Physical Activity



Physical Activity

Introduction

Physical activity, as defined by the Weight-control Information Network (WIN) website, is 'Any form of exercise or movement. Physical activity may include planned activity such as walking, running, basketball, or other sports' National Institute of Health (2002). They go on to say 'It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes and children get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week', and even though in a school aged group of people participation is about 95%, it drops rapidly to only 30% in the 65 and older aged group. Also around 50% of the UK population do not take part in any physical activity, National Statistics (2001). It has been shown that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are much more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, obesity and can even cause death, as physical activity has been found to be one of the ten leading causes of death and disability and it is said that 'more than two million deaths each year are attributable to physical inactivity'. Barry (2002)

Physical activity has many determinants such as the government, finance, social life, policies and environment. Disease also has a massive effect on physical activity as not only can it make the difference between life and death but can also effect the amount of physical activity an individual can undertake, which in turn affects their health.

Discussion

The adults surrounding European children should teach the kids about the importance of physical activity in their daily lives. Most importantly, children need to realize that maintaining an active lifestyle develops a safer and more practical way to stay healthy than dieting. Furthermore, when children practice a vibrant way of life, the odds of him/her acquiring an eating disorder later in life are smaller. Finally, history has proven that physical exercise in young people helps to keep the majority mentally focused in the classroom.

In Europe, the popularity of fad diets has sky-rocketed, which has set a poor example for young adults and children that dieting exists as the safest way to remain healthy. In contrast to dieting, children should be shown more productive ways of controlling their physical well-being. Teaching healthy eating behaviors at a young age proves to be important since change becomes more difficult with age. Parents should fill the home with tasty, yet wholesome snacks. Outside of the home, children and adolescents ...