A person’s health is a complex combination of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. It is the ability to cope with life’s demands and circumstances and maintain a sense of well-being in the face of change. This definition is broader than the common definition of health used by most medical professionals and governments, which is simply the absence of disease or impairment. It recognizes that people respond to diseases differently and can vary dramatically in their ability to cope with illness.
It also recognizes that the world is dynamic and a constant source of stressors that threaten human health. For example, war or terrorism can devastate social structures; economic conditions can cause poverty and food insecurity; political policies may limit access to care; the loss of a spouse or job can have a profound impact on one’s financial resources.
The second type of definition is based on the concept that health is an individual’s capacity to function in their environment. This definition is a positive concept that includes an individual’s ability to manage their own and community’s challenges. This approach is important because it allows for the promotion of strategies that are more broadly focused on individuals’ responses to and perceptions of their illnesses; their functional capacity both now and in the future; their sense of emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being; and their economic resources.
Health is influenced by many forces including genes, personal characteristics and behaviors, the physical and social environment, and the quality of relationships. Often the interaction of these factors is more significant than any one factor alone. For example, genetic predisposition to certain diseases is increased by a poor diet and a lack of exercise, which is in turn exacerbated by environmental factors such as pollution levels and crowded housing.
A third view of health focuses on the importance of personal and social resources and is influenced by the value an individual places on those resources. This view of health is based on the premise that the more an individual values their health, the more they will take active steps to preserve it. This enables an emphasis on prevention and health literacy, as well as an integration of health into everyday activities.
In a time when global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate how interconnected human health is, a more encompassing view of health is becoming increasingly necessary. A broad definition of health can guide efforts to improve the overall health of communities, as it will ensure that improvement reaches beyond the removal of diseases and diminished risk factors to include a greater focus on individual and community capacities to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing environments. To learn more about improving your own health, flip the cards below for health checklists on eating, exercising, reducing stress, and having good sleep habits. The more healthy lifestyle choices you make, the better your health will be. And don’t forget to surround yourself with positive people! Their support will help you stay on track.