Sunglasses; they do more than make your kids LOOK COOL

I dont know about you, but when my kids were big enough to start asking for sunglasses, I bought them for them because I thought it was so cute to see a little kid looking so adorable and hip at the same time. :) But with four of my six kids being blue eyed, I had no idea that my decision was the best thing I could do for them!

I was on Dr. Greene's website http://www.drgreene.com/43.html reading up on sunglasses and their important role in the protection of the eye from a young age, when irreversable damage is done to the eye; specifically lighter pigmented eyes. Dr. Greene states that unlike other cells of the body, "the cells of the lens of the eye are never replaced once damaged; the proteins of the lens are never replenished. The lens cannot repair itself; and damage accumulates over a lifetime." And that its in our youth is when our eyes are damaged the most BEFORE we think to put sunglasses on our kids for a purpose other than looking cute or cool.

Here's what he has to say on the subject, :

Excessive exposure to sunlight during early childhood is harmful to the eyes. Sunlight contains harmful UV radiation. The risk for retinal damage from the sun's rays is greatest in children less than 10 years old, although the consequences usually do not become apparent until well after they are adults.

Teaching your children to wear sunglasses may be more important than giving them a college fund.

All children should be taught to wear sunglasses, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when ultraviolet exposure is the most dangerous. This is true even for children with darker eye colors, even though their darker pigments afford partial protection. Of course, children with light-colored eyes need sunglasses all the more. Ultraviolet exposure is at its peak when children are at high altitudes, snow-covered landscapes, bright sandy beaches, or near reflective bodies of water.

Most people wear sunglasses to reduce glare. This is trivial compared to the long-term protection they afford for the precious ability to see. Parents can set a good example for their children by wearing sunglasses at the appropriate times.

All sunglasses are not the same. Effective sunglasses should block both UVA and UVB radiation. Large lenses that fit close to the eyes are best. Those that block visible blue light are even safer. Thankfully, all sunglasses block UVB radiation. A great many sunglasses, however, do not afford UVA protection. Expensive brand names and polarizing lenses are no guarantee. The sunglasses must be measured to block 99% to 100% of UVA or UV400 (400 nm is the wavelength of UVA radiation).

Ordinary sunglasses make the situation WORSE! The dark lenses cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more of the dangerous UVA radiation to damage the lens and the retina.

This is a BIG WAKE UP CALL, fellow parents!! And the solution is quite simple. We all know that a toddler can demolish sunglasses in two seconds flat, so thats why its a blessing that childrens sunglasses are so inexpensive at places like Target or Wal Mart. You can get a pair for about $5 just about anywhere, and if you teach them to wear them from a young age, and model wearing them yourself, they are quick studies and as they will be a regular part of going outside, they'll leave them on after a few times. (I've got six kids, so I'm speaking from firsthand experience!) They may not like it at first, but they'll get the hang of it. :)

The long term dangers of life without sunglasses? Macular Degeneration and Cataracts are two common eye problems that have been linked directly to sun damage to the eye from childhood sun exposure. They damage the vision and without surgery to correct the problem, the vision is damaged. (see photo for an example of the vision of someone with macular degeneration)

So get some glasses on your kids (and of course, yourselves!!) :) You'll all look cool, and you can be proud for helping take care of the health of your kids' eyes!

Then email me some snapshots of you and your kids in sunglasses! :) I'd love to see them, and maybe put some on my blog. :) ABSoluteFitness@roadrunner.com

And send me any questions you have to the above email address for the chance of having your question answered on camera and a little something from me in the mail! Be sure you include your mailing address!

Blessings and Health!

TRACI +7

Tony Horton Hits the Numbers in VEGAS, BAYBEE!

I've been hosting Tony Horton's Camps for about four years now. :)

When I first met Tony, it was 2003. We hit it off as if we were born to be friends. :) He's one of my favoritest people that walks this earth, and when he asked me to host his camps I was so excited at the opportunity! To be a part of what he brings to people is incredible enough, but to do something so powerful with one of your best friends - now THAT'S an awesome gig! :) And so, the TNT Fit Camps were born (Tony N Traci).

What started as a great idea by message board regular at the time and original Power90 Success Story Tony Mestaz; the first camp was before my time, and it was launched in Santa Monica, CA. Mestaz' brilliant idea was to bring people from the message boards together to meet the man who'd changed their lives, and to spend some time with him at Santa Monica's Original Muscle Beach. I think the number was under 20 participants, but something far beyond his imagination was born.

