Being in the business of behavioral health, Spurwink is wholly involved with a multitude of diagnostics, treatments, and community interventions. We have been treating children, adults and families in Maine with mental health challenges for 55 years. But we all know that mental health is not just about what’s in our heads. The mind-body connection has repeatedly been shown to be a powerful influence on how we feel, think and behave.
I am a new kid on the block here at Spurwink and I recently took on the role of Health and Safety Manager. While I am new to the Human Resource world, Health and Wellness has played a major role in my life for about 10 years now. I am a certified Kettlebell and Spinning Instructor and I am currently working towards my personal training certification. In my new role, I hope to be able to bring my experience and passion for health, wellness, and fitness to the Spurwink Community!
Fall and winter can be some tough months when it comes to health and wellness. It’s getting colder, darker earlier, and there is pumpkin spice EVERYTHING! With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all within 8 weeks of each other (which seems like a cruel joke), maintaining a healthy diet can seem impossible. Not only is there food everywhere, but this time of year gets so busy that personal health and wellness can often take a backseat. Who isn’t guilty of saying “I can eat this, my diet starts on Jan 2nd?” I know I am!
The past couple of years I have used these fall and early winter months to set a goal for myself to help make it through the holiday season with minimal damage. This year my holiday goal is to drink more water. While you might not be able to forgo the cookie or the pumpkin pie, try replacing at least one sugary or high-calorie drink a day with a bottle of water. Just one.
Generally speaking we should each try to consume between 1/2 and 1 ounce of water for every pound we weigh. I do my best to drink a gallon of water a day Water & Your Diet. I find that the more water I drink the more I feel alert. I have more energy and I get plenty of exercise during the day because I have to get up to use the bathroom every 20 minutes.
While it might seem like I am trying to drown you, there are some amazing benefits to drinking a lot of water. According to Unexpected Reasons to Drink Water, some of the most important benefits are:
Balance: Roughly 60 percent of the body is made of water. Drinking enough H2O maintains the body’s fluid balance, which helps transport nutrients in the body, regulate body temperature, and digest food.
Fatigue Buster: Move over coffee—water can help fight those tired eyes as well. One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is tiredness.
Sickness Fighter: Water may help with decongestion and dehydration, helping the body bounce back when feeling under the weather
Weight Control: This is due to the fact that water can make you feeler fuller (so you eat less) and boost your metabolic rate.
With the holiday health slump right around the corner try setting one small goal for yourself. Don’t cut out all holiday treats, just make a single change. One small healthy habit can lead to bigger things and even make that New Year’s resolution a little easier to start come 2016!
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by Kathryn Danylik-Lagasse
Health & Safety Manager
Spurwink Services