The Seven Dimensions Of Health

‘Health’ is a very broad notion, affected by a wide range of individual characteristics, behaviours and contextual factors.

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:

Health is not limited to a physical illness that can be cured or alleviated but must encompass the entire individual. It includes spiritual, emotional, social, mental and physical aspects of the individual. All of these areas must be assessed and evaluated when caring or a patient and their families (Chitty, 2007, p. 303).

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’.

The definition of health is the state of being free from illness and injury, it can also be used to explain a person’s mental or physical condition.

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)

For a fulfilling, healthy balanced life Kevin M Norris confirms in his article “Finding Balance: 6 Dimensions of Wellness” that following the six dimensions could lead to improvement in unhealthy lifestyles. Norris expresses that when you evolve the six dimensions of wellness it could be used as a model or a guide. Norris begins to list off the 6 dimensions which are physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and social. When Norris begins to explain of each dimensions balance each other he states, “Each dimension forms a piece of a lifestyle pie; without one piece, there is a void, a missing link that imbalances the remainder of the dimensions’. In order to take control or to achieve a goal to become healthy and maintain

By looking at what different people say about health, it is clear that each one look at it differently. Therefore, there are many ways to define health. When we look at health, all physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects should be considered because they all affect our health equally. Health can be defined in many ways, positively, negatively and holistically. It depends on how the individuals look at their health and how concerned they are about it. Our state of healthiness will depend on many things such as where do we live, what job do we do, what do we eat, who are our friends and everything else related to our lifestyle. Our choice about our lifestyle can make a difference to our health. If we are interested enough in ourselves, we can improve our own health. Some people think, that it depends only on the health care we obtain; however, it doesn't only depend on this. It is connected to our lifestyle as well.

I am going to write a report assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the biomedical and socio-medical models of health.

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.

Over the years, society has limited themselves to conserve their their health over obtaining the freedom they believe they deserve. Furthermore, Individuals should value their health in order to be able to perform better in everyday activities such as; walking, running, and working, among other movements. Moreover, people will always have contrasting standpoints on such topic

. Define the six dimensions of wellness discussed in the text and, for each dimension, list two behaviors or habits that would optimize wellness in that dimension.  (1 pt) The six dimensions of wellness are physical wellness, intellectual wellness, emotional wellness spiritual wellness, interpersonal wellness,and enviornmental wellness. The physical wellness would be to exercise regular and preparing healthier meals with a great source of nutirents. You can also drink plenty of water and try to stay away from carbonated drinks.. Intellectual wellness consist of being open to new ideas, critical thinking, and utilizing learning resources to expand knowledge. Two behaviors that will optimize wellness are to read something that you are interesting in that you are not familiar with, and learning from it. You can also learn a foreign language, this gives you the ability to allow your mind to expand, because you are being receptive to new information. Emotional wellness allows you to emphasize with indivduals. It gives you an understanding of how individuals feel and their behaviors. Two bwhaviors thta would optimize wellness would be to talk to someone about an issue and share your feelings toward each other. Also, to stay emotionally balanced allowing yourself to seek happiness, and enjoy your life. Spiritual wellness is a personal matter that allows you to have your own belief and values. Two behaviors that would optimize wellness would

Health and wellness is an important part of life and this is shown when individuals are able to live their daily life with no restrictions on their health or social status. “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and sliver”. (Mahatma Gandhi) There are many factors that are combined together to affect the health of individuals. Whether people are healthy or not, it is