Abstract This paper takes a look at nutrition and exercise, reporting that the US population currently faces numerous problems regarding health issues, weight loss and childhood obesity. The paper examines the problems in the way Americans eat and provides a brief historical background of food consumption in the United States. The paper also addresses various sub-topics of health and weight loss, including exercise, diets, diet pills, nutrition and food, surgical options and attributable health issues.
Outline:
Introduction
Brief Overview of the American Diet
The American Diet Shift
Dieting
The Atkins Diet
The South Beach Diet
Diet Pills
Prescription Diet Pills
Over-the-counter Diet Pills
Nutrition and Food
Exercise Surgical Options
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Band (Lap Band) Surgery
Gastroplasty (Stomach Stapling)
Health Issues Related to being Overweight
Hypertension and High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Cancer
Conclusion
From the Paper "Health experts recommend that individuals should get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on all or most days of the week. Examples of moderate activity include brisk walking, cycling, swimming or doing home repairs or yard work. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (2006), recommends a little work toward permanently changing your lifestyle to incorporate more activity. Some of their suggestions are to: take the stairs instead of the elevator, park at the far end of a parking lot and walk to the office or store, get off public transportation a few blocks before your stop, get up from your desk during the day to stretch and walk around, take a brisk walk when you get the urge to snack, increase your pace when working in the house or yard, mow your own lawn and rake your own leaves, and carry your own groceries. It is also recommended that for persons with cardiovascular disease, an appointment with a physician should be made before undertaking more vigorous activity. "
Abstract This paper explains that exercise promotes higher self-esteem as long as the individual enjoys the particular exercise program or feels there are definite and measurable benefits to participating in the program. The author points out that self-esteem can increase an individual's confidence; therefore, if a person has confidence, he or she will have self-respect and find it easier to respect others, which improve one's relationships and promotes health. The paper relates that the beauty of exercise is that, once hooked, an individual continues to self-motivate and, therefore, finds reasons to increase participation in the exercise program.
From the Paper "Exercise provides many benefits. These athletes receive a unique benefit that many laymen simply are unaware that it comes with the turf so to speak. Professional athletes get the benefit of added self-esteem. ?Speculation regarding the interactions between physical activity and self-esteem can be traced back to the origins of sport and have been of concern to physical educators throughout the history of the discipline. During the past two decades, however, we have witnessed a resurgence of interest in body-self interactions in sport due largely to advances in exercise psychology.?"
Abstract The writer of this paper details the manner in which a diet and exercise program are determined and implemented in order to lose weight, maintain weight loss and improve one's overall health. This paper supplies both a general diet and fitness plan while stressing the importance of a tailored fitness profile designed to fit the needs of each individual. The fitness profile details the fitness and weight loss goals one expects to achieve while also keeping a record of measurements, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and the percentage body fat as well as other fitness related expectations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Weight Management
Discussion for Designing A Plan
Conclusion
Fitness Profile
Plan
References
From the Paper "Without regular exercise, it is technically impossible for a healthy individual to effectively mange their weight. Other aspects of exercise and weight management are the beneficial side affects such as the body's ability to more effectively handle disease management as well as the increased longevity for the body and mind. In other words, dieting is not enough to increase or to improve one's overall health; exercise is a mandatory aspect in weight management. The good thing about exercise in a typical weight management scenario is that it really does not matter what type of physical activity is performed. Thus, activities such as sports, planned exercise, household chores, yard work and gardening or simply walking a family dog can all qualify if done on a regular basis."
Tags:health, diet, nutrition, exercise, fitness, profile, weight, control
Abstract Shows how a regular exercise routine provides short and long term health benefits. Examines the spiritual rewards of taking timeout of one's schedule to look after one's body. Discusses how exercise helps to prevent conditions such as heart disease.
From the Paper "Everyone should be responsible for the well being of one's belongings, and health is a simple, yet very strong reason why a person would do that. For the modern and busy life, there would be little time people could make to have regular exercises, however there are some reasons why we would need to consider before giving it up. Many researched facts have proved that regular exercise could improve one's whole physical and spiritual condition. Exercise does not only enhance heart function, but also prevents many other high-risk diseases, and give emotional development to the people who do it regularly."
