The Importance Of Physical Activity And Contributions To Living A Long Life

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2014), only 21% of Americans are sufficiently physically active according to the guidelines set forth in 2008. Thus, living a sedentary lifestyle has become an epidemic, and one that is not without consequence. The CDC (2014) further states that one’s risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, depression, some cancers, and early death is noticeably higher for those living a sedentary lifestyle. Certainly, then, promoting physical activity is a simple intervention providers should practice to prommote overall health and prevent or delay the onset of disease. A motivational interview was conducted with Cherish Brown, a 22-year-old

For my behavior change I chose to increase my daily exercise gradually over the four week project. On my wellness profile analysis I noticed that one of the easiest areas for me to improve was my physical activity so I chose that for my behavior to change. Research has shown for decades that it is incredibly important to be physically active as a young adult, for example the CDC says directly, “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health” (Physical activity and health, 2015). The article goes on to list several know benefits of increasing your physical activity like: increasing cardiovascular health, decreasing the risk of cancer, and decreasing the risk of developing chronic health issues like

Physical inactivity is risk factor for several chronic diseases, including obesity, depression, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes (Schuzer & Graves, 2004), disability and death (Lin et al , 2007). Exercise, by increasing fitness, can help lower the risks for these diseases (Brady & Nies, 1999; Resnick, 2001; Duchman & Berg, 2006; cited in Abolfazl et al, 2011), and help lower overall morbidity and mortality (Pate et al, 1995; cited in Schuzer & Graves, 2004) and is generally associated with physical and psychosocial benefits for older adults (Lin et al , 2007; Ringsberg et al 2001, cited in Abolfazl et al, 2011). Being physically fit also helps maintain functional ability and prolong independence across life span (Schuzer & Graves, 2004; Brady & Nies, 1999 cited in Abolfazl et al, 2011), which were two of the most cited factors by frail elders to consider themselves ‘healthy’ in a 2012 swedish study (Ebrahimi et al, 2012). Although exercise brings health benefits to elderly people, it’s a difficult task to persuade this age group to become physically active (Schuzer & Graves, 2004) and according to a 1996 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, older adults aged 65 and older have the highest inactivity level of all age groups (cited in Schuzer & Graves, 2004); with only one third of this population reporting regular exercise (Clark 1999, cited in Abolfazl et al,

This paper will present studies indicating the affect exercise has on the human body and how it is useful in keeping us at our optimum physical and mental health. For now, aging is inevitable. Physiologically, we age because individual cells are preprogrammed to overwork and then

Physical activity and exercise are both key factors in maintaining good fitness and overall physical and mental health. Research confirms that physical activity has numerous physical and mental benefits on the human body including regulation of body weight, reduction of chronic disease, improved mental well-being and prolonged lifespan. In recent years there has been a large decline in the general society’s physical activity due to the sedentary nature of individuals work, lifestyle choices and the increase in technology and screen time. This change in society is associated with the increase in mortality associated with several diseases. In terms of burden of disease and injury from risk factors, physical inactivity is ranked only second to Tabaco. It is important to know the full extent of what physical activity and physical inactivity can have on the human body and solutions to how individuals can steer away from a sedentary lifestyle, to reap all the benefits for life long levity.

Physical Activity is undeniably good for everyone, not only does it keep you fit and healthy but when started at a young age, it can set up good habits for life. Sometimes however, people do not take care of their physical wellbeing, resulting in obesity and other eating disorders which can be detrimental to their health.

Every single day science is working to tell us exactly what types of foods to consume, how often we should be engaging in physical activity, and what type of exercises will help the general population of healthy adults maintain their health and wellness. Technology and economic incentives tend to discourage physical activity in today’s modern lifestyle. The time we live in is one where sitting at your desk and staring at a computer screen all day pays more than going for a jog or hitting the gym. Most people feel they lack the time at the end of the day to meet the physical activity standards that the American College of Sports medicine recommends. It is the job of health professionals to inform the public of just how important it is to follow these recommendations so that they may life long and healthy lives. Unfortunately changing the behavior of the general population is an extremely difficult task. There are many obstacles that people believe are keeping them from meeting these guidelines such as schedule, environment, family, work, social obligations, money, and lack a general lack of motivation. Education is perhaps our greatest combatant of these obstacles, and the will to see people live long and happy lives.

