1. Tiara Yoakum
Personal Health Education Philosophy Paper
Health can be defined as many things, according to WHO health is defined as the“…
state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease

2. or infirmity.” I believe this is a holistic definition of health because there is more to ones’ health
than their physical abilities or lack thereof. The physical, mental and social capacities are all
impacting a person’s overall health. Psychoneuroimmunology also known as PNI studies the
relations between psychological processes as well as the immune and nervous systems. In order
to really make health education impactful, we must understand what health is and that there
are systems, besides psychological processes, that are working together to determine
someone’s health.
Once health is understood by all, we have to strengthen health promotion between
different entities. Everyone has their own agenda and motives but once it is clear to everyone
the role that they play we will all be able to work toward a common goal. People have to take
initiative in doing something about how they are impacting health as a whole. Health is
especially important because there will be consequences if people continue to neglect their
health. As a child I was hospitalized several times for asthma, during my stays I was given the
chance to interact with my nurses very often and watching the care and compassion they gave
me actually led me to want to become a nurse. Throughout the course of school I changed my
major to Health Education, honestly because it is the closest major to Nursing. After actually
taking some of my courses, I have come to realize that I actually enjoy health education and I
am most attracted to the field by the flexibility within the job and the ability to work with the
community as well as on a personal individual level. My courses also give me a chance to view
health education in a hands on manner, which provide the groundwork for understanding the
profession. I have also taken courses that allow me to understand the process of program
planning, implementation as well as evaluation which are all valuable skills that I would need to

3. orchestrate programs in the community. I also got the chance to teach others informally in a
few of my health education classes. I have educated my peers on sleep health as well as
improving obesity rates amongst Latino teens. I am also able to take what I learn in my classes
and inform my friends and family on certain health disparities, which is educating others in an
informal manner.
I understand that health promotion and education has to somewhat compete with
other issues such as poverty, public safety and incarceration. I also believe that there are
several people that are still undereducated about health. Being a health educator to me, means
not only educating the community but allowing myself to be a resource for the community. It
also means emphasizing the importance of the six dimensions of health and how they are
interrelated. Focusing on things that negatively impact the communities’ health as a whole is
just as important as other issues within the community.
The philosophy that will provide framework as a professional is the philosophy of
symmetry. This philosophy basically states that within health there are other components such
as physical, emotional, spiritual, and social as well and that they are all equally important in
determining one’s health. I strongly believe that if one or more components is not in the proper
state, then one cannot be seen as healthy. We must not only focus on the physical aspect
because all the other components work together to make up a persons’ health. Balance
amongst these components are essential and as a health educator it is my role to encourage
this balance.
My philosophy will not only frame my professional life but it will also determine my
choice of content and methods in the programs that I choose to implement. For example when

4. planning a program I will not only consider physical exercise but cognitive exercises as well.
These exercises will also improve social involvement and emotional wellness. Some believe that
as long as you are physically in shape than one is considered healthy, so they may focus their
program solely on physical activity. My philosophy will also impact my personal choices
regarding my own health. Wellness integrates all of those same components so although I have
been working toward physical fitness, I have also been focusing on my emotional and spiritual
wellness in hopes of getting all components to optimal levels. Once all components are
balanced not only will I lead a long and fulfilling life but it will contribute to my overall
happiness.
Obesity rates are steadily climbing and there is a small portion of people that are
actually trying to make a difference. I have always wanted to be able to assist people, this is
why I am pursuing a degree in health education, and I do also plan to continue school to
become a Nurse. In planning to work in both fields, I hope to accomplish my goal of not only
trying to prevent injuries and ailments among communities but also be able to help those who
have to be hospitalized.