Health & Fitness
Health & Fitness
30 Days of Fitness: Virtual Challenge
To say I’m excited about the Hope For The Warriors Memorial Day 30×30 Virtual Fitness Challenge is a bit of an understatement. Sure, sure, I know you’re saying, “Of course you are. It’s your job.”
Well, you’re right, or at least partially right. I am the Sports and Recreation Manager at Hope For The Warriors, and this program is part of my job.
Social Media and Body Image
When you look at your own social media accounts, what do you see? Your accounts likely feature your accomplishments, adventures, or your “good side.” Even if you’re posting something funny, tragic, or “real,” you put thought into what exactly you want others to see, right?
It’s 100% curated.
Get Up, Get Out, and Get Going
We have all gone through a transformation since last year. There was no playbook to follow in how to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is not the time to be held captive, so Tina Klein chose to help others to navigate.
Understanding Stress and What to Do About It
I have been trying to write a highly researched blog pertaining to debunking myths around resistance training but have been struggling to stay focused. Maybe it’s stress.
The past month (well, few months, actually) has been very hectic in the Bearden household. We planned and moved from Tacoma, Washington, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for my new job! While we knew a move to The Springs was inevitable, my new job on Fort Carson made us push our moving plans up about three months. On top of that, my husband had several sets of orders that took him out of the planning and packing process for weeks at a time, leaving me to pack and plan a lot of the move myself.
Eating Disorder Challenges for Military Spouses and Children
Eating disorders occur more often among active-duty service members and veterans than among the general population. There are many reasons for this: perfectionism, past trauma, making weight requirements, weight and shape stigma, and mental health stigma. But what about military spouses and children? Do they experience eating disorders as well?
Short answer: Yes, they do. From external circumstances to challenging family dynamics, there are several possible contributors to eating disorders in military dependents:
Five Benefits to Pumping Iron
As a strength and conditioning coach, I meet many women who shy away from lifting moderate to heavy weights because of their fears that they will get too bulky, or they do not feel they can lose weight with resistance training. While cardiovascular training does typically burn more calories per session, resistance training—using moderate to heavy loads—not only burns calories with each session, but it also gives the body many benefits that increase the quality of those calories burned in the long-term.
I’ve Been There: Reflections on Mental Health Stigma
When I meet with individuals seeking support at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, I truly understand their situation. I’ve been there!
I’m the outreach manager for the clinic, which offers mental health services for post-9/11 veterans and military families. In February, our clinic also started treating active-duty service members.
Currently, our services are provided virtually through Cohen Veteran Network (CVN) Telehealth face-to-face video therapy across the state of North Carolina. When pandemic restrictions are lifted, we will also offer in-person sessions in our newly renovated 5,300-square-foot clinic in Jacksonville.
Wellness Without Worries: USO Presents InDependent Wellness Summit
“Self-care” is a phrase people talk about a lot these days, as we all coping with the uncertainty and pressure of the ongoing pandemic.
The idea seems simple enough. Take care of yourself. Make sure you have breaks during your busy day. It’s the whole idea of “put your oxygen mask on before you assist others with theirs.”
So, we all know we need to practice self-care. We know the havoc stress, burn out, and endless to-do lists can wreak on our mental and emotional health. Why, then, does self-care often feel like another chore? One more worry gnawing at the back of your mind. For military spouses especially, finding time for self-care can feel impossible.
How Bad Do You Want It?
This month, retired Marine Corps Maj. Lisa Davis shares her journey. I must confess that I am jealous of Lisa because, of all the accomplishments she has achieved during her running career, one is close to home—The JFK 50 Mile Run. Her milestone in this event came at the end of the 2019 race which was her 10th completion. On Nov. 20, 2020, Lisa was inducted into the JFK 500 Mile Club to recognize her performance. I have attempted the event 11 times and managed to complete only seven.
I am still inspired.