Current Stories | December 6, 2012
Dance, Dance |
Kayla Jahraus Reporting
Hip-hop, zumba and the Just Dance video games are hot dance trends. But there's a club in Grand Forks North Dakota that is enjoying a much older style of movement to music. We can all picture it. When we hear the words swing dancing we can put ourselves back in the 1940's. But one club is keeping swing in the new millennium. "You can swing dance to any music, you know pop music. If it has a beat you can do it,” says Timm Uhlmann, Swing Club President. Whether you could show up your grandparents on the dance floor or if the only swinging you do is on the playground-- everyone is welcome. "The lamest excuse not to come to dance is I don't know how to dance," explains Uhlmann. Learning to swing may also be a way to unwind after a busy day. "It's really my stress reliever. I mean I had all these finals this week and I'm like I'm going to swing so I could just relax," describes Kathleen Windett, Swing Dancer. Many might think relaxing could be hard considering some of the moves. "Aerials are so much fun. We do it safely here-instead of just like pushing her over and stuff,"says Windett. The aerial moves come with a sort of mystery seen in magic tricks. "It looks like I'm holding the girl up but she's really holding up herself. If I let go, she's still doing all the work," explains Uhlmann. It might look like work, but participants say it's mostly about fun. "What's more fun than meeting a lot of new people and learning some moves and then being able to show off later?" asks Uhlmann. "You go there and see all these old people just dancing and I'm like I wanna be those people when I'm older,” laughs Windett. To the members of this club, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
Top cause of death | Cecilie Engeseth reporting
In America, diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death. The disease has been increasing for the past decade. Diabetes just reached a record high in one Mid-Western state. 6.9 percent of the North Dakota population has diabetes, that's only .1 percent below the national average. This is causing some to take drastic action in their lifestyles. "But what really got me motivated was doing some research, plus my son was getting married and I had to, you know, look like a healthy father out there. So we signed up and we've been working out here for about 2 years," says Richard Getsman. Since 1995 the number of people with diabetes has nearly doubled in the Peace Garden State. Getsman was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago when he decided to make some life-changes. "It sounds to me it's environmental, and behavioral and lifestyle. And behavior lifestyle is a big issue. We all have issues with this; all of us like to eat and party and go out," explains Denise Korniewicz. He says that North Dakotans' eating and exercise habits may be bad because of the seasonal changes. With long, cold winters, it is tempting to eat and relax a few extra hours in front of a warm fireplace. "When we don't learn it when we're young, or if we only have role models like our parents, aunts, and uncles, and they don't exercise, we most likely won't exercise. There's been several studies to demonstrate that. So to me we have to change that behavior," describes Korniewicz. Getsman started changing his lifestyle and watching his food intake. He even got his supportive family and co-workers on board, because of his motivational spirit. "Well my mood is happy, as long as I'm working out I'm happy. If you just lay at home and be a couch potato… no, you gotta get out and move. You gotta be motivated," says Getsman. With his positive attitude and supportive environment - Richard is determined to continue his road to a healthier lifestyle.
Energy boost | Stephanie Getsman reporting
Energy drink companies say they can stimulate metabolism, improve concentration and increase performance. But with recent reports of multiple deaths and hospitalizations, enegry drinks may be providing more than we paid for. Big drinks like Monster, Red Bull, and 5 Hour Energy make millions of dollars in revenue each year. But what may not be known are their side effects. One energy drink can contain 4-7 times the amount of caffeine found in coffee. Their short term effects are minimal, but in the long run, nutrition experts say it can affect the nervous system and most importantly the heart. "10 to 12 energy drinks a day. All of a sudden, one day I just had chest pains and it hurt," says Jazemen Kukowski, student. Energy drink companies often target teenagers, young adults, and those who need a quick jolt of energy. Because it's sold as a dietary supplement, companies are not obligated to label ingredients such as caffeine. "Yeah you get that immediate, instant gratification. You feel great. You're like yes, let's do go. But what happens then. You crash even harder than before,” explains Ashley Dyste, Fitness and Nutrition Specialist. Experts who caution against energy drinks say those who need caffeine should try an alternative that is safer and more beneficial. "Any other natural way you can go about increasing your energy-exercise, good diet and nutrition, adequate sleep at night," describes Dyste. Young children and pregnant women are strongly advised not to consume energy drinks at all. But with locations selling them rapidly, even school vending machines promote an energy fix.
