Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures Takes Holistic View of Health

To address modern health care challenges, the College of Human Ecology and the School of Hotel Administration (SHA) have formed the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures (CIHF), believed to be the world’s first academic center to combine hospitality, design, health policy and management. Led by Rohit Verma, the institute aims to improve service in health care, wellness and senior living through academia and industry partnerships.

Towards a unified theory of health-disease: II. Holopathogenesis

This article presents a systematic framework for modeling several classes of illness-sickness-disease named as Holopathogenesis. Holopathogenesis is defined as processes of over-determination of diseases and related conditions taken as a whole, comprising selected facets of the complex object Health. First, a conceptual background of Holopathogenesis is presented as a series of significant interfaces (biomolecular-immunological, physiopathological-clinical, epidemiological-ecosocial). Second, propositions derived from Holopathogenesis are introduced in order to allow drawing the disease-illness-sickness complex as a hierarchical network of networks. Third, a formalization of intra- and inter-level correspondences, over-determination processes, effects and links of Holopathogenesis models is proposed. Finally, the Holopathogenesis frame is evaluated as a comprehensive theoretical pathology taken as a preliminary step towards a unified theory of health-disease.

Population health diagnosis with an ecohealth approach

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of health diagnosis according to the ecohealth approach in rural and urban communities in Mexico.METHODS Health diagnosis were conducted in La Nopalera, from December 2007 to October 2008, and in Atlihuayan, from December 2010 to October 2011. The research was based on three principles of the ecohealth approach: transdisciplinarity, community participation, gender and equity. To collect information, a joint methodology and several techniques were used to stimulate the participation of inhabitants. The diagnostic exercise was carried out in five phases that went from collecting information to prioritization of problems.RESULTS The constitution of the transdisciplinary team, as well as the participation of the population and the principle of gender/equity were differentials between the communities. In the rural community, the active participation of inhabitants and authorities was achieved and the principles of transdisciplinarity and gender/equity were incorporated.CONCLUSIONS With all the difficulties that entails the boost in participation, the incorporation of gender/equity and transdisciplinarity in health diagnosis allowed a holistic public health approach closer to the needs of the population.

IPH response to A Healthier Future: A 20 year vision for health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland aims to promote cooperation for public health between Northern Ireland and Ireland, to tackle inequalities in health and influence public polices in favour of health. In its work, the Institute emphasises a holistic model of health which recognises the interplay of a wide range of health determinants, including economic, social and environmental factors as well as health and social services.

Cultural models of healing and health: An ethnography of professional nurses and healers

Cultural models of the domains healing and health are important in how people understand health and their behavior regarding it. The biomedicine model has been predominant in Western society. Recent popularity of holistic health and alternative healing modalities contrasts with the biomedical model and the assumptions upon which that model has been practiced. The holistic health movement characterizes an effort by health care providers and others such as nurses to expand the biomedical model and has often incorporated alternative modalities. This research described and compared the cultural models of healing of professional nurses and alternative healers. A group of nursing faculty who promote a holistic model were compared to a group of healers using healing touch. Ethnographic methods of participant observation, free listing and pile sort were used. Theoretical sampling in the free listings reached saturation at 18 in the group of nurses and 21 in the group of healers. Categories consistent for both groups emerged from the data. These were: physical, mental, attitude, relationships, spiritual, self management, and health seeking including biomedical and alternative resources. The healers had little differentiation between the concepts health and healing. The nurses, however, had more elements in self management for health and in health seeking for healing. This reflects the nurse's role in facilitating the shift in locus of responsibility between health and healing. The healers provided more specific information regarding alternative resources. The healer's conceptualization of health was embedded in a spiritual belief system and contrasted dramatically with that of biomedicine. The healer's models also contrasted with holistic health in the areas of holism, locus of responsibility, and dealing with uncertainty. The similarity between the groups and their dissimilarity to biomedicine suggest a larger cultural shift in beliefs regarding health care. ^

What is health and what is important for its achievement? : A qualitative study on adolescent boys’ perceptions and experiences of health

Few qualitative studies have explored adolescent boys’ perceptions of health. Aim: The aim of this study was therefore to explore how adolescent boys understand the concept of health and what they find important for its achievement Methods: Grounded theory was used as a method to analyse interviews with 33 adolescent boys aged 16 to 17 years attending three upper secondary schools in a relatively small town in Sweden. Results: There was a complexity in how health was perceived, experienced, dealt with, and valued. Although health on a conceptual level was described as ‘holistic’, health was experienced and dealt with in a more dualistic manner, one in which the boys were prone to differentiate between mind and body. Health was experienced as mainly emotional and relational, whereas the body had a subordinate value. The presence of positive emotions, experiencing self-esteem, balance in life, trustful relationships, and having a sense of belonging were important factors for health while the body was experienced as a tool to achieve health, as energy, and as a condition. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that young, masculine health is largely experienced through emotions and relationships and thus support theories on health as a social construction of interconnected processes. 

