1: Introduction to Health
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In this section, readers will learn about the nature of health, health education, health promotion and related concepts. This will help to understand the social, psychological and physical components of health.
- 1.1: Levels of Disease Prevention
- This page discusses three types of health prevention: Primary prevention prevents disease through legislation and immunization; Secondary prevention emphasizes early detection and treatment to halt progression and promote recovery; Tertiary prevention aids individuals in managing chronic conditions to improve quality of life through rehabilitation and support.
- 1.2: Behavior Change and Goal Setting
- This page outlines the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change, which consists of five stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance. Individuals reflect on their readiness and face obstacles while progressing through these stages. Relapses can occur, especially with addictive behaviors, necessitating continuous support for lasting changes. Encouragement and resources are crucial in assisting individuals throughout their journey.
- 1.3: SMART Goal Setting
- This page discusses the SMART framework for setting effective goals, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-oriented. It stresses the importance of clear, focused, and trackable goals, such as specific hydration or exercise targets, that align with one's capabilities and routine. Establishing deadlines for these goals is emphasized to boost motivation and facilitate progress assessment.
- 1.4: Definition and Concepts of Health
- This page discusses the definition of health, noting that while the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as the absence of sickness or disease, the concept is more complex. Health is influenced by individual perceptions, religious beliefs, cultural values, norms, and social class. It highlights two perspectives on health: a narrow focus on physical condition and a broader view that includes various factors affecting overall well-being.
- 1.5: Narrow Perspectives of Health
- This page critiques the narrow definition of health that equates it only with the absence of disease, overlooking social, emotional, and psychological elements. It suggests that this view reduces health to physical functioning, similar to a mechanical system needing maintenance, which leads physicians to favor medication over education aimed at promoting behavioral changes.
- 1.6: Broader Perspectives of Health
- This page discusses the World Health Organization's definition of health as complete well-being, which includes physical, mental, and social aspects. It highlights the importance of positive emotions and life satisfaction in promoting overall health benefits, such as reduced disease risk and increased productivity. The concept of wellness connects mental and physical health, advocating for healthy choices that can improve both.
- 1.7: The Six Dimensions of Health
- This page discusses the Six Dimensions of Health: Physical, Social, Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual, and Environmental. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these dimensions to promote wellness and develop healthy habits that enhance both physical and mental health.
- 1.8: Life Expectancy at Birth
- This page discusses life expectancy as a crucial health indicator influenced by demographic factors like socioeconomic status and healthcare access. U.S. life expectancy increased from 1975 to 2015, with males rising from 68.8 to 76.3 years and females from 76.6 to 81.2 years. It highlights persistent racial disparities, with white individuals generally living longer than black individuals, though the gaps are closing.
- 1.9: Leading Causes of Death
- This page discusses the leading causes of death from 1975 to 2015, highlighting that heart disease and cancer were consistently the top two. While stroke, unintentional injuries, and influenza/pneumonia were part of the top five in 1975, by 2015, chronic lower respiratory diseases replaced influenza/pneumonia, alongside the other causes.
- 1.10: About Determinants of Health
- This page outlines the various determinants of health, including biological, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors, affecting individual and population health. It highlights Healthy People 2020's objectives to enhance health relationships and disease prevention. Key determinants involve policymaking, social environments, access to health services, and individual behaviors.
- 1.11: Health Disparities
- This page addresses U.S. health disparities influenced by factors like sex, age, disability, and socioeconomic status, beyond just race and ethnicity. It highlights Healthy People initiatives aiming for health equity, which means equal health attainment for all. Key health determinants include education, nutrition, housing, transportation, and healthcare access. Healthy People 2020 will monitor these disparities using demographic data to enhance health outcomes for various populations.
- 1.12: Risk Factors and Levels of Disease Prevention
- This page discusses risk factors for disease development, categorizing them into uncontrollable (like family history) and controllable (like diet and exercise). It highlights that about 35% of early deaths in the U.S. could be prevented through behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking. Individuals with a family history of chronic diseases can particularly benefit from lifestyle modifications and regular screenings to enhance long-term health outcomes.
Thuimbnail: Health is a critical aspect of human life. (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic;Tulane Public Relations).
References
Behavior Change and Goal Setting https://courses.lumenlearning.com/su...se-prevention/ CC BY SA
Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus16.pdf%23019 CC BY SA
Contemporary Health Issues hlth21fall2012.wikispaces.com/home CC BY SA
Healthy People https://www.healthypeople.gov CC BY SA
Transtheoretical Model https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Transtheoretical_model CC BY SA