chapter 7

Physical Activity: Defined as bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles requiring expenditure of energy.
- Essential for good health; natural for humans.
- Consequences of physical inactivity include major global health risks, causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths (6% of total mortality).
- Key noncommunicable diseases linked to inactivity include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes (Budreviciute et al., 2020).
Physical Exercise: Involves planned, repetitive, and purposeful movement to improve one or more aspects of physical fitness.
- Includes Aerobic Exercise (e.g., swimming, cycling, running) and Anaerobic Exercise (e.g., strength training, sprinting).
- Aerobic Exercise aids in oxygen utilization during exercise, while Anaerobic Exercise is high-intensity for shorter durations.

Weight Control: Regular exercise essential for maintaining a healthy body weight, especially combined with a balanced diet.
- Obesity recognized as a serious health threat; 80% of American adults don't meet recommended exercise levels (Clarke et al., 2017).
Protection Against Chronic Illness:
- Exercise protects against diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Aerobic exercise significantly enhances cardiovascular health by increasing heart strength and blood circulation (Eijsvogels et al., 2016).
Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being: Regular exercise linked to improved mood, stress relief, increased self-esteem, and protection against depression and anxiety.
- Physical exercise serves as a buffer against anxiety and stress with cognitive functionality benefits especially in older adults.
Social and Psychological Benefits: Enhances overall life satisfaction and happiness, improving self-image and self-efficacy (McAuley et al., 2003).

Risks associated with excessive exercise include musculoskeletal injuries and potential for developing compulsive exercise behaviors.
- Compulsive Exercise: Defined as an excessive commitment to exercise leading to psychological and physical health issues such as anxiety and relationship struggles (Villella et al., 2011).

Quality sleep is critical for overall health; recommended for adults is a minimum of 7 hours daily (Watson et al., 2015).
- Sleep Disorders: Over one-third of U.S. adults report not obtaining sufficient sleep; significant sleep disorders impact around 70 million Americans.
Circadian Rhythm: Internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
- Disruption through social and environmental factors (e.g., work schedules) causes sleep deprivation and disturbs cognitive and physical health.

Infants sleep 15-17 hours daily, with a steep decline into adulthood where sleep patterns fluctuate with age.
- Poor sleep patterns related to socioeconomic factors and health disparities persist across various demographics (Patel et al., 2010).

Injuries are the leading cause of death for ages 1-44; significant health burden in the U.S., with an emphasis on prevention strategies.
- Motor vehicle accidents rank highest, often exacerbated by risky behaviors in adolescents and young adults.
- Factors influencing injury risk include poverty, single parenthood, and cognitive development (Blakemore, 2008).
Prevention Strategies:
- Emphasize environmental, behavioral, and societal factors in preventing injuries.
- Strategies include community programs, policy changes, and education focused on individual behaviors.

After studying this chapter, you will be able to: