This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Urban Active Honors Those Who Have Served Our Country With Free Workouts On Veteran's Day

Workouts to assist in alleviating PTSD – Number one problem due to war complications.

 

 Currently, there are more than 24 million Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, that have reintegrated back into society according to www.va.gov. As hundreds of celebrations are held across the United States to commemorate Veterans Day, this November 11th,  Urban Active is honoring those who have served our country and their families, by offering them free workouts all day.

Find out what's happening in Buckheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

According to MSNBC and the Army’s first study of mental health, 1 in 8 returning soldiers who fought in Iraq, suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Once called shell shock or combat fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, feelings of detachment, irritability, trouble concentrating and sleeplessness.

Find out what's happening in Buckheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Exercise allows the brain to release endorphins. These "feel-good" chemicals elicit an improvement in mood inside your brain and can ease the symptoms of both depression and anxiety that come with PTSD. In addition, exercise reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen the feelings of anxiety and depression, according to MayoClinic.com.

 

For many people, symptoms begin almost right away after the trauma happens. For others, the symptoms may not begin or may not become a problem until years later. Symptoms of PTSD may include:

  • Repeatedly thinking about the trauma. You may find that thoughts about the trauma come to mind even when you don’t want them to. You might also have nightmares or flashbacks about the trauma or may become upset when something reminds you of the event.
  • Being constantly alert or on guard. You may be easily startled or angered, irritable or anxious and preoccupied with staying safe.  You may also find it hard to concentrate or sleep or have physical problems, like constipation, diarrhea, rapid breathing, muscle tension or rapid heart rate.
  • Avoiding reminders of the trauma.  You may not want to talk about the event or be around people or places that remind you of the event.  You also may feel emotionally numb, detached from friends, family, and lose interest in activities.

 In honor of Veteran’s Day this November 11th, Urban Active is offering free workouts all day to those who have served our country along with their families at all their Urban Active 36 Locations in 7 states.  

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Buckhead