interact with an inspiring and accomplished group of female athletes at the Annual Women's Sports Foundation. The WSF was founded in 1974 by tennis legend, Billie Jean King. It is dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity.

One of the athletes, who I had previously not heard about, caught my attention. She is an extraordinary person who had to overcome tremendous challenges since the day she was born. Tatyana McFadden was born with a disease called Spina Bifida, which is a hole in her spine. She was paralyzed from the waist down. She spent the first six and a half years of her life in an orphanage in Russia, with no access to a wheelchair. Tatyana had some big challenges but she did not see it that way! Tatyana focussed on what was possible and what she wanted to do, not on her limitations. So when wanted to keep up with the other children and play, she figured out a way. Tatyana learned to walk on her hands. She did not accept a limiting belief that she could not play because she could not walk. When there is a will there is a way, and Tatyana found a way.

She was adopted in 1994 by American, Deborah McFadden, then Commissioner of Disabilities for the US Department of Health. Tatyana was thrilled with her new exciting life and all of the opportunities ahead. Unfortunately, her health worsened and her family was told that she may only live a couple more years. The families focus immediately turned to what was possible for Tatyana. They pictured a strong healthy girl who was active and happy!

To gain strength and work towards the dream they could imagine, Tatyana played various sports including wheelchair basketball, swimming, ice hockey and scuba diving. She found her passion, wheelchair racing! Her health improved drastically and she became an incredibly strong world class athlete! Tatyana always rises higher then any challenge presented. She always focusses I her outcome!

Tatyana's debut into the Paralympics was in 2004 when she was just 15 years old and the youngest on Team USA. She won two medals, in 2008 she won four medals, 2012 she added four more including three golds! At the 2013 World Championships she became the first athlete in history to win six gold medals at the same competition. Always looking for the next challenge, Tatyana added another completion to her schedule, she joined the professional marathon circuit. She has won the Chicago, London, Boston and New York marathons and is the first person, able bodied or disabled to with the Grand Slam (4 World Major Marathons in the same year!) She has accomplished it two years in a row and will complete her third Grand Slam if she wins the NYC Marathon November 1.

Not wanting to let a season pass without a race, Tatyana also competes in the Winter Paralympics in cross country skiing. With limited experience, she won a silver medal in 2013.

Tatyana focusses on her goals and ideal outcomes in her life. Then she has the drive and passion to accomplish her goals! I love the quote that points out that the word impossible truly says, "I'm Possible!" 

Pay attention to your thoughts, words and actions. You will get what you focus on, so focus on your ideal outcome and the life you want. Live, breath and dream about your goals! 

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Attitude is everything!

Attitude is everything!  Maya Angelou was an incredibly intelligent and wise women who truly made a difference throughout her life.  One of my favorite quotes of hers is, “If you don’t like something change it.  If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

During a round of golf you may experience something that you don’t like but it’s impossible to change.  Examples include: slow play, an undesirable pairing, a bad break on a great shot, the weather and more.  At the moment you feel negative or frustrated, analyze the situation and ask yourself if you can change it and if the answer is no, then change your attitude. 

You may be able to change your level of efficiency during round of golf.  To get better and score lower you can incorporate golf lessons, practice time, fitness schedule and time on mental strategies, into your life.  The time, effort and discipline will certainly lower your scores!

Consistently remind yourself to Golf-Positive!
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