Physical activity is essential to health, and it benefits both physical and mental wellbeing.
Canadian, OK (PRWEB) May 06, 2015
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
The Federal Occupational Health (FOH) agency, operating within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), designates the month of May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It is dedicated to raising public awareness of active living and its importance to health. Throughout the month of May, Americans are challenged to get active, eat well, and get fit.
The HHS details the benefits of regular daily and weekly physical activity, including recommending muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days each week.
Health benefits resulting from regular physical activity are many, and include:
- Helping a person maintain his or her healthy weight.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Lowering cholesterol level.
- Reducing the risk for diabetes, obesity, some cancers and heart disease.
Regular physical activity is also known to:
- Calm a person who may be anxious.
- Lift the spirits of a person who may be feeling low.
There are less tangible but equally valuable benefits gained from fitness activities:
- Getting a new outlook on a problem, or a project.
- Lifting the spirits.
- The opportunity to meet and connect with other people.
In support of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and its importance to addiction recovery, Narconon Arrowhead is issuing the following guide to help addicts and those in recovery use the knowledge and benefits of physical fitness as a sobriety tool.
Narconon Arrowhead Guide
Narconon Arrowhead, located in Southeastern Oklahoma, is a long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education center providing a holistic and drug-free approach to helping addicts attain and maintain long-term sobriety.
Physical fitness and good nutrition can be used to assist addiction recovery. As highlighted by National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the importance of eating well, getting active and getting fit is vital to health, and physical and mental wellbeing. The following guide focuses on the basic tools to a person can use to get started on the road to better health and wellbeing.
Eat Well
Substance abuse is linked to vitamin and mineral depletion and poor nutrition. When a body lacks certain nutrients needed for health and energy, it can cause the person to feel tired and moody. Depletion of certain vitamins and minerals can cause pain and shakiness. Some withdrawal symptoms, and even cravings, can stem from vitamin depletion and poor nutrition following substance abuse.
- Eat a nutritious diet. Organic is best, with plenty of lightly-cooked fresh vegetables.
- Avoid the empty calories and body stress of sugar, sugary foods, fast food, pre-packaged foods, and high-caffeine energy drinks.
- Drink plenty of good water.
- Include a regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements suited to your physical condition, age and activity level.
- Consult a holistic practitioner well-versed in nutrition for help with a personalized diet and a tailor-made regimen of supplements if you are unsure of what to do.
Get Active
Substance abuse contributes to inactivity, lethargy and poor physical condition; and getting active helps in overcoming those factors. Choose a physical activity you enjoy, and which is appropriate to your physical condition and age. Improve your physical condition gradually, increasing the duration and activity level as you improve your condition and build-up strength.
Participate in and follow an exercise program that rewards you with success, a feeling of accomplishment, and better overall physical and mental health.
Get Fit
Using the tools of good nutrition and condition-appropriate, consistent exercise, a person in recovery can assist his or her body to repair itself from the damages of substance abuse.
It helps to keep your sights on increasing levels of fitness, and the continuing rewards of increasing physical and mental well-being.
Staying committed to a suitable physical fitness routing, a nutritious diet, and a well-ordered personal schedule all help a person in recovery to feel better, and is a tool for stability and maintaining sobriety.
For more information call 800-468-6933 or visit http://www.narcononarrowhead.org.