In your own words and using the appropriate evidence-based practice reference please define health promotion and wellness and give some examples.  Mention at least two health issues and how they could be addressed through both professional health promotion and personal health promotion. What is the difference in the approach? How does each approach contribute to the desired effect?

Health promotion and wellness in the community Health promotion and Wellness

Wellness and health promotion are used as terms to describe a proactive way to improve and maintain individual health. This is done through education and lifestyle modifications. Health promotion, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “the process of enabling people to increase control over their own health” by providing them with resources they need to make informed decisions about their lives. It includes not just the physical, but also social, psychological, and behavioral health aspects.

Some examples of professional health promotions include campaigns and workplace programs aimed at raising public awareness about certain health topics. Other initiatives can be educational materials on specific issues, workshops on health-related behaviors or even seminars. Personal health promotion includes activities like regular exercise and adopting healthy eating habits to maintain physical wellbeing while managing chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. It also involves practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or Tai Chi for stress reduction.

These approaches are effective in tackling specific health problems, such as obesity and quitting smoking. In order to promote health in the workplace, companies could launch corporate fitness programs or implement school-based nutrition educational programs. On the other hand, personal health promotions could take shape as tracking caloric intake in an effort to maintain a healthy weight range; joining support groups geared towards quitting smoking through behavior modification exercises; going outdoors for regular walks/runs/hikes/bike rides as part of an overall exercise plan; utilizing relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation for reducing stress levels among smokers trying quit etc.

Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Professional interventions tend to target larger groups with the aim of achieving widespread change, while personal strategies focus on individuals and are more focused locally. Both types of actions can have positive effects, as professional ones tend to be more accountable from an external perspective whereas personal actions are driven by internal motivation. The ultimate goal is to improve wellbeing and help those who are involved achieve balance, which will lead to a sustained improvement in quality of life.