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This image shows part of a document drafted by GHQ to make recommendations to the Japanese government about Diet reform. (Mainichi)

TOKYO -- Japan's 1 million yen (roughly $7,400) per month correspondence allowance paid to Diet members is under fire, with calls rising to revise the stipend. But debate on how the money is used has been put off with the end of the ordinary Diet session ahead of the July 10 House of Councillors election. The Mainichi Shimbun reflected on the history and origins of Japanese lawmakers' so-called "second salary," which was originally envisioned as a system to allow them to send mail for free.

The system began in 1947. Though a fixed sum is currently paid in advance to all Diet members, the original vision for the correspondence allowances differed from how it is run today, Graduate School of Social Design professor Jun Kitajima has found. A document created by the occupying Allied Powers' General Headquarters (GHQ) provided the evidence.

The correspondence allowance had been specified in the Diet Law as payments "for mailing official documents and for communications of an official nature." While the amount was 125 yen per month at the outset, it ballooned to 100,000 yen in 1963, and to 1 million yen in 1993. The allowance's name has also changed throughout the years. In effect, there are no limits on how the funds can be used, and lawmakers have no obligation to disclose how they were spent, making the allowances a de facto extra salary.

Moves to reform the system gained momentum after a rookie legislator and others drew attention to the issue following the Oct. 31, 2021 House of Representatives election, when first-time Diet members were paid the full amount for that month even though they had only been in their positions for a single day. Although the correspondence allowance's distribution method was changed so payments would be made on a per diem basis, it also got the new name of "survey, research, public relations and accommodation allowance," allowing legislators to add "interactions with the Japanese public" as objectives for their distribution. Observers have questioned the move, saying that how the money is used will become even more ambiguous.

The allowance system's origins can be traced to 1946, when Japan was under Allied occupation following World War II. Along with the issue of the postwar Constitution, handling of the Diet Law, which specified how the Diet is run among other regulations, was a key concern for GHQ. Historians believe that the root of this concern was the Diet's inability to prevent the Japanese military's rash actions during the Pacific War, and GHQ crafted a draft to improve the country's legislature. On Sept. 3, 1946, Justin Williams, chief of the GHQ government section's legislative division, drafted a document called "Problems of the Diet under the Revised Constitution" as "recommendations as a minimum."

Kitajima found the draft among microfilms in the National Diet Library collection. He was able to find the sentence, "Franking privileges will be accorded Diet members for sending through the mail public documents printed by order of the Diet and any mail matter of an official nature." "Franking" is the right to send mail through the postal system for free. And Kitajima believes the passage is the origin of today's correspondence allowances.

Williams later wrote in a publication that the franking privilege for legislators was "a device for encouraging closer contact between Diet members and their constituents." This means that the system was originally envisioned as a way to make official mail free, instead of an allowance distribution.

The Diet Law was enacted in May 1947, following GHQ's recommendation. Article 38 specifies that members shall "receive allowances, as provided for separately, for mailing official documents and for communications of an official nature during a session," departing from the original vision.

The ambiguous nature of the allowance's use has been deemed problematic before. In 1959, when it was raised at the Constitution Research Commission, the then House of Representatives' Legislative Bureau chief commented, "Since a franked mail privilege took a great deal of effort, a correspondence allowance began to be distributed to Diet members."

However, it was not made clear what was "a great deal of effort" about a franked mail system. Kitajima said, "If they're claiming that making calculations each time is troublesome, this is a conception at the time of the system's onset. Exact costs can be easily identified today, through credit cards, electronic money, and other means." There seems to be room for improvement.

Though campaigning for the upper house election is underway, there has hardly been any debate over the correspondence allowance. Kitajima commented, "Many political parties do not touch on it as a crucial issue, but the public must be watching whether politicians are capable of reform with sacrifice. I'd like people to judge the weight of politicians' words, not limited to discussion on the allowances."

(Japanese original by Akira Iida, Tokyo City News Department)

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Japan's 1 mil. yen monthly allowance to Diet members conceived as free mail privilege - The Mainichi - The Mainichi

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Theres been a lot of talk lately about the benefits of exercise and proper diet on the brain. Now, evidence is finally starting to mount up. Researchers suggest that regular physical activity and a balanced diet were linked with better cognitive function later in life. They believe that this is because both of these things help to protect the brain from age-related damage. If you want to keep your mind sharp as you age, stay active and eat well.As we live longer and longer, brain health becomes an increasingly important concern. Unfortunately, cognitive impairment is a natural part of an aging brain for many people. Memory loss, trouble focusing, and slowed thinking are common complaints as we age. Many cognitive difficulties, such as Alzheimers disease, have underlying pathological causes that researchers are still trying to understand.

However, cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, there are many things we can do to keep our brains sharp as we age. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. It increases blood flow and helps to keep brain cells healthy. A healthy diet is also important for brain health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the brain with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Social interaction is also crucial for brain health.

As people age, it is also essential to keep the mind active and engaged. Studies have shown that seniors who participate in learning activities and social interactions experience a slower rate of cognitive decline. In addition, active and engaged seniors are more likely to report higher satisfaction levels with their overall quality of life.

There are many ways to encourage healthy brain aging, but one of the most important things is to commit to a schedule that includes learning activities, social interactions, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Summer is a great time to get outside and get physical activity through gardening or walking. Farmers markets are also a great place to visit this time of year to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your brain healthy and prevent cognitive decline.

While some degree of cognitive impairment is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how other factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo Biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

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Exercise and Proper Diet Has Many Known Benefits on the Brain: Study - Bel Marra Health

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Multiple therapies can effectively treat Veterans posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But what works for one person may not work for another, highlighting how a one-size-fits-all approach to PTSD, or mental health in general, is unlikely to be successful.

At the same time, interest is increasing among researchers and clinicians in using complementary and alternative treatments, such as exercise, to enhance traditional mental health care and support a patient-centered approach to care. Veterans with PTSD frequently use these treatments and often rate them as enjoyable.

Thats the word from Dr. Daniel Reis, a clinical psychologist at the VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention. He recently led a literature review to evaluate the results and quality of studies on the benefits of exercise for Veterans with PTSD.

Dr. Daniel Reis (Photo by Rachel Warden)

In the review, the researchers identified six single-arm studies in which all participants took part in an exercise, plus three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared an exercise group against another group. The Veterans in the studies were diagnosed with PTSD or had experienced PTSD symptoms but had not received a PTSD diagnosis.

Based on preliminary evidence, the researchers determined that exercise has promise for reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms in Veterans. Reis and his team saw reductions in the four primary symptom domains: re-experience, avoidance, thoughts and arousal. The paper also highlighted the need for more high-quality RCTs to confirm the benefits of exercise for PTSD symptom reduction in Veterans. The review appeared in the Federal Practitioner in April 2022.

The physical health benefits of exercise are well known, and there is a growing body of research showing how exercise can also support mental health, making it an ideal candidate for further investigation as a complementary treatment, Reis says. If exercise does help Veterans with PTSD, it could make a big difference in how we treat the disorder by giving Veterans and their providers another option to use, either by itself or in combination with other treatments.

Finally, he adds, Veterans with PTSD are more likely to have hypertension, which is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseasethe number one cause of death in the U.S.and is responsive to exercise. As such, exercise has the potential to protect the health and well-being of Veterans by simultaneously enhancing physical and mental health.

Understanding the complex nature of PTSD is one of VAs most pressing challenges. The department says many Veterans who fought in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have had that mental health condition sometime in their lives.

PTSD symptoms are well documented: re-experiencing trauma through flashbacks and nightmares; avoidance of reminders of a traumatic event; changes in thoughts and feelings, such as guilt and emotional numbing; and hyperarousal.

Reis and his colleagues embarked on the literature review to determine if exercise can successfully treat PTSD in Veterans. No previous research has synthesized the literature on the effects of exercise on PTSD in the Veteran population. The research team also evaluated the risk of bias in the studies, which is often referred to as a quality assessment.

The review showed that yoga was the top exercise treatment used in the studies. The yoga classes involved breathing, movement and relaxation. Also, many studies took a holistic or trauma-informed approach, modifying their yoga programs in ways that were considerate of Veterans needs and past experiences, Reis says. Integrated exercise programs that combine aerobic and strength-based activities, some of which included yoga, are also promising treatment candidates.

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Click here to learn more about VA research.

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Exercise may be useful treatment option for Veterans with PTSD - VAntage Point - VAntage Point Blog

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Exercise can be an effective way to manage life with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Regular movement has a number of physical benefits such as increasing strength and reducing pain. Over time, AS can lead to limited mobility of the spine.

If you use a wheelchair, there are many adaptive exercises you can use to stay active.

Exercise can help keep a range of motion, lengthen muscles, and decrease pain and stiffness if you have AS. Maintaining fitness can help you to manage your AS symptoms and flares.

