What does it Mean to Be Healthy - Case Study Example

Case Study Who is Healthy and Who is Not? Due We live in a modern world filled with hundreds of dietary supplements and exercise plans that claim to be the most effective to facilitate weight loss, muscle gain, and improve one’s appearance in a short period of time; some of which are more effective than others. The societal incentive to be “healthy” is persistent. However, many of us may have a varying definition of what “healthy” actually is. Some people believe ideal health is found in diet, while others believe it is found in exercise. Some even believe that it is the appearance of health is synonymous with actual health. Meaning that people think looking “good” is the same as having “good health and that is not necessarily true. They are doing it for the wrong reasons and may be disappointed in the results; for them it is more about gaining a six pack than having a strong heart.(Bowden) In truth, health is not simply about body fat indexes, muscle percentiles, and consuming certain foods while limiting the intake of others. In the mid-1900s, the World Health Organization coined the definition that, “health is a state of complete being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”(Nordqvist 1) Meaning that not being sick and free of disease does not necessarily guarantee the presence of good health. This definition encompasses all the aspects of what it means to be healthy, it is more than physical. Given that definition it becomes much easier to approach the analysis of the three women presented in the case study provided. The three women are completely different in how they perceive being healthy. Peggy is a constant exerciser. She talks about little else and has few friends. Kathy, also, regularly exercises, as well as, being an athlete. However, she talks little about it and makes friends more easily than Peggy. Lastly, is Mary, who makes no real extra effort, aside from daily walks, to be healthier. At first glance it would be easy to identify Kathy, the athletic, but likeable, girl as the healthiest, Peggy as an avid exerciser would fall in the middle, and this leaves Mary as the least healthy. Based solely on the inclusion of exercise as a representation of health then the former might be a fair assessment. However, that is not necessarily accurate. I have decided to put these women in a different order. The most healthy could easily be Mary, with Kathy in the middle, and, lastly, Peggy as the least healthy. It may be surprising to see these women in this order, but there is science that can support it. Exercise alone is not an indicator of health on its own, in fact, there is such a thing as too much exercise. There is even the potential to become addicted to exercise. They will become all consumed with the need to exercise. The act of exercising could become compulsory; completely out of their control.(Costin) They will abandon opportunities for social interactions, with friends and family, to participate in more exercise activities. This is the potential issue with Peggy, given the description in the case study. Her “one-track-minded” fixation is negatively impacting her life on a social level, potentially on a mental level; this is not necessarily a healthy state of mind. If the definition of total health includes ones mental state and social levels, and Peggy is clearly lacking in those two areas; then it would be impossible for her to be the healthiest. Without knowing more about her personal life and her attitudes on a regular basis concerning her exercise it would be difficult to know her actual state of health and make an accurate judgment. Kathy, who seems to be more sociable and likeable, has no real indications of obsessions with the athletic part of her life. However, athletes often stress their bodies too much when they train, without realizing or intending to. They, also, do not, always, allow their bodies a proper rest time in between training sessions. That said, it would be possible for her not be as healthy as most would assume. Over-exercising can lead to joint damage, diminished capacities, exhaustion, and, most importantly, compromised immunity.(Mills 1) This, of course, is a threat to Kathy’s health. Without knowing whether or not she over trains her body it would be impossible to determine how healthy she actually is. This leaves Mary, our non-exerciser, to take the title of, potentially, most healthy. Mary has incorporated daily walks and staying active and busy throughout her day, while accomplishing her other necessary daily tasks. She may not participate in formal exercise programs or diet plans, but manages to be healthy without damage or stress to her metal, social, or physical being. To maintain ones weight and gain positive health benefits can be accomplished through walking each day, strict exercise routines are not always necessary.(Bowden) This could easily make Mary the most healthy, not to mention, the most stable and well balanced of the three women discussed. This should not be interpreted as an excuse not to participate in exercise, sports, or any other activity. Exercise has very important benefits to offer and can affect people’s health in many positive ways, which include, weight control, combating negative health conditions, improved sleep, increased sex drive, boosts energy, and improves your mood.(Mayo clinic staff) In fact, a study in Scotland, recently, determined that with the inclusion of a mere 20 minutes of daily walking, gardening, or household chores, can increase positive moods and decrease depression.(Reynolds ) All of these health benefits should not be ignored or disregarded. I do not think of myself as overly healthy, but I do not think of myself as unhealthy either. The people that know me would probably say the same thing about me, neither one nor the other. I do not consume a large amount of unhealthy foods but there are always exceptions. I have a rather active life and do not participate in formal exercise; however, I do try not to remain stationary. Most of the people that I associate with are very much the same. Personally I believe that it is about balance, as simple as that: it is not just about strict exercise routines and calorie counting charts, it is about moderation. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing; diet, exercise, and good health cannot be the only focus in one’s life. I do not think I know anyone that personifies heath, whose characteristics or behaviors I would wish to share. However, I will say that although I do eat healthy, I do not always and a lot of that has to do with my limited kitchen skills, meaning I wish I was a more competent and creative cook, that said I would be more likely prepare healthier meals on a more regular basis if I could make more meals at home that are, both, healthy and tasty. In the end, being healthier than you are today is hardly a bad thing. The goal of good health. Wanting to improve and lengthen the quality of the life that you have is important and is relevant. Most of us could, probably, afford to eat a little healthier and be active a bit more often. Exercise has its place. As stated before, it is about balance and moderation. It is the only way to meet all the accepted requirements of good health. It must be reflected in all aspects of your being, internally, externally, emotionally, mentally, and socially. This will not just make you healthier, but a more well-rounded person within your own life. Works Cited Bowden, Jonny. "Exercise: The News You Dont Want to Hear." Dr. Jonny Bowden. The Huffington Post, 11 Sept. 2012. Web. Web. 14 Jan. 2013. Costin, Carolyn. "Is there such a thing as too much exercise?." ABIDE:Association for Body Image Disordered Eating. U.C. Davis. Web. 15 Jan 2013. . Mayo clinic staff, . "Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity." Fittness-The Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Foundation, 23 Jul 2012. Web. 15 Jan 2013. . Mills , Nina. "Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Exercise?." Crave Life. 19 Nov 2012: 1. Web. 15 Jan. 2013. Nordqvist , Christian. "What Is Health? What Does Good Health Mean?." Medical News Today. (2009): 1. Web. 15 Jan. 2013. . Reynolds, Gretchen. "Phys Ed: How Little Exercise Can You Get Away With?." New York Times 30 Dec 2009, n. pag. Web. 15 Jan. 2013. . Read More