Smoking, alcohol and obesity: Health promotion opportunities relevant to acutely ill vascular and urology patients.

Authors

  • Karen Johnson Liverpool John Moores University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.lhsc.vol2iss2article168

Keywords:

smoking, alcohol, obesity, health promotion,

Abstract

Alcohol, smoking and obesity are considered serious public health issues. This article examines the nurses’ role in health promotion and considers the legal, ethical and policy context relevant to a group of acutely ill patients on a vascular surgery and urology ward. It discusses how the majority of these patients suffer from vascular disease, primarily caused by modifiable risk factors and explores how to empower individuals to manage and improve their own health. The article concludes that nurses have a duty to help individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health. However, patients are entitled to make their own choices and the nurse must be respectful of their autonomy.

Author Biography

Karen Johnson, Liverpool John Moores University

Karen is a second-year mature student, studying adult nursing at Liverpool John Moores University. After originally gaining a degree in English Literature and Psychology, she began working as a healthcare assistant before deciding to pursue a career in nursing. Her clinical placements have been varied, including nephrology, gastroenterology, vascular/urology, stroke and the emergency surgery assessment unit. Karen is particularly keen on working with acutely ill patients with chronic conditions, with a specific interest in the importance of health promotion.

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Published

2017-11-28

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright is retained by the author and will be published under a CCBY-ND-NC (Creative Comons Attribution, no derivatives, non-commerical) license.