In today’s high-stress professions, distinguishing between health and wellness is more than semantic; it’s essential for maintaining a balanced life. The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being—not merely the absence of disease. Wellness, however, is the proactive journey toward this state, which requires fostering a lifestyle that enhances emotional, physical, and social health.
This nuanced understanding of health versus wellness is especially critical for those in demanding roles like law enforcement. To better understand this dynamic, News Link Live’s Editor-in-Chief Genevieve DiNatale spoke with Sergeant David Gordon of the Fitchburg Police Department, uncovering how he maintains his well-being amid the challenges of his duty.
(Photo Courtesy of Dave Gordon)
Although Sergeant Gordon doesn’t follow a strict fitness or diet regimen, he does focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes hobbies like music, hunting, and hiking to manage stress and foster mental wellness outside of the workplace. Music plays a dual role in Sergeant Gordon’s life. As member of the eponymous band “Big Dave and the Captain,” music is both a creative outlet and a professional commitment for Sgt. Gordon; the latter is true especially when performances stack up.
Genevieve DiNatale: Can you describe your physical fitness routine? How does your career influence your workout schedule and activities?
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Genevieve DiNatale: What does your typical daily diet look like? Are there specific nutritional guidelines or plans that you follow to maintain your energy levels and overall health?
David Gordon: I don’t practice any routines in #1&2.
Genevieve DiNatale: What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain mental wellness given the demands of your job?
Sergeant David Gordon: I try to find the good on everything and seek the reasons why. Off the job I have many hobbies to get my mind off of work.
Genevieve DiNatale: Are you still performing with Big Dave and the Captain or other bands? Would you say that music is an outlet for you psychologically?
Sergeant Dave Gordon: Music is definitely an outlet. But when we get a lot of gigs in a row it’s more like work.
Genevieve DiNatale: Outside of music, what other hobbies do you have?
Sergeant David Gordon: I also hunt, fish, have collections (like WW2 guns, and stamps). Hike, cut firewood. Hang with friends. I try to keep busy. I don’t watch much TV.
Genevieve DiNatale: What kind of support systems do you have in place, both professionally and personally, to help manage the physical and emotional demands of your work?
Sergeant David Gordon: We only have mental health outreach that is encouraged but not necessary. There is also a very small exercise gym in the police department, but that’s not encouraged or demanded to use.
Genevieve DiNatale: I’d think that being a police officer would make you depressed, paranoid and cynical. Have you ever had to do anything to change your mental state because of what you have seen on the job, or is that frowned upon?
Sergeant David Gordon: I’ve sought help from psychologists and councilors before. Cops see the worst society has. But we’re expected to be nice, polite and understanding. Cops are human. Plus, we have all of the stresses of a civilian. Bills, relationship problems, bosses, etc.
Genevieve DiNatale: May I ask what lead to your decision to see a psychologist?
Sergeant David Gordon: I was involved with a shooting. (Guy didn’t make it). But really it was the buildup of everything up to that point. We see and deal with a lot.
This article is sponsored by Wellpoint, formerly UniCare. UniCare has rebranded to Wellpoint to emphasize its commitment to whole health rather than traditional “sick care.” This shift reflects a broader understanding that whole health encompasses not just physical health, but mental, emotional, and social well-being and a comprehensive approach to living well, something Sergeant Gordon exemplifies in his daily life.
What is Wellpoint (formerly UniCare)?
For almost four decades, Wellpoint has exclusively served the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, supporting the health needs of state and municipal employees, retirees, and their families who receive health coverage through the GIC. Wellpoint’s dedicated indemnity model, the only one offered through the GIC, gives members the freedom to access care without referrals. Under its new Wellpoint name, Wellpoint will continue to serve GIC members exclusively. Learn more at wellpointmass.com.