Role of complementary therapies in the understanding of primary healthcare professionals: a systematic review

Objective To identify the understanding of the healthcare professionals in relation to the role of complementary therapies in primary health care. Method Systematic review by way of the following information sources: PubMed, CINAHL, PeriEnf, AMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Psicoinfo and Psicodoc, using the keyword Primary Health Care alone, and associated with the following keywords: Medicinal Plants, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Anthroposophical Medicine. Results Twenty-two studies from 1986 to 2011 were included. We identified three styles of practice: conventional medicine, complementary therapies and integrative medicine. Positioning professional practices within these three styles may facilitate discussion of concepts of health care, enhancing the health care provided as a result. Conclusion The work process in primary care presents difficulties for conducting integrative and holistic health care, but this practice has been introduced over time by professionals who integrate conventional medicine and complementary therapies, concerned with the care and well-being of patients.


The spiritual needs model: spirituality assessment in the geriatric hospital setting

Clinicians increasingly agree that it is important to assess patients' spirituality and to incorporate this dimension into the care of elderly persons, in order to enhance patient-centered care. However, models of integrative care that take into account the spiritual dimension of the patient are needed in order to promote a holistic approach to care. This research defines a concept of spirituality in the hospitalized elderly person and develops a model on which to base spirituality assessment in the hospital setting. The article presents in detail the different stages in the conceptualization of The Spiritual Needs Model.

Spa Rituales Ancestrales AüA S.A.S.

Las practicas ancestrales de las culturas precolombinas cada día son mas validas en su aplicación actual para la medicina alternativa, orientada al bienestar y la salud, es un hecho que en los últimos años se observa un gran crecimiento de endemias de estrés que se presentan bajo determinadas circunstancias propias del sistema actual de vida urbana y actividades cotidianas, ocasionando recargas de tensión como respuesta a la supervivencia en un mundo agitado. La somatizacion del estrés se traduce en enfermedades fisiológicas, emocionales y anímicas, consideradas peligrosas y causantes de altos índices de morbilidad y mortalidad. AúA S.A.S. se crea como solución a este gran conflicto que azota a la humanidad, así se han incrementado las instalaciones de diversos Spa (Salud por agua) como establecimientos de bienestar y esparcimiento que incluyen terapias no solo físicas sino mentales y emocionales como un sistema holístico der salud. En los últimos años y gracias a las facilidades de movilidad y comunicaciones se observa un crecimiento acelerado del turismo de salud como sector de talla mundial, el cual apunta a un mayor desarrollo tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. Las visitas de turistas al país en interés de realizarse procedimientos tanto estéticos como médicos, permite identificar una gran oportunidad de negocio con visión sostenible y perdurable ante un futuro prometedor. En este sentido, se presenta la instauración de un Spa con rituales ancestrales como un establecimiento de salud (turismo de salud) que preste servicios a personas tanto colombianas como extranjeras interesadas en vivir una experiencia con tratamientos de relajación (turismo de bienestar). Si bien el gobierno ha impulsado nuevas políticas encaminadas al fomento de la competitividad en Colombia, a través de sectores de talla mundial, donde el turismo de salud se presenta con un fuerte potencial de crecimiento. El Programa de Transformación Productiva, es un ejemplo de lo anteriormente expresado como estrategia para lograr el desarrollo empresarial, crecimiento económico y la generación de más y mejores empleos en Colombia. AüA S.A.S ofrece servicios únicos con tiempos óptimos para resultados efectivos de relajación y bienestar, así como espacios adecuados, inspirados en los paisajes de la sierra nevada de Santa Marta y ecosistemas de la costa Caribe, teniendo un contacto más cercano con la naturaleza y sus elementos. Además de una atención y acompañamiento personalizado y servicios gratuitos de asesorías post-venta, creando un servicio nuevo de reeducación dentro del Spa y con material de cortesía dado, donde a través de libros, artículos, publicaciones, DVD y talleres a realizar el cliente cambiara su conciencia, como componentes diferenciadores y de valor agregado, saliendo de su estado patológico y con alto cubrimiento en la satisfacción de sus necesidades, creando fidelidad al cliente para que regrese. Así, en lo posible con esta información destacada de las encuestas, dentro de la investigación de mercados realizada, se puede determinar que la participación en el mercado es del 75%. El equipo emprendedor está conformado por Rosa Marina Lozano Socarrás, estudiante de Administración de Negocios Internacionales de la Universidad del Rosario. El proyecto arroja una rentabilidad del 58,22% promedio anual. El indicador VAN, determina que el proyecto arroja 60 Millones adicionales al invertir los recursos en este proyecto que en uno que rente el 33% anual, por lo tanto se sugiere continuar con el proyecto. Teniendo el indicador del Valor Presente Neto, para su cálculo es necesario la Tasa de descuento o Tasa de Interés de Oportunidad siendo del 33%, teniendo un valor de $ 60.278.254. La metodología empleada en el trabajo de grado se denota en la guía y lineamientos establecidos por el Centro de Emprendimiento de la Universidad del Rosario. Las fuentes primarias se destaca en la información de investigación de mercados a partir de encuestas, así como análisis del sector y competidores. La información secundaria se denota en el Plan de Negocios del subsector turismo de bienestar dado a conocer por el Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo.

