Webster’s dictionary defines health as a noun which refers to the general condition of the body or mind. Health is associated with the state of functionality of the body of an organism, especially the human body. There is no general agreement about any definition of health since health itself cannot be measured.

Traditionally, Health has been defined as “the presence or absence of disease”. But with the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition of health has received a more holistic approach which reflects health in relationship with a variety of factors such as the individual’s physical, social, psychological, and emotional condition; environmental and cultural factors, as well as the creativity and productivity of a person.

WHO’s constitution defines Health as…

“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

This definition of health has not been amended since 1948.

Other Definitions of Health

Health as an adaptive process…

(1953) The United States President’s Commission on Health Needs of the Nation states “Health is not a condition; it is an adjustment. It is not a state but a process. The process adapts the individual not only to our physical but also our social environments”.

(1951) Talcott Parsons also conceptualized health as an ability to maintain normal roles. Parsons is an American sociologist and creator of the concept “sick role”.

Over the decades, many health professionals and health theorists have provided their own definitions of health. Thus, health becomes an individual perception which can only be achieved through an on-going process of the person’s aspect of the human body, mind, and feelings.

Maintaining Health

Effective strategies are needed in order to achieve and maintain good health. This includes stress management, health care, wellness programs, social activity, hygiene, and observations of daily living.

This can be attained by being able to effectively manage stress through thorough observations of daly living as well as utilizing health care and wellness programs that the government and independent sectors offers. Having a good social relationship with other people also helps promote and maintain health.

Though in some developing countries, people cannot easily maintain good health practices due to lack of government support in terms of health care programs and the lack of financial capacity to avail medical and health insurances.

Public Health

Dr. C.E. Winslow (1920) defines Public Health as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.”

In relation to developing countries, The Public Health Care System attempts to improve and promote the health and welfare of citizens.

The Determinants of Health

There are certain factors which makes people healthy, these factors are called the Determinants of Health. The World Health Organization listed the following determinants:

1. Gender – Males and Females vary in terms of acquiring diseases. For example, Prostate Cancer can only be acquired by men while Ovarian Cancer can only be acquired by women.

2. Personal behavior and coping skills – Persons differ in terms of behavior and coping mechanisms. These differences affects the state of health. For example, the ability to manage stress, eating habits, sleeping habits. etc.

3. Culture. – Beliefs, customs, and traditions could also affect health. For example, the existence of fake healers and quack doctors in certain countries.

4. Health Services. – The accessibility of services provided for the community. For example, third world countries could not avail advanced medical interventions for certain diseases due to lack of technology and facilities.

5. Social Support. – Health support from family, friends, relatives.

6. Education. – Low education equal poor health. For example, unhygienic practices due to lack of knowledge and information.

7. Working Environment. – People who are health-risk in the workplace. For example, factory workers are more prone to acquire lung cancer.

8. Social Status. – With higher income rates, people can easily avail quality medicines and health supplements.

9. Genetics. – Hereditary factors plays a vital role in health. For example, a young woman with a grandma who has cervical cancer is more prone to acquire cervical cancer as well.

10. Physical Environment. – Clean and Fresh Air, Safe water, clean communities plays an important role in maintaing health. For example, a communities with dirty waters are more prone to diseases such as amoebiasis, dengue fever, leptospirosis, etc.

Web References:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/health
http://www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health

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