The definition of health has changed over time. In the early 19th century, infectious diseases were widespread and difficult to contain largely because of the lack of proper sanitation methods, including insufficient disinfection of drinking water and improper removal of human waste. During this time, health was viewed in basic terms as being free of disease. Diseases were almost eradicated in the 20^{th<\/sup> century with the invention and administration of vaccines (Grand Canyon University, (Ed.), 2018).<\/p>\n}

The World Health Organization (WHO) was formed in 1948, with that, health promotion became the focus. The definition of health then became viewed as an accumulation of factors such as physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. When a dysfunction in these factors occurs it is termed an illness. Preventing diseases from happening is now the goal in the United States, rather than waiting for disease to set in and therefore causing chronic health conditions. The illness-wellness continuum defines wellness as a continual process, moving between the two throughout the lifespan (The Wellspring, n.d.).<\/p>\n

Health promotion has changed over time by the incorporation of models of health. These provide assistance for the nurse in providing a plan of action to promote health strategies, thus leading to positive patient outcomes. It\u2019s important to use evidence-based practice (EBP) when implementing health promotion. EBP is acknowledged in nursing as the gold standard for providing patient care. EBP incorporates the latest evidence, patient preference, and clinical expertise to improve patient care.<\/p>\n