Taylor Ch. 3 Health, Wellness and Health Disparities

acute illness

has a rapid onset of symptoms and lasts only a relatively short time

chronic illness

Slow onset, long duration (≥6 months).

Often permanent, requires ongoing care.

Examples: diabetes, hypertension, arthritis.

disease

pathologic changes in the structure or function of the body or mind

diversity

welcoming individuals of all races, religions, nationalities, cultures, ages, sexual orientations, and identities

equity

ensuring that everyone has access to the conditions they need to thrive

health

a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

health disparity

particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage

health equity

the attainment of the highest level of health for all people

health promotion

the behavior of a person who is motivated by a personal desire to increase well-being and health potential

holistic health care

care that addresses the many dimensions that comprise the whole person - physical, intellectual, emotional, sociocultural, spiritual and environmental aspects

illness

Rapid onset, short duration.

Usually reversible.

Examples: flu, appendicitis.

inclusion

giving everyone a sense of purpose and belonging, a feeling of being valued

institutional or structural racism

the systematic distribution of resources, power, and opportunity in our society to the benefit of people who are White and to the exclusion of people of color

morbidity

how frequently a disease occurs

mortality

the number of deaths resulting from a disease

social determinants of health

Economic stability (income, employment)

Education (literacy, quality).

Health care access/quality.

Neighborhood/environment (housing, safety).

Social/community context (support, discrimination).

unconscious or implicit bias

prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group as compared to another, in a way that is usually considered unfair

vulnerable population

racial and ethnic minorities, those living in poverty, women, children, older adults, residents of rural areas and low-income areas of cities, and people with disabilities and special health care needs

wellness

an active state of being healthy, including living a lifestyle that promotes good physical, mental, and emotional health

dimensions of health

physical, emotional, intellectual, environmental, sociocultural, spiritual

Summarize the role of the nurse in promoting health, preventing illness, and addressing disparities in health care.

• Promote health – support wellness, encourage lifestyle changes.

• Prevent illness – immunizations, screenings, health teaching.

• Restore health – direct care, rehabilitation, collaboration.

• Facilitate coping – support for chronic illness, disability, or death.

• Address disparities – culturally competent care, advocacy, education, reducing barriers.

Explain the levels of preventive care.

Primary prevention – prevent disease before it occurs (immunizations, education, lifestyle).

Secondary prevention – early detection & treatment (screenings, BP checks, mammograms).

Tertiary prevention – reduce complications, promote adaptation (rehab, chronic disease management).