Health, Ill-Health and Wellness Definitions

HBCA - FUNDAMENTALS

5. HEALTH, ILL-HEALTH AND WELLNESS

KT0101: Explain the generally accepted definitions of health, ill-health and wellness
5.1 The Concept of Health
  • There is no universally agreed definition of "health."
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as:
    • A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
    • Not merely the absence of disease or illness.
Dimensions of Health
  1. Physical Health
    • Involves taking care of the body through healthy habits:
      • Eating nutritious food.
      • Getting adequate exercise.
  2. Emotional Health
    • Involves self-care by:
      • Avoiding stress.
      • Obtaining enough relaxation.
  3. Social Health
    • Involves developing healthy relationships with others, contributing to community welfare.
  4. Spiritual Health
    • Pertains to personal growth and a stronger connection between mind and body.
  5. Mental Health
    • Utilizes resources to expand knowledge, creativity, and mental stimulation.
  • Physical health is highlighted as the most vital dimension of health.
  • Key areas to maintain physical health include:
    • Regular physical activity to enhance strength, flexibility, and fitness.
    • Consuming nutritious food and ensuring proper hydration and digestion.
    • Avoiding alcohol and drugs.
    • Seeking medical care for injuries or illnesses when necessary.
    • Ensuring adequate rest, relaxation, and quality sleep.
5.2 Understanding Disease
5.2.1 What is a Disease?

  • A disease is defined as an illness or sickness of the body or mind characterized by:

    • Occurrence in a specific part of the body.
    • Having a specific cause and symptoms.
    • The affected body part does not function properly.

  • Types of diseases:

    1. Acute Disease
    • Sudden onset; severe but short-term (e.g., flu).
    1. Chronic Disease
    • Long-lasting (e.g., diabetes mellitus).

  • Variability in illness severity:

    • Disease may show no symptoms yet can be serious or debilitating.
    • Treatments can cure certain diseases (e.g., operations for heart conditions), while others may be managed (e.g., diabetes with medication).

  • Notable Examples:

    • Cancer and HIV/AIDS have become treatable conditions, with patients remaining healthy under treatment such as Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).
5.2.1.1 Impact of Illness
  • Changes experienced by individuals due to illness can include:
    1. Loss of Independence
    • Inability to perform daily tasks independently, requiring help for basic activities.
    1. Self-Concept and Body Image Changes
    • Illness may affect how individuals perceive and feel about themselves, leading to frustration and anger due to their weakened state.
    1. Lifestyle Changes in Family
    • Illness of a family member (e.g., breadwinner) can critically alter family dynamics and financial stability.
    1. Seriousness and Length of Illness
    • Chronic illness alters life significantly; recovery may require extensive changes (e.g., stroke survivors may struggle with speech or mobility).
5.3 Types of Diseases
  • Diseases can be categorized into two main types:
    1. Non-Communicable Diseases
    • Diseases that are not infectious and do not spread from person to person. The causes include:
      • Injury
      • Malnutrition
      • Genetic defects
    • Examples include asthma and diabetes.
    1. Communicable Diseases
    • Not discussed in this section.
5.3.1 Non-Communicable Diseases
  • Common non-communicable diseases include:
    1. Diabetes Mellitus
    2. Stroke
    3. Cancer
5.3.1.1 Diabetes Mellitus

  • Definition:

    • A condition arising from the pancreas's inability to secrete insulin or the body’s inability to respond to insulin, leading to poor blood sugar control.

  • Consequences of diabetes:

    • Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar, often due to excess insulin or inadequate food.
    • Hyperglycaemia: High blood sugar, typically from insufficient insulin, can lead to diabetic coma.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia:

  • Shaking
  • Hunger
  • Headache
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Impaired vision
  • Weakness/Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Unconsciousness.

Basic Care for Hypoglycaemia:

  1. Administer fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., sugary drinks) if conscious.
  2. If stable, provide more substantial food (e.g., fruits, sandwiches).
  3. Advise physician consultation even if recovered.
  4. In case of unconsciousness, assess vital signs and prepare for CPR.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycaemia:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Sleepiness
  • Dry skin
  • Hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Rapid pulse
  • Deep breathing
  • Acetone odour when exhaling
  • Unconsciousness.

Basic Care for Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Stay vigilant for hypo-/hyperglycaemia symptoms.
  • Maintain a supply of glucose snacks.
  • Ensure adherence to prescribed diets.
  • Keep records of patient intake/output.
  • Avoid unsanctioned snacks or drinks.
  • Provide specialized foot care.
  • Facilitate proper urine testing for glucose.
  • Registered Nurses perform blood-glucose testing and administer medication as prescribed.

Foot Care Guidelines for Diabetic Patients:

  1. Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and soap.
  2. Apply moisturizing lotion, avoiding the space between toes.
  3. Trim nails straight across and file edges.
  4. Dry feet thoroughly, focusing on areas between toes.
  5. Change socks daily and avoid wearing dirty or tight socks.
  6. Do not walk barefoot indoors or outdoors.
  7. Examine shoes daily for any foreign objects that may injure feet.
5.3.1.2 Stroke
  • Definition:
    • A condition characterized by brain damage caused by a lack of blood flow, either due to a clot or bleeding in the brain.
    • Often occurs in older adults and those with high blood pressure; urgent treatment is critical.

Warning Signs of a Stroke:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg, especially on one side.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking/understanding.
  • Sudden changes in vision (blurred sight).
  • Sudden difficulties in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance.

Stroke Recognition Actions (FAST):

  • Face: Ask the person to smile; check for droopiness.
  • Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms; watch for downward drifting.
  • Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase; listen for slurred speech.
  • Time: If any warning signs are present, seek emergency help immediately!
5.3.1.3 Cancer
  • Definition:
    • A group of diseases in which cells in the body become abnormal and exhibit uncontrolled growth.
    • Cancer can be life-threatening, but many forms are treatable.

Possible Causes of Cancer:

  • Lifestyle Factors:
    • Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor diet.
  • Environmental Factors:
    • Exposure to the sun and pollution.
  • Genetics:
    • Family history can affect risk levels.
  • Sometimes, the cause of cancer remains unknown.