To date, I have gained useful skills in positionality statement writing and have gained deeper understanding of the history and definition of the Ottawa Charter. In addition, I now comprehend and can accurately restate the 17 sustainable development goals, and possess an increased understanding of different health promotion frameworks and models where prior to this course, I was only familiar with the socio-ecological model of health. Furthermore, I have learned what evidence-based health promotion entails, and am able to apply key concepts learned to the health issue I am exploring.
The sustainable development goals were an interesting discovery, as it was the first time I have been informed of them, and it will be exciting to track the progress of these goals. In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Global Goals/Sustainable Development Goals which act as a framework for prosperity and peace by 2030, encompassing planet conservation and poverty elimination (United Nations Development Program, 2022). In relation to my health issue, I was surprised to acknowledge the profound effect of lifestyle interventions in the reduction of type 2 diabetes. A study found a 67.4% diabetes risk reduction amongst impaired glucose tolerance subjects through weight loss, exercise, and diet (Kosaka et al., 2005). Through the process of assignments 1 and 2, I have discovered that I have a passion for learning about health promotion and disease prevention. For example, upon finding general information about type 2 diabetes, I would catch myself excitedly rushing to the literature to search for studies presenting evidence of this information. With respect to my fellow classmates, I have learned that in relation to their health promotion issues, many plan on using the health belief model as a source of guidance to understand their topic.
My desired career is to be a Public Health Educator. Health educators are involved in health issue management via knowledge spread (Public Health Degrees, 2022). As such, my chosen health promotion topic is useful as it allows me to explore the health issue of type 2 diabetes on a deep level to learn about preventative methods and communities at risk for the disease based on the social determinants of health.
In health promotion, I see health disparities as an issue. “Black women are three to four times more likely to die a pregnancy-related death compared to White women, and they are up to 12 times more likely in some cities” (Tuck, 2022, p.1). Through the elimination of health disparities based on race, an annual savings of $135 billion is projected by racial equity studies (Tuck, 2022). It is vital for health disparities, discrimination, and inequalities to be addressed for health potential achievement and health equity (Tuck, 2022).
I faced difficulty in the selection of a health promotion issue for my proposal. There are many health issues to choose from, and I found it challenging to center my focus on one specific health issue. I worked around this difficulty by exploring the literature to determine areas in health where research was of good quality, relevant, and abundant.
I would like to learn more about mental health and effective strategies for positive mental health maintenance. I occasionally suffer from anxiety and depression, which have been exacerbated due to Covid, and have found it difficult to perform daily tasks while struggling with this setback. “Mental illness affects about one out of every five Canadians at some point in their lifetime" (Public Health Ontario, 2022, para.1). Communities, people, and policies can be strengthened through strategies aimed at the promotion of mental health, where community participation, relationship sustainment, and life fulfillment can be enjoyed (Public Health Ontario, 2022).
References
Kosaka, K., Noda, M., & Kuzuya, T. (2005). Prevention of type 2 diabetes by lifestyle intervention:
a Japanese trial in IGT males. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 67(2), 152–162.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2004.06.010
Public Health Degrees. (2022). How to become a health educator.
https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/careers/health-educator/
Public Health Ontario. (2022). Mental health. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Health-
Topics/Health-Promotion/Mental-Health
Tuck, B. (2022). Why health equity matters in 2022. https://www.closedloop.ai/post/why-
health-equity-matters-in-2022
United Nations Development Programme. (2022). The SDGs in action.
https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
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