This last weekend, July 19-20, we hit a high of nearly 90 campers in Las Vegas! People sign up to BRING IT LIVE! with Tony during 4 sweat inducing workouts, and four very informative and entertaining (would you expect anything less from Tony? :)) seminars, where he shares all that he knows packed into two days; which actually feels like four! This camp had what we've been wanting and needing for a long time: a Nutrition Seminar headed up by Tony's personal chef and Nutritionist Melissa Costello. She added what we knew instinctively we needed, but with the perfect timing, she crossed our paths and our newest player was added to the lineup! :) (Lucky us - we LOVE Missy, and not just for her cooking - she's a SWEET, Beautiful woman! :))

JuliAnne Forrest has also been added to the team, though campers wont fully understand or appreciate how critical her behind the scenes role is, as we do. Well, other than their camp experience being as smooth as butte......er.....coconut oil. :) As our behind the scenes organizer and administrative genius Jules makes sure that i's are dotted and t's are crossed! With the number of attendees growing at camp, and my family numbers having grown at home ;), we were in desperate need of someone to book us, organize the crew and money matters, so that we could concentrate on camp and on what people were coming for: Tony Time! :)

So here are a few snapshots of our weekend. It doesnt matter what level of fitness you're at, if you have a desire to come...COME! Tony is the master of encouragement and alternate moves, so whether you have 100+ pounds to lose, or have completed the X+ multiple times - this camp is for you! Please visit the official site for future listings of a THFC: http://www.thfitnesscamp.com/!

We cant wait to meet YOU at a camp!

Blessings!

TRACI :)

Team GENESIS Summit :)

We had such a great time at our Vegas Team Building Summit! :) We had coaches come from Hawaii all the way to New York to share, learn, CRACK UP, and just BE a team! A special thanks to Kevin and Milan Jensen, Doug and Tammie Fitzgerald, Dave and Anne Dovel, Kory Edwards, & Randy Watson for your presentations about team building with integrity and through relationship! I took lots of notes, and hope to share the crib notes with the people I am entrusted to coach!

In Summary:

Milan led us in a fun team buidling game, and then as she spoke, I learned that in conversations I/we should:

1. Set my intention for the conversation
2. Think: "How do I want my words to make this person feel?"
3. Think: "What do I want them to take away from this conversation?"

When we are intentional in our conversations with people (our spouse, kids, friends, coaches, customers) we will both leave those conversations blessed and having accomplished something, and not left wondering what the heck just happened?! (anyone been there?)


Then I learned from the Fitzgerald/Dovel team that its important to Develop a Plan as I build my team of coaches, and then Keep it Simple! :) It boils down to these three points:


1. Here's what we're doing.
2. Here's where we're going.
3. Come along!


I learned that inside every person is a "Dreamer", a "Doubter", and a "Realist".

1. Our Dreamer holds our deepest desires; that place where we dream big;
2. Our Doubter holds us back sometimes and tells us (sometimes in our own voice, sometimes in the voices of those who have actually spoken them to us) WHY we CANT do it, and
3. Our Realist is the part of us that helps us find the balance between what we WANT to do, and what NEEDS to be done, and helps us figure out a plan of strategy to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

They all work together to help us find balance, but I felt encouraged to really listen to my "Dreamer". :) For me personally, its that part of me that really connects with what I feel God has for me, in spite of what fear might tell me cant be done! Oh, that blasted FEAR!! What a loudmouthed liar it is!!!


Kory Edwards shared from the heart all about the impact we can have on people's lives for decades to come. He spoke of his own experience in another fitness based company that he and his wife were a part of; how years later, after people had gained back the weight they'd lost with them years before - that they felt comfortable to come back because they knew he and his wife were there to help! THATS COACHING! :) Total acceptance and love - thats what I'm talkin about!!


He also shared how his worst nightmare came true when his wife was diagnosed with cancer and passed away a short time later, and how that caused him to dig deep into what he really believed about life and the afterlife, as well as really putting his core message to trial by fire: that living a healthy, fit lifestyle is worth it for optimal living...TODAY. We really dont have any idea how much time we have on this earth - lets make the most of what we've been given and help others do the same! What a gentle giant. :) Love that guy! Doug Couch came up later and said "Thanks to Kory, I just fell in love with a man for the first time in my life." :) Couch...that guy makes me smile just thinking of his humor and delivery. :) But I think we all fell in love with Kory that day as he spoke from his heart in front of his team: a group of strangers at 9am, but by 5pm: FAMILY.

