2411 Glendale Milford Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45241
April 2016
http://geaefitness.trihealth.com
https://blogs.aviation.ge.com/aviationhealthandwellness
The Benefits of Swimming
Although swimming is a form of exercise that often gets overshadowed by other methods of
exercise such as weightlifting, running, or biking, it can be just as effective a workout if done
correctly. There are many benefits that can be gained from adding swimming into your workout
schedule. Here are a few ways that swimming can help you improve your fitness level.
•Swimming is low impact. Unlike jogging or plyometric training, swimming is a way to fit cardio into your
workout routine without putting stress on your bones, joints and muscles. This is a plus for swimmers of all ages
and body types, but it's particularly beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis or are recovering from an injury
or surgery. It's one of the best ways to stay active while taking care of all parts of your body.
•Swimming builds strength and cardio abilities simultaneously. Though it's a low-impact workout, swimming
produces high-power results. It is typically considered an aerobic exercise, but exercising in water also provides
moderate resistance. This can in turn build strength and helps you maintain muscle mass. Resistance training
also improves balance, bone density and sleep quality. Talk about a total-body workout!!!
•Water is calming. Water has long been a symbol of renewal and clarity and there's research to back this up.
Studies suggest being around water has a powerful relaxation effect. Spending time near water can be similar to
meditation in that it gives the brain a break from the constant overstimulation people often experience in modern
life. You can reap these cognitive benefits by going for a swim and getting some exercise in the process.
Check out the group fitness schedule in the fitness center lobby or at www.geaefitness.trihealth.com for available
water aerobics and upcoming swim classes.
World Health Day 2016: Halt the Rise of Diabetes
World Health Day is April 7, 2016. This year the topic is: DIABETES. The goal is to build awareness and support
around diabetes. According to World Health Organization, “the burden of diabetes is increasing globally,
particularly in developing countries. The causes are complex, but the increase is in large part due to rapid increases
in overweight, including obesity and physical inactivity. Although there is good evidence that a large proportion of
cases of diabetes and its complications can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a
normal body weight and avoiding tobacco, this evidence is not widely implemented.”
A few facts to consider:
•Cardiovascular disease is responsible for between 50% and 80% of deaths in people with diabetes. Diabetes has
become one of the major causes of premature illness and death in most countries, mainly through the increased
risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
•Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, amputation and kidney failure. This is due to a lack of awareness about
diabetes, combined with insufficient access to health services and essential medicines.
•Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a
healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent
diabetes is an autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented.
GE has a Diabetes Program that is supported and managed by the TriHealth team. If you are interested in learning
more about the GE Diabetes Program, please contact Jessica McGovern at [email protected] or call
513-243-0719.
Source: http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/en/
Why Stress Causes People to Overeat
Have you ever found yourself at the bottom of a pint of ice cream after a hectic work
week? Researchers have long associated weight gain to stress, and according to the
American Psychological Association, about one-fourth of Americans rate their stress level
as 8 or more on a 10-point scale.
So how does stress cause us to gain weight? When we become stressed, our body
releases hormones that, in the short term, suppress appetite. The adrenal glands are also
stimulated to release epinephrine (AKA adrenaline), which helps trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response and can
make us too preoccupied to think about eating. But if we remain stressed, the adrenal glands release another
hormone called cortisol, and cortisol increases appetite.
In addition to increasing our appetites, stress also seems to affect food preferences. Consuming high fat and
sugary foods can have a feedback effect that obstructs the parts of the brain that produce and process stress and
related emotions. So comfort foods really do seem to counteract stress, which may lead to our cravings or
deviations from our diet during stressful periods. Of course, overeating isn’t the only stress-related behavior that
can cause us to gain weight. Stress can cause people to lose sleep, exercise less, and drink more alcohol, all of
which can cause us to pack on the pounds.
References: •Spencer SJ, et al. “The Glucocorticoid Contribution to Obesity,” Stress (Feb. 6, 2011): Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 233–46.
•Vicennati V, et al. “Stress-Related Development of Obesity and Cortisol in Women,” Obesity (Sept. 2009): Vol. 17,
No. 9, pp. 1678-83
National Stress Awareness
Month
April is National Stress Awareness month. The
purpose of this is to help people realize how stress
affects their daily life and how many various ways
there are to prevent/relieve it. Modern life is full of
frustrations, deadlines, and demands. For many
people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a
way of life. But when stress becomes overwhelming, it
can damage your health, mood, relationships, and
quality of life. Here are some of the ways to help cut
down on stress: Make up your mind to get/stay
healthy, make a change in your life, focus on the
present, give yourself a pep talk, get the giggles,
meditate/do yoga, keep a happiness journal,
remember to think positively, help someone else in
need, exercise, color/draw, get enough sleep at night
and listen to relaxing music. GE also has many stressrelief tools available for current employees online. The
effects of stress tend to build up over time. Taking
practical steps to maintain your health and outlook
can reduce or prevent these effects. Make your health
a priority in your life and focus on keeping down your
stress level as much as possible.
References:
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml/in
dex.shtml
www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/Galleries/10-Ways-toCelebrate-National-Stress-Awareness-Month.aspx
Health Screening
Opportunities
Get Screened. Learn Your Risks. Live Healthier Now.
Free Health Screenings in April for Evendale & North
Pointe. Available to GE Aviation employees & spouses.
•Evendale: April 12, 13, & 14
Time: 5:30 – 10:30 am, 2:30 – 5:30 pm (13th only)
Location: Building 800 Auditorium
•North Pointe: April 19 , 20, & 21
Time: 6:00—10:00 am
Location: North Pointe 2 Growth and Development C/R
Schedule your appointment today:
screeningreg.com
(login: aviation password: evendale)
Testing is done with one simple finger stick.
Requires 8-10 hour fast.