Developing healthy behaviors can lead to a healthier lifestyle, but living a healthier life is an ongoing process. Oftentimes people believe that they have achieved a healthy lifestyle once they have fixed one specific health problem, but this is simply not true. In order to develop and achieve a healthy lifestyle, it is pertinent to devote time creating healthy behaviors that can be maintained over an extended period of time or indefinitely. Moreover, individuals must recognize that their nutrition and physical activity can impact their health. Individuals who participate in regular physical activity will see numerous benefits to not only their short-term health, but also their long-term health. On the other hand, individuals who live a relatively inactive or sedentary lifestyle can see an “increase in the incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases” (Hoeger, et al. 3). Furthermore, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have conducted studies that have found that “almost 80 percent of the latter deaths could be prevented through a healthy lifestyle program” (Hoeger, et al. 3).

Studies show that being physically active is important to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases, such as heart

While current health guidelines recommend either one hundred fifty minutes of moderate exercise per week or seventy-five minutes of arduous exercise per week, only eighteen percent of Americans meet those standards (Skerrett). Research on physical inactivity rates over the span of decades produces mixed evidence. One study showed that from nineteen eighty-eight to two thousand ten the percentage of physically inactive women rose from nineteen percent to fifty-two percent, while the percentage of physically inactive men rose from eleven percent to forty-three percent (Bach). However, a different study that spanned from nineteen eighty-four to two thousand fifteen showed that in several states there has actually been a general decrease in physical inactivity rates, though in other states those rates have either remained relatively the same or increased (An). Despite the contradictory results of the two studies, they both agree physical inactivity rates remain considerably high and people need to continue working on the issue. There are many factors that can contribute to the lack of physical activity, from simple distractions, like video games and other less exhaustive hobbies, to distractions that are more difficult to work around, like work hours and meeting academic requirements. Physical activity plays an important role in everyone’s well-being, and science supports that statement. Research suggests lack of exercise parallels weight gain more than the amount of calories an

Research shows that regular physical activity (PA) improves physiological health by helping reduce the risk of developing diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, colon cancer, or diabetes (The American Psychological Association [APA], 2014). While also improving psychological health by reducing stress, anxiety and depression (APA, 2014). Physical activity (PA) is defined as any body movement that works your muscles and requires more energy than resting (The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute [NHLBT], 2014). Provided with such benefits it would be expected that engagement and maintenance of PA among college students would be higher. However, reality is, only 38 % of college students participate in regular vigorous activity, and only 20 % participate in regular moderate activity (Douglas, Collins, Warren, Kann, Gold, Clayton & Kolbe, 1997). Because of the importance of PA to a person’s well-being it is not only important to know and understand the possible underlying factors existent that trigger a person to engage in PA but it is also crucial to examine the factor or desires that allow a person to maintain and engage in PA for a long period of time. For that reason, it is important to study intrinsic motivation in relation to physical activity. Intrinsic motivation refers to engagement in an activity because of the inherent pleasures and satisfactions it provides (Ryan, William, Patrick, & Deci, 2009).

Regular Exercising and physical activities are important to the wellbeing of the human body’s physical and mental health. Although physical activity is underrated nowadays, it is a big important extent in everybody’s life in order to stay happy, stress-free and independent while aging.

Physical activity is necessary to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Mainly guidelines suggest 150 minutes of physical activity weekly must be obtained to live a healthy life. There are many factors in each person’s life that determines the activity level of their lifestyle. A study done in Norway suggests youth sports has an influence on how active a person will be as an adult.

Our lives are very busy with many activities to the point where we neglect our health. Over time the neglect results in various diseases and illnesses. In order to avoid this from happening, we need to make physical activity part of our lifestyle from an early age. Physical activity has many benefits while many young people of the future are still in school. According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control regular physical activity helps build strong muscles. (CDC) It helps reduce the chance of obesity and other diseases and helps improve an individual’s mood and overall wellbeing (CDC Physical Activity Facts). Most students get their physical activity through school PE classes. These types of exercise are done for a short time and not enough for the recommended 30 to 45 minutes for most students according to the CDC. (CDC) Physical Activity is an essential part of our lives and should be part of everyone’s daily routine.

I hypothesize that physical activity improves a person’s lifestyle. I categorized improvement in lifestyle into two sections: academic performance and social relationships. I believe that about two-thirds of the students in the higher percentiles are active about seven hours a week. Also, I think a majority of the