Understanding the Different Views of Health
The term ‘health’ is used in many different ways, and a precise definition has proved elusive. This is not surprising given that health is an individual experience and therefore is viewed differently by each person. However, it is important that health professionals understand the various perspectives on what ‘health’ means to people so that they can take this into account when designing and delivering public health interventions.
One view of health is that it is the ability of a body to adapt to disease, injury, and illness. This approach has become popular in recent years, partly because of the advances that have been made in the understanding of how diseases work and the development of methods to prevent or slow them. It has also been suggested that the traditional definition of health, ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’, may no longer be valid as medical science continues to progress.
For some people, the most important factor in maintaining ‘health’ is having a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. In addition, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Another aspect of health is having positive relationships and a sense of meaning in life. This is sometimes referred to as ’emotional wellbeing’.
A third view of health is based on the idea that ‘health’ is an intrinsic part of what it is to be human. This has been influenced by religion and spirituality and is associated with the idea that ‘health’ is a holistic phenomenon, including both physical and psychological aspects. This is often linked to a philosophy of living a good life, and it can involve the pursuit of happiness.
During the Middle Ages, the church was a major force in shaping perceptions of health. It collected and disseminated the knowledge on remedies that had been used in antiquity, and it promoted a healthful lifestyle. It also promoted the use of herbal remedies and other natural therapies.
The ‘Constitution of the World Health Organization’, which came into effect in 1948, recognised that the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every person. Since then, many nations have endorsed this right in their constitutions and are legally obliged to safeguard access to quality health care services.
The Zagreb Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, which was established in 1946, is proud to be on the cutting edge of public health research and practice in a world that continues to be transformed by new understandings of disease at molecular, individual, environmental and societal levels. We believe that in order to promote the health of individuals and society at large, it is necessary to adopt an approach that encompasses all of these dimensions. We are working towards the goal of improving people’s lives by contributing to the development of a healthier, safer and more prosperous world.
The term ‘health’ is used in many different ways, and a precise definition has proved elusive. This is not surprising given that health is an individual experience and therefore is viewed differently by each person. However, it is important that health professionals understand the various perspectives on what ‘health’ means to people so that they can take this into account when designing and delivering public health interventions. One view of health is that it is the ability of a body to adapt to disease, injury, and illness. This approach has become popular in recent years, partly because of the advances that have been made in the understanding of how diseases work and the development of methods to prevent or slow them. It has also been suggested that the traditional definition of health, ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’, may no longer be valid as medical science continues to progress. For some people, the most important factor in maintaining ‘health’ is having a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. In addition, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Another aspect of health is having positive relationships and a sense of meaning in life. This is sometimes referred to as ’emotional wellbeing’. A third view of health is based on the idea that ‘health’ is an intrinsic part of what it is to be human. This has been influenced by religion and spirituality and is associated with the idea that ‘health’ is a holistic phenomenon, including both physical and psychological aspects. This is often linked to a philosophy of living a good life, and it can involve the pursuit of happiness. During the Middle Ages, the church was a major force in shaping perceptions of health. It collected and disseminated the knowledge on remedies that had been used in antiquity, and it promoted a healthful lifestyle. It also promoted the use of herbal remedies and other natural therapies. The ‘Constitution of the World Health Organization’, which came into effect in 1948, recognised that the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every person. Since then, many nations have endorsed this right in their constitutions and are legally obliged to safeguard access to quality health care services. The Zagreb Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, which was established in 1946, is proud to be on the cutting edge of public health research and practice in a world that continues to be transformed by new understandings of disease at molecular, individual, environmental and societal levels. We believe that in order to promote the health of individuals and society at large, it is necessary to adopt an approach that encompasses all of these dimensions. We are working towards the goal of improving people’s lives by contributing to the development of a healthier, safer and more prosperous world.