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Physical Wellness
encourages proper
nutrition, regular physical activities such as exercise or sports,
health care, and personal hygiene. It discourages dependence on
tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. It reduces the number of sick days
over the long and short term of an associate’s career. Physical
wellness is achieved by expanding the knowledge needed to live a
healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and physical activity that
reduces stress. It also assists in the total well-being of the body
as flexibility, strength and cardiovascular health are improved.
Characteristics
of Physical Wellness:
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Awareness of behaviors that are detrimental to health
(illegal drug use, smoking, excessive alcohol use, food choices) |
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Knowledge in the areas of overall health risk and assessment |
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Education about balanced nutrition including quantity and
quality of food sources |
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Practice of physical fitness to maintain overall physical
health and increase health-related benefits |
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Avoidance of environmental issues that contribute to an
unhealthy lifestyle
(second hand smoke, pollutants, nonuse of seat belts and
sunscreen) |
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Maintenance of adequate sleep levels |
Physical wellness encompasses respect for our own body type
and uniqueness. We begin to engage in actions that move us toward
acquiring a higher level of health benefits. Our physical health
steers us away from harmful behaviors and habits while focusing on
total fitness. We begin to feel comfortable with a strong body and
treat it with respect.
The
Need for Physical Wellness
Did you know
that …
Americans are fighting the battle of their lives—the battle
against obesity – and have grown larger and larger over the past
century. Currently, we are reaching obesity levels at epidemic
proportions. A contributing factor to
America’s rapid weight gain is
the food we eat.
The following
statistics shed light on how we
approach food in
America today:
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The typical American now consumes three hamburgers and four
orders of French fries every week. |
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Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher
education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars. |
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In 1999, of the 30 fastest growing
US franchises,
12 were fast food—only three were nutrition and fitness. |
Source: Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.
Achieving
excellence in Physical Wellness
You’re on your way
to greater Physical Wellness when you can easily:
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Participate in fitness classes and recreation programs |
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Improve your perception of your current health status and
work toward improvements |
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Periodically assess your cardio-respiratory capacity,
muscular strength, and flexibility |
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Adopt a healthy nutrition plan |
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Schedule regular proactive visits to health care providers |
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Increase your use of seat belts and sunscreen |
Our human body is composed of much more than just physical parts. It
becomes a cathedral where our mind and spirit interact to regulate
internal balance, harmony, and unity. With proper nutrition, regular
exercise, and adequate sleep, we become engaged in the process to
provide healthful harmony. Combined with healthy boundaries, we
receive insurance for a disease-free life that pays dividends. Daily
lifestyle changes not only protect our bodies but our minds and
spirits as well.
Tips for
optimal Physical Wellness development:
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Attend free local hospital classes on healthy cooking,
exercise, and disease prevention |
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Hire a personal trainer to jump start your fitness routine |
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Schedule all of your yearly or periodic checkups with a few
phone calls |
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Start a walking club at work or in your neighborhood |
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Discover the healthy replacements for your current cooking
ingredients |
Sandra Larkin
Wellness Strategies educates associates on
how food choices and regular exercise impact overall long and short
term health. On-site Lunch and Learn seminars as well as
Group Fitness Events are available and directed only by highly
qualified, certified professional nutritionists, dieticians,
personal, and athletic trainers. You’ll also have an opportunity to
offer Fitness and Nutrition Evaluations and Weight
Management Counseling. The overall corporate environment will
include portion control, nutritious food choices, and light physical
activity.
Associates are more likely to modify dietary and physical
fitness habits quickly and permanently due to this extensive and
through time attention to detail. The results are an overall
improved physical quality of life where the corporate culture is
assisting and promoting prevention measures to avoid obesity,
circulatory problems, heart disease, and lack of energy. Revenue
remains in the organization as medical claims and prescription drug
costs decline. |
