Which statement is the most accurate definition of the purpose of health education?

Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs by preventing exposures to hazards that cause disease or injury, altering unhealthy or unsafe behaviors that can lead to disease or injury, and increasing resistance to disease or injury should exposure occur.

Applying sunscreen prior to walking on the beach is an example of primary prevention because it helps prevent skin damage from sun exposure.

Choice A is incorrect because tertiary prevention aims to soften the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects.

Choice B is incorrect because secondary prevention aims to reduce the impact of a disease or injury that has already occurred.

Choice D is incorrect because maximizing dietary intake is not related to the application of sunscreen.

The purpose of health education is to positively influence the health behavior of individuals and communities as well as the living and working conditions that influence their health.

Health education aims to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make informed decisions about their health.

1. To direct clients to change unhealthy behaviors is incorrect because it implies that health education is about telling people what to do rather than empowering them to make their own decisions.
2. As health professionals, we are the most knowledgeable to give clients information is incorrect because it implies that health education is only about providing information rather than empowering individuals to make their own decisions.
3. To ensure the clients do the best for their health is incorrect because it implies that health education is about telling people what is best for them rather than empowering them to make their own decisions.