Health means overall well-being — physical, mental and social. According to WHO (1948), health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.”
In India, major reasons for poor health include:
- Malnutrition
- Smoking and tobacco chewing
- Alcohol use
- Unhygienic living conditions
- Illiteracy
Health promotion means helping people gain control over their health through awareness, education and lifestyle improvement.
Skills to Improve Health
1) Personal Hygiene
Hygiene means keeping the body clean to prevent illness and infection.
- Daily bathing
- Brushing and flossing teeth
- Washing hands before eating
- Washing fruits and cleaning utensils
Cleaning removes dirt and dead skin, preventing germs from entering the body.
2) Social Activity
- Good social relationships improve health and productivity
- Positive interactions increase beneficial brain chemicals
- Volunteering helps overcome personal stress and improves life satisfaction
- Studies show volunteering reduces risk of death in elderly people
3) Stress Management
Continuous stress causes mental and physical problems like depression, aging and psychosomatic illness.
Stress can be managed through:
- Relaxation techniques
- Cognitive therapy
- Meditation and positive thinking
- Good problem-solving and time management skills
- Building confidence through learning
Care for Children / Health Promotion in Children
Pediatric age group: 0–14 years. Children require parental support for good physical and mental development.
Main health promotion areas:
- Immunization
- Nutrition
- Oral hygiene
- Healthy habits
1) Immunization
Immunization protects the child by strengthening immunity. Most vaccines are given early in life to prevent dangerous infections.
- Hepatitis B – 1st dose at birth, 2nd dose within 1 month
- DPT + Polio + Whooping cough – first set at 6–8 weeks
- Second and third sets at 3rd and 4th months
- MMR at 13 months
- Booster doses of DPT and MMR at 4–5 years
Role of Pharmacist in Vaccination
- Stock vaccines and guide parents
- Provide reliable health information
- Organize school and community education camps
- Support national immunization programs
- In some countries, pharmacists also administer vaccines
2) Nutrition
Proper nutrition ensures normal growth and development. Healthy eating habits should start early.
Daily Calorie Requirement
- Formula: 1000 calories + 100 calories per year of age (up to 5 years)
- Example: 2-year-old needs ~1200 calories/day
- Adult men: ~2500 calories/day; adult women: ~2100 calories/day
Infant Formulas
- Breastfeeding is best; formula is used only when needed
- Use iron-fortified formulas
- Avoid homemade formulas — they may lack nutrients
- Sterilize water and feeding bottles
- Do not store leftover formula — risk of contamination
- Never heat formula directly on stove or microwave
Starting Solid Foods
- Introduce solids at 6 months (not before 4 months)
- Begin with iron-rich baby cereals
- Then add pureed vegetables, fruits and later meats
- Introduce only one food at a time
Role of Pharmacist in Child Nutrition
- Stock appropriate baby foods
- Educate parents on feeding methods
- Explain sterilization and safe preparation
- Guide on introducing vegetables, eggs and soups
3) Oral Health / Oral Hygiene
Dental caries affects a large number of children. Most oral diseases are preventable.
Role of Pharmacist in Oral Hygiene
- Advise on sugar-free alternatives
- Recommend fluoride toothpaste and supplements
- Guide on denture hygiene
- Encourage yearly dental check-ups
- Encourage early referral for mouth ulcers or soft tissue lesions
4) Healthy Habits in Children
Habits must be taught early and repeated regularly.
Good Handwashing
- Children must wash hands before meals and after toilet use
- Reduces infections significantly
Getting Enough Sleep
- Lack of sleep affects attention and behavior
- Sleep needs vary with age
Eating Healthy Food
- Balanced diet includes vegetables, fruits, milk, fish, meat, nuts and grains
- Children often skip meals; supplementation may be needed
Exercise
- Reduce screen time
- Encourage physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily
Health Promotion and Care for Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women
Pregnant women require proper care to ensure healthy mother and baby.
Doctor’s First Visit Usually Includes:
- Blood pressure, height, weight
- Blood and urine tests
- Pelvic examination
- Evaluation of fetal age and health
Counseling Includes:
- Diet, rest and exercise
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol and unnecessary medicines
- Importance of early prenatal care
After Delivery
- Breastfeeding is strongly recommended
- Colostrum protects baby from infections
- Improves emotional bonding
Role of Pharmacist in Pregnancy Care
- Dispense safe medicines
- Educate about healthy diet and lifestyle
- Warn about harmful over-the-counter drugs
- Advise on breastfeeding and formula feeding
- Counsel on medicines excreted in breast milk
Health Promotion in Geriatrics
India’s elderly population is growing rapidly. Chronic diseases are common, but many can be prevented through healthy habits.
Common Risk Factors
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Stress and low social interaction
Role of Pharmacist in Geriatric Care
- Counsel elderly patients about disease management
- Improve medication adherence
- Offer BP and blood glucose screening
- Encourage hygiene and healthy routines
- Organize senior citizen groups and peer counseling
- Conduct home medication reviews
Detailed Notes:
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