Select a specific health issue and the target audience for your brochure: patients, families, communities, healthcare providers, etc. Consider who is most at risk for the health issue you chose.
Your group will create a brochure that focuses on the behavioral factors necessary to alleviate or prevent the health issues you chose.
Brochure information should include, but is not limited to how to make a change, information on health conditions, symptoms or treatments, and coping techniques.
One section of your brochure should focus on the health outcomes that could be achieved if a participant makes the suggested behavioral changes.
Use two to three scholarly resources to support your explanations.
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Specific Health Issue: Type 2 Diabetes
Target Audience: Patients and families
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from the body's inability to effectively use insulin or produce enough insulin. It is typically associated with lifestyle factors such as poor dietary choices, physical inactivity, and obesity. Individuals who are overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a history of gestational diabetes are most at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
To make a change and prevent or manage type 2 diabetes, it is crucial for patients and their families to adopt healthy behavioral factors. The following suggestions can greatly alleviate or prevent the health issue:
1. Healthy Eating: Emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce the intake of sugary beverages, processed foods, and high-fat meals. Encourage portion control and regular meal times.
2. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and improves insulin sensitivity. Encourage at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
3. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Provide resources on setting realistic weight loss goals, monitoring portion sizes, and seeking support from healthcare providers or specialized programs if necessary.
4. Medication Adherence: If prescribed medication, it is important to take it as directed by healthcare providers. Explain the role of medications in managing blood glucose levels and the potential benefits in preventing complications associated with diabetes.
5. Regular Check-ups: Encourage regular visits to healthcare providers to monitor blood glucose levels and overall health. This allows for early detection and intervention if needed.
By implementing these behavioral changes, patients may achieve various health outcomes:
1. Improved glycemic control: Modifying lifestyle factors can significantly improve blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.
2. Weight loss and maintenance: By adopting healthier eating habits and increasing physical activity, patients can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity and decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Enhanced quality of life: Better management of type 2 diabetes leads to increased energy levels, reduced fatigue, and improved overall wellbeing.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 44(1), S1-S223.
2. Colberg, S. R., Sigal, R. J., Yardley, J. E., Riddell, M. C., Dunstan, D. W., Dempsey, P. C., ... & Tate, D. F. (2016). Physical activity/exercise and diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care, 39(11), 2065-2079.
3. Eckel, R. H., Jakicic, J. M., Ard, J. D., Miller, N. H., Hubbard, V. S., Nonas, C. A., ... & Ryan, D. H. (2013). 2013 AHA/ACC guideline on lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risk: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 63(25 Part B), 2960-2984.