A 2019 review of randomized clinical trials of exercise programs for people with AS found there was evidence exercise helped reduce pain and increase spinal mobility.

Exercise is good for your:

Participating in a fitness program can also help improve sleep, which contributes to better overall well-being.

Fitness activities can take many forms, including modified forms of yoga, tai chi, and gentle stretching.

A physiotherapist can help you to decide what kind of exercise is right for your body and health. Here are some possibilities from the Spondylitis Association of America that may work for people with AS who use a wheelchair.

This can help stretch your spine and upper back.

This can help your shoulders and upper back. It can also help to strengthen lung capacity.

This can help stretch your chest muscles. Talk with a physiotherapist for a modification of this activity if the back of the wheelchair you use is higher than your shoulders.

These can help to strengthen muscles in your shoulders and upper arms.

These raises can also help your chest and shoulder muscles.

Exercise is an important part of managing ankylosing spondylitis. People who use wheelchairs have the opportunity to choose and modify activities that help to improve strength, flexibility, and spinal mobility. Working with a physiotherapist, you can find the right exercise program that supports your long-term health and well-being.

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Seated Workouts to Improve Your Fitness With AS - Healthline

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If youre even a little bit interested in getting stronger, youve probably heard or read about the 55 workout program. One of the earliest iterations of this workout was popularized by Bill Starr and it has since had a lasting impact on the strength scene.

The programs hallmark is a lack of flash, focusing instead on raw effort. You prioritize compound movements for five sets of five reps (hence the programs name) and vary the intensity to incite a different training stimulus. Its consistent ability to produce results over the years has reinforced that your effort can trump nearly all other programming bells and whistles. If youre dead set on getting strong really strong heres what you need to know about the 55 program.

There have been numerous iterations of Bill Starrs original 55 program. Its initial format was designed primarily to improve the strength and power of athletes such as football players, Olympic weightlifters, and even combat athletes. You can also find variations with more broad applications, such as his beginner 55 or more specialized versions spawned to suit the needs of other populations.

Any version of the program centers around five sets of five reps for multiple compound (multi-joint) exercises. Another hallmark of the program is slow-and-steady progression with the user increasing the weight on the bar by as little as 2.5 pounds each week.

A study published in Biology of Sport compared two groups of lifters following a bench press protocol. One group performed five sets of five reps (at 80% of their one-rep max), while the other performed six sets of two reps (using 87.5% of their 1RM). Both groups increased their bench press. (1)

Whats more, the researchers assert that these results tend to support the common practical recommendation to start with a lighter load when employing a progressive wave loading strategy, as such a strategy yields similar improvements in performance with a lower level of exertion in training. (1)

The original 55 splits your training routine into three days a heavy day on Monday, light day on Wednesday, and medium day on Friday. Youll focus on the squat, various presses, and the power clean (or barbell row) with negligible additional exercises beyond the core lifts.

Directions: Each workout will be based on a percentage of your 1RM, so its a good idea to know your max for each of the main lifts (see below). The program calls for you to perform a top set at a prescribed percentage of your 1RM for each exercise using the previous four sets to ramp your way up slowly.

Progressing Starrs 55 is as simple as increasing the load of your estimated 1RM by 2.5 percent each week. If (or when) you experience a missed repetition on a single lift or find that the program itself has become too difficult deload by scaling back the load by approximately 10% and carrying on.

More than anything, the 55 is a set/rep scheme and mode of progression that encourages slow and steady strength gains. By staying true to the core principals of this method, you can create a 55 workout of your own that will ensure gains for months to come.

If Starrs original program isnt quite to your liking, you can apply the basic formula to your own workouts. Heres the 411:

If youre interested in MacGyvering your own 55 workouts, use the menu of exercises below to fill in the above categories. You should stick with the same movements for four weeks before subbing them out.

You must know your 1RM to complete the 55 program accurately. If you havent maxed out in a while, or have never maxed out, give this handy calculator a try.

[Related: Jim Wendlers 5/3/1 Strength Training Program Explained]

Like any strength program, the core lifts will be centered on compound exercises that challenge your full body. Your progress is controlled with structured increases in load over time and there will be a cap on how much work you do per day.

The cornerstone of the 55 program is an emphasis on multi-joint, compound exercises. In any variation you find barbell squats, deadlifts, cleans, rows, and various presses will serve as your main lifts.

These exercises force a tremendous amount of full-body coordination and thus strengthen many muscle groups at once. With the lack of machines or isolation-style exercise, your entire body will be forced to get stronger by controlling these barbells entirely by your own means.

