As a health studies major, I have learned that health covers not only the physical side to an individual’s life, but rather the mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, ect. Health doesn’t just mean eating fruits and vegetables, getting the proper amount of sleep, or drinking lots of water. Although those are all important aspects of one’s health, if a person doesn’t have balance, then their health may be affected. While reading chapter one, Healthy Change, I learned the many determinants that influence a person’s health. These determinants are:
- Individual behavior- modifiable determinants; refers to behaviors that are changeable; significantly influence an individual’s risk for chronic disease.
- Biology and genetics- (non modifiable determinants) biology refers to an individual’s genetics, age, gender, and ethnicity; it also includes family history.
- Social factors- refers to social factors and physical conditions in the environment in which an individual is born or lives. Example exposure to crime, technology, and job opportunities.
- Policymaking- public policies have a great effect on the health of not only the individual, but also the community.
- Health services- refers to the accessibility to quality health care by providers, access to accurate information, and products.
(Donatelle, 2019, p. 8)
After reading about what influences our health, I learned that it is not only an individual’s behavior. There are many determinants that are influencers in our health and with that, it is important to learn how to utilize health services, create better policies to improve the health care system. All of those determinants we are able to change to improve our health, which I found intriguing because we are able to be the change that we want to see in the world. It was interesting to note that even though there were many determinants we could change, biology and genetics were determinants we are not able to change.
Another thing while reading chapter 1 that struck me was the mindfulness module. Recently, I have noticed that I get stressed out easily, and I want to find ways on how to manage my stress. While reading this section of the chapter, I learned that mindfulness is bringing your full attention to the present. There are many health benefits of mindfulness, which include stress reduction, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and improved memory. One way to reduce stress is to practice yoga because it can improve mental and physical health. I am making it my goal this semester to practice mindfulness, not only to improve my education, but to better myself. I notice that I let the little things get the best of me. I wake up with a positive attitude, telling myself that it will be a good day, but when something small happens, like forgetting my notebook for a class and having to re-write the notes later in my notebook, or wanting delicious meal but when I stroll through ECC, nothing looks appealing. I become frustrated that it’s the same food or nothing that fills my stomach so I end up making a salad with no protein on it. I’m not getting the best intake of nutrients, which makes me still hungry after I leave the dining hall, or I end up just skipping out on a meal because there wasn’t anything to eat. I know that is an unhealthy habit, which I want to work on throughout the semester, so I am able to eat the proper amount of food to fuel my body to learn in the classroom, but also have energy when I workout.
(Donatelle, 2019, p. 10)
I learned that setting a SMART goal is important after completing change for some time. SMART stands for:
Specific
Mearable
Action-orientated
Realistic
Time-oriented
It is important to note that a SMART goal is one that can be achieved not when events or things happen in one’s life, but within everyday life. Having the knowledge that your goal can be achieved increases a person’s motivation. Additionally, having more motivation increases the likelihood that the goal will be a success.
I plan on using a SMART goal for my health aspect and this will help me achieve my goal of running a mile under ten minutes.
(Donatelle, 2019, p. 17)
My Health Aspect:
The health aspect that I chose to work on throughout the semester is to run a mile under ten minutes. I chose this health aspect because I always tell myself that I will become a better runner. But whenever I went to the gym, I would only run for a couple of minutes and get right off the treadmill. I would feel defeated, like I wasn’t accomplishing a goal of mine. But with a SMART goal I will become motivated to work harder at achieving this goal.
Using a SMART goal:
Specific: Go to the gym twice a week.
Measurable: slowly build my cardio by practicing intervals of walking and running.
Action-oriented: Record my mile time each time I go to the gym
Realistic: Go to the gym on the weekends for 30-45 minutes.
Time-oriented: Go to the gym when I don’t have to feel rushed.
References:
Donatelle, R. J. (2019). Mastering Health: My Health (3rd edition).
Pearson Education
Health Aspect 