Modern Lifestyle and Hypokinetic diseases:
Physical activity was enjoyed throughout everyday prehistoric life as an integral
component of religious, social and cultural expression. Food supplies for the
most part were plentiful, allowing ample time for both rest and recreational
physical endeavour. Historically speaking, the majority of the populace were
farmers, moving from home to farmlands near and far. People were used to hard
work, intense and strenuous exertion. Life depended on rigorous physical
activity both in occupation and recreation. But the advent of western education
that resulted to white collar jobs and pleasure seeking life has drastically
reduced exposure to physical activity.
The industrial revolution and urbanization resulted to sedentarism and
associated problems. Hypokinetic disorders the resultant effect of the decrease
in physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to development of
coronary artery diseases of adulthood that are major causes of death and
disability. Modern technology has also lessened the physical demands of
everyday activities like cleaning the house, washing clothes, mowing the lawn
and traveling to work. As a result, more time is available to pursue leisure
activities. The unfortunate fact, however, is that many individuals pursue
sedentary activities. What would have once required an hour of physical work
can now be accomplished in just a few seconds by pushing a button or setting a
dial. Hence Physical inactivity has lead to a rise in hypokinetic diseases. The
prefix hypo means "lack of" and kinetic refers to "movement". Although the
human body is design for movement and strenuous physical activity, exercise is
not part of the average lifestyle of most people who have also not developed the
culture of attaining fitness through regular exercise.
It has been reported that inactivity alone results in a constellation of problems
and conditions eventually leading to premature death. it is also noted that
sedentary death syndrome (SeDS) related to high blood cholesterol, high blood
glucose, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, congestive heart
failure and obesity,
Technological progress resulting in an increasingly sedentary lifestyle has not
only changed the way in which the majority of people live, but also how they
die. A century ago, the leading causes of death in the most countries of the
world were infectious diseases. Because of vaccine and: these diseases are no
longer life-threatening. While advances in modern medicine can prolong
people's lives, physical activity can help make these additional years' healthy
ones. Yet while advances in medical care and diet over the past century have
diminished the problems of infection and malnutrition, these advances have
been counterbalanced by what can be termed the "civilisation disease." Many
health problems that were common a century ago do not exist today, but they
have been replaced by conditions associated with hypokinesia and an affluent
lifestyle, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and coronary heart disease.
antibiotics,
Worldwide, rapid changes in diets and lifestyles have occurred, along with
industrialization, urbanization, economic development, and market
globalization. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing in both
adult and child population throughout the world. The major problems associated
with child obesity are its persistence into adult life and these obese children will
most likely become obese adults and carry all the extra risks for diseases such as
heart attack strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes Research has also found
that childhood obesity is both an immediate and future health problem. 60
percent of overweight children already suffer from hypertension, and
hyperlipidemia. Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has
increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are
closely linked to type Il diabetes. Increased obesity has led to a new epidemic of
type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents.
Today worldwide chronic diseases are now the leading causes of death. Non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension,
obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and some types of cancer-are
increasingly significant causes of disability and premature death in both
developing and newly developed countries, placing additional burden on
already overtaxed national health budget.
There is overwhelming scientific evidence highlighting the health, social and
psychological benefits associated with an active lifestyle. However, physical
activity remains the most underutilized low-cost health resource in the world.
Increased exposure to western lifestyle and eating habits which are
characteristics of urban environment and decreased participation in physical
activity are contributing factors to increase in health problems. Also, there has
been a shift away from traditional diets to high density diets with high levels of
fats, sugar, and salts. Although under nutrition and food shortages are still major
problems in Africa, Nigeria in particular, diet related chronic diseases are on the
increase.
One cannot expect the human body to function optimally and to remain healthy
for extended periods if the body is abused or not use as intended. Individuals
who do not exercise regularly have a greater risk of developing hypokinetic
diseases, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity
musculoskeletal disorders. Although exercise is only one important factor
associate with reduced risk of hypokinetic disease and condition, nutrition,
smoking, lifestyle, hereditary, stress, age and environment cannot be overlooked
as important risk factors. However, scientist and health fitness professionals
affirm that physical activity is the best defence against many diseases and
disorders. Studies have shown that physically active people have lower
incidence of myocardial infraction and mortality from coronary heart disease
(CHD) and tend to develop CHD at a later age compared to other sedentary
counterpart. An inverse relationship between blood pressure and physical
activity level in men and women has also been reported. Physical activity also
reduces ones risk of developing non-insulin, dependent diabetes mellitus
through association with weight loss.
Regular physical activity is linked to enhance health and to reduce chronic
disorders of negative physical activity lifestyle. The benefits of physical activity
include helping to build and maintain healthy bones and muscles, control body
weight, reduce body fat, reduce feeling of depression and anxiety and promote
psychological wellbeing. However, most people are not inclined to participation
in exercises. Children now have become less physically active in recent
decades, with children today expending approximately 600 kcal per day less
than their counterparts 50 years ago. Today's young people have many choices
for the use of their leisure time that discourage physical activity. Playing video
games, watching television and surfing the internet all take children's time away
from physical activity. The decrease in physical education classes in schools
also increases the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle among young people.
The poor physical fitness levels and rise in obesity have already become a
global concern. The U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and
Health highlights the health benefits of regular physical activity. The report also
stresses in the strongest terms that regular moderate physical activity can
substantially reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses like heart disease,
diabetes and high blood pressure. Likewise, regular physical activity can
improve emotional health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and
by improving mood. As we enter the new century, the importance and value of
regular physical activity has been recognized as never before.
Accompanying this recognition is the awareness that childhood is the time to
begin the development of active and healthy lifestyles. Preventive strategies
also need to begin as early in life as possible. But children do not automatically
develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that ad to regular and
enjoyable participation in health-enhancing physical activity. They must be
taught.
Since virtually all young people attend school, the school is the logical place for
the development of healthy exercise and lifestyle patterns. Since school physical
education programs have been acknowledged for decades as an integral
component of comprehensive school education, these existing programs can
play a valuable role in national physical activity promotion efforts. School
physical education programs offer many benefits: development of motor skills
needed for enjoyable and effective participation in physical activities;
promotion of physical fitness; increased energy expenditure; and promotion of
positive attitudes toward an active lifestyle. Evidence also exists that physical
education may enhance academic performance, self-concept, and mental health.
Changing lifestyles mean giving up bad habits. All lifestyle diseases are
preventable, but most are not curable. Exercising regularly, eating sensibly,
learning to relax, giving up smoking and alcohol, and spending more time with
family and friends are some of the simple things one could do to ward off
lifestyle diseases.
