>> Vote in the Health Hero Challenge here!
Name: Jeff Middleton
Occupation: FDR Golf Course program director, First Tee of Philadelphia, a golf program for kids.
Who or what motivates you to be healthy?
I am motivated to share the advantages that good health plays in our lives, both young and old, so that the facts are presented to make intelligent choices.
Describe a health or fitness related turning point in your life.
Realizing how much stress and excess weight affects stamina, aging, coping skills and general mental health.
What “policy” would you institute to make Philadelphia a healthier city?
“No more Cheez Whiz.” No, seriously, I would have more public service announcements about sugar, its dangers and all the places it lurks in foods.
What’s the most important part of your health or fitness regimen?
Limiting starches and sugars in my diet.
What is your No. 1 piece of health related advice or encouragement?
Know the facts: Eat right with proper portions, at the right times throughout the day. Exercise consistently with the proper nutrition and good eating habits.
We are glad to learn that you are interested in good health. We are also glad that your interest can also have a positive effect on your friends at First Tee and especially our grandson. We will be glad to vote for you and whatever the outcome may you have a great experience.
The First Tee is a Life Skills program delivered on a platform of golf. The First Tee and it’s many mentors, coaches and directors have made it possible for my son to thrive. When he first came to the First Tee, he was very medically fragile, severely traumatized for reasons other than medical, and barely mobile and breathing. Almost immediately, his outlook on life changed. Soon thereafter, because of the safe haven the First Tee made possible, and the positive nature and culture of The First Tee way of life, my son began to thrive, first emotionally, than physically, mentally and spiritually and ultimately medically. If I were to have one wish for every child in the City of Philadelphia, it would be to have the chance to have The First Tee Way of Life, (it’s nine core values, nine healthy habits and much more. . . including the opportunity to learn a life long sport while having their lives impacted upon positively) as part of their lives. To get to have Coach Jeff as part of their go to team. Give a kid a chance at life and take them to your local First Tee. Coach Jeff is a champion and example of healthy habits, positive living and the core values that make for successful life skill acquisition for kids. Shaking hands, respect for self, surroundings and other people. Doing well in school. Eating healthy, sleeping, drinking water. And at The First Tee at FDR in Philadelphia, you won’t find junk food or sugar. . .it’s a way of life that’s transforming lives one child (and really one adult and one family) at a time. Coach Jeff specifically works with each child on their life goals, health goals, and creates an awareness that each youth participant than begins to own – it’s about taking care of their bodies and minds and golf is the vehicle. He is a hero to many kids and many families, and schools and camps that get the chance for him to bring programming to them. He is a superman hero to us. You can find out more about The First Tee at thefirsttee.org. Because of Coach Jeff, Zakki has overcome obstacles that were beyond what anyone thought possible to overcome. Really him being nominated as a semi finalist is a thank you for the many lives he has impacted on his journey in life as a health hero.