Health 101 Book:Core Concepts in Health Tenth Edition Update by Paul M. Insel and Walton T. Roth - Term Paper Example

Health 101: Core Concepts in Health, Tenth Edition, Up by Paul M. Insel and Walton T. Roth Paul and Walton in the book d “Core Concepts in Health,” have emphasized the importance of being responsible for one’s own health. This includes being proactive and making a deliberate effort to understand basic concepts in health, and making informed decisions for living a healthy lifestyle. Stress is experienced by everyone sometimes. However, chronic stress could increase the risk for diseases, such as depression, heart disease, etc.

Chronic stress should be dealt by addressing the underlying problem, and counselling could help identify solutions. Mental illness refers to conditions that affect mood, thinking and behaviour, and causing distress reducing the functional ability at work, relationships, and/or other functions of life. Symptoms are often related to emotions, behavior and cognitive abilities. Such problems have to be dealt by cultivating a sympathetic environment and seeking professional help. The foundations of an intimate relationship are trust, open and honest communication, respect and mutual concern, and sharing of goals, responsibilities and expectations.

Sexuality, pregnancy and childbirth are essential elements of family planning. The uses of contraceptive techniques help address unwanted pregnancies. An understanding of abortion is desirable, as it has been a subject of ethical debate. Psychoactive drugs have been widely prescribed in the treatment of symptoms related to stress and mental conditions. However, the use of such drugs could impair short term judgment abilities and cause long term dependencies. Caution must be exercised in the use of such drugs, and must be used only in consultation with a health care professional.

Alcohol use in small quantities in certain climatic conditions has proved to be beneficial for health. However, caution must be exercised and alcohol consumption limited to specific levels. Tobacco consumption has been the subject of many studies, and is believed to cause cancer of the lung. Nutrition is a source of energy for the body. A well balanced nutritive diet is necessary for being healthy. Regular exercise could help one overcome a sedentary lifestyle and be fit and active. It is desirable to maintain a certain level of body mass index, which could be achieved by proper dietary planning and exercise.

Cardiovascular diseases could result from unhealthy food, such as trans fats causing blockage in arteries. A balanced and healthy diet is required to minimise risks from cardiovascular diseases. A healthy lifestyle is necessary to reduce the risks from diseases, such as cancer. This includes avoidance of certain foods, good hygiene practices and avoidance of smoking. The immune system is responsible for protecting the system against unwanted microorganisms. A healthy immune system is desirable, and regular checks must be conducted to determine changes in the immune system.

Good hygiene practices are required for reducing the risks of infection. Aging healthy could result from discipline and informed choices in nutrition, wellbeing, and relationships. A good support network in the form of family and social relationships is desirable. A variety of medicines are available, including complimentary medicines. As a skilled health care consumer, it is desirable to exercise informed judgment in the use of medicines. Injuries and violence often result from unsafe conditions and/or practices.

A sophisticated approach is desirable in reducing the risk from such conditions at home, work and other places by being vigilant and raising alarms when such conditions become apparent. Our individual health is often influenced by the surrounding environment. Industrial activity and technological advances have led to changes in environmental conditions, such as the addition of pollutants in the atmosphere and climate changes such as global warming. It is important to be aware of such developments for our own safety and health, and play an active role in political debate to control the environment from deteriorating.

ReferencesInsel, Paul. Core Concepts in Health. 10. USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, The, 2007. Print.US National Library of Medicine, "Health Information from National Library of Medicine." MedlinePlus. 2009. National Institutes of Health. Web.12 May 2009. .