When Oro Valley Town Council gave initial approval for the Aquatic Center in December 2011, it was with the vision that the facility would be both an economic driver for the town and an improvement to quality of life for our residents. It has been just two short months since our grand opening, and I am proud to announce that the facility has been an overwhelming success on both accounts.

Summer is just around the corner, and for many that means increased outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.

(NAPSI)As summer approaches, many of us are looking to find healthy ways to cut calories from our daily diet without sacrificing flavor. Asian-inspired salads are a great choice for lunch or dinner since they are highly flavorful, versatile and packed with nutrients. With all these attractive qualities, youll find yourself indulging in guilt-free freshness all summer long!

(NAPSI)—Seven months after joining the Army, Sgt. Ryan McIntosh stepped on an improvised explosive device during a routine orchard-clearing mission in Afghanistan. He came home with a deeper commitment to the uniform, despite losing his right leg below the knee.

(BPT) - It’s a widely known “secret” that family vacations aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. Traveling can be a costly hassle with too many negatives that overshadow the fun. That's why a growing number of Americans are rediscovering the fun that can be had at home, and taking steps to make their backyards as inviting and enjoyable as any far-off vacation destination.

(BPT) - It’s got all the hallmarks of a great home improvement – adds value, enhances livability and beauty, and creates a perfect gathering spot for family and friends. So why wouldn’t you add a swimming pool to your outdoor living space?

Northwest Fire District firefighters and paramedics were called to the 8200 block of North Equator Loop just before midnight after receiving a 9-1-1 call indicating that a small child had been found in the backyard swimming pool. The home is near Cortaro Farms and Oldfather Roads. The initial 9-1-1 call was received at 11:43pm. Bystanders reported that the child was pulled from the pool where CPR instructions were given from 9-1-1 dispatchers until Northwest Fire crews arrived 4 minutes later.

(BPT) - Summer is approaching and many parents will be sending their children off to camp. If your child wears hearing aids and is set to attend a summer camp for kids of all abilities, here are five things you can do to help your child get the most from his or her summer camp experience:

(NAPSI)The warmer months mean social gatherings, travel and an active outdoor lifestyle. Ensure that you take the appropriate steps to stay safe and healthy this summer so you can have fun with confidence.

Just about all the actors in “The Big Wedding” are severely typecast. Diane Keaton is a high-strung, divorced mother like in “Something’s Gotta Give,” Robert De Niro is the father of somebody getting married like in “Meet the Fockers,” Amanda Seyfried is a blushing bride like in “Mamma Mia,” Robin Williams is an eccentric minister like in “License to Wed,” Topher Grace is a deadpan, quick-witted nice guy like in “That ‘70s Show,” and Katherine Heigl is a needy single woman like in every movie she does. Even though the actors are in their comfort zones, not a single person feels natural in “The Big Wedding.” That’s probably because the film doesn’t understand its own characters or their motivations. Nobody behind the camera has any idea what they’re doing, resulting in one of the most awkward romantic comedies of recent memory.

Those aches and creaks when you roll over in the morning can often become more common as the years go by. Age-related changes in your bones, muscles and joints are a fact of life, but they’re also preventable – don’t assume that those creaking noises and pain are an inevitable part of aging. There are many things you can do to prevent pain, as well as reduce your risk for diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis.

(NAPSI)—As you get older, your risk for health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, increases. You also have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes if you have a family history of the disease. But it’s never too late to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Research shows that modest weight loss through healthy eating and being active can help to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people over age 60.

“Age of Champions” is the inspiring story of a group of athletes—a 100-year-old tennis champion, 86-year-old pole vaulter, team of basketball grandmothers, and the two swimming brothers— all chasing gold at the National Senior Games. The film captures the triumphant spirit of these competitors as they tackle the challenges of old age with grace, humor, and optimism. Win or lose, they inspire us all to follow our dreams and find purpose at any stage of life. 

Splendido resident, Dr. Earl Terp, has competed in numerous Senior Olympics events and garnered scores of medals through his years of competition. A longtime recreational swimmer, Terp began competitive swimming for his high school team in Chicago, and never hung up his swim trunk when he retired to Splendido, where he regularly uses the community’s saline pool and enjoys fitness in retirement. 

(BPT) - “Do as I say, not as I do,” has never been an exemplary parenting style. As childhood obesity has more than doubled over the past 30 years, the need for an active lifestyle has never been greater. If parents make fitness a priority, chances are their kids will too.

(NAPSI)—Summer is right around the corner, and for many families, that means it’s the season for pool time fun. Swimming is not only the ideal way to cool off, it’s also great exercise and supports a healthy lifestyle.

(NAPSI)--It’s a bright idea to save your skin from the damage that can come from too much sun. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can put you at risk for skin cancer, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Today’s seniors are leading active lives, filling their time with travel and new experiences.  While staying active is great for one’s general well-being and happiness, continuous travel provides many challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Do you wish those late-night TV commercials for magic anti-aging serums were true? Well, if you’re looking for a miracle cure that can make you look and feel younger, as well as help prevent disease and increase your lifespan, then look no further than the nearest gym. 

Set along the high Sonoran Desert near the Tortolita Mountains, the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers a scenic getaway for locals and tourists, who will find a luxurious southwestern resort experience with their stay.

(NAPSI)—While a pool party can be a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and family, taking a few extra steps can help your event sparkle as much as your pool.

Looking to bring national attention to Oro Valley, the town council voted unanimously last year to fund a major expansion of the Aquatic Center.