HLPE1540- Jocelyn Teggerth

Student ID: 2165296

Reflective Journal 1
Specific readings were set for the collective class, so that an understanding of the
philosophical concepts could be individually analysed. This will help develop the
meaning of the current practice in Health Education not only in a community
setting but in a school based setting.
For me the most useful aspect arose from the reading of Chapter 3 in 5 th Edition of
Second Opinion by Germov, which discussed the meaning of well-being and
wellness and how they have been conceptualised and analysed from different
perspectives. At first I thought the meanings of well-being and wellness just
meant the mental and physical state of the individual. I have significantly
developed my understandings by interpreting that the meanings of well-being
and wellness cover a wide range of understandings. For instance, that can point to
the state of feeling well and being in good health, or experienced a prosperous
condition, with a particular emphasis on the moral or physical welfare of a person
or community (Germov, 2014, pg. 41).
This makes me feel that there are many factors that have a powerful influence on
the wellness and well being of a human being.
By discussions taken part during class this makes it easier to understand the
meanings. By hearing other peoples ideas broadens my past view on the topic
and explores into a deeper meaning of health, as an extensive subject that can
branch out into many factors. The HLPE1540 workshop has expanded my learning
so far, by taking simple information and turning that into vital information of
health theories. This then will be used in the future to educate the new generation
of the importance of health, wellness and wellbeing.
Indigenous health is something I have had a great eagerness for and want to
expand knowledge about for many years now. Having read information through
readings on Aboriginality in Australia, I now question, why is it that their health is
impacted on more than a Non-Indigenous human being?
This question has made me want to learn more throughout the up coming topics
in Health Education to achieve a better understanding of what affects the
Indigenous populations health.
This urge to learn more about this certain culture has come from a range of
personal experiences visiting and seeing first hand how Indigenous Australians
live. It was a confronting experience but also an eye opener to observe the
impecunious living conditions, and the limited education they have received in the
past about improving wellness and well-being.
The most significant aspect that came apparent to me whilst reading Chapter one
in Second Opinion was life expectancy for Indigenous Australians is around 12
years less than the national average (Germov, 2014, pg. 6).
These averages stuck with me and saddened me, as I believe they deserve a
greater life expectancy just like people living in a developed country.
As I read through the readings each week I also found relevant information
suggesting Non- Indigenous influences have shaped a range of other competing
understandings of Indigenous well-being and wellness (Germov, 2014, pg. 49).

HLPE1540- Jocelyn Teggerth

Student ID: 2165296

As I am not yet educated on the exact reasons why Indigenous Australians have
such poor health that is something I would like to expand and look into as I grow
and develop my knowledge on health education

Reference list:
Germov, J. (2014). Second opinion: An introduction to health sociology (5th ed.).
South Melbourne, Vic., Australia: Oxford University Press.