Abstract:

Traditionally students in the health care professions have been taught about disease and dysfunctions. In the last 10-15 years there has been an increased focus on teaching the students about health. However the concept of health has mostly included preventive medicine. Not much about how to create health. I have taught a class on health for Physical Therapy students for the last 15 years. The focus for the course have been on a multi-focused approach including the main aspects of heath but more importantly focusing on how to create health, the origins of health ( Salutgenesis) and mentoring people towards better health. The course also include a focus on the students focusing on and reflecting on their own health, what do they need to improve their health and in what areas. The students write reflection papers about their mentioning experience and how their own health has changed, or why it has not. What is holding them and their clients back from improving their health? What behaviors help or hinder their efforts to improve their health. How can they use behavior change research to overcome obstacles and change their lifestyle towards improved health? What are the obstacles and beliefs that holds them back from improving their health?

The course is attempting to move the focus on how to avoid disease to how to move towards health. Instead of running from something negative (disease) the students focus on moving towards something positive(Health). This change in approach can and should lead to a less fearful approach towards health. The students spend important time to learn about disease and dysfunction, but the future belongs to the health care worker who can help their patients to create health.

Keywords:

Heath, Behavior change, salutogenesis, Lifestyle.