Reflection Journal Set 2 PDF

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Reflection Journal – Set 2 (Units 4 & 5) The importance and the implications of Physical Activity

Course No: KPER 1200 Section: D01 Todd Duhamel Date: March 2, 2020

Before reading these units, I suspected most of the information provided to be selfexplanatory as they focused on the importance of physical activity and the impact inactivity has

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on our society. I gathered that it would explore the individual benefits and risks of physical activity or lack-there-of, as well as the current trends in physical activity levels among Canadian children, youth, and adults. However, I did not expect the details about the strains on our healthcare system and communities. Lastly, in reading, I managed to gain some insight on how to best go about my own life to reap the most benefits. As a Canadian myself, I figured Canadians would have lower levels of physical activity relative to other countries particularly because of our ever-changing weather and extreme climates. However, I never expected our results to be so much lower than the national guidelines or to have many implications on our society [ CITATION Par191 \l 4105 ]. Originally, I thought that the current levels of physical activity among Canadians of all ages were strictly useful to health organizations and governments, etc. because it helped them determine and improve physical activity guidelines and recommendations. However, after discovering the difference between my expectations and reality, I realize it can also be helpful to correct misconceptions. In turn, I learned that it can also provide insight for public health strategies and large-scale interventions to encourage physical activity [ CITATION Tre10 \l 4105 ]. As well as, an explanation for other current statistics, such as the increased need for healthcare, higher mortality rates, increased risk of chronic diseases and obesity, etc. [ CITATION Kat09 \l 4105 ]. For instance, as discussed throughout the entire course, routine physical activity correlates to many health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health factors such as anxiety [CITATION Col15 \l 4105 ]. In turn, extended periods of inactivity can result in a substantial increase in these same risks [ CITATION Tre10 \l 4105 ].

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When analyzing levels of physical activity, I suspected that our overall level of physical activity would decrease with age [ CITATION Can13 \l 4105 ], since as we get older, we get busier, as well as, we become more susceptible to injury as we age. In turn, I was surprised that the levels of physical activity for the children and youth over the years were relatively constant [ CITATION Can13 \l 4105 ], particularly with the rise in popularity of technology with younger demographics. I thought these levels would decrease, as children spend less time playing outside, which could still be the case as these statistics are relatively a decade old. Furthermore, on the other end of the spectrum, I thought that for older adults; at a certain point in our lives, aspects such as decline in cognitive function and mobility were out of our control and inevitable. However, it seems that increased mobility, independence and cognitive functions are all benefits of physical activity [ CITATION Par191 \l 4105 ]. Unfortunately, very few Canadians participate in enough physical activity to reap many of these benefits [ CITATION Par191 \l 4105 ]. Moreover, since inactivity is a common contributor to various health problems, it is causally related to the workload of the healthcare system. Which in turn means that if the low levels of physical activity continue, the public healthcare system and all its resources will eventually be stretched thin. Higher rates of chronic diseases and other health issues would result in the use of many resources and increased cost to the community [ CITATION Par191 \l 4105 ]. I believe this is important to touch upon because Canadians physical activity levels have an impact on the entire society [ CITATION Kat09 \l 4105 ]. This affects everyone because as increased costs mean that community members will need to pay more to sustain the healthcare system. Its especially important now because Canada’s population is soon to be predominately

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older adults, who are the most likely to have health issues, especially if they aren’t adequately active [ CITATION Par191 \l 4105 ]. Overall, I didn’t think I would learn much from these past two units; however, I was pleasantly surprised, as I learned that I am not strictly a bystander as these current levels of physical activity have an impact on my life. Furthermore, I can take my own action in encouraging others to incorporate physical activity and add it into my own routine, even if its just a little per day, to reap the benefits of physical activity. In turn, even simply working to reduce our sedentary time per day by doing simple household tasks or going for a walk during breaks at work, can have a positive impact on our lives and health [ CITATION Tre10 \l 4105 ]. From now on, I will try to encourage others to increase their levels of physical activity and hopefully succeed in incorporating it more into my own life, so that I can reap the benefits for years to come.

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References Canadian Fitness & Lifestyle Research Institute. (2013). Physical Activity Levels of Canadian Children and Youth. Retrieved from Kids CAN PLAY!: https://www.cflri.ca/sites/default/files/node/1199/files/CFLRI_CANPLAY%20201112_B1_EN.pdf Colley, R. C., Garriguet, D., Janssen, I., Craig, C. L., Clarke, J., & Tremblay, M. S. (2015, July 17). Physical activity of Canadian adults: Accelerometer results from 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Retrieved from Statistics Canada: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2011001/article/11396-eng.htm Katzmarzyk, P. T., & Mason, C. (2009). The Physical Activity Transition. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 269-280. Retrieved from: http://journals-humankineticscom.uml.idm.oclc.org/view/journals/jpah/6/3/article-p269.xml ParticipACTION. (2019, October 29). Better with Age. Retrieved from Canadian FItness and Lifestyle Research Institute: https://participaction.cdn.prismic.io/participaction/ab4a4d1a35a3-40f1-92207b033ae21490_2019_ParticipACTION_Report_Card_on_Physical_Activity_for_Adults. pdf Tremblay, M. S., Colley, R. C., Saunders, T. J., Healy, G. N., & Owen, N. (2010). Physiological and health implications of a sedentary lifestyle. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 725-740. Retrieved from: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full/10.1139/h10-079#.Xl0rcKhKg2w...