UNIT 1: OUTCOME 1

(World Health Organisation, 1946) HEALTH - Definitions (World Health Organisation, 1946) “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” How can the definitions of health vary? They word health can be used in the following ways

The Better Health Commission Good health implies the achievement of a dynamic balance between individuals or groups and their environment. To the individual, good health means improved quality of life, less sickness and disability, a happier personal, family and social existence, and the opportunity to make choices in work and recreation. To the community, good health means a higher standard of living, greater participation in making

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) ‘a term relating to whether the body (which includes the mind) is in a good or bad state. With good health the state of the body and mind are such that a person feels and functions well and continues to do so for as long as possible’.

Definitions of Health Lay Definitions Beliefs about health held by non health care professionals, which are based on personal experiences and family traditions rather than medical science Not ill, behaviour, physical fitness, social relationships, psycho-social wellbeing. Biomedical Model of Health “approach to health care that focuses on the physical and biological aspects of disease and illness, and includes the science of diagnosing and alleviating or curing disease” Definitions of Health Indigenous Definition ‘Aboriginal Health’ means not just the physical well-being of an individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural well-being of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being thereby bringing about the total well-being of their community. It is a while of life view and includes the cyclical concept of life-death-life WHO (1946) A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH

P.M.S Physical Health Mental Health Social Health The efficient functioning of the body and its systems and a person’s ability to perform tasks and develop physical fitness Mental Health A state of wellbeing in which a person feels positive about themselves and their lives, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and contributes to the community Social Health The ability of a person to relate and interact effectively with others, and participate in the community both individually and cooperatively.