MN610 NP III Clinical_DISCUSSION #2.Health promotion

MN610 NP III Clinical_DISCUSSION #2.Health promotion is an important component of primary care. Health promotion involves screening, but it also includes encouraging healthy lifestyle habits for long term overall wellness.
It is well-established that regular physical activity and minimizing sedentary behavior can significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer (Larsson, 2023). As individuals age, they become more susceptible to health issues, making it crucial to prioritize optimal health through screenings and healthy habits. For example, the older adult population aged 35-65 is recommended to undergo screenings such as colonoscopies and mammograms (Larsson, 2023). Additionally, annual exams with gynecologists are recommended for women starting at age 18 to prevent women’s health issues.
Family history of health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, may warrant earlier and more frequent screenings for individuals at higher risk (Agide et al., 2018). Taking a holistic approach that integrates prevention of modifiable risk factors, such as promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, and controlling alcohol intake and weight, can have a long-term impact on reducing the incidence of diseases like breast cancer (Agide et al., 2018).
Noncompliance in the older population is a common issue, potentially due to resistance to change. Many older adults with conditions like diabetes and hypertension may not adhere to prescribed medications or make necessary lifestyle changes for optimal health (Marriott, 2021). Incentivizing older adults through tangible rewards could be a strategy to reduce noncompliance, as people are often motivated by the idea of receiving a reward for their cooperation. Ultimately, compliance in older adults is incentivized by the prospect of prolonging their lives, but additional rewards could further encourage their adherence to recommended health behaviors.
In conclusion, health promotion through screenings and healthy lifestyle habits is essential for individuals of all ages. Tailoring prevention efforts based on age, family history, and individual needs can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Addressing noncompliance in older adults may require innovative strategies, such as incentivization, to promote adherence to recommended health behaviors.
References:
Agide, F. D., Sadeghi, R., Garmaroudi, G., & Tigabu, B. M. (2018). A systematic review of health promotion interventions to increase breast cancer screening uptake: from the last 12 years. European Journal of Public Health, 28(6), 1149–1155. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/cky104
Larsson, K., Hagströmer, M., Rossen, J., Johansson, U.-B., & Norman, Å. (2023). Health care professionals’ experiences of supporting persons with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity level – a qualitative study in primary care. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 41(2), 116–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2022.2108602
Marriott, C. F. S., Petrella, A. F. M., Marriott, E. C. S., Boa Sorte Silva, N. C., & Petrella, R. J. (2021). High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults: a Scoping Review. Sports Medicine – Open, 7(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-021-00344-4