Wellness and Fitness for Life ØGood health is a cherished yet often overlooked possession ØGood health depends on many factors, the most important of which are our actions and the choices we make ØStaying healthy is a lifelong process that requires self-awareness, introspection, inquiry, accurate information, and action

Wellness A life-long process that at any given time produces a positive state of personal well- being, of feeling good about oneself, of optimal physical, psychological, and social functioning, and the control and minimization of internal and external risk factors for both diseases and negative health conditions.

Wellness ØIs a process, rather than a goal ØImplies choice, a way of life ØIntegrates the body, mind, and spirit ØRequires active, person responsibility for one’s own health

Components of Wellness (1) ØSpiritual—Belief in a source of value that transcends the boundaries of self, but also nurtures the self; provides meaning and direction ØSocial—The ability to interact successfully with people and with one’s personal environment

Components of Wellness (2) ØPhysical—The ability to carry out daily tasks, develop cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, maintain adequate nutrition and a healthy body fat level, and avoid abusing drugs and alcohol ØEmotional—The ability to control stress and to express emotions appropriately and comfortably

Components of Wellness (3) ØIntellectual—The ability to learn and use information effectively for personal, family, and career development ØIntellectual wellness implies: »Overcoming the health-behavior gap »Possessing an internal locus of control »Having a strong sense of self-efficacy

Components of Wellness (4) ØOccupational—The ability to achieve a balance between work and leisure ØEnvironmental—The ability to promote health measures that improve the standard of living and quality of life in the community

The Wellness Challenge (1) ØLifestyle diseases—The most serious health problem in today’s society »Chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension »Accidents, homicides, and suicides are leading killers among 15- to 24-year- olds »The real threats to human life involve diet, physical activity, and personal health habits

The Wellness Challenge (2) ØCigarette smoking »The risk factor most strongly associated with premature death and chronic disease ØDiet and physical inactivity »Next highest risk factor for smokers »Highest risk factor for nonsmokers

Achieving Lifestyle Change ØHealth behavior is learned, and can be changed ØForces that shape behavior »Family, role models, and social norms »Subliminal advertising »Psychological needs »Reactance motivation

A Self-Help Plan for Change ØA self-help approach assumes that humans can manage their lifestyle change and learn to control environmental factors that are detrimental to health ØAny approach requires time and planning

The Transtheoretical Model (1) ØPrecontemplation stage »No behavior change is planned »Person may be unaware of need for change or feels he or she can’t change ØContemplation stage »Aware of problem behaviors »Not willing to commit effort to change at this time

The Transtheoretical Model (2) Preparation stage—Planning to take action within the next month; seeing that the positives of change outweighing negatives –Assess current behavior –Set specific, realistic goals –Realize that change is permanent

The Transtheoretical Model (3) ØAction stage—Overt changes are made in behavior, experiences, or environment ØRewards and incentives are important elements ØStrategies for change »Countering is one of most powerful strategies »Changing the environment (avoidance; the elimination of associated circumstances) »Contracting with oneself

The Transtheoretical Model (4) ØMaintenance stage—Goal is to retain the gains and prevent relapse »Continuation of the action stage »Usually lasts 6 months ØTermination stage—The point at which problem behavior is no longer tempting