Week 2 - Health and the Individual Flashcards
who is hippocrates?
- an ancient greek physician
- considered the father of modern medicine
- provided the idea that health and illness stemmed from causes, not fortune
definition of health from the International Conference on Primary Health Care
they declared health to be a “social goal whose realization requires the action of many other social and economic sectors in addition to the health sector
conditions for health identified by the Ottawa Charter
- peace
- shelter
- education
- food
- income
- a stable eco-system
- sustainable resources
- social justice
- equity
what do medical anthropologists say about health?
they argue that health requires “access to and control over the basic material and non-material resources that sustain and promote life at a high level of satisfaction”
old definition of health
- referred to as a state of sound mind, and suggested a wholeness of the body (that the body was functioning well)
definition of health from WHO
“health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
how have definitions of health, wellness and illness changed over time?
- have become less black and white
- have become more multifaceted and inclusive over time
definition of wellness
- refers to the way a person feels about his or her health and quality of life.
- people can consider themselves to be well even if they have a disease or ailment
how do you achieve wellness?
- a person must assume responsibility for their own health by leading a balanced lifestyle and avoiding self-imposed risk behaviours
- develops from the decisions people make about how to live their lives
- wellness depends on the social determinants of health, where they live, and the inequities they face.
definition of illness
- is the presence of a disease affecting the body or the mind, or the state of feeling unhealthy, even if no disease is present.
- people can feel ill, even if no disease has been diagnosed.
7 dimensions of wellness
- physical
- emotional
- intellectual
- spiritual
- social
- environmental
- occupational
what has the WHO recently added to its definition of health?
“positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capabilities”
- health impacts peoples ability to realize aspiration and satisfy needs, and to change and cope with the environment
definition of disease
- a pathological process affecting a system or organ, which can be mental, physical, or genetic in origin.
- can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus.
how can disease be characterized?
- A change in, or deviation from, normal function
- behavioural or psychological alterations for which a biological or biochemical explanation exists
- a group of symptoms (called a syndrome)
WHO definition of mental health
“a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community”
definition of a disability
- refers to a deviation from typical function that occurs as a result of an illness or accident or is genetic in nature
- can be physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual or a pervasive development disorder
medical model of disability
views a disability as a defect that the field of medicine and healthcare professionals must fix
social model of disability
- individual limitations that are the cause of the problem
- it is instead society’s failure to provide appropriate services and adequately ensure that the needs of disabled people are taken into account in societal organization
individual-environment model of disability
views disability as an outcome of “interactions between health conditions and contextual factors”
what is physical wellness
- maintaining a healthy body by eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, making informed decisions about their health and seeking medical care when necessary
what is mental wellness
- mental wellness is not merely the absence of mental illness but rather a state of overall well-being
- refers to a state of holistic overall well-being in which an individual experiences a sense of fulfillment, contentment, and resilience in their mental and emotional functioning
what is emotional wellness
- includes people’s ability to understand themselves, to recognize their strengths and limitations, and to accept who they are
–> the emotionally adapted person effectively handles and controls their emotions, communicates well, and seeks support when needed.
what is intellectual wellness
- reflects people’s ability to make informed decisions that are appropriate for and beneficial to themselves
–> intellectually well people are able to gather information throughout their lifespan from experiences and use that information to make the best of situations
–> these people apply critical thinking skills, prioritize data, and keep informed on current health research, treatments, and health-related issues.
what is social wellness
- refers to relating effectively to others, including being able to form close, loving relationships, to laugh, to communicate effectively and empathically, to be a good listener, and to respond appropriately.
–> socially well individuals work agreeably in groups and within the community, are tolerant and accepting of others, and can form friendships and supportive networks.