Intervention Week 5: Exercise

Walking Schedule Thursday (23rd May) – Tuesday (28 May)

Day	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday
Exercise	Walking	Walking	Walking	Walking	Walking	Walking
Time (minutes)	20	20	30	40	50	50
Drinks	2 standard	2 standard	2 standard	2 standard	1 standard	Nil

Dr Mercola from Peak Fitness states, ” exercising regularly can also reduce your risk of becoming dependent” (2016). Therefore we are trying exercise as a way to reduce our client’s poor lifestyle.

Reflection

What did you do?

This week my partner and I teamed together to create an exercise schedule for our client to help intervene with their over consumption. As I asked last week, my client enjoys walking on the treadmill, therefore their schedule composes only of walking to kick start their exercise. Hopefully, through this exercise, our client can calm themselves, meaning that they do not have to rely on alcohol as a depressant. Further, we wanted to keep the alcohol schedule in place to ensure that our client does not exceed 2 standard drinks per day. In fact, we have even further reduced their consumption schedule to 1 standard, and 1 day dedicated to not drink any alcohol. I have chosen schedule no alcohol on Tuesday as this day is set to be one of the longest exercise days, therefore, they will release more endorphins, as outlined by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2018). Ultimately, through their exercise they will be calm. Also, as this schedule may be an overwhelming experience, I have decided to gradually reduce the standard drinks per day 1 on Monday as the less you consume the better it is for your health; as seen by previous research (high consumption rates cause health/social problems).

How did it go?

I believe this intervention went quite well as our client adhered by the schedule and they really enjoyed it at the same time. Also, our client felt that this intervention was helpful as they felt energetic and experienced other positive health benefits like less arguments with their family, better sleep, calmness and relaxation. Our client did adhere by the schedule I created for them, however, they did not comply with the walking program as they did not walk. As our client may not be used to this type of exercise everyday, they may have found it exhausting. Other than this, the intervention went well.

How did you feel?

This week I was excited to commence the exercising part of program as I value activeness as a crucial aspect of life, and our wellbeing. This week I was not nervous to speak with my client or to present them with my intervention as I have gotten used to them by now. This week I felt very confident to help our client because we are on the home stretch and am looking forward to see hopefully rewarding results from our research on this topic.

Client Feedback?

Explain how you felt after doing these exercises?

I felt energetic.

How did walking everyday impact your alcohol intake?

I didn’t feel like drinking as much as usual because I felt calm and relaxed after the walk.

Did you adhere to the schedule? Did you go over the alcohol limit? Did you walk for the designated time?

Yes I did adhere to the schedule at all times, except for walking 50 minutes for 2 days. I found this challenging and did not walk on Tuesday. However, I adhered to the alcohol schedule as exercising helped me.

What are the benefits you experienced with your health?

Sleep has continued to improve. I am having less arguments with my family. I also am not only not hungover in the morning, I feel energetic.

Did you like this schedule? Why, Why not?

Yes, I enjoyed this schedule as I experienced good health benefits.

Please provided some feedback as to how we can further improve the practical implementation aspect of our program. I will be creating a diet schedule next week, and my partner will takeover your exercise schedule. Is there anything you like to eat, that is nutritious, and would like to see on your schedule? Is there any snack foods you like to enjoy (so we can include in the sometimes section)?

Good intervention, but would like to see more variety in exercise. The intervention was helpful in helping me rid my habit. I like to eat chicken Caesar salad. I love chocolate!

Please describe a typical eating day, and what foods you would consume.

For breakfast I usually consume butter on toast. For morning teat I have a Nice Biscuit. For lunch I usually eat takeaway For afternoon tea I have a small packet of chips. For dinner I will have an Indian curry and a piece of fruit.

Was it successful? Why?

Yest this program was successful as evident from the positive client feedback. Our aim was to help our client to reduce their alcohol consumption through exercising, and was proved beneficial. Our client experienced health benefits which positively impacted their family. Even though our client made one mistake in the schedule, they adhered by it at all times which proved effective.

What changed need to occur?

For next week, my partner will need to create an exercising schedule that contains a variety of exercises (which our client requested). This is because my partner will continue the exercise intervention, where I will move to a diet intervention. Also, for next week I will need to include a nutritious food that our client enjoys to eat: chicken Caesar salad. Also, as a sometimes treat I will include chocolate as an incentive for our client. To continue, it is evident that our client consumes unhealthy foods throughout the day, which may contribute to his addiction, therefore I will need to amend his diet.

Free Blogging.

Next week we will continue our practical implementation aspect of our program and I will create a diet for our client. Hopefully, healthy food choices will help to reduce our client’s alcohol intake.