Holistic concept of health (Definitions from World Health Organization)

• State of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
• In further elaboration in 1984, health is:
• the extent to which an individual or a group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment
• a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living
• a positive concept, emphasizing social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities

 Different aspects of health:

• Physical health : related to the physical functioning of the human body
• Intellectual health : the ability to memorize, reason, analyze and make rational decisions
• Emotional health : the ability (1) to recognize and express emotions properly and (2) to cope with stress, worries and depression in daily life
• Social health : the ability to establish and maintain good relationships with others 

Factors affecting health

• Demographic factors – age, gender, race and ethnicity etc.
• Social factors – social class, education, lifestyle, living environment, accessibility to service etc.
• Economic factors – employment rate, income and economy etc.
• Nutritional factors – balanced diet, eating habits, nutrient intake etc.
• Socio-biological factors - effects of parents' over- and under estimation of children on the personal development etc.
• Psychobiological factors - hyperactivity and lack of concentration etc.
• Ecological factors – human activities, natural disasters etc.
• Globalization – spread of infectious diseases, western-style fast food etc.
• Technological advancement – screening and vaccination etc.

 Different perspectives of health and well-being

• Biological perspective - physical growth and development, biological defects
• Social perspective - interpersonal relationships, social support, influence of economic changes
• Psychological perspective - personality development, self-esteem and self-concept, emotional and mental health
• Spiritual perspective – personal / religious beliefs
• Ecological perspective – natural resources, pollution, global warming
• Cultural perspective - different attitudes on health and care, food culture and eating habits

 Latest Update: October 2019

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