Factors Affecting a Healthy Lifestyle Essay Example

Factors Affecting a Healthy Lifestyle Essay Example Factors Affecting a Healthy Lifestyle Paper Factors Affecting a Healthy Lifestyle Paper Health is described as physical and mental well-being and freedom from disease, pain or defect. However, such descriptions only superficially define the concept of health. There may be many occasions when individuals are not necessarily ill or in pain but may be overweight, stressed or unfit. Health is a quality of life involving dynamic interaction and interdependence among the individual’s physical state, their mental and emotional reactions, and the social context in which the individual exists. There are many factors that influence your health. A healthy lifestyle has four major components: 1. Self-awareness 2. A balanced diet  3. Regular physical activity 4. Rest and relaxation 1. Self Awareness In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it is essential that individuals constantly monitor their health. This involves not only physical, but also mental and emotional aspects of the body’s functioning, as they relate to the home, school, work, and leisure environments. If necessary changes are made sooner rather than later, then a stable, balanced and healthy lifestyle will be more consistently maintained. 2. A Balanced Diet The foods we eat provide us with a variety of essential nutrients required for normal bodily functioning and sufficient energy for activity. https://healtheappointments.com/lifestyle-diseases-essays/ The typical diet of many Australians is characterized by a more than adequate protein intake, high sugar content, a high fat content and a low content of fibre and roughage. This dietary combination has been related to the incidence of several contemporary diseases such as obesity, heart disease and bowel disorders. Foods required in the diet can be considered in 5 major groups:  · Bread And Cereals – Providing carbohydrates  · Milk and Milk Products – Providing calcium  · Meat, Fish, Eggs and Nuts – Providing protein  · Fruit and Vegetables – Providing vitamins and minerals  · Fats – An essential nutrient, which form an important part of cell structure, and is a source of energy.  · Water – An essential part of diet. 3. Regular Physical Activity Regular physical activity is basic to the attainment of health and an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Contemporary diseases, with the exception of those transmitted through sexual activity, are mostly conditions of old age and degenerative illness, often the result of poor lifestyle habits. The degenerative diseases of the circulatory, respiratory and musculo-skeletal systems which are now so predominant, are a consequence of our technical society. Many technological advances are intended to eliminate physical exertion from everyday activities. At the same time, life in an increasingly complex and competitive society, with pressing business and domestic obligations and deadlines, can make the maintenance of a regular physical exercise programme more difficult. Physical activity develops and maintains a level of health sufficient to carry out normal occupational and leisure pursuits without undue fatigue, and decreases the risk of too early disability or death. It cannot be said that regular activity will extend lifespan, but the quality of life will certainly be enhanced.