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What is Health? A Curated Investigation

Introduction: Health is a concept that transcends mere physical well-being; it encompasses various dimensions that affect our daily lives. To truly understand what health means, we need to go into a deep dive of definitions that consider not only our physical state but also our mental, emotional, and social well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore different perspectives on health from various sources and media, shedding light on its multifaceted nature.

  1. Straight Up Health's Video: Let's kick things off with a video by B that delves into the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health. The video emphasizes that health isn't something we can overlook, as it impacts every aspect of our lives. It breaks down health into three determinants: mental, physical, and social, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between thes


 

2. Personality and Self-Perceived Health: Next up, we have an intriguing article from the Cambridge Community Press. This study explores the relationship between personality and self-perceived health. It found that extraverts who were organized tended to have a positive perception of their health, while neuroticism was associated with a negative perception. This highlights how our personalities can influence how we perceive our own well-being. Read the article here: Personality and the Perception of Health


 

3. International Journal of Health Services: Now, let's turn our attention to the International Journal of Health Services. This source provides us with a comprehensive framework for defining health. It outlines nine key features that a definition of health should encompass. According to their proposed definition, health is the state of capability to cope with and manage one's own malaise and well-being. This definition places an emphasis on acknowledging malaise symptoms to offer a more realistic perspective of health. It also takes into account the values, needs, and aspirations of the individual when determining their health status. The 9 principles are stated below, the ones bolded are themes i have commonly noticed. Read more: The Definition of Health: Towards New Perspectives (athabascau.ca)


1

Health should go beyond the absence of diseases or physical parameters to avoid reductionism in medicine

2

Health should be seen as a capability or a cluster of capabilities

3

Health should be seen as an ongoing and dynamic process

4

Health should be achievable for everyone, in all circumstances

5

Health should include malaise and well-being to reflect the reality of people's experience

6

Health should consider both individual and social determinants

7

Health should be independent of moral and ethical discourse but can be influenced

8

Health should be based on a person's priorities, values and beliefs

9

Health should be operation and measurable through clear processes


4. The Circle of Health: Coleen Saylor introduces us to the "Circle of Health," a holistic model that incorporates balance as a central element. This model expands the traditional Western definitions of health to include concepts like balance, harmony, and mind-body integration. It serves as a foundation for complementary and alternative health promotion strategies that can benefit both those seeking to reduce disease risks and individuals looking to enhance their overall well-being. The circle symbolizes that balance is key, no matter which direction one leans in life. To see if you have access to this journal, go to my Diigo page!



 

Conclusion: These diverse sources and perspectives demonstrate that health is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond the absence of disease. It encompasses mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as individual values and perceptions. Embracing holistic definitions of health allows us to adopt a more realistic and balanced approach to our well-being. Whether you're striving to maintain good health, or coping with chronic conditions, these holistic perspectives offer valuable insights into what it means to live well despite life's challenges.

 
 
 

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