Ch. 3: Health, Wellness, and Health Disparities

Health

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

Morbidity

how frequently a disease occurs

Mortaility

the number of deaths resulting from a disease

Wellness

often used interchangeably with health is the active state of being healthy, including living a lifestyle that promotes good physical, mental, and emotional health

Acute Illness

rapid onset of symptoms and lasts only a relatively short time

• specific treatment or medication returns the patient to normal functioning

Chronic Illness

slow onset, sometimes with periods of remission and exacerbation

• permanent change or is caused by irreversible alterations in normal state; requires long periods of support

Stages of Illness

1. experiencing symptoms

2. assuming the sick role

3. assuming a dependent role

4. achieving recovery and rehabilitation

Health Equity

attainment of the highest level of health for all people

Health Disparity

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

Diversity

welcoming individuals of different race, religion, nationality, culture, age, sexual orientation, and identity

Inclusion

giving everyone a sense of purpose and belonging

Equity

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

Vulnerable Populations

groups and communities at a higher risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health

Basic Human Needs

essentials that must be met for emotional and physiologic health and survival

Self-Concept

how a person feels about themselves (self-esteem), and the way they perceive their physical self (body image)

Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

• primary

• secondary

• tertiary

Primary

directed toward promoting health and preventing the development of disease processes or injury

Secondary

focus on screening for early detection of disease with prompt disgnosis and treatment for any found

Tertiary

begins after an illness is diagnosed and treated, with the goal of reducing disability and helping rehabilitate patients to a maximum level of functioning

Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

• the health belief model

• the health promotion model

• the health illness continuum

• the agent host environment model

• stages of change model

Nursing Care to Promote Health and Prevent Illness

• teaching/education

• health assessments

• role modeling

• self-care

• more efficient practice