NS 1542: Health & Well-Being – Week 1 Study Notes

Course Overview: NS 1542 – Health & Well-Being

This course introduces foundational concepts in health, well-being, and nursing practice, with a focus on the self and others. It covers theoretical frameworks, practical skills, and professional expectations for students in the health sciences, particularly nursing. The course emphasizes evidence-informed practice, communication, safety, and the social determinants of health.

Course Structure and Expectations

• Instructor: Ms. Dauncey, RN, MScN, CCNE, CCSNE ([e-mail])

• Communication: Use Q&A forums for general questions; email for private matters (include "NS 1542" in the subject).

• Office Hours: By appointment.

• Professionalism: Mutual respect, open communication, and active participation are expected from both instructor and students.

• Assignments: Variety of assignments to meet diverse learning needs; timely feedback and support provided.

Course Outcomes

• Understand the meaning of health and well-being in the context of self and others.

• Demonstrate fundamental nursing skills and use of relevant equipment for clients of different ages.

• Apply evidence from nursing and health sciences to inform practice.

• Develop skills in verbal and written communication for diverse clients.

• Implement evidence-informed practices for infection prevention and control.

• Apply principles of health teaching and promotion across the lifespan.

• Exhibit professionalism in all interactions.

Key Topics and Concepts

Health and Well-Being

Health and well-being are multidimensional concepts central to nursing and health sciences. Understanding these terms is foundational for effective practice and client care.

• Health: Traditionally defined as the absence of illness, but more broadly as a state that allows individuals to cope with daily life demands. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

• Well-being: Encompasses physical, mental, and social dimensions, reflecting a holistic approach to health.

• Illness: A subjective experience of loss of health.

• Disease: An objective state of ill health, often detectable by medical science.

Dimensions of Health

• Physical

• Mental

• Social

• Emotional

• Spiritual

Approaches to Health in Canada

Canadian health approaches recognize the importance of multiple determinants and cultural perspectives.

• Indigenous Health: Emphasizes balance among emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental dimensions. The Medicine Wheel is a key teaching, representing interconnectedness and sacredness of life. Treatment modes include ceremonial, herbal, medicinal, and storytelling practices.

• Behavioural Approach: Stemming from the Lalonde Report (1974), this approach highlights individual responsibility and lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking).

• Socio-environmental Approach: Focuses on the influence of social structures and environments on health. Recognizes the relationship between personal health and broader social/physical environments.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Health promotion and disease prevention are key strategies in nursing and public health.

• Health Promotion: Actions aimed at increasing well-being and self-actualization, enhancing individual control over health determinants.

• Disease Prevention: Actions to avoid or forestall illness/disease, categorized as:

  • Primary Prevention: Preventing disease before it occurs (e.g., immunizations).

  • Secondary Prevention: Early detection and intervention (e.g., screening tests).

  • Tertiary Prevention: Reducing impact of established disease (e.g., rehabilitation).

Determinants of Health

Health is influenced by a range of factors known as determinants. These are critical for understanding health disparities and guiding interventions.

Determinant	Description
Income and Social Status	Higher income and social status are linked to better health.
Social Support Networks	Support from family, friends, and community is associated with better health.
Education and Literacy	Higher education levels correlate with improved health outcomes.
Employment and Working Conditions	Safe, secure, and satisfying work promotes health.
Physical Environments	Clean air, water, and safe housing contribute to health.
Biological and Genetic Endowments	Genetic makeup influences health status.
Health Practices	Personal behaviors and coping skills affect health.
Healthy Child Development	Early life experiences shape lifelong health.
Health Care Services	Access to quality health care is essential.
Gender	Health risks and outcomes can differ by gender.
Culture	Cultural values and practices influence health.
Social Environments	Broader societal factors, such as discrimination and social cohesion, impact health.

Population Health Promotion Model

This model integrates the determinants of health, levels of action (individual, family, community, society), and health promotion strategies. It guides interventions to improve health outcomes at multiple levels.

Professionalism and Communication

• Respectful, ethical, and effective communication is essential in all interactions.

• Students are expected to contribute to group activities, meet deadlines, and maintain open communication with instructors.

• Academic honesty and proper citation of sources are mandatory.

Safety in Practice

Ensuring safety for both clients and staff is a core component of nursing practice. This includes understanding risks, following protocols, and using proper techniques.

• Client Safety: Preventing medication errors, infections, and accidents through proper procedures and vigilance.

• Staff Safety: Using correct body mechanics, infection control, and awareness of environmental hazards (e.g., WHMIS – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).

• Key Practices: Hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe lifting and transfer techniques, and accurate documentation.

Examples and Applications

• Example of Primary Prevention: Vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases.

• Example of Social Determinant: A person with strong social support networks may recover more quickly from illness.

• Example of Safety Practice: Using proper body mechanics when lifting a patient to prevent injury.

Summary Table: Approaches to Health

Approach	Key Features	Example
Indigenous	Holistic, balance of mind, body, spirit, and emotions	Medicine Wheel teachings
Behavioural	Focus on individual lifestyle choices	Smoking cessation programs
Socio-environmental	Emphasis on social and environmental factors	Community health campaigns

Additional info:

• Some content inferred from standard nursing and health sciences curricula to provide context and completeness.

• Specific weekly lab activities include infection control, communication, client safety, body mechanics, hygiene, feeding, and documentation.