 A conversation about the definition of Health
The health matters team has been working on our strategic plan for 2012. A component of our planning included a discussion about the definition of health. This spurred a robust discussion, but we did not reach a final definition. Taking a look around the internet, I found a few who have tried to define health over the course of several decades. World Health Organization’s Constitution came into force on April 7, 1948. The WHO defines health as: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This definition has not been amended since its adoption in 1948. While researching this article I found a blog post by Ano Lobb from Dartmouth University. He quoted his LinkedIn discussion group’s definition: "Health is related to the development and functioning of cells and organs." He writes, but "it is also related to the development and functioning of an individual in his/her personal psychological, familial, occupational, cultural and social environment as well as of the human species in the global environment." Canadian health Department’s definition of individual healthy living: “Healthy living is the practice of health enhancing behaviors, or put simply, living in healthy ways. It implies the physical, mental and spiritual capacity to make healthy choices”. In an October Own Your Health Lunch and Learn with Dr. Matt Handley from Group Health, the assembled group had lively discussion about what wellness is. The most popular definition… “Eat and be nuts.” Another researcher, Nic Marks, who heads up NEC does happiness research. NEC has developed, through extensive research, the 5 ways to wellbeing: - Connect;
- Be active;
- Take notice;
- Keep learning;
- Give.
These different approaches beg the question: is it possible to have one definition of health? Or should each person have their own personal definition? Does your definition include your happiness level along with your physical wellbeing? Do you think having a personal definition of health and/or wellbeing gives you more focus for taking care of yourself? We would love to know what you think. Please reply to us at focusonemployees@kingcounty.gov and we will post your definitions on our website. Your definition might inspire others to have, live and thrive through their own definition of health. The health matters team will go first to get things rolling. My definition of health: “Having the ability and capability to do anything I wish” My husband’s definition of his health is that “all systems are running at full efficiency – meaning everything in my life – my job, my body, my relationships…even my motorcycle”. Brooke’s definition of health is “Feeling good… free of sickness, being active, eating well and being mindful in a positive way.” The Cross Fit Definition of Health: “Health can now be concisely and precisely defined as increased work capacity across broad time, modal, and age domains”. Reema defines her health: "The state of my physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial well-being affected by the presence/absence of illness or disease; by presence/absence of social, familial and occupational networks and interactions; and, by my surrounding environment." Ok, so let us know yours! Reply to focusonemployees@kingcounty.gov and share your definition of Health! FROM OUR READERS:
"I would only enhance the WHO definition by adding: “Health……complete individual and community physical,…………., spiritual and social well being……..”
Otherwise, I believe the 1948 definition is comprehensive and is very much relevant to today’s issues in its broadness. It says that significant determinants of health are very much in all arenas of everyday life not just in areas we have traditional ascribed to “health” and medicine. It is about a living wage, housing, transportation, a healthful and enjoyable physical environment, etc.
Unfortunately we spend most of our energies and resources on disease care but call it health". -- N.O.
|
