Transtheoretical Model Of Health Promotion

Introduction

Health Promotion is defined by the World Health Organisation as a “process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health” (World Health Organisation, 2009, p.1). Serious risk factors can arise as a result of inadequate health promotion, for this reason the central purpose of this paper is to identify and examine prominent health determinants that have influenced an overweight, builder who is 35-year-old male, to a negative health behaviour. The negative health behaviour of focus is poor dietary choices. Primary data from a consensual interview has been carefully examined; identifying what stage the subject is currently in of the Transtheoretical model. Relevant and reliable information, collected from

This finding can be linked to two discoveries from the interview including, he does not generally consume breakfast, and his sugar intake through the working day is high. It is scientifically proven that sugar gives an initial energy burst due to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, however this is shortly followed by a rapid decline in blood sugar levels, resulting in the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion (Bouchez, 2005). As a result of feeling lethargic the subject admitted to consuming energy drinks for a “boost” in energy. However, in recent years consumption of energy drinks have been proven to have many associated health risks, highlighting on additional reason for the subject to change his behaviour. Abbott (2010, p. 245) states that, “recent studies have discovered significant intracellular dehydration, hypertension, fatigue, higher rates of illness and mental health disorders among workers who regularly consume energy drinks”. This information provides valid and alarming reasoning as to the potential health risks of the drinks the subject regularly consumes. These studies give valid reason why the subject should begin to at least move from stage 1 to stage 2 of the Transtheoretical model. It is evident that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is necessary for the subject to significantly reduce the causes of chronic diseases, reduce weight and improve overall health and wellbeing. This statement is strongly supported by the development of The Australian Dietary guidelines, which were developed explicitly to “aid in the prevention and management of diet related diseases and promote health and wellbeing among Australians (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2013, p.1). A potential goal for the subject to work towards is broadening his knowledge on the subject of nutrition; he could then attempt applying it to his personal life in order to achieve the related health benefits