The Definition of Health and How it Affects Health Promotion
Health is a state of complete physical, emotional, and social well-being. It includes an individual’s ability to function properly, to cope with everyday demands, and to adapt to the changing environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a resource for living, one that contributes to the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. Several nation states have included the right to health as part of their constitution.
Although definitions of health vary, they can impact how we approach health promotion. A high value placed on health is likely to make people more aware of the importance of taking preventive measures and avoiding health-threatening situations. Increasingly, these measures are also likely to affect health care and health behaviours. This can result in a shift in the priorities that health and healthcare professionals use when determining treatment and risk.
While the most common measures of health are life expectancy and incidence of disease, there are many more factors that influence health. These can range from income to family functioning. In addition to these, health is also impacted by the lifestyle of the person. Some may choose to engage in activities that are unhealthy for their health. Other factors may be influenced by a person’s genetic makeup and structural factors.
Unlike disease, the goal of health is to maintain an equilibrium within an individual, and with their social environment. In other words, a healthy lifestyle is a means for individuals to live a long, productive, and meaningful life. Having a healthy lifestyle can help an individual to cope with stress and stay active. Having a healthy lifestyle can also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
However, a ‘complete health’ view of health is unrealistic and often counterproductive. In fact, people who are declared healthy may later be found to be diseased. Moreover, ‘complete health’ ignores the growing number of people with disabilities, as well as the prevalence of chronic illness. Therefore, the focus on ‘complete health’ can lead to overmedicalisation of society.
The WHO’s founding constitution states that health is a fundamental human right. Despite the negative conception of health that was commonly held in the past, it is important that we understand that we must continue to strive to maintain the highest possible standard of health.
Health is a reflection of the complex interactions of our lifestyle, our environment, and our genetics. It also reflects our sociocultural and economic environment. Individuals’ needs are influenced by their income, employment, and social connections. All of these factors can change as an individual ages, and a person’s health profile can be shaped by these changes. If a high value is placed on health, people will take action to promote their health.
The WHO’s first definition of health was intended to provide a sweeping vision for all. It defined health as a state of complete physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being. It was hoped that the new definition would expand on the concept of disease, and go beyond a negative conception of health that focuses on the absence of pathology.
Health is a state of complete physical, emotional, and social well-being. It includes an individual’s ability to function properly, to cope with everyday demands, and to adapt to the changing environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a resource for living, one that contributes to the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. Several nation states have included the right to health as part of their constitution. Although definitions of health vary, they can impact how we approach health promotion. A high value placed on health is likely to make people more aware of the importance of taking preventive measures and avoiding health-threatening situations. Increasingly, these measures are also likely to affect health care and health behaviours. This can result in a shift in the priorities that health and healthcare professionals use when determining treatment and risk. While the most common measures of health are life expectancy and incidence of disease, there are many more factors that influence health. These can range from income to family functioning. In addition to these, health is also impacted by the lifestyle of the person. Some may choose to engage in activities that are unhealthy for their health. Other factors may be influenced by a person’s genetic makeup and structural factors. Unlike disease, the goal of health is to maintain an equilibrium within an individual, and with their social environment. In other words, a healthy lifestyle is a means for individuals to live a long, productive, and meaningful life. Having a healthy lifestyle can help an individual to cope with stress and stay active. Having a healthy lifestyle can also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. However, a ‘complete health’ view of health is unrealistic and often counterproductive. In fact, people who are declared healthy may later be found to be diseased. Moreover, ‘complete health’ ignores the growing number of people with disabilities, as well as the prevalence of chronic illness. Therefore, the focus on ‘complete health’ can lead to overmedicalisation of society. The WHO’s founding constitution states that health is a fundamental human right. Despite the negative conception of health that was commonly held in the past, it is important that we understand that we must continue to strive to maintain the highest possible standard of health. Health is a reflection of the complex interactions of our lifestyle, our environment, and our genetics. It also reflects our sociocultural and economic environment. Individuals’ needs are influenced by their income, employment, and social connections. All of these factors can change as an individual ages, and a person’s health profile can be shaped by these changes. If a high value is placed on health, people will take action to promote their health. The WHO’s first definition of health was intended to provide a sweeping vision for all. It defined health as a state of complete physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being. It was hoped that the new definition would expand on the concept of disease, and go beyond a negative conception of health that focuses on the absence of pathology.