Lifestyle Challenges: Convenience Over Health

Table of Contents

Introduction
Nutrition
Sleep
Physical Activity
Self-Care
Communication
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The problem of promoting health through a number of widely known techniques, such as dietary choices or physical activity, is a dubious initiative from the perspective of its efficiency. One can easily suggest that these measures are sufficient for eliminating the risks of developing specific conditions; meanwhile, researchers claim that it is not always the case (TED-Ed, 2013). From this point of view, the perceptions of foods, sleeping patterns, exercises, self-care, and communication as the main conditions for individuals wellbeing should be reconsidered. In other words, the feasibility of controlling these aspects of citizens lives for the task of decreasing the rates of diseases and mortality can be claimed only if the general approach is readjusted.

Nutrition

The first factor affecting the outcomes of leading a seemingly healthy lifestyle is nutrition since it is directly related to this necessity. It is generally viewed as one of the main conditions needed for ones confidence in this area. However, there are many challenges in this respect that are not addressed by policymakers and healthcare providers. First, some population groups, including indigenous peoples, have no easy access to high-quality nutritious products and, in order to get them, have to travel long distances (Mintz, 2020). This obstacle can be eliminated only if there are enough shops and supermarkets in the areas of their residence; otherwise, the claim of the opportunity for them to modify lifestyles is unjustified. Second, the gradual shift in preferences suggested by scholars should be underpinned by developing appropriate food culture (Week 10 PPT, n.d.). The failure to do so would indicate the impossibility of affecting preferences.

Sleep

The second issue, linked to the need for ensuring that people choose healthy options instead of those referred to as convenient, is paying attention to their environment and sleeping patterns depending on it. As follows from the research, different hardships of economic nature tend to prevent citizens from adhering to the necessity to get enough rest (TEDx-Talks, 2013). Subsequently, sleep-deprived individuals do not have the energy to restore their routines and keep living in a survival mode day after day (TEDx-Talks, 2013). This fact implies the impossibility for them to remain healthy since it correlates with the failure to provide for their families, which is more critical. In this case, the shift can be caused only by the modifications of the environment that is highly unlikely without governmental assistance.

Physical Activity

Another aspect of the populations wellbeing is physical activity, and its presence in peoples lives is as questionable as that of sleep or nutritious foods. In this situation, the external conditions are also connected to the introduction of this need, even though it is emphasized by specialists as a requirement (Week 10 PPT, n.d.). As follows from the article written by Basky (2020), the problem lies in low income, poverty, and increasing responsibilities in families. From this standpoint, adhering to the guidelines presented by physicians cannot be fulfilled due to daily struggles (Basky, 2020). As a result, the risks for those having financial issues are not eliminated through generalizations provided at the state level.

Self-Care

The above considerations are complemented by the lack of awareness regarding self-care and what it actually means due to the existence of various stereotypes in society. Thus, for example, obsession with looks does not necessarily correspond to ones actual health, and weight loss cannot be a suitable measure for everyone (Week 10 PPT, n.d.). It means that individual situations should not be analyzed with regard to erroneous views neither by healthcare specialists nor peers (Week 10 PPT, n.d.). This notion is highly personal and should not be subject to outside standards other than the reported indicators received during hospital check-ups. Otherwise, one cannot have an appropriate motivation, and this factor can be substituted by others opinions of what everyone should look like.

Communication

Lastly, the patterns of peoples communication with one another and the opportunities to establish contacts should not be neglected when examining the health of populations. It is known that isolation leads to adverse consequences, including disability or increased risks of mortality (Gilmour & Ramage-Morin, 2020). Nevertheless, one cannot claim that all people have equal access to places where they can converse with others. For instance, transitions to retirement, mobility problems, or vision and hearing loss alongside transportation challenges in the area do not allow considering this recommendation as suitable for each individual case (Gilmour & Ramage-Morin, 2020). Therefore, no change can be suggested if the conditions attributed to the environment in which communication happens are affected.

Conclusion

To summarize, the evidence provided by researchers shows that a healthy lifestyle is not easy to achieve by following physicians suggestions. The main obstacles in this area include the lack of facilities of different kinds, transportation problems, economic hardships, and complicated communication not related to ones willingness to talk to others. In other words, the cause-and-effect relationships matter when investigating the impossibility of maintaining health. Even though it is generally considered that recommendations provided by specialists are advantageous, reality does not confirm this stance. Therefore, the implications of this case study are the need for further research of actual methods that can help individuals choose benefits over convenience.