Human Disease and Health Promotion

Book excerpt: The essential tools and methodologies for real-world patient education Human Disease and Health Promotion offers a comprehensive introduction to health advocacy and patient education in a real-world context. Covering the epidemiology and pathology of major communicable and non-communicable diseases, this book details up-to-date health promotion strategies and communication approaches designed to engage diverse populations. These methodologies can inform health promotion efforts. You'll learn how to partner with the patient to navigate healthcare systems and services and how to manage the relationship to avoid patient dependence and advocate burn-out. An extensive guide to common diseases includes details on mechanism, treatment, epidemiology, pathology, and attendant psychosocial implications, and prevention and control are emphasized to the degree that the patient has the capacity to obtain, process, and understand the information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Rich in examples, tools, and exercises, this text includes access to a downloadable workbook that provides additional exercises to reinforce concepts and build essential practical skills. Public health education and advocacy is an enormous undertaking with many variables. This book helps provides a real-world picture of the depth and breadth of the field, with clear guidance toward current theory and practice. Apply current health literacy theories and participatory patient education strategies Design, implement, and evaluate programs targeting various groups Analyze and apply new technologies in patient education and health advocacy Understand the mechanisms, treatments, and epidemiology of common diseases Nine out of ten adults may lack the skills needed to manage their health and prevent disease, and over half find it a challenge to self-manage chronic diseases and use health services appropriately. Human Disease and Health Promotion helps you develop your role as health educator and advocate so you can connect patients with the care and information they need.