A1 Positive Lifestyle Factors GapFill

Physical activity is a positive lifestyle choice that has a major bearing on health and well-being. Health can be defined as a state of physical, psychological, social and economic well-being, not merely the absence of  exercisediseasedepressionfriends or infirmity. Therefore, physical activity, especially in its structured form of exercise, can have benefits that are dependent on a number of factors.

 PsychologicalMentalFinancialPhysical factors are associated with the anatomy and physiology of the human body. One benefit to the body as a result of exercise is the strengthening of our bones. Exercise promotes the absorption of   vitamin Ccalciumironamino acids, which increases bone mineral density and helps protect against fractures. Another benefit is concerned with our improved   tensionposturebody imageself-esteem, as exercise helps strengthen muscles and reduce lethargy, resulting in the adoption of a more upright stance when walking, less bending of the knees and reduced hunch of the shoulders.

Exercise is also valuable in improving body shape, as we lose body fat and gain lean muscle. Exercise is also known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) – The term used to describe the interruption of blood flow to the heart, due to the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) in the walls of coronary arteries. This can starve key organs and tissues of   oxygenlactatesaltcarbon dioxide, increasing the risk of heart attack. Exercise helps flush the coronary arteries of fatty deposits, reducing the risk of blockage.
• Cancer – Caused by a group of cells that can experience uncontrollable growth, forming a tumour. This can grow on many important tissues and organs, impairing their normal functioning. Although its risk can be increased by genetics, physical activity is identified as lifestyle factor that reduces the risk of developing cancer.
•  Type 2Type 3Type IType 1 diabetes – This is a disorder caused by insulin resistance. Physical inactivity and poor diet are major contributors to developing this type of diabetes, and so physical exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are important lifestyle factors that should be adopted in order to prevent it. Physical activity has a positive effect in increasing insulin sensitivity; therefore, it is never too late to benefit from becoming active.

 FinancialEconomicPsychologicalPhysical factors are associated with the brain processes and meanings that influence mental states. Exercise has the ability to reduce tension and preoccupy the mind from frustration in daily life, reducing   self-esteemserotoninsedentary lifestylesstress. Additionally, exercise is known to stimulate endorphins – feel-good hormones released by the brain – which trigger positive feelings and improve moods. This in turn can reduce   attitudesrecovery timesdepressionarousal.

 IntangibleActiveEconomicSocial factors are those that affect individuals within a society. Exercise presents the opportunity to develop friendships, communicate with others who have similar interests and develop social skills. It can also enhance self-  conceptconsciousnessloathingesteem, as all of the benefits together can combine to give an individual a sense of self-satisfaction.

 SocialTangibleEconomicPsychological factors are associated with finances. If more individuals are exercising and experiencing the impacts stated above, then this will reduce the burden on the NHS. Responding to health issues that could be prevented by positive lifestyles incurs severe, unnecessary   jobscostsdamagefacilities on the UK's National Health Service. Exercise can also help reduce   redundancyabsenteeismjobsstress from work, so fewer people are declared unfit to work, and so there is less strain on governmental benefit schemes.