This is not a movie review site, but….

I was reasonably convinced that I was the last person on earth to see Avatar, but apparently I am not. I finally got to see it last night, and all I can say is WOW! If the movie had no plot at all it would be worth seeing if only for the visuals. As it is, it has a pretty good plot, and is just a joy to watch. Go see Avatar. Go see it on a big screen. Go today.

My daughter’s first blog post:

My daughter really wanted to post on my blog. Ella is a 9 year old student and gymnast. She is very fitness oriented, and an enthusiastic supporter of Back Together (being my daughter and all…)  I have only edited these a little, so from out of the mouth of babes:

Hey! Ella (Dr. Andy’s daughter) here. First, thanks for coming to my dad’s website! He really appreciates all the support that you folks offer!

Here are a few suggestions that will help improve your daily life:

Every day when I wake up, i like to stretch. It really helps. Also, I like to do some conditioning work each day. Simply doing a few sit ups or push ups can tremendously improve your strength. Next, I really think that it is vital to take daily walks.

Also WATH YOUR DIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!- I have made rules that you really should follow:

Rule number one: Avoid trans fats. This can improve your eating habits.

Rule number two: Read the label!!!!!!!! As an example why, yesterday I went to the store and I got some tuna salad. What I did not notice was that it had 40 grams of fat!!!!!!!!!!(how did they get all that fat in there??????)

Rule number three: Watch the sweets they really add up.

Most important of all is to simply enjoy life.

Not bad for a first post, if I may pat my kid on the back for a moment!!

Update on the Fitness Challenge:

Well, I am just ending week 2 of the fitness challenge. I have done a pretty good job of sticking to my own rules here- a couple of minor slip ups here & there, but overall doing well. I had my first weigh in on Friday, and found that in two weeks I managed to lose 2 pounds. Not much, but this is a healthy pace, and slow & steady wins the race!

I have gotten a bunch of ‘before’ stories from people who feel that  weight has caused or exacerbated their back pain. I am amazed by some of the stories some of you have- it is remarkable to hear some of the different ways back pain has affected many of your lives. As I said before, my editorial staff will chose one that they think is the best, and it’s author will win a whole bunch of goodies from Back Together as well as some other folks who have kindly contributed.

Hope your weekend has gone well so far…

-Andy

One of Ella's first photographs.