The readings for this week included chapters 9 and 10 in the Lifesmart textbook, which focused upon human development during Early and Middle Adulthood, respectively. What I would like to focus on for this week's blog post is the importance of physical fitness in both stages of development.
In Chapter 9, the point is made that as young adults move from school into the working world, there is less time available for them to exercise, a change from the earlier adolescent periods when their schedules are more flexible. While many young adults do continue the exercise regimens which they have used in their youth, there are often added incentives for young adults to exercise, such as work facilities which allow young adults to exercise during their day and health insurance benefits for those who have memberships at exercise facilities. Employers and health insurance companies know they will benefit if those whom they employ and insure are healthier. While the incentives are aimed at young adults, it it primarily to offset the health problems which can occur during middle adulthood.
Chapter 10 focuses on middle adulthood, a portion of which focuses on the effects of health habit practiced over a lifetime. Specifically, the effects of obesity and a lower metabolism which comes with age. It is at this point that a lifetime of regular exercise will truly pay dividends, as higher obesity and lower metabolism are linked to higher blood pressure and higher cholesterol, which can cause a myriad of problems during middle age. Often, the damage caused by a sedentary lifestyle cannot be overcome, at least not without great difficulty.
Why is this important for teachers? Because we can highlight the importance of healthy living for our students on a daily basis. By exercising regularly, eating right, and encouraging our students to do the same, we can help to form a lifetime of healthy living and lay the foundations for a long and healthy life for all of our students.
Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI often speak to my kids about exercise because I want exercise to be a part of their live. Exercise is very important not only because it promotes good heath but it also helps with stress. My son plays in a travel team and often complains to me that he practices a lot and that he never has time to play his video games. I explain to my son that I am teaching him the skill of time management, I remember playing baseball in high school and not knowing how to manage my time because it was never taught to me. I think people who reach early adulthood lack the skill of time management and that is the reason why they do not continue to exercise.
Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy that as a teacher you believe in 'living by example'. If our teachers don't believe in their teaching, the kids won't either because they know when what we're teaching is fake. And if we show them how to live a healthy lifestyle, they forces us to live one too and what could the harm in that be? It's always great to get out and move! Keep doing well, it seems like the children you will teach will learn much from you, not just curriculum but very important life skills as well.