d n i M r u o Y Relieve Stress Your Body to
ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests people who are looking for “man’s best friend” to check out the millions of dogs at local shelters across the country. However, responsible pet ownership requires more than simply agreeing to take an animal into your life; the potential adopter should be ready to make a commitment that will enhance the lives of both the human and the animal. According to Calcasieu Parish Animal Services, potential adopters should prepare for their new pet ahead of time and determine how they will introduce their newest companion to the rest of the family. Adopters should also be aware of the costs associated with pet ownership, and the patience involved in training pets to be housebroken, obedient and otherwise well-behaved companions. With nearly 10 million animals entering local shelters across the country each year the Adopt a Shelter Dog Month helps focus attention on the pet overpopulation problem, according to the ASPCA. For information on local dogs available for adoption, visit the department of animal services at 5500-A Swift Plant Road, visit www.cppj.net or call 721-3730.
Exercise Your Way Beyond Stress
Everyone knows that exercise provides tremendous benefits – cardiovascular health, weight loss, strength and flexibility, among others. But in spite of this, when the hectic demands of daily life pile up, exercise is often one of the first things to be crossed off the “to do” list. “In reality, it should be the last,” says Chase Gary, exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “It’s actually at these times – when you are feeling most overwhelmed – that you need exercise the most to help your body cope with the added stress in your life.” Studies have found that people who exercise regularly aren’t just more physically fit than those who don’t, they’re also happier and less stressed overall. Exercising just 30 minutes several times a week can relieve general anxiety and stress, and can be an effective treatment for more serious conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, according to a recent study conducted at the University of Colorado. Numerous research studies from the American Council on Exercise have also found exercise to be one of the most effective methods of stress relief, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Association endorses exercise as a way to reduce stress. Gary says that from a broad perspective, exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which gives you more energy every day, but he adds that exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits, including:
Release of endorphins. Physical activity helps increases the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, a session on the treadmill or an invigorating game of tennis can produce the same response.
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During October, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is offering a 20% discount on digital mammograms.*
With October designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time for women to focus on their breast health. Make time for yourself and your health, and take advantage of this month-
*Discount applies to a digital bilateral screening mammogram. Radiology fees are billed separately from the hospital and are not included in the discount.
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Center of focus.
After a workout, you’ll often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations as you concentrated on your body’s movements and achieving your goal. Gary says this focus on a single task often helps all the other stressors in your life fall into place. “Exercise gives your body and your mind a renewed sense of positive focus and clarity.”
by Kristy Armand
Mood Improvement. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms
associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of control over your body and your life.
Physical Fitness. Exercise improves cardiovascular function by strengthening and enlarging
the heart, causing greater elasticity of the blood vessels, increasing oxygen throughout your body, and lowering your blood levels of fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides. “Having a healthy cardiovascular system improves the body’s innate physical ability to manage stress, minimizing the negative effects stress can have on these this same system,” Gary says. “So in addition to reducing stress, exercise also decreases your risk of developing heart conditions, strokes, or high blood pressure. It’s really a win-win for your mind and your body.” The good news is that you don’t need to become a fitness fanatic to reap the stress-relief benefits of exercise. If you’re new to exercise, research has shown that as little as 10 minutes a day reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes a general sense of well-being.
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While different forms of exercise have different benefits, Gary explains there is no single exercise for stress relief. It all depends on your individual skills and interests. “Any type of physical activity that helps you unwind-- from aerobics to weightlifting -- can act as a stress reliever. Whatever you do, don’t think of exercise as just one more thing on your to-do list. Find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine. And although your schedule may necessitate some juggling to work in your workout, it’s important to make regular exercise a priority in your life. This is one added ‘to-do’ that will take away, not add to, your stress.”
Rhonda Salvador, LPN, LT 4150 Nelson Road, Building C, Suite 11 Lake Charles
337-660-1214
For more information about starting a regular exercise program, contact Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur or Moss Bluff.
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www.thriveswla.com
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2010
Fax: 337-474-0277 • rhonda2002w@aol.com October 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
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