physical health awareness essay

Essay on Health Awareness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Health Awareness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Health Awareness

Understanding health awareness.

Health awareness is about knowing and understanding health issues. It’s like learning about different diseases, their causes, and how to avoid them. Health awareness helps us make better choices for a healthier life.

Importance of Health Awareness

Health awareness is important because it can save lives. It helps us know what’s good and bad for our health. With this knowledge, we can avoid harmful habits like smoking and eating junk food, and adopt healthy habits like exercising and eating balanced meals.

Health Awareness and Disease Prevention

Health awareness helps in preventing diseases. It tells us about vaccines and regular check-ups that help catch diseases early. Also, it teaches us about hygiene practices like washing hands to prevent disease spread.

Role of Schools in Health Awareness

Schools play a big role in health awareness. They teach students about nutrition, physical education, and hygiene. Schools also organize health camps and invite doctors to talk about different health topics.

Health awareness is a key to a healthy life. It helps us make wise choices, prevent diseases, and lead a happy, healthy life. So, let’s all be aware and spread health awareness for a healthier community.

Also check:

Speech on Health Awareness

250 Words Essay on Health Awareness

What is health awareness.

Health awareness is about knowing and understanding health issues. It helps us make the right choices for our health. It is about learning how to stay fit, eat right, and take care of our bodies.

Why is Health Awareness Important?

Being aware of health is important for many reasons. It helps us live longer and better lives. When we know about health issues, we can prevent them. For example, knowing that smoking is bad for our lungs can stop us from starting to smoke.

How Can We Improve Health Awareness?

There are many ways to improve health awareness. We can read books, watch videos, or talk to doctors. Schools can also help by teaching students about health. Parents can set a good example by eating healthy food and exercising regularly.

Role of Media in Health Awareness

Media plays a big role in health awareness. TV shows, news, and social media can spread information about health. They can tell us about new research or health risks. But, we must be careful to check if the information is correct. Not all information on the internet is true.

In conclusion, health awareness is very important. It helps us make good choices for our health. We can improve health awareness by learning and sharing information. Let’s all try to be more aware of our health.

500 Words Essay on Health Awareness

Health awareness is knowing about the state of your body, how to keep it healthy, and what can harm it. It is like a guide to help you live a healthy life. It tells you about good habits like eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. It also warns you about bad things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or not getting enough exercise.

Health awareness is very important for everyone. It helps you stay healthy and avoid diseases. If you are aware of your health, you can take steps to prevent illness. For example, if you know that eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes, you can choose to eat less sugar. This can help you avoid getting diabetes in the future.

Health awareness also helps you know what to do if you get sick. If you are aware of the symptoms of a disease, you can recognize them early and get treatment. This can help you recover faster and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Ways to Increase Health Awareness

There are many ways to increase health awareness. One way is to learn about health from reliable sources. You can read books, watch videos, or talk to health professionals like doctors and nurses. You can also learn about health in school or at health awareness events.

Another way to increase health awareness is to practice healthy habits. This means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol. By doing these things, you can improve your health and learn more about how your body works.

Schools play a big role in health awareness. They teach students about health in science and physical education classes. They also provide healthy meals and opportunities for physical activity. Some schools even have health clinics where students can get check-ups and treatment.

Schools also organize health awareness events. These events can include health fairs, where students can learn about different health topics and get free health screenings. They can also include campaigns to promote healthy habits, like eating fruits and vegetables or walking to school.

In conclusion, health awareness is very important. It helps us stay healthy and avoid diseases. We can increase our health awareness by learning about health and practicing healthy habits. Schools play a big role in health awareness by teaching students about health and organizing health awareness events. By being aware of our health, we can live healthier, happier lives.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Health Awareness Essay

Introduction.

When our children fall sick, we immediately call a doctor or rush to a nearby hospital. These children are lucky because they have ample means and resources to get themselves treated. Do you know that some unfortunate ones do not realise that they are ill and deny treatment? Here lies the importance of the health awareness essay, as it will help our kids to understand the issues that revolve around health.

Although we have an efficient healthcare system, it is disheartening to know that every citizen does not get access to it. People fail to comprehend health issues in them and eventually do not receive treatment on time. Through this short essay on health awareness, we can familiarise ourselves with such issues and see how we can create health awareness.

Related essay: World Health Day essay

Importance of Health Awareness

Even while we do not have any illness or injury, it is essential to do a thorough checkup to identify any serious problems in our health. Maintaining good health is important for all, which is emphasised in this health awareness essay.

Though we stress that health is wealth, not everyone pays much attention to it. A slight delay in treatment or simple carelessness could cost your life, and this is why people should have proper health awareness. The short essay on health awareness focuses on how we can prevent the issues of lack of treatment or healthcare facilities.

Some people do not know if they have any diseases, and they continue living in ignorance till their health situation turns severe. Hence, it is necessary that we educate them about different diseases, their symptoms and treatment options, as well as raise their awareness about health. In this way, they will be motivated to make the right decisions regarding their health.

Ways to Raise Health Awareness

As we have discussed the importance of health awareness in the previous section, we will now see how we can raise awareness of this topic through the short essay on health awareness. We might have come across many awareness days like World AIDS Day, World Polio Day, World Hepatitis Day etc., each year, which are aimed to promote health and call attention to various health problems. These awareness programmes impart a better understanding of several communicable diseases and how we can prevent them.

The health awareness essay also highlights the significance of making people realise the value of physical, mental and social health. While it is easy for us to discover physical health problems through symptoms, mental health awareness is often overlooked. Organising campaigns is an effective way to raise awareness among people. Through vaccination drives and by arranging workshops and seminars, we can reach people and inspire them to improve their lifestyles and habits for their good health.

The short essay on health awareness can be a learning tool for children to understand more about the topic. To discover more interesting essays from BYJU’S, keep an eye on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Health Awareness Essay

What is meant by health awareness.

In basic terms, health awareness is the knowledge regarding one’s health. It can be described as the awareness of various health problems, symptoms and treatment options.

What is the significance of the health awareness essay for children?

The health awareness essay will be useful for children to know about various health concerns and preventive measures, which will empower them to keep themselves healthy by following the right regime.

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Physical Activity Is Good for the Mind and the Body

Health and Well-Being Matter is the monthly blog of the Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Everyone has their own way to “recharge” their sense of well-being — something that makes them feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually even if they aren’t consciously aware of it. Personally, I know that few things can improve my day as quickly as a walk around the block or even just getting up from my desk and doing some push-ups. A hike through the woods is ideal when I can make it happen. But that’s me. It’s not simply that I enjoy these activities but also that they literally make me feel better and clear my mind.

Mental health and physical health are closely connected. No kidding — what’s good for the body is often good for the mind. Knowing what you can do physically that has this effect for you will change your day and your life.

Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits. These are published in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and include improved brain health and cognitive function (the ability to think, if you will), a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life. Although not a cure-all, increasing physical activity directly contributes to improved mental health and better overall health and well-being.

Learning how to routinely manage stress and getting screened for depression are simply good prevention practices. Awareness is especially critical at this time of year when disruptions to healthy habits and choices can be more likely and more jarring. Shorter days and colder temperatures have a way of interrupting routines — as do the holidays, with both their joys and their stresses. When the plentiful sunshine and clear skies of temperate months give way to unpredictable weather, less daylight, and festive gatherings, it may happen unconsciously or seem natural to be distracted from being as physically active. However, that tendency is precisely why it’s so important that we are ever more mindful of our physical and emotional health — and how we can maintain both — during this time of year.

Roughly half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime, with anxiety and anxiety disorders being the most common. Major depression, another of the most common mental health disorders, is also a leading cause of disability for middle-aged adults. Compounding all of this, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can affect people’s ability to take part in health-promoting behaviors, including physical activity. In addition, physical health problems can contribute to mental health problems and make it harder for people to get treatment for mental health disorders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need to take care of our physical and emotional health to light even more so these past 2 years. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted how the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in youth .

The good news is that even small amounts of physical activity can immediately reduce symptoms of anxiety in adults and older adults. Depression has also shown to be responsive to physical activity. Research suggests that increased physical activity, of any kind, can improve depression symptoms experienced by people across the lifespan. Engaging in regular physical activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in children and adults.

Though the seasons and our life circumstances may change, our basic needs do not. Just as we shift from shorts to coats or fresh summer fruits and vegetables to heartier fall food choices, so too must we shift our seasonal approach to how we stay physically active. Some of that is simply adapting to conditions: bundling up for a walk, wearing the appropriate shoes, or playing in the snow with the kids instead of playing soccer in the grass.

Sometimes there’s a bit more creativity involved. Often this means finding ways to simplify activity or make it more accessible. For example, it may not be possible to get to the gym or even take a walk due to weather or any number of reasons. In those instances, other options include adding new types of movement — such as impromptu dance parties at home — or doing a few household chores (yes, it all counts as physical activity).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I built a makeshift gym in my garage as an alternative to driving back and forth to the gym several miles from home. That has not only saved me time and money but also afforded me the opportunity to get 15 to 45 minutes of muscle-strengthening physical activity in at odd times of the day.

For more ideas on how to get active — on any day — or for help finding the motivation to get started, check out this Move Your Way® video .

The point to remember is that no matter the approach, the Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (anything that gets your heart beating faster) each week and at least 2 days per week of muscle-strengthening activity (anything that makes your muscles work harder than usual). Youth need 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Preschool-aged children ages 3 to 5 years need to be active throughout the day — with adult caregivers encouraging active play — to enhance growth and development. Striving toward these goals and then continuing to get physical activity, in some shape or form, contributes to better health outcomes both immediately and over the long term.

For youth, sports offer additional avenues to more physical activity and improved mental health. Youth who participate in sports may enjoy psychosocial health benefits beyond the benefits they gain from other forms of leisure-time physical activity. Psychological health benefits include higher levels of perceived competence, confidence, and self-esteem — not to mention the benefits of team building, leadership, and resilience, which are important skills to apply on the field and throughout life. Research has also shown that youth sports participants have a reduced risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Additionally, team sports participation during adolescence may lead to better mental health outcomes in adulthood (e.g., less anxiety and depression) for people exposed to adverse childhood experiences. In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, sports can be just plain fun.

Physical activity’s implications for significant positive effects on mental health and social well-being are enormous, impacting every facet of life. In fact, because of this national imperative, the presidential executive order that re-established the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition explicitly seeks to “expand national awareness of the importance of mental health as it pertains to physical fitness and nutrition.” While physical activity is not a substitute for mental health treatment when needed and it’s not the answer to certain mental health challenges, it does play a significant role in our emotional and cognitive well-being.

No matter how we choose to be active during the holiday season — or any season — every effort to move counts toward achieving recommended physical activity goals and will have positive impacts on both the mind and the body. Along with preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and the additional risks associated with these comorbidities, physical activity’s positive effect on mental health is yet another important reason to be active and Move Your Way .

As for me… I think it’s time for a walk. Happy and healthy holidays, everyone!

