Health Of An Individual: Lifestyle And Health

In 1946 the World Health Organisation (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. This definition integrates the main concepts of health and identifies that health can be viewed differently by individuals and groups (Bowden, 2006). Health and well-being are the result of a combination of physical, social, intellectual and emotional factors (Dunkley, 2000a).

As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), ‘health’ is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1948). The health and wellbeing of individuals is generally determined by their circumstances and environment, a phenomenon referred to as the social determinants of health. WHO describes the social determinants of health as:

Naidoo and Wills(2001, p.47) “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ - WHO (1946).” This definition falls into a holistic way of defining health, which believes that there are more areas to look at when thinking of health than just simply the absence of a disease. It considers the cause of why someone is ill and not just simply about ’fixing it’.

But over the past few decades, the definititon and concept of health has evolved to encompass more elements than just the physical well-being of a person. This is partly attributed to various researches and studies that have taken place around the world in the last 60 years. Already in 1948, the World Health Organization declared that health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (World Health Organisation, 2011)

The definition of health is fluid, ever changing and carries different meanings across individuals, societies and cultures. Although it is difficult

Firstly, looking at the positive definition of health, it is a positive concept, highlighting social and personal resources together with physical capacities. According to the World

Chapter one starts by telling the reader all the different kinds of health that we as humans experience. Ranging from physical health talking about the shape and size of the body to environmental health talking about the positive and negative impacts of where one might live. The chapter also expresses how if one chooses to start caring about their health it can lead to a longer, happier life. The choices people make when they are younger greatly impact their health later on in life.

Health is defined as the nonexistence of any illness or disease. Health puts an emphasis on any diagnosis or medical interventions that can treat any symptoms or medical condition. “Thus, when the term health care delivery is used, it actually refers to the delivery of medical care or illness care” (Shi & Singh, 2013, p.29). Medical sociologists’ view of health is the optimal capacity where a person is able to perform their daily tasks even if they suffer from certain health conditions. It is evident that health can be viewed in different ways.

“Don’t treat the disease, treat the patient” [9]. The concept of health has seemed to become complex in definition over the centuries as science improves. “Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”-World Health Definition of Health (1948) [9]

In modern society there is a general consensus that ‘good health’ is something that everyone wants to experience and that each individual knows what this involves. Because there are so many different definitions of health and ill health it can become a very complicated concept. Walsh (2011) states that “In sociological terms ‘health’ and ‘illness’ are contested concepts. This means that the general meaning of these words should not be taken for granted.

The World Health Organisation defined health: “State of complete physical and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity” (WHO, 1946 p.100). Many factors influence health such as family traits, behaviours, access to quality healthcare and environment (quality of air, bad/good water and housing conditions) (WHO, 1946). The holistic view of health combines the mind (mental), body (physical), emotional and spiritual elements to a person (Ewes & Simnett, 2003).

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1948.)

Socioeconomic issue is also an important affecting factor, generally people with higher education and higher income tends to be less prone to stress. Due to their individual live is at a greater life quality. Quality of life can be defined as “individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” (WHOQOL, 1995). Socioeconomic status tends to be inversely related to participation in leisure-time physical activity, which may be related to people with low incomes having less discretionary time and less access to exercise facilities and green spaces (McNeill et al., 2006) In developed countries, people tend to have a sedentary lifestyle which can leads to higher levels of obesity, therefore lower overall well-being. A study shown “The percentage of all deaths in England with obesity on the certificate doubled from 0.11% in 1995 to 0.23% in 2006.” (NHS choices, 2010) The researchers concluded: “There is an emerging trend of increased certification of obesity as a cause of death in England.” (NHS choices, 2010) Levels of obesity are increasing dramatically and, if current trends continue, around 90% of men and 80% of women will be overweight or obese by 2050. (Black, DC, 2008).

When persons commit a good lifestyle, they tend to have a superb health. They also look much younger. Researcher strongly agrees that health is the key to human happiness. When people are healthy, they will become a productive person. Researcher can see that from their smile, free from pain and always laugh. Their physical appearances look so beautiful without pale faces. They will be more energetic, passionate and contribute well to their family, friends, work place and others. It is also good for the Malaysian economic