Health Definitions and Models

Study Notes

Health is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (2019) as being free from illness or injury.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (1948), health encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being, beyond just the absence of disease.
The WHO definition emphasizes a holistic approach to health and acknowledges multiple interrelated facets impacting individual health.

The traditional medical model focuses primarily on biological aspects of health and disease, suggesting that conditions can be treated through physical or chemical interventions.
The WHO definition promotes a person-centered approach, considering multiple aspects of well-being including biological, sociological, psychological, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
This shift positions patients as active participants in their health, contrary to the traditional model placing more control in the hands of healthcare providers.

Well-being encompasses health, happiness, and prosperity, involving good mental health, life satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and effective stress management.
Emotional well-being relates to resilience, self-love, and stress management techniques.
Physical well-being focuses on healthy living and exercise habits for better bodily function.
Social well-being highlights the importance of communication, relationships, and supportive networks.
Workplace well-being involves pursuing personal interests and values for professional satisfaction.
Societal well-being encourages active participation in community and cultural life.

Health and well-being perceptions are unique to each individual and can be influenced by:
- Personal experiences and history.
- Professional insights and roles.
- Demographic factors such as age, gender, and social class.
A 1987 survey indicated various views of health, with men associating health with fitness, while women connected it to appearance and energy.

Health education is defined as structured learning opportunities aimed at improving health literacy and life skills.
It seeks to inform individuals about ways to enhance their health, focusing on personal responsibility over societal influences.
Effective health education could be personalized by considering the client's environment, actively listening, and providing supportive guidance.

Health promotion, as defined by WHO, is the process of empowering individuals to improve and control their health.
This approach involves providing necessary information and resources to enhance health skills while also addressing social and environmental factors impacting health.

Health is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (2019) as being free from illness or injury.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (1948), health encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being, beyond just the absence of disease.
The WHO definition emphasizes a holistic approach to health and acknowledges multiple interrelated facets impacting individual health.

The traditional medical model focuses primarily on biological aspects of health and disease, suggesting that conditions can be treated through physical or chemical interventions.
The WHO definition promotes a person-centered approach, considering multiple aspects of well-being including biological, sociological, psychological, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
This shift positions patients as active participants in their health, contrary to the traditional model placing more control in the hands of healthcare providers.

Well-being encompasses health, happiness, and prosperity, involving good mental health, life satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and effective stress management.
Emotional well-being relates to resilience, self-love, and stress management techniques.
Physical well-being focuses on healthy living and exercise habits for better bodily function.
Social well-being highlights the importance of communication, relationships, and supportive networks.
Workplace well-being involves pursuing personal interests and values for professional satisfaction.
Societal well-being encourages active participation in community and cultural life.

Health and well-being perceptions are unique to each individual and can be influenced by:
- Personal experiences and history.
- Professional insights and roles.
- Demographic factors such as age, gender, and social class.
A 1987 survey indicated various views of health, with men associating health with fitness, while women connected it to appearance and energy.

Health education is defined as structured learning opportunities aimed at improving health literacy and life skills.
It seeks to inform individuals about ways to enhance their health, focusing on personal responsibility over societal influences.
Effective health education could be personalized by considering the client's environment, actively listening, and providing supportive guidance.

Health promotion, as defined by WHO, is the process of empowering individuals to improve and control their health.
This approach involves providing necessary information and resources to enhance health skills while also addressing social and environmental factors impacting health.