Abstract This paper examines how stress is a condition in which a person has a reaction to external influences, which may include adverse effects on physical health, including higher heart rate, high blood pressure, irritability, muscular tension, fatigue and depression. It discsusses how stress appears to have become endemic to our Western style of living and how exercise is useful in reducing its symptoms.
Abstract This paper provides step by step instructions for performing strength and endurance exercises for a well-balanced exercise program, essential for overall fitness. The author contends that strength exercises improve muscle function, and help develop stronger bones, tendons and ligaments. Endurance exercises and activities improve the cardiovascular system, while enabling the muscles to use energy more efficiently.
From the Paper "The elevated crunch can be used to work the obliques. While lying with the legs elevated onto the bench, the arms are stretched in a V-shape above the head. The left arm is lifted slowly to reach across the torso to the left of the knees. This is repeated for the right arm. The obliques can also be exercised by lying on the floor with one knee at a 90o angle to the floor, and the other knee crossed over it. The hands are placed behind the head, and the opposite elbow raised to the crossed over knee. This is then repeated using the other knee and elbow. Another exercise for the obliques is to lie on the floor on one hip with bent legs crossed to the side. With the head and shoulder slightly lifted, the arms are stretched out, and the body is slowly rolled upward."
Abstract The paper examines the research on the physical and psychological benefits enjoyed by the elderly who participate in exercise routines. The paper points out that while exercise should be recommended to elderly patients, it should be monitored closely to ensure that the elderly are not over-extending themselves and causing injuries.
From the Paper "Common sense and experience informs the majority of individuals that exercise, in moderation, is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. One need not look far in today's current media coverage to find stories that focus on the growing rates of obesity in North America and the lack of individuals involved in regular exercise routines. Quite a bit of recent news coverage has focused on the youngest portion of society, examining the eating and exercise behaviors of children and teenagers. In most cases, the stories have been depressing and offer dismal views of the future, based on the growing trend of young persons who fail to exercise regularly and who have adopted many unhealthy eating habits."
Abstract The paper provides the historical background of Pender's health promotion model and details the presumptions involved in the execution of this model. The paper then lists the steps that a nurse must undertake to propose a plan of action for individuals. The paper relates that this model is limited to guiding nurses to identify factors that influence an individual to adhere to health-promoting behaviors, but there are few studies that demonstrate the practical application of this model. The paper therefore asserts that more studies should be done that demonstrate the introduction of interventions.
Outline:
Abstract
Rationale of Health Promotion
Historical Background of the Health Promotion Model
The Health Promotion Model and its Concepts
Application to Research and Clinical Practice
Conclusion
From the Paper "The management of diseases using the most advanced medical technology is precious, but preventing diseases to preserve one's health is priceless. Nowadays, there is still an increase in prevalence of people who are suffering from cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, or various forms of cancers. In industrialized countries, obesity has reached to alarming proportions that it is already considered an epidemic. The management of these diseases costs financial stress on the government's and the individual's monetary funds. Moreover, complications related to common chronic illnesses are far and beyond. People who do not get any better can only suffer the long-term consequences of these chronic diseases. Moreover, people who have cardiovascular diseases might even die without warning from an unpredictable time bomb such as a myocardial infarct or cerebrovascular stroke. Therefore, it is critical that the community, health care providers, and individuals take the responsibility to care for their own health."
Abstract This paper is a research literature review of studies done concerning the effect of leisure on health. Theories of leisure are described and related to the topic. The paper discusses the effects on both physical and mental health of individuals. Ideas for future research are presented at the end of the paper.
