Health and Wellness - Case Study Example

ID Number & Case Analysis: Health and Wellness The Case of Peggy Peggy is a “compulsive exerciser”. Regular exercise can lead to a better physiological and psychological result. However, extreme exercise or addiction to exercise can result to negative affective state and physical injury (Hagger and Chatzisarantis, 2005, p. 90). The personality of a person can be classified as either introvert or extrovert (Fox, 2010, p. 229; Helgoe, 2008, p. 20). Basically, introverts are known for their capabilities to create new ideas and having a sense of emotional, mental, and psychological balance just by being alone (Helgoe, 2008, p. 20) whereas extroverts are known for their desire to become oriented externally with other people (Fox, 2010, p. 229). Since people in general can be introverts, there is nothing wrong with having few friends because this can be a personal choice. However, the fact that people tend to walk away each time she enters a group is a clear sign that Peggy does not have a good social well-being. The Case of Kathy The case of Kathy is totally different from Peggy. Since Kathy is known for being a quiet person, it simply means that Kathy has an introvert-type of personality. The fact that she is well liked and that other people are asking her for some advice only means she has a good social life. With regards to her physical health, the fact that she undergoes physical training strongly suggests that that she is physically healthy. The Case of Mary The only exercise that Mary has is her daily walks and performing her daily activities. Avoiding TV at night and staying active during the day time is good. In fact, there is nothing wrong with daily walks. To stay physically healthy, Bragg and Bragg (2003, p. 82) mentioned that each person should have their daily walks of 2 to 3 miles each day. However, the fact that Mary avoids wasting time at the gym or paying money for special health classes can be a sign of poor physical health. Undergoing a rigorous exercise program each week is necessary to make Mary sweat and ensure that her heart is in good condition (Bragg and Bragg, 2003, p. 82). The fact that Mary chose not to exert an effort in losing weight or to be more physically fit may eventually put her at risk of having a poor physical condition. Mary is also known for being a perfectionist. Basically, perfectionism is defined as “behaviour that exceeds what is required of a situation” (Cockerill, 2002, p. 78). For this reason, Mary is prone to feel dissatisfied with anything that she can achieve in class. As one of the brightest student in class, Mary was able to get straight A’s in Biochemistry. In case she gets B in Biochemistry, Mary can be at risk of feeling depressed. Because of her desire to “live up to other people’s expectations”, Mary can be at risk of “feeling despair and worthless” in case she failed to maintain a high grade in class (Cockerill, 2002, p. 78). Within this context, Mary can be prone to psychological disturbances in the long-run. This makes her somewhat unhealthy as compared to Kathy. Discussion Among these three person, Kathy best personified health. This is because Kathy has a more balanced physical and social well-being as compared to Peggy and Mary. Mary seems to be the most unhealthy person. Even though Mary’s daily walks should not be disclaimed as a form of exercise, having a daily walk routine is not enough to ensure that she will stay physically fit. Furthermore, being a perfectionist increases her risk of becoming irritated, unhappy, and dissatisfied in life. Even though Peggy exerts an effort to exercise more frequently, the fact that she cannot get along with those people around her strongly suggest that she has an unhealthy social life. Health is more than just an exercise or having a healthy diet. In line with this, the World Health Organisation defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Bonita, Beaglehole, & Kjellstrom, 2006, p. 15). On the other hand, Edlin and Golanty (2010, p. 4) mentioned that health is referring to the highest “state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellness”. Based on these two definitions, it is clear that a healthy person is not limited to having a good physical health condition. In case a person has a poor social or mental well-being, it only means that the person is unhealthy. Self-Reflection I consider myself healthy. Aside from having a good grade in school, I always see to it that I have enough time to visit a gym for my weekly cardiovascular exercise. Basically, my weekly cardiovascular activity in the gym combined with daily brisk walk and healthy diet makes me physically fit and healthy. For my cognitive development, I make it a habit to read books at night. Basically, I read books for self-learning purposes. My personality is more on the introvert side. Although I prefer to be at peace in a quiet place, I see to it that I have some time to meet and talk with very few close friends at least once a week. Some people may not be aware of the differences between an introvert and an extrovert. For this reason, some people may have the wrong perception that I have a weak social well-being. Even though some people may think that I am not a healthy person, I know deep inside that I have a well-balanced physical, mental, social, and spiritual development. My friend Jerry is a good example of a positive health behavior. Jerry is not only physically fit and healthy but also capable of making friends wherever he goes. Aside from being a bright student, Jerry was able to establish a strong spiritual growth. Based on Jerry’s personal characteristics, I would like to improve myself spiritually. This can be done by making it a practice to read the Bible or go to church every Sunday. References Bonita, R., Beaglehole, R., & Kjellstrom, T. (2006). Basic Epidemiology. 2nd Edition. Geneva: World Health Organization. Bragg, P., & Bragg, P. (2003). Healthy Heart: Keep Your Cardiovascular System Healthy & Fit at Any Age. 15th Edition. Santa Barbara, CA: Health Science Publications, Inc. Cockerill, I. (2002). Solutions in Sport Psychology. 1st Edition. Holborn, London: Thomson. Edlin, G., & Golanty, E. (2010). Health and Wellness. London: Jones and Bartlett Publishers International. Fox, L. (2010). Making the Transition. Chester, VA: Fox Ventures. Hagger, M., & Chatzisarantis, N. (2005). The Social Psychology of Exercise and Sport. Berkshire: Open University Press. Helgoe, L. (2008). Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Inc. Read More