HCA Module 08 - Whole Health Flashcards
What does “whole health” mean?
“Whole health” is a term that is often used to describe a holistic approach to wellness.
When we think about whole health, we think about the wellness of the person in every aspect of their life: nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, spirituality, emotional nurturing, social connections, education and/or work or vocation, exercise, and safe housing.
What does improving health depend on?
Improving health depends on many things. You may not have thought about it, but in some areas fresh produce is very expensive and neighborhoods are not safe to walk in. When we work with a peer to improve health, it is important to understand the person’s culture and lifestyle.
Some questions to ask might be:
* Can they afford nutritious food, and is it available?
* What types of exercise are available that meet their individual needs?
* What kind of education does the person have about healthcare?
* Does the person have support in making needed changes?
What are the stages of Change?
For many issues, including helping people make major changes in life (quitting smoking, losing weight, etc.), an understanding of Stages of Change theory can help us decide what sort of approach will work best.
Stages of Change Theory says, in general, that people who undertake a life change approach this in various specific stages. These stages are:
1. Pre-Contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Planning
4. Action
5. Maintenance
6. Termination
Understanding Stages of Change will help you be more effective in encouraging efforts toward better health.
What is the stage of Pre-Contemplation?
The person is not thinking about change at this time.
It often is not useful to try to encourage change when someone isn’t already thinking about it. Usually this means a person isn’t seeing any negative consequences from the behavior.
Watch for signs that the person isn’t enjoying the consequences of this behavior. They may start thinking about change.
What is the stage of Contemplation?
The person is actively considering change, but they are without a plan.
Now the person recognizes some negative consequences and may be thinking this is not what they want in their life.
Help the person identify these feelings: what do you like about this behavior? Is it keeping you from anything you want in life?
What is the stage of Planning?
The person is making plans to change.
Planning is very important and can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful change efforts. Think about when you have made changes.
Help the person think through the details of change, including challenges that might come up. Support the person’s plan, not your own.
What is the stage of Action?
When change begins - the first day as a non-smoker, the first day at the gym, etc.
This is the first day of the change and the next few days and weeks. Things will feel new and strange and a person may experience cravings or strong desires for old behaviors.
Provide encouragement and stress that cravings usually last only about 10 minutes, and it takes some time to build new habits.
Review the reasons the person wants to change.
What is the stage of Maintenance?
The person is keeping up the new behavior, including managing relapses.
Maintenance is keeping up new behavior over weeks and months. Know that relapse is very common and that it is not a sign of failure.
Help people get back on track quickly.
What is CDSM?
Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM), or Chronic Pain Self-Management are evidence- based programs to help people make healthy life changes. Peers can be trained to teach these classes, whether or not they have the condition.
This Stanford-based program often included issues such as diabetes, weight loss, and chronic pain. Behavioral health was not included in the original plan, but it fits right in.
These classes may be offered at clinics, YMCAs, other community groups, and may also be taken online.
What is WHAM?
Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) is a self-help class designed by Larry Fricks. The class covers many chronic conditions and focuses on goal setting. The class is unique in that it is designed for people with behavioral health challenges. It also includes a lot of peer support. After learning the basics of the course, participants participate in 8 week support groups.
Physical health is not important to behavioral health
* True
* False
- False
Which of the following is correct?
* Everyone should join a gym for exercise.
* Fresh foods may be hard to find in some neighborhoods.
* Peer supporters may only work in behavioral health clinics.
* Peers should create exercise plans for others.
- Fresh foods may be hard to find in some neighborhoods.
What are the Stages of Change in the correct order?
- Pre-Contemplation
- Contemplation
- Planning
- Action
- Maintenance
People in the public mental health system die on average 25 years earlier than those not in the system.
* True
* False
- True
Match the following concepts to their category: A serious addictive health problem, Improves most aspects of health (including behavioral health), Can be caused in part by medication and poor nutrition, and A common disease in people with mental health challenges.
* Smoking:
* Obesity:
* Exercise:
* Diabetes:
- Smoking: A serious addictive health problem
- Obesity: Can be caused in part by medication and poor nutrition
- Exercise: Improves most aspects of health (including behavioral health)
- Diabetes: A common disease in people with mental health challenges
