Understanding the Definition of Health
Health is a complex concept, encompassing emotional, mental and physical well-being. It is central to coping with life’s stressors and maintaining a good quality of life. There are many factors that contribute to one’s health, including lifestyle choices and access to healthcare. The term “Health” can be defined in different ways: some focus on a scientific or biomedical definition of health, while others take a broader approach that includes aspects such as social and environmental conditions.
Many people think of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This view reflects the dominant perspective on health that developed during the 20th century, with its emphasis on medical care and on the importance of preventing disease through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. This view has led to the widespread availability of medical care, which in turn has contributed to longer life expectancy and higher standards of living.
In contrast, a third approach defines health as a process that involves individuals and their communities in the production of health. In this view, the promotion of health is not just an effort to remove diseases and diminish risk factors, but also involves raising the value placed on health by individuals and their communities. If health is seen as a high priority, individuals will undertake whatever actions are necessary to promote health, both by seeking medical care and by taking steps to prevent disease and disability.
The definition of health that emphasizes the individual’s active role in producing their own health is reflected in a broadened understanding of the causes of health and of the nature of public health. This definition is reflected in the broad health promotion principles adopted by WHO, which recognize that health improvement efforts cannot be limited to the reduction of disease, death and disability but must involve individuals in their own health promotion.
This broader approach has led to a more holistic view of the determinants of health, which include both direct and indirect factors. For example, both smoking and a lack of affordable housing have been identified as influencing the health of individuals. Moreover, it has been shown that the health of individuals depends on their ability to function and to live a life that is meaningful, both of which are related to personal and community values.
A focus on the origins of health provides many options for community-based intervention, which can vary in scope from a simple education program to the development of a comprehensive set of performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of a health system. In the latter case, the evaluation should be designed to reflect local cultural norms and target populations. This flexibility in working within the context of the determinants of health allows community health professionals to tailor their interventions to meet the needs and resources available. This flexibility is essential for successful implementation of a health promotion approach.
Health is a complex concept, encompassing emotional, mental and physical well-being. It is central to coping with life’s stressors and maintaining a good quality of life. There are many factors that contribute to one’s health, including lifestyle choices and access to healthcare. The term “Health” can be defined in different ways: some focus on a scientific or biomedical definition of health, while others take a broader approach that includes aspects such as social and environmental conditions. Many people think of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This view reflects the dominant perspective on health that developed during the 20th century, with its emphasis on medical care and on the importance of preventing disease through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. This view has led to the widespread availability of medical care, which in turn has contributed to longer life expectancy and higher standards of living. In contrast, a third approach defines health as a process that involves individuals and their communities in the production of health. In this view, the promotion of health is not just an effort to remove diseases and diminish risk factors, but also involves raising the value placed on health by individuals and their communities. If health is seen as a high priority, individuals will undertake whatever actions are necessary to promote health, both by seeking medical care and by taking steps to prevent disease and disability. The definition of health that emphasizes the individual’s active role in producing their own health is reflected in a broadened understanding of the causes of health and of the nature of public health. This definition is reflected in the broad health promotion principles adopted by WHO, which recognize that health improvement efforts cannot be limited to the reduction of disease, death and disability but must involve individuals in their own health promotion. This broader approach has led to a more holistic view of the determinants of health, which include both direct and indirect factors. For example, both smoking and a lack of affordable housing have been identified as influencing the health of individuals. Moreover, it has been shown that the health of individuals depends on their ability to function and to live a life that is meaningful, both of which are related to personal and community values. A focus on the origins of health provides many options for community-based intervention, which can vary in scope from a simple education program to the development of a comprehensive set of performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of a health system. In the latter case, the evaluation should be designed to reflect local cultural norms and target populations. This flexibility in working within the context of the determinants of health allows community health professionals to tailor their interventions to meet the needs and resources available. This flexibility is essential for successful implementation of a health promotion approach.