Risk Of Various Health Problems

For the middle-aged adult, exercise can reduce the risk of various health problems. Choose two at-risk health issues that regular physical exercise and activity can help prevent and manage. Discuss the prevalence of each of these health problems in society today. Describe measures that you would take as a nurse to assist patients with health promotion measures to incorporate exercise and physical activity into their lives. Include the kind of activities you would recommend, the amount of exercise, and the approach you would use to gain cooperation from the patient. Support your response with evidence-based literature.

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Sample Answer

 

 

  • Cardiovascular disease: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in four deaths. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It can also help improve heart health by strengthening the heart and lungs. [1]

  • Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body uses insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. Regular physical activity can help prevent type 2 diabetes by helping the body use insulin more effectively. It can also help improve blood sugar control in people who already have type 2 diabetes.

Full Answer Section

 

 

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in society today is high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease. And about 10% of adults have type 2 diabetes. [3]

As a nurse, I would take the following measures to assist patients with health promotion measures to incorporate exercise and physical activity into their lives:

  1. I would assess the patient’s current level of physical activity and fitness. This would help me to determine the best type and amount of exercise for the patient.
  2. I would set realistic goals for the patient. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of exercise over time.
  3. I would provide the patient with information about the benefits of exercise. This would help to motivate the patient to stick with the exercise program.
  4. I would encourage the patient to find an activity that they enjoy. This would make it more likely that the patient will stick with the exercise program.
  5. I would provide the patient with support and encouragement. This would help the patient to stay motivated.

The type of activities that I would recommend for patients would vary depending on their individual interests and needs. However, some general recommendations include:

  • Walking: Walking is a low-impact activity that is easy to do and can be done anywhere.
  • Cycling: Cycling is another low-impact activity that is good for the heart and lungs.
  • Swimming: Swimming is a great way to get exercise and cool off on hot days.
  • Dancing: Dancing is a fun way to get exercise and improve balance and coordination.
  • Strength training: Strength training can help to build muscle and bone mass.

The amount of exercise that I would recommend for patients would also vary depending on their individual needs. However, the CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.

To gain cooperation from the patient, I would use a patient-centered approach. This would involve listening to the patient’s concerns and working with them to develop an exercise program that is right for them. I would also be supportive and encouraging, and I would provide the patient with the information and resources they need to succeed.

Here are some evidence-based literature that support the above-mentioned points:

  • The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. The AHA also recommends that adults do muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups on two or more days a week. [4]

  • A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30%. The study also found that physical activity can help to improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. [5]

  • Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 58%. The study also found that physical activity can help to improve blood sugar control in people who already have type 2 diabetes.

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