1. Personal statement
In my opinion, being healthy encompasses several aspects. It is not merely the lack of infirmity. It is a state of absolute mental, bodily and social well being. It also encompasses functionality and metabolic efficiency. It is a state where one’s body, mind and soul are in perfect harmony.
2. Description of my Family’s Health Patterns
A. Place of Birth
I was born in January the 27th of 1987 and brought up in the capital city of Poland; Warsaw. Until the previous five years when we relocated to the United States of America, we lived in the capital city. We lived in a four bedroom public housing in the outskirts of the city. There was open space for children to play and the schools were nearby.
B. Cultural background
The Polish culture is very closely connected and winding over a period of one thousand years. The unique characters in the culture are as a result of its geographical location especially its confluence with European cultures. The polish culture can trace its roots in the culture of Proto-Slavs. However, over the passage of time, the culture has been intensely influenced by the Germanic, Byzantine and Latinate worlds. There has also been a great deal of sway from the other ethnic groups and other minority groups living in Poland.
The polish people are very hospitable especially to artists from other countries. Traditionally, the polish people are keen to follow popular artistic and cultural trends form other countries. Culture takes center stage so much so that it sometimes takes precedence over economic and political activities. The polish people have a great forbearance towards minority groups and they are not known for discrimination on the grounds of race, nationality or religion.
C. State of Health
My family has five members who are in perfect health condition. There is no history of non communicable diseases in my family line. There are no cases of mental illnesses or personality disorders. My parents both exercise and go for annual checks.
D. Health care practices
There is varied health seeking behaviors in my family. For instance, my paternal grandparents do not readily go to hospital when they are sick. They posit that conventional medicine should be the last option when one is sick. When they are not feeling well, they result to herbs and food cocktails that they prepare by themselves. For example, to fight flu, they mix garlic, lemons and honey in hot water and drink. Amazingly enough, they get better more often than not. My maternal grandparents living in an elderly home where they are taken care of by trained nurses.
My eldest sister, a nutritionist by profession, ensures that my grandparents are taken care of from a nutrition point of view. She manages their dietary intake and every now and then she performs a nutritional assessment to ensure that they are not deficient in the vital nutrients. Every three months she purchases nutrient supplements to replenish their bodily store. She advises that we eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. However, this is not taken well by every member of the family as my two nieces and nephews do not like vegetables.
We all exercise at least thrice a week so as to keep fit. Whereas my two sisters prefer outdoor track running, I conveniently run on the treadmill inside my house. This is because of my busy schedule as a nurse. I visit the gym every weekend for a full body workout whenever my schedule allows. Whenever I have an off day at work, I bond with my friends and family through participation in common activities. I am a social drinker and I enjoy some indulgence in alcoholic beverages especially when I am with my friends.
E. Emerging patterns
The emerging patterns from the expose above is that my family is mindful of their health and that they are ready to do that whicht is required to maintain good health. Another emergent pattern is that my family members exercise regularly. There is insufficient roughage and fiber intake especially by the siblings who do not like their vegetables.
F. Concerns
There are concerns about my social drinking, especially form the other family members. They worry that between the tight schedule at the hospital and the social drinking; I do not have time to let my body recover. There are also concerns on the fact that the children do not take in plenty of vegetables. This is especially owing to the fact that vegetables provide essential nutrients that are necessary for a growing child.
G. Changes in health practices
In order to get more rest time, I have foregone some other activities that I am involved in so as to get more time to myself and rest. I have also changed from drinking beer to taking wine when I have to. This is because wine has more benefits to one’s body when compared to beer and refined spirits.
3. Health practices in disease prevention/Health promotion
A. Physical activity and fitness
B. Nutrition
As a trained healthcare worker, I know the importance of nutrition to one’s health. Consequently, I limit the intake of red meat meats. I am also careful to buy lean cuts of meat whenever I have to cook a dish with meat. I also consume plenty of vegetables and fruits in order to boost my immunity. I self examine myself for breast cancer regularly. This is before my annual breast cancer examination. I also visit the hospital for cancer screening every six months. In order to reduce the predisposing factors to cancer, I do not smoke and I avoid flame grilled meats.
C. Use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
I do not use tobacco products or any drugs that are not prescribed by the doctor. I do not self medicate even though I have a good background in medicine. However, I consume alcoholic beverages whenever I am out with my friends. As a change in my health practices, I have resulted to drinking wine as opposed to beer and refined spirits.
D. Safety at home and in the car
I ensure that there is proper ventilation in the house by opening the windows for fresh air whenever I am in the house. I use propane gas for cooking and I ensure that there are no leaks in the cylinders or the hose pipes. I have a functional and routinely serviced fire extinguisher in the house. In line with the recommendations from the Fire Marshalls, I keep a safety kit at home in case of emergencies. Whenever I am driving, I insist that everyone fastens their seatbelts. My nephew and nieces sit in the back seat in the car and from time to time I monitor to ensure that the seatbelts are fastened the length of the journey.
E. Environment
I have no history of allergic reactions of any sort.
F. Food
I avoid fast foods and whenever I cannot, I take moderate portions and fill up with vegetables. I consume plenty of vegetables and fruits and imbibe eight to ten glasses of water a day.
G. Stress reduction
In order to reduce stress in my life, I have reduced the extra activities that I engage in after work so that I can have more time to rest. I have also enrolled with a psychiatrist so as to get help in dealing with the overwhelming things in life.
H. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
I do not engage in reckless sexual behavior and I use protection every time.
I. Immunizations
I am immunized against hepatitis B, typhoid and influenza.
J. Examinations
I self examine my breasts regularly to check for unusual lumps that might necessitate an appointment with the doctor. I go for a full mammography every September of the year for screening for cancer and other conditions. Every three to five years, I go for a Pap smear test from my physician to check for cervical cancer and other abnormalities in my lower reproductive tract (Gordon, 2010).
K. Physician assessment
Every September of every year I go for full body examination from the physician. We discuss the results and make appropriate resolutions depending on the nature of the results.
L. Alternative therapies
I attend counseling therapy sessions with my psychiatrist whenever feel overwhelmed
M. Support
I participate in a support group that helps one deal with problems establishing trust.
4. Personal wellness plan
NANDA self diagnosis
Ego integrity (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, 2011)
Lack of spiritual wellbeing
Spiritual distress
Personal wellness plan
Nursing outcome
Nursing intervention
Have attained a body mass index of <25kg/m2 Spiritual enrichment Increased endurance Increased mental ability 1. Dieting 2. Aerobic exercise 3. Nutrition assessment 4. Toning exercises 5. Stretching 1. Regular church attendance 2. Bible study 3. Fellowship 4. Helping the destitute 5. Volunteer work 1. Endurance running 2. Aerobic exercises 1. Playing scientific mental games 2. Increase education level
Met Unmet
Met Unmet
Met Unmet
Met Unmet
Gordon, M. (2010). Manual of nursing diagnosis: Including all diagnostic categories approved
by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and
Bartlett.
North American Nursing Diagnosis Association. (2011). Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and
Classification: 2012-14: Definitions and Classification. S.l.: John Wiley.
Travis, M.D. & Regina S. R. (2012) http://www.thewellspring.com/wellspring/introduction-to-wellness/364/the-wellness-wheel.cfm
Appendix I
Appendix II