Lastly, Randy talked about talking to professionals about the Team Beachbody opportunity! He encouraged us to:



1. Be Prepared. Professionals will not waste time. (actually, no one wants their time wasted!)
2. Be organized.
3. Be brief
4. Be confident
5. Look professional
6. Listen - DONT SELL (EW!!!) - dont worry that they wont be interested!


What we have with Team Beachbody is something that every person needs whether they know it or not. Our goal is to share it with them - the opportunity to have optimal health, and to help others have that too - in such a way that we are genuine in extending hope to people! :)

If you missed this: our third Team Genesis Summit, you now have the summary. :) But there's nothing like "huddling up" with friends who are likeminded - even friends you've never met - to encourage one another to be the best possible versions of ourselves! :)

Sooo HAPPY to be in this with you -

TOGETHER....we're BETTER!! :)

TRACI +7

Tony Horton Fitness Camp in VEGAS

I'm heading to Vegas for the weekend! :)

Our team is having a team building day on Friday, and then Tony's camp kicks off on Saturday Morning. :)

I've been helping Tony with his camps for four years now, and we always have such a fun time. People come from all over, at all different fitness levels to work out, learn from him in his seminars, and connect with people they've met through the amazing Beachbody community of people. People just like you and me who want to be healthy and fit for life, and do so with friends! :)

I'll be posting lots of photos (similar to the silly one above of us sneaking some chocolate mousse pie at an LA Camp). I hope they will inspire you to consider saving your pennies for one of our camps! You'll never be sorry you did!

For more info on attending a Tony Horton Fitness Camp, please go to http://www.thfitnesscamp.com/

Check back for fun updates from both the coaching training (something we offer our team twice a year) and Tony's Camp!

TRACI :)

Testing your EQ: how strong is your running emotional intelligence?

The following article/personal test is an exerpt from Runners World Magazine, and though its designed specifically for runners, it goes for anyone who is working out on a regular schedule and experiences physical pain that wouldn't be considered within the "normal" range.

Take this test, plug it into your personal fitness, and see how you measure up. If your score is mostly a's and b's, you need to work on taking your emotion out of your decision and make your decisions based on long term fitness/health goals!

Since I was a young girl I have always loved survey's and T/F questionaire's. I hope you do too. Enjoy! :)

1. During your cooldown at the local track, an older guy flies past you. You:

a. Speed up, pushing yourself until you pass him.

b. Stick with your cooldown, but think, I hope no one saw that geezer lapping me.

c. Think, Wow, he's in great shape for his age, and return your focus to your workout.

2. Worried you won't sleep the night before your first marathon, you:

a. Take a sleeping pill that night.

b. Don't do anything. Being keyed up may help you perform better.

c. Visualize the hours leading up to the start, picturing yourself calm, relaxed, and in control.

3. A few weeks before a race, your doctor says you have plantar fasciitis and tells you to stop running for a month. You:

a. Continue running through the pain.

b. Hammer out workouts on the eliptical machine so you can keep in shape for race day.

c. Pick a different race goal and cross-train until you're ready to resume running and racing.

RESULTS:

If you answered mostly As, your EQ is low. You give in to your emotions and react to them, looking for a quick fix, rather than managing them for long-term health and happiness.

If you answered mostly Bs, your EQ is average. You're aware of your feelings but could improve on how you manage them.

If you answered mostly Cs, your EQ is high. You have emotioal awareness and you practice the right methods for managing your feelings.

Let's all aim for mental, physical, and emotional awareness, with our goals for long term optimal health and fitness! :)

Blessings!
TRACI :)

Summer's Here - are you ready?! :)

And I dont just mean bathing suit ready! Nope - the kids are coming home for a few months full time, and that means a messy living room - messy kitchen - friends coming and going - wet towels laying wherever they were dropped! Its enough to make a mom go mad! ;o)

My solution to keeping sane this summer? Make sure you carve out some quiet time for yourself each day, and EXERCISE too! :) I like to wake up each day and spend some time in my bible, and listening for God's voice. :) Starting out my day with some time with him always means a good day - whether crazy things happen or not. Also - when stress happens, (and it does when you have 6 kids with active social lives) exercising just keeps me.....grounded. Level headed. Cheerful even! :)


I love my kids, and I wouldnt trade em for the world, but gosh sometimes they drive me bananas. Sometimes I'm a yelling, not so patient mom. Sometimes I've been known to say "Get out of this house and DO SOMETHING ACTIVE - I need a time out from you, and that means you all go outside and leave me in peace!" :D When they come back, we're all the better for that "mom time out".


