We all deserve an occasional mental health day or two but May is the month designated to bring awareness to the serious implications of mental health issues. The good news is that programs around these issues are working. Doctors, social media, television, talk shows, etc. have all brought mental health issues to a public forum and in doing so have helped remove the stigma once associated with depression, anxiety, addiction, etc. It's time to have open conversations with the people you love if they need help and with your doctor, family and friends if you are in need of some help yourself. Support is becoming more and more abundant for all types of mental health diagnosis. And, while it isn't a cure, knowing you are not alone and have nothing to be ashamed of puts you ahead of the battle.
May is a happy and active time around the clubs. Be sure to watch for the announcement of summer kid's programs, new classes, pool openings and everything else that Prairie Life Fitness has to offer this summer.
I'm excited to tell you that, as a part of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, we have put together a program to help West Des Moines Human Services (WDHS)! They get donations of clothing and food, but are in need of more personal care items. Each year WDHS has to use an average of $24,000 towards these items from their budget. All the HyVees and Dahls in West Des Moines have agreed to let us put containers in their entrances for the collection of personal care items. There will be a list of the particular items they need, such as shampoo, toothbrushes, combs etc... Please take a look and remember that the holidays are over, but the needs last all year long! Thank you!!!
Here's to your physical and mental health,
Debby Hudson
Article of the Month
Get Connected
More than 60 years ago, long before depression and anxiety were "acceptable" topics of discussion, Mental Health Month was created to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. While negative attitudes and the stigma associated with mental health issues have shifted during recent decades, it is still critical to stay aware of your own mental health and of those you love. Mental illness affects not only those who are afflicted with the diagnosis but also their friends and family. The greatest gift you can give to yourself or to someone is need is to remove the shame often associated with depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar, addiction, etc. Discuss it openly and work together toward solutions or treatments.
Social connectedness is the central theme of the May 2013 Mental Health Month. Staying connected and not allowing yourself or others to become isolated with their illness is an essential component of maintaining and protecting mental health. There are many ways to "Get Connected" and create an environment that supports mental wellness.
- Get connected to family and friends to feel close and supported.
- Get connected to your community to feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Get connected to professional help to feel better when you're stressed and having trouble coping.
When a mental health condition is present, it is easy to forget about your overall health. It is easier to fight illness of any kind when you take care of your body and mind. In fact, many mental health problems can be avoided by making healthy and positive lifestyle choices. Encourage those you love to take responsibility for the prevention of mental health issues during times of personal challenge and stress in the following ways;
Be Social
Spending time with positive, loving people you care about and trust can ease stress, help your mood and improve the way you feel overall.
Advocate for Yourself
You deserve good health care. Too often, people with mental illnesses develop other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, because their health is overlooked. Talk to your doctor about your overall health.
Get the Care You Need
Get routine check-ups and visit your doctor when you're not feeling well. It may be due to your medicine or a symptom of your mental illness. But it could also be a different health problem.
Plan Your Sleep Schedule
Sleep can affect your mood and your body and is important to your recovery. Not getting the right amount of sleep can make day-to-day functioning and recovery harder.
Watch What You Eat
Sometimes, medicine can cause you to gain or lose weight. Read the labels and weigh the positive affects with any potential negative side effects. Talk to your doctor if something isn't working.
Manage Stress
Stress can make you feel run down. It can also cause your mind to race and make it hard to focus on the things you need to do. If you have a mental illness, lots of stress can make it harder to function. If you are feeling stressed, there are steps you can take to feel better:
- Slow down and take one thing at a time.
- Know your limits. Let others know them too. Don't be afraid to say "No".
- Do something you enjoy, exercise, connect with others or meditate.
- Know your triggers.
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor.
Exercise
Regular exercise can increase your self-esteem and confidence; reduce your feelings of stress, anxiety and depression; improve your sleep; and help you maintain a healthy weight. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy and try new things. Sometimes it can be as simple as turning on some music and dancing! You may want to shut the blinds first or maybe not - encourage your neighbors to join the fun.
Do Something You Enjoy
During the week, find a couple of hours or whatever you can fit in–to do something YOU enjoy. Taking time for yourself can help you relax, ease stress and improve your mind, body and spirit!
Exercise of the Month
Heavy Pants
The exercise, heavy pants, is essentially the dumbbell bent-over-row, but with a slightly different stance. Bent-over-rows primarily develop the latissimus dorsi muscle in the back, rhomboids and erector spinae muscles around your scapula, and the biceps. However, because you must hold yourself in a lunge position while completing the upper-body movement, your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back must isometrically contract.
Line your left foot toes with the back of your right heal or vice versa. Feet should be shoulder width apart. Using a set of dumbbells, reach down as if getting ready to put your pants on. Bring the weights up toward the hips or chest, mimicking the motion of pulling up a pair of pants, then lower and repeat.
Member Spotlight
James Stevens
This month's membership spotlight goes to, James Stevens! James has had a wonderful start to achieving his fitness goals. He has been training with personal trainer Brendan France; two times a week for the past 8 weeks. James has already lost weight, gained strength, endurance and stamina. BUT those are just the noticeable improvements James had made! In addition to the visible improvements, James has lowered his blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels and is setting himself up for a healthy life.
Congratulations, James!!! |