Gc Discussion 1 -Discuss how the concept of “health” has changed overtime
topic: Discuss how the concept of “health” has changed overtime. Discuss how the concept has evolved to include wellness, illness, and overall well-being. How has health promotion changed over time? Why is it important that nurses implement health promotion interventions based on evidence-based practice?
example 1 (Erin)
The concept of health has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in society, culture, science, and medicine. In the early 19th century, infectious diseases were widespread and challenging to contain primarily because of the lack of proper sanitation methods, including insufficient drinking water disinfection and improper removal of human waste. During this time, health was viewed in basic terms as disease-free (Falkner, 2022). In the past, health was often defined narrowly regarding the absence of disease. However, the modern understanding of health is more holistic, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. There has been a growing recognition of the importance of preventive care in maintaining health. This includes strategies such as vaccinations, screenings, healthy lifestyle promotion, and early intervention. There is a growing recognition that factors such as income, education, housing, and access to healthcare significantly impact health outcomes. This has led to a greater emphasis on addressing social determinants of health to improve overall health and reduce health disparities.
Within the last three decades, though, there has been increased awareness of the importance of developing holistic and coordinated approaches for enhancing well-being (Squires and London, 2021, pg. 100). Health promotion has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in our understanding of health and the factors that influence it. In the past, health promotion efforts often focused on changing individual behaviors. However, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of addressing the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health at the population level. There has been an increasing emphasis on using evidence-based practices in health promotion, drawing on research and data to inform decision-making and program development. Technology has also played an increasingly important role in health promotion, using digital tools, mobile apps, and social media to reach and engage individuals in health promotion efforts.
Nurses must implement health promotion interventions based on evidence-based practice for several reasons: effectiveness, safety, efficiency, patient-centered care, and continual improvement. This is essential for ensuring nurses provide high-quality, safe, and effective care tailored to individuals’ needs and preferences.
Falkner, A. (2022). Health Promotion: Health and Wellness Across the Continuum (2nd ed.). Grand Canyon University
Squires, V., & London, C. (2021). The Okanagan Charter: Evolution of Health Promotion in Canadian Higher Education. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 51(3), 100–114.
Example 2 (Renet)
The concept of “health” has undergone significant evolution over time, shifting from a narrow focus on the absence of disease to a broader, more holistic understanding that includes physical, mental, and social well-being. Historically, health was perceived primarily as the absence of illness or injury, with medical interventions focused on treating specific ailments. Over time, this perspective expanded to encompass a more comprehensive view that not only addresses illness but also emphasizes wellness and overall well-being. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the complex interplay between various factors that influence health, including lifestyle choices, environmental conditions, and social determinants (Salmon, 2022). The evolution of the health concept has led to the inclusion of wellness and well-being, emphasizing the importance of preventive care, healthy lifestyles, and mental health. Wellness refers to the proactive pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. It encompasses the idea that individuals can take deliberate actions to improve their health and well-being, beyond simply avoiding sickness. This broader understanding of health recognizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being, social connectedness, and physical fitness as integral components of overall health.
Health promotion has changed over time to reflect this comprehensive view of health. It has shifted from focusing solely on disease prevention to encouraging positive health behaviors and creating healthy environments. Health promotion now includes a wide range of activities aimed at improving the well-being of individuals and communities, such as public health campaigns, community development initiatives, and policies to reduce health disparities. The importance of implementing health promotion interventions based on evidence-based practice cannot be overstated. Nurses play a crucial role in health promotion, and their actions need to be informed by the best available evidence to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of health interventions (Edelman & Kudzma, 2021). Evidence-based practice in health promotion enables nurses to use research findings to guide their strategies, ensuring that interventions are grounded in scientific evidence and have been proven to improve health outcomes. This approach enhances the quality of care, contributes to better patient outcomes, and ensures that resources are used effectively in promoting health and preventing illness. The reliance on evidence-based practice in health promotion reflects a commitment to professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement in healthcare.
References
Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C. (2021). Health promotion throughout the life span-e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=znJAEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1
Salmon, J. W. (2022). Defining health and reorganizing medicine. Alternative medicines, 252-288. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003294900-10/defining-health-reorganizing-medicine-warren-salmon
Example 3 (Melinda)
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) from 1948, the definition of health is defined as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” A health history of no co-morbidities in today’s society seems exceptionally unfathomable. In terms of past understanding of health, more people may have been considered “unhealthy” had medical resources been available then. Health has now began to include how individuals are including healthy habits into their lifestyle, are they often coming down with a sickness? Do they recover quickly? Health also includes how is the individual functioning while performing their daily habits and do they feel good. Health promotion has changed over time as now it does not just focus individually. It’s a promotion of doing good for the whole community. “The practical implementation of health promotion will improve the performance of health systems and strengthen their capacity to improve population health and reduce health inequities, both of which are key to realization of achieving health for all” (Barry M. M. (2021). I think this statement speaks volumes as it states very clearly, the broader we focus on doing good for the majority, the better we can be for our community and help more achieve optimal health. Implementing health promotion off of evidence-based practice allows nurses to provide their patient’s and community members with most up to date information, allowing for over-all well being.
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