The first two weeks after school lets out for the summer is what I call "School Detox". They are rude to each other, snap at one another, lazy, and dont know how to co exist. Its happened every summer for as long as I can remember. Then.....ahhhh. They get into the groove of the new schedule and routine and how to be around one another (and me!) again all day and its a peaceful home (mostly) again. It doesnt make it any easier to deal with them in the two weeks, but I know its coming, so I brace myself and take lots of little breaks in the garage where NO ONE else is. :) QUIET. Ahh....

I say all this now because next Thursday is their last day of school. :) That also happens to be "Moving Day" for the Morrows. GULP. Lots going on for one day, but thats the way life seems to happen. Nothing....nothing....nothing....and then suddenly 3 things happening all at once!

Lets take this summer, all you moms out there, and really focus on spending one on one time with EACH of our kids (no matter how many you have) and connect with them. Lets look beyond their annoying stages and see them for who they *really* are. That adult in there that will be our friend one day, when puberty has come and gone. :) Plan fun activities and try not to lecture them AT ALL while we're doing them! (thats a special note to MYSELF :) ) And lets work to keep our own stress at bay by pressing play a minimum of 5 times a week!

Summer is coming! :) Lets make it a summer to remember!!Much love!


TRACI +7 :)

What happens in Vegas.....hopefully happens EVERYWHERE!!

Well, at least as it pertains to Team Beachbody! ;)

Milan Jensen; my dear friend and coaching partner :)


I traveled to Las Vegas a couple weekends ago to hang out with the Vegas Team Beachbody Coaches; a team of people who are growing a team of excited, enthusiastic coaches who are raising their hands to say "Yes! I'll be a part of
the solution to end obesity!" It was inspiring on so many levels, but my favorite part, as always, is connecting to people who are in this with me!


Doug Couch and I: this guy is so much fun and the coach of Kim Barnett!


Tony Horton got the crowd pumped as only he can do. :)


Our team is spread out all over this country, but there's nothing like it when we huddle up! :)

Kim Barnett: SWEET woman who just happened to have won $250,000 dollars with the Million Dollar Body Game!! :)

Here are a few photos from the event, where Pete Pena was awarded the company's first 10 Star Diamond Coach; which means he has achieved the rank of Diamond Coach, and 10 of his Personally Sponsored Coaches have achieved Diamond status as well. :) Pete is a great, and humble guy, and I couldn't be happier for him and his wife Sue!!

This company is changing lives and I would love to answer any questions you may have as you contemplate if its for you or not.

It all starts with YOUR STORY. :) BE a success story yourself and that starts today with food choices and workout choices. :) All you have is today....what will you do with it?

The Vegas team is just a group of individuals who excitedly joined this health and fitness revolution and lives are being CHANGED!! :) I'd love to see that happening country and then world wide!

JOIN WITH US!! :) Come get healthy and fit - and help others do the same!

Love!
TRACI :)
ABSoluteFitness@roadrunner.com

More Pics from the Beachbody Gala :)

Kimberly Barnett -
one of the

$250,000 winners! :) She's a TeamGENESIS Coach! :) WOOHOOO! I spoke with her on the phone just after she'd been to the bank - she said it was the WEIRDEST feeling to cash a check for $250,000!!! All those zeros!! :)





Gwyn aka Gmearth from the boards.
:) Love her!




Jason doing his thing for a fun "surprise" to the guests. I'll bet it was WAY cool for the band to get to play back up to the lead singer of Chicago. :) He was of course....a HAM. :) (what's funny is that he held this ridiculous pose for SO long while my lame camera booted up :) good sport that he is!)


Judy Z. and me. :) Judy is such a blessing to me!










Tony, Mason, and me. :) The QVC crew. ;o)











The winners up on stage at the Gala. :)


Lastly....



does this pose look comfortable to you?

Its not.

:)

Some of My Favorite "things" are PEOPLE! :)

Man, we have a fun group of people doing this Beachbody coaching thing! :)





Here is a shot of me and my sweet Brina - $50,000 winner for her results with Turbo Jam and P90X. :) Isnt she lovely? (makes me look like Skipper to her Barbie) :)




Here is a shot of Mark Briggs, Tony, Jason Scheff and me. The P90X+ crew, minus Mace.






















Jason :) We've exchanged emails and posts for so long -it was fun to meet face to face, though I felt like we'd known one another for years. :) Thats the way the message boards are. :)

Mark Briggs: My Friend "Nacho". :)

Tammie Fitz. :) She's a fav of mine. :)

Shaun T. He is, in the words of Tony Horton: a

"GOOD DUDE"

My cutie cousins.

:) LOVE THEM!!