Convention 2018 Issue

Virginia

LIFELINE

Convention 2018 The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

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VAVRS President Submitted by Scott Davis, VAVRS President As quickly as last Convention went by, we are here again. First, I want to thank you, the VAVRS for your faith in me to lead this organization into the future. The trust that you all put in me to guide the Association has not been misplaced. This year has been full of trials and challenges and we, as an Association, have met them head on.

We have, as voted on last year, added the position of Executive Director, and we have the absolute right man in that position. Matt Henke has not only brought new and great fundraising ideas to the table, he has brought a fresh set of eyes to help us see where improvements can be made.

You will hear reports that we have moved forward, as requested by the BOG’s, to combine our Convention with the Virginia State Firefighter’s Association (VSFA) Convention. The Convention Committee has worked extremely hard to make this happen and next year’s Convention will be held in Hampton with the VSFA. Many thanks to Wayne Myers and the Rescue College Committee for another great year and lots of wonderful training.

The future of the Association is bright with lots of new things on the horizon. We are taking fresh looks at the entire Association including training, functions, recruitment and retention to better assist you, our members.

AVAVRS President Adarah Williams and VAVRS President Scott Davis displaying their Outstanding Officer Awards received during the 2017 VAVRS Convention.

Again, thanks to all the Officers that I have had the pleasure to serve with this past year. I am excited about the direction we are moving and look forward to serving you, our members as VAVRS President for the 2018-2019 term.

Thanks, and God Bless, Scott Davis, VAVRS President

2018 Annual Campaign Your support allows us to continue to provide the best training possible for our first responders.

Your donation will go towards: 1. Repairing and upgrading our training equipment, trailers and vehicles 2. Providing training materials, manuals, brochures and books 3. Helping to fund educational conferences for our instructors and first responders 4. Providing needed technology for instructors 5. Providing ongoing education for our instructors and staff Click on the “Network for Good” button on the VAVRS.com Home Page to help support our training efforts.

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2017-2018 VAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Scott Davis Vice President - Connie Moore Secretary - Wesley Melson Treasurer - Wayne Rapp Training Officer - Curtis Crawford Chaplain - Gary Dalton Chaplain Emeritus - Page Entsminger Historian - Dreama Chandler Immediate Past President - Kim Craig Chief Rescue Officer - John Craig Editor - Gary Dalton Parliamentarian - J. C. Phillips Facilities Manager - George Langford Legal Advisor - Mary Malone Medical Advisor - Dr. Scott Hayes District 1 Vice President - Nick Brown District 2 Vice President - Carolyn White District 3 Vice President - Chris Snyder District 5 Vice President - Mike Smoot District 6 Vice President - Scottie Adams District 7 Vice President - Toby Akers District 8 Vice President - Thomas Tomlin District 9 Vice President - Dwayne Stanley District 10 Vice President - Byron Andrews Executive Director - Matt Henke Training Coordinator - Kathy Eubank Office Assistant - Cindy Bailey Bookkeeper - Cynthia Babb Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes

Membership - Connie Moore Human Resources - Connie Moore Bylaws - Bruce Stratton Life Membership - Mike Moore Publication - Gary Dalton Convention - Tarry Pribble Convention Co Chair - Bubby Bish Finance - Wayne Rapp Future Vision - Kenny Frenier EMS Advisory Board - Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board - Dreama Chandler Rescue College - Wayne Myers New Course Development - Jason Morgan Scholarship - Greg Burton Public Relations Social Media - Wesley Melson Recruitment & Retention - Wesley Melson Rescue Hall of Fame - Lin Matthews EMS Exchange - Kevin Dillard Legislative - Bubby Bish Information Technology - Steve Ayers Camporee Event - Scott Masincup Nominating - Kevin Dillard

2017-2018 VAJVRS Officers President - Adarah Williams Vice President - Brandon Propst Secretary/Treasurer - Sheriz Chisley-Strickler Historian - Kimber Murphy Chaplain - Maryellen West Advisor Chair - Alfred Smith

