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Essay- [“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”]

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3

Background......................................................................................................................................4

Main Section....................................................................................................................................4

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10

References......................................................................................................................................12

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

Introduction

Health promotion aims and goals of health promotion is to empower people to take better

care of themselves and live healthier lives. People’s life expectancy has risen as a result of public

health initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of disease and improving people’s access to

care. The state of the public’s health is a function of a number of interrelated social factors, and it

is imperative that effective measures be taken to address all of these issues. This study will

examine the individual’s physical, mental & social well-being. Additionally, it will feature a few

different types of eating disorders and the role that nutrition plays in both preventing and

managing these problems based on scientific data. Health departments play a pivotal role when it

comes to public health and the coordination of various stakeholders’ activities, health

departments play a pivotal role (Hone., et al., 2018). Public health enablers, such as nurses, help

ensure the effective delivery of services, which fall under the overarching categories of

protecting individuals, preventing disease, and promoting health.

A primary concentration for nurses is placed on health promotion and the social factors

that have an effect on it. In addition to providing care for patients, it is also their job to forestall

any potential threats to the public's health. The health of a population can be improved in a

number of ways, including through screenings, vaccinations, and education. In the year 2020, for

example, public health nurses have been at the forefront of the crisis in response to the COVID-

19 pandemic. They have been working around the clock. These individuals' contributions to

halting the spread of the virus have, for the most part, gone unacknowledged despite their

importance. Because it increases people's access to high-quality medical treatment, nursing is a

respectable profession that should be encouraged (Reitz and Scaffa., 2020). The evaluation of

vulnerable populations and the determination of the most effective way to provide care for those

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populations through population-based nursing interventions call for a solid understanding of

nursing.

Background

Health is defined by the “World Health Organization's” constitution, which has been in

effect since 1948 as, "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely

the absence of disease and infirmity" (WHO, 2022). Health care for all is a necessity for long-

term prosperity, and that's exactly what WHO's job is to guarantee. Profiles of the health of a

population are one type of measurement used to foster better health in a neighbourhood. This

health indicator takes into account a person's demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related

factors. Factors that pose a threat to health are identified, and the effectiveness of current

healthcare systems is evaluated.

Main Section

Health promotion aims and goals of health promotion are to empower people to take

better care of themselves and live healthier lives. People’s life expectancy has risen as a result of

public health initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of disease and improving people’s

access to care. The state of the public’s health is a function of a number of interrelated social

factors, and it is imperative that effective measures be taken to address all of these issues. This

study will examine the individual’s demographic information, personal traits, potential health

hazards, and the results of public health policies on the individual’s physical, mental, & social

well-being. Additionally, it will feature a few different types of eating disorders as well as the

role that nutrition plays in both preventing and managing these problems based on scientific data

(Sentell,et al., 2020). Health departments play a pivotal role when it comes to public health and

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

the coordination of various stakeholders activities it comes to public health and the coordination

of various stakeholders' activities, health authorities play a pivotal role. Public health enablers,

such as nurses, help ensure the effective delivery of services, which fall under the overarching

categories of protecting individuals, preventing disease, and promoting health.

Health promotion is a primary focus for nurses, and they work hard to achieve this goal

by focusing on patients' health behaviour and the social factors that influence it. In addition to

treating patients, they also are responsible for averting potential health crises. Screening,

immunisation, and education are all ways to boost a population's health. In 2020, for instance,

public health nurses have been on the front lines of the crisis in response to the COVID-19

pandemic (Campion, et al ., 2020). These individuals have been largely unrecognised for their

contributions to stopping the virus from spreading. Nursing is a noble profession since it expands

people's access to high-quality medical treatment. Learning about nursing is crucial for

evaluating vulnerable populations and determining how best to provide care for them through

population-based nursing interventions.

Harry's body clearly doesn't hold him back from doing things like playing sports. But he

can easily get down on one knee and bend over. Medical problems and advancing age affect the

range of possible ADLs. Back discomfort, arthritis, and trauma are the three most prevalent

medical problems that restrict ADL. The number of people reporting difficulties with ADLs in

Europe rises in tandem with the average age of the population, according to a study published in

the “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.” As a result, members

of racial and ethnic minorities have a disproportionately high degree of difficulty doing basic life

tasks. The person may be hampered because of a health condition that poses a threat to their

wellbeing. In addition to warding off disease, proper nutrition can also speed up a person's

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

recovery time. The presented information on Harry's lifestyle, in especially his diet, reveals an

increased consumption of sugary snacks like cakes, sugary beverages, and energy drinks at the

expense of fruits and vegetables, which may enhance his future risk of diabetes. Harry's diet high

in processed foods puts him in danger of cancer and heart disease. As an added bonus, Harry

doesn't eat fish, which is widely recognised as a "superfood" because of the abundance of

beneficial nutrients it delivers, including the minerals iron and zinc, as well as the amino acids

and omega-3 fatty acids. Less than half the time, Harry said, he opts for lower-fibre bread. On

top of that, he drinks whole milk, which is a great way to get calcium and protein.