Yours in health, Paul

Paul Reed, MD Rear Admiral, U.S. Public Health Service Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Director, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.

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Strategies for Physical and Mental Health Awareness

Addressing the relationship between psychological and physiological health..

Posted May 25, 2021 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Our mental health can either make us vulnerable to disease or protect us from it. Likewise, our physical health can affect our minds.
Because mental and physical health are related, we must address them equally.
Ways to take care of your physical and mental health simultaneously include adequate, restful sleep and exercise.

Each year during May, organizations, and individuals across the globe join the movement to raise awareness about mental health as they celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month.

We can all join the fight against stigma by educating ourselves on mental illnesses. Furthermore, we can use this time to reflect on the importance of adopting practices that support our mental health and those close to us. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals have seen a rise in rates of conditions such as depression , anxiety , social isolation , and substance use. This phenomenon has been described as the COVID-19 mental health crisis, with experts warning us that the pandemic’s effect may be long-lasting.

Therefore, we should strive to practice mental health awareness all year long, and we can begin with ourselves at home. However, first, we must recognize that mental health goes hand-in-hand with physical health. Our psychological well-being can either make us vulnerable to diseases or be a protective factor from chronic conditions. Likewise, our physiological well-being can have either a positive or negative impact on our mental health. Due to the interrelationship between psychological and physiological well-being, our mental and physical health are equally important.

Understanding this connection can help us identify strategies that support both our physiological and psychological well-being. The following are some accessible practices for taking care of our physical and mental health during these challenging times.

Getting enough sleep

When it comes to sleep, it is not just about the quantity (i.e., the hours we sleep) but also the quality (i.e., waking up and feeling rested). Sleep helps us recharge both our body and mind. When we do not get enough sleep, we are more likely to experience fatigue, changes in mood, depression, and anxiety. Feeling tired can also make us less likely to exercise and socialize. Poor sleepers are also at higher risk of developing chronic diseases than people who get enough sleep. Additionally, getting enough rest can improve your immune response, meaning that your body is more likely to fight off infections.

Staying active

Exercise has many benefits for both our physical and mental health. During physical activity, our brain releases endorphins, also known as feel-good chemicals, that help us feel energized and alert. Exercising can also help alleviate current symptoms, such as low mood and anxiety, and chronic diseases. We do not need to perform intense exercises for extended amounts of time to experience the benefits of physical activity. Research has shown that simple activities, such as going out for a 10-minute walk or practicing yoga at home, can benefit both our physical and mental health. The most important thing is to try to stay active and perform exercises we consider enjoyable.

Practicing self-care

Each person has different preferences and, therefore, a distinctive idea of what self-care activities they enjoy and find relaxing. Nevertheless, the concept of self-care involves practicing activities that are amusing, calm, and help us unwind from all the responsibilities and stressors faced daily. Some examples of self-care include reading a book for leisure, watching a movie or show, singing or dancing, and cooking a favorite dish. Psychological health includes having fun, meaning that we must make time for joyful and entertaining activities that help us decompress for us to be in a healthy mental state.

As we continue to learn more about the pandemic's impact on our mental health, we need to adopt measures that promote our well-being. Let's strive to practice mental health awareness all year long, as well as monitor our overall physical and psychological well-being.

Rita M. Rivera, Psy.D., is a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow at Yale University's School of Medicine.

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Essay About Physical Health

This sample essay on Essay About Physical Health provides important aspects of the issue and arguments for and against as well as the needed facts. Read on this essay’s introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Suggested this could be due to a purposeful avoidance of health services by those who are mentally unwell, or that during this time of their mental health crisis, many are suffering the effects of their illness such as positive symptoms, thought disorder, or the flat effects associated with schizophrenia, these experiences could make it harder for them to go to their appointments.

Shah, Chant & McGrath (2007) state that the reason as to the exact cause of this gap Is not known, however many theories have been suggested as to why it has occurred.

Mac Credit (2003) attributed this gap as lifestyle factors. In a study on people suffering from schizophrenia against those who were mentally well, there was significant findings that the individuals with schizophrenia ate poorer ties, consuming under half of the recommended guide lines of fruit and vegetable consumptions in a week, they undertook substantially lower exercise than the comparison group and tended to have a higher body mass Index.

According to Cough game; Peeler (2004) current risk factors for people to suffer from diabetes are linked to issues such as eating unhealthy food and being inactive. Scene &De Here (2007) suggested that many who suffer from schizophrenia have certain lifestyle patterns that leave them at risk of developing diabetes, such as the lack of exercise they par take in, the unhealthy diet, being inactive and smoking.

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De Here,et al (2009) concurred with this flying and found that the mentally unwell have a higher chance of being a smoker and being overweight, as well as developing diabetes.

How To Take Care Of Your Health Essay

Leslie & Rechecks (2004) argue that there is no conclusive evidence as to why many who are mentally unwell develop diabetes, however there is a strong occurrence between obesity and the current use of second- generation antispasmodic drugs. De Here et al (2009) have also found that there is a correlation between the use of some anti psychotic medication and weight gain. De Here, Winkle, Van Cocky, Hansen, Hampers, scenes & Passkeys ( suggest people suffering Trot councilperson ay nave a greater chance of suffering a metabolic defect.

They suggested that metabolic defects are inbuilt to those with schizophrenia, this was raised due to people already having such defects when they are suffering their first psychotic experience. However there findings also indicated the anti psychotic medication has a direct impact on metabolic illness. When this data was weighed against those who were not unwell, and consistent in age bracket and sex, those suffering schizophrenia had significant higher rates of metabolic illness and diabetes. This evidence amplified as age and the length of their illness increased.

This occurrence was seen to be at its strongest when a person had been suffering from schizophrenia for ten years and over. This research indicates that there is a link between either the illness and metabolic defects or a correlation between the illness and antispasmodic drugs. Connelly et al (2005) suggest that the danger for the person with schizophrenia is the weight gain caused by the medication, this weight gain then increases the chances of the individual developing diabetes. It was suggested that a cause of the weight gain old be that the antispasmodic drugs have tranquilizer side effects.

However other aspects should not be overlooked such as the individual may have low motivation to engage in exercise. Connelly et al (2005) also found that when a person is overweight this is connected with glucose intolerance and exercise can help combat this. Looking in to the correlation of anti psychotic medication and diabetes a study was carried out by Miller & Moll (2005) assessing diabetes against people receiving a depot narcoleptic and found that those receiving the depot had a 19% higher chance of having diabetes against the general population.

However this vast amount of research regarding the correlation between schizophrenia and the increased risk of diabetes occurring seems irrelevant, when there is no pathway designed to assess individuals at risk, and as a result there is. No designs on how this risk could be handle successfully (Cough et al 2004). Looking more specifically at the service user I am going to discuss, and will refer to as person W, it is evident that her current diagnosis of schizophrenia coinciding with being overweight and also receives a depot narcoleptic, all classify her as a high risk of developing the diabetes she suffers.

The depot that Patient W was taking, dipole, has been classed as low potency and according to Connelly et al (2005) in relation to weight, the low potency drugs seem to be a strong indicator of responsibility as to this weigh gain. Miller et al (2005) also discuss the higher risk of having diabetes from being on depot narcoleptic and according to De Here, et al (2009) having a severe mental illness increases you chances of being overweight and smoking, Patient W is both overweight, smokes and receives a depot narcoleptic.

Being overweight itself is a risk factor to diabetes (Cough et al 2004). Thus Patient W falls onto all the areas of high risk for someone to develop diabetes. The NICE guidelines state that diabetes is a metabolic condition defined by having a high level of blood glucose concentration. Type two diabetes is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. As a result of the high level of blood glucose people becoming insulin resistant.

Person W is a 54 year has a psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia, seen currently resides In an acute assessment war In an Inner city arson w NAS Ana this diagnosis for over twenty years, she has been a smoker since her teenage years and has had chronic health problems for over five years. In terms of physical health problems Person W has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COOP) in the form of chronic asthma, Diabetes type 2 and is obese. Person W receives medication for her physical health and mental health problems.

For her schizophrenia she is on a two weekly dipole MGM depot injection and takes irreparable MGM antispasmodic medication once a day 1 OMG. For her diabetes she takes Is on meteoroid log three times a day, for her type 2 diabetes. Chronographic, Ferulae & Sewers (2002)state that Meteoroid works by lowering the amount of cells that are resistant to insulin. This medicine appears to not only work on this metabolic condition but also helps fight obesity. This drug is specifically aimed at those who are obese. Person W also takes Royalist slimming tablets MGM per day and simulation for cholesterol MGM twice a day.

Patient W has an inhaler containing Spirits MGM which she uses once a day for her asthma. During her time on the ward, this patient received daily blood glucose level checks, this was done mainly at am before Patient W had eaten her breakfast. Patient W was advised healthy eating techniques and what food she should try avoid such as sweet food. The ward did not have any specific objectives and aims in place to help Patient W to control her diabetes. She was not referred to a dietician, which could of been to her benefit and the main intervention used was monitoring.

It is reported in her care plan all Patient WAS physical health problems therefore all staff are informed of her specific needs. Patient W blood pressure and oxygen saturation level are also monitored and if her oxygen saturation fell below 90%, she would use one liter of oxygen per minute. This was happening three times a day when she first came to the ward; however Patient W often refused this during her stay. There are a number of other interventions that would benefit Patient W in regards to her diabetes and in turn her well being such as information regarding foot care, more about diabetes itself and lifestyle guidance.

It is important for people with diabetes to keep an eye on their feet. The Nice guidelines suggest that people monitor their feet on a daily bases looking out for any development of ulcers, the reasoning for this being that in people with diabetes an ulcer can quickly turn in to something more serious and result in the need of amputations. They should keep in regular contact with their health professionals and be taught techniques on how to protect their feet, such things as giving advice to wear well fitted shoes and look out for cracks or anything that deviates from what their feet are generally like.

This practice of awareness is vital in helping individuals keep on top of their physical health needs. Dickerson, Goldberg, Brown, Checkerberry, Pram, Hollister, Fang, Method & Dixon (2005) suggested that those who are naive to diabetes and its effects of the body are those who will be overwhelmed by the impact of such a diagnoses and see it as troublesome. With this in mind it would be beneficial to educate people and this should in turn make people more understanding of their condition and the treatment they need to engage in.

Cough et al (2004) go a step further than this and suggest that due to the vast amount of evidence suggesting a correlation and schizophrenia it would be good practice for all tense guttering Trot a Lagoons AT councilperson to undergo Olathe screening tests. De Here et al (2006) concurred with this finding. Similarly Miller et al (2005) felt that those who receive treatment for schizophrenia via a depot neurotic glucose evils and weight are frequently checked, thus giving time for the right treatment to be used effectively.

Cough et al (2004) suggests that the responsibility for this screening should lie with the general practitioners, and when an antispasmodic medication is being selected for patient the importance lies in finding a drug that will help the service user adhere to taking their medication and as a result of this improve the service users participation in undertaking diabetes awareness and coping approaches, this includes educating service user’s on healthy eating and exercise.

