Public Health-Government’s Fundamental Principle
Exercise is
necessary not only to lead a healthy life but also to prevent cardiovascular
diseases. There are several scientifically proven benefits from doing one
hundred and fifty minutes of weekly cardiovascular exercise and the
government's role in fulfilling the above benchmark has become more important
than ever before in the consumerist and sedentary world. Yet, the government’s
legitimacy in meeting the standard remains a debatable issue despite knowing
the consequence for both parties. While some may feel such imposition is
against individual human rights, I firmly believe that the government’s
intervention is imperative to ensure a healthy life and enhance personal well-being.
The opponents claim that the government’s
imposition of mandatory one hundred- and fifty minutes of aerobic exercise is
an infringement of individual freedom since not all people have the same
opinion. This obligation violates Article Three of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights which declares that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and
security of person” (United Nations, n.d). Furthermore, as a
one-size-fits-all strategy ignores individual differences, Olsen’s (2021)
research on the legality of mandatory exercise at Copenhagen for social workers
supports that workers have the right whether to exercise or not. The same study
also found that people are put in a risky situation by promoting illegal
recruitment and termination practices by emphasizing physical fitness such as
age, disability, pregnancy, and health conditions (Olsen, 2021). In
contrast, Frieden (2013) contends that it is the primary responsibility of the
government to protect public health from preventable cardiovascular diseases
through laws and programs. Additionally, the regulation is essential for the protection
of public health safety and security since the consequence is a burden not only
to individuals but also to the government (Van Dijk et al., 2019). Similarly,
the World Health Organization (2022) has also urged government agencies to
strengthen guidelines, leadership roles, and governance to enhance physical
activity since about one point four billion adults still failed to meet World
Health Organization’s recommendation on physical activity. Governments should
consequently focus on creating conditions that encourage physical exercise
through public awareness and education, social and recreational activities, and
the availability of accessible resources. This way, individuals can make
well-informed decisions with this strategy based on their own needs and
preferences.
Examining the efficacy of
an obligatory exercise mandate is also necessary. Numerous things might inspire
people; therefore, forcing someone to exercise may not lead to long-lasting
behavioral change. Mandating a set exercise length ignores the fact that each
person has different tastes, fitness levels, and obligations. Even though
physical activity recommendations are supported by science, not everyone can
benefit from them. However, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023)
claims that such physical activity, in contrast, promotes
individuals to have healthy lifestyles and reduces their risk of developing
cardiovascular diseases namely, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and
type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Jeong et al. (2019) provide
additional evidence that following contemporary physical activity standards
ensures good effects on personal mental and physical wellness and further
reduces the risk of contracting any chronic diseases. Furthermore, the
motivation-focused approach allows participants to create meaningful and
tailored programs and activities that may be used and adopted as a way of life,
a potential self, or an identity (Lachman et al., 2018). Therefore, the government
can enable individuals to take ownership of their health and make choices that
match their circumstances and aspirations by concentrating on education,
creating awareness, and providing accessible exercise alternatives.
Government interference is extremely
important to ensure every individual meets the set benchmark. Though such
enforcement does not respect individual freedom, personal well-being, and a healthy
lifestyle outweigh the former since exercise not only helps to prevent
cardiovascular diseases but also ensures a healthy life.
References
Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare (2023, May, 19). Physical activity. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/insufficient-physical-activity
Frieden, T. R. (2013). Government's role in protecting
health and safety. The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(20),
1857-1859.
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Jeong, S. W., Kim, S. H., Kang, S. H., Kim, H. J.,
Yoon, C. H., Youn, T. J., & Chae, I. H. (2019). Mortality reduction with physical activity in patients with and
without cardiovascular disease. European heart journal, 40(43),
3547-3555. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehz564
Lachman, M. E., Lipsitz,
L., Lubben, J., Castaneda-Sceppa, C., & Jette, A. M. (2018). When adults
don’t exercise: Behavioral strategies to Increase physical activity in
sedentary middle-aged older adults. Innovative in aging, 2(2), 1-12. file:///C:/Users/Hp/Downloads/igy007%20(1).pdf
Olsen, C. B. (2021). When mandatory
exercise at work meets employees rights to privacy and non-discrimination: a
comparative and European perspective. European Labour Law Journal, 12(3), 338-362.
chrome- extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1 177/2031952521994302?casa_token=qX5SS3SPOEYAAAAA:NSEUFxzdSRIjhCEi GcnsjHFOYcA9Wh8ZfHW1xRSHAbaHf0lhaAllEPRbd_jDPNA_vlsPKSi6gCjxDw
United Nations. (n.d.). Peace, dignity, and equality on a
planet. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
Van
Dijk, A. J., Herrington, V., & Crofts, N., Breunig, R., Burris, S.,
Sullivan, H., Middleton, J., Sherman, S., & Thomson, N. (2019). Law
enforcement and public health: recognition and enhancement of joined-up
solutions. The Lancet. 393(10168), 287-294. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673618328393
World Health Organization. (2022, October, 19). Global
status report on physical activity 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240059153
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