Preventing Disease and Promoting Health Essay -- Health and Wellness

Early detection of certain diseases, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD), and which incorporates approaches that implement lifestyle changes, medication, and counseling, has the potential to alter the course of the devastation the disease can cause (Murimi & Harpel, 2010). The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular examination of obesity and health-related issues, such as cardiovascular screenings for everyone (Murimi & Harpel, 2010). Documented research demonstrates that a healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet, exercise, no smoking, and limited alcohol decreases the risk of CVD (Gordon, Lavoie, Arsenault, Ditto, & Bacon, 2008). Kehler, Christensen, Risor, Lauritzen, and Christensen (2009) reported that patients who had a discussion with their doctor about cardiovascular disease including information about the disease, knowledge about the disease, and perception of risk and prevention strategies indicated that they were able to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into their diet. Many respondents reported feeling relief and empowerment following the conversation with their doctor (Kehler et al., 2009). Lifestyle changes suggested for a client could include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in a heart healthy diet, exercising, losing weight, taking medication as prescribed, and finding ways to relieve stress. Lack of compliance related to the identified lifestyle changes is an issue. Sargeant, Valli, Ferrier and MacLeod (2008) suggest that it is very difficult for individuals to change comfortable and enjoyable behaviors in which they have been engaged their entire lives. There are many reasons clients do not comply, and finding ways to facilitate compliance is a key role o... ...08). Health behaviors and endothelial function. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31(1), 5-21. doi:10.1007/s10865-007-9129-0 Kehler, D., Christensen, M. B., Risor, M. B., Lauritzen, T., & Christensen, B. (2009). Self-reported cognitive and emotional effects and lifestyle changes shortly after preventive cardiovascular consultations in general practice. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 27(2), 104-110. doi:10.1080/02813430902793563 Murimi, M. W., & Harpel, T. (2010). Practicing preventive health: The underlying culture among low-income rural populations. The Journal of Rural Health, 26(3), 273-282. doi:10.1111/j.1748-0361.2010.00289.x Sargeant, J., Valli, M., Ferrier, S., & MacLeod, H. (2008). Lifestyle counseling in primary care: Opportunities and challenges for changing practice. Medical Teacher, 30(2), 185-191. doi:10.1080/01421590701802281