Key Terms HEALTH ▪ is derived from hal, which means “hale, sound, whole” ▪ is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity” (WHO, 1948) COMMUNITY ▪ a group established by men having shared values(Aristotle) ▪ a group of people that interact and support each other, and are bounded by shared experiences or characteristics, a sense of belonging, and often by their physical proximity. (Cobigo et. al., 2016) COMMUNITY HEALTH ▪ refers to the health status of a defined group of people and the actions and conditions, both private and public, to promote,protect, and preserve their health. POPULATION HEALTH ▪ health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group. PUBLIC HEALTH ▪ is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. ▪ is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals (CEA Winslow) WELLNESS ▪ is an integrated method of functioning which is oriented toward maximizing the potential of which the individual is capable, within the environment where he is functioning. (H. Dunn) ▪ is the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. (GWI) ILLNESS ▪ is a subjective experience of physical and mental sensations or states. It can be a progression from a medical condition to disabling symptoms. ▪ is a the inner sense of an individual’s feeling unwell. DISEASE ▪ is an adverse physical state consisting of a physiological dysfunction within an individual, as compared to an illness (psychological awareness of a disease) or a sickness (a social state)”. (Cockerham, 1997) ▪ is a pathological process which makes an individual deviate from his normal state of being. Dimensions of Health and Wellness ▪ Social Dimension - provides the maintenance of pleasant relationships with other members of the society in which you live - it strengthens positive relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers, which adds value to your life ▪ Environmental Dimension - encompasses the awareness of nature, your atmosphere, and your immediate surroundings - respecting the environment means analyzing the unstable state of the earth and taking relevant measures to minimize environmental degradation ▪ Physical Dimension - refer to any of the aspects that are needed to keep your body in top condition - consuming a healthy diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise to build cardiovascular health, endurance or flexibility are essential to this goal. ▪ Occupational Dimension - contributes to personal satisfaction through work - to achieve personal fulfillment through the chosen career fields while maintaining balance in life - it engages you in the contribution to society positively and usefully. ▪ Spiritual Dimension - includes a collection of guiding theories, principles, or values directing your life ▪ Intellectual Dimension - helps in stimulating creative mental activities by decoding problems related to critical thinking, problem-solving, and adapting to change ▪ Financial Dimension - is the ability to support meeting basic needs, which also encompasses opportunities to save and build wealth. Social Determinants of Health – Summary 1. Structural Determinants (Shape social and economic conditions) Socio Economic & Political Context - Governance - Policies - Values - Impact: Unequal distribution of material and monetary resources Socioeconomic Position - Education - Occupation - Income - Gender - Ethnicity - Social class - Impact: Affects exposure, vulnerability, and health outcomes 2. Intermediary Determinants (Directly impact health) - Material Circumstances – Living conditions, financial stability - Psychosocial Factors – Stress, social support, mental health - Behaviors – Lifestyle choices, habits, diet, exercise - Biological Factors – Genetics, pre-existing conditions 3. Social Cohesion & Social Capital - Strength of social connections and community support - Affects how people experience and respond to health challenges 4. Health Systems - Provide medical care but are only one part of overall health - Health outcomes depend on broader social and economic conditions Key Takeaways - Health is not just about medical care but shaped by social and economic factors. - The relationship between these determinants is complex and non-linear. - Addressing health inequalities requires policy changes and social support systems.
