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Throughout history, there has always been a link made between physical activity/exercise, and health. This link can be traced back to at least the Ayur-Veda in the 9th century BC, where “exercise and massage are recommended for the treatment of rheumatism” (Ryan, A., cited in American Academy of Physical Education, pg 4). Today, however, even though the link is still being documented, the way in which our society lives – with the increased technology, where “the physical demands of everyday activities like cleaning the house, washing the dishes, mowing the lawn and travelling to work” (Heyward, pg 1), that would have taken about an hour at one time, “can now be accomplished in just a few seconds by pushing a button, or setting a dial” (Heyward, pg 1). Instead of the time saved by these improvements being used in a positive way to pursue recreational activities, people are using this time to become increasingly sedentary. Add to this the fact that even though it has been much documented “that appropriate exercise programs may be expected to yield improvements not only in physical fitness, but also in blood lipid levels, blood pressure, body composition, bone density, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance.” (Dishman, pg 31), there is still 20-50% of people who withdraw from an exercise program within the first six months (Dishman, 1988; Robison and Rogers, 1994; cited in Bull, pg 3). The client, himself, shows these sorts of qualities in his approach to smoking cessation. The fact that he has tried to stop, but has not yet been successful, shows that he may have adherence issues. However, he does seem intent on making some major lifestyle changes due to the fact that now he has reached middle-age, he is beginning to experience back and knee pains – a sure fire sign of the beginnings of arthritis. The sorts of changes he would be making would be behavioural – i.e, smoking cessation, integrating physical activity into his life – around his obviously busy schedule as a headmaster. His family medical history speaks volumes as to why he has decided upon a sudden change in his lifestyle. The fact that his father died of heart disease at the young age of forty-five, and “30% of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is attributable to smoking” (Marks, B.L; cited in ACSM, 2001, chapter 4), is one of the most poignant reasons for this turnaround. “Though relative risk of smoking for lung cancer is higher, absolute risk is greatest for CHD” (Marks, B.L). This shows that the most detrimental habit he has is also the most modifiable risk factor for CHD. By cutting out such a factor, the client will not only reduce the risk of himself suffering from chronic illness, but he is also helping his family.
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