Question

Describe and discuss the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health.

Answer 1

HEALTH

The World Health Organization's definition of health is"a state of complete physical,mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.They asserts that physical and mental well being is a human right,enabling a life without limitation,restriction.The bibliographical citation for this definition is;Preamble to the constitution of WHO as adopted by the the International Health Conference,New York,19 June-22 July 1946;Signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 states and entered in to force on 7th April 1948.The definition has not been amended since 1948.

WHO remains firmly committed to the principles set out in the preamble to the constitution

• Health is a state of complete physical,mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
• The enjoyment of he highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of very human being without distinction of race,religion,political belief,economic and social condition.
• The health of all people is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is depend on the fullest co-operation of individuals and states.
• The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all.
• Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of disease,especially communicable diseases is a common danger.
• Healthy development of a child is a basic importance;the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development
• The extension to all peoples of benefits of medical,psychological and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health.
• Informed opinion and active co-operation on the part of the public are of the utmost importance n the improvement of the health of the people
• Government have responsibility   for the health of their peoples which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures

The dimensions of health are the following

Physical wellness-is the ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows us to get through our daily activities with out undue fatigue or physical stress.The ability to recognize that our behaviors have a significant impact on our wellness and adopting healthful habits,while avoiding destructive habits will lead to optimal physical wellness.

Social wellness-is the ability to relate to and connect with other people in our world.Our ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with family,friends and co-workers contributes to social wellness.

Intellectual wellness-is the ability open our mind to new ideas and experiences that can be applied to personal decisions,group interaction and community betterment.The desire to learn new concepts,improve skills and seek challenges pursuit of lifelong learning contributes to our intellectual wellness.

Spiritual wellness-is the ability to establish peace and harmony in our lives.The ability to develop congruency between values and actions and to realize a common purpose that binds creation together contributes to our spiritual wellness.

Environmental wellness-is the ability to recognize our own responsibility for the quality of air,the water and the land that surrounds us.The ability to make a positive impact on the quality f our environment,be it our homes,our communities or our planet contributes to our environmental wellness.

Emotional wellness-is the ability to understand ourselves and cope with the challenges the life can bring.The ability to acknowledge and share feelings of anger,fear,sadness or stress,hope love joy and happiness in a productive manner contributes to our emotional wellness.