Darci Jo Revier, DHSc, CSCS TSAC-F
Doctor of Health Science and Exercise Leadership
California University of Pennsylvania
Artifacts
Lifestyle Disease in the Military: Promoting Healthy Behaviors
DHS 925 Summer 2020
Abstract
The prevalence of lifestyle disease, highly influenced by controllable factors, is increasing at concerning rates. Military members are often thought to be in peak physical condition; however the lifestyle choices that many servicemembers make in combination with and response to the occupational stressors of their careers, significantly increases their risk of developing a lifestyle-related disease. The prevalence of lifestyle disease continues to exist at alarmingly high rates among military members and veterans despite mandated fitness training and weight standards (Krukowski et al., 2015; Taetzsch et al., 2019). The purpose of this paper is to identify best practices for increasing healthy behaviors within the military. This review is targeted toward health and fitness professionals working with the military population and will address the prevalence of lifestyle disease in the military, behaviors that affect the development of these diseases and methods of influencing these behaviors. This paper found a strong correlation between all health-related behaviors (Hall et al., 2016), with current methods of standardized health education and mandatory physical training to be insufficient at promoting lifelong health behaviors (Hull et al., 2019; Kullen et al., 2019). One-on-one interaction with a fitness and wellness professional was found to be the preferred and most effective means of improving and sustaining health-related behaviors (Kullen et al., 2019).
Key words: lifestyle disease, healthy behaviors, military, physical activity, wellness coaching
Service
Mark's Marathon
DHS 925 Summer 2020
Abstract
Participation in mind-body exercise has been shown to decrease stress levels and improve both mental and physical health, particularly when practiced during times of heightened stress (Hourani et al., 2016). Further, participation in such activities as a group can enhance motivation and create an atmosphere of cohesiveness and support (Ross et al., 2013). The purpose of Mark's Marathon event was to gather the community toward the greater good of showing emotional and financial support to a well-deserving individual facing a difficult time. The event consisted of twenty-six point two tracks of yoga, mat Pilates, and tai chi exercises, allowing participants the opportunity to give a free-will donation toward medical expenses accrued from surgery and cancer treatment. Sixty-one individuals physically participated in the event itself, with numerous others providing financial donations and words of encouragement, accomplishing the purpose of providing emotional and financial support. Participants also expressed interest in mind-body exercise and indicated an intent to continue in the practice.
Key words: mind-body exercise, yoga, Pilates, tai-chi, mental health
Veterans Resource Center Wellness Project
DHS 950 Fall 2020
Abstract
Understanding the unique needs and experiences of Veteran students is important when considering which services are needed and how to offer them. Some of the unique stressors placed on Veteran students include a loss of camaraderie with fellow service members and a loss of identity having separated from active duty. Further, these individuals are non-traditional students, older in age and often balancing families and occupations; as a result of these stressors sleep disturbances and inconsistency of nutrition are common. This project aimed to support and supplement the services offered by the Veterans Resource Center at the University of St Thomas in St Paul, Minnesota. The project included facilitating a relationship with the University Sleep Center to provide education and counseling regarding improved sleep habits; providing one-on-one nutrition counseling at the 2019 Health Fair; and creating a virtual education experience regarding nutrition and dietary supplements for use on the Center’s website and podcast channel.
Keywords: nutrition, dietary supplements, veterans, military
Scholarship
Health Literacy: Linking Technology and Treatment
DHS 915 Spring 2020
Abstract
The availability of information sharing has grown exponentially in recent decades, as individuals are capable of accessing nearly any type of recommendation or resource remotely. And, as the novel coronavirus outbreak of late 2019 and into 2020 continues to spread, remote access to health-related information is no longer a mere convenience; it is a necessity.
Now more than ever individuals need to take ownership of their health, especially those who are committed to protecting the country, freedom, and rights. Harnessing the potential of technology to provide distance education, information sharing, and biometric tracking is key to improving the quality and quantity of life through physical and mental intervention. As more of the world shifts toward online management of all aspects of life, including education, finances, teleconferencing, and social interaction, it would be regressive to disregard this platform as affecting health education.
A review of health education research suggests that the use of technology may improve health literacy and thus overall health and wellness across all demographics.