The weekly increases in prescribed load are typically going to be as small as you have access to; for example, as low as 2.5-pound increases if possible.

The idea is to slowly and methodically increase the load and let your time and effort with each exercise culminate in increased strength. Slow and steady wins this race.

There is a decided limit on the number of exercises per workout within 55 programming. This is by design, as strength requires a specific measure of focus. Your ability to recover is paramount to your success. With too many additional exercises, you will likely get crushed under a wave of fatigue from such high-frequency barbell work.

55 programs account for this by significantly limiting the additional exercises beyond the main 55, often only employing zero to two additional lifts per workout beyond the compound work for the day.

Strength isnt just about your muscles. Your nervous system made up of your central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) controls many of your bodies major functions. Your ability to move, your senses, temperature control, sleep, and vital functions are all regulated by your nervous system.

When it comes to strength training, all movement starts in the brain. From gripping a barbell, to retracting your shoulders blades, to pressing a barbell over your chest your brain fires off all of the signals to make those physical steps possible.

If youre new to lifting or havent lifted in a while your nervous system will need time to acclimate to a new series of movement. However, practice makes perfect. The more you perform a movement, the more coordinated and efficient youll become at doing the exercise.

A study in theJournal of Neurosciencestudied how weight training affected the nerves of two monkeys. Each monkey performed one-arm pulls with a single arm. After three months, the researchers concluded that strength training is associated with neural adaptions.It was the monkeys nerves and their muscle-brain connection that was strengthened before their muscles. (2)

So why does this matter in regards to the 55 method? Because performing five sets of moderately heavy weight for two different compound movements grants you, the lifter, plenty of practice for your nervous system. This program forces you to focus on more sets and reps with fewer movements. Youll become a better lifter, and if youre a powerlifter or strength-hungry gymgoer, how you lift is as important as how much you lift.

Generally, strength training can be accomplished with a (somewhat) bare-bones set-up. However, a handful of things to account for before embarking on your strength journey such as equipment, time commitment, and recovery strategies.

Like many strength-centered routines, the main equipment list youll need is the barbell, a squat rack, and plates to load the bar. Many commonly recommended additional exercises fall into the calisthenic category (chin-ups and dips), making them easy enough to do almost anywhere. With that in mind, having a good back extension or glute-ham developer couldnt hurt, depending on how you specifically program your 55.

Access to a deadlift platform is also helpful, ensuring you can best go after your heavy deadlift sets without fear of damaging bars, plates, or the floor from high-intensity pulls.

A dedicated bench press or adjustable mobile bench will also work allowing you to set up in your squat rack to pull double duty.

A few odds and ends for quality of life are to consider a pair of squat or deadlift shoes, chalk, and a good weightlifting belt to prolong your strength training progressions.

Should you dive more into the DIY 55 formatting, ensure you have all the necessary implements (such as kettlebellsor dumbbells) at your disposal before getting started!

While nearly every variation of a 55 program is suited to three days per week, you should allow for a fair amount of time in the gym. Up to three different exercises performed for five sets of five to 10 repetitions in a strength format call for a ton of rest. Allowing yourself the grace for adequate warm-ups and accessory time can also elongate your day, so give yourself a few dedicated hours of training to accomplish a quality session without rushing.

Recovery is one of the most important and overlooked aspects of getting strong. While training for muscle can have some clear signs of fatigue (delayed onset muscle soreness is pretty easy to spot), strength can be slightly less obvious.

Sometimes you wont be sore, but youll still be under-recovered. Allow yourself adequate days off between sessions, following the split as best you can. Eat, sleep, and hydrate like your gains depend on it (because they do) especially as you get deeper into the program.

The 55 method is fantastic for establishing a solid foundational strength base for nearly anyone, but it can be particularly beneficial for powerlifters and field sport athletes.

Field sports athletes such as football or rugby players serve as some of the most commonly prescribed populations for 55 programs. Given that many of the most popular variations were written with these athletes in mind, it makes sense that the exercise selection, volume, and results would benefit them the most. Its lower frequency and emphasis on strength weaves perfectly into the offseason or can be scaled to maintain in-season performance.

Barbell athletes such as powerlifters will especially benefit from utilizing a 55, which employs many of their competition lifts. The programming style, progressions, and emphasis on recovery also play perfectly into what a powerlifter needs to get brutally strong.

Depending on your strength level, it can serve as apotent beginner to intermediate powerlifting program.

