The Diversity of Definitions of Health in the Digital Society
Health is the state of being free from disease or infirmity. It has been defined in a variety of ways. Some of these definitions have been influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, such as the idea that good health is achieved through prayer and the avoidance of sin. Other definitions of health have been influenced by scientific discoveries. These include a new understanding of how diseases work at the molecular level, as well as a recognition that it is impossible to achieve risk-free wellbeing.
A defining feature of the digital society is that different perspectives on Health co-exist and dynamically evolve in the same online environment without any hierarchy or precedence. Therefore, it is important for health information and interventions to be aware of the diversity of definitions of Health that exist in the online world. This will enable them to make a distinction between the concepts of health that are perceived as new, and those that are refurbished historical concepts.
The health concept that is most popular in the public is based on the understanding that an individual’s life situation is interwoven with other aspects of his existence, including personal values and family functioning. This view of health has been referred to as ‘wholeness’ or ‘pragmatism’.
This concept of health is reflected in many of the current health policies and initiatives worldwide. It is also reflected in the current research on health issues and problems.
In contrast to this positive conception of health, there is another approach that defines health as the absence of disease or infirmity. This view of health is characterized by a negative and pessimistic perspective. The belief that good health is dependent on the absence of pathology has roots in ancient medical thinking. Democritus connected health with behavior, wondering why people prayed to God for their health when this was a condition that was under their control. Hippocrates emphasized diet and exercise as a means to maintain good health, and recognized that season changes have an effect on people’s health.
As a result of the wide diversity in definitions of health, there are correspondingly diverse opinions about the way to promote it. A common approach is to encourage individuals to adopt healthy behaviors and avoid unhealthful ones. It is also important to provide health-related education, and to create safe, accessible environments.
The emergence of the notion of Health as an important issue in modern society has been accelerated by rapid developments in science and technology. These have made it possible to make great strides in the understanding of diseases and in developing methods to prevent them. As a result, people’s expectations of what it means to be healthy have risen. It is clear that the future will see further improvements in medical knowledge and technology. In the meantime, it is vital to ensure that the public’s health literacy is at a sufficient level so that they can benefit from this progress. This will require a continuing commitment to teaching, advocacy and research.
Health is the state of being free from disease or infirmity. It has been defined in a variety of ways. Some of these definitions have been influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, such as the idea that good health is achieved through prayer and the avoidance of sin. Other definitions of health have been influenced by scientific discoveries. These include a new understanding of how diseases work at the molecular level, as well as a recognition that it is impossible to achieve risk-free wellbeing. A defining feature of the digital society is that different perspectives on Health co-exist and dynamically evolve in the same online environment without any hierarchy or precedence. Therefore, it is important for health information and interventions to be aware of the diversity of definitions of Health that exist in the online world. This will enable them to make a distinction between the concepts of health that are perceived as new, and those that are refurbished historical concepts. The health concept that is most popular in the public is based on the understanding that an individual’s life situation is interwoven with other aspects of his existence, including personal values and family functioning. This view of health has been referred to as ‘wholeness’ or ‘pragmatism’. This concept of health is reflected in many of the current health policies and initiatives worldwide. It is also reflected in the current research on health issues and problems. In contrast to this positive conception of health, there is another approach that defines health as the absence of disease or infirmity. This view of health is characterized by a negative and pessimistic perspective. The belief that good health is dependent on the absence of pathology has roots in ancient medical thinking. Democritus connected health with behavior, wondering why people prayed to God for their health when this was a condition that was under their control. Hippocrates emphasized diet and exercise as a means to maintain good health, and recognized that season changes have an effect on people’s health. As a result of the wide diversity in definitions of health, there are correspondingly diverse opinions about the way to promote it. A common approach is to encourage individuals to adopt healthy behaviors and avoid unhealthful ones. It is also important to provide health-related education, and to create safe, accessible environments. The emergence of the notion of Health as an important issue in modern society has been accelerated by rapid developments in science and technology. These have made it possible to make great strides in the understanding of diseases and in developing methods to prevent them. As a result, people’s expectations of what it means to be healthy have risen. It is clear that the future will see further improvements in medical knowledge and technology. In the meantime, it is vital to ensure that the public’s health literacy is at a sufficient level so that they can benefit from this progress. This will require a continuing commitment to teaching, advocacy and research.