Pdhpe Notes preliminary year 11 PDF

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DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH: Health is an interaction between different aspects of that balance to produce general well being and satisfaction. The four dimensions of health are: ● Physical ● Social ● Mental ● Spiritual Physical HealthPhysical health refers to the physical state of the body, which includes: ● The efficient functioning of the body’s organs ● Our levels of fitness ● Nutritional status ● Degree of energy ● Body weight ● Resistance to disease Mental HealthMental or emotional health refers to our feelings and emotions. It is displayed in terms of how we feel about ourselves, the way we express our emotions and how we adapt to a range of demands. Spiritual HealthSpiritual health refers to a sense of purpose and meaning in our life. It allows us to feel connected with others such as family members, peers, and our community, to a religion or nature. Social HealthSocial health refers to our interactions with other people,as well as the social and communication skills and abilities we display. Good social health means we can interact effectively with other people in an independent, appropriate and co-operative way. Balance Between Individuals and Their Environment● Our individual health is influenced by the external environment. Not just air, land and water but the broader environment ● Good health = a balance between individuals and environmental factors. ● Individual factors include lifestyle, behaviour, attitudes, beliefs and hereditary. ● Environmental factors include physical, economic, cultural, social and political conditions under which we live. HEALTH IS DYNAMIC WHICH MEANS IT’S CONTINUALLY CHANGING The Relative Nature of HealthRefers to how we judge our health compared to other people or other points in our life. It recognises that health is not simply the longevity or the absence of disease that is important, but also the quality of life.

PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH: There are many influencing factors that shape and form our perceptions of health. These include: ● Our families and peers attitudes and behaviours towards health ● The media’s portrayal of what it means to be healthy ● Our past experiences of personal injury and illness ● The environment that we live in - geographical, social and political ● Our level of education ● Our personal beliefs and attitudes ● The meaning we attribute to the word health ● These perceptions are not static and will vary over the course of our lives  EALTH STATUS- the health of an individual or population measured against an H identifiable standard. SOCIAL CONSTRUCT- is a concept that has meaning and shared understandings based on people’s way of seeing, interpreting, interrelating and interacting. Factors that contribute to our social construct include: ● Socioeconomic status ● Education ● Employment ● Cultural background ● Religious views ● Family and peers ● Geographical, social and political environment in which we live ● Individual experience and personality

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Our socioeconomic status is linked to our level of income, education, employment and occupation. People from a lower socioeconomic background generally have poorer health outcomes that those who are well off. These include: ● Living shorter lives ● Suffering from more illnesses ● More risk factors for ill health in their lives such as smoking and drinking alcohol at harmful levels and having high blood pressure ● More likely to perceive their health as fair or poor ● Feel they have less control of their own destiny Social and economic disadvantage is closely linked with poorer levels of emotional health which is characterised by: ● A loss of sense of control ● Higher level of stress ● Low self-esteem ● Feelings of vulnerability, resentment

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Location is likely to play a role in the formation of people’s definition of what it means to be healthy. Geographical areas can be broadly divided into urban, rural and remote. People from each have a varying social constructs for health and wellbeing. In comparison to urban dwellers, people in rural and remote areas have relatively poor access to health services and recreational facilities meaning less often, individuals have restricted opportunities for participation in organised physical activity and receive social support. These differences are likely to affect the perception of health formed by people in remote areas as well as how they assess their current state of health. Population groups with similar ethnic backgrounds or cultural heritage may have vastly different explanations for health and well being to other racial groups. People from different cultural backgrounds may also share beliefs, ideas and habits about behaviours relating to health that are learned and passed on by its members. For example, in some cultures participation in physical activity, especially sports, may not be seen as a healthy pursuit for girls. Differences in beliefs, values and attitudes about health that are learned and conveyed from one generation to another can see perceptions of health take on different meanings within some cultural groups.

The idea of viewing perceptions of health as something that is socially constructed that means we can recognise that its meaning will vary: ● Overtime ● From individual to individual ● From context to context ● From culture to culture When we vies health as a social construct it allows us to: ● Explain why certain people choose to behave in particular ways ● Understand how social norms are established in cultural subgroups ● Realise how our concept of health can take on different meanings in particular social contexts

IMPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENT PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH:

Implications at an individual level

Being able to realistically assess our level of health enables us to take more control over our health and adopt behaviours that address our health issues, such as an overweight person seeking to lose weight.

Implication at the policy level

On a societal level, allocation of funding and the priority placed on health issues will be dictated by the perceptions of health held by the various levels of government, health professionals and non-government organisations.

THE IMPACT OF MEDIA, PEERS AND FAMILY ON HEALTH:

Media

Peers

Family

The media is constantly disseminating messages about health. Some of these messages are explicit and clear, and addresses specific issues. Media attention on relevant health related issues can perform a valuable role in drawing attention to important issues and in shaping people’s attitudes and behaviours towards those issues.