Wellness Coaching: Keeping Military Members Fit to Fight
DHS 950 Fall2020
Abstract
Current rates of overweightness and obesity, as well as type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the military are trending parallel to those in the civilian population (8; 16). While the military places an emphasis on physical fitness and performance, healthy behaviors work in harmony with, rather than isolation from one another. Behaviors that contribute to an overall decreased risk of lifestyle diseases and improved fitness and performance include maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) or decreasing overweight/obesity status, good nutrition habits, absence of tobacco, drug and alcohol use, adequate physical activity levels, mental health resilience, stress management, and improved sleeping habits (13). A focus on one – such as physical activity levels, yet neglect of the others, may have little to no effect on the overall decrease of lifestyle disease development, specifically considering a military member’s unique occupational demands and the associated stress placed on the body and mind. Further, by improving nutrition and sleep and decreasing substance use, service members can see greater gains in physical fitness and performance (13). Traditional practices of educating service members on health-related behaviors include unit briefs and mandatory trainings that may fail to provide personalized information with ongoing motivation and support. The purpose of this article is to present evidence for implementing wellness coaching practices for enhanced dissemination of knowledge and improved efficacy of lasting behavior change, positively affecting the service member’s fitness performance levels and decreasing risk of lifestyle disease development.
Key words: lifestyle disease, healthy behaviors, military, physical activity, wellness coaching
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This article was published in the TSAC Report on April 5, 2021
(membership required for full viewing at https://www.nsca.com/tsac-report/ )
Teaching
Improving Overall Health through Mind-Body Exercise
DHS 915 Spring 2020
Abstract
Prevalence of lifestyle disease, as defined as a condition that develops primarily as a result of an individual’s daily habits and poor relationship with the environment (Sharma & Majumdar, 2009), affects quality of life and is increasing at concerning rates. Several different aspects of behavior can either contribute to or protect against lifestyle disease, including physical activity levels, stress management, and dietary habits. Mind-body exercise plays both direct and indirect roles in the improvement of overall health, impacting physical, physiological, and psychological health. Mind-body exercises with an emphasis on physical stretching, such as yoga, keep muscles at their optimal resting length, decreasing the risk of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injury (Cunningham, 2017). Physiologically, the emphasis on proper breathing techniques directly affects the autonomic nervous system, of which dysregulation has been linked to increased risk of chronic disease (Hourani et al., 2016). Mind-body exercises also incorporate meditation and relaxation activities, both of which act as stress-management techniques and improve mental health status. Positive mental health is associated with a decrease in negative health behavior coping mechanisms such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption and emotional eating, thus demonstrating an influence on other healthy behaviors (Jayne et al., 2020).
Key words: lifestyle disease, quality of life, mind-body, physiological health, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability
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Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries
DHS 925 Summer 2020
Abstract
The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and injury because of a sedentary lifestyle has increased at an alarming rate over the past forty years (Hanna et al., 2019). Advances in technology and a shift from manual labor to computer-based work have led to decreased activity levels, declines in health, and resulting increases in injury rates and musculoskeletal pain due to imbalances created within the muscle tissue and its fascia. Correcting these imbalances and thus improving movement patterns and decreasing risk of musculoskeletal pain is a complex, yet necessary process, requiring inhibition of select muscles or muscle groups and targeted activation of others to achieve more optimal functioning. The purpose of this artifact is to educate fitness professionals on the development of musculoskeletal injury via the cumulative injury cycle, the role of self-myofascial release in releasing adhesions to return the tissue to an appropriate length, overcoming synergistic dominance through isolated strength training exercises, and facilitating corrective exercise through inhibition of overactive tissue and activation of underactive tissue in a group setting.
Key words: musculoskeletal injury, muscular imbalance, self-myofascial release, foam rolling, corrective exercise
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Educating Military Members on Supplement Use
DHS 950 Fall 2020
Abstract
The rate of supplement use in the military is disproportionately high in comparison to a civilian demographic. Current self-reported use of dietary supplements within the military population was 73 percent in 2014, with 85 percent of service members reporting that they have used supplements on a consistent basis at some point in the past (Knapik et al., 2016). This self-reported use within the military is in comparison to just 46 percent of civilians considered elite athletes and thus dependent on optimal athletic performance reporting regular use of dietary supplements and performance enhancers (Greenwood & Oria, 2008). The reasons behind this high use of supplements include a lack of knowledge or education on the subject, occupational stressors and a high demand for performance, and pressure from authorities. The purpose of this artifact is to provide health and fitness professionals working with military members an understanding of the unique needs and challenges of this demographic; to facilitate a discussion surrounding supplement manufacturing, regulation, and labeling; and to determine best practices when educating military members on supplement choice and use.
Keywords: nutrition, dietary supplements, performance, military, veterans
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