PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

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. 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, (Connett 1997 pp. 2388-2395). 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'.

Physical activity is the bodily movement that results in an expenditure of energy. Physical activity is not synonymous with group sports. Although many children derive physical activity from group sports, children can be physically active by walking, playing freely at recess, or doing yard work. Strenuous activity is not required. Instead, children should aim for getting at least 30-60 minutes of activity three to four days a week. The Thompson (1987 pp. 253-287) suggested an even higher amount of physical activity. They recommend that children acquire 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Unfortunately, in today's society, very few children meet these guidelines for healthy living.

Personality Traits

People are born with their own special traits and personality. This has been a keen interest for many scientists who have always wondered what really is the factor that makes up individual personality traits. The debate on whether human personality is influenced by nature or nurture took place ever since the time of Plato and Aristotle and is still in progress today with many supporting evidence for both sides. Humans may be destined to be bald, fear the dark and laugh out loud, whereas they can also learn to love tea, hate math and tell lies. Most physical characteristics of humans are hereditary, but the genetic waters get a bit more obscure when it comes to an individual's behavior, intelligence and personality. Genetics and environment affect individual personality traits. Whether human nature is born or made is an ancient "conundrum" discussed by both Plato and Aristotle in the early days (Allaby). In those days, Plato believed that children are born with their special talents and individuality. This philosopher therefore supported the fact that nature is the cause of human personality ("Child Psychology"). A person's innate or essential qualities or character describes nature. The nature theory states that people behave as they do according to genetic predispositions (Nature ...