Connelly et al (2005) is in agreement with these findings again emphasizing the importance for lifestyle changes to occur as well as monitoring, furthermore they suggest that if these changes are occurring it is advisable to re assess the medication to one which is not so associated with weight gain. On a final point Connelly et al (2005) highlight that a genetic biological link between schizophrenia and diabetes, although not confirmed, has proven significant findings and must be taken in to consideration. To conclude, this reflective essay proves that more needs to be done for those suffering from a mental health illness and diabetes.

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Essay on Health: Long and Short Essay Samples

Updated on
Jan 3, 2024

Essay on Health:

Earlier, health was said to be the ability of the body to function well. However, as the time evolved, the definition of health also evolved. Health now, is the primary thing after which everything else follows. When you maintain good health, everything else falls into place.

In an era where our lives are increasingly busy and filled with demands, our health often takes a backseat. Yet, it’s a priceless asset that influences every facet of our existence. In this blog, we explore the multifaceted realm of health through both long and short essay samples. From the significance of well-being to practical tips for maintaining it, our collection delves into the critical role health plays in our lives. Join us in this journey to uncover the secrets of a healthier, happier life.

Table of Contents

1 How to Maintain Health?
2 Importance of Health
3 Sample Essay On Health in 150 Words
4 Sample Essay On Health in 300 Words

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How to Maintain Health?

Good health is above wealth. Listed foundational practices below promote overall health and well-being:

Balanced Diet: Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Do not miss out on the essential nutrients; take each of them in appropriate quantities.
Regular Exercise: Exercise daily, it can be for a duration of 15-30 minutes. Include strength training exercises to build muscle and bone strength.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support physical and mental well-being. Instead of using your phone, go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine health check-ups and screenings to detect and address health issues early.
Avoid Bad Habits: Do not smoke or drink as it has serious harmful consequences.

Importance of Health

Good health is vital for a fulfilling life. It empowers us to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally, enhancing overall well-being. It is of paramount importance for various reasons:

Quality of Life: It directly affects our daily lives, enabling us to enjoy activities, work, and relationships to the fullest.
Productivity: Good health enhances productivity, allowing us to perform better in our personal and professional endeavours.
Longevity: It contributes to a longer life, giving us more time to pursue our goals and spend time with loved ones.
Financial Well-being: Staying healthy reduces medical expenses and the economic burden of illness.
Emotional Well-being: Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being, impacting our mood, stress levels, and overall happiness.
Preventive Care: Maintaining health through regular check-ups can detect and address potential issues before they become severe.
Community and Societal Impact: Healthy individuals contribute to stronger communities and societies, reducing the strain on healthcare systems and promoting collective well-being.

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Sample Essay On Health in 150 Words

Maintaining good health is dependent on a lot of factors. Those factors range from the air you breathe to the type of people you choose to spend your time with. Health has a lot of components which carry equal importance. If even one of them is missing, a person cannot be completely healthy.Health is our most valuable asset. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being, shaping our lives profoundly. A healthy lifestyle, characterized by a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, is essential. It not only prevents diseases but also boosts energy and productivity.

Mental health is equally vital, requiring stress management and emotional support. Regular check-ups aid in early disease detection, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Good health influences longevity and quality of life, allowing us to pursue dreams and cherish moments with loved ones. It also eases the financial burden associated with illness. Ultimately, health is the foundation of a joyful, fulfilling existence, and its importance cannot be overstated.

Sample Essay On Health in 300 Words

Health is undeniably one of the most precious aspects of life. It encompasses not only the absence of diseases but also the presence of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this essay, we will explore the multifaceted importance of health in our lives.

Firstly, physical health is the cornerstone of our existence. It allows us to carry out daily activities, pursue our passions, and engage with the world. Maintaining good physical health involves a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients, regular exercise to keep our bodies fit, and sufficient rest to recuperate. A healthy lifestyle not only prevents various ailments but also increases our vitality and longevity.

There is this stigma that surrounds mental health. People should take mental illnesses seriously. In order to be completely fit, one must also be mentally fit. When people completely discredit mental illnesses, it makes a negative impact. Hence, we should treat mental health the same as physical health.

Mental health is equally crucial. It involves managing stress, maintaining emotional stability, and seeking support when needed. Neglecting mental health can lead to conditions like anxiety and depression, which can have a profound impact on the quality of life.

Moreover, health plays a pivotal role in determining our overall happiness and well-being. When we are in good health, we have the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy life to the fullest. It enhances our productivity at work or in our daily chores, leading to a sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, health is closely linked to financial stability. Medical expenses associated with illness can be overwhelming. Maintaining good health through preventive measures and regular check-ups can save us from substantial healthcare costs.

In conclusion, health is not merely the absence of illness; it is the presence of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Amisha Khushara

With a heart full of passion for writing, I pour my emotions into every piece I create. I strive to connect with readers on a personal level, infusing my work with authenticity and relatability. Writing isn't just a skill; it's my heartfelt expression to touch hearts and minds.

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90+ Strong Health Essay Topics And How To Handle Them

Table of Contents

You can write about healthy lifestyle, rehabilitation after traumas, childcare, common or rare diseases, global advances in health and medicine, environmental health issues, and more.

How to deal with essay on health?

Your essay will be the most impressive if you choose a topic that is familiar to you or you can write about something you have experience with. It will be easier for you to do a health essay paper and build a convincing argument. Another approach is choosing a topic which is not familiar to you but in which you are interested in. It would be a great opportunity for you to educate yourself.

If you pick an interesting essay topic idea which is too broad to cover in your essay, you should do additional keyword research and look for some specific aspects of this topic to narrow it.

Keep in mind that you should look for a narrow topic which has enough available resources that you can use for researching it.

Before you start writing, make sure you have found enough evidence and examples to support your argument. A good idea is to create a working outline or a mind map for your essay that will guide your writing and help you stay focused on your key points.

First, create a strong thesis statement and think about several main points to support it.

If you are looking for health topics to write about and are not sure what to write about, here we have gathered a lot of exciting ideas that you won’t find on any other essay writing services.

Feel free to use them as inspiration own topic ideas or for writing your essays.

Health topics to write about

How Can We Help Children Maintain a Healthy Body Weight?
Ethical and Legal Issues of Surrogate Pregnancy.
How Dangerous are Long-term Consequences of Anorexia?
Principles of Preventing Medical Errors in Hospitals.
How Can Doctors Promote Healthy Lifestyle?
Why is Homeopathy a Pseudo-Science?
What Are Side Effects of Blood Transfusion?
Types of Eating Disorders.
Can a Vegan Diet Be Healthy?
The Best Strategies to Maintain Healthy Body Weight.
Psychological Issues of Breast Cancer.
Importance of Organ Donation after Death.
Can Cloning Help Save Lives?
Ethics in Human Experimentation.
Symptoms of Heart Attacks in Women.
Is It Possible to Cure Diabetes in the Future?

Interesting health topics to write about

What is the Difference Between Western Medicine and Alternative Medicine?
Health Consequences of Eating Disorders.
Bioprinting as the Future of Organ Transplants.
Use of Stem Cell Technologies for Cancer Treatment.
Ethical and Social Issues of Cosmetic Surgery.
How Does Advertising Influence Healthy Food Choices?
Role of Nutrition Education in Promoting Healthy Diets.
Fast Food Consumption and Obesity.
How Can Exercise Help Senior Improve Strength and Balance?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Weight Loss Surgery.
Obesity as a Medical and Social Problem.
Strategies for Heart Disease Prevention.
How Long Can Humans Actually Live?
Pros and Cons of Clinical Trials.
Alternative Ways to Treat Depression.
Is There a Cure for HIV or AIDS?

Controversial health essay topics

Is There a Link Between Sugary Drinks and Cancer?
Health Consequences of Caffeine.
Can Little Kid Food Habits Signal Autism?
Should Euthanasia Be Legalized?
Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana.
Is Alternative Medicine Dangerous?
Is Doing Sports always Healthy?
Which Diet Is Better: Low-Fat or Low-Carb?
Discuss Measures for Prevention of Communicable Diseases.
Social Determinants That Influence People’s Well-being.
Are Doctors Responsible for the Opioid Epidemic?
Is Religion a Mental Disorder?
Is Nuclear Waste Really Dangerous for People?
Is a No-Carb Diet Safe?
Are We Too Dependent on Antibiotics?
Are Natural Medicines a Good Alternative to Pharmaceutical?
Can Blockchain Help Improve the Trust in the Accuracy of Clinical Trials Data?

Mental health argumentative essay topics

Influence of Environmental Factors on Mental Health.
Drug Misuse and Mental Disorders.
Social Effects of Mental Disorders.
Alcohol Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders.
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Teen Depression.
How to Protect Your Mental Health from Social Media Dangers.
Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Severe Mental Disorders.
Negative Effects of Total Isolation on Physical and Mental Health.
Mental Health Benefits Associated with Physical Activity.
Association between Exercise and Mood.
Mental Health Problems of Homeless People.
Stress as a Risk Factor for Mental Disorders.
Effect of Disposer to Violence on Mental Disorders.
Common Mental Disorders in the USA.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Adults.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders.
Economic Burden of Depression and Anxiety Disorders.
Influence of Anxiety Disorders on the Quality of Life.

Health care essay topics

Advantages and Challenges of E-health Technology.
Application of Big Data to the Medical Care System.
Risk Connected with Untested Methods of Alternative Medicine.
Controversial Issues in the US Medical Care System.
Telemedicine and Other Disruptive Innovations in Health Care System.
How Can We Achieve Health Equity?
Impact of Racism on the Well-Being of the Nation.
School-based Health Care and Educational Success of Children.
Role of School-based Health Care in Preventing Dropout.
What Can Be Done to Curb Rising Suicide Rates?
Do Adults and Senior Still Need Vaccines?
What Human Rights Issues Have an Impact on Public Health?
What Measures Should Be Taken to Prevent Heat-related Deaths?
Discuss Healthy Housing Standards.
What Are Common Strategies for Prevention of Chronic Diseases?

Health essay topics for high school students

Can Computers Displace Doctors?
Can People Become Immortal?
Can Happiness Cure Diseases?
How to Prevent Teen Pregnancy?
The Biggest Health Challenges Facing Youth.
Importance of Balanced Diet for Teenagers.
Does Being Healthy Make You Happy?
Why Is Exercise Important to Teenagers?
Why Is Obesity Becoming an Epidemic?
How to Become a Healthy Person.
Importance of Healthy Lifestyle for Teens.
Negative Impact of Smoking Teenagers.
How Does Stress Affect Teenagers?
Why Do Teenagers Experiment with Drugs?
How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits.

Need a health essay overnight? Here’s a deal! Buy argumentative essay help by choosing any topic from our list and handing it to our writers. Complete confidentiality and the brilliant result are guaranteed.

