Definition of Health (WHO)

Definition of Health (WHO)

· Not only absence of disease/infirmity : state of complete well-being (physical, mental & social)
· Continuum (degrees of wellness/illness)
· Results from a balanced energy flow

Health Components

1. Physical Health

· Continuum (early death ® optimal wellness)

· Positive steps towards optimal health
- Adequate nutrition
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding harmful behaviors & substances (sun, sleep) (drugs, alcohol, tobacco)
- Monitoring of early signs of sickness
- Protection from accidents

2. Psychological Health

· Refers to both
- Emotional state (feelings and moods) adaptability to circumstances development of sense of meaning of life compassion, unselfishness
- Mental state (thoughts, perception of reality & response to it) ability to function and carry out responsibilities rational, logical thought processes

· Is closely associated to physical health
- Can enhance wellness or trigger/worsen/prolong illness
- Can be disrupted by chronic illness and disability

3. Spiritual Health

· Spirituality
- Not only belonging to a formal religion
- Believing in some meaning/order/higher power in the universe

· Power of spirituality on physical and mental health
- Less substance abuse
- Lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Quicker recovery from injury or illness
- Longer life expectancy


4. Social Health

· Ability to interact effectively with other people
- Developing satisfying relationships
- Participating in one’s community

· Affects physical health
- Social isolation ­ the risk of sickness/mortality (e.g. heart attacks)
- Social connections help avoid colds


5. Intellectual Health

· Ability to think and learn from life experience
- Openness to new ideas
- Critical thinking skills

· Ability to evaluate health information is a safeguard to well-being


6. Environmental Health

· Refers to the impact of the environment on one’s well-being

· Includes
- Protection from dangers in : air, water, soil & products used
- Working to preserve the environment itself

Global Health

Worldwide Top Killers
· Heart disease
· Respiratory infections (e.g. pneumonia) : mainly children under 5
· Stroke
· Diarrhea : in children under age 3
· Tuberculosis (سل)
· Malaria
· Measles (حصبة)

WHO Figures

· » 40% of world’s population : ill, mostly with preventable diseases
· » 20% of world’s population : little/no resources to prevent/treat illness
· » 1/3 of the world’s children do not get enough to eat


Health Problems/Risks of College Students

· Overweight
· Low daily fruit & vegetable / excessive high-fat food consumption
· Smoking
· Alcohol consumption
· Use of drugs
· Sexual intercourse without use of condoms
· Dangerous driving (speed, after drinking, without safety belt)

Health Promotion

· Uncontrollable health risks :
- Genetic predisposition
- Poverty
- Accidents

· Healthful behavior
- Adequate nutrition
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding harmful behaviors and substances
- Monitoring of early signs of sickness
- Protection from accidents

· Changing from bad health habits towards healthful behavior requires
- Motivation
- Accurate information
- Workable strategies