Peers have a strong influence in the development of health-related attitudes and behaviours. The desire for approval and acceptance from peers can be a very strong motivating force behind making certain health-related decisions. If a group possess similar values and attitudes towards health then group members are going to be encouraged to align themselves with those values and attitudes. During childhood and adolescence many habits relating to nutrition and physical activity are formed and in many cases the family are key contributors to the formation of these habits, whether they are positive or negative. Families are a key contributor in the development of attitudes, beliefs and values about health.

THE POSITIVE HEALTH STATUS OF YOUNG PEOPLE: ↳ According to a report on the health of young Australians (aged 12-14 years) their health had continued to improve (2007) ● Improved life expectancy ● Declined mortality rates - largely due to decrease in suicides, injury and transport accidents ● Fewer chronic diseases such as asthma, communicable diseases such as Rubella, mumps + meningococcal, suicide, motor vehicle accidents and other injuries such as poisoning have also contributed to improvements in young people’s health. HOWEVER, ↳ significant differences between Indigenous + non-indigenous, rural + remote and young people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage compared to the general population.

PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOURS- are those health behaviours that are likely to enhance a person’s level of health. Eg. eating adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables. RISK BEHAVIOURS- a  re those health behaviours that have been found to contribute to the development of health problems or poorer levels of health. Eg. smoking and drinking.

THE DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: The determinants of health are those factors that have a positive or negative influence on health at an individual or population level. These include; ● Socioeconomic factors ● Environmental factors ● Sociocultural factors ● Individual factors INDIVIDUAL FACTORS

Knowledge and skills

Attitudes

Genetics

The knowledge and understandings that we develop about protective and risk health behaviours, and about products and people available to support good health have an important influence on our ability to act in ways that contribute to good health. Our knowledge about health comes from a variety of sources- parents, siblings, peers, teachers, the internet and the media all play a part in conveying information about health. There is a strong link between knowledge and attitudes, with a person’s level of knowledge likely to influence the attitudes they develop and the way they behave. People’s attitudes towards certain health behaviours, their willingness to seek help to address health concerns and the value they place on positive health all play a part in determining someone’s health. Our potential to achieve a certain level of health may be significantly influenced by genetics. A number of genetic disorders, such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, lead to chronic ill health and decreased life expectancy. SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS

Family

Families are responsible for ensuring physical needs such as safe housing, food, clothing and medical requirements are met while also providing emotional support such as love and care. Being part of a cohesive family acts to protect the health of children and young people and helps them cope better when they experience stress or a tough time.

Peers

Peers have a powerful influence on the decisions young people make. Young people in particular can be influenced by the values, attitudes and behaviours of their peers. Making healthy choices can be more difficult when your peer group is not supportive or their values are different.

Media

Media such as television, movies, internet and magazines all play a significant role in disseminating information about health eg. skin cancer ads. Images conveyed through the media can also have a significant impact on the exceptions that society forms and the risks behaviours that arise from these expectations.

Religion

Culture

Beliefs relating to food, sexual activity and drug use are examples of areas where people’s religious faith can affect their lifestyle and choices. Eg. certain religions such as Islam forbid the consumption of alcohol, meaning the risk of suffering health problems related to alcohol is reduced for people who adhere to these beliefs. Strong religious faith = strong spiritual health and wellbeing by adding meaning to their lives. A variety of different cultures exist within society. Cultures related to gender, age, location and ethnicity are some examples of the culture present in our society. Each cultural group holds particular values, beliefs and assumptions that strongly influence the behaviour of it’s members. Diet is a major contributing factor with many migrant groups eating traditional foods of their culture, which consists of fresh, healthy foods. SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS

Education

Employment

Income

A person’s level of education has significant impact on their health. Education allows people to gain a greater knowledge of health issues and increase their understanding of health protective and risk factors. Engagement in school also contributes to a sense of connectedness or belonging and provides young people with access to support if needed. Employment provides opportunities to be active, interact with others and feel a sense of control over our lives, as well as experiencing financial security. Unemployment = loss of confidence, limited social contact and feelings of depression and disempowerment. People who are unable to find work can experience self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide. People who have higher incomes have more money available to spend on health-related products and services, such as sporting or recreational activities, better food, private health insurance and alternative health services. Freedom to choose from a greater range of options. Poverty increases people’s exposure to risk behaviours likely to harm their health while restricting their access to health services and reducing their capacity to modify their lifestyle. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Geographical location

People who live in rural and remote areas have poorer health outcomes than people living in cities. They have higher death rates and higher health risk factors such as smoking and drinking excessively. People living in rural and remote areas often have to travel long distances for work, household related purposes and socialising.

