(a) Define the term 'health' in the context of physical education. [1] (b) Explain how regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart dis...

(a) Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or illness. [1] This definition, used in physical education, emphasises that being healthy goes beyond simply not being sick - it includes positive functioning across all three dimensions.

(b) Regular exercise reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by:

• Strengthening the heart muscle so it pumps blood more efficiently with each beat. [1]
• Lowering resting heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces the strain on artery walls and decreases the chance of damage that leads to plaque build-up. [1]
• Reducing cholesterol levels in the blood by increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL, the "good" cholesterol) that help clear fatty deposits from arteries. [1]

(c) Benefits of taking part in a team sport:

Social benefits:

1. Meeting new people and building friendships through regular training and competition, which provides a supportive social network. [1]
2. Learning teamwork and cooperation - working towards a common goal develops communication skills and the ability to rely on others. [1]

Mental benefits:

1. Reducing stress through physical activity, which triggers the release of endorphins that improve mood and relieve tension. [1]
2. Improving self-confidence through personal achievement, mastering new skills and receiving positive feedback from teammates and coaches. [1]

(d) A suggested fitness plan for an office worker with a sedentary lifestyle:

• Include a mix of activities across the week to target different aspects of fitness and prevent boredom. [1]
• Aerobic exercise such as jogging, cycling or swimming 3 times per week to improve cardiovascular endurance. This is justified because prolonged sitting weakens the heart and circulatory system. [1+1]
• Strength training twice per week using bodyweight exercises or resistance bands to counter muscle loss that results from hours of sitting. [1]
• Flexibility exercises such as stretching or yoga to improve posture and counteract the stiffness caused by sitting at a desk all day. [1]
• Active commuting such as walking or cycling to work, which builds activity into the daily routine without requiring extra time. [1]
• Gradual progression - starting at a manageable intensity and increasing gradually to avoid injury, since the person is not currently active. [1]