Feel Great this Winter!

Check out the lastest SIRC Newsletter -Feel Great this Winter!

Now that the holiday season has come to a close we look ahead to the enjoyment of winter time activities over the next few months. We all know the physical benefits of exercise but did you know that exercise and physical activity have been proven to have a positive impact on mental and emotional health? Although any type of physical activity is good, aerobic exercise is generally the most recommended. So the next time you need an energy boost, why not lace up your shoes and get moving!

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Get Moving! Get Smart!

It’s common knowledge that physical exercise is good for our general health, but did you know there's another advantage to proper exercise and nutrition? It’s good for your brain.

Aerobic exercise increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and studies on rats have shown that neurons (the brain's nerve cells responsible for communication) operate better when they get more oxygen. So, if you think you’re going to get smarter sitting in front of your computer or watching television, think again.

Movement and exercise increase breathing and heart rate so that more blood flows to the brain, enhancing energy production. In fact studies have shown that moving your body can help:

• Minimize symptoms of depression
• Combat mental decline 
• Increase memory function 
• Improve concentration

If you want to give your brain a regular boost, any kind of exercise will help.  Even mild exercise, such as a daily walk or yoga can improve your brain health.

Knowledge of the effects of exercise on the body and mind continues to grow and in doing so, it helps to guide the development of new therapies to improve our general quality of life.  There seems to be little downside to a moderate aerobic exercise program; with the approval of your health professional, of course.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Archer S. Youth Exercise Contributes to Cognitive Development. IDEA Fitness Journal [serial online]. February 2012;9(2):76.

2. Brisk Walking Can Rebuild Your Brain. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter [serial online]. March 2007;25(1):1-2.

3. Don't Put Off Exercise--Put Off Alzheimer's Instead. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter [serial online].

4. Kleim J. Exercise and the Brain: Exciting discoveries underscore how exercise benefits brain health and boosts lifelong learning. IDEA Fitness Journal [serial online].

Studies: Physical exercise a good warm-up for learning. Pennsylvania Journal Of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance [serial online].

College Athletes and Depression

There is a common perception that college athletes are tough and should be able to resolve problems that might lead to depression. In fact, just the opposite might be true. Having to handle what is essentially a full-time job and keep up with schoolwork might leave them feeling less well-adjusted than non-athletes. Along with the stigma attached to mental health issues, especially in the sporting world where mental toughness is as valued as physical toughness, it can be difficult for athletes to seek help.

an athlete may have different risk factors for developing depression, such as having an injury or having an athletic career come to end, when compared to non-athletes.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sportsdoc/Depression-in-athletes-is-it-being-ignored.html#fpIlogxhO5SMITAY.99

an athlete may have different risk factors for developing depression, such as having an injury or having an athletic career come to end, when compared to non-athletes.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sportsdoc/Depression-in-athletes-is-it-being-ignored.html#fpIlogxhO5SMITAY.99

an athlete may have different risk factors for developing depression, such as having an injury or having an athletic career come to end, when compared to non-athletes.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sportsdoc/Depression-in-athletes-is-it-being-ignored.html#fpIlogxhO5SMITAY.99

Mood disorders sometimes are called Affective Disorders, but more frequently are simply called “depression.” Common contributors to depression are:

• trouble adjusting to the transition from high school to college
• overtraining or injury
• pressure to perform
• lack of free time 
• stress from schoolwork 

Signs/symptoms of depression include*:

• Low or sad moods, often with episodes of crying 
• Irritability or anger
• Feeling worthless, helpless and hopeless 
• Eating and sleeping disturbance (reflected in an increase or decrease)
• A decrease in energy and activity levels with feelings of fatigue or tiredness. 
• Decreases in concentration, interest and motivation 
• Social withdrawal or avoidance 
• Negative thinking 
• Thoughts of death or suicide. In severe cases, intent to commit suicide with a specific plan, followed by one or more suicide attempts. 

While there is often pressure to get the athlete back to play as soon as possible, it’s important that the athlete’s health and safety remains the highest priority. 

Researchers have found that injured athletes experience clinically significant depression 6 times as often as non-injured athletes.

It's important for parents and coaches to recognize their limitations when trying to help someone with a mood disorder. The best way to help is to be able to recognize the symptoms and refer the athlete to a professional. An athlete will need a good support system in order to recover fully, whether it comes from a coach, family, friends or a therapist.

 *This is by no means an exhaustive list, but is intended as a list of common symptoms.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Gagne M. A DIFFERENT KIND OF PAIN. Sports Illustrated. December 12, 2011;115(23):82.
2. Hart C. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF INJURY. Triathlon Life. Fall2009 2009;12(4):44-45.
3. Maniar S, Chamberlain R, Moore N. Suicide risk is real for student-athletes. NCAA News. November 7, 2005;42(23):4-20.
4. Potera C, Delhagen K. Beat the injury blues. Runner's World. October 1990;25(10):18.
5. Reardon C, Factor R. Sport Psychiatry A Systematic Review of Diagnosis and Medical Treatment of Mental Illness in Athletes. Sports Medicine.
6. Weigand S, Cohen J, Merenstein D. Susceptibility for Depression in Current and Retired Student Athletes. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. May 2013;5(3):263-266.