Knowledge is Power...or in This Case, Safety

Part of being healthy is being safe in your neighborhood, while you drive, and just being safe in general. You may remember in May when the serial rapist was loose in WDM…well, the WDM police department advertised a personal safety class to all women who were interested. The classes filled up FAST and I was wait listed to participate in the July class.

I’d forgotten about it until I received the email reminder. And, quite honestly, I didn’t feel that there was an immediate urgency for me to attend. The rapist had been shot, I hadn’t heard anything recently on the news that made me feel unsafe; I’ve lived in big cities before much more dangerous than DSM. So, not wanting to cancel, I went to the seminar.

Initially, I was kind of disappointed that we weren’t going to be doing any hands-on role playing action with kicking and punching L However, Officer Tanya Zaglauer’s two hour lecture was extremely informative. I left feeling a renewed sense of safety and that it was an evening well spent.

A few of the biggest tips for me were:

1. treat your home when you’re at home as though you’re gone. E.g., locking all doors EVEN when you’re just popping by your house to drop off something and then just planning to pop into your car to run another errand. Lock it!
2. Lock your car door too as soon as you get in. Just make it a habit.
3. Only 7-9 pounds of pressure are needed to really harm someone in the neck. (picture me squirming – that thought just perturbs me). If you’re attacked fight, fight, fight. If you’re concerned about punching someone, don’t worry about making a fist. Use the heel of your hand as a blunt instrument.
4. For your own protection – don’t attempt to use a weapon (e.g., mace, gun, knife) that if you don’t feel totally comfortable and adept at using b/c if it gets away from you, the attacker will use it against you.

The next personal safety class will be offered in October. Empower yourself and take it, even if it is just to refresh your memory. Don’t revel in complacency – up your safety well-being!

Patina Esprit Turns 1!

Patina Esprit is thrilled and thankful to be celebrating it's first year of business in DSM; so to celebrate, come out and play! We're going to rock the play ground with a 45 minute workout followed by healthy snacks, drinks, and mingling. This event is open to Patina Esprit clients and to anyone else who just wants to have a fun workout at the playground.

When: Monday, July 20th 5:30-6:30 PM

Where: Brookview Point Elementary School Playground

What to Bring: Wear your workout clothes, athletic shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Remember to wear your sunscreen!

It's free, fun, and healthy! Please RSVP to Jen at jen@patinaesprit.com.

A Couple of More Reasons Why I Continue to <3 Des Moines!!!

The longer that I live in Des Moines, the more I grow to appreciate it. Most people know I rave about the Gray's Lake and the Farmer's Market. And, after my experience this weekend, I'm going to re-emphasize why DSM is such a great place. Free yoga in the park at Gray's Lake! I went this past Saturday and totally enjoyed being outdoors and practicing shivasanas while gazing out onto the water. The fun continues all throughout the summer! This Saturday's going to be extra special because following yoga, there will be a Nia class! Don't miss out - it's a great way to spend Saturday morning; and then after the workout, trek downtown to the Farmer's Market for some amazing fruits and veggies. I've vowed that I'm only going to eat fruits and veggies that come from the Farmer's Market until it sadly shuts down in October. My husband and I shopped there this weekend (double points, we remembered our reusable bags!), and I was completely blown away by how much of a difference there is in taste, quality and price compared to the store. Peaches, blueberries, and OMG, sweet corn that's to DIE for. So, get out and partake in all of the healthy greatness that Des Moines has to offer! And, if you can't make it to the downtown Farmer's Market on Saturday, here's a list of other local markets to endulge in every day of the week!