Definition of Health Overview

Definition of Health

• Lay perspective: Health is perceived when a person engages in activities without noticeable disease symptoms.
• The New Oxford Dictionary defines health as being free from illness or injury.
• WHO (1948) defines health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, enabling productive social and economic lives.
• WHO's definition is comprehensive but lacks direct measurability; thus, an operational definition was devised.
• Health is viewed in two orders: a condition expressing the adequate functioning of the organism under genetic and environmental conditions.
• Health is multidimensional, involving physical, mental, and social factors, with potential inclusion of spiritual and emotional dimensions.

Dimensions of Health

Physical Health

• Concerns anatomical integrity and physiological functioning.
• Indicates the ability to perform routine tasks without physical limitations.
• Signs of physical health can be evaluated through:
  • Self-assessment of overall health
  • Inquiry into symptoms and risk factors
  • Examination of medication history
  • Activity level inquiries
  • Use of medical services
  • Standardized questionnaires for specific diseases
  • Clinical examinations
  • Nutritional and dietary assessments
  • Biochemical and laboratory investigations
• Community health indicators include death rates, mortality rates, and life expectancy.

Mental Health

• Defined as the ability to think clearly, learn, and maintain balance with one’s environment and others.
• Mentally healthy individuals exhibit:
  • Absence of internal conflict and self-acceptance
  • Ability to co-exist harmoniously with others
  • Identity searching and self-esteem
  • Self-awareness regarding needs and goals
  • Self-control and balance of emotions
  • Intelligent problem-solving and stress coping mechanisms
• Positive mental health is essential for overall well-being.

Social Health

• Refers to the ability to interact and maintain relationships with others.
• Includes celebration of events and coping with loss or changes.
• Encompasses interpersonal ties and involvement in the community.
• Emphasizes the importance of both financial stability and supportive social environments.

Emotional Health

• Involves the appropriate expression of emotions (fear, joy, anger).
• Congruent responses to stimuli are key indicators of emotional health.
• Closely related to mental health, including the management of feelings and integrity amidst stress.

Spiritual Health

• Connects health to personal beliefs, values, and principles.
• Spiritual well-being contributes to mental satisfaction and overall health.

Conclusion

• Health is a multi-faceted concept influenced by physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
• Understanding and evaluating these aspects can lead to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.

This quiz explores various definitions of health from different perspectives. It includes lay definitions, the New Oxford Dictionary, and the World Health Organization's comprehensive definition. Test your understanding of what constitutes health and well-being.