The patient underwent several health assessments that showed poor physical fitness. He is overweight and experiences shortness of breath and chest discomfort from a lung disease. The assessment recommended the patient exercise 3-5 times per week, do strength training 2-3 times per week, and follow a better nutrition plan focused on weight loss. The goals are to improve endurance and lung health by losing 35 pounds in 3 months through regular physical activity and diet changes.

1. A health assessment is a process that checks a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being before and during their treatment.<br />My patient checked multiple *yes’s* during the PAR-Q and You test. I gave him the HSQ to fill out and then suggested that he see his doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. He is 5’10”, 210 lbs, has a BMI of 30, with no heart history; however, he does experience frequent shortness of breath, and chest discomfort from a diagnosed lung disease. His blood pressure and cholesterol are both within normal range. He is currently on a lung medication and has doctor consent for entering into an exercise program.<br />I administered a series of physical fitness test to assess my patients’ endurance. On the 6 minute walk test he was only able to walk 865 feet stopping one time because of shortness of breath. In addition to not being able to complete the 1.5 mile walk/run test, he scored poorly on the 3 minute step test and flexibility test. While assessing his muscular strength we determined that he has adequate strength to slowly start a regular exercise routine.<br />We talked about changing some of his nutritional intakes. I suggested that he eats more fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins and to follow the USDA guidelines as closely as possible to encourage maximum weight loss. I further explained that this weight loss would help ease his breathlessness and other discomforts caused by his pulmonary disease. After discussing his past and present behaviors and differentiating between barriers and excuses he is more confident about physical activity and he is definitely ready for change. <br />Some of the motivational techniques that we discussed for perusing his goals were: setting both short and long term goals, writing down some ways that his sedentary lifestyle is affecting loved ones, getting him a small gift for accomplishing his goals in a reasonable amount of time, and daily self rewards for accomplishing his exercise routine.<br />My recommendation for my patient was to exercise 3-5 times per week for at least 30 minutes riding a stationary bicycle, or walking on a treadmill or elliptical machine using an assisted breathing device. Because of his pulmonary condition I suggested that he not use swimming as a form of cardio workout unless properly supervised in case of accidental drowning.<br />In an effort to increase his endurance, I suggested that at least 2-3 times per week that he needed to do strength training for both his upper and lower body muscle groups. I explained that the added oxygen to his muscles groups would help reduce the lactic acid that accumulated causing muscle fatigue and burn thus helping him to achieve his 30 minutes worth of cardiovascular health.<br />Long term he hopes to lose enough weight to lessen the burden that his lungs have and to decrease his BMI to a more healthy level. With proper nutrition and exercise he can hope to lose 35 pounds in three months worth of physical activity.<br />Work Cited<br />Howley, Edward T., and Franks, B. Don. (2007). Fitness Professional's Handbook. Humans Kinetics: Champaign, IL.<br /> <br />