ANSWER
Exercise and the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged Adults
For middle-aged individuals, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health concern, and lowering the risk of CVD requires frequent physical activity. By lowering blood pressure, lowering LDL cholesterol, raising HDL cholesterol, improving insulin sensitivity, and encouraging weight management, physical activity enhances cardiovascular health (Piercy et al., 2018). Exercise is essential for controlling CVD risk factors and slowing the course of the condition.
Multidisciplinary Team Members and Their Functions
The primary care physician (PCP) does initial evaluations, checks for risk factors for CVD, and authorizes exercise.
Cardiologist: Provides specialized care and advice to individuals with significant risk factors or pre-existing CVD.
A physical therapist creates customized training regimens taking into account the patient’s limits and physical state.
Dietitian/Nutritionist: Provides information on heart-healthy eating habits to enhance exercise regimens for best outcomes.
A behavioral health counselor can help people overcome obstacles to exercise, like stress or a lack of enthusiasm.
In fitness or rehabilitation settings, an exercise specialist or trainer provides guidance on safe and efficient exercise techniques.
Suggestions to Promote Health
As the nurse caring for the patient, I would:
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
Promote modest, attainable objectives, like taking the stairs, playing recreational sports, or going for a regular 30-minute stroll.
To improve motivation and adherence, recommend social activities like walking or exercise courses.
Particular Resource
The American Heart Association (AHA) website is a great resource because it provides heart-healthy recipes, exercise advice, and physical activity tracking tools. For additional information, patients can call the American Heart Association at 1-800-242-8721 or visit www.heart.org.
In conclusion
An interdisciplinary team must work together to promote physical activity in middle-aged persons at risk for CVD. Nurses can empower patients to integrate exercise into their lives and lower their cardiovascular risk by educating them, helping them create realistic goals, and linking them with organizations like the American Heart Association.
Citations
Troiano, R. P., Ballard, R. M., Piercy, K. L., et al. (2018). The American Physical Activity Guidelines. JAMA, 2020–2028, 320(19). Jama (2018) 14854 https://doi.org/10.1001/jama
(n.d.) American Heart Association. American Heart Association guidelines for children’s and adults’ physical activity levels. The website heart.org
QUESTION
Assessment Description
For the middle-aged adult, exercise can reduce the risk of various health problems. Choose one at-risk health issue that regular physical exercise and activity can help prevent and manage. As the patient’s nurse, identify members of the interdisciplinary team and the role each member would play in guiding care for this patient. Describe recommendations that you would provide to assist patients with health promotion measures to incorporate exercise and physical activity into their lives. Provide a specific resource, including contact information (or website if applicable), you would share with your patient.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competency 3.2.