Topic 2: Healthy People 2020
Healthy People 2020’s commitment to promote health and prevent disease encourages individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their families. Conceptual models and theories play a major role in health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, epidemiological data, such as morbidity and mortality statistics, helps identify health problems common to a particular population.
Select one of the Healthy People 2020 initiatives and discuss available preventative health services (immunizations, health screenings, etc.) relevant to the initiative, as well as health promotion strategies to be implemented by the advanced practice nurse for a selected population/age/ethnic group (neonates, children, adults, pregnant female, older adult). Please consider theoretical concepts and epidemiological data while discussing health promotion strategies.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Healthy People 2020 initiative focuses on promoting health and preventing diseases through healthy lifestyle choices. This is achieved through the use of conceptual models, epidemiological data, and health promotion strategies. In this assignment, we will select one of the initiatives and discuss the available preventative health services and health promotion strategies for a selected population/age/ethnic group.
Answer:
One of the Healthy People 2020 initiatives is the Maternal, Infant, and Child Health (MICH) initiative. The MICH initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children. The initiative encourages healthy behaviors such as breastfeeding, prenatal care, and screening for developmental delays. Preventative health services such as vaccinations and regular health screenings are also important components of MICH.
For neonates, the advanced practice nurse can provide education on the benefits of breastfeeding, and ensure that all neonates receive the recommended vaccinations and developmental screenings. For children, the advanced practice nurse can promote physical activity, healthy eating habits, and regular physical exams. For pregnant females, prenatal care, and education on the importance of regular check-ups and screenings for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are important. For older adults, chronic disease management and fall prevention through exercise programs and medication reviews should be implemented.
The use of theoretical concepts such as social cognitive theory can be effective in promoting healthy behaviors by increasing self-efficacy and encouraging self-regulation. Epidemiological data such as rates of low birth weight and infant mortality in specific populations can guide targeted interventions and programs.
In conclusion, the MICH initiative is an important aspect of the Healthy People 2020 initiative. Advanced practice nurses can play a vital role in promoting health and preventing diseases among neonates, children, pregnant females, and older adults through various preventative health services and health promotion strategies while considering epidemiological data and theoretical concepts.
