Unit 3 Ethical Issue Essay- Exercise

Exercise. Everyone needs it, but why? In a world of increasing Obesity, what are we doing to change our exercise habits? And what is the ideal setting for a perfect world with adequate nutrition and exercise. In this essay, I will answer those questions with opinions from KidsHealth.org, The Scotland Government, and James O. Hill, Holly R. Wyatt, and John C. Peters, and will follow with my own opinion on the subject of exercise.

Why do we need exercise? According to Kids Health, “Experts recommend that teens get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Here are some of the reasons: Exercise benefits every part of the body, including the mind. Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins, chemicals that can help a person to feel more peaceful and happy. Exercise can help some people sleep better. It can also help some people who have mild depression and low self-esteem. Plus, exercise can give people a real sense of accomplishment and pride at having achieved a certain goal — like beating an old time in the 100-meter dash. Exercising can help you look better. People who exercise burn more calories and look more toned than those who don't. In fact, exercise is one of the most important parts of keeping your body at a healthy weight. Exercise helps people lose weight and lower the risk of some diseases. Exercising to maintain a healthy weight decreases a person's risk of developing certain diseases, including type II diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases, which used to be found mostly in adults, are becoming more common in teens. Exercise can help a person age well. This may not seem important now, but your body will thank you later. Women are especially prone to a condition called osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones) as they get older. Studies have found that weight-bearing exercise, like jumping, running or brisk walking, can help girls (and guys!) keep their bones strong. There are three components to a well-balanced exercise routine: aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility training.” All good reasons, but what are we doing to change our habits?

According to the Scotland Government Publications, the whole country is changing their habits. Some of the changes include, “The 'Live Active' GP exercise referral scheme, which encourages adults with cardiac problems to incorporate gentle exercise into their routine (e.g. walking to the shops). The Fife Millennium Travel Plans for cycle ways, school and workplace, which promotes sustainable travel behaviour and has resulted in higher cycling usage across the council area. Developing a network of walking groups with the 'Bums off Seats' initiative. The project leads 21 walks every week and has over 200 trained volunteer walk leaders. A Lottery-funded project saw the development of over 300 miles of cycleway in Fife. The Council produced an accompanying series of helpful cycle maps for both day-to-day and leisure use. A regular newsletter provides up-to-date information about the improvements or changes to the routes and the various cycling events that are held. Healthy Highland Week, a seven-day programme of information and activities to raise health awareness. The Highland School Travel Plan Guide, 'How-to' advice clearly linking the benefits between health and travel. 'Step it up', a series of walking initiatives targeted at building confidence in those not used to physical activity. Offered training to nervous would-be cyclists and cheap second-hand bikes through a local charity.” All very good changes, but what is the ideal environment for optimal nutrition and exercise?

According to James O. Hill, Holly R. Wyatt, and John C. Peters, “It is easiest to think about specific changes in the built environment that could facilitate physical activity. Research shows that people living in mixed use communities with traditional grid designs and with sidewalks and bike paths are more physically active than those living in typical “urban sprawl” communities (Saelens et al. 2003). In many of these mixed communities, walking is an efficient mode of transportation for getting to shopping, schools, and other community destinations. Many such new communities are being built, and it will be important to study these, both to understand the specific characteristics of the built environment that affect physical activity and to document the long-term impact on physical activity and obesity. Far less attention has been focused on the nutrition environment within communities. Can we begin to address the built environment for food as we do physical activity? Our vision of the built environment for food involves places we would eat or obtain food, such as restaurants, vending, grocery stores, and convenience stores. We must understand how the numbers and types of food establishments in an individual’s environment affect food intake. How much does food availability affect food intake? An example of this is that both the number of grocery stores available and the types of food available in grocery stores vary between neighborhoods and could affect food intake differently in different neighborhoods. If our food environments are currently encouraging unhealthy eating, how might they be changed to facilitate healthier eating? This could begin with food manufacturers that could modify the food supply so that overconsumption is reduced. Research has identified several characteristics of our food supply that affect how much food is consumed. People tend to consume more food when it is high in fat or energy density (Rolls and Bell 1998; Stubbs et al. 1995). Similarly, more food is consumed when food is served in larger portions (Kral et al. 2004). Efforts to change the food supply to reduce the fat content and energy density and to lower serving sizes could have a positive impact on obesity. But, how do we convince the consumer this is a good value? Will consumers pay relatively more for less even if they know it is in their own best health interest? For example, are there ways to increase the value of smaller food portions? Similarly, restaurants could help consumers by providing choices that would include not only healthier alternatives but also information that would allow informed choices and even incentives for choosing the healthier alternatives. As a beginning, restaurants regardless of type could offer better choices on the menu and tips for modifying existing choices to make them healthier or lower in calories.”

In my opinion, I believe that exercise and nutrition are key for optimal health, but being OCD about it is just as unhealthy as eating a Triple Whopper with cheese and bacon while sitting on the couch watching TV. All things in moderation! I think that if everyone ate the minimum amount of recommended foods and nutrients, and exercised at least 30 minutes a day, we would all be in better shape. But let’s face it, you can’t make someone do something they don’t want to. That being said, there will always be obese people because not everyone wants to go to the gym or walk everywhere, not everyone likes fruits and veggies, and some people have medical problems that make it hard or even impossible to exercise on a daily basis and eat all of the required foods. So, yes, exercise is important, but no, it’s not over rated.



Dog on Bike Pic http://kecute.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/dogbike.jpg
Kids Health http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/take_care/exercise_wise.html
The Scottish Government Publications http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/10/31091850/5
James O. Hill, Holly R. Wyatt, and John C. Peters http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2005/7812/7812.html