Foundations of Health Education

Key Concepts / Review What is “health”? Gold Standard Definition: “A dynamic state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (WHO) Communicable vs Noncommunicable Diseases Multicausation Disease Model Focuses on non-communicable diseases Genetics; Behavior; Environment; Social Circumstances; Access to Care

Current Status of Health Education/Promotion 21st Century – “Behavioral patterns are the single most prominent domain of influence over health prospects in the United States” (McGinnis et al., 2002, p. 82) Figure 1.3: Infectious and chronic disease death rates in the U.S, 1900-2000. (Pearson Ed, 2012)

(OECD Handbook, 2013)

Life Expectancy – 2012 (estimated) (CIA World Factbook, 2013)

In Other Words …. Health Education is about prevention. http://www.kaiseredu.org/topics_im.asp?imID=1&parentID=61&id=358

Why Prevention? “Many of the health problems the nation will deal with in the balance of this century and into the next are fully preventable.” (Minelli and Breckon, 2009, pg 21) “Cessation of tobacco use, moderate use of alcohol, daily exercise, and good nutrition can prevent literally millions of deaths and negate the need to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on health care.” (Minelli and Breckon, 2009, Pg 21)

Levels of Prevention Primary Secondary Tertiary Limits of Prevention Biological Technological Ethical Concerns Economic Success stories… Decrease in: Heart disease, stroke mortality, accidental injuries, motor vehicle accident deaths, cervical cancer, lung cancer….

Good News! There is a demand for health education now. Consumerism Inflation Increase in chronic disease

Key Players Secretary of Health & Human Services ________________ “Our goal for all Americans to live healthier, more prosperous, and more productive lives.” U.S. Surgeon General _________________ “Public health is a beautiful mission. There is no nobility to it because, ultimately, it isn’t about one person or one family, it is a bigger thing.”

Health Education as a Profession

Professions What do you think of in a profession or a professional? “a vocation or occupation requiring advanced education and training, and involving intellectual skills.” (Agnes, 2001, pg 1145 – 1146)

Characteristics of a Profession Extensive training required Accredited institutions Work is based on specialized body of knowledge and expertise Theoretical base Standards of practice Competencies Commitment to serving a social value Code of Ethics Professional autonomy

Health Education & Health Educators What is health education? What is a health educator? Health educators… “work to encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness through educating individuals and communities about behaviors that can prevent diseases, injuries, and other problems.” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010)

Importance of Health Educators “We would be terribly remiss if we did not seize the opportunity presented by health promotion and disease prevention to dramatically cut health-care costs, to prevent the premature onset of disease and disability, and to help all Americans achieve healthier, more productive lives.” Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of Health & Human Services, 1989-1993

What does a Health Educator do? Job Responsibilities: Seven core competencies: Assess needs Plan health education Implement health education Conduct evaluation and research related to health education Administer and manage health education Serve as a health education resource person Communicate and advocate for health and health education (NCHEC.org, 2010)

Work Settings Medical care settings Colleges and universities Schools Public health departments Nonprofit organizations Private businesses

Training for health educators Baccalaureate programs: Prepare graduates in all seven of the core competencies Internships are required Certification is available Still voluntary for now….

Health Education as a profession Is Health Education a profession? Until recently… Too much diversity in preparatory programs No single set of accreditation standards Uncertainty about qualifications No quality assurance for consumers (Henderson, Wolfe, Cortese & Mcintosh, 1981)

Good news though… About 250 academic programs available Profession-wide Code of Ethics has been endorsed Continuing research continues to provide a strong theoretical base for interventions Professional organizations are working together U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has recognized Health Educators as a profession! http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos063.htm