Reflection

Course Connections

Several courses influenced this Applied Practice Experience significantly, but almost every class could be included in this discussion and relevant to this Applied Practical Experience.

 

HHE 520 Theories of Health Behavior went in depth about how theory applies to health behavior. This course's final theoretical intervention project used the Social Cognitive Theory to discuss health-related behavior. As it turns out, the Social Cognitive Theory and the Socio-Ecological Model are the two leading theories that the Peterson Space Force Base Health Promotions office uses. This course's in-depth understanding of the Social Cognitive Theory was advantageous for the Applied Practice Experience because it supported theory application in every step of the health promotion process.

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HHE 530 Health Promotion Techniques was focused on health promotion techniques such as evaluation. The Peterson Space Force Base health promotions office has struggled to identify a platform and system for collecting data. During the Applied Practice Experience, it was brought to the office's attention that data will aid in discussions with other entities in the military world, ultimately affecting the ability of Health Promotions. So, since the office did not have a solidified evaluation system, it was essential to include it in the product related to social marketing. Additionally, several evaluation forms were updated to improve response rates and decrease potential response bias.

 

HHE 565 Planning Health Promotion Programs emphasized planning as it relates to health promotion programs, and this coursework might have been the most helpful reference content during the Applied Practice Experience. A great deal for the social marketing product was drawn from this course since the products from this class were directly related to the concepts requested by Peterson SFB Health Promotions.

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Along with a personal commitment to continuous improvement, these courses were the ultimate reason for success during the Applied Practice Experience. Each system is interconnected or builds upon another, which aided in confidence experienced concerning planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs.

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Impact Summary

Improvement in the health of active duty military members is significant. My work will directly impact the health promotion office, active duty Airmen from the Air Force, and Guardians from the Space Force. The two main products created include a social marketing timeline and map used by the health promotion office and Health and Readiness Optimization (HeRO) marketing and educational materials.

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The goal of the social marketing strategy is for a brand new team member to pick up my mind map and know exactly what to do, when to do it, what resources are needed, and where to find or submit everything without assistance. To prove its effectiveness, I implemented the social marketing strategy on a marketing idea I presented in the last month of my experience. It is called the PANTS initiative. PANTS stands for physical activity, nutrition, tobacco-free living, and sleep. These are the four pillars of the health promotion team. I thought it would be advantageous to incorporate some fresh marketing materials while checking the effectiveness of the social marketing strategy. Overall, PANTS implementation will be successful with the social marketing strategy in place. The social marketing strategy will aid the health promotion office by providing high-quality marketing and educational materials for active duty service personnel to consume.

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The other product is related to one of the Air and Space Forces' most extensive health promotion programs, HeRO. This program drives data collection and usage, so successful implementation, execution, and evaluation are a high priority and asset to the military community. HeRO success would directly impact a primary goal of the military, which is maintaining the health of service personnel for job readiness. If the educational calendar and all materials are successfully delivered, positive health behaviors amongst active duty service personnel have excellent growth potential, and adverse health behaviors could be minimized.

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This experience connects to my future career goals since social marketing is a primary function of my small business. I created a content calendar for the Peterson Space Force Base Health Promotions team, a beautiful template for my own social marketing template as a content creator. Additionally, this taught me how to function in health promotion specifically since my prior experience was focused on dietetics. I will use this experience to improve my current public health aspirations, specifically to educate and empower type 1 diabetics and their loved ones.

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Lessons Learned

This Applied Practice Experience taught me a great deal of information applicable to many aspects of life. I learned that it is essential to do your research. Being prepared in all senses leads to tremendous success due to perceived credibility and improved working knowledge. Data collection is necessary for building a proof of success or identifying areas for improvement, but interpersonal research can also be essential. Clear communication, practical conflict management skills, and self-awareness are necessary for success. Along the lines of communication, it is vital to ask the right questions. Sometimes it is not easy to take the initiative without possessing certain information. However, asking the correct questions, or finding helpful resources, can be a massive step in the right direction. If appropriate questions seem hard to identify, start small with what is necessary, then think critically to determine what is missing. Another lesson I learned is that having someone look over your work does not mean you are incapable of working independently. Teamwork can generate or improve ideas and help avoid errors or bias.

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One small moment can lead to a vast opportunity, so appreciate all aspects of an experience. Try to take as many opportunities as possible to maximize time spent but do not overload your plate. If I had not randomly been invited to participate in a health fair, I would not have had an additional hour of downtime to build rapport with my team. If we did not have that time, I might not have thought of a new marketing strategy for the office. If I did not verbalize this idea to my preceptor, I would not have been asked to present it, and I would not oversee this marketing initiative. So, speak up and offer to do as much as possible to make the most of your experience.

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It was my goal to be mutually beneficial during my experience. Through creating marketing maps, evaluation strategies, updating essential documents, and producing educational materials for current and future use, I believe I learned a great deal and positively impacted the Peterson Space Force Base Health Promotion team short and long term.

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