From the Paper "Long-term health is becoming a more prevalent issue in the United States than ever before. In the US it is projected by the Census Bureau that by the year 2020, 17.7% of the population will be 65 years of age or over and that this figure will grow to 22.9% in 2050 (Kwai-Sang Yau & Packer, 2002). Life expectancy in the United States is currently approximately 80 years from birth (NCHS, 2004). Though these numbers are definitely promising they may be a bit misleading. The increase in life expectancy seems to be more of a product of other factors such as medical advances and less of a derivative of increased leisure activity. Also, life expectancy does not take into account quality of life. Mental Happiness is just as important throughout the life-cycle as physical health. People are living to 80 years old, but they may be suffering from many different ailments as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle or general consequences of aging. Medical science can treat those ailments enough to keep people alive, but in many cases they cannot be cured and people have to live with their effects and the unhappiness they bring with them. That is why leisure activity participation must be looked at as a possible solution to health problems in later life. To truly get to the heart of the problem, leisure activites? involvement in health related matters throughout the lifespan must be dissected."
This paper summarizes and critiques an article about exercise physiology entitled "Effects of Moderate Exercise on Metabolic Responses and Respiratory Exchange Ration (RER)" by Toda, et. al.
Abstract This paper reviews an article that describes a study on exercise physiology and its relation to insulin resistance. The review presents the aim and hypothesis of the article in Part I. Part II of the paper consists of a critique and evaluation of the scientific merit of the study. The review concludes that the rationale for designing a study to probe the question of how much exercise and at what level is required in order to facilitate fatty acid utilization, was well founded.
Outline
Part I: Summary
Part II: Critique
From the Paper "The hypothesis of the study is that fatty acids are available for energy even following short-term exercise (109). In other words, the authors designed this study to test the notion that fatty acid utilization could be increased even following lower levels of physical exertion and exercise. If this proved to be the case, then it would open up an incredible wealth of exercise methods and regiments for counteracting insulin resistance."
Abstract This paper looks at the effects of exercise on Alzheimer's patients with dementia. It looks at three experiments which show some improvements in physical abilities and reduced depression, which is common in elderly people who exercise, with or without Alzheimer's.
From the Paper "Baseline data was recorded and the subjects were started on an exercise program assisted by their caregivers, which assessed their pattern of walking speed functional reach and standing balance. Exercise training for the subjects and their caregivers was given in the patients' homes..."
Abstract This paper examines the American health care system and suggests methods of creating universal access to health care. The paper explains that health care should be considered a right for all citizens; a constitutional amendment would make this proposition mandatory. The paper points out that, at its root, the lack of health care for all in America is fundamentally a moral issue. The paper suggests that the United States follow its industrialized, wealthy counterparts and demand universal health care. It explains that the desire for universal health care is apparent and cites examples of states which are implementing a near-universal health care system. The writer proposes that the U.S. pass the United States National Health Insurance Act, or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. The writer further explains that this act establishes the United States National Health Insurance (USNHI) Program to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care, including all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services.
Outline:
Universal Healthcare in Other Countries
United States National Health Insurance Act
The Uninsured: College Students
Children's Health Care
Preventative Health Care
Eliminating Disparities
Conclusion
From the Paper "More health care clinics geared toward minority populations could also be beneficial; citizens would feel more comfortable in settings that recognize their specific needs. Cultural and linguistic competence is mandatory. More classes in medical school concerning minority health care issues should be implemented. More minority members should be in the health care system. This would increase patient participation in care processes, ensuring grater satisfaction and adherence to treatment. The regulations in the system should be transparent and open to the public. A department in the government should be primarily focused on minority health care. The heath care system should be as diverse as our country."
Tags: primary, care, prescription, drugs, emergency, care, mental, health, services
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyze how and why a national health plan should be introduced in the United States. Health care in the United States is a big business. As such, a national health plan threatens the bottom lines of gigantic health maintenance organizations who have fought national health care consistently. They fight a plan that could cause their demise, but ensure the increased health and well being of millions of Americans. The paper argues that it is time we stopped letting big business set the agenda for the health of the American people.
From the Paper "However, there were many proponents to the plan. Some experts felt the plan was not comprehensive enough, and did not cover enough basic, preventative health care. For example, the plan did not cover some areas of mental health treatment, such as alcoholism. Others felt it should not be affiliated at all with health insurance plans. Then there were the social implications of including such treatments as abortion, physician assisted suicide, and euthanasia in the areas of treatment. All of these concerns were eventually answered, but they raised questions in the minds of the public that were never quite eliminated."