Anyone looking to develop a strong foundation of strength would benefit from utilizing a 55 program. The program focuses on skill development on the effective barbell strength exercises by applying them multiple times per week.

Repeated exposure to these lifts helps develop rapid strength-skill increases, while slow progressions allow muscle tissue to adapt on the back end. Athletes far away from competition or new lifters looking to establish a strong base this program is for you.

While most people benefit from strength training, you might find yourself in a unique position where a 55 is outside your preferred programming style.

Athletes who have already established a high degree of skill or strength might find many 55 programs too unforgiving to see continued progress.

The repeated exposures to barbell lifts are great for beginner, and intermediary strength development since a considerable degree of improvement will come from improved skill. Once your strength reaches a specific level, the linear increases in bar weight between each workout might be a bit overwhelming to be of benefit. Your strength has already reached a level where more time is needed at each weight to squeak out more progress than the program might allow.

While there are many variations of the original 55, they are all rooted in the development of generalized strength. More customizable programs might be a better option if you have specific exercise or strength goals that fall outside the prescribed exercises or their potential carryover.

The lifter with no specific strength goal is the most obvious person who shouldnt be using a 55. Strength is a dedicated pursuit; if youre interested in maximizing muscle gain, endurance, or a wide range of other goals, a 55 might not allow for such variability. Like many programs, if you find yourself chasing dreams outside of what it specifically promises, there is little use for you here.

For some, Bill Starr may be a bit of a throwback, but his influence is widespread. Starr was an Olympic weightlifter in the 1960s, becoming a prolific strength coach, author of several successful programs, and writer for numerous publications.

One of his most recognizable contributions is The Strongest Shall Survive which holds up to this day. Starr also served as a strength and conditioning coach for many collegiate programs and professional football teams, actively contributing to the field well into the 2000s before his death in 2015.

Bill Starr is a legend in the strength scene, inspiring many other coaches and programs through his contributions.

His 55 program(s) highlight the beautiful, straightforward nature of strength training with effort trumping nearly all else in the pursuit of massive progress. For your beginner and intermediate programming needs, look no further than Bill Starrs 55. Sometimes the best thing for you is abrief but brutal stint with simplicity.

Featured Image: Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

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Get Freakishly Strong With the 5x5 Workout Program - BarBend

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The event encourages students and their families to exercise and read this summer.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. Thursday marked the start of the 2022 Summer of Fun Fitness Challenge in New Haven, where students met at East Shore Park to exercise and had a chance to win some prizes.

The event works to promote learning and exercise over the summer months, with the message "healthy bodies healthy minds."

"Learning doesnt take a vacation," said Gemma Joseph Lumpkin, the organizer of the event and the Chief of Youth, Family, and Community with New Haven Public Schools. "We want our students and their families to come out, enjoy this beautiful weather, enjoy this beautiful East Shore Park."

Students and families of the New Haven Public School District warmed up for a walk in the park, and students that completed the walk received a free book and a chance to win an iPad.

"We came here to get some books," said student, Christian Agapantecato.

The books were for all students big and small.

"I got ocean creatures," said Aiden Scott.

"The Big Dipper" was the book 4-year-old Abigail Moody said she received.

This is an event that parents in the community are thankful for.

"From four all the way up to high school, freshmen and sophomores and juniors are here so I think its a fabulous opportunity for our kids," said Abigail's father, Aaron Moody.

The walk was a fun way to tour the city parks and meet new friends.

"Being a school employee and a parent that lives in New Haven its awesome to have events like this throughout the summer," said Scott. "To kind of break that physical sweat but be sure kids are engaging in academics and breaking that mental sweat as well."

"This is about summer of fun were coming off of COVID, masks are off in New Haven, were saying get out here enjoy the weather, each other, and all New Haven has to offer for the students," said Lumpkin.

There are plenty of opportunities to join this program this summer. The details can be found here.

Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached atLkane@fox61.com.Follow her onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

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Summer of Fun 2022 kicks off in New Haven; Students walk and earn free books - FOX61 Hartford

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A wellness community empowering your body, mind and soul is forming in Brentwood.

BRENTWOOD, Mo. Staying in shape should be something on the top of all of our minds but for some even starting a workout can be scary. Monica in the Metro traveled to Brentwood to explore a community that is coming together and taking away the fear in and out of the gym.

