Health Assessment of the Young and Middle-Aged Adult - Essay Sample

Published: 2021-08-15
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Regular exercising is one of the most powerful ways of improving body health. Medical research and findings advocate for regular physical activity, abstinence from drug abuse and proper diet to gain maximum health benefits. The healthier and fit human bodies are, the less likely they are to be susceptible to developing chronic diseases and disorders. Physical inactivity which is highly influenced by the modern sedentary lifestyle choices adapted today has resulted in the rampant widespread of pathophysiological changes to the human anatomy (Carolyn, 2015). Over the years, it appears that the human body can function optimally through the incorporation of regular exercising which is almost not achievable nowadays because of physical inactivity.

Physical activity is linked to several health benefits, both physically and mentally. It may also help people live longer and healthy lives. Incorporation of regular exercising in the daily life routine can prevent and manage some of the health risks and issues; which include obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases, just to mention a few (Haskell et al., 2007). Several studies have shown that body inactivity directly correlates with weight gain and obesity. In an attempt to relate the effect of exercise and weight reduction, it is vital to understand the relationship between energy expenditure and physical activity. According to the public perception, only dieting is effective for weight loss. However, contrary to that, dieting involves a reduced calorie intake which will only lower the body metabolism rate which will only delay the weight loss. Instead, medical practitioners advise that regular exercise is much more efficient in increasing the body metabolism rate which in turn burns calories faster and hence aid in weight loss (Carolyn, 2015).

Lack of physical activity is a major cause of the increasing cases of cardiovascular and chronic diseases. Regular exercise has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and production by the body, good cardiovascular health, and reduction of blood pressure and blood fat levels. Body inactivity even in the short term can lead to significant increase of the belly fat, which consequently increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart and coronary diseases and even in some cases premature deaths (Haskell et al., 2007). Thus, regular body exercise helps in reduction of belly fat which will significantly reduce the risk of contracting these chronic diseases.

Another major health issue linked with body inactivity is developing osteoporosis in the later stages of life. Osteoporosis which is a bone-related disease that makes the bones weak and brittle can be prevented by including regular exercise in a personal routine. As a person grows older, the bones density continues to reduce making them weak and fragile (Carolyn, 2015). Regular exercises such aerobics as well as muscle and bones intense exercises can slow down bone density loss that is almost inevitable due to aging (WHO, 2017). Physical activity helps in the releases of hormones that are vital in aiding muscles in absorbing amino acids more efficiently and also building of bone density which can help people prevent osteoporosis later in life.

The above-mentioned health risks are rising at a very alarming rate in our society today. Cardiovascular diseases are the most notorious causes of deaths globally today, millions of people succumbing to these illnesses annually. According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports, an average of 17.7 million deaths in the year 2015 were all caused by cardiovascular-related diseases; these statistics represent approximately 31% of all global deaths in that year alone. Out of these deaths, more than seven million deaths were caused by coronary heart disease. Similarly, more than six million cases were as a result of a stroke (WHO, 2017). More than half of cardiovascular diseases related deaths were reported in third world countries and developing states, and most of the casualties were young and middle age adults.

Secondly, following the most recent reports released by the WHO in the year 2016 revealed that an estimated 1.9 billion adults that are more than 18 years of age were overweight. Out of these, 650 million young and middle age adults were obese. World statistics show that cases of obesity have tripled between 1975 and 2016. In the year 2016 alone, nearly 39% of adults were overweight, and an approximate measure of about a third of this percentage of worlds adult population was suffering from obesity (WHO, 2017). These cases of obesity and overweight are highly reported in regions of low and middle-class incomes living in urban area settings. Worldwide, there are higher cases of overweight been reported that underweight cases. Globally, there are more death cases reported that are linked to overweight and obesity rather than underweight.

Thirdly, according to International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), an average of 1.6 million cases of hip fractures are reported each year. Epidemiologic evidence is showing that this number could rise to higher numbers by the year 2050, these hip fracture cases are linked to low bone density caused by osteoporosis. Hip fracture cases are highly prevalent reporting cases of death of up to 20-24% in the first year after hip fracture and greater risks of mortality rates persisting five years afterward (Kanis, J. A.et.al, 2013). Cases of loss of mobility and independence are higher among hip fracture survivors, with 40% of them facing problems in walking independently and about 60% requiring assistance after about a year post hip injury (WHO, 2006).

Several nurses and health practitioners advocate for the adherence and implementation of the Guide to Community to Preventive Services which proposes five population-based strategies aimed at increasing physical activity among young and middle age adults (Timperio, Ball & Salmon, 2013). These strategies include ways that are targeted to accomplish objectives established by Healthy People 2010. The strategies include; using various media; digital, electronic and print media including, television, radio, newsletters, social media, billboards, and mailings to create awareness. These media platforms are meant to reach larger audiences and create awareness on the importance of maintaining good health and physical fitness.

Secondly, creating individually targeted programs which involve the formulation of programs that are tailored to suit and fit into a persons interests and goals. These programs help people include physical activity into their daily life routines by educating them on behavioral skills such as setting goals, creating and joining social support groups, and rewarding themselves even for small achievements (Carolyn, 2015). Thirdly, encouraging schools to establish programs that advocate for moderate and rigorous physical activities in the school routine in the physical exercise (P.E) classes. Schools and institutions can achieve this by increasing the time spent in P.E classes and employing instructors who have adequate knowledge of physical health and fitness.

Fourthly, formulation of intervention groups, in this case, physical activity groups, which discuss struggles and goals that members of groups go through in efforts of achieving physical fitness and health (Kanis et al., 2013). These groups are meant to encourage their members to maintain the spirit of engaging in physical activity. Lastly, provision of physical activity facilities in the community residence and workplaces will help create a new culture that embraces regular exercising.

In conclusion, incorporation of physical activity into the daily routine can help eliminate the risks of chronic and lifestyle illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and heart-related diseases. Regular exercises can help reduces premature deaths among the young and middle-aged adults. It is also advisable that these moderate and rigorous are adopted early in life stages and adapted all through even in the later stages of life. Implementation of fitness goals and strategies will help in creating healthy individuals and will lower morbidity of sedentary lifestyle diseases and reduced mortality rates

 

References

Carolyn, J. (2015). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders.

Haskell, W., Lee, I., Thompson, P., Pate, R., Powell, K., & Macera, C. et al. (2007). Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. (9th ed., p. 1081).

Kanis, J., Closkey, M., Johansson, E., Johansson, E., Cooper, C., Reginster, J., & Rizzoli, R. (2013). European Guidance for the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women. 24, 1, 23-47.

Timperio, A., Ball, K., & Salmon, J. (2013). Evidence-based strategies to promote physical activity among children, adolescents and young adults: review and update. Journal and Medicine and Science in Sports.

World Health Organization. (2017). Obesity and Overweight factsheet from the WHO. Health.

World Health Organization. (2006). The World Health Report 2006: Working Together for Health.

 

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