A complex process of providing an environment conducive to optimal development of the individual and/or providing the necessary individual qualities for one to overcome obstacles standing in the way of growth and development. Specific intervention strategies that occur at the primary levels of prevention designed to make the host stronger or more resistant to infection, decrease the effect of the agent on the host, and create a barrier in the environment that prevents the agent from reaching the host.
The act of improving the health of a particular community or of the public generally, e.g. using health education, immunisation and screening.
Efforts to change peoples’ behavior in order to promote healthy lives and, to the extent possible, prevent illnesses and accidents and to minimize their effects, rather than having people use the health care system for “repairs.” A health promotion program may include health risk appraisal of the individuals, and may give attention to fitness, stress management, smoking, cholesterol reduction, weight control, nutrition, cancer screening, and other matters on the basis of the risks detected.
A plan based on a community, and aimed at maintaining an optimum state of health and quality of life for those who make up the community both as individuals and as a group. Programmes would include immunization targets, health education and screening tests, as well as environmental procedures such as monitoring atmosphere, improving housing, water and food supplies, and encouraging safe and healthy working practices.
Any process that fosters improvements in an individual’s or a community’s health and well-being. It may include formal education for patients, behavior modeling by influential people or community leaders, and mass media/communications. In the U.S. major health promotion goals include eliminating vaccine-preventable illnesses; improving the early treatment of stroke; decreasing cardiovascular risk factors related to inappropriate diet, high blood pressure, obesity, and use of tobacco; and reducing high-risk behavior that may conrtibute to the spread of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis, and other illnesses.
Health promotion involves the systematic efforts made by organizations to help people change their lifestyles to achieve a state of optimal well-being. Smoking cessation workshops, stress management classes, low-fat cooking demonstrations, and bulletin boards with cholesterol information are examples of health promotion activities.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles, which subsequently lowers the risk of people developing numerous diseases. Media platforms, both print and broadcast, along with self-help groups for patients or health advocacy organizations, are also instrumental in advancing health awareness at both the national and community levels. Their collective efforts are pivotal for encouraging the adoption of healthier habits across society.
Health promotion also encompasses the endorsement of relevant health screenings. For instance, it involves advocating for women to have routine cervical smear tests and mammograms, which can detect early indicators of cervical and breast cancer. Similarly, people with a higher likelihood of developing coronary heart disease are counseled to monitor their blood cholesterol levels regularly. These measures help in early detection and prevention of serious health conditions.
Health promotion can also include personal consultations to assess an individual’s health status and provide tailored advice. This can involve recommendations on diet and exercise routines, tailored to the individual’s needs. Additionally, health advice can be offered spontaneously during other health check-ups. For instance, during a routine blood pressure examination, a doctor may advise a patient to quit smoking to improve their health.