Health Promotion
MR25
Postsweek1.docxReply to the following posts separately, compare my original post (scroll down to last page) to the content of your peers and answer the following questions. Note: Utilize at least two scholarly references per peer post.
Question 1: Using the definition of health and an individual’s perception of their own health, how can you distinguish between a vulnerable individual versus a vulnerable group?
Question 2: Compare and contrast your personal definition of health to that of a peer. Are you satisfied your definition? Why or why not?
POST # 1 from JENNIFER
The concept of health can be perceived in many ways by different ages, genders, cultures, and vulnerable populations. The WHO’s definition of health is the “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, which is marked not only by the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 2014)” (WHO, 2016). This definition is very broad and can be inferred by individuals with an array of opinions. Individuals value the physical, mental, and social well-being states at different levels. One person could perceive physical health as the most important aspect of health, where another could value mental health as the hallmark of overall good health. A person in their fifties could perceive a good state of health as not requiring daily medications and having normal lab values, whereas a person with a congenital defect might view a good state of health as no progression of symptoms. Individuals that do not live with a medical issue can have a lower threshold for not achieving a good state of health. However, an individual that lives with a co-morbidity could appreciate the symptom free days and view a good state of health with a different outlook. In the article by Jennings et al., (2020), these authors researched the Indigenous population and health perception. These authors found that children viewed health in their community as “staying alive” (Jenning et al., 2020). These children also stated that having healthy food choices, availability of community gardens and participating in exercise was the definition of health to them (Jennings et al., 2020). The study by Kim et al. (2020) studied the visually impaired or blind population. These authors found when participants were involved in social activities, their physical, psychological, and ability to function in society was improved.
My definition of health includes normal functioning organs, absence of illness, and an ability to participate in all daily life activities. My optimal health includes having the ability to run a 5K or take a spin class without needing to stop due to shortness of breath or chest pain. Also, my optimal health includes maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Lastly, having the ability to cope with life events, enjoy day to day life, and be an active member of society supports my opinion of good health. Mental, physical, and social states are included in my perception of health. The WHO’s and my definition is very similar. As the WHO states, all states of health are “intertwined and founded on an individual’s subjective perspective on his or her physical, psychological and social state of being” (The WHO, 2016). The WHO and my definition of health are also similar and includes person’s involvement in society and attainment of goals in life (The WHO, 2016).
As a future PNP, I will ask the patient and family members what health means to them, their goals for healthy living, and what resources might be needed to achieve the optimal state of health. As Chesnay and Anderson (2020) state, it is important for the provider to identify the vulnerable population and educate ourselves to become culturally competent. Also, as a PNP, I will have a holistic approach. Pender et al. (2015) emphasize that providing holistic treatment and care will enhance patients’ health while managing their illnesses at the same time. I will educate myself on the patients’ communities and become familiar with the processes to achieve essential resources. I will also be an advocate for an increase in resources and changes to be made for communities to allow their residents to achieve a good state of health.
In an article by Hevey et al. (2018), The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is discussed. This program was developed to provide communities with a resource to increase residents' overall health. The education provided includes interventions, help with managing symptoms, and tools to enhance their quality of life. This program is led by an individual that is living with a chronic illness which provides participants with real-life guidance (Hevey et al., 2018). This study proved that community-based programs increased patient’s confidence in managing their own chronic illnesses. It was also found that a community-based program decreased primary care appointments and decreased hospitalizations. Most importantly, patients viewed their health as improved (Hevey et al., (2018). Another aspect that requires attention is the current pandemic. If I was an APRN during this pandemic, I would address and educate the community on safety. I would be an advocate to ensure the community was receiving food, shelter, and an outlet for social distancing exercise. I would also educate the community on telehealth, addressing health issues during the pandemic as well as ensuring psychological assessments and resources were readily available. Contact tracing and resources for self-quarantine would also be addressed if I was a current APRN.
Health is viewed in many ways throughout different populations. However, it is our goal as future APRNs to ensure our patient’s individual view of good health is achieved. Addressing goals, motivating patients to engage in exercise, maintaining a diet including fruits and vegetables, and providing stimulating emotional and psychological activities will be part of my PNP practice. It will also be my priority to continuously evaluate health goals and provide as many resources and assistance to fulfill my patients’ needs.
