Health and Chronic Illness

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss and analyze the topic of chronic illness and nursing. Specifically, it discusses the thought that an individual experiencing a chronic illness can be healthy. It defines health and chronic illness and explains how these definitions are consistent with the notion that an individual suffering from a chronic illness can also be healthy.

From the Paper:

"A chronic illness is an illness that lasts for a long time, or that last longer than acute illnesses, which are brief and do not linger. Chronic illnesses can be treated but usually not cured entirely. One author writes, "The term 'chronic illness' refers to those disease categories for which there is no known 'cure,' to conditions that are ineradicable and usually progressive" (Royer, 1998, p. 1). It is estimated that at least 50 percent of the population suffers from some kind of chronic illness at any given time (Royer, 1998, p. 4). In fact, many health care professionals believe chronic illnesses may be the biggest challenge in health care today (Vickers, 2001, p. 12). Healthy can be described as in good health - the patient does not suffer from any known diseases or illnesses, and they "feel" healthy and fit. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Royer, A. (1998). Life with chronic illness: Social and psychological dimensions. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.
• Vickers, M. H. (2001). Work and unseen chronic illness: Silent voices. London: Routledge.
• Wells, S. M. (2000). A delicate balance: Living successfully with chronic illness. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books.

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