A integração da medicina complementar e alternativa em sistemas de saúde convencionais

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular, and despite of the growing demand for these practices, physicians and CAM-providers work separately and there is no sufficient effort in the promotion of an integrative health care. Questions like differences of concepts and language, lack of scientific evidence through randomized clinical trials, no regulation of CAM-providers, products and services, besides the lack of government policies in this scope, turn the process of integration difficult and threaten the quality of delivery of health care. Through the integrative review method, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues involved in the integration process of complementary and alternative medicine into the conventional health care systems (guided by principles of biomedicine), addressing benefits and risks, obstacles to integration and models of integration in the discussion topicsl

Muito além dos muros

The art of dealing with the similar goes beyond simply contact a service provider to the recipient of the service , after the mouth is only part of the individual. The design PET - Saúde provides the academic experience of exploring the world beyond the walls of the college, which is simply phenomenal. This is the best way to form the dental professional with a humanist , critical and reflective view . Providing students the opportunity to encounter the reality of payphones and develop the general skills of the dentist , as communication with other professionals , experiencing multiprofessionality and transdisciplinarity , important in health promotion . During visits to municipalities were executed activities of health care with prevention and rehabilitation . Even against a background of lack of resources , lack of certain materials , common clinical presentation not prevented the carrying out of procedures and care . This experience is essential because it helps in decision making and establishment of costeffectiveness in their professional careers , based not only on scientific evidence , but also the needs of a given population . Therefore , the experience of participating in the PET allows the complete formation of the academic , also marked the Humanities and Social Sciences . Therefore, going beyond the walls of the college provides a comprehensive and humane view of the patient , which is no longer restricted to just one sick " part " , because it may have its context understood and integrated into the vision of each petiano .

La filosofía en el consultorio : clínica y lectura de la enfermedad

El concepto de salud integral, que responde a las demandas sociales de una mejor calidad de vida y se corresponde con el perfil propio del odontólogo, adquiere relevancia en la Clínica de Odontología en cuanto vinculación de saberes conceptuales, procedimentales y actitudinales. Nuestra hipótesis propone, mediante una reflexión de orden filosófico, la pertinencia y los alcances de los supuestos de la Antropología Filosófica en la práctica de la clínica de Odontología.

The organizations transcomplejas from the perspective of the nursing

El propósito del artículo es el análisis de las organizaciones transcomplejas desde la perspectiva de la Enfermería, en el contexto del paradigma de la complejidad. Todos los cuestionamientos realizados a las ciencias de la modernidad fueron necesarios para dar al mundo desarrollos de enorme significación, como es el paradigma de la complejidad donde se rescata la idea de la totalidad universal y con ella el holismo dentro de las organizaciones, si se consideran estas como organismos vivo; y este aplicado al campo de la salud donde los profesionales del cuidado de la salud entre ellos la enfermería ha aceptado la perspectiva de salud holística como, más que la ausencia de enfermedad, como la realización individual. La humanidad vive una crisis de fragmentación que conduce a sentimientos y emociones destructivas de la armonía y del arte de vivir en equilibrio. La perspectiva holistica se preocupa de promover la salud mediante la prevención y se aplica a las personas que se recuperan de una enfermedad y desean aprender a prevenir su repetición y mejorar su estatus de salud futura. Así, la enfermería estudia la totalidad o la salud de los humanos, reconociendo que los humanos están en continua interacción con su medio ambiente