A new year snuck up on me again. Wow, 2009! It seems only yesterday, I was in the emergency communications center wearing a black choker with 2000 written in silver as I doubled with another dispatcher handling the potential Y2K madness. But, midnight came and went without the computers exploding. People continued their parties, creating plenty of work for the guys and gals in the field. Now, almost ten years later, another new year with its new beginnings faces us. One of the most popular resolutions (or goals if you prefer that term) is to get in better shape. As employees who spend most of their shift tethered to a desk, being fit mentally, emotionally and physically is particularly important. Many studies, including a 2001 University of Chicago project, shows working in a sedentary job leaves us more susceptible to weight-related problems, including low energy and a higher body mass index. Although operators have a lot going against us, there are just as many positive changes we can make to feel the best we can.
Get a Check-up
Exercise and eating right are two of the most important changes we can make to feel great. Of course, getting a regular check-up before starting a new program is essential, seeing a doctor on an annual basis allows you to ask questions and address any health-related problems you might be having. If you don't schedule a doctor's visit regularly, you might be more likely to keep any issues you are having to yourself, such as pain in your wrists (possible carpal tunnel) or back pain (poor equipment ergonomics). During the year, write down any concerns you have so you have a record of what you want to talk about. Personally, going to the doctor is stressful, so if I have things written down and can read them off, I feel more comfortable. Once you get your check-up, you're ready to begin your new, healthier lifestyle.
Eating
One of the hardest things to do, especially when you work shift work, is to eat correctly. Most emergency communications operators cannot leave for meals, so either they bring something in or eat out of the vending machine or the mobile cantina. Many do not offer healthy choices. Talk to whoever is in charge and see if they are willing to put better foods inside, or better yet keep healthy foods on hand for personal snacking. Cut-up fruits and vegetables are a good choice, or keep a can of V-8 in the refrigerator. Also, make sure you eat at regular intervals. Most of us have been programmed breakfast comes around 8, lunch at 12 and dinner 5. When you work a non-9-to-5 schedule, you can reprogram your mealtimes. Adjust your eating around your day. Try not to skip meals, even if you are busy. Keeping your energy and mental capacity high is just as important to officer safety. Also, keep water at your desk. Staying hydrated curbs hunger.
Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert, explains most eating plans fail because they are based on a diet mentality versus a lifestyle mentality. "Going on a diet," he states, "involves an external and temporary change in eating technique." Once you reach the desired goal, you stop following the technique and things return. A lifestyle change, on the other hand, "involves an internal and permanent change in your relationship with food, eating, and physical activity." Lifestyle is about how and why you eat instead of what and how much. Stress, and there is a lot of it in emergency communications, can cause operators to emotionally eat. Also, the hours of boredom on a slow night can lead to snacking unhealthily. Take time to learn about nutrition and what foods, including complex carbohydrates, can give you the most bang for the buck.
Exercise
Who has time for exercise? So, many operators are already spread so thin between work, family, and possibly trying to have some individual time. Often, we are sleep-deprived and the idea of getting up an hour earlier to go for a run sounds as refreshing as dipping in hot wax. Again, this is part of a lifestyle change and can be modified to fit into our stressful profession. Check out the local resources, such as health clubs, exercise groups or joining up with a friend. Often the accountability that comes with working out with a friend is enough to keep you motivated for a long time. After all, it's easy to talk yourself out of that evening walk, but if your friend is standing at the door in her walking pants, you'll be less likely to shut the door and plop back in front of the television.
If you are allowed, exercise at work. My agency had a nice work-out room (all the equipment was handed down from SWAT) and for many years several of us would hit the treadmill during our lunchtime. Unfortunately, liability killed that, but we could still go out in the parking lot and walk laps, so we did. While at the console, maintain good posture, stand up and stretch every hour and practice good breathing. You'll feel better, increase oxygen to your muscles and look leaner. A variety of simple exercises can be done at a desk (even ones that don't increase your risk of becoming tangled in your headset). Find what works for you and make goals. Three 10 minute walks is as good as a 30 minute one. When you're off-duty find activities you really enjoy and shuffle them. Bowling is fun. So, is snow-shoeing.
However you start 2009, whether you are in great shape or not, adding good nutrition and exercise into your lifestyle can improve you mentally, emotionally and physically. Being sedentary is part of our job, but living a sedentary lifestyle doesn't have to be. Start slowly. Make a few changes. Be patient and reward yourself for meeting goals. Enlist your friends and co-workers. Most of all do it for yourself and the way you'll feel about yourself and your job.
Michelle Perin
Michelle Perin has been a freelance writer since 2000. In December 2010, she earned her Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University.
