Concept of Health and Illness (Need answers)

[gearheadz]

This is one of my assignments... I just need some ideas to prove my answers.

Ben and Mike suffered heart attacks. Ben, upon advice from his physician, started exercising, changed his dietary intake, entered stress reduction classes, and returned to work 6 weeks after his heart attack. He has a positive outlook, is doing well, and talks about being "well". Mike also changed his dietary habit and started exercising. However, mike has been unable to quit smoking even though he wants ans has been advised to do so. Mike is frequently despondent, very fearful of having another heart attack, has not yet returned to work, and frequently talks about being "ill".

1. How does Ben's psychological dimension of health status differ from Mike's?

2. Both Ben and Mike have heart disease. Ben considers himself "well" whereas Mike considers himself "ill". Explain this phenomenon based on the health locus of control model.

3. What external factors may have influenced Ben's decision to implement positive health behaviors?

4. What factors may have prevented Mike from developing the same positive outlook and actions that Ben was able to take in regard to his illness?

5. What nursing interventions would be most beneficial to Mike concerning smoking problem?

Need your answers and reactions very urgent.... Thank you

[live4today, RN]

Well, I'm not going to answer all six individually when the answer is so obvious...at least to this seasoned nurse. Bottom line...it's all in the mind, in the psyche, in the way each individual views life in general. Some people just tend to view life like a glass half full while others tend to view life like a glass half empty.