Posted by Philip Cumming
December 2nd already? Really??
 
Call to Order:
President Taran took to the podium at 1pm and welcomed some members who hadn’t been seen for a while.
 
Invocation:
PDG John blessed the food that was about to be served.
 
Toasts:
Ros led the club in toasts to the King and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
 
Visiting Rotarians:
So regular is he even a visitor anymore? PDG Mike Stafford was in the Zoom room.
 
Member Guests:
Secretary Tiffany and PDG John had guests in the Yacht Club.
 
Honorary Members:
None
 
Sergeant at Arms:
Royann immediately fired off fines for the pinless, they know who they are.  Unca Lou was fined for wearing what appeared to be Miami Dolphin colours though Royann admitted she didn’t know if the fine was because the Dolphins are winning or losing (and lets be honest, its all irrelevant while the World Cup of proper football is going on).
 
A joke about a cunning farmers son getting the police to dig his fathers potato field for him was followed up with some one liners to get us all in the mood for the weekend.
 
Member Birthdays (Birthday money/fines/donations should be paid to FCIB Harbour Bay account 53603415 in the name of East Nassau Rotary)
Brent Symonette - Dec 02
PP Patrick Rollins - Dec 08
Michael Stewart - Dec 08
 
Spouses Birthdays
Manuela Major, spouse of Joshua - Dec 05
 
Wedding Anniversary’s
Pres Taran & Agatha Mackey - 6 years on Dec 03
Stephanie & Alfred Firth - 18 years on Dec 04
 
Club Anniversary’s
Desiray Ingraham - 18 years on Dev 03
1st VP Christian Knowles - 7 years on Dec 04
Richard Pyfrom - 20 years on Dec 06
Anna Hanson (that's you!) - 4 years on December 07
 
Announcements
Pres Taran thanked all who attended the lively club forum that was held recently.  A follow up forum will be held early in the new year to allow more time for discussion on some of the topics that were raised.
 
Volunteers are still needed for the Salvation Army Bell ringing during the afternoon of Saturday 3rd December, which is either tomorrow, today or yesterday depending on when you are reading this.
 
The BAPD Christmas concert will be held on December 8th
 
A Beautification project will take place at the All Saints Camp on December 10th from 9am – 12 noon
 
The Crises Centre Christmas Dinner will be held on December 14th from 4-7pm
 
The Ebeneezer Christmas Luncheon will be on December 15th.
 
In short, there’s a lot going on so PLEASE check your emails and volunteer where you can.  It’s all hands on deck to make Christmas as enjoyable as we can for those less fortunate than us.
 
Guest Speakers:
Jeff Introduced Dr. Kent Bazard who is a Bahamian Sports Medicine Physician, certified Sports Performance Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist.
The title of Dr. Bazard’s presentation was “The Benefits of Physical Activity”
The Bahamas is ranked 6th in the world for obesity, 12th in the world for weight per capita and is #1 in the region for both.  It’s Dr. Bazard’s desire to help the Bahamas not be No. 1
The American Heart Association estimates that 42% of Americans will die from cardiovascular disease and Dr. Bazard stated there is no reason to believe that figure will be any lower in the Bahamas. 
The good news is that a number of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease can be modified and the take home message was that physical exercise reduces these risks. 
As well as coronary disease, physical exercise has also been proven to help reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer, improve the immune system in both the short and long term and improve mental health through decreasing depression and anxiety and increasing self esteem.
People who exercise are;
  • 50% more likely to quit smoking
  • 40% more likely to eat less red meat
  • 30% more likely to cut down on caffeine
  • 250% more likely to eat low calorie foods and drinks
  • 25% more likely cut down on salt and sugar than non-exercisors
In summary, there really isn’t a downside to getting more physical exercise.
 
Three hours of brisk walking per week helps reduce risks by the same amount as one and a half hours of vigorous exercise, so set that as a first attainable goal and then progress from there.  Age isn’t a barrier as the oldest member at Dr. Bazards gym is 93 and was there doing pilates that morning.
 
Vote of Thanks
PRIP Barry thanked Dr Bazard for his informative talk and the inspiration.
 
Final Toast
To RATW by our President, Taran 
 
Scribbled by:
Philip Cumming
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