Summers in the NEK are short! Some might even say 100 days! What better way to be sure you embrace summer than to set an awesome goal and meet it! At North County Hospital (NCH), we have been embracing the 100 days of Summer for a few years with our 100 Days of Summer Fitness Challenge and now we are welcoming you to do the same! Starting today, we invite you to join us and our over 500 employees to get moving for the next 100 days! We believe that together we can move more, learn more and create a healthier, happier and just all around more vibrant community. Yes, in 100 days, here’s why!
Did you know that focused physical activity, this is moving your body on purpose (not running around at work or chasing kids), but choosing to move your body, for even small amounts of time a few times a week can literally change your health, wellbeing and longevity? The benefits of exercise are well-documented, and the impact on the body and mind is remarkable, even within a relatively short timeframe.
Within 10 minutes of moving our bodies, the benefits are all ready in full swing. The Mayo Clinic, (www.mayoclinic.org) which is the #1 Hospital in the country reports that even after 10 minutes of exercise, there are several immediate responses and changes in the body. Your heart and breathing start to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. The release of endorphins begins which means an improved mood and pain reduction are on the way! And, even if all you did was 10 minutes of consistently focused physical activity a day, studies are showing these bursts can improve sleep and energy levels.
Within a month, the benefits become more pronounced. As the body becomes stronger and your stamina increases, you not only feel it, but you can also sense that independence is growing. As the body’s metabolism becomes more efficient this is where those seeking weight management can start to see a difference. Mental clarity and focus improve, and individuals often experience a boost in self-esteem. The risk of chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, begins to decrease as well.
Two months in, the momentum is now compounded! Physical changes will start to come to the surface as weight loss is visible, and you see changes in body composition. The addition of greater quality sleep and energy is now visible in your skin, eyes, and overall appearance. The strength of your body is also improving as your stamina is growing, and your body is ready to take on more intensity. Mental outlook should now feel like a new and maintainable positive feature in your mind, as your mental resilience increases and stress management is more under control.
However, at three months and as you encroach on 100 days, this is where the transformation that can completely change someone’s life starts to become a reality. Your body has adapted, you see and feel the increase in muscle mass, reduced body fat, stabilizing blood sugars, and overall fitness. You are feeling independent, driven and strong. You are in a complete lifestyle shift that you used to dream of and now it’s a reality. It only took 10 to start and to keep going for 100 days.
The “100 Days of Summer” fitness challenge offers a structured framework for achieving these remarkable results. By committing to consistent movement anyone can start to welcome these profound transformations in their physical and mental well-being. There is transformative power in being consistent, so much so, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a 12-week exercise program significantly improved cardiovascular health and reduced the risk of heart disease in sedentary individuals. Other studies have shown that regular exercise can improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve cognitive function in older adults. However, when you add on just a few extra days, you go past the 12 weeks and hit the 100 days, they look, feel and desire to be who they now are. Vibrant, motivated and hopeful. Not to mention, very proud!
Will you join us? Why not? What could anyone possibly have to lose? If you are concerned you can talk to your care team, however if you want a free tracker to take you from July- Mid-October for the 100 days, we will welcome those trackers back after the 20th of October and anyone who participates will be entered to win a $100 Wellness Center gift certificate just for trying! Email mhoadley@nchsi.org to receive your tracker! Join The Challenge!