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Health Essay

Essay on Health

Health is wealth. It is the biggest asset we need every day to meet our goals. Previously, the definition of health was the proper functioning of our organ systems. As time passed, the definition has changed. Good health now includes the physical and mental wellbeing of a person. A person can be physically fit but mentally disturbed due to the circumstances he is facing. The same can happen when someone is suffering from physical illnesses but is mentally strong.

Maintaining proper health is the prime concern these days. This is a competitive era where you cannot stop. The moment you stop you will be replaced by a better option. This is why everyone is running in the rat race without thinking about their wellbeing. The compromise towards health becomes a costly affair later. In the cities, people are more affected by mental issues than physical ones. Constant stress and lack of physical activities contribute to the problem.

Proper health comprises many factors. It includes good food, proper routine, good sleeping habits, and eating habits. Apart from these personal traits, many external factors also control your wellbeing. People in the villages stay physically stronger due to freshness in the air, physical activities, and good food. People in the urban areas, on the contrary, prefer eating unhealthy food, lack physical agility, and cannot handle mental stress properly. In the same context, urban settlement has a better lifestyle and healthcare system. Considering all the components, a person needs to give equal importance to the factors and maintain a balance.

The elements of good health are physical and mental fitness. If both are maintained, a person will enjoy a better life. How can we achieve that state? First, we have to find out the factors influencing physical health. We have to learn about the lifestyle diseases that affect our health and check the ways to avoid or manage them. Secondly, we have to eat good food and maintain a healthy diet. We need to ensure a balanced diet and good food habits to provide nutrition to our systems. In this aspect, we also have to find out the harmful foods we generally prefer eating and avoid them. Regular exercise is the third most important part of good health. When we are physically active, our muscles remain functional. We get hurt very less and also recover faster. We can also maintain our body balance better when we are involved in physical activities.

The next phase is mental happiness. What makes us happy? One can be happy watching TV all the time. Sitting on the couch all day long can also make someone happy but is it a healthy choice? This type of lifestyle choice should be immediately avoided. Choosing a sedentary lifestyle is nothing but an invitation to different diseases. The current urban population is suffering from weight-related issues. Being overweight also makes the situation worse. Lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol elevation, cardiovascular diseases, etc develop at a young age.

We also need to make better choices when it comes to mental health. Playing sports with your buddies will help you relax and de-stress. You can also take a walk in the park and enjoy the greenery. Avoid spending more time on the screen and try to develop a hobby that suits you. In this way, you can become happier and stay healthier.

A person also needs to choose better social factors to remain free from social stigmas. Cognitive health and social health are equally important. Adding more stress will not be the solution. Keep exercising physically and mentally to remain fit and enjoy good health and longer life. Make your home stress-free with good habits and keep everyone healthy.

FAQs on Health Essay

1. What are the Prime Elements Included in Good Health?

The prime elements of good health are physical health, mental health, and social health. A person needs to be physically and mentally fit in a healthy environment. A society should also provide a healthy environment for a person to remain stress-free and enjoy life. Even though an ideal society does not exist, it is not hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These elements should be maintained properly to enjoy overall good health and survive in this competitive world. It is important for all family members.

2. Why is Mental Health Also Important?

Previously mental health was not included in the wellbeing of a person. Now that we have found the direct relationship between physical and mental health, it has become an important factor to consider. Many surveys suggest that mental health in a society is ignored. People are less happy when they are surrounded by many responsibilities. Circumstances also make a person sad and mentally unfit. If this continues, a person becomes prone to physical illnesses. Stress is a major reason for mental illnesses. By educating people regarding the importance of mental health, we can avoid such issues.

3. How Can We Teach the Importance of Mental Wellness?

From the very beginning, kids should be taught what mental wellness is. They should play outside, have fun with their friends, play, get hurt, and learn what mental wellness is. Adults also need proper guidance to understand the importance of mental wellness. They should maintain a proper balance between personal and professional life to stay happy. All we have to remember is an individual laughing might not be happy. We need to find out what makes us happy.

Health and Fitness Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on health and fitness.

We have always heard the word ‘health’ and ‘fitness’. We use it ourselves when we say phrases like ‘health is wealth’ and ‘fitness is the key’. What does the word health really mean? It implies the idea of ‘being well’. We call a person healthy and fit when he/she function well physically as well as mentally.

Factors Affecting our Health and Fitness

Good health and fitness is not something which one can achieve entirely on our own. It depends on their physical environment and the quality of food intake. We live in villages, towns, and cities.

In such places, even our physical environment affects our health. Therefore, our social responsibility of pollution-free environment directly affects our health. Our day-to-day habits also determine our fitness level. The quality of food, air, water all helps in building our fitness level.

Role of Nutritious Diet on our Health and Fitness

The first thing about where fitness starts is food. We should take nutritious food. Food rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates is very essential. Protein is necessary for body growth. Carbohydrates provide the required energy in performing various tasks. Vitamin and minerals help in building bones and boosting our immune system.

However, taking food in uneven quantity is not good for the body. Taking essential nutrients in adequate amount is called a balanced diet. Taking a balanced diet keep body and mind strong and healthy. Good food helps in better sleep, proper brain functioning and healthy body weight.

Include vegetables, fruits, and pulses in daily diet. One must have a three-course meal. Having roughage helps in cleaning inner body organs. Healthy food habit prevents various diseases. Reducing the amount of fat in the diet prevents cholesterol and heart diseases.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Impact of Exercise on our Health

Routine exercise helps improve our muscle power. Exercise helps in good oxygen supply and blood flow throughout the body. Heart and lungs work efficiently. Our bones get strong and joints have the pain free movement.

We should daily spend at least twenty minutes in our exercise. Daily morning walk improves our fitness level. We should avoid strenuous Gym activities. Exercise burns our fat and controls the cholesterol level in the body. Various outdoor games like cricket, football, volleyball, etc keeps our body fit. Regular exercise maintains our body shape.

Meditation, Yoga, and Health

Meditation and yoga are part of our life from ancient time. They not only make us physically fit but mentally strong as well. Meditation improves our concentration level. Our mind gets relaxed and thinking becomes positive.

A healthy mind is key for a healthy body. Yoga makes us stressfree and improves the endurance power of the mind. Yoga controls our blood pressure. With yoga, a strong bond with nature is established. Meditation is considered the best way to fight depression.

A person stays happier when he/she is fit and healthy. A fit and healthy person is less prone to chronic diseases. The healthy mind reacts better in a pressure situation. The self-confidence of a person is increased. Risk of heart failure is reduced drastically. With the increased immunity power body could fight cancerous cells. The intensity of the fracture is decreased with regular exercise.

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Article Contents

Introduction, the link between physical activity and health, the need to understand physical activity as a health behavior, south africa: communities in transition, australia: collaborative strategies and leveraging the sydney 2000 olympics, the us: initiatives in schools, healthcare settings and worksites, conclusions.

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Promoting physical activity: the new imperative for public health

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Phillip B. Sparling, Neville Owen, Estelle V. Lambert, William L. Haskell, Promoting physical activity: the new imperative for public health, Health Education Research , Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2000, Pages 367–376, https://doi.org/10.1093/her/15.3.367

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The aim of this essay is to provide an overview of initiatives designed to increase physical activity among different populations and in different settings, and to set the context for the major challenges that lie ahead. The decline in habitual physical activity with modernization, and the causal link between physical activity and health are briefly reviewed. The need to understand physical activity as a health behavior and examples of behavior change theories that have been applied to the promotion of physical activity are discussed. Diverse projects and campaigns in three countries, i.e. South Africa, Australia and the US, are highlighted. Common themes found in these physical activity initiatives include the development of a theory-driven research base, inclusion of behavioral and social scientists on multidisciplinary teams, and advocacy for environmental changes that promote physical activity. Within the next decade, research projects and national campaigns such as those described herein will yield important new findings on how to increase physical activity levels among targeted sectors of the population. The research agenda for the future includes development of both basic and applied research on physical activity, and the integration of theory across social, behavioral and biomedical disciplines.

The human species was designed for movement. Until the mid-19th century, humans lived as gatherers, scavengers, toolmakers, hunters, farmers and artisans. For 99.9% of human history, physical demands were typical of daily life and an expected part of the everyday world ( Astrand, 1986 ). Our species not only survived but flourished for several thousand generations prior to the advent of the automobile, television, video games and the Internet. Within only a few generations, the physical activity demands of work, domestic chores and leisure time have decreased so dramatically as to be nearly non-existent in industrialized and urbanized environments.

However, it has also become increasingly clear that many of the chronic diseases we face today are associated fundamentally with the pervasive sedentariness of modern life. A case can be made that habitual physical activity has a biological basis with a central control, and that physical inactivity disturbs normal function and contributes to chronic energy imbalance ( Rowland, 1998 ). This is not a plea to return to the physical toil that our ancestors endured. Rather, it is a reminder that that our bodies have an inherent need to be exercised. If our overall health and functioning are to be optimized, we need to be physically active on a regular basis.

In recent years the public health benefits of reducing sedentary lifestyles and promoting physical activity have become increasingly apparent. Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General ( http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/sgr.htm ) provides a comprehensive overview and a call to action ( US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996 ). Results from laboratory studies, clinical trials and epidemiological investigations provide convincing evidence that increasing one's level of physical activity—especially for those who are sedentary—has multiple beneficial health effects. These include reducing the risk of prematurely dying from coronary heart disease (CHD), type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. Endurance-type exercise can improve mental health, and reduce the risk of developing obesity and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity also preserves functional independence in older adults.

When all research is considered collectively, a dose–response relationship between activity levels and disease prevention is clearly evident ( US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996 ). As illustrated in Figure 1 , investigators from numerous recent epidemiological studies have reported this relationship in men and in women, and in many countries. These data are for all-cause mortality. Much of the inverse relation between activity amount and all-cause mortality is due to the inverse relationship between activity amount and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, some studies have demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between activity level and cancer mortality and non-CVD mortality. The particular studies included in Figure 1 were selected based on being representative of those with the strongest research design, methodology and analysis.

How much exercise is enough? What is an appropriate dose of physical activity (type, duration, intensity, frequency) to reduce disease risk and enhance well-being? Although specific recommendations may vary with age and health status, a consensus guideline is that every adult should accumulate 30 min or more of moderate-intensity endurance-type physical activity over the course of most days of the week ( Pate et al. , 1995 ; NIH, 1996; American College of Sports Medicine, 1998 ). For example, a sedentary office worker could meet this standard by briskly walking 2 miles at lunchtime every day of the workweek. Using population attributable risk, a 5–6% reduction in mortality from CHD, diabetes and colon cancer (30 000–35 000 deaths per year in the US) could be realized if 50% of the population made increases in physical activity practices consistent with the consensus guideline ( Powell and Blair, 1994 ).

