Question 1: Define the term 'health indicator' and explain its importance in health and social care.

Answer: A health indicator is a measurable factor that provides information about an individual's or population's health status. It is important because it helps professionals identify health trends, plan interventions, and monitor the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Question 2: Name three common health indicators used to assess a person's overall health.

Answer: Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Question 3: Describe how Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated and what it indicates about a person's health.

Answer: BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (kg/m²). It indicates whether a person has a healthy weight, is underweight, overweight, or obese, which can impact their health risk.

Question 4: Explain why blood pressure readings are important indicators of health.

Answer: Blood pressure readings reveal the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Abnormal readings can indicate risks for conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or stroke.

Question 5: List two factors that can influence a person's cholesterol levels.

Answer: Diet and physical activity levels.

Question 6: Describe what a healthy blood pressure reading typically looks like for an adult.

Answer: A healthy blood pressure reading is generally around 120/80 mm Hg, with systolic pressure (top number) less than 130 and diastolic pressure (bottom number) less than 85.

Question 7: Sketch a simple chart or table that compares normal, high, and low ranges for adult blood pressure readings. Label the categories clearly.

Answer: A table with three columns: 'Category', 'Systolic (mm Hg)', 'Diastolic (mm Hg)'. Rows labeled 'Normal', 'High (Hypertension)', and 'Low (Hypotension)', with corresponding numeric ranges. For example, Normal: <130 / <85; High: ≥130 / ≥85; Low: <90 / <60.

Question 8: Identify two lifestyle changes that can positively affect a person's health indicators.

Answer: Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Question 9: Explain how monitoring health indicators can help in early detection of health problems.

Answer: Regular monitoring allows for the identification of abnormal patterns or changes in indicators such as blood pressure or BMI. Early detection can lead to prompt intervention, reducing the risk of developing serious health conditions.

Question 10: Discuss why it is important for health and social care workers to understand different health indicators.

Answer: Understanding health indicators enables workers to accurately assess clients’ health, identify potential issues early, plan appropriate care, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, ensuring better health outcomes.