It’s that time of year to celebrate “Father’s Day”. As we get closer to the day, the more memories of activities I have of my father. I am my father’s son in so many ways, the personality traits, the love of music, the desire to help people less fortunate, looking for ways to make the world better….etc. I cherish my memories of him and even though he has passed, there isn’t a day that I don’t think about him. May you enjoy the upcoming Father’s Day and please use it as a day to make your father feel cherished and loved.
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I’m often asked how the Soapbox newsletter came about. Well, one of the founders of Petra actually published the first edition of the Soapbox back in 1996. Ben Whitham furnished me with the very first edition he published and through modern technology, we are able to share this edition with you. I joined Petra that same year and seeing the very first Soapbox brings back many memories. I hope you enjoy it.
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Live Purple is an organization of athletic clubs that are on the front lines in trying to help with the huge crisis of opioid addiction. In the late 1990s many Americans were diagnosed with chronic pain, estimated to affect around 100 million people or a third of the US population. This led to a push by drug companies and the federal government to expand the use of painkiller opioids. But when some patients continue to take the medication beyond what a doctor prescribes, whether to minimize pain or to enjoy the euphoric feelings it gives, it marks the beginning stages of a deadly addiction. Over time, tolerance develops and a person needs to use more to get the same effect. Dependence, or addiction, occurs when a person relies on the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Athletic clubs associated with Live Purple are implementing programs to help people deal with opioid addition. I would encourage you to read the content furnished by Live Purple and contact them on how to become involved.
In doing research on Live Purple, I met with Dr. Gail Krivan, MD who is a specialist and “Board Certified” in dealing with addiction and primarily opioid addiction. She believes there is a need for facilities that can support patients who are dealing with opioids and she has found in her practice that exercise and physical activity certainly speeds the healing process. I had no idea how deep the crisis is and Doctor Gail assured me the opioid crisis exceeds everyone’s imagination. I encourage you to join me in supporting Live Purple and help make a difference in people’s lives.
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Here at the Soapbox, we like to support the regional IHRSA organization such as Macma (on the east coast) and Fitlife on the west coast. If you are interested in supporting the regional IHRSA organizations, please review their content. Their summer conferences are worthy of attending and I plan on attending both events. Kerry Campbell facilitates Macma and Neal Simpson oversees activities at Fitlife. Both venues provide sessions on a number of topics that are educational and fun. I look forward to meeting you at these events.
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Finally, if your facility is a user of equipment wipes, we need to talk. Petra-1 is one of the largest providers of “antiseptic” equipment wipes in North America. If you provide me the opportunity to quote on our equipment wipe offerings, I believe we can save you money. Besides lowering your equipment wipes pricing, we also provide free freight.
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I appreciate your interest in the Soapbox newsletter and if you have a suggestion, question or comment, its always appreciated.
John
John Mickelson's Soap Box 