Being A Steelers Fan Is Good For Your Health

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center offers Super Bowl fan tips

“We’re going to the Super Bowl!” Identifying with a sports team can provide a number of psychological benefits, according to psychiatrists at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. And, for most people, those benefits far out-weigh any negative effects that one may experience if his or her favorite team loses.

“On Super Bowl Sunday, even though fans aren’t playing in the game, by wearing black and gold and waving Terrible Towels, they can feel like they are part of the team. By becoming part of the ‘Steelers Nation,’ fans feel connected with players and fans from throughout the years. It’s a connection that spans race, economics and geography,” said Kurt Ackerman, M.D., Ph.D., medical director, UPMC Psychiatry Consultation – Liaison Service and an avid sports fan. “By feeling that they are part of the team, fans can experience vicariously the struggle and drama of overcoming great obstacles. Win or lose, fans get to feel a joy in connecting and being a part of something larger than themselves; winning the Super Bowl gives fans the opportunity to feel like, despite any problems they are experiencing in their own lives, they are number one in the world.

“Simply put, rooting for a sports team is fun – and having a little fun is always good for your mental health. Go Steelers!”

Being Superstitious (and Praying) Can Be Good for Your Mental Health Too

Being superstitious can be considered a healthy part of the balanced human agenda as long as it is kept in fun and with confidence that superstitious behaviors don’t actually affect outcomes, according to Paul Friday, Ph.D., director of clinical psychology at UPMC Shadyside.

Research shows 25 percent of Americans acknowledge their superstitions, and higher church attendance equates with greater occurrence of superstitions. That means those regular churchgoers who will be praying for the Steelers on Super Bowl Sunday morning are the same fans who will be sure to wear that certain lucky shirt and do everything exactly the same way they did during the Indianapolis and Denver games.

“Superstitions point to our need to cope with uncertainty and control an outcome. Superstitions involving teams with a long history help tie the whole region into a two-week celebration. But, since superstitions increase under conditions of uncertainty and perceived likelihood of failure, there actually may be less superstitious behavior by Steelers fans this week because the Steelers are no longer considered the underdogs,” said Dr. Friday. “But, just in case...”

If You Think It’s Mentally Tough Being a Fan...

While being a fan of a Super Bowl team can be stressful, nerve-wracking, exhilarating and sometimes heartbreaking, imagine how mentally challenging it is for the players. “Athletes at this level are usually well-trained to perform at their best both physically and mentally during high-pressure situations like the Super Bowl,” said Aimee Kimball, Ph.D., director of mental training at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine.

“Whether their team is considered the underdog or not, these athletes will need to stay focused on the process and not the outcome, which is tough to do in the Super Bowl for even the best conditioned and most skilled player. When you get to this level, the team who is more mentally tough often has the advantage.

“While both teams will be well-prepared physically and strategically with a game plan, the players also will need to be mentally ready for the slightly different flow of a Super Bowl game compared to regular-season and play-off games, due to the ceremonial traditions, commercial hype and longer TV commercial breaks.”

“Players should stick to their regular-season routines and approach this game as if it’s any other game. After all, they are still just playing football,” added Dr. Kimball.

Steelers Fans in Detroit May Be Hazardous to Your Ears

Steelers fans this season learned all about noise levels in closed dome stadiums. If you will be at Ford Field next Sunday with the tens of thousands of other screaming Steelers fans, you may want to consider bringing along a pair of earplugs.

“Depending on where a fan is sitting in a domed stadium, the levels of sound, especially at the Super Bowl, can be damaging to the ears,” said Catherine Palmer, M.D., director of the UPMC Center for Audiology and Hearing Aid Services. “We hear about the teams’ planned no-huddle offense and not depending on audibles for a reason – it is loud there, often during the entire event. The players prepare for it and so should the fans.

“At a minimum, that high volume of sound can be very tiring,” said Dr. Palmer. “Wearing hearing protection could make the game more enjoyable and safer for many fans, and there are certain types of earplugs that still allow the most dedicated fan to enjoy the raucous environment, just at a quieter level of sound.”

Traditional Tailgate Menu May Not be Best Game Plan for Nervous Stomachs

Fried chicken wings, ribs, kielbasa, salsa, jalapeno cheese dip, beer...If you are planning the traditional Steelers tailgate fare for your Super Bowl party, you may want to reconsider for those guests with nervous stomachs, advises Leslie Bonci, R.D., director of nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. “Watch the fatty foods, especially. Consider these choices instead: grilled chicken skewers, braised short ribs, a fondue with chicken or beef dipped in broth, light popcorn, pretzels and baked chips.

“For nerves, provide crunchy foods like fresh vegetables and dip, chips, pickles and fresh peanuts in the shell. In the cooler, provide LIGHT beer along with plenty of non-alcoholic choices for guests to alternate,” added Bonci.

What’s on the Steelers’ Menu?

As nutrition consultant for the Steelers, UPMC’s Leslie Bonci said the players will not be eating anything new or different than during the regular season. What will be available to them in Detroit on Sunday, she said, is what is always available before games and will include breakfast options like made-to-order omelets, bagels, muffins, toast, bacon, turkey, sausage, waffles, oatmeal, cold cereal, yogurt, fruit, juices, milk, fruit shakes and grilled chicken breast. Dinner entrees will include grilled and baked fish, meat and salad.

There is always plenty of Gatorade, water and snacks such as sports bars, crackers and pretzels, she said. “Because game day nerves can sometimes suppress appetites, we make sure they eat well on Thursday, Friday and Saturday so they are well-fueled, focused on playing their best football,” Bonci added.

(Source: UPMC News Bureau)