Interview to Honor National Women's Health and Fitness Day
National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, Sept. 29
The last Wednesday of every September is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. We spoke with Linda Yamamoto, Exercise Science Program Director at the University of Hartford's College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, to find out the importance of this day and shed light on her experiences as a woman in the health and fitness field.
What effect does being a woman in your field have on your work? How has it given you a unique perspective?
Most of our understanding of exercise, and how the body responds to exercise, is based on studies conducted by and on men. One of the reasons researchers use for excluding women is that it is difficult to control our monthly hormonal fluctuations. However, as a female athlete, my training and racing are based on fixed dates and where I am in my cycle is irrelevant. As a result, I am an advocate for research that includes women, and studies women in all phases of their menstrual cycle.
Why is it important for women to care for their health and wellness?
According to the CDC over 14% of women over the age of 18 are in fair or poor health, and less than 50% meet current physical activity guidelines (150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week). Physical activity has been shown to benefit brain health, reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes, strengthen bones and muscles, and have many other positive benefits.
Women are traditionally caretakers both in and out of the home, with women making up over 77% of healthcare professionals. Despite the many demands on their time, it is important for women to take the time to care for themselves, including and especially physical activity, in order to maintain their physical and mental health.
How did you get into the field of Exercise Science?
My first career was as an actuary in NYC. However, my work and personal goals did not match. For me, exercise science enables me to have a work-life alignment where my work and my personal life co-exist and are mutually beneficial. My passion for exercise research enables better train for marathons and be active with my family, and those activities in turn generate new research questions.
What makes UHart unique for Exercise Science?
Because we are new, we have the opportunity to create a more inclusive program. This includes recruiting students from underrepresented populations, as well as creating a welcoming program for students with disabilities. We also have amazing laboratories that give our students many opportunities for hands-on learning making them more career-ready and confident individuals