The alarm goes off at 3 a.m. and there are no grunts or sighs, instead, it's up and at em' with a smile and an eagerness to get to work and change the world! At 4 a.m. the lights flip on by Force Performance owners Brock and Brittany Wilson as they come together to truly make an impact in the region. They always wanted to open a gym but not just an open model, more of a concept of small group classes and custom-designed athlete programs so an entire community could bond.

The Wilson's wanted to start a new wellness movement in Brentwood and it is happening fast! "We talked about a gym for so long and it was supposed to be a ten-year plan and then we said why are we waiting and so we built Force," says Brittany Wilson.

Why the name Force; it truly came to them as just that a powerful force of "This is it, it's gotta be Force." They looked through a thesaurus and were throwing around a lot of names and kept coming back to Force.

A powerful word and a powerful movement are underway. As a gym and as a couple, truly a force to be reckoned with.

"People can go train anywhere but where you really get them is that community, the relationships you build which Brittany's done immensely with all the people that come in member-wise; it's a family to them," says Brock Wilson. "We wanted to create a space where people could make friends and get to know each other and feel like they're welcome".

This community doesn't just come in for their physical training but bonds on weekends and after work. They take walking trips together to a local coffee shop after a workout, go "brunching" and the social outings are growing. Those walks create conversation and a sense of healing and a bevy of emotions. Education is taught as well as the members learn the importance of eating and knowing food is fuel.

"I've been the girl that only ate 800 calories a day, did tons of cardio and tried to be as thin as I could and then once I found weightlifting and not only the strength it gave me physically but how much stronger I felt inside, my confidence got so much stronger," Brittany said.

Brittany has struggled in her own life, finding herself a single mom at a young age and raising her son Lucas. She turned more to the fitness world to find a sense of belonging and solace. It is in this community that spiritual growth was shared and an awakening of the kind of coach she always wanted to be to truly make an impact. A confidence her husband has watched and helped mentor. Brock self admits he is her biggest fan and greatest supporter.

"I regularly find myself watching from the side, just watching her work ethic pretty much every day and what she brings to the table makes me so proud", Brock adds.

Your best can only be done when your mental health is also a focus. Force Performance opened their doors not only to the fitness world but knowing they wanted to hold monthly sessions outside of the sweat left on the floor from an exhausting workout. They wanted the community to feel a sense of trust and belonging to truly open up about their lives and what may be holding them back.

The girls and especially guys afternoons and nights have been incredibly successful. Brock has shared his mental health struggles and a dangerous road he was following after losing his greatest mentor, his father; the late St Louis Blue Rick Wilson. It was a devastating hurt that led him to substance abuse and even thoughts of suicide. He shares this in his talks and has spoken about it numerous times in his social media posts.

"Especially with men, the mental health aspect is key, even just getting together as guys in a different atmosphere and feeling a sense of belonging", outside of just hanging for drinks or hunting. It is a powerful force that continues to grow. Brock says "it's just one of those things guys are telling him they really look forward to now".

You know the line from the movie Field of Dreams "If you build it, they will come', well this dream became a reality. A gym that aesthetically will wow you and look like nothing you have ever seen in St. Louis for all walks of life. A healthy place of education, camaraderie and where the accomplishments can physically be seen in the sweat left on the floor.

"A lot of the unique tools that we have are awesome like the run rockets and a 3D camera system that measures velocity based training", says Brock Wilson. "Brittany's been able to utilize this in her group training classes which is the first one in the country to do so".

He thinks of his dad often and when asked what he would be thinking as he looked down on his son from heaven, the tears began to well up in his eyes as he confidently said "he would be proud, he'd be very proud". He turned to look at his stepson Lucas and said Grandpa Rick would be proud wouldn't he?

They have created a community that the whole family can come together. The members love seeing their son with them and they even bring their fur baby, Echo, to work to visit from time to time and he's a big member favorite too.

They are inspiring athletes from beginners to advanced and their son Lucas has a message for YOU, "One day come in to Force and have a good workout".

Force Performance has only been open for 6 months and has already garnered 150 members and growing. To learn more about their programs and the monthly series exploring your mental health for both men and women you can check them out on Instagram, Facebook and online at https://stlforceperformance.com/

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The 'FORCE' is strong with these two! - KSDK.com

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Patrick Balfour has taken part in an eight-week exercise programme run by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) at The Bilston Peoples Centre.

The programme has been designed to help those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Patrick, from Bilston, has regular check-ups with the nurse including breathing tests and he was told in January he may benefit from joining the group.

The 75-year-old said: "It has been a mixture of one to one and group sessions. Some of the exercises included walking on the spot, stepping from side to side, weights and leg lifts.

