The Power of Physical Activity
How does physical activity contribute to maintaining muscle functions throughout life?
Regular exercise stimulates muscle growth and prevents muscle atrophy, supporting lifelong muscle health.
What is muscle atrophy, and how does it occur due to a lack of physical activity?
Muscle atrophy is the shrinking or wasting away of muscle tissue. It occurs when muscles are not regularly engaged in physical activity, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and strength.
How does engaging in physical activity contribute to improved cognitive function in student nurses?
Regular exercise enhances memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
What is the recommended duration of aerobic exercise per week for nurses, and what are some examples of aerobic activities?
Engage in at least 150 minutes of brisk walking, jogging, or cycling per week. Examples of aerobic activities include running, swimming, or cycling.
What exercise mimics the motion of sitting down and standing up, engaging muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
Squat exercises
Why is muscle maintenance essential for overall well-being, and how can physical activity help achieve it?
Strong muscles contribute to better mobility, balance, and overall physical function, enhancing well-being.
What are the benefits of maintaining strong muscles as we age?
Strong muscles contribute to better balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries in older adults.
What role does physical activity play in stress reduction for student nurses?
Physical activity releases endorphins which promote a positive mood and help with stress reduction.
Why is prioritizing cardiovascular health important for nurses, and what activities can help improve cardiovascular fitness?
Nursing demands cardiovascular endurance. activities like running, swimming, or cycling can enhance cardiovascular fitness.
Which work out replicates stepping forward or backward, targeting muscles in the legs, including the quadriceps and glutes?
A lunge
In what ways does physical activity enhance daily living for individuals?
Physical activity improves energy levels, stamina, and makes daily activities more manageable.
Explain the concept of muscle flexibility and how physical activity contributes to it.
Physical activity increases the flexibility of muscles by promoting joint mobility and reducing stiffness, contributing to overall flexibility.
How can regular exercise positively impact the sleep patterns of student nurses?
Exercise contributes to improved sleep quality, supporting overall well being.
What role do stretching exercises play in a nurse's fitness routine, and which areas should be focused on?
Stretching enhances flexibility and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
This exercise involves pushing a weighted sled across a surface, targeting muscles in the lower body, core, and providing cardiovascular benefits. What is it?
Sled push
Provide an example of a daily activity that can be significantly improved through regular physical activity.
Walking/climbing stairs becomes easier and less tiring with regular physical activity.
How does a sedentary lifestyle contribute to cardiovascular health risks?
Lack of cardiovascular activity can lead to the accumulation of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease!
Why is increased strength and endurance important for student nurses in their daily tasks?
Physical activity enhances overall physical fitness, providing the strength and endurance needed for patient care.
Why is core strengthening important for nurses, and what are some examples of core exercises?
Core strengthening maintains good posture and prevents back pain. Examples include planks, bridges, and abdominal crunches.
Which exercise mimics the motion of pushing away from a surface, engaging the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles?
push up!
How does physical activity impact the levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the body?
Regular exercise helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, promoting heart health.
Explain the connection between physical inactivity and the loss of independence?
Physical inactivity can lead to a decline in strength, balance, and mobility, increasing the risk of falls and compromising independence, especially in older adults
How can participating in extracurricular physical activities positively impact the social well-being of nursing students?
Engaging in extracurricular physical activities provides opportunities for building friendships, and creating a sense of community among nursing students
What is the impact of prolonged sedentary behavior on a nurse's health?
Prolonged sitting or standing without breaks can contribute to musculoskeletal issues and decreased energy levels.
What exercise replicates the action of pulling oneself up, targeting muscles in the upper back, including the latissimus dorsi and biceps?
Pull up!