There is a wide spectrum of perspectives on the definition of both health and health promotion. I have determined that there is no “correct” way to describe these concepts, but multiple conceptualizations of each. An individual’s health status can be determined using a wide variety of factors, and there are several different methods of promoting health. This paper aims to identify the concepts that I believe define health and health promotion most accurately, based on my personal opinions and experiences.
In my opinion, health is all encompassing, meaning that it is not merely defined by the absence of disease, but rather it is a combination of factors that contribute to a sense of well-being. Doctor Margaret Newman’s wellness-illness continuum (2003) defines health on a spectrum, with wellness at one end and illness at the other. This concept is one-dimensional and views health negatively, such that if an individual isn’t well, they are ill (Hall, Perry, Potter & Stockert, 2014). Viewing health positively encompasses physical, psychological, social and environmental factors. From this perspective, an individual can be chronically ill, but still achieve wellness if they are living a meaningful life (Hall et al., 2014). To integrate all of these factors, the wellness-illness spectrum incorporates the concept of high level wellness. High level wellness involves an assessment of an individual’s ability to achieve wellness based on their environment, as well as their health
The concept of health promotion has emerged with the increasing realisation in society that our health is one of our most valuable personal assets, as well as an asset for society (Crafter, 1997). The Health Promotion Agency (2008) describes health promotion as a process enabling people to
Naidoo and Wills(2001, p.47) “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ - WHO (1946).” This definition falls into a holistic way of defining health, which believes that there are more areas to look at when thinking of health than just simply the absence of a disease. It considers the cause of why someone is ill and not just simply about ’fixing it’.
Discuss the effectiveness of a range of health promotion strategies in relation to young people (6 marks)
Health Promotion This is the process of allowing people to have more control over their health as this will help improve their health and well-being. It focuses on individual behaviour towards a wide range of social and interventions. Health promotion is how health is shown for example to challenge obesity change 4 life is used so people can have a guidance on how to make their lifestyle healthier. It also shows that health promotion is aimed at individuals whose health is at risk from any diseases from lifestyle factors, which lets individuals take control over their health. By being able to have control over their health it shows individuals what may have happened if nothing was done of it
Health Promotion is a fundamental practise in ensuring optimum population health. In this essay I will be discussing the ‘settings’ based approach (SBA) of Health Promotion (HP) as a process for achieving sustainable improvements in health outcomes. I will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the approach in relation to key movements which demonstrate the method in action.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health promotion as “The process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. It moves beyond a focus on individual behavior towards a wide range of social and environmental interventions.”
Definition of Health Promotion is increasing awareness, indentifying alternatives and influencing attitudes of the people, so that they can make an informed decision and change their behaviors to achieve an optimal level of mental, physical and social health. Health promotion is also defined as the process of empowering people to improve and take control of their health to optimize the quality of their lives. Ennis et al (2006) has explained health promotion as emotional, cognitive and behavioral endeavor to promote well being and health of the people. Davis (1995) expresses a deeper perspective in which preventive health science, social environment,
I consider health as a state of wellness. With this, I bear in mind that each person’s idea of wellness may differ from the next. For example, a diabetic may consider his diabetes being under control and healthy when his
Health promotion utilises theories and models to guide practice. A theory is the general principles of a framework of ideas in regards to a particular topic. (Merriam-webster.com, 2016) A model is a set plan of action based on theoretical ideas to achieve a set goal. (Merriam-webster.com, 2016)
I enjoyed reading your post this week. You brought up some excellent points regarding disease prevention and health promotion. I came from the world of cardiology and this chronic disease can be devastating; however, I do find it interesting how providers approach disease prevention and health promotion. It is certainly a collaborative effort and without ancillary health care members, providers would not be able to tackle this issue. In my years of practice as an APRN in cardiology, the disease state is already in place and by the time they are in the hands of a cardiologist much of the damage is done; however, our hopes is to prevent any further progression of the disease. Furthermore, I believe disease prevention and health promotion should begin
Health promotion and wellness are important factors in an individual’s ability to maintain health throughout life’s stressors. Increasing resilience, reducing risk and promoting general wellness are three main components of promoting health of an individual.
The World health Organisation says Health promotion is a method using an assortment of social and environmental interventions to support individuals in managing and improving their own health. (WHO, 2016).
According to Floyd, Mimms and Yelding (2008) Webster’s Dictionary defines health as “the condition of being sound in body, mind and spirit… freedom from physical disease or pain.” This definition has very much taken the holistic view. Wellbeing is a term in which reflects on the positive emphasis on health and can be broken down into six aspects know as environmental, physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual. To achieve a high balance of wellbeing it is vital that a person is able to balance and take care of each aspect effectively. Underdown (2007) implies that in 1948 the World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.’ This definition took a holistic view as it mentions mental and social wellbeing and it was supported as it focused on a person being healthy rather than not being ill. However, this definition has been widely criticized. Seedhouse (1986) believed that for someone to be in perfect state of health is unachievable and unrealistic.
The World Health Organisation - WHO (2015) defines Health Promotion as fundamental discipline in disease prevention through social /environmental intervention, health education and behaviour change towards health. This description coincides with Dahlgren and Whitehead’s Social Determinants of Health (1992) where the individual’s health is not only limited to medical factors but it is largely influenced by lifestyle – rooting from its social factors from familial, societal to national level. In this regard, the vital role of the nurse as a health promotion practitioner is to uphold individual’s autonomy by increasing their knowledge about how the body functions to prevent diseases and making them aware of how the healthcare
”Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." (WHO, 1948) Wellness