Reference
Chesnay, M. D., & Anderson, B. A. (2020). Caring for the vulnerable: Perspectives in nursing theory, practice, and research. Burlington, MA, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Health 2020. (2016). Retrieved May 03, 2020, from http://www.europeanpublichealth.com/governance/who-europe/health-2020/
Hevey, D., Wilson O’Raghallaigh, J., O’Doherty, V., & Lonergan, K. (2018). Pre-post effectiveness evaluation of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) participation on health, well-being and health service utilization. Chronic Illness, 16(2), 146–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742395318792063
Jennings, D. R., Paul, K., Little, M. M., Olson, D., & Johnson-Jennings, M. D. (2020). Identifying Perspectives About Health to Orient Obesity Intervention Among Urban, Transitionally Housed Indigenous Children. Qualitative Health Research, 30(6), 894-905. doi:10.1177/1049732319900164
Kim, J., Han, A., Hodges, J. S., & Kim, M. (2020). Contribution of Leisure Activities to Health Perception, Life Satisfaction, and Self-Esteem among Korean Individuals with Visual Impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 114(2), 152-164. doi:10.1177/0145482x20906642
Murdaugh, C. L., Parsons, M. A., & Pender, N. J. (2015). Health promotion in nursing practice (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
POST # 2 from Okeke
Health has many various and sometimes complex definitions. I define health as the overall physical, emotional, social well-being, and absence of chronic illness of an individual. Individuals that do not feel ill but have physical abnormalities might still believe themselves to be in good health. On the other hand, a person who does not feel well, yet has no physical changes may believe themselves to be unhealthy and in poor health. A person has to maintain overall well-being in all qualities of health in order to qualify as healthy per my definition.
According to WHO’s definition of health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being not merely the absence of disease and infirmity” (World Health Organization, 2005). My definition is similar to that of WHO’s definition of health besides the part about absence of disease.
As an APRN, it is important to promote health and prevent illnesses in the community as well as in individuals. Educating individuals about healthy lifestyles and consistent preventive screenings in schools, community gatherings, and individual medical appointments are necessary to prevent disease. Pender, Murdaugh & Parsons, (2015) believe multilevel interventions and strategies most likely to be effective, address health issues across all level’s individuals, families, schools, communities, worksites, and populations and incorporate personal, socioeconomic and environmental factors. As an APRN, it is critical to consider environmental and societal factors when practicing health promotion. The health of an overall community has a distinct impact on individuals. For example, African American children are disproportionately affected with a risk of dying from asthma that is 7.6 times higher than non‐Hispanic White children (DePriest, Butz, & Gross, 2018). Individuals, especially African American children who grow up, live in cities or nearby highways have increased exposure to pollution, and have higher rates of asthma compared to non-Hispanic whites living in suburbs. Racial disparities in asthma outcomes are linked to differential exposures to neighborhood conditions because segregation and economic disadvantages influence neighborhood residence. Exposures include unhealthy physical environments, such as air pollution, poor quality of housing stock, presence of pests in the home, and exposure to secondhand smoke, and unhealthy social environments, due to violence and stress (DePriest & Butz, 2017). References DePriest, K., & Butz, A. (2017). Neighborhood‐level factors related to asthma in children living in urban areas. Journal of School Nursing (Sage Publications Inc.), 33(1), 8– 17. https://doi-org.regiscollege.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/1059840516674054 Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.regiscollege.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=121136247&site=ehost-live&scope=site DePriest, K., Butz, A., & Gross, D. (2018). Investigating the relationships among neighborhood factors and asthma control in African American children: A study protocol. Research in Nursing & Health, 41(5), 428. Pender, N., Murdaugh, C., Parsons, M., (2015). Health Promotion and Nursing Practice (7th edition). Pearson Education. World Health Organization. (2005). Constitution of the World Health Organization (55th ed.). Suppl. Accessed at http://www.who.int/goverance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf
MY ORIGINAL POST
Health has been defined as the state of complete wellness physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, both internally and externally. One can be ailing, but without physical symptoms, another might not be necessarily ailing, but with a deformity that causes difficulties in taking part in their day to day activities (Jimenez and Thal, 2017). Therefore, I would define health as the state of having a good emotional and mental state, no deformity that causes difficulties, and free from diseases whether symptoms show or not. All of these aspects go hand in hand when determining the health state of an individual. However, it is almost impossible to find all these in an individual.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is the total physical, psychological, and social wellness and not just the nonexistence of disease and disability as explained in my definition above. WHO explains that health is about the overall well-being state of a person, which is determined by their social and economic environment, physical characteristics, and behavior (Karimi and Brazier 2016). The economic climate affects the mental and the physical health in that, a destitute or bankrupt individual cannot afford medical care hence illnesses may end up developing more complications, also affecting the mental well-being.
Most of the advance practice registered nurses are older and have a vast experience in patient care than the young new nurses. Therefore, APRNs should provide continuous training in the job to ensure that patients receive standard quality care. They should also engage in community development projects that are related to their field to create awareness on a vast number of health issues (Hanks, Starnes‐Ott and Stafford, 2018). For instance, APRNs with a midwife experience should assist young mothers in the community in cases of emergency or when needed. Also, having been on the job longer, they should help in giving recommendations to improve the healthcare services.
References
Hanks, R. G., Starnes‐Ott, K., & Stafford, L. (2018, January). Patient advocacy at the APRN level: a direction for the future. In Nursing forum (Vol. 53, No. 1, pp. 5-11). Retrieved from
Jimenez, R., &Thal, W. R. (2017). The Descriptive Reflections on the APRN Role in a Developing Nation: Reaching the Medically Underserved. Retrieved from
https://www.nursingrepository.org/handle/10755/623461
Karimi, M., & Brazier, J. (2016). Health, health-related quality of life, and quality of life: what is the difference?. Pharmacoeconomics, 34(7), 645-649. Retrieved from
