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Exploring health beliefs and determinants of health

Exploring health beliefs and determinants of health

Student: Amanda Moores
Student no: 810-283-101
Date submitted: October 10, 2013
NURS 162: health Assessment
Professor: Franklin Gorospe
Humber College

Exploring health beliefs and determinants of health

Health, is a word we have all heard and use often to describe a subjective, feeling or state. Yet,
have you ever really thought of what this word means to you? This paper will discuss my personal health
definition, practices, and beliefs about health incorporating a cultural aspect in which I will consider
another classmates reflections on this topic as well, comparing and contrasting our viewpoints pertaining
to our different experiences and practices involving health which I anticipate will enable me to reflect on
different viewpoints of health and consider how I can apply my own new concepts into my present health
practices and to shape my future nursing career by focusing on a clients specific needs and wants
pertaining to their cultural beliefs and being more aware of how important these personal preferences can
be.
Personal definition of health
To me health is a very broad term with many different layers, you can be healthy or unhealthy.
It all depends on how we take care of ourselves. I chose to focus on the positive end of the spectrum
which is healthy, I believe positive thinking promotes positive lifestyle and how we think of things
contributes to the outcome. Therefore my definition of healthy is an incorporation of body and mind.
Physical health is the shape and functioning of our bodies. Being able to easily complete physical daily
tasks with ease and having optimally functioning organs and having normal vital sign ranges. Feeling
energized, being free of pain and using minimal or no medication is healthy to me. Mental health is being
clear headed and in control of your emotions and behaviour. Interacting with people and handling
stressors in life without breaking down because you possess good coping skills. Building and maintaining
strong personal relationships and having a sense of purpose is all encompassing to me in being mentally
healthy. The behavioural approach places responsibility for health on the individual, thereby favouring
health promotion strategies. Strategies are often based on the assumption that if people know the risk
factors for disease, then they will engage in healthy behaviours. (Potter 4)
Potter, Perry, Ross-Kerr, et al. Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing, 5th Edition. Mosby Canada, 2014.
<vbk:978-1-926648-53-8#outline(3.5.2)>. This reiterates my belief that health is a choice and it is our

Exploring health beliefs and determinants of health

bodies and therefore our responsibility to take care of it by making wise choices that impact our health.
Most of us know what to do to be healthy, it is just a matter of putting the knowledge into action.
Current Health Beliefs