Family Health Assessment Argumentative

While interviewing a families health patterns, there were many areas assessed. Several questions have been asked regarding numerous aspects of their life. These family focused questions will help us explore into their health, cognition and overall wellbeing. Based on the responses, a family diagnosis was formulated. In this paper, we will explore the questions and answers that have been provided. When investigating into their perception of health it was stated by the wife/mother, “Health is very important to us, however it has been a challenge because me, my husband and our children are all overweight, and I have diabetes.” When asked if eating healthy was a priority to this family, it was noted to be a goal rather than a practice. It was also mentioned how exercise and physical activity have not been a main concern. The family also stated that, “Kentucky Fried Chicken” was their favorite meal, and fruits and vegetables were not consumed as frequently.

However, the family did state they want to start eating healthier and would like additional resources on beginning the process. As said by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eating less fat and choosing fewer high-fat foods is essential. It is also mentioned to limit foods that are high in saturated fats or trans fat. This would include fatty cuts of meat, fried foods, whole milk and dairy products made from whole milk, cakes, candy, cookies, crackers, and pies, salad dressings, lard, shortening, stick margarine, and nondairy creamers (CDC, 2014). Sleep is also an important factor in assessing one’s wellbeing. When asked about the average amount of hours slept per night, it was said everyone in the household sleeps roughly six to eight hours a night.

Both the husband and wife work full time, and the children are in school, so it is not typical for this family to take naps throughout the day. However, when the mother was asked if she felt rested in the morning, she replied, “I usually get up to a sluggish start, then I feel awake until I eat lunch. After I eat lunch, I feel very tired again. By the time I get home and eat dinner, I am exhausted.” When asked if she thought their eating patterns and lack of exercise may have been a contributing factor to this, she stated, “yes.” Another critical component assessed was the family’s elimination patterns. It was stated most household members urinate about six to eight time a day. All family members reported to have at least one bowel movement a day. The husband reported to have as many as three. The children did not report any bouts of constipation.

However, both the husband and wife reported three to four episodes of constipated per month. When asked about the frequency of activity and exercise, all family members reported with the same answer. Exercise was not part of their daily routine, and their activity level was nil. However, the family did mention they would like to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, individuals with diabetes should exercise daily to help control blood sugar, cholesterol, strengthen the heart, lungs and bones, and help to prevent a heart attack or stroke (AHRQ, 2008).

Cognitive function is another vital aspect to explore when evaluating one’s wellbeing. When asked about how times per week they woke up feeling groggy, the mother replied back with an astonishing answer of “every day I wake up.” She said it typically lasts until she drinks her cup of coffee and eats her breakfast. This was followed up by asking if she felt her eating habits attributed to this feeling. Again, she did make the correlation between her eating habits and the way food made her feel. These next few questions were focused more so on the mother, given the fact diabetes plays a major role in sensory-perception. She was asked to describe her eye site.

The mother stated, “as long as I squint to see far, I can see just fine.” According to Healthy People 2020, “The eyes are an important, but often overlooked, part of overall health. Despite the preventable nature of some vision impairments, many people do not receive recommended screenings and exams. A visit to an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam can help to detect common vision problems and eye diseases, including: Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, Cataract, and Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Healthy People 2020, 2014). She also stated it had been several years since her last comprehensive eye exam. Another aspect to explore would be self-perception. Now previously mentioned, the wife/mother referenced her weight.

She did in fact consider herself to be “overweight.” She was asked if she could change something about herself, what it would be. She answered, her health and her weight. The wife has stated due to co-morbidity of obesity coupled with diabetes she has “little self confidence” left. When analyzing the relationship role of this family, it was very clear to see they were a close nit family. The parents (or grandparents) are very involved in family functions. It was also noted this family has many friends in their community. This family is closely affiliated with their church as well as other social networks. The husband and wife both agree they have a stable, loving and respectful marriage. They have been “happily married for 16 years.”

The topic of sexuality was brought up, and it appeared the family shares the same consensus. Each family member identifies themselves as heterosexual, and all feel very comfortable in their skin. All family members denied wanting to change anything about their sexuality. It was also noted they have many friends who are not heterosexual, and all family members said they, “love their non heterosexual friends.” The last but not least subject mentioned dealt with coping. When asked how they coped with their last stressful event, the family united simultaneously and stated, “We pull together as a family unit.” They also stated, “We pray and ask for God’s help.” It was previously mentioned this family is religious and spirituality intact.

They do believe their coping strategies to be healthy as well as effective. Upon analyzing the family focused questionnaire, two wellness family diagnoses were made. The first diagnosis is Readiness for Enhanced Activity–Exercise Pattern as evidenced by the family stating they would like to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. The second diagnosis is Imbalanced Nutrition- More Than Body Requirements as evidenced by the family stating they are overweight. In conclusion, this family has health concerns that need to be addressed. The nutritional and activity level of this family is distressing. Dietary teaching would definitely benefit all members of this family. An exercise program designed specifically for this family unit would be a valuable tool as well. With this family taking the proactive steps needed to lead a healthier lifestyle, it is almost certain they will notice a significant improvement to their health and overall wellbeing.

References

Eat Right. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2014, from Centers For Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/eatright.htm Exercise for Diabetics. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2014, from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website: http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/education/curriculum tools/diabnotebk/diabnotebk2512.html Diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2014, from Healthy People.gov website: http://healthypeople.gov/2020/ topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=8