2017-2018 AVAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs President - Ailease Short Vice President - Fay Browning Secretary - Vickie Arnold Treasurer - Elsie Butler Chaplain - Clara Craig Historian - Linda Berkstresser Parliamentarian - Carolyn Brand Immediate Past President - Harry Householder Midwestern Vice President - Garland Linkous Northeastern Vice President - Marie Householder Southcentral Vice President - Joan Smoot Southeastern Vice President - Judy Frame Southwestern Vice President - Diane Haga Western Vice President - Laura Booze

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Convention - Maxine Kerns Convention - Ruth Swicegood Nominating - Fern Puckett Life Membership - Dolores Hudson Emergency Care - Nellie Sue Ritchie Roll Call - Christie Jefferies Roll Call - Valerie Becker Fundraising - Stacey Frame Fundraising - Tracey Frame

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Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE Deadline for future issues are as follows: Oct 1, 2018 for the 4th Quarter 2018 Issue

Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.

Jan 1, 2019 for the 1st Quarter 2019 Issue April 1, 2019 for the 2nd Quarter 2019 Issue July 1, 2019 for the 3rd Quarter 2019 Issue Sept 1, 2019 for the Convention 2019 Issue

Contact the VAVRS Editor (editor@vavrs.com) if you need assistance submitting to the publication.

Oct 1, 2019 for the 4th Quarter 2019 Issue Jan 1, 2020 for the 1st Quarter 2020 Issue

Advertising Rates:

April 1, 2020 for the 2nd Quarter 2020 Issue

Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00

Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS. Feature articles are encouraged.

Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

From the Editor, One of the issues that each non-profit organization faces is communications. How do we get information to our members so we can continue to grow. To keep our membership informed about news within the organization and to attract new members is a daunting task and takes work. The challenge is actually the responsibility of all of us. In our busy lives, we are pulled in all directions and often we overlook opportunities that are right in front of us. An example of that is this publication. It seems such a simple and effortless task to take a photo, write a short message or story about a training or successful service delivery. To submit that information to VIRGINIA LIFELINE would allow us to share it with our entire membership and spread the pride you have for your organization.

For over 22 years I have been involved with LIFELINE and even though we continue to have a publication that we are proud of it still lacks the information that could benefit many within our membership. Stories about our members that serve in the military, members that advance their EMS careers into other medical related fields, agency tenure anniversaries, news from the past, new trends in EMS, equipment for sale or give-a-way, training opportunities, participation in community events and just about anything that you think our network of EMS providers could benefit, yes, even humor (that was for the Rescue Ranger).

This next year, make an effort to keep your neighbors advised and your association aware of the pride you have in your membership and agency. Share it with others. The deadline for each quarter of the LIFELINE is the 1st day of the quarter and made available on-line at VAVRS.com and in the mail by the 15th of that same month.

Share your pride—share your success—share and see the reputation of your agency grow right in front of the eyes of the entire membership of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.

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The Chaplain Connection Corner Submitted by Gary Dalton, VAVRS Chaplain

Welcome to the 2018 Convention.

I pray that the weather is wonderful, your experience is memorable and your network of EMS fellowship, friends and family grow stronger because of the this event and the training offered.

On the following five pages you will see photos of the VAVRS members that have left our midst since September 1, 2017. Each of these than eighty individuals will be memorialized during the 2018 VAVRS Convention Memorial Service on Saturday night. I hope you will attend and participate in our salute to their service and memory.

This past year has been particularly difficult for many of us, especially those of us whom have been longtime participants in the VAVRS activities. An unprecedented five members of the Virginia Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame died this past year as well as two VAVRS Past Presidents, one AVAVRS Past President and seven Life Members of our associations. The number of years of service just between those seven individuals is staggering and they are truly missed, each and every day, not only by us but their families and communities. They left their influence on each of us by their dedication to service and their servant leadership. We should remember that though death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Our Association is built on this premise: “The VAVRS shall promote and assist member rescue squads in improving pre-hospital emergency care in Virginia.” Surely each of these individuals worked diligently to assure our mission and it is our responsibility to continue their service.

