The Role of Behavior Change for Maintaining Health and Well-being

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for overall well-being, and it requires consistent effort and dedication. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by making behaviour changes that promote healthy habits. Behaviour change in this essay is analysed as a way for maintaining health and perosnal well-being. Behaviour change is the process of modifying habits, behaviours, and attitudes that are detrimental to one's health and replacing them with positive and healthier ones. It is an ongoing process that requires commitment, motivation, and support from loved ones. 

Mass media used as a health intervention strategy for health related behaviors. According to research findings half of the global deaths are caused by a health related behavior. In Europe 600 000 deaths are recorded per year from diseases like cancer, psychological disorders, hypertension, etc. Obesity and overweight is affecting between 30-80% and a third of children. Alcohol related deaths in Europe account for 6,3%. There are 1.25 million 40% teenage pregnancies and half a million will abort the remaining 60% become teenage mothers. The age group of 15-24 years has the highest HIV infections. There are 50% people who are living with HIV globally. These statistics call for immediate global population intervention to save and avoid or minimize the number of people being affected by these kinds of behavior.

The media has a bigger role to inform and promote awareness to the population so that people might be encouraged to quit negative behaviors and adopt positive health behaviors. Behavior change can be at individual, community or at population level. At individual level the focus will target those with existing risk factors to change to a health lifestyle. Schools, colleges, workplaces, sporting events and many social gatherings will be targeted at community level. Changing legislation, policies, punishing offenders, enforcement of laws to that criminalize sell of tobacco and alcohol to underage children, promoting social knowledge, changing attitudes and behaviors will be used at population level. The use of television, radios, print and electronic media, posters, billboards, cellphones, flyers, the internet, etc can be used to influence behavior change. The populace need to have the knowledge about the health risk factors so that they can set goals and be motivated to change negative behaviors. Some of the unhealthy behaviors are alcohol and tobacco use, unhealthy diets, taking illicit drugs, sexual risk taking, over speeding, not wearing protective clothing, disembarking on moving vehicles, etc. Due to marketing strategies being used by manufacturers and the distribution chains to lure people to take alcohol, food and tobacco the media must be vigilant to fight this negative behaviors influence on people. Media campaigns can have positive changes in health related behaviors across large populations. The Social Cognition Theory has been used for developing intervention strategies. Successful intervention involves encouraging people to quit or reduce negative behaviors like smoking. It encourages physical exercises amongst all age groups. Children should be encouraged to play outdoor games and activities than to play indoor games. Physical education learning at school promote activeness to children at school. Health eating should be encouraged at all places and levels. The young should be encouraged to delay prevent, and reduce sex to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Negative behaviors associated with culture and structure must be discouraged.

I think the most effective plan for improving a health related behavior is by preventing rather than delaying the onset of the behavior. As the saying goes 'prevention is better than cure' it cost nothing by living a health lifestyle like cancer screening testing. To successfully change behavior, people should seek advice and help early from health professionals, follow instructions and take medication, do physical exercises, eat healthy food, seek counseling, go for examination, reviews and check-ups. Pregnant woman should avoid taking alcohol, tobacco eating unhealthy food, have unsafe sex, illicit drugs, and anything that is not good for their health because it will affect the unborn baby.

Ogden described association as very important for changing negative behaviors or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 'lf you practice and associate with health behavior, you benefit eating well, become active, don't take dangerous drugs or substances, avoid dangerous situations that may harm your body'. “Associating with eating well, feelings of health and well-being, outdoor feelings, refreshing, doing exercises will renew your energy”. Supervision, following up on someone trying to or changing negative behavior is very important. This will encourage the individuals whether to continue or quit. The assessment will guide the way forward as a way to follow the path or change course and tactics Child headed families should be well supported so that they would not rush into drugs, alcohol abuse sexual activities. The social services department must do more to safe guard these children especially girls. Rape is also another threatening behavior that needs urgent attention and exposure.

In conclusion, media has a significant impact on our behaviour, and unfortunately, it often promotes unhealthy behaviours and lifestyles. The constant bombardment of negative messages, images, and advertisements can lead to a distorted view of reality and hinder positive behaviour change. Media plays a crucial role in shaping our attitudes and beliefs, and it is essential to be aware of the negative influence it can have on our behaviour change efforts. By focusing on small, manageable steps, individuals can gradually build new healthy habits and behaviours that will have a significant impact on their health and quality of life. It is essential to remember that behaviour change is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and dedication. With the right mindset and support, anyone can make positive behaviour changes that promote a healthier and happier life.

References

• Jepson, R. Harris, F, N. Tannahill, C. (2010 September 8). The Effectiveness of Interventions to Change Six Health Behaviours: A Review of Reviews
• Ogden, J. (2019). The Psychology of Health and Illness: An open-access course [PDF].