Wilk: Sorrentino's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, 5th Edition

Chapter 6: Health, Wellness, Illness, and Disability

Chapter 6

Health, Wellness, Illness,

and Disability

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Health and Wellness (1 of 2)

 According to the World Health Organization,
health is “a state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity.”
 In recent years, this definition has also
included the ability to lead a “socially and
economically productive life.”
 Psychosocial health
 Includes social, emotional, intellectual, and
spiritual dimensions of one’s life

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Health and Wellness (2 of 2)

Holism is a concept that considers the whole
person.
 The whole person has physical, emotional,
social, cognitive, and spiritual parts.
• These parts are woven together and cannot be
separated.
 Disability and illness affect the whole
person.

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Slide 3

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 Dimensions of Health (1 of 7)
 Physical health
 Emotional health
 Social health
 Spiritual health
 Cognitive health

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Dimensions of Health (2 of 7)

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Dimensions of Health (3 of 7)
 Physical Health:
 Influenced by genetics and lifestyle
 Achieved when the body is strong, fit, and free of
disease
 Living in a smoke free environment
 Getting a good night’s sleep
 Exercise regularly

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 Dimensions of Health (4 of 7)
 Emotional Health:
 When people feel good about themselves; have
strong self-esteem, self-control, and self-
awareness
 Ability to function well and adapt appropriately in
circumstances
 Accept help and give help to others

 Emotional health will vary throughout one’s

life.

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Dimensions of Health (5 of 7)
 Social Health:
 Achieved through stable and satisfying
relationships
 Approach others with respect, warmth, openness,
and trust.
 Most people need and have a social support
system.
• Support workers may be key members of the support
system.

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Dimensions of Health (6 of 7)
 Spiritual Health:
 Believing in a purpose greater than the self
 May or may not involve being a member of a
formal religion
 Respecting the expression of other people’s
spirituality
 Belief that life has meaning
 See textbook box: Respecting Diversity: Diversity, Health,
and Spirituality

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 Dimensions of Health (7 of 7)
 Cognitive Health:
 Keeping the mind active and creative
 Maintaining curiosity throughout life
 Promoting your clients’ health by encouraging
them to take part in activities

 See textbook box: Supporting Mrs. Davidson: Maintaining

Cognitive Function

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Social Determinants of Health

(1 of 3)
 Circumstances beyond our immediate control
 Differences in the health status of individuals
and groups are called health inequalities
 e.g. genetics, environment, living conditions

 See textbook Box 6.1: Social Determinants of Health: A

Comparison Between Canada’s Version and the World
Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Version

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Slide 11

Social Determinants of Health

(2 of 3)
 12 Social Determinants of Health:
1. Income and social status
2. Social support networks
3. Education and literacy
4. Employment and working conditions
5. Social supports
6. Physical environments

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 Social Determinants of Health
(3 of 3)
 12 Social Determinants of Health:
7. Personal health practices and coping skills
8. Healthy child development
9. Biology and genetic endowment
10. Health services
11. Gender
12. Culture

 See textbook box: Case Study: Jason and His

Determinants of Health
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Achieving Optimal Health

 Achievement of optimal health (or wellness)
is the achievement of the best health possible
in all five dimensions of one’s life:
 Physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and
spiritual dimensions
 Holistic approach to health care
 Health is a continuum.

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Culture and Health, Wellness,

Illness, and Disability
 Cultures vary in terms of how they treat old
and sick members.
 Historically in some cultures, those who were
chronically ill, mentally ill, or otherwise
deemed “unacceptable” were vulnerable to
extermination.
 In Canada, one of our fundamental principles
is to accept all people, regardless of their
differences.

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Slide 15

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 Personal Factors That Can
Influence Health
 Attitude can be defined as a person’s beliefs,
values, or opinions toward engaging in
healthy behaviours.
 Five personal factors that influence health:
 Personal lifestyle choices
 Stress
 Personal beliefs about health care
 Social relationships and belonging
 Sense of control

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Illness and Disability

 Distinction between illness and disability:
 Illness is the loss of physical or mental health.
 Disability is the loss of physical or mental function.
 Distinction between acute and persistent
illness:
 Acute illness includes illnesses and disabilities
that last for a relatively short period of time.
 Persistent (chronic) illness is an ongoing illness or
disability that is slow or gradual in onset, and that
may or may not grow worse over time.

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Supporting Clients With Illnesses

and Disabilities
 Illness and disability usually affects all
aspects of a person’s life.
 No two clients experience illness and
disability in the same way.
 Many factors can affect the way clients
experience illness and disability.
 See textbook Box 6.2: Common Reactions to
Illness and Disability

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 Change and Loss Associated
With Illness and Disability
 Change in routine
 Change in work life
 Change in family life
 Change in sexual function
 Loss of independence
 Loss of dignity
 Change in self-image

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Attitudes of Others Toward

Illness and Disability (1 of 2)
 Some people are uncomfortable or fearful
when they encounter people with illnesses or
disabilities.
 Some may blame person for their condition.
 Others may stare or avoid eye contact.
 Stigma: shame or social disgrace
 Discrimination: unfair treatment

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Attitudes of Others Toward Illness

and Disability (2 of 2)
 It is important to use language that is
inclusive, respectful, and accurate at all
times.
 See textbook Box 6.3: Suggested Guidelines for
Language to Promote Positive Images of People
Living With Disabilities

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Slide 21

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Caring for Clients With Illnesses
or Disabilities
 Always remember to apply the DIPPS
principles to provide compassionate care:
 Dignity
 Independence
 Individualized care
 Preferences
 Privacy
 Safety

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