Understanding the Meaning of Health
Health is a complex concept with multiple definitions. This plurality is mainly due to the fact that most concepts are elaborated in contexts which have specific borders, content and identity. The notion of health is no exception. Consequently, health makes sense predominantly within its home context and in the way it is defined within this context. In this context, the term is essentially a pragmatic category which is used for making sense of phenomena and for describing the relations between them.
The simplest definition of health is that it is equated with the absence of disease. However, it has been shown that this view is not accurate and that the presence of disease does not necessarily preclude people from being healthy. The broader concept of health is based on the idea that individuals are able to function in society in a way that enables them to realize their aspirations and satisfy their needs. It also reflects the notion that there is a continuum of well-being (from healthy living at one end to illness culminating in death at the other) and that people are located on this continuum depending on many factors, known as ‘health determinants’.
A good understanding of the meaning of health is crucial for the promotion of human health and wellbeing. Consequently, health is a key element of sustainable development and the goal of the World Health Organization is to achieve ‘health for all’.
It is a common belief that health is directly related to personal lifestyles. The majority of people believe that they are largely responsible for their own health. They tend to attribute their state of health to things like their genetics, diet and level of physical activity. Nevertheless, the quality of their health is also determined by environmental conditions such as the weather, air quality, and even their neighbourhoods.
When writing health articles it is important to keep in mind that most readers of medical or health-related material are looking for something practical and useful. They expect a genuine tone and voice, and they are not willing to read articles that contain false or over-optimistic claims of miracle cures. In addition, most readers of health and medical articles have realistic life-expectations, and they are aware that there are limits to what can be achieved in the face of a certain illness or disability.
The judging criteria for award winning health articles vary from year to year, but in general they consider the article’s quality and breadth of research, natural writing style and originality of topic. The judges may also take into account the societal implications of the work. In order to increase the chance of getting your health article published, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the judging criteria. This will help you to tailor your article towards the specific requirements of each judging panel. This is particularly important if you are aiming for a particular publication, such as a medical journal.
Health is a complex concept with multiple definitions. This plurality is mainly due to the fact that most concepts are elaborated in contexts which have specific borders, content and identity. The notion of health is no exception. Consequently, health makes sense predominantly within its home context and in the way it is defined within this context. In this context, the term is essentially a pragmatic category which is used for making sense of phenomena and for describing the relations between them. The simplest definition of health is that it is equated with the absence of disease. However, it has been shown that this view is not accurate and that the presence of disease does not necessarily preclude people from being healthy. The broader concept of health is based on the idea that individuals are able to function in society in a way that enables them to realize their aspirations and satisfy their needs. It also reflects the notion that there is a continuum of well-being (from healthy living at one end to illness culminating in death at the other) and that people are located on this continuum depending on many factors, known as ‘health determinants’. A good understanding of the meaning of health is crucial for the promotion of human health and wellbeing. Consequently, health is a key element of sustainable development and the goal of the World Health Organization is to achieve ‘health for all’. It is a common belief that health is directly related to personal lifestyles. The majority of people believe that they are largely responsible for their own health. They tend to attribute their state of health to things like their genetics, diet and level of physical activity. Nevertheless, the quality of their health is also determined by environmental conditions such as the weather, air quality, and even their neighbourhoods. When writing health articles it is important to keep in mind that most readers of medical or health-related material are looking for something practical and useful. They expect a genuine tone and voice, and they are not willing to read articles that contain false or over-optimistic claims of miracle cures. In addition, most readers of health and medical articles have realistic life-expectations, and they are aware that there are limits to what can be achieved in the face of a certain illness or disability. The judging criteria for award winning health articles vary from year to year, but in general they consider the article’s quality and breadth of research, natural writing style and originality of topic. The judges may also take into account the societal implications of the work. In order to increase the chance of getting your health article published, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the judging criteria. This will help you to tailor your article towards the specific requirements of each judging panel. This is particularly important if you are aiming for a particular publication, such as a medical journal.