Senior Capston Project - Essay Example

Senior Capstan Project Implementing a Health Education Program requires much planning and careful consideration of data available. Identifying a group on which to implement such a program entails incredible amount of research and an in depth understanding of the cross section of the group. Health Programs do not comprise only of diets and restriction. It is a program to enhance one’s lifestyle. Diet, exercise, routine regimen, mental health, stress management and much more all comprise a complete Health Education Program.

Specific Factors that may influence learning in the selected group for health education programs – Health Education Programs are most required at work sites. There are certain specific factors which influence learning in this group. People at work sites are able minded working individuals, They are more responsible than any other member in the other groups. They are wage earners so their responsibility is that much more than school goers and people in any specific community. People at the work site can convey the effects of the health education program to the members of their family, be it school children or even members of the community.

This will begin a chain reaction – children who are taught by them will go to school and teach or at least influence other children and this will in turn benefit the entire community. Most importantly, if the health program can be successfully implemented health at work place will improve incredibly. This will result in optimum productivity in the entire industry. Of course there are some developmental considerations that need to be considered when planning the program. Age and body weight are two major considerations.

Health education program need to be planned according to the age of the group it is to be implemented on. Depending on the age of an individual health requirements and principles of health management would need to be altered. Health programs would also have to be implemented keeping in mind the average body weight of the group. The lifestyle of the individuals – whether they are sedentary workers or heavy workers, also needs to be taken into consideration. Before launching a Health Education Program it is very important to gauge the level of health literacy of the group upon which it is to be implemented.

One needs to know how much the group already knows. Does the group know the basic meanings of randomly used nutritional terms? Is the group aware of the importance of basic exercise? Does the group know the adverse effects of general atmospheric toxics? How literate is the group as far as the basic health definitions and concepts are concerned? If one has to start at the ground level then the Program must be planned accordingly so as not to confuse any member of the group The Setting of the Proposed Health Education/ Promotion Program- A worksite is often the ideal place for a Health Program to be implemented.

To implement such a program permission of the Management is required. Once the Management gives the permission, the necessary infrastructure in terms of place (venue) and attendance of the group is also guaranteed. In that case one doesn’t have to spend resources trying to gather people. Human beings spend more time in a workplace than at home or otherwise. Thus a Health Program is best implemented at work sites to ensure better health of workers. This would of course help the company directly.

The company’s management should be involved That would enable them to formulate or reformulate HR and administrative policies which will enhance the Health Education Program. Catering and food, atmosphere at work, operational policies, manufacturing hazards and remedies all need to be addressed during the Health Program. Postures while working, congenial working conditions, stress stimuli are all points to rectified if required. All this can only be done at the work site under the supervision of the management.

It is the Management which has the resources to successfully implement the entire effect of the Health Education/ Promotion Program. Assistance of Organizations, Groups Individuals – Government Organizations like the state run Health Care Programs and Non Government Organizations who work for Health Promotion would be of assistance in trying to implement a Health Program. Most universities also have Health and Family Education Programs. Department of Health and Human Services Public Service is one such organization.

There are several online Health Programs. One might seek assistance from them. One organization – Learn To Be Healthy.Org have games and interactive sessions for school children and educators, while Spark People have a special program on Employee Wellness. Incorporating Principles of Community Organizations – The Health Program has to be made interesting and receptive for the entire group. At the very outset Pamphlets and brochures need to be designed, printed and then distributed to communicate the need for the health education program not only to the Management but also to all those who will be participating in the program.

Verbal lectures will have to be more interactive and less of a monologue. Monologues can tend to be boring when dealing with a community. Verbal lectures need to be punctuated with audio visual presentations. Presentations should be as realistic as possible. Books, charts, power point presentations, slide shows should all be part of a very interesting audio visual presentation. One could intersperse the Health Program with interesting games to enhance the learning process. Physical demonstrations and movements would also break the monotony of a long presentation.

Health Planning Model – One of the most famous Health Planning Model is ‘The Art of Living’. The Art of Living is a multi faceted organization and works in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. This model is most appropriate in today’s day and age. It is a simple Health Program which emphasizes on proper breathing and simple meditation in order to deal with stress and thereby improve one’s own health. Proper Mental health is the most important contributory factor to the enhancement of a person’s overall health.

The Art of Living strengthens the individual by programs which eliminate stress. They inspire individuals to give back to their communities.