Complete 10 page APA formatted essay: HEALTH PROMOTION.Download file to see previous pages... The primary goal of health promotion is to help individuals and groups change their lifestyle to reach a s

Complete 10 page APA formatted essay: HEALTH PROMOTION.

The primary goal of health promotion is to help individuals and groups change their lifestyle to reach a state of optimal health which can be defined as "...a balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health" (O'Donnel 1989: 5). The change can be facilitated through a variety of actions to increase the population awareness and create an environment that supports good health practices.

Therefore, health promotion is a reflecting approach serving to facilitate physical and emotional well-being of individuals and groups. Although the actions undertaken within this approach may take different forms and employ a variety of tools, the most common form of health promotion efforts is a programme targeting a specific population in a unique setting. Thus, in schools and other educational institutions, health promotion approach may include a range of physical and mental health practices to target to educational goals such as improved cardiovascular fitness, non-utilization of potentially hazardous chemical substances, social skills proficiency, affective development, and enhanced motoric functioning (Zins et al 1985).

The available research and evidence colle...

Effectiveness of a health promotion campaign depends upon several factors including correct assessment of health needs in the intervention area, right goals and objectives, and professional development and implementation.

The emerging health threats and risks associated with living in the modern globalised technological world require new forms of action to successfully address them. The challenge for the coming years will be to fully realise the potential for health promotion inherent in many sectors of society, among local communities, and within families. One of the most evident and essential needs is to break through traditional boundaries within government sectors, between nongovernmental and governmental organizations, and between the public and private sectors involved in a health promotion effort. Cooperation between these sectors and organisations is required to establish new forms of highly beneficial and equal partnerships for health at all levels of governance in societies to more effectively promote healthy behaviours. With partnership and cooperation in place more community members actively participate in the effort improving quality of life and healthcare.

Emergence of the Local Health Care Co-operatives (LHCC) demonstrates that the need for partnership and cooperation is gradually recognised by both central governments and local authorities. These units have made good progress in developing into responsive and inclusive organisations which are now the main focus for planning the development of community health services.