Additional health and functional benefits can be achieved by more time in moderate-intensity activity or by substituting more vigorous aerobic activity such as jogging. Additionally, it is recommended that strength-developing activities for the major muscle groups (such as resistance training or calisthenics) and flexibility training be performed at least twice a week ( Pate et al. , 1995 ; NIH, 1996; American College of Sports Medicine, 1998 ).

Like most human behaviors, physical activity is a complex behavior. Physical activity in our daily lives is determined by a web of factors that has become more intricate over the past century as advances in science and technology continually change our world. In attempting to understand physical activity as a health-enhancing behavior, it is useful to adopt an ecological perspective ( Sallis and Owen, 1997 ). In this framework, behaviors are viewed as an outcome of the interactions among personal attributes (biological and psychological) and environmental factors (social influences and physical facilities/surroundings). This holistic approach attempts to encompass all possible determinants of physical activity behavior for free-living individuals. It provides the larger context within which different models and theories can be developed and tested.

In recent years there has been an increased awareness of the need for theory-driven research on the process of health behavior change. A number of behavior change theories have been applied to the promotion of physical activity with promising results. To illustrate the different types of theories, four examples, i.e. Social Cognitive Theory, Behavior Modification, the Transtheoretical Model and Social Marketing Theory, are briefly described.

Social Cognitive Theory ( Bandura, 1977 ), one of the most widely adopted theories applied to health promotion, is based on the principle of reciprocal determinism which refers to the way behavior and environment continuously interact and influence each other. Social Cognitive Theory holds that two basic cognitions are vital for the prediction of a behavior change. The first cognition, outcome expectancy , is defined as a person's estimate that a given behavior will lead to certain outcomes (e.g. `If I will exercise, I shall lose weight'). The second basic cognition is self-efficacy , the conviction that one can successfully execute the behavior required to produce an outcome (e.g. `I am capable of exercising to the extent that I will lose weight').

Behavior Modification ( Skinner, 1953 ) is similar in many respects to approaches applied from Social Cognitive Theory. A central tenet of Behavior Modification is that altering consequences is the most powerful method for changing behavior. Reinforcers (rewards such as money, certificates, socializing) increase behavior, where as punishers (such as discomfort during exercise, embarrassment due to poor performance, fear of injury) reduce the probability of repeating the behavior. Interventions to increase physical activity should be designed with multiple reinforcers that are strong and temporally close to the physical activity behavior, whereas punishers should be minimized or eliminated.

The Transtheoretical Model ( Prochaska and Marcus, 1994 ), popularly referred to as the Stages of Change Model, describes five different stages of motivational readiness which appear to be common to most behavior change processes (i.e. precontemplation , contemplation , preparation , action and maintenance ). A major contribution of this model is that people in different stages are shown to use different processes to move to the next stage. Thus, to move people forward toward the desired behavior, it becomes important to identify their current stage and then use strategies known to be effective for that specific stage.

Social Marketing Theory ( Kotler and Zaltman, 1971 ) involves the application of commercial marketing techniques to the analysis, planning, implementation and assessment of programs designed to improve voluntary health behaviors among target audiences. Social marketing has supported creative experimentation with different intervention methods such as mass communication, sponsorship of events and competitions. It is less a theory in the formal sense than a planning model for health promotion. Social marketing offers a sophisticated, research-based process for achieving defined behavioral objectives in identified priority populations, with benefits to both individuals and society.

Depending on multiple factors such as the level of intervention (i.e. individual. community, organizational settings, public policy and practice), a single theory or a combination of different models and theories may be appropriate to achieve specific physical activity goals. Selection should be based on which has the better fit with the problem under study. Comprehensive reviews and critiques on the application of these and other behavior change theories to increase physical activity levels in sedentary persons have been recently published in a theme issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine ( Blair and Morrow, 1998 ).

In the following sections, recent campaigns in three countries, i.e. South Africa, Australia and the US, are briefly highlighted to share the variety of initiatives being used to promote physical activity to targeted populations. Many countries in Europe, South America and elsewhere are pursuing related projects. The examples that follow reflect the transition toward theory-based research. Over the next decade, experimental trials and systematic evaluations of these and similar projects will provide a much needed body of evidence. Findings from such investigations will allow us to determine the degree to which theory-driven interventions can effect long-term change in individual behavior or communities beyond, or perhaps despite, the prevailing trend of increasing sedentariness.

South Africa, with a population of 41 million and 11 official languages, is a culturally diverse country undergoing enormous transition. Seventy-five percent of South Africans are literate. This is juxtaposed with a 40% rate of unemployment. Children under the age of 15 make up one-third of the population, while adults over 65 constitute less than 5%. It is estimated that by the year 2010, 70–80% of the population will be urbanized.

While infectious diseases remain endemic in South Africa, morbidity from chronic diseases is increasing along with the prevalence of contributing risk factors such as smoking, sedentary living and a change from a more traditional to a Westernized diet. For example, in 1990, 7.6% of deaths in adult South Africans were attributed to tuberculosis and the prevalence of HIV infection was estimated to be 7.5%. At the same time, chronic diseases of lifestyle accounted for nearly 30% of deaths between the ages of 35 and 64 years. The majority of South Africans have at least one modifiable risk factor for chronic disease ( Steyn et al. , 1992 ). Moreover, in cross-sectional studies, over 40% of historically, socio-politically, disadvantaged persons living in urban communities reportedly do not participate in any leisure or occupational physical activity ( Levitt et al. , 1993 ).

Physical activity and health promotion initiatives in South Africa have been fragmented, with little central government coordination. This may be attributed in part to: (1) emphasis within the formal health sector on primary healthcare delivery, (2) the collapse of physical education within public schools and historical absence of such programs in disadvantaged communities, (3) a lack of basic infrastructure in many peri-urban and urban communities, and (4) a high prevalence of urban violence and risk to personal safety.

The South African government has recently begun initiatives promoting physical activity in certain target populations. In April 1999, the first set of national guidelines incorporating physical activity was released by the Department of Health, targeting older adults, and there are several national campaigns aimed at increasing awareness regarding physical activity and health, such as National Wellness Day. However, these initiatives lack a broad-based infrastructure for implementation, as well as financial support and community awareness for sustainability. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these social marketing campaigns for increasing awareness regarding physical activity on a community level or for increasing the adoption of physical activity on an individual level has not been measured.

The impetus for increasing recognition and adoption of physical activity for health promotion has occurred largely through non-governmental groups—private, academic and sports organizations. In 1997, a regional initiative for health promotion was created, the Community Health Intervention Programs, as a joint venture between a privately funded, non-profit organization (the Sports Science Institute of South Africa) and a national insurance company (The Old Mutual). This initiative involves a range of community bodies from civic associations, church groups, seniors clubs and children's homes to universities and teaching colleges. The aim is to enable previously disadvantaged communities to begin health promotion projects using physical activity intervention as the vehicle. Separate programs target children, adults and older adults. Community consultation precedes implementation and community leaders are trained by sport scientists, allied health professionals and physical education specialists. Co-implementation takes place for 3 months, after which time the program staff withdraw, and ownership of programs is transferred to the community and monitored on an ongoing basis.

The ultimate goal of this regional initiative is to implement a working model of broader participation in physical activity and sport, nationwide. The success of this model is dependent on a sustainable community infrastructure. Moreover, this program is only implemented in communities that have specifically requested to be considered. As a result, on a community level, there are already resources or `experts' and a core group of individuals who are beyond the pre-contemplative stage of change. The face-to-face intervention and the training of community leaders may improve the adoption of physical activity by improving self-efficacy of participants. Early results in older adults have demonstrated a significant increase in exercise-related physical activity, improved functional capacity and lowered systolic blood pressure.

One of the few national initiatives linking physical activity and health promotion is the WHO Health-Promoting Schools Network which falls under the Health Promotion Directorate of the South African Department of Health. Aimed at developing infrastructure on which to build sustainable projects, the program has the potential to promote healthy living at the `grass roots' level. A health-promoting school is one in which all members work with available resources to promote the well-being of the entire school community. The health-promoting school model is one of the few models that demonstrates inter-sectoral collaboration and the integration of environmental policy, e.g. with health policy. The promotion of physical activity is to be one of the primary interventions through which health promotion takes place.

Australians have an image as an active outdoor, sporting people. Despite this attractive mythology, the `bronzed Aussie' is as likely as any North American to be overweight and unfit. The CPI (`couch potato index') for Australia is much like that of other urbanized nations—some 30% of adults are almost totally sedentary in their leisure time ( Owen and Bauman, 1992 ). Australian Aboriginal people, while only a small percentage of the total population, have disproportionately high rates of diabetes and increasingly suffer from `Westernized' disease patterns. There have been concerted efforts in Australia to activate the whole population. In the early 1990s, the National Heart Foundation conducted large-scale campaigns based on the Social Marketing Theory. Campaigns included mass media, community events and focused training of health professionals. A systematic evaluation demonstrated significant increases in campaign message awareness and walking for exercise in older and less educated subgroups ( Owen et al. , 1995 ).

A new national strategy—`Active Australia'—was launched in 1997 as a joint initiative of the national government's health and sport and recreation sectors. `Active Australia' promotes collaboration between the many sectors of government and industry with an aim to increase people's choices and opportunities to be more physically active. Education, transportation, urban planning and local government have important roles in the Australian national strategy. Much of the energy and leadership behind the Australian initiatives is being stimulated by the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The public interest and massive media exposure associated with Sydney 2000 will provide a unique opportunity to promote the health benefits of physical activity to the entire population.

Recent campaigns in Australia have included a focus on activating the `sedentary but motivated' — those in the contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model as it is applied to physical activity ( Donovan and Owen, 1994 ; Prochaska and Marcus, 1994 ). This campaign target group has a high proportion of older and less well-educated Australians ( Booth et al ., 1993 ), and in previous campaigns was the population segment most-responsive to initiatives promoting regular exercise through moderate-intensity activity and walking ( Booth et al. , 1992 ; Owen et al. , 1995 ).

Specific components of the new `Active Australia' programs that target increased physical activity include: (1) paid mass-media advertising to inform those in the target group about the importance of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, (2) specific community physical activity events in partnership with the National Heart Foundation, sport and recreation bodies, and local governments, and (3) a major focus on providing physical activity advice through primary care providers ( Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services, 1998 ). The leadership in these initiatives has involved experts from several disciplines and professions including health and physical education, epidemiology, behavioral science, and members of several medical specialties.

The overall portfolio of `Active Australia' programs aims also to develop effective environmental approaches to increasing physical activity in the whole Australian population ( Sallis et al. , 1998 ). This cross-cutting objective is being achieved through formal inter-sectoral partnerships with agencies involved in the transportation, urban planning, local government, environment and private sectors ( Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services, 1998 ).

Australia's efforts are driven by a strong national commitment to prevent the many diseases associated with inactivity and obesity. The central challenge is to take those efforts beyond personal health and to link them to the values and goals of schools, communities, government and industry. A practical manifestation is, for example, promoting walking and cycling, which, in turn, is synergistic with the goals of improving urban environments and reducing automobile emission levels. One of the major lessons learned from the recent Australian programs and current initiatives is the importance of a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach. Promising interventions and strategies must be based on expert input from the epidemiologists integrated with that of the behavioral scientists ( Booth et al. , 1992 ; Owen et al. , 1995 ; Sallis and Owen, 1999 ).

