Week Three Young And Middle Adulthood Case Studies Essay Example for Free

Week Three Young And Middle Adulthood Case Studies Essay Life is changing every minute off every day. Life is changing right now, as we speak. Whether we like it or not. And, some things in life are uncontrollable. Today, we will meet a single mother of three children who is dealing with life style changes that have led her to living a healthier life, confiding in her family and friends, and enjoying the benefits of exercising regularly. Throughout the course of an individual’s life they may experience a number of personal relationships. While some relationships may be better, or healthier, than others, they all leave an impact on the individual’s life. And this is where we will meet Tina. Tina is a forty five year old single mother with three grown children, who are all still living at home. Tina is in a committed relationship with the love of her life, Michael. Michael and Tina have been together for the last five years and Michael would like to marry Tina. But, once upon a time before Tina met Michael she was married. Tina and her now ex-husband got divorced because he had an affair with a younger woman and later decided to leave Tina for his mistress. While Tina was married to her ex-husband she remained faithful and never struggled with the way her body looks or her personal appearance. However, since the divorce Tina has struggled with her self-esteem and has turned to the gym for help. Tina goes to the gym regularly, goes for runs, and maintains a healthy diet. But, for Tina that is not enough. She has noticed a decline in her abilities at the gym so she has increased the amount of time she spends at the gym to four hours a day. Tina is experiencing a role change in her life. The feelings of betrayal and rejection from the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with have left her with a low self-esteem and closing out the people who truly love and care for her. A family is the best support system a person can have when they are going through a difficult time in their lives. And, lucky for Tina, that is what she has. While Tina has been struggling with her physical appearance her family has been supportive of her lifestyle changes. Although Tina’s boyfriend, Michael, is becoming extremely irritated by her obsession with the gym, he still allows her to spend the majority of her time there and is thankful for the time he gets to spend with her. Tina and Michael enjoy the time they get to spend together and Michael would like to marry Tina. However, Michael worries that Tina will not be able to emotionally commit to a marriage and maintain a strong, healthy marriage with him. Michael is very respectful of Tina and her wishes. Tina would like to remain celibate until she remarries and Michael does not pressure her to have sexual intercourse with him. Tina also has her own personal worries about her relationship with Michael. She worries that his motives are not where they should be. But, regardless of her worries she is still in love with Michael. Tina is able to confide in her best friend, Ida, about the problems in her life. Tina often talks to her friend Ida about the problems that occurred in her previous marriage and her feelings regarding her ex-husband leaving her for a younger woman. Tina also has the support of her three grown adult children who live at home with her. It is important for people to have a strong support system when they are going through a hard time. A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important choices an individual can make in their life. And, ever since her divorce with her ex-husband, Tina has devoted herself to living a healthy lifestyle. Tina has made lifestyle changes that include maintaining a healthy diet, visiting the gym regularly, and going for runs. She visits the gym every day for four hours a day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, any adult ranging from the age of eighteen to sixty four should exercise for a minimum of one hundred and fifty minutes a week, or two hours and thirty minutes a day. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health–aerobic and muscle-strengthening. Tina’s devotion to exercise will  decrease her chances of cardiovascular disease, reduce her risk for certain cancers, strengthen her bones and muscles, increase her life expectancy, control her weight, and help her to feel better about herself. Everyone faces change in their lives. It is how we go about those changes that define who we are as individuals. When faced with a hard time, it is up to you to have the strength to overcome whatever it is that is bringing you down. In Tina’s case, she was disrespected by her ex-husband and left for a younger woman. To overcome her struggles with her self-esteem Tina turned to a healthy diet and exercise. She also relied on the love and support from her family and friends. References: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. How much Physical Activity do Adults Need? Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Health.Gov. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Retrieved from: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/summary.aspx