Health Promotion Model: Diet Options Essay

Introduction

The case I have chosen to examine is the 1^st one, relating to Katie. Her current body mass index of 95 corresponds to obesity, which is a considerable risk to her health and wellness. Her blood pressure, similarly, is too high for her age (Cunha, 2022). Both of these issues, combined with the history of high cholesterol and heart disease endangers Katie’s health. For the purposes of helping the child establish better lifestyle habits and improve her metrics, it is necessary to bring changes into her diet. Naturally, a combination of regular physical activity and diverse food options is necessary to promote healthy living. Currently, Katie is a member of the volleyball team, which provides her with regular physical exercise. Therefore, the only major consideration to discuss in health promotion is diet options. Instead of constantly eating fast food, more fruits, vegetables and grains must be included into her diet (“Healthy diet,” 2020). The presence of added sugar and saturated fat content comparatively should be lowered (“Healthy diet,” 2020). Using fruit as the primary source of sugar would satisfy Katie’s desire for sweets while providing more health benefits that her current diet.

Health Literacy

Katie is young, therefore it is important to foster better health literacy in her, which will help better structure her daily life. The clinician should give Katie information in the format accessible for her, without using complicated terminology or medical language. By establishing understanding between the health provider and the patient, it will be possible to create both trust and coordination between health check-ups and a person’s daily life (“Health literacy: Hidden barriers and practical strategies,” n.d.). Implementation of specific approaches and strategies is possible using materials from the American Academy of Pediatrics (“Bright futures,” n.d.). Any information that is difficult for Katie herself to understand should be relayed to her mother.

Health Screenings

According to the existing data by the U.S. Preventive Services, young children should be regularly screened for obesity. The main measurement of obesity is the body mass index, which is derived from a patient’s height and weight (“Obesity in children and adolescents: Screening,” 2017). These measures are taken regularly on check ups, meaning that the intervals between obesity screenings can be minimal. Screening Katie’s body mass index can allow the clinician to track the progress of her health promotion, and notice any potential changes. Additionally, her blood pressure and blood sugar levels should be regularly measured, in order to track diabetes and potential heart disease issues early.

Immunizations

According to existing data, Katie did not receive any immunisations since entering kindergarten, approximately at age 5. Therefore, it is necessary to make Katie keep up with her vaccination schedule. First, she should take the final dose of the Diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis vaccine, if they were not taken previously (“Immunization schedules for 18 & younger,” 2022). Then, the 4^th shot for the Inactivated poliovirus must be administered, along with an annual anti-influenza vaccine (“Immunization schedules for 18 & younger,” 2022). Both MMR vaccines and the VAR vaccines must be given for their final second dose (“Immunization schedules for 18 & younger,” 2022). The HPV vaccination must be taken before 15 years old, with a 5 or 6 month interval. Lastly, the Meningococcal shot should be made with a waiting period of 8 weeks in between the shots.

References

Bright futures. (n.d.). Home. Web.

Cunha, J. P. (2022). What is normal blood pressure range by age? Adults, children & charts. eMedicineHealth. Web.

Health literacy: Hidden barriers and practical strategies. (n.d.). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Web.

Healthy diet. (2020). WHO | World Health Organization. Web.

Immunization schedules for 18 & younger. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.

Obesity in children and adolescents: Screening. (2017). United States Preventive Services Taskforce. Web.