Unit 5 – Assignment 3 Lifestyle Factors and Health Improvement Program
How Physical Activity Effects Health
Physical activity isn't just about weight management but regular physical activity can help reduce
the risk of health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, Osteoporosis, heart disease,
cancers etc.. Physical activity builds your body stronger to make you less prone to injury for
example increasing muscle strength and flexibility your posture will be improved and your less
likely to suffer from back pain, also your bones will become stronger with physical exercise making
you less likely to break a bone. Physical activity is the key to longevity once you stop partaking in
physical activity that's when your body starts to deteriorate (use it or lose it) its not just a one time
thing if you want to be physically fit then you need to stick at it.
The recommended Physical activity for adults aged 19 to 64 is:
At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking every week and
strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back,
abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms)
Or:
75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity such as running or a game of singles tennis every week and
strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back,
abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms)
Or:
a mix of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity every week – for example, 2 x 30-minute runs plus
30 minutes of brisk walking equates to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and
strength exercises on 2 or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back,
abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) .
How Alcohol Effects Health
Alcohol can effect your health in so many ways for example it effects your heart because it
increases your blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks, effects your liver because the liver
breaks the chemicals in the body and when it has to break down too much alcohol it struggles to do
its job and can become fatty and scarred, it can also effect your testosterone level if you drink too
much of it which can result in muscle loss and erectile dysfunction.
What people also forget is that alcohol contains calories 2 units = 170 calories and its what we call
empty calories (they don't provide any nutritional benefits) this is why people can easily put on
unwanted bodyweight through drinking alcohol.
The recommended intake for alcohol is no more than 14 units per week for both male and females.