Women’s sports fans | Kyle See-Rockers reporting
Attendance for Division One Women's Basketball games set a record last season with more than eight point one million fans. But one coach has an idea that could bring in a bigger crowd. Connecticut's head coach Geno Auriemma thinks the game could still attract more attention. His Solution? Dunking. But, his ideas are getting mixed reviews. "A dunk is a dunk it's still 2 points in my book, you know it's more of a crowd pleasing type of thing," explains Travis Brewster, UND Women's Basketball Coach. Coach Auriemma says he wants to lower the rim 7 inches. But, change is not a word people like to hear. "I think lowering the rim you have a lot of players growing up with a 10 foot rim and now you are going to change it on them," says Brewster. Although there are not many women who can dunk, there are some who can. This leaves players to believe it would be an unfair advantage. "I mean if you have a tall girl on your team you would have an advantage. You know, you could just throw her the ball and whatever, but it would take away from being good at defense, and you know offense and all that kind of stuff," describes Madi Buck, UND Women's Basketball Player. Giving vertically inclined women an upper hand, it would be easier for them to take the ball to the hoop. “I mean I think that we are athletic enough and good enough that we can play with the same height hoop. We may not be able to dunk it, but we can still make good plays,” says Buck. History shows over time players get more athletic. And soon there could be more dunks in a game, without changing the hoop.
One Churches Charity | Stephanie Scheurer reporting
A New Jersey church gave a generous donation to help another church in Grand Forks North Dakota after a flood devastated the area in 1997. Now the Grand Forks church is returning the favor. The flood that overtook Grand Forks North Dakota in 19-97 is a disheartening memory for the lives of many. St. Michael's Catholic Church was among those hit hard and suffered nearly four and a half million dollars in damage. "It was a feeling of did you want to give up? I mean it was just a hopeless, the town was just so deserted and it just felt like you were in a ghost town. I mean it was so unreal," says Delores Hackenberg, Retired Administrative Assistant. "Well, you know, I was kind of naïve. I thought well what the heck it'll dry out you know and we'll be back in business in two or three weeks. Well, it didn't quite work that way,” describes Father William Sherman. Among several donations the church received, one counterpart in Long Branch New Jersey gave a special gift. "They wanted our pastor to come out to their place, at St. Michael's church in New Jersey and talk and tell about the flood because they wanted to take up a collection for him," describes Hackenberg. Father Sherman returned with a generous donation of 12 thousand dollars. Little did they know that 15 years later, Hurricane Sandy would provide an opportunity for St. Michael's of Grand Forks to return the favor. "St. Michael's Church out there had helped us out. So I got a hold of the people at St. Michael's and said listen let's send some money out to them," explains Sherman. And as both congregations reflect on these tragic events, each is reminded that with the help of others, we can stay afloat. "You know if you have faith and continue to think it's going to get better and it does," describes Hackenberg.
Sled safety | Brianna Kump reporting
The trails can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Snowmobilers say the best plan of action is preparation. "You should make sure your snowmobile is in good operating condition, make sure there's enough snow where you're going, make sure you know what the conditions are like if you're going on ice make sure the ice is safe," says Steve Magnuson. The National Institute of Health says every year there are about 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries related to snowmobiles. Magnuson says in case of emergencies or accidents, it is advised you bring more than just yourself. "Spare spark plugs, spare belt, maybe a tow rope, small first aid kit, stuff like that," explains Magnuson. Snowmobiling can be an enjoyable adventure, an adventure that you should not go on alone. "In a group like that your chances of having an accident are less," describes Magnuson. On a snow-fuelled trip, safety experts say there is one thing you should always wear.
"Helmets are very important and in snowmobiling you seldom see anybody ride without a helmet. Mainly because they keep you real warm too," says Magnuson. It is always best to ride the snow on marked trails. This allows for riders to see obstacles and changes in terrain before they sled over them. "We have things like culverts and rocks and different things marked," describes Magnuson. He says the way to stay safest on your sled is to be prepared, ride with others, know your path and wear a helmet!
