Definition of Health

WHO defines health as the “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition is over 60 years old and is still currently used (Brooks, 2017). Brooks (2017) would like this definition to be expanded to include acceptance and tolerance. Brooks also adds that no nation should be considered healthy if hatred is pervasive. No individual should be considered healthy if he or she is intolerant (Brooks,2017).

Matthew (2012) states that health is a social, political, and economic issue that speaks to national survival. “A healthy population is also a resilient population, that can grow an economy and help create the kind of society people year for” (Matthew, 2012). Matthew states that life spans have increased primarily due to improved public health due to better sanitation, nutrition, education and vaccinations (Matthew, 2012). His addition to the WHO definition would include social well-being and social support, through spiritual well being. “Living connected to ideas greater than oneself has innumerable benefits in enjoying life- and feeling fulfilled” (Matthews, 2012). Spiritual well-being can be connected to a religion or culture, I see it as being also connected to nature and the world.

Nordqvist (2017) uses the USA to help define health. In 2013 US National Research Council quoted that the Americans die at a younger age and experience more illness and injury then those living in other developed countries. This despite health care spending of trillions of dollars. Nordqvist (2017) believes that a healthful lifestyle provides the means to leading a full life. Research has shown that health is the ability of a body to adapt to new threats and infirmities. Health depends on a wide range of factors that include genes, environment, income, education and relationships (Nordqvist, 2017).

It appears that the WHO definition was adequate for many years. However, with advancements in sanitation, nutrition, education and vaccinations (Matthew, 2012) the need to expand this definition is needed. Research has shown that stressors in life, attitudes and opinions all affect ones’ health (Nordqvist, 2017). This complex society in which we live in does require a much more intricate definition.

References

Nordqvist, C. (2017, July 31). Health: What does good health really mean? MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150999.php

Edlund, M. (2012, May3). So What’s Your Definition of Health? PsychologyToday. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/getting-healthy-now/201205

Brook. R. H. (2017). Should the definition of health include a measure of tolerance? JAMA, 317 (6), 585-586. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14372 (link https://0-jamanetwork-com.aupac.lib.athabascau.ca/journals/jama/fullarticle/2601506)