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Show The Park Record B-8 Welcome 2005 with Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, December 31, 2004-January 4, 2005 WRITERS O N THE RANGE By Mike Beagle a new smile for the New Yearl invisalign STRAIGHT TBETH. NO BRACES. Receive o FREE cleaning, exam and teeth bleaching package for those who participate in an invisalign* treatment p l a n , (over a $400 value) S. Scott Kimche, DDS, Inc. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, invisalign Certified 1901 Prospector Ave., Ste. 26 Park City, Utah 645-8500 Offer good until Decombv 31 it, 2CO4 ART. ASK FOR MORE. For more information about the importance of arts education, please contact www. AmericansForThe Arts. or g. AMERICANS Exceptional Real Estate Values in Park City Give a child the gift of a strenuous life It was late fall, and my cight-ycar-old daughter and I stood at the bottom of a brushy, 300foot cliff and talus slope over looking Blue Lake in southern Oregon's Sky Lakes Wilderness. For me, it was a short climb. For a little girl much smaller than me, the hill looked downright colossal. But I knew something about my daughter thai she is only beginning to learn: her potential. As a high school teacher and coach over the last 15 years, I've made some disheartening observations regarding the health and welfare of our society's children. Kids are perhaps the best reflection of America's culture. I've seen too many kids influenced by loo much television. I've seen too many kids hooked by commercials advertising "extra value" meals and flashy technological advancements to make our lives "easier. " I've seen too many kids too eager for motorized all-terrain equipment that can "get us there faster." You've probably seen the statistics. Obesity is rampant among American youngsters. Once they've learned bad eating and exercise habits as children, they will likely carry those habits into adulthood. I don't need the statistics. I've seen it on the faces and bodies of too many kids. "C'mon," I told my little girl. "You can do it!" She looked dubious. We both remembered all too well a similar day when she was four years old, spent bushwhacking around a near- by wilderness lake. "This is the worst day of my life!" she protested that day. I remember holding my laughter and thinking to myself, if only you could be so fortunate. So we began scrambling up the hill, pulling ourselves hand-over-hand, using the thick brush as handholds. I kept her safely right in front of me. "Step here," I guided her.'"Grab that branch there. There you go!" It is no coincidence that the "more is better" message that saturates kids' lives, correlates with their poor health. The easy way has caused a disconnection with the natural world, while shortening the potential of their lives. I don't think it's any coincidence that while our kids become less in control of their own health, they are becoming less in touch with, nature. For my family, getting away from the bustle of life and commercialism has meant traveling to land that has-changed little over the last few centuries; wilderness. Whether backpacking into the Sky Lakes Wilderness nearby, tossing a fly into a stream or lake in the Rockies, or pursuing blue grouse with a shotgun, getting back to the natural world has been a challenge for my two young children but a confidence booster as well. Though at limes it comes under protest, they know that their comfort /ones can always be extended. American families deserve -- no, American families need - places where they can get away and work hard in healthy exercise. We need wilderness. We need rivers and lakes. clean and free. It pains me when desk-bound politicians label people who advocate for wild country and a clean and healthy environment as "extremists." To me, there's nothing more traditional, wholesome and American than a vigorous backcounlry adventure, no matter how small. I am grateful my father instilled in me at a very young age an appreciation of natural settings, overcoming obstacles and spirited adventure. Former President Theodore Roosevelt termed that lifestyle "the strenuous life." My daughter and I were getting a good taste of the strenuous life as we clawed our way up the hillside. She paused to catch her breath, and I thought she might balk at climbing further. But when she got her wind back, she pressed on. As we reached the lop of the cliff to peer down at Blue Lake, my daughter's expression said it all. She radiated confidence, vigor and pure joy. It was an experience that matured her beyond her years. "Daddy, that was a lot easier than it looked," she said. "Can we do il again?" What a difference four years can make. Now, it looks like I'll be sweating in my future, following her lead. We should all be so lucky. Mike Beagle is a contributor to Writers on the Range, a service of High Country News (hcn.org). A former U.S. Army artillery officer, he is a teacher in Oregon's Rogue River Basin and serves as chairman of the nonprofit Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Minorities at risk of diabetes-related vision problems Utah minorities with diabetes may have serious vision problems of which they are not even aware. Almost 40 percent of Utah Hispanic and Latino diabetics have not had a comprehensive eye exam in the last year. One in five have never had a