Chapter 1: Concepts of Health and Wellbeing Flashcards
Health and Well-being
The state of an individual’s physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual existence, which is characterised by an equilibrium in which the individual feels happy, healthy, capable, and engaged
Health
A state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing; it is not limited to just the absence of disease or infirmity
How did the WHO clarify it’s definition of health in 1986?
It stated that health is dependent on an individual’s circumstances and that they can be considered healthy, even if they do not achieve complete wellbeing in the dimensions of health
Wellbeing
Characterised by an equilibrium in which the individual feels healthy, happy, capable, and engaged.
What are the five aspects of health and well-being?
Physical, Social, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual
Physical health and wellbeing
Refers to the functioning of the body and it’s systems, including the physical capacity to do tasks
Social health and wellbeing
Concerned with the ability to form meaningful and satisfying relationships with others, as well as the ability to adapt to different social situations. Also includes the level of support provided by family and other people.
Emotional Health and Well-being
The ability to manage and express emotions in a positive way, as well as the ability to show resilience.
It is the degree to which an individual feels emotionally secure and relaxed in everyday life.
Emotional intelligence
The ability to recognise and respond to either an individual’s own emotions, or to another person’s emotions.
Mental health and well-being
Refers to the current state of wellbeing of the mind, and the ability to think and process information.
Spiritual health and wellbeing
Relates to the ideas, beliefs, values, and ethics that arise in a person. It also includes the concepts of hope, peace, a guiding sense of value and reflection.
How can an individual develop their Spiritual health and wellbeing?
Yoga, meditation, and listening to music
Why are young people concerned about Coping with Stress?
They are continually busy and have a lot of tasks to manage.
Why are young people concerned about body image?
They feel the need to fit in.
Subjective wellbeing
Refers to how individuals feel about their personal lives and circumstances.
PWI
Refers to a Personal Wellbeing Index score.
What is the problem with the definition of ‘Health’ proposed by the WHO?
- Suggests that for a person to be considered healthy, they must achieve perfect health.
- Well-being is difficult to measure
- Use of a broad definition to determine if someone is healthy can be difficult
What are the positives with the definition of ‘Health’ proposed by the WHO?
It acknowledges health as being more than just the physical aspect
Blood pressure
Pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around
Emotions
The feelings of a person
Culture
How a group of people live their lives according to traditional customs, actions, or behaviours
What characteristics of Physical Health and Wellbeing are difficult to measure?
Adequate energy levels (enough energy to carry out tasks), and Well-functioning body and it’s systems
Mental illness
Refers to diagnosable mental disorders
What is the difference between Mental and Emotional Health and Wellbeing?
Mental HW is the ability to think and process information, while Emotional HW relates to how the individual will manage and express their emotions.
What are the perspectives of Health and Wellbeing for young people aged between 12 and 15?
They believe that health and wellbeing is about maintaining a healthy diet - one with lots of fruit and vegetables and little junk food.
What are the perspectives of Health and Wellbeing for people aged 16+?
This age group begins to see health and wellbeing as not only about the physical aspect, but also the social aspect. They see social relationships with friends and family as giving them a good sense of wellbeing.
What are the top 3 factors that young people are concerned about?
- Friendships (80.5%)
- Family relationships (80%)
- Physical and Mental Health (72.9%)
What are young people most concerned about?
- Coping with stress (45.3%)
- School or study problems (35.6%)
- Body image (31.1%)
- Depression (23.7%)
What is the meaning of health and wellbeing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people?
It refers not just to the physical wellbeing of an individual, but also the social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing of the whole community. It takes on a more holistic view of health and wellbeing and includes the cycle of life-death-life.
What are the perspectives of Health and wellbeing for Early primary children?
Knowing what makes for a healthy body - focus is more on growing up and knowing how to be safe
What are the perspectives of Health and wellbeing for Young People (8 to 15 years)?
View health and wellbeing as having a healthy diet, good fitness, hygiene, and managing mental health, such as coping with depression
What are the perspectives of Health and wellbeing for Young adults (15 to 24 years)?
Having a positive body image, and regular physical exercise
What are the perspectives of Health and wellbeing for Early adulthood (25 to 39 years)?
Having a positive physical appearance and body image
What are the perspectives of Health and wellbeing for Middle adulthood (40-64 years)?
Being free from disease and illness
What are the perspectives of Health and Wellbeing for those in Late adulthood (65+)?
Illness prevention, and maintaining independence
What are the priorities of children on Health and Wellbeing?
