Health assessment teaching plan | Nursing homework help
Topic: Exercise/Physical Activity
Regular physical activity and exercise have numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. Exercise can help to prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, and can also improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is essential for patients to be educated on the importance of exercise and how to safely incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. Despite these recommendations, many individuals do not meet these guidelines, with lack of time being a commonly cited barrier to physical activity.
Patient education on exercise and physical activity can help patients overcome these barriers and provide them with the tools and knowledge to make physical activity a regular part of their daily routine. Education can include information on the benefits of physical activity, strategies for making time for exercise, and safe exercise practices to prevent injury.
According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, patient education on exercise and physical activity can be effective in increasing physical activity levels. The study found that individuals who received exercise education were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those who did not receive education.
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also have positive effects on mental health. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that exercise can be an effective treatment for depression. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators.
Therefore, patient education on exercise and physical activity is an important topic for healthcare providers to address. By providing patients with the knowledge and skills to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, healthcare providers can help to prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health and well-being.