comprehensive eye exam. These numbers arc significant because undetected and untreated diabetes-related vision problems can lead to blindness, or serious damage to vision. Studies show that not only do Hispanics and Latinos have a higher risk for diabetes than other groups, but rates of visual impairment from diabetes is higher among them than any other ethnic group. Hispanics and Latinos are not the only minorities at risk for these kinds of problems. Pacific Islanders and Native Americans have an equally high occurrence of diabetes, according to Craig Merrill of the Utah Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, and thus may also be at a higher risk for undetected vision problems. Regardless of race or ethnic background, any person with diabetes should receive regular eye exams. "Many people with diabetes believe that since their eyeglasses work fine,, they don't need an eye exam," says Merrill. "But an eye exam is critical to people with diabetes, even if their glasses work fine." The effects of diabetes-related vision problems such as diabetic retinopalhy, glaucoma and cataracts can be reduced if caught early through a comprehensive eye exam, and if the patient receives the necessary follow-up treatment from their optometrist. 'Hie Utah Optometric Association urges all Utahns to receive a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist annually. People who are diagnosed with diabetes should work with their optometrist to plan for more frequent exams in order to detect and prevent serious vision problems caused by the disease. The Utah Optometric Association (UOA), an affiliate of the American Optometric Association, was established in 1951 to develop and encourage high standards of vision and health care in Utah. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry. leading to the doctor of optomelry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists also complete a residency. Make the Right Connection for Friendly, Efficient Professionalism DEER VALLEY 3075 Thistle Street 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath Deer Valley home in a perfect location with spectacular mountain and ski run views. Wonderful floorplan & master suite. Lower level walk-out family room. Granite countertops, hardwood flooring, hot tub & wrap-around deck. Rare lot in Deer VaJley Located in the esteemed NorthsideVillage, this spectacular ski-in/ski-out single family lot has incredible mountain & ski slope views not offered by other lots in the area. With direct ski access to Hawkeye run at Deer Valley, there's not a better place to build a home. Offered ac $2,200,000 Kathy & tarry Penrose PARK M O U N T A I N R E S O R T $1,100,000 Connection 435 647-6329 ""*17' * 435 647-6331 8OO 641-1884 toil free April Mountain Under Construction Situated on the prow of a ridge overlooking Park City proper, PCMR, and Deer Valley this home, to be complete by spring 200$, will offer spectacular panoramic views. With over 5200 sq feet to make your home, top of the line finishes and appliances will be employed. Floor plans and finishes available upon request. Offered at $1/799,000 Another Mountain Ranch Gem This home will occupy one of Mountain Ranch Estates' best lots with beautiful views from elegant floor to ceiling windows. With an excellent floor plan generously spread over 5400 sq ft, homeowners can enjoy top of the line granites, hardwood flooring, and kitchen appliances. Offered at $1,235,000 penrose@parkcityut.com FABULOUS HORSE PROPERTY SILVER SPRINGS 6215 North Star View Drive • Wonderful .76 acre* lot currently set up as a fully fenced riding arena and paddock with gravel base and water. High quality white PVC fencing. Water available. $100,000 1663 W.Silver Springs Road • Fabulous 6 bedroom South Shore home in a great location and wonderful neighborhood. Fully landscaped with seasonal running stream. Two family rooms, deck and patio. South facing. $450,000 JANALEE JACOBSEN, R E A L E S T A T E DEER VALLEY HORSE PROPERTY - FRANCIS DEER MOUNTAIN 2416 Amundsen Ct • Fabulous 5 bed, 3.5 bath in a perfect location with great views. Granite countertops, slate & hardwood floors, new hardware & lightfixtures.Beautifully furnished & decorated. $795,000 1826 S Hilltop Drive • Wonderful 5 bed, 3 bath family home in great location. Over 3 acres with barn. 3 car garage with workshop. Completely remodeled spacious home with a country comfort feel. $535,000 12315 Deer Mountain Blvd. • Spectacular new home in a great new neighborhood with panoramic views of the Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Valle ski area $499,900 RESORT CENTER STILLWATER AT THE JORDANELLE Unit'#259 Resort Center • Ski-in/Ski-out. A wonderfully furnished & decorated unit with ski mountain views. Amenities include swimming pool, hot tub, sauna,fitnessroom, steam room, elevator & on-site management $349,000 1364 W Stillwater Dr #R3005 Wonderful studio unit with great views and nice furnishings. Amenities include swimming pool & ski access at Deer Crest across the road. Prudential «hM4fW*10p*4 www.PenroseParkCityxom LewisWolcott Dombush • . SKUN/SK1-OUT Unit £23 Village Loft • 1 bedroom, 2 bath remodeled unit with great furnishings and decorations. Spectacular views and on mountain convenience. $239,000 $139,500 ' Information herein, although deemed reliable. Is not guaranteed. Buyer to verify square footage. |