Health Introduction

Question 1

What is the WHO definition of health (WHO, 2019)?

Answer 1

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

Question 2

What are the positives and negatives of the WHO definition of health?

Answer 2

The word ‘complete’ would suggest perfect state off health.

It does however include physical, mental, social well-being.

Question 3

What is the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion?

Answer 3

Health….‘…a resource of everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities’

Question 4

Name two health models.

Answer 4

The medical model - defined by the absence of disease and high levels of function.

The holistic model - broader to include positive aspects of health.

Question 5

What is wellness?

Answer 5

A state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximising an individual’s potential. This is a life-long process of moving towards enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being’ (University of Illinois)

Question 6

What are some of the determinants of health (WHO)

Answer 6

1.Where we live
2. State of our environment
3. Genetics
4.Income

Question 7

What are some of the prerequisites for health (The Ottawa Charter from Health Promotion)

Answer 7

1. Peace
2. Shelter
3. Education
4. Food

Question 8

What is public health?

Answer 8

Public health focuses on the entire spectrum of health and wellbeing, not only the eradication of particular disease. (WHO)

Question 9

What is population health?

Answer 9

The idea of improving the health of the whole population. This includes the physical and mental health of the population and reducing health inequalities.

Question 10

What is health promotion?

Answer 10

Encourages the individual to take control over their own health. It looks at social and environmental factors and addresses and prevents the causes of health. This includes:

1. Good governance for health
2. Health literacy
3. Healthy cities

Question 11

What is health improvement?

Answer 11

The work to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals or communities through enabling and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices as well as addressing underlying issues such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities. (NHS education Scotland).