The Definition of Health
Health is an aspect of human well-being that encompasses physical, mental and social aspects. It is a dynamic process of living and it depends on the ability of individuals to live and cope with the changing environment. It is one of the fundamental rights of every person and is essential for development, peace and security in the world.
There are many definitions of Health, but the most commonly used is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The emergence of this concept of health reflected a shift from a focus on illness to the concept that good health is more than mere survival; it is the ability to enjoy life to its fullest and to participate in society with a sense of dignity.
It is difficult to determine what constitutes good health. The physically fit and seemingly healthy individual may be found to have an underlying heart condition when an examination is undertaken by a physician. A sudden and severe asthma attack can cause death in a very short period of time, despite the fact that the person has been taking his or her medications regularly. It is also important to consider how health interacts with the physical and social environments in which people live. A healthy diet and exercise are important components to a person’s overall health. But, it is just as important to consider how clean water and air, adequate housing and safe communities contribute to the health of a population.
The definition of health has changed radically since the founding of the WHO in 1948. At that time, life expectancies were very low and diseases such as polio and diphtheria were rampant. Reducing infant and childhood mortality became the foremost health policy concern. Today, with the advent of vaccines against a number of serious infectious diseases and the ongoing improvement in medical technology and procedures, chronic diseases have moved from the forefront to become the main killers.
In addition, the concept of health has evolved to incorporate new insights into the determinants of health. For example, studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between the conditions in which people are born, grow, work and age (i.e. the social determinants of health) and their subsequent health outcomes. The physical and social environments, lifestyle choices, personal abilities, behaviours and genetics all influence health.
The goal of this article is to stimulate discussion about the complexities involved in the concept of Health and to provide a framework for future research on the subject. This is especially relevant in the context of the 90th anniversary of the Zagreb Andrija Stampar School of Public Health. The School remains committed to developing the understanding of health in our present society and will continue to do so with the support of its alumni and friends around the world. Thank you for your continued interest.
Health is an aspect of human well-being that encompasses physical, mental and social aspects. It is a dynamic process of living and it depends on the ability of individuals to live and cope with the changing environment. It is one of the fundamental rights of every person and is essential for development, peace and security in the world. There are many definitions of Health, but the most commonly used is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The emergence of this concept of health reflected a shift from a focus on illness to the concept that good health is more than mere survival; it is the ability to enjoy life to its fullest and to participate in society with a sense of dignity. It is difficult to determine what constitutes good health. The physically fit and seemingly healthy individual may be found to have an underlying heart condition when an examination is undertaken by a physician. A sudden and severe asthma attack can cause death in a very short period of time, despite the fact that the person has been taking his or her medications regularly. It is also important to consider how health interacts with the physical and social environments in which people live. A healthy diet and exercise are important components to a person’s overall health. But, it is just as important to consider how clean water and air, adequate housing and safe communities contribute to the health of a population. The definition of health has changed radically since the founding of the WHO in 1948. At that time, life expectancies were very low and diseases such as polio and diphtheria were rampant. Reducing infant and childhood mortality became the foremost health policy concern. Today, with the advent of vaccines against a number of serious infectious diseases and the ongoing improvement in medical technology and procedures, chronic diseases have moved from the forefront to become the main killers. In addition, the concept of health has evolved to incorporate new insights into the determinants of health. For example, studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between the conditions in which people are born, grow, work and age (i.e. the social determinants of health) and their subsequent health outcomes. The physical and social environments, lifestyle choices, personal abilities, behaviours and genetics all influence health. The goal of this article is to stimulate discussion about the complexities involved in the concept of Health and to provide a framework for future research on the subject. This is especially relevant in the context of the 90th anniversary of the Zagreb Andrija Stampar School of Public Health. The School remains committed to developing the understanding of health in our present society and will continue to do so with the support of its alumni and friends around the world. Thank you for your continued interest.