The Determinants of Health
Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of all human beings and is dependent on the full cooperation of individuals and States.
The definition is a major shift from a negative conception of health based on the “absence of disease.” It promotes a holistic view of a person’s health and a more expansive role for personal, community and environmental factors to influence health. It is also a more positive concept of health and incorporates spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
This newer, broader perspective of health has been influenced by developments in medical research and global crises such as COVID-19. This broadened definition of health allows improvement efforts to focus on a variety of targets, including improving people’s ability to respond to and recover from illness, their perceptions of their own wellbeing, their functional capacity both now and in the future, as well as their coping abilities.
Many people think they know what makes them healthy, with the most common answers being luck, family history, and their diet and lifestyle. The truth is, the vast majority of people don’t have a good understanding of what it means to be healthy.
Health is an intrinsic value that everyone deserves to have, but it is not easy to achieve. The health of an individual is influenced by the environment in which they live, genetic endowment, and their behaviors. The traditional targets for intervention have been specific diseases and behaviors, and categorical funding streams for both research and service delivery encourage this approach. However, the field model framework for determinants of health encourages consideration of a wider array of targets.
If you want to improve your health, there are a few simple things you can do. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and limit added sugars and sodium. Get enough exercise and sleep. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the bathroom or touching raw meat. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. Cover coughs and sneezes to help prevent germ transmission.
A health care system that prioritizes these and other determinants of health is the foundation for a truly comprehensive health care policy. It is only through this policy that we can make a real impact on the health of all individuals, our families, and our communities, and ensure that no one is left behind. This article originally appeared on HealthNewsDaily and is republished with permission.
Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of all human beings and is dependent on the full cooperation of individuals and States. The definition is a major shift from a negative conception of health based on the “absence of disease.” It promotes a holistic view of a person’s health and a more expansive role for personal, community and environmental factors to influence health. It is also a more positive concept of health and incorporates spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well-being. This newer, broader perspective of health has been influenced by developments in medical research and global crises such as COVID-19. This broadened definition of health allows improvement efforts to focus on a variety of targets, including improving people’s ability to respond to and recover from illness, their perceptions of their own wellbeing, their functional capacity both now and in the future, as well as their coping abilities. Many people think they know what makes them healthy, with the most common answers being luck, family history, and their diet and lifestyle. The truth is, the vast majority of people don’t have a good understanding of what it means to be healthy. Health is an intrinsic value that everyone deserves to have, but it is not easy to achieve. The health of an individual is influenced by the environment in which they live, genetic endowment, and their behaviors. The traditional targets for intervention have been specific diseases and behaviors, and categorical funding streams for both research and service delivery encourage this approach. However, the field model framework for determinants of health encourages consideration of a wider array of targets. If you want to improve your health, there are a few simple things you can do. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and limit added sugars and sodium. Get enough exercise and sleep. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the bathroom or touching raw meat. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. Cover coughs and sneezes to help prevent germ transmission. A health care system that prioritizes these and other determinants of health is the foundation for a truly comprehensive health care policy. It is only through this policy that we can make a real impact on the health of all individuals, our families, and our communities, and ensure that no one is left behind. This article originally appeared on HealthNewsDaily and is republished with permission. 2022 HealthNewsDaily, LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.