Healthy Lifestyle and why is important for lifetime

 Introduction

 A healthy lifestyle is important in promoting the health and well-being.  Note that unhealthy lifestyle have detrimental effects on one's life including obesity, heart diseases, among other illnesses.  However, one can prevent these illnesses through following a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a healthy diet and physical activity. On the same note, a healthy lifestyle will not only improve the quality of life but it will also increase life expectancy. Thus, it is important to make healthy choice which include avoiding physical inactivity and poor diet and focus on a healthy lifestyle which comprises regular physical activity, adequate nutrients, and positive lifestyle habits.

 On health affairs, Mehta & Myrskyla (2017) state that older Americans have a higher life expectancy than the predecessor simply because the older population is healthier.  The aging populations are reducing health care expenditure and they are participating in the labor market and also performing social roles.  The variation between healthier older population and unhealthier young population is the health-related behaviors.  In general, smoking and obesity among other risky behaviors are causing health challenges in a young generation.  Scientists are researching ways in which humans beings can achieve a healthy lifestyle and longevity and they have studied the ‘vanguard population' (Mehta & Myrskylä, 2017).  The population is well known for practicing a healthy lifestyle and the scientists based their research on cigarette and alcohol use, and obesity.

In conducting the study, the researchers examine people who adopted a healthy lifestyle in terms of avoiding alcohol and smoking and maintain a healthy weight and individuals who did not follow a healthy lifestyle (Mehta & Myrskylä, 2017).  The results showed that men and women who never smoked, who consumed a low level of alcohol and who were not obese had a  higher life expectancy and lived a disability-free life compared to smokers and heavy drinkers.  This shows that a healthy lifestyle or in other words people who have low-risks behaviors enjoy life expectancy advantages and live a disability-free life. The article reports that a healthy lifestyle is important as it prevents one from getting ill and increases life expectancy. To prevent unhealthy and risky behaviors, one should adopt low-risk behaviors such as avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and maintain a normal weight (Mehta & Myrskylä, 2017).  In general, it is important to focus on behavioral change such as eat smart, excise regularly, quit smoking among other healthy choices that will build a healthy future.  It is important to understand that multiple behavioral risks such as alcohol consumption and smoking will not only cause shorter lives but they will also cause disability (Mehta & Myrskylä, 2017).  Thus, future health status is determined by healthy choices and thus, it is important to make healthy choices in order to maintain normal body weights, avoid illnesses that are brought by smoking and alcohol consumption and more importantly live a longer life.

 

 Hoeger & Hoeger (2012) talks about healthy lifestyle and state that an unhealthy lifestyle is the leading cause of mortality in U.S.  Majority of Americans suffer from chronic illnesses and die of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, it is possible to prevent this death by adopting a healthy lifestyle.  Americans are making unhealthy lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.  The advanced technology has made people to ignore the importance of physical activity.  The authors state that people should focus on a healthy lifestyle and make healthy increase the life expectancy and longevity and more importantly prevent chronic illnesses. A healthy lifestyle includes physical activity such as walking, swimming, dancing, among other activities (Hoeger & Hoeger, 2012). Physical activity is important as it helps burn calories, prevent heart diseases, obesity, and high blood pressure, improve cognitive functions and build a quality of life.

 

 The authors add that a healthy lifestyle does not only comprise physical activity but it required a sound diet and proper nutrition.  One should make healthy food choices and healthy eating patterns which include the use of essential nutrients such as fuel nutrients ( such as fat and protein) and regulatory nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals)  so that the body can function normally (Hoeger & Hoeger,  2012)..  It is also important to note that nutrients such as fats and proteins are required in large amounts whereas nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are required in small amounts. In general, it is important to ensure that a diet contains vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins and daily for proper body functioning (Hoeger & Hoeger, 2012).  It is also important to include fiber in the diet as it prevents obesity, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

 Conclusion

  Concerning a healthy lifestyle, people need behavioral modification and focus on core values and actions.  Even though it is hard to change and human beings resist changes, it is important to note that making healthy choices will bring substantial benefits.  Motivation to quit smoking and eliminate unhealthy eating habits should come from within. First, understand the problem behavior, feel uncomfortable about the situation, and adopt healthy behavior.   It is important to accept physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle and avoid negative habits to promote health and wellness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Mehta, N., & Myrskylä, M. (2017). The population health benefits of a healthy lifestyle: life

expectancy increased and onset of disability delayed. Health Affairs, 36(8), 1495-1502.

 

Hoeger W.K. Wener., & Hoeger A. Sharon (2012).  Lifetime Physical Fitness and Wellness: A

Personalized Program. Cengage Learning.