The health-illness continuum
The health-illness continuum refers to a graphic representation of the wellbeing of n individual to measure the presence or absence of illness s stated by Travis in 972. The heath- illness continuum illustrates the process of change in which n individual experiences different states of health and illness, basing from good heath to death. This heath concept acts as a motivating factor to the people to restore the feeling of wellness and make them continue going in the right direction. The illness-wellness continuum describes how an individual can cause changes moving towards more excellent health and wellbeing passing through stages of awareness, education, and growth. The symptoms or disabilities reflect the worst stages of health that are posed by following an individual state of illness. However, the personal outlook my impact wellness, for instance, negative outlook will hinder the health and wellbeing of n individual. The positive outlook will adequately support the health and welfare of a person. Thus, the illness wellness continuum acts as a preventive measure of treatment that improves the wellbeing of an individual to reduce the number of deaths. This paper explains the relevance of the model with patient care.
The significant characteristics of the illness-wellness continuum are to provide n adequate attention towards the wellbeing of n individual. It mostly focuses on the treatment process of a person who may be suffering from a particular disease. Different health disorders such s extreme emotional states has a severe effect on person, but now they have been well addressed through illness wellness continuum. Patients receive an insight into their entire state through this type of treatment and wellness to promote health and wellbeing. Therefore, the illness-wellness continuum focuses on enhancing awareness and educating patients relating to their health conditions to correct their health.
The state of health involves the struggles that individuals go through to overcome their health condition. It may include the physical health that affects our body functioning, emotional health relating to how we express ourselves, mental health, and social health. However, my overall state of health includes the mental illness and wellbeing on continuum of feelings and functionality. This refers to the coordination of activities by n individual through the flow of resources in a way that maximizes their well-being of the surrounding.
Several behaviors have supported my health and wellbeing, for instance, in physical health to eliminate the costive gents of different diseases. Among the behaviors includes prevention measures such s immunizations, health screening, appropriate nutrition, and practicing hygiene. Moreover, following the health-illness continuum may health status falls under physical health based on personal hygiene like washing hands and proper diet and exercise. Thus, the mental health factors we can have control over them except those over our genetic makeup.
The resources that are significant for helping me to move toward the wellness-illness spectrum include physical exercises and reasonable access to the dietary system. Exercises relieve individual emotional distress and promote one’s physical health. Access to proper diet fosters the wellbeing of n individual s one cannot contract particular diseases that are caused by nutrition. However, one can recover from physical health illnesses to wellness if he/she adheres to regular exercises and proper nutrition.
In conclusion, health-illness continuum plays a significant role in patient care. It creates awareness for patients through education and training on particular practices necessary to promote wellness. However, adaption and effective functioning are considered as the state of wellness among individuals. Through the health-illness continuum, nurses can improve an optimum level of health on the patient to attain wellness through education, individual growth, and awareness. Thus, the sense of patient safety will be promoted, increasing the life expectancy among the people.