Health education

Abstract

In most cases, the search for the original causes of diseases will lead, unless the disease in question is purely hereditary, to the social environment, to factors conditioned by technology, to behaviour involving risks as a result of interaction with social environment, to emotional reactions, and to personality formation. The most frequent causes of death are predominantly the sequels of addiction (addiction to food, drinking, overall consumption performance, smoking, etc.). It would be necessary to probe into the classical risk factors with regard to their origin. They require to be complemented by a theory of anti-risks. Risk factors and anti-risks are capable of being influenced via health education. Pure information by itself is insufficient, since it remains ineffective against addiction. It will be necessary to bring influences into play which exercise a triggering influence on emotions. The general practitioner is usually too late with his advice, and moreover, he does not promote a new kind of behavior, except through fear. Health education must begin at home and at school. The initial phases of early childhood are most important. Since it will be necessary to evaluate complicated effects, the doctor is indispensable as a health educationist. To perform this task satisfactorily, he requires professional training and he is also in need of cooperation on the part of the teacher. The school medical officer is particularly suitable as a health educationist. Sociological models are very important as factors which determine the performance and behaviour of individuals.