Erl Jerald M.

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BSN-2A

LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

ON MENTAL HEALTH ON ADOLESCENCE IN LUCENA CITY

(Riewald, 2007). Furthermore, an estimated 16% of all Americans will suffer from

symptoms of depression at some point during their life, and 30% of all Americans will experience

less severe mood-altering conditions (Stewart, Ricci, Elsbeth, Hahn, & Morganstein, 2003). As a

result of experiencing these symptoms which cause decreased occupational performance,

corporations are losing 44 billion dollars each year (Stewart et al., 2003). Beyond decreased

occupational performance, there is a link between depression and an increased risk for health

conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and potentially death (Riewald, 2007). This

research revealed that individuals who attained a higher level of cardio-respiratory fitness showed

fewer symptoms of depression and reported a higher level of emotional wellbeing (Riewald, 2007).

Those who reported a higher level of mental well-being were those who exercised 11-19 miles per

week (Riewald, 2007). There were no additional benefits for those who exercised more than 11-

19 miles per week (Riewald, 2007).

A recent study examined the relationship between the levels of physical activity and health

behavior among adolescents (Delisle, Werch, Wong, Bian, & Weiler, 2010). It was found that as

the amount of physical activity among adolescents increased, their health promoting behaviors

increased, and their health risk behaviors decreased (Delisle et al., 2010). Health promoting

behaviors included nutrition, such as consistent consumption of fruits and vegetables,

implementation of stress management techniques, and sleep (Delisle et al., 2010). Health risk

behaviors consisted of heavy use of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana consumption (Delisle et al.,
2010). These behaviors which can be addicting for some must be given special attention.

Engagement in physical activity is associated with a reduction of the negative health risk

behaviors, and may ultimately impact one’s developing life patterns.

References:

Delisle, T. T., Werch, C. E., Wong, A. H., Bian, H., & Weiler, R. (2010). Relationship between

frequency and intensity of physical activity and health behaviors of adolescents. Journal of School

Health, 80, 134-140.

Dixon, W., Mauzey, E., & Hall, C. (2003). Physical activity and exercise: Implications for

Counselors. Journal of Counseling & Development, 81(4), 502-505.

Riewald, S. (2007). Regular exercise: Good for the body, good for the mind? Strength and

Conditioning Journal, 29(3), 41-42.

Stewart, W.F., Ricci, J.A., Elsbeth, C., Hahn, S.R., & Morganstein, D. (2003). Cost of lost

productive time among US workers with depression. Journal of the American Medical

Association, 289, 3135-3144.

 LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND EFFECTS OF CONSUMPTION
OF UNHEALTHY FOODS ON ADOLESCENCE IN LUCENA CITY

The term junk food itself defines to the foods that do no good to your body and they are completely

unimportant to the body. Junk foods have no or very less nutritional value and irrespective of the

way they are marketed, they are not healthy to consume. They are deemed to be trash foods as they

are high in fat, sodium and sugar. The apparent effect of junk food can lead to obesity and a range

of attendant health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Majority of junk food

choices do not deliver beneficial nutritional values. Fast food advertisers target ethnic minorities

directly through their own media outlets and programs. Food items which are advertised for ethnic

minorities are usually unbalanced and unhealthy as compared to the food advertised for general

audience. Research conducted in 2005 depicted that more than 52 percent of food items

advertisement published in Hispanic fashion and social magazines were advertised unhealthy and

unbalanced food as compared to 29 percent such advertisements published in general magazines.

Recent research shows that consumers prefer to buy fast food from supermarkets. Because they

have the perception that supermarkets provide healthier food options. Advertising and marketing

very significantly influence the buying behavior of people and the notion cannot be rejected in

totality that frequent use of this unhealthy food is a major cause of increasing obesity. According

to a study, television advertisements and television viewing is directly associated with popularity

of junk food. We crave reward foods. The pattern for this is partially set in childhood when parents

give us sweet food to show love or reward. Cravings are a psychological need for high-fat and

high-sugar foods which taste pleasant – but which should, of course, form only a small part of our

daily intake. Chocolate melts at body temperature which gives a pleasant sensation, and fat and
sugar further increase the sensory appeal. However as much as you enjoy it, the more of a negative

it is having on your body.

Reference:

Moss, Micheal. Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us. Germany: Random House LLC,

Feb 26, 2013.

Andrew F. Smith, Fast Food and Junk Food: An Encyclopedia of What We Love to Eat, Volume

1 (California: ABC-CLIO, Dec. 31, 2011), p. 5.

Volpe, Tina. The Fast Food Craze: Wreaking Havoc on Our Bodies and Our Animals. California:

Canyon Publishing, LLC, 2005.