When we hear the term physical fitness, most Ameri Essay Example For Students

When we hear the term physical fitness, most Ameri Essay cans associate it with athletic ability, including brute strength and sheer muscle. One who sees physical fitness in this way has been misinformed. To be physically fit doesnt mean you need We will write a custom essay on When we hear the term physical fitness, most Ameri specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now to be 64 220 pounds and have rippling biceps. Although strength is a part of physical fitness, it is by no means the only or even the most important area of consideration. Physical fitness can be defined as: the ability to adapt to the demands and stresses of physical effort. There are a number of components making up physical fitness. These are, cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility, body composition, strength and power, speed, agility and coordination. If a body does not get enough exercise, the bodys functions will deteriorate. In other words, the amount of physical stresses your body can take reflects the amount and quality of exercise you do. I would say a police officer is physically fit when his or her condition has a positive impact on performance, productivity, low absenteeism and health care costs. In this paper, I will show that the level of fitness an officer is at will directly impact the above mentioned factors. I will also show how some agencies have implemented such programs. The length and quality of a police officers career, and for that matter, his life, is dependent on the actions and conduct of the individual. Things like improper eating habits, smoking, drinking excessively and physical activity are detrimental to an officers health. According to Richard O. Keelor of the Presidents Account on Physical Fitness, approximately 60% of all deaths in the United States result from the diseases of the heart and blood vessels- diseases that are associated with physical inactivity (Fraser, 1986). In the law enforcement community, he states that the problem is even worse, especially in the areas of heart disease and lower back problems. A lot of officers go to early graves as a result of physical and mental stresses they deal with over the years. Anderson (1986), in regards to the problem, states that work experiences such as; chasing suspects, struggling with drunks, working nights and sitting for hours in a squad car eating junk food usually does not catch up with an officer until they least expect it. Studies have shown that the single most contributing factor in the early deaths of law enforcement officers is probably the lack of regular exercise (Anderson, 1986). Police Chief David Thompson of the Atlantic Beach, Florida Police Department states, odds are ten to one that a police officer will die of a heart attack rather than street violence (Anderson, 1986: 32). With all the given facts, it is easy to see that physical fitness programs are a must for all police departments. As with any other new program in a police department, the question will be raised, due to budgetary constraints, can we afford a physical fitness program? In my eyes, the question should be rephrased as, Can any department this day in age afford not to have such a program? Whatever the cost of a program, it should be weighed against the cost of absenteeism, health insurance, medical bills and disability. Fraser (1986) reports that a 1981 national survey revealed that heart attacks among middle management personnel alone cost industry $700 million annually. Many studies, including those done by the United States Secret Service and the Ohio Highway Patrol, have shown strong evidence of cost savings after a physical fitness program had been implemented. Fraser (1986) reports an 18 to 42 percent drop to absenteeism, a 4 to 11 percent increase in worker productivity, improved morale, less employee turnover, and reduced health care costs. .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c , .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .postImageUrl , .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c , .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:hover , .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:visited , .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:active { border:0!important; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:active , .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u97adb81b2e4db8ba50065d0132ea2f2c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Lord Of The Flies Persuasive EssayThe police department of Glendale, AZ. has showed some remarkable, direct benefits as a result of a physical fitness program. In 1985, the city received a $70,170 refund to its major medical insurance company. In 1984, the refund amounted to over $225,000 because of reduced claims. There was also a similar savings in workmens compensation premiums (Lesce, 1985: 28). In another instance, involving the Grass Valley, CA. Police Department, the seventeen member force were noted to have a loss of 191 days due to job related injuries between 1976 and 1980. This came before physical fitness was a mandatory requirement. A review of post-mandatory physical fitness implication, between 1980 and 1985, reflects a loss of only 23 days due to job-related injuries (Mouser, 1986). This a very significant turn around and shows how a .