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Health is described as physical and mental well-being and freedom from disease, pain or defect. However, such descriptions only superficially define the concept of health. There may be many occasions when individuals are not necessarily ill or in pain but may be overweight, stressed or unfit. Health is a quality of life involving dynamic interaction and interdependence among the individuals physical state, their mental and emotional reactions, and the social context in which the individual exists. There are many factors that influence your health. A healthy lifestyle has four major components: 1.
Self-awareness 2. A balanced diet 3. Regular physical activity 4. Rest and relaxation 1. Self Awareness In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it is essential that individuals constantly monitor their health. This involves not only physical, but also mental and emotional aspects of the bodys functioning, as they relate to the home, school, work, and leisure environments.
If necessary changes are made sooner rather than later, then a stable, balanced and healthy lifestyle will be more consistently maintained. 2. A Balanced Diet The foods we eat provide us with a variety of essential nutrients required for normal bodily functioning and sufficient energy for activity. The typical diet of many Australians is characterized by a more than adequate protein intake, high sugar content, a high fat content and a low content of fibre and roughage. This dietary combination has been related to the incidence of several contemporary diseases such as obesity, heart disease and bowel disorders.
Foods required in the diet can be considered in 5 major groups: Bread And Cereals Providing carbohydrates Milk and Milk Products Providing calcium Meat, Fish, Eggs and Nuts Providing protein Fruit and Vegetables Providing vitamins and minerals Fats An essential nutrient, which form an important part of cell structure, and is a source of energy. Water An essential part of diet. 3. Regular Physical Activity Regular physical activity is basic to the attainment of health and an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Contemporary diseases, with the exception of those transmitted through sexual activity, are mostly conditions of old age and degenerative illness, often the result of poor lifestyle habits. The degenerative diseases of the circulatory, respiratory and musculo-skeletal systems which are now so predominant, are a consequence of our technical society.
Many technological advances are intended to eliminate physical exertion from everyday activities. At the same time, life in an increasingly complex and competitive society, with pressing business and domestic obligations and deadlines, can make the maintenance of a regular physical exercise programme more difficult. Physical activity develops and maintains a level of health sufficient to carry out normal occupational and leisure pursuits without undue fatigue, and decreases the risk of too early disability or death. It cannot be said that regular activity will extend lifespan, but the quality of life will certainly be enhanced. Regular physical exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle by: Strengthening the heart muscle and improving its efficiency Increasing oxygenation of the heart muscle Assisting in weight control Reducing blood pressure Reducing blood fat levels Decreasing fatigue by increasing physical endurance Reducing muscle tension caused by stress Promoting a deeper, more restful sleep which is more restorative Improving mood and mental concentration Improving posture, appearance and self image 4. Rest And Relaxation Adequate sleep and rest are important ingredients for a healthy lifestyle.
During these times, the body is given the opportunity to replenish depleted energy stores and to resume normal functioning. The tissue building and repair processes occur principally during periods of sleep. Individual requirements and patterns of sleep vary considerably, and are influenced by such factors as age and level of involvement in physical activity. It is important for each individual to establish and maintain appropriate habits of sleep and rest to meet personal requirements. Relaxation is also a vital contributor to healthful living. Life in an increasingly complex technological society often produces anxiety and frustration.
Incidents within this life pattern can lead to a state of dis-ease, which is called stress. Different people react to the same situation in different ways. It is not the situation, but the reaction that sometimes causes stress. Private health insurance gives you and your family access to the right health services at the right tome. It gives you control of your health care and enables you to choose the provider, facility and timing of your treatment. Bibliography: web
Free research essays on topics related to: balanced diet, mental and emotional, healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, quality of life
Research essay sample on Regular Physical Activity Mental And Emotional
