Building Blocks for Health Promotion - Term Paper Example

Health Promotion Report Introduction A healthy mind lives in healthy body. It is a proven fact that health is the most imperative part of our lives. One of the greatest indicators of health and well being in a particular community is depicted in terms of existence of healthy people. It is therefore imperative to emphasize concerns promoting health and well being. The assignment promotes “building blocks for health promotion” with an understanding of epidemiology and measures of population health of a particular community. The assignment evaluates and examines closely the health needs of a specific age group of individuals who are in the category of obese. Based on this evaluation a health promotion activity must be implemented for this population. This is promoted with the use of signage, posters, radio interview/announcement, health education (e.g. stall at the local show or shopping centre), structured change (e.g. health awareness classes), advocacy (e.g. providing support to implement change such as lobbying the local council to tackle the problem of risk taking behavior by teenage boys) and capacity building by encouraging the development of policy (e.g. media advertising to encourage men to engage in regular exercise) (Barnes and Row, 2008). Promotional strategies creating awareness about the health either at the local school, shopping centre, and community health centre must be implemented. Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery is an option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. The operation promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process to prevent the absorption of some calories and nutrients. Recent studies suggest that bariatric surgery may even have a favorable impact on mortality (death) rates in severely obese patients. The best results are achieved when bariatric surgery is followed with healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity. Awareness must be created in the population through the meetings and discussions and by making people participate openly without any hesitation and for this a congenial and concerning environment is essential (Buchwald, 2004). Educational strategies encompass the level of education of the community being addressed. This must be focused and kept under consideration to convey the message and make the message understood by the community. For this a role model must be organized to discuss the issues with the target group. Promotion of such issues can be performed with the help of media. To gather support to the strategy thorough campaigning with the Roads and Traffic Authority must be done. This not only provides funding but also expertise to assist with the activities and must be advocated in order to support the program. A health sector must be involved to encourage the development of the policies to provide a mandate for the community to follow and assure them for its safety. The documents must be submitted related with the evaluation of health promotion activities. It must emphasize the action plan to be implemented. All these activities require the process of information gathering, evaluation, influencing policy, public health law, advocacy, communication, leadership and management, partnerships and community mobilization (Barnes, 2008). Implementation of Health Promotional Strategies Promotional strategy: To encourage/ motivate the participants to take actions to enhance control over their own condition, to create awareness about obesity within this group. To communicate and inform the group about the promotion strategies. Educational strategy: to educate and provide opportunities to improve their health condition. To develop knowledge and build their self esteem to support parents and children to increase the awareness about obesity and to undergo bariatric surgery. Advocacy: this is a promotional offer and hence the author contacted the promotional officer, as well as the centre manager. The motive of these contacts was to seek recommendation, support, and information about dos’ and don’ts using the promotional sessions. Capacity building was also considered in this project, but since the centre was newly established so not much emphasis could be laid (Barnes, 2008). Conclusion It is a serious and life-threatening to understand the implications of the surgery effects of severe clinical obesity, many medical experts support surgical methods to reduce morbid obesity, citing the relative ineffectiveness of conventional treatments such as diet, exercise and lifestyle counseling as about 5% of the US population is obese (Buchwald, 2004). People must be made aware about the relative high rate of perioperative and post-operative complications of bariatric surgery, along with the difficulties experienced by patients in adapting to their new diet. Although research into surgical techniques, health risks and psychosocial factors is ongoing, the bottom line appears to be: Bariatric procedures are serious operations with a risk of significant complications. Many gastric surgeries are irreversible. Thus before deciding, candidates should thoroughly discuss all their options with their doctor. Patients must have realistic and informed expectations about the impact of surgery on their weight, body shape and eating habits. After surgery, it is vital to adhere strictly to the proper dietary and exercise guidelines and participation in post-operative support groups is beneficial for many patients (Buchwald, 2004). It must also be taken into consideration that people be made aware about the cost of the surgery in promotion of health to undergo bariatric procedures. On average, it cost from $20,000 to $25,000. In 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reduced barriers to obtaining Medicare coverage for obesity treatments. Bariatric surgery may be covered under the insurance and if it is medically appropriate and required it is performed to correct an obesity-related illness. In the health promotion report involving bariatric surgery, regional Medicare or Medicaid office or health insurance must be contacted to find out if the procedure is covered to meet the health requirement and also to meet the cost of the surgery (NIDDK). A mounting body of research suggests that both weight and health of enormously obese youth can be constructively changed by bariatric surgery. It has been observed that over the years, gastric bypass surgery has been the predominant operation used to treat adolescent extreme obesity (NIDDK). It is reported that approximately, 2,700 adolescent bariatric surgeries were performed between 1996 and 2003 (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007). A review was collected for short-term data from the national inpatient sample, this suggests that the operations are at least as safe for adolescents as adults. It is also reported that adjustable gastric band has not been approved for use in the United States for people younger than age 18, but favorable weight-loss outcomes following adjustable gastric banding for adolescents have been reported internationally (NIDDK). References 1. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161:217–221 2. Barnes, M. & Rowe, J. (eds.) 2008, Child, youth and family health. Strengthening communities. http://eprints.utas.edu.au/1861/1/Family_assessment_CH1.pdf 3. Buchwald, H., 2004, Bariatric Surgery A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, JAMA; 292: 1724-1737. 4. NIDDK Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity: http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm Read More