Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation
Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 17, 2014 — World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHCTM) organizers announce four exceptional keynote talks that will provide insights on the unknown benefits of aquatics to the populations we serve.
Non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) hosts the eleventh annual WAHC, which is slated for October 8-10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Portland, Oregon. Patty Chang Anker, noted author of SOME NERVE: Lessons Learned While Becoming Brave, an Oprah booklist selection, will inspire attendees with her Keynote address “Diving In: Discovering joy in life’s deep end,” on Thursday morning, October 9. She will sign copies of her book after her presentation.
When Patty Chang Anker set out to face her fear of deep water she had no idea it would ignite a quest to help others face a multitude of fears including diving, swimming, public speaking, heights, driving, bicycling, clutter, pleasure, failure, becoming boring, aging and even death. Her book combines compelling true stories with expert advice and was hailed by Oprah.com as "downright inspiring," is a Parents magazine "Must Read", and was a finalist for a Books for a Better Life Award.
“We are thrilled Patty will open our conference. Her message is powerful and will help us understand how removing fears can be the first step to moving forward. It is a critical next step to helping to end drowning and encourage more people to swim for fun, fitness and for safety,” said Michelle Kavanaugh, Conference Manager. Attendees are also encouraged to attend an optional evening viewing of the compelling new documentary “Taking the Plunge” on October 9 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The film, produced by Shawnelle King of Falcon Rattler Media, takes us on a courageous journey to eliminate the fear of being in or around the water. Two-thirds of Americans are afraid of deep, open bodies of water and 46% are afraid of the deep-end of a pool.
Friday Morning Keynotes: Keeping People Healthy through Aquatics
Three scientists will each deliver a ‘Ted-Style’ keynote talk on October 10, spotlighting to what extent water activity will help us maintain our mobility and minds. These notable NSPF-funded researchers – Eadric Bressel, Ph.D., Paul Chantler, Ph.D., and Hirofumi Tanaka, Ph.D. – will present highlights of their afternoon presentations that shed light on how water is the perfect medicine for a prescription to better health.
