Jamaica Constabulary Force Stress Management and

Physical & Mental Recovery

By : Rohan R Gordon

During the pandemic the Jamaica Constabulary Force is on the front lines at check points and
maintaining curfew and upholding the law.

Since they are at higher exposure levels it is critical to maintain proper Physical Health,
Nutrition and hydration as well as overall physical well-being. Deficiencies in any of the key
components poses a threat to the force.

Below will show us why we need to monitor oxygen level.

1. Blood oxygen levels can tell you how well your body can absorb and use the
oxygen you breathe in.

2. It transports to your red blood cells through your lungs. In order to be considered
healthy, you need at least a 90% blood oxygen saturation level reading from a
pulse.

And a oximeter is just the device Cost $16 to $19

In addition, a number of other things can affect the accuracy of the reading,
including:

1. Bad circulation
2. Fingernail polish
3. Long or dirty fingernails
4. Tobacco use
5. Different pulse oximeter sensors (finger clip vs. adhesive)
6. Skin thickness
7. Skin temperature

Symptoms of low blood oxygen levels

 a. levels
b. shortness of breath.
c. headaches.
d. restlessness
e. dizziness.
f. rapid breathing.
g. chest pain.
h. confusion.
i. high blood pressure.

The importance of monitoring your blood sugar level.

Keeping blood sugar steady gives you the energy you need in your everyday life. But
when it spikes, your health can suffer. Here’s what to know.

Thousands of Jamaicans have prediabetes or diabetes. If you are one of them,

paying close attention to blood sugar levels is a must. But even if you’re not, it’s
still smart to know the basics. Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range
is essential for good health now and in the future.

“Blood sugar plays an important role in how you feel, says. When your levels
aren’t stable, you can feel tired and unwell. And if your blood sugar is constantly
rising and crashing, you are at risk of developing diabetes. This is a serious
illness that impacts nearly every part of your body.”

Blood sugar basics

Blood sugar is also called glucose. And it’s your body’s main energy source. You
get it from the food you eat. This sugar mainly comes from foods that are high in
carbohydrates, such as sweets, bread and potatoes.

When you eat these foods, sugar passes into your bloodstream. That’s where it
meets insulin, a chemical released by your body. Insulin helps deliver sugar to
your cells to use for fuel.

But eating too much sugar can make your blood sugar levels go haywire.
Common culprits include foods and drinks with added sugar, such as cookies and
soda. These foods cause a dramatic spike in your blood sugar levels followed by a
crash. This leaves you tired, cranky and craving even more sugar. Blood Sugar

level Meter Cost $80 and up

I propose a program to proactively boost the immune system, mental and physical
well-being of the members of the JCF by implementing a pharmaceutical nutritional
program that includes physical training, meal planning and remedial training.

This program would improve the morale of the constables to know that the JCF as an
entity is invested in their wellbeing while they maintain law and order. I would spend
time reintroducing physical wellness especially to those who are at the highest risk for
injury due to physical deconditioning.

In addition to their improved performance at work it will improve the quality of life at
home. ‘Who guards the bodyguard?’ After facing stress with maintaining the public
order and maintaining the law, many stressed police officers often do not get to
decompress before going home to face stress at home. A properly implemented fitness
program would help to give the members of The Force an opportunity to decompress and
better manage their stress.

The team would include a Fitness Internist, a dedicated Pharmacist to help with
enhancing nutrition with supplements and also to be a supplier of the necessary
supplements exclusively. This relationship with a pharmacist would prevent officers
from taking the wrong supplements.

The balance of fitness, nutrition and personalization can be achieved. The underlying
mental and medical issues that members are currently being treated for would continue
to be managed by those practitioners but this program would help to support both the
medical and mental needs of the officers.

It can also help injured officers return to work if they are pulled from duty due to chronic
illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension as well as for work-related injuries. Lifestyle
modification with weight loss and exercise can improve these conditions and this is just
the program to help support overall wellness since many officers are not motivated to
train on their own.

Rohan Gordon
Fitness Internist

876-788-3095