Harry's own reports & answers suggest that, despite the fact that he occasionally

experiences feelings of confidence, he suffers from a low level of self-esteem. It's possible that

this is why he has such a hard time connecting with people his own age. People who have a

healthy feeling of their own worth are more open to the warmth and support of those who are in

their immediate environment. Those who struggle with low self-esteem, on the other hand, have

the misconception that they are not deserving of receiving positive feedback (Guasch-Ferré, et

al., 2019). They have a tendency to take a pessimistic outlook on life, and as a result, they have

less faith in the future. Young adults may have poor self-esteem and depression as a result of the

demands of modern living, which might include social media, problems within the family, and

bullying. Teenagers have a particularly difficult time discussing the pressure they feel from their

peers and from society. For example, Harry kept a journal in which he detailed the ways in

which his mental illness affected his relationships with his family and friends.

Stronger social bonds and other beneficial results are indicators of healthy self-esteem.

However, because of heightened fear & lack of confidence, low self-esteem disrupts

communication in social relationships. According to research by Dr Bernadka Dubicka, which

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was highlighted in a BBC piece, more young people today experience mental health issues than

did so in the 1990s (BBC News. 2022). She observes that because young people are so

preoccupied with their appearance, this contributes to rising rates of sadness. Harry's social well-

being is hampered by his anxiety disorders. He notes in the survey that he feels self-conscious

regarding his weight, which may influence his interactions with others.

There are many threats in this world, thus maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for

dealing with these challenges. A novel virus-like COVID-19 is a good illustration of a potential

threat to public health. Keeping in mind that our mental health is directly connected to our

physical health is crucial (Campion, et al ., 2020). How poeple feel is influenced by their

physical well-being, which in turn is determined by our level of physical activity and the foods

they eat. Feel-good endorphins are released during physical activity, which improves mood.

Harry's mental health can benefit greatly from some relatively minor adjustments to his daily

routine. Start with easy physical exercises that he already enjoys, such as walking, cycling, and

stair climbing. Harry's happiness and state of mind can be greatly improved by adopting a

healthier eating pattern. Emotional well-being may be influenced by eating healthily, as has been

demonstrated by research. This is because probiotics found in healthy diets have been shown to

stimulate communication between the digestive system and the brain. People who eat more as

the Japanese do (a traditional diet) have a lower depression rate than those who eat more like the

standard Western diet .

Vegetables, fruits, fish, and seafood, as well as a whole, unprocessed meals, make up a

large portion of the traditional diet. There is a lack of dairy products and lean meats. Sugary food

products, which are common in "Western" diets, are also avoided. The rising trend of eating

processed and red meats that are altered for better flavour and longer shelf life is harmful to the

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environment and human health. The consumption of poultry and seafood is associated with a

lower risk of developing chronic diseases. Substituting legumes and nuts for red and processed

meats is another option for a healthy diet (Hone, et al., 2018). A person's taste in food can be

used to help create a diet that is both healthy and satisfying. These preferences are not healthy,

however, and should be ignored by dietary rules. Few people are willing to make potentially life-

saving modifications to their diet. In its Eatwell handbook, the British Nutritional Foundation

provides advice on how to eat healthily. Harry needs to make some modifications to his diet,

moving toward a more "clean" eating plan. A lower risk of developing chronic diseases like

diabetes, heart disease, as well as cancer is associated with diets that include enough of fruits and

vegetables. A trained nutritionist is the best person to provide a balanced diet designed to protect

against these diseases and strengthen the immune system. He might feel more energised if he ate

a "clean" diet. Keeping a health log could be an additional motivating factor in his entire dietary

overhaul.

In terms of mental health, the “National Health Service” (NHS) recommends practising

mindfulness to alleviate symptoms of stress, despair, and anxiety (Simmonds-Buckley, et al.,

2020). To practise mindfulness, one must train themselves to pay close attention to their internal

mental and emotional states in the present. By bridging the gap between regrets of the past and

fears of the future, meditation has proven to be an excellent tool for training people to live in the

here and now. With the use of mindfulness, Harry would be better able to recognise the first

signals of anxiety and take action to alleviate them, allowing him to take in and appreciate his

surroundings and boost his overall mental health. A professional or school counsellor would be

available to Harry so that he could get assistance with his problems and make progress reports.

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His ability to express himself, his sense of self-worth, and his emotional well-being would all

benefit greatly from talking to a counsellor.

