The saying that remains unchanged is that change is constant. Healthcare professionals should embrace change and adapt gracefully, as it benefits their patients. It is crucial to anticipate and recognize future trends in order to be prepared, especially in the field of health education and promotion where staying ahead of the game is essential for providing the latest information and tools to enhance quality of life.
The location of health education and promotion is a critical consideration in the future trends of the health education profession. By targeting areas with high demand, we can have a significant impact on people’s lives. One particular area going through notable changes in terms of health education settings is the workplace. Employers are increasingly introducing programs that offer their employees and families the essential resources and information to make healthier choices (Cottrell 2012).
The implementation of a health education and promotion program greatly affects the well-being and health of employees. This is evidenced by the positive outcomes such as increased productivity, happiness, reduced sick days, and improved performance. In my workplace, we have a health assessment tool available to both employees and their families. This tool allows us to assess our health through completing a questionnaire, undergoing blood work, and receiving a physical assessment. By utilizing this information, we can track our progress in adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
At the worksite, there are various impactful programs such as smoking cessation programs, fitness centers, and insurance breaks for healthier lifestyles. The expansion of health education and promotion is expected in online media. Previously, health educators had a limited reach but with the internet, we can now reach millions through online and social media platforms.
By utilizing different online platforms like blogs, videos, websites, and online assessment tools, we can expand our audience to a broader and more diverse range of people. One noteworthy illustration is the website My Life Check, which was developed by the American Heart and Stroke Institutes. This platform offers individuals access to resources for evaluating their health status and establishing health-related objectives. An initial examination of their data indicates that a considerable number of people are engaging with their site in various capacities (My Life Check, 2012).
The presence of many online resources dedicated to health education and promotion is remarkable. By recognizing and embracing emerging trends in this field, we can have a significant impact, as shown by the following examples. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to improve the health and well-being of individuals in our communities. Adapting to a constantly changing environment is one of the strategies we can use to achieve this goal.