Look at their faces, realize that their lives here with us may be over but their reward is great because of God’s promise of eternal life to each of us for a life well lived.

"And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." – 1 John 5:11 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life."

– John 5:24 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

– John 3:16 My thanks to you for allowing me to serve as your Chaplain for the past years comes from deep within my heart. I remain true to the premise that together we can do great things to promote and assist member rescue squads in improving pre-hospital emergency care in Virginia.

God Bless each and every one. Be kind to one another. Be Safe.

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PARLIAMENTARY LAW: Did you know?

Submitted by J. C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian Did you know that VAVRS and AVAVRS Life Members are still Life Members even if their original organization is no longer in existence?

When you were honored by being voted into Life Membership, you were a member of your local organization. It is not your fault if that organization does not exist in the future.

If you are a Life Member of your local Squad or Auxiliary and they are no longer an organization then you are no longer a Life Member, or hold any type of membership in that Squad or Auxiliary. You would be known as a former Life Member if that is the membership you held.

If you are a Life Member of a district, you will need to check with that District’s Parliamentarian or the District Bylaws to see if you will still hold that honor if your local Squad or Auxiliary is no longer in existence.

If you are an Active Member of your local Squad or Auxiliary and the organization goes out of business or has its Charter revoked, you cannot be a member of an organization that does not exist.

If you wish to stay involved in the VAVRS or AVAVRS as a member, officer, committee chair or a committee member, you must join another Squad or Auxiliary as quickly as possible. As VAVRS Parliamentarian, I continue to receive questions on this subject. I hope the above explanation helps.

Virginia EMS Symposium - November 7-11, 2018 - Norfolk, VA VAVRS Instructor Update - March 2, 2019 - Oilville, VA VAVRS Spring BOG Meeting - March 30, 2019 - Roanoke, VA VAVRS Rescue College - June 7-16, 2019 - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA VAVRS Convention - August 7-10, 2019 - Hampton, VA Virginia EMS Symposium - November 5-9, 2018 - Norfolk, VA

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Welcome to Virginia Beach & Convention 2018 Submitted by: Ailease Short AVAVRS President Well, here we are again at Convention in Virginia Beach.

We have a great Convention planned for you and hope everyone will enjoy their stay. With headquarters being back on the oceanfront for the first time in many years, I hope everyone will enjoy the beach when you get a chance.

We had to make many changes this year, but we have certainly not let it get us down. The Convention Committee has a lot of great activities planned and hope you will take advantage of them.

Please attend our meetings as we have some fun things being planned throughout the week.

We will start by kicking off our festivities with a Hospitality Room at the Headquarters - Holiday Inn at 39th Street on

Wednesday night for those already in town. The exact location will be posted in the hotel lobby.

Please come by – we would love to see you.

There will be plenty of food and fellowship.

Don’t forget the Convention Opening scheduled for Thursday morning at 9 a.m. at the Convention Center and the picnic on Thursday night. On Friday night we will have the Casino Night again at the Convention Center. There will be lots of prizes so don’t miss out.

Please take time to give Maxine Kerns and Ruth Swicegood a great big thank you for getting this convention off the ground and rolling.

I want to thank all of you for “Leaving Footprints For Others To Follow” during this past year. Ya’ll have all done a great job and I commend each of you for a job well done.

AVAVRS Convention Committee took time out to attend Delores Hudson’s 80th Birthday Bash in Rocky Mount, VA. L-R- Ailease Short, Ruth Swicegood, Dolores Hudson, and Maxine Kerns.

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Like sands through the hour glass so are the days of our lives - so let’s enjoy our time here and the fellowship of others.

I have enjoyed serving as your president this past year and look forward to the upcoming year.

Thanks for all your help. You are a great team.

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AVAVRS Convention Chair 2018

Greetings AVAVRS Members & Friends! What a fast paced year & now it’s time to recognize the accomplishments of the 2017—2018 term! Everyone is to be commended & applauded for all that you do! As we prepare to celebrate during this exciting week, please take time to indulge, share information, fellowship, and visit with friends from across the state! Good luck to everyone who plans to compete!

