Can Disability, Chronic Conditions, Health, and Wellness Coexist - Essay Example

Can Disability, Chronic Conditions, Health, and Wellness Coexist? Task: Can Disability, Chronic Conditions, Health, and Wellness Coexist? Health According to Gwyn (2001), health is a condition of absolute bodily, psychological, and social well- being. Physical health entails good internal and external body health that is achievable through regular physical activities, eating healthy foods, and having enough rest. Physical activities reduce the chances of getting chronic illnesses because it allows one to handle his or her weight. Additionally, it boosts the body’s potency and flexibility. According to Gwyn (2001), eating healthy foods provides the body with important minerals that boosts immune systems and increases the energy levels in the body. Additional activities that enhance the physical well-being incorporate the avoidance of drug abuse and maintenance of proper hygiene. . According to Wright & Ellis (2010), mental health is the cognitive and psychological well-being. People with good mental health do not have psychological disorders acknowledge their abilities and can easily manage the stress emerging from daily processes. Additionally, they can improve the community financial status by working productively. Countries that are able to maintain good health through the provision of proper health care are very productive. Most developing countries do not have proper health care facilities and this contributes to slow rate of economic development. This is because they spend a lot of money trying to control diseases instead of using the money to development the country. According to Wright & Ellis (2010), environmental conditions, genetics, income levels, educational levels, and relationship with other individuals in the society determine good health. Illness Illness is a negative occurrence that causes suffering and hinders proper body functioning. According to Wright & Ellis (2010), it is the major cause of death in the world. The two types of illnesses are chronic and curable. The curable illness can be treated and prevented with proper medication. Malaria is an example of curable illness. Illnesses can affect the financial systems of many countries (Wright & Ellis, 2010). Optimum health Optimum health is the highest level of mental and physical well being that one can achieve. It is the total absence of both curable and chronic disease (Rankin, London & Stallings, 2005). One can reach optimum physical health if he effectively prevents diseases by maintain good nutritional habits and physical exercises. Moreover, optimum mental health can be achieved through effective management of stress and maintaining a good relationship with other people (Rankin, London & Stallings, 2005). Chronic condition Chronic condition is the long lasting presence of illnesses in a person‘s body. It is simple to control these conditions; however, curing them is impossible. Researches prove that chronic conditions are the major death and disabilities cause in the US. They are the most costly health problems; however, they the availability of proper health care can effectively controlled it. Examples of the chronic conditions are allergies, diabetes, and cancer (Wright & Ellis, 2010). Can a chronic condition co-exist with being healthy? The optimum health level and chronic conditions can co-exist. The two can coexist if an individual with the condition obtains self-care knowledge and resources. There are inner and outside self-care resources. The inside concepts are the genetic makeup that includes physical, mental, and psychosocial characteristics. The external resources are the people who provide social support, the physical environments, and the living standards. A person can use the resources and knowledge to attain an optimum healthy condition even if he has chronic illnesses (Larsen, 2007). Love and sense of belonging contribute to optimum health. According to Holtzman (2000), one can acquire them through interaction with other individuals. For example, participating in social activities such as family reunions can increase the feeling of being loved and a sense of belonging. This approach can be effective if a previous interaction with the family members made him feel loved. If the family members are absent, nurses can help the person meet a person’s need for love and belonging. Meeting the need for love helps people with chronic illnesses improve their health status (Holtzman, 2000). Health is holistic because it embraces vital concepts beyond bodily and mental illness. An individual’s health condition can be improved through the biopsychosocial-spiritual health, improved life quality, and self-actualization. Family members can help a person experiencing terminal condition by facilitating and nurturing self-care. Furthermore, unconditionally accepting such persons contributes to their growth. Holtzman (2000) indicates that the promotion of positive orientation to increase the patient’s worth by nurses and relatives can be helpful in the quest to attain appropriate care (Holtzman, 2000). Chronic conditions can also coexist if the sick individuals set personal health-directed goals based on appropriate world models. These goals can give the person the hope to recover especially when the situations seem deem and the conditions fail to match the targets. This eventually improves ones health. Moreover, the person should try to realize his capabilities and goals regardless of his condition. This will increase his self-esteem that is important in maintaining good health for individuals with incurable conditions (Larsen, 2007). What are the nursing implications and/or applications? Chronic conditions do not have a specific nursing implication on the health and lifestyle of individuals because they are not disabilities. This is an indication that a person can be healthy when he/she suffers from chronic conditions. A case in which a patient has received treatment for a chronic ailment is an indication that chronic conditions and health can co-exist. Patients should receive special attention from nurses or health care practitioners as a nursing application for chronic conditions. According to Rankin, London & Stallings (2005), regular home based care is recommendable. Regardless of the condition, special care and attention coupled with continuous follow-ups monitor the progress. Assessing the patients’ lifestyle is a nursing application that determines the level of wellness amongst individuals. Interestingly, people with diverse values concerning life will define wellness distinctively. According to health practitioners, wellness is a multidimensional concept that is defined based on societal processes. Lubkin (2007) indicates that the mutual coexistence of the social and physical surroundings defines health. Based on a clinical perspective, disability is not definable by illness. Moreover, chronic illness cannot deter an individual from exploiting his or her capabilities (Rankin, London & Stallings, 2005). It is apparent that health practitioner’s decisions are fundamental when devising models of treatment because they analyze the dynamics of healthcare. A significant implication of chronic illnesses is to provide patients with information concerning the management of their condition. A patient develops a sense of wellbeing by learning the necessary steps that would empower them to handle varied health conditions (Lubkin, 2007). It is apparent that coordination and partnership in healthcare is a fundamental process when handling chronic conditions. According to Chang & Johnson (2008), nurses can be instrumental when addressing the requirements of persons suffering from chronic health conditions. This would boost their health and emphasize short-term benefits. For example, a nurse can talk to patients about the benefits of following certain recommendations. These talks can motivate them to follow the health care plans. Nurses should provide positive reinforcement when they note improvements on a person’s health (Rankin, London & Stallings, 2005). This is achievable by being confident about further progress. Nurses should enhance the self-efficacy amongst patients by providing information regarding their illness (Chang & Johnson, 2008). This knowledge can be acquired through own experiences, vicarious experience acquired after observing other patients’ conditions, and persuasions. These sources of self-efficacy can enhance self-management that helps the patients to develop a sense of control over incurable conditions (Chang & Johnson, 2008). Nurses should explain conditions to patients using the right terms to avoid instances of misunderstanding. References Chang, E., & Johnson, A. (2008). Chronic illness and disability: Principles for nursing practice. Sydney: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. Gwyn, R. (2001). Communicating health and illness. London: SAGE. Holtzman Elizabeth. (2000). Living with Chronic Illness. Retrieved from http://www.umass.edu/fsap/articles/ill.html Lubkin, I. (2007). Chronic illness: Impact and interventions. 5th Ed: Sudbury, Mass. Rankin, S. H., London, F., & Stallings, K. D. (2005). Patient education in health and illness. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Wright, H. N., & Ellis, L. (2010). Coping with chronic illness. Eugene, Or: Harvest House Publishers. Read More