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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2018 | 57 Pickleball Club This month we feature the health benefits of pickleball for all ages. Steve Sidwell, USAPA West Region Director kindly shared a video highlighting how pickleball has blossomed in neighboring Loma Linda. About five years ago Dr. Ernie Medina, Director of the university's Alumni Relations, was introduced to the game by his then 79-year-old mom. Ernie loved it and began inviting a few friends to play. Just two years ago, Ernie tired of lugging nets and approached Don Sease, Director of the Drayson (Wellness) Center. Don allocated one tennis court, converting it to four pickle courts. Now they have striped 26 more courts and find them often fully used. As most Sun Lakers know, LLU is a world-class institution dedicated to "wholeness." Research has identified five "Blue Zones" worldwide. Loma Linda stands alongside Okinawa, Sardinia, Nicoya Costa Rica, and Ikaria Greece in this handful of communities that experience exceptional longevity. The three keys to long and healthy lives are plant-rich diets, community and physical activity. The medical and administrative staffs of LLU have embraced pickleball as checking two of the three boxes. Helen Marshak is the Dean of the School of Public Health. She has introduced her teenage son who now plays with some of the oldest players. The 400 or so regulars span ages 14 to 83 and often play together and against one another. Helen cites pickleball's special appeal as an activity that can engage players of such a wide range. Dr. Medina says "exercise is medicine" and he touts pickleball as a "gateway to healthy living." It allows people who have been inactive to get started with a fun game that can lead to biking, swimming and many other activities. If you want to meet these and other great neighbors, go to YouTube and search for Loma Linda Pickleball to see this inspiring 10 minute clip. And remember to mark your calendars for the chance to watch the real thing as the nation's best convene at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the National Pickleball Championships Nov. 3 - 11. Club members here are enjoying the warm season with evening play several times a week in addition to regular club-play 8 - 10 am Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Give our club officers a call for more information: Royce Newman at 769-1103 or Nick Caputo at 255-7841. See you on the courts!