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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Two at-risk health issues that regular physical exercise and activity can help prevent and manage in middle-aged adults are cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular diseases, including conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke, are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of these diseases by improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and maintaining a healthy weight (O’Keefe et al., 2012). The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is substantial and continues to rise, affecting millions of individuals globally. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17 million deaths per year (World Health Organization, 2021).
Type 2 diabetes is another prevalent health issue in society today, particularly in middle-aged adults. Regular physical exercise and activity can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin resistance and blood glucose control. Studies have shown that engaging in regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50% (Colberg et al., 2010). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has sharply increased over the past few decades, with approximately 463 million adults living with diabetes globally in 2019 (International Diabetes Federation, 2019).
As a nurse, there are several measures that can be taken to assist patients in incorporating exercise and physical activity into their lives for health promotion. Firstly, understanding the patient's readiness to change and their current level of physical activity is crucial. Using motivational interviewing techniques, nurses can engage in collaborative discussions with patients to assess their barriers, preferences, and goals related to exercise.
The recommended amount of exercise for middle-aged adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). Based on the individual patient's preferences and abilities, nurses can recommend a variety of activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or joining group exercise classes.
To gain cooperation from the patient, a patient-centered approach should be used, focusing on the patient's goals, interests, and abilities. Providing education on the benefits of exercise and how it specifically relates to their health conditions can be motivating. Nurses can also employ strategies such as setting realistic and achievable goals, providing positive reinforcement, offering social support, and referring patients to community resources or exercise programs. Regular follow-up and evaluation of progress are important to assess adherence and adjust the exercise plan as needed.
In conclusion, regular physical exercise and activity have significant benefits for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in middle-aged adults. As a nurse, employing a patient-centered approach, recommending suitable activities, and providing ongoing support are essential in assisting patients with incorporating exercise and physical activity into their lives for health promotion.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Retrieved from https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
Colberg, S. R., Sigal, R. J., Fernhall, B., Regensteiner, J. G., Blissmer, B. J., Rubin, R. R., ... & Braun, B. (2010). Exercise and type 2 diabetes: the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association: joint position statement. Diabetes care, 33(12), e147-e167.
International Diabetes Federation. (2019). IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th Edition. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesatlas.org/
O'Keefe, J. H., Lavie, C. J., & Sallis, R. E. (2012). Exercise and cardiovascular health: physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 60(3), 219-236.
World Health Organization. (2021). Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
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