New movement group at the Omni Eating Disorder Clinic

We know that exercise and movement are important, but exactly how much should we be doing? And what should we be doing? 

 
The definition of exercise is “bodily or mental exertion, especially for the sake of training or improvement of health” and “something done or performed as a means of practice or training” (dictionary.com). Exercise means that we are putting some type of effort or force into exertion to have some type of effect. Exercise is for the benefit of our health and wellbeing.

 
Exercise has many benefits. Some of these include:

• Prevents memory loss

• Increases brain size

• Improves sleep
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Improves mood
• Reduces your risk of heart diseases
• Helps manage blood sugar
• Strengths muscles and bones
• Improves sleep
• Improves energy

Obviously, there are so many benefits to exercise. But why don’t people move their bodies more? Often, people do not know where to start. People see the benefit in exercise, but they do not know how to exercise or what to do.

The CDC recommends 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. It's recommended that aerobic activity should be spread out throughout the week (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2018). Many options are available from walking to weightlifting, swimming, and yoga. The important piece is to find what you enjoy and just move your body.

Over-exercise is common in eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders exercise excessively to control their weight or often, as a method to cope with stressors or emotions. At the Omni Eating Disorder Clinic, we strive to teach clients how to do everything, whether it be eating or exercise, in moderation and to normalize the behaviors.

To help our clients learn and practice appropriate and healthy movement, the clinic is now offering a movement group that aims to teach clients the benefits of exercise and to practice what moderate exercise and movement looks like. Each group session will include a discussion or processing portion, as well as an exercise activity. Topics addressed will include benefits of exercise, types of exercise that are available, as well as signs and symptoms of compulsive over-exercise.  Additionally, the group will help our clients to recognize and understand the impact of over-exercise and identify steps to take to reduce the compulsive behaviors.

We desire for clients to live healthy and happy lives, free of their eating disorder. Our goal is to help clients be able to achieve recovery while incorporating movement and exercise in a more balanced and mindful way.

Ashley Carpentier
Day Program Specialist
Omni Eating Disorder Clinic

Most of our lives have changed drastically over the past few months.  We have been required to alter our lives around factors such as social distancing, home schooling our children, and changing our daily routines to spend more time at home.  Most of us are eating more or all meals at home.  Crock pot meals provide an easy and nutritious option for meals.  Crock pots can be used to make stews, soups, chili, beans, and much more.  Below is an easy recipe for crock pot beef roast.  Other meats may be substituted for the beef, such as pork or chicken.  Invest in a food thermometer to check doneness of meats for food safety. 

Natural remedies and COVID-19: Are they effective?

The media is filled with news about COVID-19. Many people have fear about the virus and seek ways to keep themselves healthy and safe. You may see many advertisements for alternative remedies to help you prevent or fight the virus. Some of these remedies include herbal therapies, teas, essential oils, tinctures, and silver products such as colloidal silver. There is no scientific evidence that any of the remedies can prevent or cure COVID-19. Claims of coming from a “natural source” does not mean better or safe. They may even be harmful to your health. The best strategies to prevent catching the virus include the tips provided earlier to reduce exposure, wash your hands, eat a healthy diet and get plenty  of rest.

Deb Wisnieski, Ph.D., APRN
Omni Eating Disorder Clinic