By Ellen Ast
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Monday, April 7, 2008 12:00 am
Physician's annual decathlon is intended to raise diabetes awareness
SWEET HOME - Tim Hindmarsh, a Sweet Home family practitioner, hopes this year to see more people participate in the Act Alive Decathlon, set for Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.
The annual tradition started by Hindmarsh in 2005 on his 40th birthday has grown into a public awareness event about diabetes and the importance of getting enough exercise and nutritious foods every day to stay healthy.
"Diabetes is a disease with devastating consequences," Hindmarsh said. "The good news is that it can be treated and in some cases cured simply with diet and exercise."
On the evening of June 27, Hindmarsh will take on the first of 10 athletic events - windsurfing in the Columbia Gorge. He'll continue the next morning with skiing and snowboarding at Timberline Lodge, followed by three watersports - wakeboarding, barefooting and waterskiiing - and then motocross.
While Hindmarsh welcomes company in all his activities, he said the final three make up the focal point of his journey and invites as many people as possible to join him.
At 3 p.m. he'll hop on a bicycle and ride from his Sweet Home clinic,
629 Main St., to Pioneer School in Lebanon, 500 N. Fifth St. After a short break, he'll go skydiving at 5 p.m. and land in time for the last event, a 5-K run/walk. The run fee is $15 and includes a T-shirt, while walkers can stroll the course for free.
"The goal is to get as many people together enjoying activity," Hindmarsh said. "When you're in shape, you just feel better."
Hindmarsh also encourages vendors to set up booths and displays at the activity fair, which will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Pioneer School. He said anyone who wants to help spread education on healthy living may come and set up.
"That's what I really want to spark, and if that's what takes off, that's what I want to see the rest of the time."
Visit www.actalivenow.com for more information about the decathlon, including videos and photos from prior events.