Two weeks ago, I gave up caffeine and sugar. I gave up coffee 2 years ago, which was a feat among feats. I switched to green tea—which is much better for you—but still has caffeine. In the middle of a cleanse I realized how much better I felt without consuming caffeine and sugar and had the epiphany that I (and my adrenal glands) am super sensitive to America’s favorite drug. So I quit, cold turkey. I decided I didn’t want to be a slave to anything, not even green tea. The upside is that I love rolling out of bed and getting right to the business of things without the buzz ritual. The downside is that it’s a whole lot harder to stay in that rolling position throughout the day without my cup of counterfeit energy.

Why on earth did I decide to do this right before the IDEA World Fitness Convention™? Because I knew IDEA members would carry me along with their vim and vigor. I knew all I had to do was go to one of Chalene Johnson’s classes (in this case, Hip-Hop Hustle) and that before too long my blood would be bouncing again. This is what I need, a natural stimulant. IDEA members emanate a positive, natural energy that is truly contagious. That’s what I did today—I traipsed from session to session gleaning joy from attendees’ joy in the moment of movement.

And I also learned something new I wanted to share with you, especially if you work with children, from the session “Childhood Obesity: Current Research and Practical Tools,” presented by Karen Donaldson, MS, RD, LD. Donaldson reviewed the latest trends and protocols in working with obese children, including how to determine Body Mass Index for boys and girls. In talking about assessment, Donaldson asked the group of about 50 attendees if anyone had heard the term “Acanthosis Nigricans.” Not a single person raised his or her hand.

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It is often an indication of an endocrine disorder and often occurs in obese people. It can be a sign of increased insulin resistance. She cited it as something she sees often in her clinic, which sees a lot of obese children and their families.

Hands started shooting up around the room. People had been seeing this with their child clients without knowing what it is. While it certainly is not within the scope of practice of a fitness professional to diagnose Acanthosis Nigricans, it is important information to know. This skin disorder can be a warning sign of type 2 diabetes (although not in all cases), and the client (or the client’s parents in this case), need to be informed so they can see a health care provider. Yet another way IDEA members are part of a team of allied health professionals.

I’ll leave you with a message John Gray, PhD, shared this morning in his keynote address. “Walk your talk,” he said. “Always start with yourself and your own personal sphere and let that generate out to touch the people you work with.”