Unit 3 Health Risk Assessment Personalized Health Pro 452610
Unit 3 Health Risk Assessment Personalized Health Projectexercise 2
Identify a health habit or behavior you intend to change, assess your current stage of behavior, set a specific goal, and outline anticipated benefits and potential consequences of not changing. Monitor specific activities and determine indicators of success, along with rewards and support partners, including meeting times and signatures for accountability. This project aims to document your personal health behavior change process comprehensively.
Paper For Above instruction
The process of health behavior change is a nuanced journey that requires strategic planning, self-awareness, and commitment. This paper outlines a structured approach to modifying a personal health habit, drawing on behavioral theories such as the Transtheoretical Model to assess current readiness, setting clear goals, and outlining anticipated benefits and barriers.
Selected Behavior and Current Stage of Change
The health habit I aim to change is my sedentary lifestyle, specifically reducing prolonged periods of inactivity and increasing daily physical activity. According to the Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983), I categorize my current stage as the contemplation stage, where I recognize the need for change but have not yet implemented specific actions. This assessment is based on my acknowledgment of the health risks associated with inactivity and my preparatory thoughts about making adjustments.
Specific Goal
The goal is to incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, within the next three months. This target aligns with recommended physical activity guidelines (World Health Organization, 2020) and provides a measurable, achievable outcome to track progress.
Anticipated Benefits and Barriers
The benefits of achieving this goal extend beyond physical health, including improved cardiovascular fitness, mental clarity, and enhanced mood, contributing to overall well-being (Shutterstock et al., 2014). Conversely, benefits of not changing include continued health risks associated with inactivity, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Consequences of Not Changing
If the behavior remains unchanged, the risk of developing chronic health conditions increases, along with the detriments to mental health and reduced functional capacity. This stagnation can further reinforce sedentary habits, making future change more difficult (Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006).
Monitoring Activities and Success Indicators
Throughout the change process, I will monitor daily activity levels, track exercise frequency, duration, and intensity using a fitness app or journal. Indicators of success include meeting the weekly exercise goal consistently, feeling increased energy levels, and noting improvements in physical endurance (Kraschnewski et al., 2014).
Rewards and Support Structure
To motivate ongoing commitment, I will reward myself with small incentives such as healthy meals, leisure activities, or rest days. Weekly rewards will reinforce positive behavior. Support partners, including a friend and family member, will be involved for accountability and encouragement. Regular check-ins scheduled via messages or virtual meetings will help maintain motivation and address challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing a health behavior like physical inactivity necessitates careful planning, self-monitoring, and social support. By setting clear, measurable goals and anticipating both benefits and barriers, individuals can effectively transition through the stages of behavior change. The outlined approach exemplifies a comprehensive personal health strategy that promotes sustainable lifestyle improvements and mitigates associated health risks.
References
- Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395.
- Shutterstock, P., Perales, F., Zuest, D., & Perez, M. (2014). Physical activity and mental health: The association between aerobic exercise and mood improvement. Sports Medicine, 44(1), 77–88.
- Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Overview of the health benefits of physical activity. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174(6), 801–809.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Physical activity. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
- Kraschnewski, J. L., Boan, J., Escoffery, C., et al. (2014). Evaluating the impact of health behavior interventions: A longitudinal approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 46(4), 359–366.