“Assessing the impact of leisure and recreation in promotion of good health in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State”.

CHAPTER ONE Introduction 1.1 Background of the Study Recreation is an activity of body and mind which gives relief from tension and fatigue (Gulam, 2016). Recreational activities are activities carried out or actively participated in alone or with others, for fun during leisure time. The importance of recreation in the life of a man cannot be over emphasized. It is indeed, part and parcel of good health. Man has always engaged in one type of recreational activity or the other during periods of leisure. Everyone requires recreation, which is as old as man himself. This is as a result of its enormous and essential relevance. (Okoli 2001). Based on this, Obateru (2003) asserts that people should engage in recreational activities to enhance their health, boost their economic production, and make worthwhile use of their free time. According to Atemie (1997), leisure time activities are a crucial component of a long life. Recreational activities are known to calm or reform the mind, relieve stress and anxiety, lessen sadness and loneliness, and enhance self-esteem or confidence. The value of leisure in improving one's quality of life has been underlined (California State Parks, 2005). Any attractive and pleasurable work that we perform in our spare time and chose it according to will and wishes is called recreation. According to Scott and Shafer (2001) recreational activities assist the participant in developing healthy life style, moreover it make a person the functional member of the society. McKnight & Kashdan (2009) found that living a healthy life is a primary factor to get the overall fitness and happiness. A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being. According to Clark and Oswald (2002) physical activity and recreation are the basic way of improving healthy life style of an individual, similarly healthy life style enhances the prosperity and wellbeing. The author further suggested that several government and non administrative relationship have attempted huge actions in solid way of life and wellbeing advancement for the betterment and prosperity of humanity. A healthy lifestyle helps in maintaining health standard and prevent from various diseases. For achievement of health, it is obligatory to have virtuous nutrition, daily exercise and satisfactory sleep. Similarly, McKnight &Kashdan (2009) analyze that a sound way of life abandons you fit, vigorous and helps in preventing from various diseases. The study further substantiates that prodigious nourishment; day by day exercise and satisfactory rest are the establishments for proceeding with great wellbeing. For a longer and comfortable life, it is also important to adopt the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Kottler and Chen (2007) in their study “Stress Management and Prevention” found that overseeing stress and anxiety in positive way, rather than through drug abuse, drinking liquor and smoking reduce wear and tear on your body at the hormonal level and to live perfect life, set up together your arrangement for a healthy way of life. Adaptation of healthy habits leads to healthy life style. Good habits like constructive use of leisure time, appropriate sleeping habits, regular work out and timely taking food and participation in some activities are considered to be healthy habits (Kemper, 2010). For effective and productive healthy life style, adaptation of these habits is very much important. Participation in an organized program of recreation activities provide an opportunities through which one can develop and maintain healthy habits which leads to healthy life style (Fraser-Thomas, Côté&Deakin, 2005). In this connection, Mannell (2007) stated that Healthy life style is heavily dependent upon leisure and recreation as these are considered to be crucial for human being. The author further stated that Relaxation, rest and revitalization through meaningful leisure help in building positive self image and work as an active source of self-esteem in addition to management of stress in today’s busy and demanding life. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The nature of people’s recreational pursuits has changed dramatically over the last few decades with the advent of technology and industrialisation. The progresses in the physical sciences and technology have adversely affected people’s life. Recent technological development has reduced the physical demand of day-to-day activities resulting in low physical activity level reflected by low fitness. The importance of recreational physical activity for the physical, mental and social health is undisputed, and therefore it is critically important that efforts are made throughout the world to “reintroduce” leisure and recreational activity into our lives. All-round fitness is a key to quality of life, to be able to carry out daily tasks without undue fatigue or to enjoy leisure-time pursuits requires a certain degree of conditioning exercise on health related physical fitness components so that a person looks better, feels better and thinks better and so lives better. The development of such health related component of fitness is dependent on how people engaged in regular recreational activities. However, it has been noted that the culture of consciously engaging in recreational activities is very low in Kaduna state. This might have anything to do with the country's current economic situation. According to studies on peoples' leisure activities conducted in various spheres of life (Makasi, 2008; Imazobi, 2008), majority appear to be discouraged from participating in leisure activities due to a number of unexpected circumstances. Given the importance of leisure and recreation to good health and well being, the researcher deems it fit to assess the impact of leisure and recreation in promotion of good health in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State. 1.3 Research Questions The objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To know the meaning of recreational activities and its importance in the promotion of good health 2. To assess the availability of recreational facilities in Chikun Local Government 3. To examine the impact of leisure and recreation in promotion of good health in Chikun Local Government 4. To examine the factors influencing recreational activities participation in Chikun Local Government 1.4 Scope of the Study The research topic “Assessing the impact of leisure and recreation in promotion of good health in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State”. Also the research will focus more on recreation, leisure and its impact in the promotion of good health and other relevant related subjects. 1.5 Significance of the Study The study is meant to inform, educate, sensitize and enlighten the general public, government and individuals on the impact of recreation and leisure in the promotion of good health. The study will serve as reminder to individuals on the impact of recreation and leisure in the promotion of good health, given the importance of leisure and recreation to good health and well being. The research will also serve as eye opener for tourist destinations on the needs to review and improve on recreational facilities to improve customer’s service which will further promote tourism in the state and Kaduna at large. Finally, it will be of great benefits to students and other researchers who intend to know more about this topic. Hence contributes to knowledge and serve as for other work of study. 1.6 Research Questions The following research questions are some of the questions to be used in the process of this study. 1. What are recreational activities and its importance in the promotion of good health 2. What are the recreational facilities available in Chikun Local Government 3. What are the impact of leisure and recreation in promotion of good health in Chikun Local Government 4. What are the factors influencing recreational activities participation in Chikun Local Government