"They help you to manage your breathing and I have noticed a big difference as I used to need to use an inhaler, even when walking up the stairs, but now I dont and I am not as breathless.

"It has really made a change and, not only is it having a benefit on my physical health, but mentally too as I really enjoy the sessions and the staff have been amazing I would recommend it to anyone."

COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties which tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit normal activities.

James Fryer, exercise physiologist from the pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) team at RWT, who has been monitoring Patricks progress over the last eight weeks, said: "Patrick has been an absolute pleasure to work with.

"He has turned up to every exercise session and has put in so much effort and has rightly reaped the rewards.

"He deserves every success he has achieved due to his hard work and consistency.

"I hope from the exercise and education he has received, he now feels more confident and able to manage his condition.

"We always carry out a pre-rehab and a post-rehab assessment and Patrick improved by 75 metres on his exercise test, which shows physical improvement from pulmonary rehabilitation we are very proud."

Anyone struggling to complete daily tasks due to shortness of breath can speak to a GP and ask to be referred to the service.

More about the different conditions and resources to help can be found at blf.org.uk.

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Breathing improvements for retired ambulance driver thanks to eight-week exercise programme - Express & Star

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Home > Press Releases > Georgia Southern researchers work with Georgia Public Safety Training Center to revise training standards for state public safety officials

July 6, 2022

Researchers in Georgia Southern Universitys Tactical Athlete Readiness and Preparedness Program (TARP) have teamed up with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) to ensure the readiness and resilience of Georgias public safety officials.

Members of the TARP in the Waters College of Health Professions have worked to revise the fitness training standards for Georgias police cadets with a focus on functional fitness, mental resilience and injury prevention.

In addition, the program has formed a partnership with the GPSTC, Georgias premier training facility for all state and local public safety related units to include police, fire and communication.

Bridget Melton, Ed.D., professor of exercise science and lead faculty member of TARP, said that due to high stress and health concerns, some police and public safety officials are at high risk for cardiovascular disease or other fatal illnesses.

Our program provides state academies with fitness exercises that increase overall cadet fitness and focuses on injury prevention, said Melton. Our program focuses on occupational focused fitness to hopefully encourage a more positive view of exercise that will stick with cadets even after their academy training is done.

Richard Cleveland, Ed.D., associate professor of leadership, technology and human development, heads resilience and mental health for the TARP team, and has created a Mindfulness-Based Tactical Instruction curriculum for the state of Georgia.

Tactical athletes need training and support for resilience and mental health, but too often its only presented as a one-time workshop or seminar, said Cleveland. Our program dovetails into the states resilience curriculum for officers, but provides bite-sized mindfulness practices within the fitness program. This gives cadets repeated practice at using mindfulness and embeds it within their context using police language, actions and behaviors.

The partnership was made possible due to a subgrant GPSTC was awarded from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to fund TARP at their facilities due to the programs comprehensive view of officer wellness, which is aimed at improving de-escalation skills among recruits through mental and physical training.

We are pleased to form a partnership with the GPSTC and the Tactical Athlete Readiness and Preparedness Program, stated Chris Wigginton, director of GPSTC. This partnership will allow public safety professionals to be better prepared in their personal and professional lives. Some of the many benefits will be a reduction in injuries, being better prepared to use needed skills in rapidly evolving situations, and the resiliency and mental health component. As word has gotten out of the possibility of the GPSTC implementing this program we have already been contacted by several states regarding the initiative.

Additionally, graduate students in the Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology participate in the program and gain firsthand and practical experience by performing training and assessment for state instructors.

TARP is part of Georgia Southerns Tactical Athlete Initiative, which aims to reduce the number of injuries and increase readiness and preparedness of tactical athletes. The interdisciplinary team consists of the following Georgia Southern faculty members:

Bridget Melton, Ed.D., Professor

Richard Cleveland, Ed.D., Associate Professor

Greg Grosicki, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Haresh Rochani, DrPH, Associate Professor

Mary Beth Yarbrough, Lecturer

Sarah Davis, Lecturer

TARP is just one example of the work coming from Georgia Southern Universitys Tactical Athlete Initiative. The Tactical Athlete Initiative is a multi-discipline collaboration providing research, training and support for military, police, fire, and EMS workers. The Tactical Athlete Initiative has partnered with multiple agencies including the Statesboro Police Department, Statesboro Fire Department, Bulloch County Sheriffs Office, Forsyth County Sheriffs Office, Waycross Fire Department, Georgia Public Safety Training Centers, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and the United States Army.