In March 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published `Guidelines for school and community programs to promote lifelong physical activity among young people' ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1997 ). Schools and communities have the potential to improve the health of young people by providing instruction, programs and services that promote enjoyable, lifelong physical activity. Ten broad recommendations were developed focusing on topics such as physical education, health education, facilities/environment, extracurricular activities, health services and parental involvement. Key recommendations include: (1) develop students' mastery of and confidence in behavioral skills needed (e.g. self-monitoring, goal setting, managing barriers) to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, (2) provide access to safe spaces and facilities for physical activity in the school and community, (3) discourage the use of or withholding of physical activity as punishment, and (4) encourage parents to be physically active role models, and to plan and participate in family activities that include physical activity. This report reflects the importance of social support and environmental considerations in increasing physical activity in children and youth. These guidelines have been widely disseminated across the US, to school districts, communities, local and state governments, and associated professionals.

Healthcare settings in the US offer a unique opportunity to counsel adults and young people about physical activity. Eighty percent of the population has at least one visit to a primary care physician every year. As esteemed professionals, physicians can significantly influence their patients regarding healthy lifestyles. An example of such an initiative is Project PACE (Physician-based Assessment and Counseling for Exercise), the aim of which is to provide primary care physicians the tools to counsel patients on strategies for incorporating exercise into their daily routine ( Calfas et al. , 1996 ). Developed by behavioral and social scientists using Social Cognitive Theory and the Transtheoretical Model, Project PACE materials are used by designated members of the healthcare team to individualize brief counseling messages for patients. Initial findings indicate that this intervention is efficacious in producing short-term increases in physical activity among previously sedentary patients.

As a follow-up to the Project PACE findings, a larger, randomized physical activity intervention study known as the Activity Counseling Trial (ACT) is currently underway ( Blair et al. , 1998 ; King et al. , 1998 ). ACT is a NIH-funded, multi-center study designed to evaluate three behavior-change interventions to promote physical activity in the primary care setting among sedentary adults, 35–75 years of age. The goal is to increase physical activity by 2 kcal/kg body weight per day (i.e. around 800–1000 kcal/week). The three interventions—standard care control, staff-assisted intervention or staff-counseling intervention—differ in the amount of interpersonal contact and resources required. The research teams are comprised of both biomedical and behavioral specialists, including physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists, biostatisticians, health educators and psychologists.

Intervention strategies are based on altering key mediators of physical activity. For example, based on Social Cognitive Theory, strategies to enhance self-efficacy (one's confidence to be physically active in variable settings), an intra-personal mediator, are expected to produce increases in physical activity. Similarly, targeted inter-personal mediators include modeling of physical activity by others and social support directly related to physical activity participation. The Transtheoretical Model (stages of change concept) is also used to select appropriate intervention techniques dependent on the participant's stage of motivational readiness.

The ACT timeline is a 6-month intervention and an 18-month follow-up. The primary outcomes are physical activity (estimated energy expenditure per week) and cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake). Secondary outcomes include changes in CHD risk factors and selected psychosocial variables (e.g. self-efficacy, stages of change, social support, quality of life). This study will assess the utility of theory-based interventions in increasing physical activity during the treatment period and their efficacy in maintaining a higher level of physical activity in the longer term.

To unite the strengths of public, private and industry efforts into a collaborative partnership to inspire Americans to lead physically active lifestyles, the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) was created in 1995. The NCPPA ( http://www.ncppa.org/ ) comprises over 100 member organizations with executive leadership coming from the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Heart Association, the Association for Worksite Health Promotion, and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

A major initiative of the NCPPA is the National Behavior Change Campaign, known as AIM 2010. AIM 2010 is a 15-year institutional and community capacity-building strategy that diffuses behavior change intervention in phases that will culminate in a national campaign that addresses both individual behavior change and environmental and policy initiatives to promote physical activity. AIM 2010 emanated from a 50-day worksite intervention at a federal agency using the Stages of Change Model to promote regular, moderate physical activity ( Cole et al. , 1998 ). More than one-third (35%) of 1192 participants progressed one or more stages during the intervention. Multiple pilot sites are now active in state health departments, public school systems and major corporations.

Public health experts now recognize the health-damaging mismatch between a human phenotype designed for regular physical activity and an environment that increasingly acts to minimize activity ( US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996 ). Concurrent with public health initiatives, our knowledge base continues to expand rapidly across a spectrum of disciplines ranging in focus from the cell to the population: genetics and molecular biology, basic and applied physiology, the behavioral and social sciences, and epidemiology and other public health disciplines.

Where might we find the most effective solutions to preventing the highly prevalent and deleterious health consequences of the evolutionary mismatch? Will we continue the trend of increasing dependence on pharmacological interventions to control chronic diseases associated with lifestyle when non-pharmacological, behavioral interventions are viable options and may be more cost-effective and safer? Or, is it possible to have a fundamental re-examination and re-working of public policies that address the consequences of rapid technological change and expanding Westernization?

Some first steps have been taken in that direction. In capsule views, we have described initiatives in Australia, South Africa and the US. Can our observations on cooperative ventures among health, education, industry and government sectors in Australia and the US be beneficial in preventing the decline in physical activity associated with urbanization in developing countries such as South Africa? One lesson is the need for healthcare clinicians and behavioral scientists to be proactive, persuasive and collaborative with business leaders and policy makers to incorporate environmental features that foster physical activity (e.g. green spaces/parks, walkways, bicycle commuter trails) in all aspects of development.

An interesting comparison can be made between current initiatives to increase physical activity and ongoing initiatives to decrease the use of tobacco. The first US Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health was published in 1964. Since then, we have seen impressive progress in research and public-health action—smokers now form less than one-quarter of the adult population in the US, Australia and other industrialized countries. Much of what we have learned from these experiences will apply to the public health imperative to reduce sedentary behaviors.

The 1996 US Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health has set a challenging new agenda for research and public health advocacy. Will enforced sedentary behavior in schools and workplaces eventually have to be designated as a health risk similar to passive smoking? Will environmental and social-change solutions, which go against prevailing economic and technological trends, be achievable? Solutions to combating pervasive sedentariness are also related to broader questions about the quality, safety and sustainability of human environments, and ultimately to the longer-term survival of the planetary biosphere ( McMichael, 1993 ). Re-incorporating a modicum of physical activity into our daily life is a key health initiative on which we—as individuals, communities, nations and as a species—need to act.

In summary, the aim of this essay has been to set the backdrop, the larger context, for the challenges that lie ahead in promoting physical activity population-wide. A brief journey highlighting the decline in habitual physical activity with modernization, the casual link between physical activity and health, and the need for theory-based research to better understand physical activity as a health behavior has been made. Examples of ongoing physical activity promotion projects in South Africa, Australia and the US have been shared. It is evident that if physical activity promotion is to succeed as a public health initiative, a multidisciplinary team approach is required. Professionals in health behavior will play an increasingly important role in the future research agenda.

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v.15(1); 2023 Jan

Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review

Aditya mahindru.

1 Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND

Pradeep Patil

Varun agrawal.

In addition to the apparent physical health benefits, physical activity also affects mental health positively. Physically inactive individuals have been reported to have higher rates of morbidity and healthcare expenditures. Commonly, exercise therapy is recommended to combat these challenges and preserve mental wellness. According to empirical investigations, physical activity is positively associated with certain mental health traits. In nonclinical investigations, the most significant effects of physical exercise have been on self-concept and body image. An attempt to review the current understanding of the physiological and psychological mechanisms by which exercise improves mental health is presented in this review article. Regular physical activity improves the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Depression and anxiety appear to be influenced by physical exercise, but to a smaller extent in the population than in clinical patients. Numerous hypotheses attempt to explain the connection between physical fitness and mental wellness. Physical activity was shown to help with sleep and improve various psychiatric disorders. Exercise in general is associated with a better mood and improved quality of life. Physical exercise and yoga may help in the management of cravings for substances, especially in people who may not have access to other forms of therapy. Evidence suggests that increased physical activity can help attenuate some psychotic symptoms and treat medical comorbidities that accompany psychotic disorders. The dearth of literature in the Indian context also indicated that more research was needed to evaluate and implement interventions for physical activity tailored to the Indian context.

Introduction and background

Physical activity has its origins in ancient history. It is thought that the Indus Valley civilization created the foundation of modern yoga in approximately 3000 B.C. during the early Bronze Age [ 1 ]. The beneficial role of physical activity in healthy living and preventing and managing health disorders is well documented in the literature. Physical activity provides various significant health benefits. Mechanical stress and repeated exposure to gravitational forces created by frequent physical exercise increase a variety of characteristics, including physical strength, endurance, bone mineral density, and neuromusculoskeletal fitness, all of which contribute to a functional and independent existence. Exercise, defined as planned, systematic, and repetitive physical activity, enhances athletic performance by improving body composition, fitness, and motor abilities [ 2 ]. The function of physical activity in preventing a wide range of chronic illnesses and premature mortality has been extensively examined and studied. Adequate evidence links medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and individual lifestyle behaviours, particularly exercise [ 3 ]. Regular exercise lowered the incidence of cardiometabolic illness, breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis [ 4 ]. In addition to improving the quality of life for those with nonpsychiatric diseases such as peripheral artery occlusive disease and fibromyalgia, regular physical activity may help alleviate the discomforts of these particular diseases [ 5 ]. Exercise also helps with various substance use disorders, such as reducing or quitting smoking. As physical exercise strongly impacts health, worldwide standards prescribe a weekly allowance of "150 minutes" of modest to vigorous physical exercise in clinical and non-clinical populations [ 6 ]. When these recommendations are followed, many chronic diseases can be reduced by 20%-30%. Furthermore, thorough evaluations of global studies have discovered that a small amount of physical exercise is sufficient to provide health benefits [ 7 ].

Methodology

In this review article, a current understanding of the underlying physiological and psychological processes during exercise or physical activity that are implicated in improving mental health is presented. Search terms like "exercise" or "physical activity" and "mental health", "exercise" or "physical activity" and "depression", "exercise" or "physical activity" and "stress", "exercise" or "physical activity" and "anxiety", "exercise" or "physical activity" and "psychosis," "exercise" or "physical activity" and "addiction" were used as search terms in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline. An overwhelming majority of references come from works published within the past decade.

The impact of physical health on mental health

There is an increasing amount of evidence documenting the beneficial impacts of physical activity on mental health, with studies examining the effects of both brief bouts of exercise and more extended periods of activity. Systematic evaluations have indicated better outcomes for mental diseases with physical activity. Numerous psychological effects, such as self-esteem, cognitive function, mood, depression, and quality of life, have been studied [ 8 ]. According to general results, exercise enhances mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress tendencies, a factor known to aggravate mental and physical diseases [ 9 ]. Studies show that people who exercise regularly have a better frame of mind. However, it should be highlighted that a consistent link between mood enhancement and exercise in healthy individuals has not been established.

