Assessment of a health-promotive lifestyle.

Health promotion is an imperative goal for our nation. One needs only to look at the major causes of morbidity and mortality to know that lifestyle factors are major contributors. Nurses are in a unique position that allows them to assist people in examining their lifestyle behaviors. The nursing role in health promotion centers around assessment of behaviors that promote, protect, and maintain health status. A health-promotion assessment should include the following components: nutrition, exercise and fitness, stress management, family planning, sexual history, tobacco use, alcohol and chemical substance abuse, exposure to environmental hazards and injury, as well as the psychological, spiritual, and social resources that enhance a person's ability to engage in behaviors that promote health. Information gained from assessment can guide the nurse and client in making personal decisions for changing behavior and using inner resources to enhance the existing level of health and well-being.