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Activity 3: Using Critical Thinking Skills
The Role of Physical Activity in Mental Health Management
Maria Jose Ramirez . A00310316
ENG1121: Research & Writing/ Health Sciences
December 12,2024
Professor Janelle Brunette
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Article 1
The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Cardiovascular Health “Beyond Established and Novel Risk
Factors: Lifestyle Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease” by Dariush Mozaffarian, Peter W.F
Wilson, and William B. Kannel. Link:
[Link]
Summary: This article highlights how modifiable lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity,
unhealthy diets, obesity, and stress, contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease (CVD). It
underscores the importance of addressing these factors through proactive measures like regular
physical activity, balanced nutrition, effective weight management, and stress reduction.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to integrate these recommendations into preventive care
and management strategies to reduce the burden of CVD and promote long-term cardiovascular
health.
1. Lifestyle Decreases Risk Factors for cardiovascular diseases
This study investigates the benefits of structured lifestyle changes, such as a low-fat
diet, exercise, and stress reduction, on cardiovascular risk factors. Results from a one-
week program showed significant improvements in weight, BMI, blood pressure,
cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. The first article highlights the significant role of
physical activity, healthy diets, and stress management in reducing cardiovascular
disease (CVD) risks. In contrast, the second article offers empirical evidence,
demonstrating measurable improvements in health markers like BMI, cholesterol, and
blood pressure following a one-week lifestyle intervention. Critically, while the first
article establishes the necessity of lifestyle changes, the second validates these claims
by showcasing tangible, short-term results. Together, these sources underscore the
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effectiveness of proactive, structured lifestyle interventions while reinforcing the
value of empirical evidence in translating broad recommendations into actionable
health outcomes.
2. Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of
Cardiovascular Disease
The article highlights the significant impact of lifestyle changes, such as a low-fat
diet, exercise, and stress reduction, on reducing cardiovascular risk factors. It
complements the original topic by providing empirical evidence from a one-week
program, showcasing measurable improvements in weight, BMI, blood pressure,
cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. This study broadens understanding by
demonstrating how structured interventions can yield tangible health benefits,
reinforcing the importance of lifestyle modifications in preventing
cardiovascular diseases. The first article focuses on long-term prevention and
theoretical frameworks, the second provides concrete evidence that short-term
interventions can produce immediate, measurable benefits. Together, these sources
reinforce the necessity of lifestyle changes, with one emphasizing preventative
measures and the other validating their effectiveness through data.
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References
Mozaffarian, D., Kannel, W. B. & Wilson, P. W., (2008). Beyond established and
novel risk factors. Circulation, 117(23),
[Link]
Rippe, J. M. (2018). Lifestyle strategies for risk factor reduction, prevention, and
treatment of cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine,
13(2), 204–212. [Link]
Slavíček, J., Kittnar, O., Fraser, G. E., Medová, E., Konečná, J., Žižka, R.,
Dohnalová, A., & Novák, V. (2008). Lifestyle decreases risk factors for
cardiovascular diseases. Central European Journal of Public Health, 16(4),
161–164. [Link]
