In this article we will discuss what health is. Health is the absence of disease, and can be seen as a physical, mental, or social well-being. Health is the result of complex interactions among genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Health also depends on various determinants and interventions. The determinants that contribute to health are described below. In addition, the experience of health can be defined as the capacity to make positive changes in one’s life and to live a long and healthy life.
WHO’s 1948 definition of health emphasized the absence of disease as a necessary condition for health. The definition was, and still is, outdated. Huber et al. propose that the term health be redefined to reflect the modern world, based on the ability to adapt and cope with stressors that affect health and well-being. The definition is not limited to disease alone. It also varies by country and does not take into account the needs of those with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The current definition of health may not be adequate to address the needs of all populations, or to achieve universal health.
The most common approach to health care is known as “sick care”. This approach focuses on minimizing the impact of illness and disease by focusing on proactive measures for prevention. Although this approach is useful in emergency situations, it is largely ineffective when it comes to managing chronic conditions. Despite the name, the concept of health care includes a wide variety of services. These services include medical care, prevention, and health education. However, it is important to understand that health care is different from sick care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has created a glossary of health care terms to assist people with understanding the differences between the two. The terms health care are interrelated, with each contributing to the other. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health policy as a set of decisions, plans, and actions intended to reach specific health care goals. While health policy is often described as a continuum, WHO further breaks it down into discrete policies, which encompass different aspects of health care.
Wellness is a state of overall well-being. It is an active process that includes the pursuit of physical activity, changes to lifestyle, and the control of risk factors. Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, while alcohol use causes heart disease and liver damage. Additionally, unprotected sex is a common risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases. Extreme physical activity is also a risk factor for injury. In addition to preventing illness, wellness is about improving one’s quality of life and overall wellbeing.
Meikirch’s model of health posits that health is an emergent property of social, environmental, and individual determinants. When these determinants are in balance, health occurs throughout life. The potential of individuals to achieve health is not met or exceeded and an unsatisfactory response will lead to disease. There are many determinants that contribute to health, and each possesses an individual determinant.
