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How can patients take an active role in their own health promotion?

Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. As a patient, you have a vital role in your own health promotion, not only by following your doctor's or nurse's advice, but also by taking proactive steps to enhance your well-being. In this article, we will discuss how you can take an active role in your own health promotion by adopting healthy habits, engaging in self-care, seeking reliable information, and communicating effectively with your health care team.

1 Adopt healthy habits

One of the most important ways to promote your health is to adopt healthy habits that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some of these habits include eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and managing stress. These habits can help you prevent or reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as improve your mood, energy, and resilience.

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Pallavi P.

Menopause Empowerment Coach | Nutritionist (Clinical & Public health), MPH (USA), PG (India) | Certified Result-Oriented Onconutritionist | Passionate about Digital health & AI
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I think that most people are already aware that they need to eat healthier, restrict processed foods & packaged foods, exercise more regularly, need adequate sleep, stay hydrated, reduce screen time, meditate and reduce stress to improve their health and reduce risk for chronic diseases. What they lack is focus, motivation and consistency to stick to their goals. What they need is some hand holding or guidance from a qualified expert nutritionist/ dietician, repeated followups as well as simple reminders. They can use self help techniques in the form of - - Apps e.g. Step counter for counting walking steps - Setting alarms or reminders for taking timely meals, water intake, meds, sleep reminders and so on. - Support groups

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Cathy Soraghan

Owner of Women on the run - providing specialised Fitness programmes to meet the needs of busy women in both exercise and food planning, Multi Award winning Personal Trainer and Food coach with over 30 years experience.
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This is so important. I’m always amazed how people think they will out run a bad lifestyle. A bad diet combined with an unhealthy lifestyle will take its impact eventually.

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2 Engage in self-care

Another way to take an active role in your own health promotion is to engage in self-care, which means taking care of your own needs and preferences. Self-care can involve different activities, such as relaxing, meditating, reading, gardening, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care can help you cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, as well as enhance your self-esteem, confidence, and happiness. Self-care can also help you recognize and address any signs or symptoms of illness or injury, and seek professional help when needed.

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Cathy Soraghan

Owner of Women on the run - providing specialised Fitness programmes to meet the needs of busy women in both exercise and food planning, Multi Award winning Personal Trainer and Food coach with over 30 years experience.
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I love to garden and reading is always a pleasure. I love to hold a real book in my hand. No frustrating battery charging. If you haven’t done either in a while. Even trying a potted plant on the window sill can help. A small book that is easy to read is a step in the right direction.

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3 Seek reliable information

A third way to take an active role in your own health promotion is to seek reliable information about your health condition, treatment options, and prevention strategies. Reliable information can help you make informed decisions about your health care, as well as empower you to ask questions, express concerns, and advocate for yourself. Reliable information can come from various sources, such as your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care providers, as well as reputable websites, books, or organizations. However, you should always verify the accuracy, currency, and credibility of any information you find online or elsewhere, and consult with your health care team before making any changes to your health plan.

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4 Communicate effectively with your health care team

A fourth way to take an active role in your own health promotion is to communicate effectively with your health care team, which may include your doctor, nurse, therapist, social worker, or other providers. Effective communication can help you establish a trusting and respectful relationship with your health care team, as well as ensure that your needs, preferences, and goals are understood and met. Effective communication can also help you share your feedback, concerns, or complaints, and resolve any conflicts or problems that may arise. To communicate effectively with your health care team, you should prepare for your appointments, ask questions, listen actively, express your feelings, and follow up on any issues or actions.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can patients take an active role in their own health promotion?

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1 Adopt healthy habits

2 Engage in self-care

3 Seek reliable information

4 Communicate effectively with your health care team

5 Here’s what else to consider

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