Chapter 31 - Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness and Wellness Policy

• Purpose: Establish physical fitness policy and procedures for Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) employees.
• Internal Use Only: The policy helps employees achieve and maintain physical fitness and wellness. It does not increase or decrease Sheriff's Office liability.
• Duty to Maintain Fitness: All personnel have a duty to maintain an acceptable level of general health and physical fitness, regardless of age or rank.
• Essential for Effectiveness: Physical fitness is crucial for daily effectiveness and readiness.
• Deteriorating Fitness Impacts Performance: Employees not physically fit negatively impact overall readiness and performance.
• Health Benefits: Physical fitness provides long-term health benefits.
• Emergency Situations: Responding to and effectively performing job duties in both routine and emergency situations is enhanced by physical fitness.
• Stress Management: Physical fitness helps employees develop self-confidence, discipline, esprit-de-corps, and a desire to excel.
• Importance to Well-being: Regular exercise and health education contribute to the health and well-being of all BCSO employees.

Definitions

• Aerobic Exercise: Examples include swimming, aerobic dance/step, skiing, and jogging/running–involves oxygen use.
• Anaerobic Exercise: Examples include weight lifting, basketball, and racquetball–occurs without oxygen.

Goal

• Employee Well-being: Employee health and well-being are paramount to the employee, family, colleagues, and community.
• Four Factors for Commitment: Physical fitness commitment is based on:
  • Ability to meet physical challenges promptly.
  • Improved health to reduce stress and sick days.
  • Less susceptibility to injuries and quicker recovery.
  • Reduced likelihood of associated health hazards (e.g., heart disease, hypo kinetic diseases).
• Goal is to improve and maintain physical fitness levels of employees to be equal to or greater than the average person in their age and gender group.

Procedure

• Medical Examinations: All applicants and employees must undergo medical examinations by county-selected physicians.
• Exercise Programs: Trained specialists provide information, advice, and supervised exercise programs.
  • Includes individualized or in-group exercise activities, which are reviewed on the Bexar County Intranet under Health Works.

This quiz covers the physical fitness and wellness policy established for Bexar County Sheriff's Office employees. It highlights the importance of maintaining physical fitness for effectiveness and the positive impact on health and performance. Designed for internal use, the policy underscores the responsibilities of personnel across all ranks.