Additionally, human beings produce more of these two neurochemicals when they engage in physical activity. Human bodies manufacture opioids and endocannabinoids that are linked to pleasure, anxiolytic effects, sleepiness, and reduced pain sensitivity [ 10 ]. It has been shown that exercise can improve attention, focus, memory, cognition, language fluency, and decision-making for up to two hours [ 11 ]. Researchers state that regular physical activity improves the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lowering cortisol secretion and restoring the balance of leptin and ghrelin (Figure (Figure1) 1 ) [ 12 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is cureus-0015-00000033475-i01.jpg

HPA: hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal

This image has been created by the authors.

Regular exercise has immunomodulatory effects such as optimising catecholamine, lowering cortisol levels, and lowering systemic inflammation. Physical activity has been shown to increase plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is thought to reduce amyloid-beta toxicity linked to Alzheimer's disease progression [ 13 ].

Although no causal correlations have been proven, methodologically sound research has discovered a related improvement in mentally and physically ill populations. These findings are based on research and studies conducted all across the globe, particularly in the Western Hemisphere. In order to address a widespread health problem in India, it is useful to do a literature review that draws on research conducted in a variety of settings. In addition, the prevalence of these mental illnesses and the benefits of exercise as a complementary therapy might be made clear by a meta-analysis of research undertaken in India [ 14 ].

This review also analysed published literature from India to understand the effects of exercise on mental health and the implications for disease management and treatment in the Indian context. Results from Indian studies were consistent with those found in global meta-analyses. The Indian government has made public data on interventions, such as the effects of different amounts of physical exercise. Exercising and yoga have been shown to be effective adjunct therapies for a variety of mental health conditions [ 12 ]. Though yoga may not require a lot of effort to perform, other aspects of the program, such as breathing or relaxation exercises, may have an impact on a practitioner's mental health at the same time. Due to its cultural significance as a common physical practice among Indians and its low to moderate activity level, yoga would be an appropriate activity for this assessment [ 15 ].

Yoga as an adjunctive treatment

Although yoga is a centuries-old Hindu practice, its possible therapeutic effects have recently been studied in the West. Mind-body approaches have been the subject of a lot of studies, and some of the findings suggest they may aid with mental health issues on the neurosis spectrum. As defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "mind-body interventions" aim to increase the mind's potential to alter bodily functions [ 16 ]. Due to its beneficial effects on the mind-body connection, yoga is used as a treatment for a wide range of conditions. Possible therapeutic benefits of yoga include the activation of antagonistic neuromuscular systems, stimulation of the limbic system, and a reduction in sympathetic tone.

Anxiety and depression sufferers might benefit from practising yoga. Yoga is generally safe for most people and seldom causes unintended negative consequences. Adding yoga to traditional treatment for mental health issues may be beneficial. Many of the studies on yoga included meditation as an integral part of their methodology. Meditation and other forms of focused mental practice may set off a physiological reaction known as the relaxation response. Functional imaging has been used to implicate certain regions of the brain that show activity during meditation. According to a wealth of anatomical and neurochemical evidence, meditation has been shown to have far-reaching physiological effects, including changes in attention and autonomic nervous system modulation [ 17 ]. Left anterior brain activity, which is associated with happiness, was shown to rise considerably during meditation. There's also some evidence that meditation might worsen psychosis by elevating dopamine levels [ 18 - 20 ]. We do not yet know enough about the possible downsides of meditation for patients with mental illness, since this research lacks randomised controlled trials.

Physical activity and schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder that often manifests in one's early years of productive life (late second decade). Remission of this disorder occurs in just a small fraction of cases. More than 60% will have relapses, and they might occur with or without noticeable deficits. Apart from delusions, hallucinations, and formal thought disorders, many patients exhibit cognitive deficits that emerge in the early stages of the disease and do not respond adequately to therapy [ 21 ].

Treatment for schizophrenia is challenging to master. Extrapyramidal side effects are a problem with first-generation antipsychotic drugs. Obesity and dyslipidemia have been related to second-generation drugs, which may cause or exacerbate these conditions. The majority of patients do not achieve complete remission, and many do not even experience satisfactory symptom relief. Even though certain antipsychotic medications may alleviate or even exacerbate negative and cognitive symptoms, these responses are far less common. This means that patients may benefit from cognitive rehabilitation. Because of their illness or a negative reaction to their medicine, they may also have depressive symptoms. This would make their condition even more disabling. Many patients also deal with clinical and emotional complications. Tardive extrapyramidal illnesses, metabolic syndromes, defect states, and attempted suicide are all in this category. Patient compliance with treatment plans is often poor. The caregivers take on a lot of stress and often get exhausted as a result.

Evidence suggests that increased physical activity can aid in attenuating some psychotic symptoms and treating medical comorbidities that accompany psychotic disorders, particularly those subject to the metabolic adverse effects of antipsychotics. Physically inactive people with mental disorders have increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Exercise solutions are commonly recommended to counteract these difficulties and maintain mental and physical wellness [ 22 ].

The failure of current medications to effectively treat schizophrenia and the lack of improvement in cognitive or negative symptoms with just medication is an argument in favour of utilising yoga as a complementary therapy for schizophrenia. Even without concomitant medication therapy, co-occurring psychosis and obesity, or metabolic syndrome, are possible. The endocrine and reproductive systems of drug abusers undergo subtle alterations. Numerous studies have shown that yoga may improve endocrine function, leading to improvements in weight management, cognitive performance, and menstrual regularity, among other benefits. In this context, the role of yoga in the treatment of schizophrenia has been conceptualized. However, yoga has only been studied for its potential efficacy as a therapy in a tiny number of studies. There might be several reasons for this. To begin with, many yoga academies frown against the practice being adapted into a medical modality. The second misconception is that people with schizophrenia cannot benefit from the mental and physical aspects of yoga practised in the ways that are recommended. Third, scientists may be hesitant to recommend yoga to these patients because of their lack of knowledge and treatment compliance.

In a randomised controlled experiment with a yoga group (n = 21) and an exercise group (n = 20), the yoga group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in negative symptoms [ 2 ]. In accordance with the most recent recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the above research provides substantial evidence for the use of yoga in the treatment of schizophrenia. According to a meta-analysis of 17 distinct studies [ 23 ] on the subject, frequent physical activity reduces the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia considerably.

Physical activity and alcohol dependence syndrome

Substance abuse, namely alcohol abuse, may have devastating effects on a person's mental and physical health. Tolerance and an inability to control drinking are some hallmarks of alcoholism. Research shows that physical activity is an effective supplement in the fight against alcohol use disorder. In addition to perhaps acting centrally on the neurotransmitter systems, physical exercise may mitigate the deleterious health consequences of drinking. Evidence suggests that persons with alcohol use disorder are not physically active and have low cardiorespiratory fitness. A wide number of medical comorbidities, like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other cardiovascular illnesses, occur with alcohol use disorders. Physical exercise may be highly useful in aiding the management of these comorbidities [ 24 ].

Physical exercise and yoga may help in the management of cravings for substances when other forms of therapy, such as counselling or medication for craving management are not feasible or acceptable. Physical exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on mental health, relieve stress, and provide an enjoyable replacement for the substance. However, the patient must take an active role in physical activity-based therapies rather than passively accept the process as it is, which is in stark contrast to the approach used by conventional medicine. Since most substance use patients lack motivation and commitment to change, it is recommended that physical activity-based therapies be supplemented with therapies focusing on motivation to change to maximise therapeutic outcomes.

One hundred seventeen persons with alcohol use disorder participated in a single-arm, exploratory trial that involved a 12-minute fitness test using a cycle ergometer as an intervention. Statistically, significantly fewer cravings were experienced by 40% [ 24 ]. Exercise programmes were found to significantly reduce alcohol intake and binge drinking in people with alcohol use disorder in a meta-analysis and comprehensive review of the effects of such therapies [ 25 ].

Physical activity and sleep

Despite widespread agreement that they should prioritise their health by making time for exercise and sufficient sleep, many individuals fail to do so. Sleep deprivation has negative impacts on immune system function, mood, glucose metabolism, and cognitive ability. Slumber is a glycogenetic process that replenishes glucose storage in neurons, in contrast to the waking state, which is organised for the recurrent breakdown of glycogen. Considering these findings, it seems that sleep has endocrine effects on the brain that are unrelated to the hormonal control of metabolism and waste clearance at the cellular level. Several factors have been proposed as potential triggers for this chain reaction: changes in core body temperature, cytokine concentrations, energy expenditure and metabolic rate, central nervous system fatigue, mood, and anxiety symptoms, heart rate and heart rate variability, growth hormone and brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion, fitness level, and body composition [ 26 ].

After 12 weeks of fitness training, one study indicated that both the quantity and quality of sleep in adolescents improved. Studies using polysomnography indicated that regular exercise lowered NREM stage N1 (very light sleep) and raised REM sleep (and REM sleep continuity and performance) [ 22 ]. As people age, both short- and long-term activities have increasingly deleterious effects on sleep. In general, both short- and long-term exercise were found to have a favourable effect on sleep quality; however, the degree of this benefit varied substantially among different sleep components. On measures of sleep quality, including total sleep time, slow-wave sleep, sleep onset latency, and REM sleep reduction, acute exercise had no effect. But both moderate and strenuous exercise has been shown to increase sleep quality [ 27 ]. According to a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, exercise has shown a statistically significant effect on sleep quality in adults with mental illness [ 28 ]. These findings emphasise the importance that exercise plays in improving outcomes for people suffering from mental illnesses.

Physical activity in depressive and anxiety disorders

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, as per the World Health Organization. However, only 10%-25% of depressed people actually seek therapy, maybe due to a lack of money, a lack of trained doctors, or the stigma associated with depression [ 29 ]. For those with less severe forms of mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, regular physical exercise may be a crucial part of their treatment and management. Exercise and physical activity might improve depressive symptoms in a way that is comparable to, if not more effective than, traditional antidepressants. However, research connecting exercise to a decreased risk of depression has not been analysed in depth [ 30 ]. Endorphins, like opiates, are opioid polypeptide compounds produced by the hypothalamus-pituitary system in vertebrates in response to extreme physical exertion, emotional arousal, or physical pain. The opioid system may mediate analgesia, social bonding, and depression due to the link between b-endorphins and depressive symptoms (Figure (Figure2 2 ).

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The "endorphin hypothesis" states that physical activity causes the brain to produce more endogenous opioid peptides, which reduce pain and boost mood. The latter reduces feelings of worry and hopelessness. A recent study that demonstrated endorphins favourably improved mood during exercise, and provided support for these theories suggested that further research into the endorphin theory is required [ 31 ].

Physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve depressive symptoms and overall mood in people of all ages. Exercise has been implicated in lowering depressive and anxious symptoms in children and adolescents as well [ 32 ]. Pooled research worldwide has revealed that physical exercise is more effective than a control group and is a viable remedy for depression [ 33 ]. Most forms of yoga that start with a focus on breathing exercises, self-awareness, and relaxation techniques have a positive effect on depression and well-being [ 34 ]. Despite claims that exercise boosts mood, the optimal kind or amount of exercise required to have this effect remains unclear and seems to depend on a number of factors [ 35 ].

Exercise as a therapy for unipolar depression was studied in a meta-analysis of 23 randomised controlled trials involving 977 subjects. The effect of exercise on depression was small and not statistically significant at follow-up, although it was moderate in the initial setting. When compared to no intervention, the effect size of exercise was large and significant, and when compared to normal care, it was moderate but still noteworthy [ 36 ]. A systematic evaluation of randomised controlled trials evaluating exercise therapies for anxiety disorders indicated that exercise appeared useful as an adjuvant treatment for anxiety disorders but was less effective than antidepressant treatment [ 37 ].

Conclusions

The effects of exercise on mental health have been shown to be beneficial. Among persons with schizophrenia, yoga was shown to have more positive effects with exercise when compared with no intervention. Consistent physical activity may also improve sleep quality significantly. Patients with alcohol dependence syndrome benefit from a combination of medical therapy and regular exercise since it motivates them to battle addiction by decreasing the craving. There is also adequate evidence to suggest that physical exercise improves depressive and anxiety symptoms. Translating the evidence of the benefits of physical exercise on mental health into clinical practice is of paramount importance. Future implications of this include developing a structured exercise therapy and training professionals to deliver it. The dearth of literature in the Indian context also indicates that more research is required to evaluate and implement interventions involving physical activity that is tailored to the Indian context.

The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations. Cureus is not responsible for the scientific accuracy or reliability of data or conclusions published herein. All content published within Cureus is intended only for educational, research and reference purposes. Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus.

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Stress and Its Effects on Health Essay

Introduction, physical effects, psychological effects, behavioral effects.

Stress is the emotional strain or tension experienced by an individual due to a reaction toward various demanding and influential situations. The challenging or compelling situations are termed stressors. Stressors can be internal or external and include life changes such as losing a significant figure, low socioeconomic status, relationship problems, occupational challenges, and familial or environmental factors. An individual’s response to stressors influences the outcome of their life. Health is a state of complete social, emotional, and physical well-being and not merely the absence of disease. Stress is a common risk factor for negative health status secondary to negative adaptation and coping with the stressors. Stressors can create a strain on one’s physical, psychological and behavioral well-being, leading to lasting effects that are detrimental to one’s health.

Stress is associated with various physical health impacts on an individual. In an online cross-sectional survey by Keech et al. (2020) to determine the association between stress and the physical and psychological health of police officers, the findings illustrate that stress negatively impacts physical and psychological well-being. One hundred and thirty-four police officers were involved in the study (Keech et al., 2020). The findings demonstrate that stress resulted in various short and long-term physical effects that included increased heart rates, sweating, high blood pressure, and long-term development of the cardiac condition. In addition, stress resulted in the development of gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. Keech et al. (2020) note that stress’s associated physical health effects are explained by various mechanisms that include overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis.

Overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system results in increased sympathetic actions on the peripheral body organs leading to increased sweat production, heart rate, respiration rate, and urinary and bowel elimination. The study notes that chronic stress without positive adaptation measures results in the progressive development of hypertension, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome as long-term effects (Keech et al., 2020). Within the gastrointestinal tract, chronic stress activity on the sympathetic nervous system results in increased parietal cell action. Overactivity of the parietal cells results in excessive gastric acid production, gradually eroding the mucosa, and ulceration occurs.

The effects of stress on the cardiovascular system are explained in a review by Kivimäki & Steptoe (2017) to determine the impact of stress on the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. In the review, stress is identified to cause cardiovascular conditions secondary to the effects of sustained sympathetic action on heart contractility and peripheral vascular resistance (Kivimäki & Steptoe, 2017). The sympathetic nervous system contributes to normal heart and blood vessel contractility. However, when the system is overstimulated, a surge in contractility above the normal limits ensues, leading to the progressive development of heart conditions.

Psychological well-being incorporates a positive mental health status evidenced by an individual’s satisfaction with life, happiness, rational thinking and decision-making, and positive mood patterns. Stress has been associated with alterations in an individual’s psychological wellness. An explanation for alteration in an individual’s psychological well-being secondary to stress is negative adaptation. Keech et al. (2020) note that an individual’s response to a stressor determines whether stress results in positive or negative effects. In the online cross-sectional survey by Keech et al. (2020), the findings illustrate that pressure resulted in the development of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders as long-term effects among the participants. Exposure to stressful situations resulted in progressively developing anxiety among the individual secondary to persistent worry over the issue. The anxiety results in other physical manifestations, including increased heart rate, palpitations, sweating, and altered mobility. Depression and bipolar conditions were also associated with chronic stress secondary to the impacts of stress on neurotransmitter function and nerves.

Similar findings are noted in a cross-sectional study by Zhang et al. (2020) to compare the prevalence and severity of stress-associated mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia among healthcare workers during the COVID pandemic. Five hundred and twenty-four healthcare workers were involved in the study. The study findings illustrate that 31.3% of the participants developed depression secondary to the stressful working environment, 41.2% reported anxiety, and 39.3% reported sleep disturbances (Zhang et al., 2020). The scientific explanation for the relationship between stress and depression was attributed to the effects of stressful periods on neurotransmitter homeostasis. Chronic stress results in the altered regulation of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Alterations in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine resulted in the progressive development of depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances reported by the participants are attributed to alterations in cortisol hormone homeostasis secondary to overstimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis.

Stressful situations can also lead to alterations in the behavioral patterns of an individual. The most common behavioral effects secondary to stress include the development of eating disorders, altered sleeping patterns, impaired concentration, and drug abuse especially alcohol. Alterations in sleep and eating patterns are linked to stress’s effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA). Exposure to stressful events leads to increased activation of the HPA axis with a net effect of increased catecholamine production (adrenaline and noradrenaline) (Moustafa et al., 2018). Increased adrenaline and noradrenaline production results in dysregulation in the eating and sleeping patterns. Sustained high levels of cortisol results in difficulty falling asleep and increased metabolic processes. The biological clock regulates the typical sleeping pattern that relies on producing the sleep hormone melatonin. Melatonin production by the pineal gland is regulated indirectly by the concentration of serum cortisol levels and directly by light perception. Imbalances in the serum concentration cycle secondary to stress results in imbalanced melatonin production and concentration with a net effect of sleeping difficulties.

The emotional strain caused by stress increases the risk of alcohol and other illicit drug use and dependence. Moustafa et al. (2018) conducted an integrative literature review to determine the relationship between childhood trauma, early-life stress, alcohol and drug use, addiction, and abuse. The review findings illustrate that stress increases the risk of alcohol and drug use, addiction, and abuse among the victims. An explanation for the increased risk is the individuals’ lack of identification and implementation of effective coping strategies (Moustafa et al., 2018). Lack of effective coping strategies results in maladaptive measures such as illicit drug use and alcohol consumption. Extensive use of the maladaptive measures results in progressive addiction and drug abuse among individuals with an increased predisposition to other health effects. Alcohol consumption and other illicit drug use over time increase the risk of developing cardiac, respiratory, and liver conditions.

Stress is the emotional strain or tension experienced by an individual due to a reaction toward various demanding and influential situations. Individual response to stressors influences their health. Maladaptive response to stress results in various physical, psychological, and behavioral negative effects. Negative effects of stress on physical health include increased heart rates, sweating, high blood pressure, and long-term development of the cardiac condition. Psychological effects include the development of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders. The behavioral effects of stress on an individual include the development of eating disorders, altered sleeping patterns, impaired concentration, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Based on the research findings, it is essential for healthcare providers to identify strategic measures and health initiatives to educate and sensitize the community members on effective stress management approaches in all settings to aid in combating the health effects.

Keech, J. J., Cole, K. L., Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2020). The association between stress mindset and physical and psychological well being: Testing a stress beliefs model in police officers . Psychology & Health , 35 (11), 1306-1325. Web.

Kivimäki, M., & Steptoe, A. (2017). Effects of stress on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease . Nature Reviews Cardiology , 15 (4), 215–229. Web.

Moustafa, A. A., Parkes, D., Fitzgerald, L., Underhill, D., Garami, J., Levy-Gigi, E., Stramecki, F., Valikhani, A., Frydecka, D., & Misiak, B. (2018). The relationship between childhood trauma, early-life stress, and alcohol and drug use, abuse, and addiction: An integrative review . Current Psychology , 40 (2), 579–584. Web.

Zhang, X., Zhao, K., Zhang, G., Feng, R., Chen, J., Xu, D., Liu, X., Ngoubene-Italy, A. J., Huang, H., Liu, Y., Chen, L., & Wang, W. (2020). Occupational Stress and Mental Health: A comparison between frontline medical staff and non-frontline medical staff during the 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease outbreak . Frontiers in Psychiatry , 11 . Web.

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The Concept of Public Health Awareness and It's Importance

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Health Awareness Essay Example

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Topic: Time , Blood , Health , Body , Sleep , Food , Atherosclerosis , Glucose

Published: 2020/11/20

We should take care of our health from youth. Hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, strokes With these words in my eyes there is an image of an elderly patient suffering from all of the above at the same time. But it turns out the prerequisites for these diseases occur in childhood. American cardiologists surveyed hundreds of boys and girls aged from 13 to 15 years. Every little patient handed over analyzes on blood levels of glucose and cholesterol, as well as passing blood pressure monitoring and ECG. The results were very unpleasant, not only for parents but also for the doctors themselves. Even in 15 years the same pathological patterns as in old age begin to act in human body. Scientists have discovered that their children surveyed increased blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance and fall in blood high-density lipoprotein (protecting the body against atherosclerosis) correlated with each other in the same way as that of the regular customers cardiologists and vascular surgeons. Simply due to the stability and "unworn" the child's body, these violations did not occur, creating the illusion of health.

How should we take care of our health?

Eat properly! It is important that the food you eat was exclusively of natural origin. It should not consist of any chemical additives. You should eat moderately, but do not count calories all the time. In addition, it is important not to skip meals time. Physical activity! Training is very important for the body. First of all, it stimulates the strengthening of the human immune system. One of the ancient sages rightly said that if you do not find time for sports make sure you have to find time for illness. Sleep should be full! No physical education or a balanced diet will not help you to be healthy, if you just do not get enough sleep. The lack of normal sleep makes a headache, bad mood, lack of concentration. When a person is in such a state, it is very difficult to work or study. So try to go to bed at a normal time. Remember that sleep duration should be 8-10 hours. Conclusion is very simple: we should take care of our health from youth.

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