02 Concepts of Health and Well-being

Highlights:

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

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4. 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