How Strong Is Your Back?
Healthy posture and proper form is a product of a strong back. A weak back is what can lead to problems with posture, form, and further health issues. Your back is divided into two parts: Upper and Lower. The upper back provides a foundation for the shoulder girdle and supports our head and neck. The lower back is primarily involved in lifting, carrying and supporting our upright posture. The muscles in your back help dictate how these limbs can function and how much protection surrounds your spine. Your spine is highly important to the functioning of your body and condition of your health. Having a strong back will help you with mobility, day to day movement, lifting, holding proper posture and even boost your confidence. When you have a stronger back, you walk more upright and hold your head high, showing confidence in your stride. Having a strong back also helps improve your quality of life. A strong lower back will help keep your hip flexors and core in good shape for functional movements or training. Your lower back will also play a huge role in supporting your posture and helping with daily tasks such as lifting, standing, sitting and squatting with proper form.
Let’s go fishin’: Crab season to begin Saturday
Crab season is starting soon, rockfish are still on the bite and the 35th annual Albacore Feed is Nov. 10. The days may be getting shorter, but there are tons of fun fishing options to be had.
Healthy Living: Three delicious Kale recipes
Until about eight years ago, not a single bunch of kale, collards or Swiss chard made its way into my grocery cart. Those giant coarse leaves intimidated me. I had no idea how to cook them, and I wasn’t even sure if I would like them.
Red Sox capture Scotts Valley Little League Majors championship in walk-off thriller
Scotts Valley Little League (SVLL) Majors Red Sox capped off a dominant season with a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win over the Blue Jays in the championship game on June 4 at Siltanen Park.
Finishing the regular season atop the standings with a 10-2 record, the...
News Briefs | Published Dec. 13, 2024
Scotts Valley PD to conduct DUI checkpoint Friday night
Scotts Valley Police Department will be partnering with Santa Cruz PD, CHP and State Parks to conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 13, from 9pm-1am at an undisclosed location within the...
The Mountain Gardener: “ ‘Tis the Season”
With the colder rainy weather, my feathered friends appreciate the seed in the feeders I have around my house much more than when it is warm and dry. The Anna’s hummingbirds still frequent their feeders regularly now that the pineapple sage flowers and flowering maple are about the only nectar source in my garden. I strive to attract wildlife to my garden with the right plants, water and shelter.
Animal shelter welcomes new general manager
The Board of Directors for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) has unanimously appointed Amber Rowland as the next general manager.
Rowland will oversee shelter, field and outreach operations with an annual budget of approximately $5 million and 30 employees.
With 17 years in the...
Nature Friendly: Walk among redwoods
My home is encircled by fairy rings. But before you envision my dog, Bucky, and me hiding out at night to see if the wee little ones will appear, let me explain that these are rings of redwoods.
Valley People: Twin Lakes pastor brings energy, enthusiasm to county flock
Rene Schlaepfer, senior pastor of Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, has an incredible ability to reach out and transform others with his message about God's unconditional love and grace. He is known for his practical, relevant teaching, and contemporary style as well as for the enthusiasm and high energy he brings to his countywide congregation — which includes many from the Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley.
Felton Celebrates 150
The town of Felton is 150 years old, and townsfolk are gearing up to throw a grand anniversary bash. The town party will include historical presentations of Felton's early days, which will be on display at Felton Community Hall and the Felton Fire Station, 4 bands, dancing, various other entertainment and of course, lots of local food and drink, shopping, kids events, crafts and more.
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...