Class 505 Unit 7 Discussion

Nutrition, Exercise, Stress Management

After completing this unit, you should be able to:

· Analyze U.S. food aid programs for the economically disadvantaged and older adults.

· Examine the prescriptions for and benefits of daily physical activity.

· Develop evidenced-based stress management interventions that can be used in clinical practice.

Course Outcome(s) practiced in this unit:

MN505-4: Develop an evidence-based health promotion program to reduce health risks of a vulnerable population.

Interventions for Health Promotion

In this unit you will examine the critical roles that physical activity, nutrition counseling, and stress management play in the role of prevention and health promotion.

Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress Management

Food and nutrition, along with exercise and stress management, play a vital role in a person’s overall health. This unit will examine a variety of subjects including the Healthy People 2020 and Dietary guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 nutrition objectives, which is the most current diet recommendations to reduce the risks of developing nutrition-related diseases.

Healthy people 2020 objectives for physical activity aim to improve health and fitness and the quality of life through physical activity. The prevalence of overweight children, adolescents and overweight or obese adults, has increased in the United States and is now considered an epidemic. As our healthcare system is moving towards a preventative model, primary care providers must facilitate a wellness attitude in their patients. There are populations at greater risk for obesity based on race and/or authenticity. Physical activity, as an intervention, often promotes a sense of well-being, and aids in stress reduction.

Health, and the ability to cope effectively with the multiple demands of work/life balance, requires management of stress. The master’s prepared registered nurse can assist people to cope more effectively with actual and potential stressors they may encounter. Nutrition, exercise, and stress management, are all components that influence health promotion, disease prevention and symptom management.