Priorities are set by parents. As they become teens, their priorities begin to be set by them.
Children will, however, tend to spend more time with their friends rather than with their family.
What are the priorities of Young adults on Health and Wellbeing?
- Maintaining physical health and wellbeing
- Maintaining social health and wellbeing, especially with peer acceptance
- Good mental health, such as dealing with stress and anxiety
What are the priorities of those in Early adulthood on health and wellbeing?
- Exercise, weight control, and body image
* Emotional health and wellbeing becomes important, such as managing stress
What are the priorities of those in Middle Adulthood on Health and Wellbeing?
- Taking health preventative practices
* Accepting and adjusting to physiological changes
What are the priorities of those in Late Adulthood on Health and Wellbeing?
- Maintaining independence by keeping physically active
- Maintaining Mental and Social Health and Wellbeing, because this age group becomes lonely, and their ability to think and process information deteriorates
What are the Perspectives of Health and Wellbeing for Males?
- They’re more focused on the physical dimension
- They’re less likely to see themselves as having an illness
- They are less accurate in predicting weight
- They connect health and wellbeing with participating in high-level sports
What are the Priorities of Health and Wellbeing for Males?
- Focus on eating healthier and exercise. This is usually influenced by social media
- Maintaining Social Health and Wellbeing (for example, maintaining a supportive network of friends)
What are the Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing for Females?
- They have a more complex perspective of Health and Wellbeing than males - believe that diet, exercise, and good body shape are what makes up for good health and wellbeing
- They are more health conscious
- Have a more holistic view
What are the Priorities on Health and Wellbeing for Females?
- Strive for more desirable body shape
- Eating nutritious food
- Exercise
How is Chinese medicine different to Western Medicine?
- Focused on restoring harmony within the body
* Use herbs and food, as opposed to prescription medicine to restore health and wellbeing
What is Ayurveda?
- Aims to balance the three dynamic energies of a person. These energies are called Doshas.
- When one dosha becomes too predominant, Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe nutritional and lifestyle changes to restore balance.
Socioeconomic Status
A measure of a person’s social and economic position based on income, education and occupation
What are the Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing for those who have a Low Socio economic status?
They usually have less informed opinions on health and wellbeing, which can lead to them undertaking unhealthy and risky behaviours, because they typically have a lower quality education and low literacy levels.
What are the Priorities on Health and Wellbeing for Low Socio economic people?
Their priority is not on maintaining Health and Wellbeing, but getting shelter, food, education, and employment
What are the Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing for High Socio economic people?
- They are more concerned about their health, and are more likely to spend more money to maintain Health and Wellbeing
- They are more active and fit
What is the priority for High Socio economic people for Health and Wellbeing?
Good health and wellbeing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander definition of Health and Wellbeing
Refers not just to the physical wellbeing of the individual, but also the social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing of the whole community, in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being
What is the importance of culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
- Those who speak Indigenous languages, participate n cultural activities, and have a strong connection to culture have better self-assessed health status, as well as better physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Connection to land, culture , and family significantly lowers morbidity and mortality in remote communities
- Residents of communities where traditional languages and cultural practices are valued are less likely to be obese, have diabetes and getting cardiovascular disease
Characteristics of Social Health and Wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people
Community Mind and emotions Family and kinship Spirit, spirituality, ancestors Country Culture Body
State the characteristics of Optimal Physical Health and Wellbeing
- Healthy body weight
- Freedom of disease, illness, or injury
- Adequate energy levels
- Ability to complete physical tasks adequately
- Appropriate levels of fitness
- Strong immune system
- Well-functioning body, systems and organs
State the characteristics of Optimal social health and wellbeing
- Effective communication with others
- Supportive and well-functioning family
- Productive relationships with other people
- Supportive network of friends
- Ability to manage or adapt appropriately to different social situations
State the characteristics of Optimal emotional health and wellbeing
- Recognise and understand a range of emotions
- Effectively respond to and manage emotions
- Experience appropriate emotions in different situations
- Have a high-level of resilience
State the characteristics of Optimal Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Low levels of stress and anxiety
- Positive self-esteem
- Process information to solve problems
- High levels of confidence
- Positive thought patterns
- Use logic and reasoning to form opinions, make decisions and solve problems
State the characteristics of Optimal Spiritual Health and Wellbeing
- A sense of belonging and connection to the world
- Positive meaning and purpose in life
- Peace and harmony
- Developed personal values and beliefs
- Acting according to values and beliefs
