Texas Monthly Must Die
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“The same goes for you, Sting!”
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Nature Conservancy Urges Parents To Take Their Kids Outdoors — Growing Research Shows ‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’ Negatively Affects Children’s Health
Growing Research Shows ‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’
Negatively Affects Children’s Health
SAN ANTONIO With the arrival of the summer holidays, The Nature Conservancy of Texas reminds parents across the state that children who play outdoors and spend time in nature are happier and healthier. A growing body of research shows that children throughout the developed world are spending far less time outdoors than ever before, with potential consequences for childhood health and fitness issues.
“The overuse of electronic forms of entertainment can have adverse effects on the physical and emotional health of our children if they don’t balance those sedentary activities by spending adequate time playing outdoors,” said Dr. Joseph Goldzieher, a retired San Antonio endocrinologist and longtime member of The Nature Conservancy.
“For example, rampant childhood obesity, caused in part by inactivity, is a major contributor to the rise of both juvenile and adult-onset diabetes in children, and this has been a troubling and growing problem in Texas in recent years.”
Dr. Goldzieher adds that in addition to being less active and prone to obesity, children of the digital age who don’t spend time enjoying and playing in nature may display higher levels of stress, reduced ability to concentrate and less aptitude for creative problem solving – a non-scientific, social condition dubbed “nature-deficit disorder” by journalist Richard Louv in his popular book, “Last Child in the Woods.”
“Now that summer is here and children are out of school, parents need to redouble their efforts to get their young ones outside to play in nature,” Dr. Goldzieher said. “It will improve both their physical and mental health. Even if families are unable to take extended outdoor trips this summer, simple activities such as taking kids to a local park or a hike near their home on a regular basis will make a world of difference.”
Ongoing research supported by The Nature Conservancy, by professors Oliver Pergams, assistant professor of biological studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Patricia Zardiac, a fellow with the Environmental Leadership Program, point to a dramatic decrease in camping, backpacking, fishing, hiking, hunting and visits to public parks in recent years. Their studies suggest that since 1981, nature-related activities have declined between 18 percent and 25 percent, with a per capita decline in nature recreation of between 1 and 1.3 percent per year.
“Nearly everyone I talk to who supports wildlife conservation fondly recalls a love and appreciation for nature he or she developed as a child,” said Jeff Francell, director of land and water protection for The Nature Conservancy of Texas, and the father of two daughters, ages 4 and 6.
“If we lose our connection to the natural world, we’ll lose our understanding of the source of our food, our clean water and our clean air,” said Francell, who is based in Austin. “Over generations, without a personal awareness of what nature provides, we are not likely to feel compelled or even to understand how to protect it.”
Dr. Goldzieher said his personal experience illustrates how exposure to nature early in life can profoundly affect one’s view of the world. “Summer camping as a pre-teen and teenager was a life-changing experience for me,” he said.
Tarrant County
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Feeling The Rain — Rhonda Towns Hits Classic Country Vibes With Dobie Gray Single ‘Slow Rain’
Rhonda Towns Hits Classic Country Vibes
With Dobie Gray Single ‘Slow Rain’
NASHVILLE Songwriter Dobie Gray, who with Ricky Ray Rector and Bud Reneau wrote the single “Slow Rain,” says that singer Rhonda Towns’ recording illustrates that “She has faith in this song and, as a writer, I can tell you, she delivers it. At the risk of making comparisons, her style reminds me a lot of one of my all-time favorite country artists, John Anderson.”
Scott Soderberg of KAUS-Austin, Minn., describes the singer as having a “magical sound reminiscent of days gone by when Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette brought the women of country music to the foreftont of a male-dominated industry.” He added that Towns broke ground for women of color with the release of “Somethin’ Better’ and “I Wanna Be Loved By You.” Now, her new single, “Slow Rain,” is “drawing strong play requests from U-S Country 99.9 listeners,” he added.
Jim Patrick, of KIKT-FM, Greenville, Texas, says that “In this world of ‘cookie cutter’ singers, Rhonda Towns is one that breaks the mold. For proof, just listen to ‘Slow Rain.” Crank it up and enjoy because you’re listening to a rare talent that deserves to be heard! Rhonda is talented, creative, beautiful, and oozes the ‘IT factor!'”
The mesmerizing singer is the daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. James Towns. Rhonda was led to her career by the sounds of music that filled the church and spiritual guidance from her father and mother.
“Music has always been a part of my life,” she said. “My dad’s a minister and I starting singing in the church choir at a very young age. Faith and music are just in my blood.”
By the age of four, Rhonda, who is affectionately nicknamed Sissy, sang side-by-side with the adults in the choir at her father’s church. Her curls barely reaching her father’s knee, Rhonda’s voice echoed the entire house of worship.
As a fourth grader, Rhonda entered her very first talent show at her elementary school, winning first place for two consecutive years in the school’s competition. The attention drew scouts from a local weekly country music television show that invited Rhonda to become a regular talent. After serious family discussions and careful consideration, the decision was made to decline the offer as her mother and father decided Rhonda was entirely too young to begin her music career. Her education was paramount and Rhonda concentrated on school.
However, she entertained her classmates after school, performing (by request) at the front of the bus every afternoon. She enjoyed participating in public speaking, volleyball, track and field, the student body government, cheerleading, and of course, the school choir. By the time she graduated from high school, Rhonda was known by the church, her classmates, and the entire community as the entertainer.
Rhonda attended college and pursued vocal training. An active student, she entered and won the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Miss Black Culture Pageantthe pageant’s primary concentrations were intelligence, talent and beauty. During her two years at the university, Rhonda became a valued member of the university gospel choir.
Like many female music artists, Towns credits her musical influences to Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, and Vince Gill.
“Reba has such strength and power in her voice. Patsy was soulful, bluesy, and had a unique country sound. She was way before her time. Loretta Lynn has an authentic sweet country voice that I truly be
Colors In The Sky
CHINA
Iconoclast Newsbriefs
Texas
Judge Nixes Case Against Texas Dems
AUSTIN, Texas
