Discussion: Good Health Core Value in Nursing Practice, Module 3

This document comprises a discussion board post and responses related to the concept of good health as a core value, particularly within a nursing context. The initial post discusses the multifaceted aspects of good health, including environment, diet, coping mechanisms, and daily habits, with examples of individuals embracing and rejecting healthy practices. It highlights the influence of knowledge, social, and economic factors on health behaviors, and contrasts the outcomes of adopting good versus bad habits. The subsequent responses provide further insights, emphasizing the importance of good health for productivity and quality of life, the role of public health in disease prevention, and personal experiences managing patient health. The author discusses a case of a patient with risky sexual behavior and the challenges of promoting healthy habits. References to relevant literature are also included to support the arguments presented.

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Response to post 1.
The post is excellent. I like the holistic approach which you have taken in addressing the
issue good health. The social well-being including the habits and the mental well-being when
you talk about the coping mechanisms. These areas are sometimes overlooked. The absence of
an illness does not wholesomely define health. Good health is highly influenced by knowledge
people have about health. And to those who know the consequences are more likely going to
practice healthy behaviors. Failure to adhere to the recommendations is a consequence of many
factors including lack of knowledge, social and economic constraints. There is a clear contrast
between those who practice healthy habits from those who don’t. The overall health outcome is a
consequence of the habits adopted. Good habits indeed are a virtue.
Response to post 2
The post is very captivating. I can’t help, but to view good health as an integral aspect of
life. It is a necessary requirement besides our training and skills necessary to perform our duties
and responsibilities. Human resource is highly valued in any economy due to the ability to reason
and improvise. Good health is necessary to ensure the highest productivity is achieved. Not
ignoring the huge losses attributed to absenteeism accrued to ill health. The quality of life also is
influenced by the adopting healthy behaviors. You have clearly shown how home and work
issues can be inseparable thus having an overall effect on quality of life. The value placed on
good health is enormous. Most people are very conscious of their health and are making steps to
promote good health.

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Post.
From a public health perspective, prevention is best cure to a disease (Brownson, Baker,
Deshpande & Gillespie, 2017). Good health has continuously been emphasized and the campaign
seems to be bearing some fruits. In my experience as a nurse in the ER, we often had to work
under so much stress. We have to act swiftly to save a life. Being the first to deal with the
patient, sometimes things are quite messy and traumatizing. Long hours of working and the
conditions is very stressful. An accommodating work schedule that gives time for personal
development has improved our quality of life both at the workplace and at home. We have some
days off to relax. A gym facility that can be used early in the morning or late after work. The
working environment has been made enabling to enhance good health.
In my practice I had to manage a patient more than a two consecutive times for the same
conditions. I had this patient who has always visited the hospital at least once fortnight. She is
always diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection and sent to the nursing station for an
antibiotic shot. I perform my role and try to educate her on how to protect herself. She still
indulges in the risky sexual behavior; having multiple partners and not using any form of
protection. She is a young adult with little regard to her health and only has to come for a
checkup when the mother insisted. She is unwilling to adopt healthy habits to improve her life.
She faces a risk of antimicrobial resistance due to constant use of antibiotics. Some of these
unhealthy habits have far reaching consequences and cause unnecessary suffering (Friedman,
Bowden, & Jones, 2003).

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Reference.
Brownson, R. C., Baker, E. A., Deshpande, A. D., & Gillespie, K. N. (2017). Evidence-based
public health. Oxford university press.
Friedman, M.M., Bowden, V.R., & Jones, E.G. (2003). Family nursing: Research, theory, &
practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River,m NJ: Prentice Hall.