A special thanks to AVAVRS President Ailease Short for using her pom-poms and encouraging officers & members to leave footprints for others to follow. We also extend thanks to the VAVRS for their support of events and opportunities provided not just this week…...but throughout the year!

Although we bid farewell to many beloved members and supporters, we are reminded of their impact and legacy and carry on the important mission….of promoting the VAVRS! We are truly blessed, to be part of this fine family!

Please check out all the events, let us know if you need anything, take time to participate, but most of all….have fun at the Convention and ENJOY!

Maxine Kerns, 2018 AVAVRS Convention Chair Official

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AVAVRS Convention 2018 …. WHERE TO BE ……. WHEN TO BE…… Check List !!!

Please join the AVAVRS September 26-30, 2018

AVAVRS Convention Check List

Wednesday, September 26  Registration/ID Badge pickup 9a @ Convention Center 19th Street 16 & Up $50.00 Packet required/ID to enter VAVRS events: Opening, Picnic, Casino, etc.  AVAVRS Hospitality 6-8 pm, Fay Browning’s Rm.@Holiday Inn, 3900 Atlantic Ave. Food & Fellowship Thursday, September 27  Registration/ID Badge pickup 9a @ Convention Center 19th Street  Opening @ 9 am @ Convention Center 19th Street, Suite 5  9am, Vendor/Exhibits display @ Convention Center Hall C  Delegate’s Meeting @ 1 pm @ Convention Center, Suite 1, order Sat breakfast ticket (s)  PICNIC @ Camp Pendleton 5:00—7:30 pm, pass needed, ID, etc.

Friday, September 28  Registration/ID Badge pickup 9a @ Convention Center 19th Street  AVAVRS Life Member Breakfast Convention Center @ Tower Café Doors open 7 am, eat 7:30 am  9am, Vendor/Exhibits display @ Convention Center Hall C  AVAVRS Business Meeting @ 10 am @ Convention Center, Suite 1  Parade @ 7 pm Laskin & Atlantic to 19th St **weather permitting  Casino Night @ 8-11 pm, Convention Center, family fun for all!

Saturday, September 29  AVAVRS Business Meeting Convention Center Suite 5 Doors open 7 am, Breakfast 8 am, $10.00 breakfast ticket required to enter: 7 am & 8 am  AVAVRS Business Meeting @ 9 am; Convention Center, Suite 5, those without a breakfast ticket  AFTER Business meeting: incoming AVAVRS Officers meet: installation details & pictures!  Scrapbook pick up @ 12:00 pm  Incoming officers pictures @ 3 pm, Convention Center  Installation & Awards Convention Center Ballrooms 1 & 2, doors open 3:30 Sunday, September 20  9/30 Incoming AVAVRS Officers meeting Holiday Inn 3900 Atlantic Ave., 9 am This itinerary indicates where to be! Auxiliary members, family and friends are an important part of the AVAVRS! Please join us and help celebrate! Make plans to visit, share information, fellowship & fun, & leave footprints for others to follow! You are a blessing to the AVAVRS!!!! ☺ Questions? See Maxine Kerns, Ruth Swicegood, or Ailease Short. Thanks!!! ☺

Please check the VAVRS Bulletin Board daily & access vavrs.com for updates!

Also remember to bring door prizes Thu, Fri & Sat. Thanks for staying in touch & Enjoy!!!

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Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad and LifeCare Medical Transports Make Virginia State Police Dream a Reality Submitted by: Sue Willis Connors, LifeCare Medical Transports Thanks to the generosity of Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad along with the support of LifeCare Medical Transports, the Virginia State Police have a new addition to their fleet: An ambulance donated by the members of the Sterling Squad with graphics donated by LifeCare.

On November 17, 2017, the Sterling Rescue Squad officially made this donation to the Virginia State Police.

The following was posted on the Sterling Agency’s Facebook page, “Every day Virginia State Police trainees, troopers, special agents and officers from other agencies train at the 600-acre Driver Training Complex in Blackstone, working on multiple firearms ranges, a high-speed driving track and in countless other training scenarios. In the past if an emergency occurred, the closest ambulance could be up to 40 minutes away.

