Constructing a Family and their Health Problems Essay

Description of the Family

The family constructed for this assignment comprises the father, mother, and two children. The family is African American, residing in the United States of America. The father, aged 44, works as a teacher in the community school while the mother, aged 38, is a nurse. The mother is six months pregnant with their child. Notably, the family has two children, a son and a daughter aged 12 and 3, respectively. Constructing a Family and their Health Problems Essay

Identification of Real or Potential Health Problems for Each Family Member

Father

The father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin two years ago. He has been managing the condition by insulin therapy, consuming a healthy diet, and engaging in physical exercises. Other potential health problems for the father include high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension.

Mother

While the pregnant mother has no pressing health concerns, she is considered highly vulnerable. Several health problems can develop during pregnancy. These include iron-deficiency anemia, gestational diabetes, anxiety and depression, fetal problems, and high blood pressure related to pregnancy.

Teenage Son

The most pressing health concern for the son is acne. Acne is highly common in puberty, and research suggests that approximately 85 percent get acne during adolescence (Lynn et al., 2016). During adolescence, the body produces hormones that place the sebaceous glands into overdrive. In turn, the extra oil traps dead skin and bacteria, clogging pores, which result in acne. Other potential health issues for the son include alcohol and substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression and suicide. Constructing a Family and their Health Problems Essay

Daughter

Allergies are the most pressing health concerns for the family’s three-year-old daughter. Allergies mostly occur when the child’s immune system reacts to environmental triggers. Common triggers are dust, pollen, fumes, and fur. Other potential health concerns for the child are asthma, colds, and food intolerances.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for Each Member

Health promotion encompasses activities aimed at engaging and empowering individuals and communities to partake in healthy behaviors and make significant lifestyle changes that minimize the risk of chronic illnesses and other comorbidities (Brown et al., 2018). As defined by the World Health Organization, health promotion enables populations to upsurge control over their health. Besides focusing on treatment and cure, health promotion centers on identifying and eliminating the root cause of illness. Notably, health promotion activities such as the incorporation of healthy diets and physical exercises into the family’s routine lifestyle require all family members’ input and engagement. It is a vital aspect of family-centered care, which is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships. Constructing a Family and their Health Problems Essay

Father

Health promotion activities for the father should center on effective management of type 2 diabetes. The father should be encouraged to combine healthy diets with physical exercises to manage the condition. According to Healthy People 2020, type 2 diabetes affects 29 million individuals in the US and is the fifth leading cause of death. Notably, it is highly prevalent in African American populations compared to other races (Ard et al., 2020). Ethnic minorities constitute 25 percent of all persons with diabetes in the US. Additionally, health promotion also focuses on preventive care. The father should be encouraged to seek preventive services such as screening for chronic infections for early identification and treatment. Constructing a Family and their Health Problems Essay

Mother

Health promotion activities for pregnant women center on antenatal and postnatal care. During antenatal periods, healthcare professionals educate women on their health and that of the child before, during, and after birth. During these visits, the information provided constitutes benefits of good nutrition, adequate rest and hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunization. According to Smith et al. (2017), promoting healthy pregnancy is the critical goal of health promotion for pregnant women. The mother should be encouraged to attend antenatal visits to screen for potential pregnancy complications and treat health issues as they arise.

Adolescent Son

Adolescents’ health behaviors directly influence their long-term health outcomes as youth’s health behaviors continue to adult life (Salam et al., 2016). Major health promotion areas among adolescents include health risk behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, engaging in sexual activity, depression and mental health, parent-adolescent communication, violence, and physical activity. Constructing a Family and their Health Problems Essay

Daughter

Health promotion for toddlers includes adequate nutrition, protection from environmental toxins, sufficient hygiene, and physical activity.