The Definition of Health and Well-Being
Health, also known as well-being or flourishing, is a complex concept encompassing more than physical capability. It also includes a person’s sense of meaning in life, their social relationships, and their community, which are all necessary for coping with stressors that occur throughout the lifespan. This broad view of health allows communities to identify and address many factors that contribute to the well-being of their residents, beyond medical care. These factors are referred to as the determinants of health. The determinants include general socioeconomic and environmental conditions; cultural norms; lifestyle behaviours; the quality of available resources; living, working, and aging arrangements; and the ability to manage risk and access protective factors (Commission on Social Determinants of Health 2008).
In 1948, the World Health Organization defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition expanded upon earlier concepts by incorporating not just the physical but also the mental and social aspects of well-being. However, it did not take into account that the presence of illness or impairment may still allow people to function relatively well.
Moreover, it does not account for the fact that a person’s sense of well-being is shaped by their own responses to and perceptions of their diseases or symptoms. This is particularly important in individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, who often face unique challenges to their sense of health and wellbeing.
For these reasons, the committee adopted a definition of health that includes a person’s ability to function in their daily lives, regardless of whether they are disease-free. The broad perspective enables improvement efforts to target not only the reduction of disease, disability, or death but also improvements in how people respond to and perceive their illnesses; how they manage them now and into the future; and their overall sense of health and wellbeing.
What does your audience want?
The answer to this question will help you focus your idea for a health article. Depending on who your audience is — patients with a chronic condition, informed consumers, or scientists — they will have different needs and interests. The format you’re writing for — a brief news story, an in-depth feature article, or a profile of a researcher — will also influence your approach.
In addition, the tone and voice of your work will impact how your readers receive it. Readers expect a genuine tone and a voice that is honest, not condescending or presenting miracle cures. They also appreciate an emphasis on practical tips and recommendations for how to improve their health. It is also essential to consider the purpose of your article: what are you trying to achieve by writing this piece? Is it to educate your audience on a new treatment or diagnosis, entertain them with an unusual medical discovery, or provide a light-hearted look at the latest in research? Once you know your purpose, you’ll have a clearer sense of how to shape your idea.
Health, also known as well-being or flourishing, is a complex concept encompassing more than physical capability. It also includes a person’s sense of meaning in life, their social relationships, and their community, which are all necessary for coping with stressors that occur throughout the lifespan. This broad view of health allows communities to identify and address many factors that contribute to the well-being of their residents, beyond medical care. These factors are referred to as the determinants of health. The determinants include general socioeconomic and environmental conditions; cultural norms; lifestyle behaviours; the quality of available resources; living, working, and aging arrangements; and the ability to manage risk and access protective factors (Commission on Social Determinants of Health 2008). In 1948, the World Health Organization defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition expanded upon earlier concepts by incorporating not just the physical but also the mental and social aspects of well-being. However, it did not take into account that the presence of illness or impairment may still allow people to function relatively well. Moreover, it does not account for the fact that a person’s sense of well-being is shaped by their own responses to and perceptions of their diseases or symptoms. This is particularly important in individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, who often face unique challenges to their sense of health and wellbeing. For these reasons, the committee adopted a definition of health that includes a person’s ability to function in their daily lives, regardless of whether they are disease-free. The broad perspective enables improvement efforts to target not only the reduction of disease, disability, or death but also improvements in how people respond to and perceive their illnesses; how they manage them now and into the future; and their overall sense of health and wellbeing. What does your audience want? The answer to this question will help you focus your idea for a health article. Depending on who your audience is — patients with a chronic condition, informed consumers, or scientists — they will have different needs and interests. The format you’re writing for — a brief news story, an in-depth feature article, or a profile of a researcher — will also influence your approach. In addition, the tone and voice of your work will impact how your readers receive it. Readers expect a genuine tone and a voice that is honest, not condescending or presenting miracle cures. They also appreciate an emphasis on practical tips and recommendations for how to improve their health. It is also essential to consider the purpose of your article: what are you trying to achieve by writing this piece? Is it to educate your audience on a new treatment or diagnosis, entertain them with an unusual medical discovery, or provide a light-hearted look at the latest in research? Once you know your purpose, you’ll have a clearer sense of how to shape your idea.