1. Future Trends in Health Education

2. Health Education There will always be change
No one can predict the future

3. Demographic Changes Demographic profiles: age, sex, race & ethnicity
Change – U.S. population will continue to become more diverse.
Race
2004
2020
2040
African American
13.0%
14.0%
13.7%
Hispanic
12.2%
16.3%
21.7%
Native American
0.90%
0.80%
1.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander
4.0%
5.7%
7.9%
Source: Pearson Education

4. Demographic Changes Change: U.S. population will become older.
Age demographic of 65+ is expected to double by 2030.
Baby Boomers (those born between ).

5. Median Age of Population
Aging Population
Median Age of Population
(Cottrell et al., 2009, p. 314)
1990 ……… years
2000 ……… years
2010 ……… years
2020 ……… years
2030 ……… years

6. Societal Trends Technology Family Structure Political Climate
Medical Care Establishment

7. Technology Informatics
“The systematic application of information, computer science, and technology to public health practice and learning.”
(IOM, Who Will Keep the Public Healthy, p. 63)
Electronic medical records
Computerized health assessments
Web-based strategies
Social marketing strategies/communication

8. Technology Genomics: Genetics: Study of single genes
Genomics: Study of the entire human genome including single genes
Implications:
Therapeutic and preventive strategies
Ethical and medical limitations
Legal and social issues

9. Future of Professional Preparation
Become more analytical thinkers
Increase partnerships & collaboration
Analyze situations & examine trends
Cultural competence
Multilevel interventions
Community-Based Participatory Research
Focus on schools
More environmental activism

10. Cultural Competence Cultural sensitivity
Attitudes of respect and appreciation
Understanding cultural “norms”
Communication skills

11. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
“a partnership approach to research that equitably involves community members, organizational representatives, and researchers in all aspect of the research process.” (Israel et al., 2001)
Changing funding practices
Partners form long-term commitments
Co-learning emphasized

12. Global Health Re-emerging infections New diseases
Environmental impact of overpopulation
Safety of food supply

13. Future of credentialing
Current eligibility for entry-level academic preparation
Sub-special certifications
Reimbursement of services
Skills vs content

14. Implications for Practice
School settings:
Children learn the best when healthy
Better coordination of services
Special skills may be needed
Worksite:
Health promotion/education seen as “fringe” benefit
Higher productivity & reduced costs

15. Implications continued
Community / Public Health
Large variety of work
Monitor and improve health of population
Collaborative work effort
Advocate for policies
Health Care
Variety of facilities
Necessity for quality care

16. Alternative Opportunities
Postsecondary institutions
Health care & journalism
International health education
Sales
Long-term care
Consultant opportunities

17. Health educators…. Will have amazing opportunities
Need to constantly update their skills
Play a major role in keeping populations healthy
Collaborate with other professionals
Advocate for those who do not have a voice