The collective course of action, laws, as well as mandates issued by a government in

response to the wants and needs of its citizens, is known as "public policy." Authorities have

established regulations in the medical field that specify how doctors and hospitals must treat their

patients (Guglielmin, et al, 2018). Access to care, medical practice and reimbursement for

medical goods and services were all affected by policy decisions. Ottawa, Canada, hosted the

“World Health Organization's” (WHO) first international meeting on health promotion in 1986,

where the Ottowa Charter was drafted. The “World Health Organization” (WHO) plus national

governments have been holding conferences since 1986 to discuss the most pressing health

issues on a global, regional, and national scale, and to formulate plans for addressing them. The

meeting was a turning point in how society approaches health since it pinpointed crucial

strategies and action areas. Creating healthy public policies that aid in the health of communities

and individuals alike is the first area of focus. The second area for intervention is the design of

hospitable surroundings, such as residential and urban areas (Sentell,et al., 2020). One of the

most important ways in which the environment influences people's decisions to live healthier

lifestyles is through the design of their constructed and natural spaces. Aiding HIV/AIDS

advocacy groups is an example of the third area of action that has to be bolstered.

Reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors, such as increasing health services

for minorities, are examples of the fourth action area for addressing the health-related social

determinants. Last but not least, people can take steps to improve our own capabilities by

learning more about disease management and lifestyle disease prevention. The public health

sector as a whole has made great strides in health promotion over the years, and this has helped

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guarantee that people like Harry receive the help he needs for his mental health. The policy

process consists of identifying a need or problem, creating a policy to meet it, putting that policy

into action, and then evaluating its effectiveness (Guglielmin, et al, 2018). Public health policy is

shaped and implemented with help from a network of influential individuals and organisations.

The government, media, lawmakers, non-governmental organisations, and medical services all

fall into this category. Policymakers can come up with policies, but they need to work with other

players both inside and outside of government to do so effectively. Public smoking in England

has been banned by a coalition of state and local agencies led by the Department of Health.

The goal of public health policy is to improve the health of the population as a whole and

to eliminate health disparities that exist between different groups. In the United Kingdom,

tobacco control strategies like those implemented by the government rely on free will and the

influence of marketing. Governments are also influential in setting norms and standards around

food and nutrition. Programs that address dietary-related disorders including obesity and diabetes

are given serious consideration. The health of a population can be affected by factors such as

socioeconomic level and race (Reitz and Scaffa., 2020). One way to determine what kind of

nutrition and food services a population requires is to look at their health profiles. Harry's family

is economically unstable, which may have an impact on his emotional, physical, and social

development. Hounslow, where Harry resides, is one of the most dangerous parts of London.

Plans for infrastructure & health access are crucial to fostering a healthy community through

funding partnerships and grants.

Conclusion

After going through Harry's responses to the questionnaire, it is abundantly evident that

the facts he has provided will be of use in determining the risks to his health that may be present.

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

The core of illness health promotion and prevention is individual behaviour change, namely the

development of healthy behaviours. The health profiles of a population are beneficial because

they highlight both the disparities and the commonalities in the overall health state of its

individuals. The data that was collected has the potential to also influence health promotion

activities, such as those that are focused at growing recognition of mental health issues.

However, in spite of these advantages, health profiles have the potential for a disadvantage,

which is that the individual may provide inaccurate information, which may have an effect on the

study.

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

References

BBC News. 2022. Camhs deaths expose child mental health unit pressures.

Campion, J., Javed, A., Sartorius, N. and Marmot, M., 2020. Addressing the public mental health

challenge of COVID-19. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(8), pp.657-659.

Guasch-Ferré, M., Satija, A., Blondin, S.A., Janiszewski, M., Emlen, E., O’Connor, L.E.,

Campbell, W.W., Hu, F.B., Willett, W.C. and Stampfer, M.J., 2019. Meta-analysis of

randomized controlled trials of red meat consumption in comparison with various

comparison diets on cardiovascular risk factors. Circulation, 139(15), pp.1828-1845.

Guglielmin, M., Muntaner, C., O’Campo, P. and Shankardass, K., 2018. A scoping review of the

implementation of health in all policies at the local level. Health policy, 122(3), pp.284-

292.

Hone, T., Macinko, J. and Millett, C., 2018. Revisiting Alma-Ata: what is the role of primary

health care in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?. The Lancet, 392(10156),

pp.1461-1472.

Reitz, S.M. and Scaffa, M.E., 2020. Occupational Therapy in the Promotion of Health and Well-

Being. AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(3), pp.7403420010-14.

Sentell, T., Vamos, S. and Okan, O., 2020. Interdisciplinary perspectives on health literacy

research around the world: more important than ever in a time of COVID-

19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(9), p.3010.

Simmonds-Buckley, M., Bennion, M.R., Kellett, S., Millings, A., Hardy, G.E. and Moore, R.K.,

2020. Acceptability and effectiveness of NHS-recommended e-Therapies for depression,

anxiety, and stress: meta-analysis. Journal of medical Internet research, 22(10),

p.e17049.

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“Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health”

Who.int. 2022. Constitution of the World Health Organization.

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