Access to health services

Access to technology

Ability to access health services at time is an important factor in maintaining good health, however certain individuals find it difficult to access services and support when needed. The range of healthcare options in rural areas is less than in urban areas. Access to preventative health services like screening programs and the lack of health professionals such as chiropractors working in country areas is restricted. Increasing use of technology such as computers has impacted significantly in people’s health, particularly young people. Studies have shown that large amounts of people spend a significant amount of time on screen recreation. The regular use of technology comes at the expense of physical activity. These periods of time without physical activity are associated with the risk of obesity.

MODIFIABLE AND NON-MODIFIABLE HEALTH DETERMINANTS: The changing influence of determinants through different life stages: Each of the determinants has an influence over the health of an individual to varying degrees.the level of this influence may change over time depending on the life stage of the person, what is important to them at the time (values), and the extent to which they believe they can control the events/ and or circumstances which affect them. ● A young child is predominantly influenced by their family. Parents make the health decisions. Shape their health related values and choose which school they attend and where they live. ● When a child becomes an adolescent → influences on their health broadens. More of an influence from peers, less from parents. Teenagers may also get a part time job (SES) ● Adulthood: tend to be less influenced by peers + media. Individuals attitudes have greater effects ● Older adults: geographic location may have greater influence on health NON MODIFIABLE● Geographical location ● Genetics ● Income ● Religion MODIFIABLE● Attitudes ● Knowledge and skills ● Friends / peers ● Sporting groups

HEALTH PROMOTION: What is health promotion? Health promotion is a process that enables people to improve control over their health. The aim of health promotion is to help people reach a state of complete physical, mental and social well being. It involves an individual or group being able to: ● ● ●

Identify and realise aspirations Satisfy needs Change with the environment

Responsibility for health promotion: Responsibility for health promotion is not independent at each level. Successful health promotion requires cooperative action between individuals, schools, community groups, all levels of government, non-government organisations, the media and the private sector. Collaborating at different levels to plan and deliver health promotion initiatives can provide a range of benefits. These can include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Sharing energy and resources Sharing roles, responsibilities and expertise Gaining ownership and credibility for being involved Ensuring clear messages are communicated to all sectors Achieving common goals and directions for all stakeholders through shared understandings Addressing a wider range of health determinants at different levels Establishing more sustainable programs Increasing the likelihood of improving health outcomes

INDIVIDUALS Individuals play a key role in promoting their own health, because personal behaviour is the major determining factor of health status. For health promotion to be effective, individuals need to be empowered. Individual empowerment refers to an individual’s ability to make decisions or have personal control over their lives. We need to be encouraged to participate in improving our health. This is best achieved when we are: ● Provided with accurate and relevant health information ● Given the opportunity to be involved in decision making about our own and community’s health. ● Encouraged to work with a wide range of health professionals ● Given the opportunity to develop personal skills that will aid us to adopt or maintain positive health behaviours ● Provided with social and economic supports such as support groups for weight loss and facilities to undertake regular exercise. A diverse range of individuals working in health related areas are able to work alongside people in ways that support them to develop greater control over their own health and bring about improvements. For example, general practitioners, dietitians, counsellors, dentists, health workers and community nurses. Health professionals are able to increase people’s awareness of risk behaviours and provide them with information on healthier lifestyles. ★ Living conditions limit people’s ability to make good health decisions and prevent them from taking control of their health COMMUNITY GROUPS / SCHOOLS Schools play an important role in health promotion. Childhood and adolescence are stages of life when attitudes towards health and health behaviours are still forming, providing schools with an opportunity to have a positive impact on young people's values and beliefs. Schools are responsible for delivering health and physical education programs that assist to develop knowledge and understandings to make positive health choices. They provide opportunities for young people to develop skills needed to participate in physical activity and manage their own health, while also promoting the value of regular activity and good health. Development of these skills at a young age increases the likelihood that they will be lifelong participants in physical activity and helps form lifestyle habits that will benefit health, now and in the future. School policies and practices have the potential to reinforce classroom messages. Examples include: ● Sun safety policies- aim to reduce UV exposure by scheduling play outside when UV is low ● Anti-bullying policies- reaffirm the students right to feel safe and outline procedures for reporting, identifying and dealing with bullying. NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS Non-government organisations (NGO’s) are non-profit making organisations that operate at local, national or international levels. They are funded from a variety of sources, including public donations, fundraising and government grants. The Heart Foundation, the Cancer Council, Asthma Foundations Australia are examples of NGOs that play a significant role in health promotion in Australia. Non-government organisations undertake a number of roles in health promotion relating to their particular issues. These include: ● Conducting activities designed to raise public awareness ● Providing educational programs and resources that promote positive health choices and behaviours ● Providing ...