The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being, without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.
The term “health” is used in many different ways, ranging from the medical definition of disease to a sense of well-being and community support. Each definition has important implications for the promotion of health.
If the concept of health is equated with disease or a lack of disease, it can be viewed as the responsibility of the medical profession to declare people healthy. This view may explain why the goals of health services and health promotion have often focused on behavior change to avoid disease or reduce risk factors for disease, such as smoking or inactivity.
It is possible to shift the focus of health efforts from behavior change to the understanding of the origins of health, recognizing that good health is more than just the absence of disease or illness. The shift is reflected in the broad definition of health embraced by the international agency that promotes health, the World Health Organization (WHO).
A new understanding of health emphasizes that people are more than the sum of their parts and that the conditions under which they live, work, learn, play, and grow have profound effects on their health and well-being. It also stresses that the origins of health are multiple and cross-sectorial. Some of these, such as genetic makeup and physical environment, are nearly impossible to alter. Others, such as diet and exercise, are more amenable to individual choice.
Research suggests that a variety of social factors are related to health outcomes, including the economy, education, housing, and community safety. These are often called the determinants of health. The determinants vary by population and are both within and beyond the control of individuals, making it difficult to improve health outcomes through direct intervention.
In the past, the targets of interventions have been specific diseases or behaviors, and categorical funding streams for both research and the delivery of services encourage this approach. The field model of the determinants of health encourages consideration of a wider array of targets, for example, how can unintended pregnancies, alcohol and drug use, crime, and school dropout rates all be reduced? This might require a multifaceted approach to include education, family preservation, and community involvement, with the goal of improving adolescents’ sense of well-being.
A key to achieving a positive impact on health is the willingness of individuals and communities to place high value on health. In turn, they will take active steps to protect and enhance their health. Creating a healthy lifestyle is easier when the rewards are visible. For example, exercising regularly can decrease stress levels and lower the risk of certain diseases by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Achieving positive physical health is even more rewarding when it’s fun, such as walking with friends or taking a dance class. See the flip cards below for checklists to help you develop healthier habits.