Now, it’s in the parking lot.”

According to this post, “Special Agent Adam Galton, Coordinator of the Virginia State Police Operational Medical Support Unit, said the soon-to-be fully outfitted ambulance will be used by state police troopers and agents, who are certified EMTs and paramedics, to provide immediate care until responding paramedics arrive. While it won’t be used as a transport vehicle, it will serve as a resource for rehabilitation and resuscitation support if an emergency were to occur at the Blackstone training facility.”

“Galton explained that there is no longer room in today’s public safety environment for there to be an “us versus them” among law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services agencies. He said all branches of public safety must work together to support each other and the citizens of Virginia.”

“Assistant Chief Robin Davis with Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad echoed the sentiment, noting emergency medical response is no longer exclusively handled by rescue squads. A 30-year veteran of public safety and former law enforcement officer, Davis said he is glad to have witnessed the public safety industry evolve to the point that medical training has been incorporated by so many agencies.”

On July 1, 2018, members of the Virginia State Police including Special Agent Adam Galton, came to the LifeCare corporate offices in Stafford County, Virginia, to take possession of the finished product. The “new” Virginia State Police ambulance, now known as OMSU-1 (Operational Medical Support Unit 1) is designed using the same colors found on Virginia State Police cruisers. It includes a specially designed logo for the OMSU. On the back of the vehicle at the base of the chevron markings are the tributes to those who made this dream a reality: Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad for the generous donation of the ambulance, and Official

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The photos are of the November 17th donation; the July 1st dedication; and the back of the ambulance showing the “thank you” to Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad and LifeCare Medical Transports.

LifeCare Medical Transports, for providing the identifiable Virginia State Police graphics. LifeCare President Kevin Dillard thanked the Sterling Squad for their donation, and added, “We are so fortunate here in Virginia to have such a strong partnership with all of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement and all emergency services.”

Assistant Chief Davis of Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad shared the sentiments of his squad as well as those of LifeCare’s leadership, “This ambulance has seen 109,000 miles and saved countless lives. I’m glad to know it will continue its public service supporting a very special community of law enforcement.”

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Let’s increase our membership together—contact a neighboring squad and invite them to become a Member of VAVRS! Remind them of the benefits: 

Rescue College

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Statewide Recognition

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Attend Free Trainings

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Member only Opportunities

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District Meetings

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VAVRS State Office

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Death Benefit Plan

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Scholarships

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Board of Governors meetings

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Social Opportunities

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Association Directory

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Legislative

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Lifeline Magazine

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Getting Started in the Field

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Association Discounts

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EMS Organizational Navigation

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Advance your Leadership

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Advertising your Organization

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Family Activities

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Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 (800)833-0602 (804)749-8191 Website: www.vavrs.com Email: vavrs@vavrs.com

Need A Specific Training Class go to WWW.VAVRS.COM… click on TRAINING Register on line...Sign up today Having an in-depth understanding of your needs and goals is the way we SERVE you The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees.

When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS. When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

K. E. Dear Kathy,

Dear Rescue Ranger, Is chocolate bad for me?

S. D. Dear Sarah, Are you crazy? Cocoa beans... Another vegetable It's the best, feel-good food around!

Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise.

Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. Have a cookie... flour is a veggie!

your name, can you hear it?"

Bubby Dear B. B., Great question—Is the vacuum on or off?"

“I came, I saw, I forgot what I was doing, retraced my steps, got lost on the way back, now I have no idea what’s going on.”

"When life hands you lemons, ask for a bottle of tequila and salt."

Dear Rescue Ranger, What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

C. B. Dear Cindy, Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain ...Good.

Dear Rescue Ranger, We were playing Trivial Pursuit the other night at the squad and I landed on Science & Nature. My question was, "If you are in a vacuum and someone calls

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Dear Rescue Ranger, What's the secret to healthy eating?

M. H. Dear Matt, Thicker gravy.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

G. D. Dear Gary, Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

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