Lesson 2 Determinants of Health and Wellness 2 Determinants of Health and Wellness L E S S O N

Journal Question Comment about your personal health and wellness. Are they more under your control or more out of your control? Explain your answer.

What Is a Determinant? A determinant is a term public health scientists use to describe factors that affect health and wellness. Think of a determinant as something that contributes to determining your health and wellness.

Determinants of Health and Wellness

Personal Determinants Age Heredity Sex Disability Personal determinants are not under your control. Learning about how they affect health can inform your choices and actions.

Health Care and Environmental Determinants Health care access Use of health care Complying with health care advice Insurance coverage Good health care is associated with higher quality of life. You have some control over health care determinants, like choosing to see a doctor and to follow medical advice. (continued)

Health Care and Environmental Determinants (continued) Living environment Working environment Air quality Water quality Access to recreation and fitness facilities Public safety in your community Environmental determinants may or may not be under your complete control. You may be able to influence them to some degree.

Social and Individual Determinants Friends Family Groups, clubs, organizations Consumer skills Decision-making skills You have a lot of control over most social and individual determinants.

Lifestyle Determinants Diet* Physical activity* Stress management* Smoking habits Sleep habits *Priority healthy lifestyle choices Lifestyle determinants are under your control. Nearly 60 percent of all early death is due to unhealthy lifestyles. Habits started in childhood and youth affect health and wellness throughout life.

Benefits of Healthy Lifestyles Looking good –Exercise, a good diet, and avoiding smoking and excess sun help you look your best. Feeling good –Improve your energy and mood with good fitness. Learning better –Physical activity and healthy diet are linked to better test scores and concentration. Enjoying life –Do more of what you want when you are at your best. Meeting emergencies –Meet the demands of emergencies with fitness and health.

Good Health Helps You to Respond in Emergency Situations