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Georgia Southern researchers work with Georgia Public Safety Training Center to revise training standards for state public safety officials | Newsroom...

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CEP Magazine (June 2022)

With the breadth of most compliance programs in large international organizations and the number of policies and reports to follow, it can be easy to lose focus of the bigger picture and fall into the trap of measuring the inputhow many reports or spreadsheets did I issue; how many training sessions did I runrather than the output and whether your program is meeting its objectives and actually having any positive impact on the business.

Regulatory expectations in this area are increasing, and when setting compliance metrics, we should always challenge ourselves about not only what any particular metric is trying to prove, but also why that metric is relevant and aligned with the wider business goals.

When going through this exercise, it can be useful to look at metrics through the lens of four different levels, and ideally, your program will contain a balance of each one to be able to prove that the program is functioning and understood, affecting behaviors, meeting its goals, and adding value to the organization.

The most basic level of metric are operational metrics. These are usually quantitative and record a factual event (for example, the number of compliance training sessions that have been held).

We typically use operational metrics to prove that the program has been implemented and is functioningfor example, to track the dedicated number of resources in place or the number of whistleblower reports that have been received. These metrics can be a useful foundation, but on their own, they dont really tell you very much and are only a starting point to then link to the more qualitative aspects of whether a compliance program is actually effective.

Engagement metrics are essentially asking three questions:

Are people aware of the program?

Do they understand the program?

Do they care about it?

In this space, you can find both qualitative and quantitative metrics. The use of surveys and questionnaires can help to identify levels of understanding and awareness and track them over time, helping to identify particular departments or seniority levels that might require more focus.

Quantitative data can also be used to measure engagement, and this is an area where marketing teams have particular expertise (and may be able to help) through measuring customer engagement by way of social media hits and recording site traffic.

From a compliance perspective, engagement metrics will typically track the level of staff interaction with the content that your program is generating: the percentage of compliance communications that are opened, the page views for your intranet, time spent on the page, and repeat visitors to the page.

Again, this information is useful but not in isolation, and while staff might be aware of, understand, and care about the program, they still may not be doing anything differently as a result.

Behavioral metrics link back to your original goals for the compliance program and measure whether corporate behaviors and culture are having the desired effect.

Many aspects of a compliance program are linked to influencing or changing behavior. We might be looking to increase the number of people reporting compliance incidents, improve training scores, or encourage people to report conflicts of interest or gifts and hospitality.

When setting these metrics, we should first articulate what it is that people are expected to do differently from before, and then the relevant metrics will show whether this is actually happening.

We may have a compliance program that we can prove is operating, understood by staff, and affecting behaviors, but it doesnt operate in a vacuum, and perhaps the most important metric level of all is the final one: those metrics that demonstrate that the compliance program is meeting its objectives and adding value to the business in which it operates.

The compliance program is not an end in and of itself and should not become introspective. It is part of a wider business, consumer, and regulatory environment and should be a valuable part of the business strategy. The more we as compliance officers can show this and align ourselves with organizational metrics, the greater prominence and influence the program may generate.

Business value metrics can take many forms. For example, some metrics might highlight the trend of health and safety incidentsin particular, demonstrating how, as a result of the training or through root cause analysis from incident reporting, the number of health and safety issues went down by a certain percentage. Or similarly, metrics showing a decrease of code or regulatory breaches.

This level of thinking can be also applied to a number of business performance metrics, such as showing the impact of the compliance program on business process improvements, operational efficiencies, customer satisfaction (for example through net promotor score surveys), and even the bottom line.

Ideally, a balanced selection of metrics can be found across all different levels, and in many respects, it is important to be able to demonstrate all of them to be able to show the necessary cause and effect. But the more we can use metrics to understand how the program is working effectively and how it aligns with the goals of the program and business strategy, the more well-rounded insight we will have, which will allow us to continuously identify areas for focus and enhancement.

Its key to be able to employ metrics that measure not just input and production but also whether the program is meeting objectives and adding value.

Be clear on objectives and target behaviors at the outset to track whether these are being achieved.

Challenge what each metric is trying to show and why that metric is relevant.

Align compliance goals and metrics with wider organizational goals, and use tangible metrics that show these shared goals.

Employ a balance of operational, engagement, behavioral, and business value metrics to understand the full impact of your program and identify where to improve.

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Higher-level metrics offer new perspective to your compliance program - JD Supra

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