Nurses Promoting Mental Health
Promoting Mental Health
Introduction
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” and that the “enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” (World Health Organization. 2006) As nurses, health and health promotion are fundamental to the job. Nurses have a responsibility to participate in the advancement of health promotion by teaching acutely ill patients how to manage illness and teaching healthy people how to remain healthy. Nurses must have an evidence-based understanding of the significant effect that can be made through health promotion interventions and communicate this understanding to the public. As people become more aware of measures needed to maintain to good health, and become knowledgeable about their own health status and the health of their families, the overall health of the population will improve.
Health and Health Promotion
As health is a state of well being, health promotion is the best way to attain, and maintain good health. Nurses can educate patients about diet, exercise, stress, and safety. We assess patients on an individual basis for readiness to learn, current knowledge, and how our patients like to learn. Identifying barriers to change and helping our patients eliminate said barriers is also of utmost importance. In a community setting, nurses can encourage clean environments, be an active voice in politics aimed towards shaping the health of our community, and act as a role model and resource. Nurses play a pivotal role in shaping the health of our society. (American Heart Association, 2006)
As a telephonic case manager for an insurance company, my job is to do a comprehensive health assessment, and provide ongoing support and education
Introduction
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” and that the “enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” (World Health Organization. 2006) As nurses, health and health promotion are fundamental to the job. Nurses have a responsibility to participate in the advancement of health promotion by teaching acutely ill patients how to manage illness and teaching healthy people how to remain healthy. Nurses must have an evidence-based understanding of the significant effect that can be made through health promotion interventions and communicate this understanding to the public. As people become more aware of measures needed to maintain to good health, and become knowledgeable about their own health status and the health of their families, the overall health of the population will improve.
Health and Health Promotion
As health is a state of well being, health promotion is the best way to attain, and maintain good health. Nurses can educate patients about diet, exercise, stress, and safety. We assess patients on an individual basis for readiness to learn, current knowledge, and how our patients like to learn. Identifying barriers to change and helping our patients eliminate said barriers is also of utmost importance. In a community setting, nurses can encourage clean environments, be an active voice in politics aimed towards shaping the health of our community, and act as a role model and resource. Nurses play a pivotal role in shaping the health of our society. (American Heart Association, 2006)
As a telephonic case manager for an insurance company, my job is to do a comprehensive health assessment, and provide ongoing support and education
Bibliography: American Diabetes Association. How to Prevent or Delay Diabetes. Retrieved November 20, 2007, from American Diabetes Association: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-prevention/how-to-prevent-diabetes.jsp American Heart Association. (2006). Go Red For Women. Retrieved November 22, 2007, from American Heart Association: http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.html Downie, R., Tannahill, C., & Tannahill, A. (1997). Health Promotion: Models and Values (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Retrieved November 6, 2007 from http://www.palau-health.net/ahec/PH734/Session1/modsval.pdf Pender, N., Murdaugh, C., & Parsons, M. (2006). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Rogers, R. (n.d.). Benefits of a High Fiber Diet. Retrieved November 24, 2007, from Articles Archive: http://health.articlesarchive.net/benefits-of-a-high-fiber-diet.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2000, November). Healthy People 2010: Understanding and Improving Health. 2nd. Washington, DC, U.S.: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved November 2, 2007 from http://www.healthypeople.gov/Document/pdf/uih/2010uih.pdf WHO definition of Health. Retrieved May 20, 2008 from http://www.searo.who.int/EN/Section898/Section1441.htm )