OHS Update Staying Active in Winter

In winter, it can be harder to get out of bed or get outside to exercise, and we often indulge in comfort foods which can be high in fat, sugar and salt. While there is never a bad time for a delicious hot chocolate, we need to make sure we are maintaining some form of physical activity to keep that balance in check.

Doing regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise on most days of the week, can do wonders for your mood, physical health, and help support your immune system to fight off winter bugs.

Here are some tips to help keep you physically active and feeling great through winter months.

• Create a home gym - You can easily set up a great workout area in your living room or basement and buy some inexpensive equipment such as stretch bands, dumbbells, and a stability ball. You can get fit while you watch your favourite TV show or listen to music.

• Fitness Apps - Try searching online for fitness apps to find exercise routines to follow along with and get yourself moving. Apps can help track your progress and motivate you to reach your goals.

• Get outside when you can - Not every day of winter is unbearable. Try to go outside on a mild winter day and exercise when it is safe to do so. Soaking up some sun and getting fresh air can also help reduce stress.

• Find new activities with an exercise partner or group - As the seasons change, explore new activities to get yourself outdoor in the winter sun such as hiking, bush walking, or trail running. Exercising with a partner or group can provide social support, camaraderie, and distraction from bad weather.

• Look into local sports – Put a team together with your friends. Indoor soccer or netball are great ways to have a run around with friends and fuel some healthy competition regardless of the weather outside.

• Get Swimming - Find an indoor swimming pool. Swimming boosts your physical strength and heart health. Plus, being active in the water is a comfortable way to ease into exercising again if you haven’t been active for a while.

• Join a Gym – Find a gym close to work or home. St John of God Caregivers receive 35% off selected memberships at GoodLife Gyms which are located all across Perth. Check out the offer on CORA. ……Or be Like OSH Josh and start training for a half-iron man!

St Mary Ward celebrated St Mary, Our Lady of Help of Christians, on their Feast Day, 24 May. Our Lady of Help of Christians is also known as the Protector of Australia, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Engineering Department celebrated their Feast Day for St Ferdinand III on 30 May. St Ferdinand III is aligned with great building and is an inspiration to engineers.

Endoscopy celebrated their Feast Day for St Erasmus of Formiae, or St Elmo, on 2 June. St Elmo is the patron saint of intestinal medicine, and those suffering from abdominal pain or cramps.

The Feast Day for St Francis Caracciolo was celebrated on 4 June by the Catering Department. St Francis Caracciolo is the patron saint of chefs and cooks.