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Definition of HealthInitially, before reading chapter one, I defined health as one’s optimal state of functioning, both mentally and physically. After reading chapter one, I would change my definition of health to include adapting to one’s environment, which would also include the influence of family, and adjusting to the aging process in a positive manner. Health is very subjective. One individual’s view of health may not hold true for another. A person’s culture and socioeconomic status help define their definition of health. This chapter helped to remind me of the impact that one’s family dynamics play in the role of their health. When stress and dysfunction run high in a household, it can have a major impact on all family members’ health.I reviewed an article that researched promoting health behaviors in cancer patients. The article discussed several theories to help improve the overall health of cancer patients and survivors. The theory I found most interesting was the Social Learning and Social Cognitive Theory. The interventions of this theory focus on the individual’s ability to control their behavior as well as how changes in the environment can produce changes in behavior (Pinto & Floyd, 2008). The issues addressed were improving sedentary behavior, dietary changes, and weight loss. The theory described success as “being able to initiate and maintain the behavior change is determined by an individual’s ability to regulate his/her own behavior through personal strategies (eg, applying realistic expectations for change, setting goals, monitoring progress towards goals) as well as environmental approaches (eg, using social support or environmental prompts), (Pinto & Floyd, 2008).The Roy Adaptation model was also discussed in this article. “Adaptation is viewed as an active process initiated by the individual of adjusting to environmental changes through physiological or psychological modes and, in turn, affecting the environment” (Pinto & Floyd, 2008). In this model, breast cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy and radiation were placed in a walking group (termed walking intervention). They were assessed on their physical functioning, symptom assessments, self-concept, adjustment and body image (Pinto & Floyd, 2008). The Cognitive Behavioral Theory is a widely accepted and used psychotherapy method for many disorders that is cost-effective (Pinto & Floyd, 2008). “In using CBT, an interventionist attempts to modify cognitions, assumptions, beliefs, and behaviors, with the aim of influencing disturbed emotions or behaviors” (Pinto & Floyd, 2008). One study using this theory was conducted with breast cancer patients to decrease dietary fat intake and decrease body weight. This established goal of 15% energy from fat wasn’t reached, however, percentage energy from fat and weight loss in favor of the intervention group at each assessment time point was noted (Pinto & Floyd, 2008).The results for many of the theories in this article seemed somewhat inconclusive. The Social Learning and Social Cognitive Theory techniques were deemed effective; there had been an increase in exercise and a reduction in dietary fat intake by the participants (Pinto & Floyd, 2008). In the Roy Adaptation model, only one group of researchers used this theory, making it difficult to assess results. The article did not really describe much about the “walking interventions” and what it entailed, making it somewhat difficult to understand the concept. The Cognitive Behavioral Theory had mixed results with having success in weight loss with the breast cancer patients but not having a decrease in smoking cessation rates with a group of head, neck and lung cancer patients. Cancer patients need as much support and resources as possible to help them adapt during this challenging time in their life. Whether or not the results showed evidence of improvement in the patients’ health behaviors, many participants may have at least learned about positive, health promoting behaviors and it may have given them something to consider in the future. They gained social support from the therapies as well which alone has health benefits. Reference: Pinto, B., & Floyd, A. (2008). Theories underlying health promotion interventions among cancer survivors. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 24(3), 153-163. doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2008.05.003 ................
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