Lay Perspective on 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 every human being without distinction of any group or individual, irrespective of age, sex, religion, political belief, economic situation or any other circumstance.
A wide variety of definitions of Health exist, reflecting the many ways in which the concept has been elaborated. The plurality of these definitions also reflects the fact that health is a socially and culturally constructed phenomenon, with each person constructing their own interpretation of health according to their personal circumstances. Health is a concept that is constantly being redefined, just as the concepts of disease and illness have been continually modified.
Traditionally, the term Health was viewed as a state of being in which an individual could function independently and efficiently. However, the development of modern medicine brought a shift in this perception. In 1948, the World Health Organization included a definition of health in its Constitution: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical, mental and social well-being is a fundamental right of all individuals without distinction of any kind, whether based on race, colour, sex, language, religion or nationality. This includes the right to freedom from fear and want, as well as access to public services and a clean environment.”
As a result of this shift in perception, there is now a more holistic approach to the notion of health. For example, the health promotion movement has defined health as the individual’s ability to realize aspirations and satisfy needs in their context, including both the animate and inanimate aspects of their environment, such as the quality of air, the availability of drugs and treatments, and their social culture.
The lay perspective on Health is characterized by wholeness, pragmatism and individualism. The concept of health is viewed as an aspect interwoven with other aspects of life such as family functioning, working capacity and the quality of social relationships. It is also seen as a relative phenomenon: the meaning of health depends on what an individual perceives as reasonable to expect given his or her age and medical conditions. It is also important to know one’s values and personal expectations.
The lay perspective on Health also emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet. It is recommended to eat a variety of foods and to avoid those high in fat, salt and sugar. It is also important to consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. When eating out, try to avoid dishes with fatty meat and heavy sauces or salad dressings. Instead, choose lean meats, skinless chicken breast, fish, and vegetables. Consuming a variety of foods helps prevent obesity and promotes good nutrition. In addition, exercise is an essential component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It improves mental and emotional health and can also help alleviate stress. It is recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.
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 every human being without distinction of any group or individual, irrespective of age, sex, religion, political belief, economic situation or any other circumstance. A wide variety of definitions of Health exist, reflecting the many ways in which the concept has been elaborated. The plurality of these definitions also reflects the fact that health is a socially and culturally constructed phenomenon, with each person constructing their own interpretation of health according to their personal circumstances. Health is a concept that is constantly being redefined, just as the concepts of disease and illness have been continually modified. Traditionally, the term Health was viewed as a state of being in which an individual could function independently and efficiently. However, the development of modern medicine brought a shift in this perception. In 1948, the World Health Organization included a definition of health in its Constitution: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical, mental and social well-being is a fundamental right of all individuals without distinction of any kind, whether based on race, colour, sex, language, religion or nationality. This includes the right to freedom from fear and want, as well as access to public services and a clean environment.” As a result of this shift in perception, there is now a more holistic approach to the notion of health. For example, the health promotion movement has defined health as the individual’s ability to realize aspirations and satisfy needs in their context, including both the animate and inanimate aspects of their environment, such as the quality of air, the availability of drugs and treatments, and their social culture. The lay perspective on Health is characterized by wholeness, pragmatism and individualism. The concept of health is viewed as an aspect interwoven with other aspects of life such as family functioning, working capacity and the quality of social relationships. It is also seen as a relative phenomenon: the meaning of health depends on what an individual perceives as reasonable to expect given his or her age and medical conditions. It is also important to know one’s values and personal expectations. The lay perspective on Health also emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet. It is recommended to eat a variety of foods and to avoid those high in fat, salt and sugar. It is also important to consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. When eating out, try to avoid dishes with fatty meat and heavy sauces or salad dressings. Instead, choose lean meats, skinless chicken breast, fish, and vegetables. Consuming a variety of foods helps prevent obesity and promotes good nutrition. In addition, exercise is an essential component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It improves mental and emotional health and can also help alleviate stress. It is recommended to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.