By:

Christopher Ekpo

WHAT IS HEALTH?

HEALTH
Freedom from disease.
A focus on disease morbidity and
mortality frames health within a
biologic definition, that is , a body
without disease.
However, evidence indicates that
complex interwoven forces
embedded in the social context of
peoples lives determine health.

WHO constitution of 1948 defines it

as a state of complete physical,
social and mental well-being, and not
merely the absence of disease or
infirmity.
Can be expressed in functional terms
as a resource which permits people
to lead an individually, socially and
economically productive life.

This definition;

Reflects concern for the individual as

a total person.
Places health in the context of the
social environment.
Equates health with productive and
creative living.

Health can not be separated from

ones life conditions.

Neighborhood, social relationships,

food, work and leisure positively or
negatively influence health long
before morbid states are evident.

Individual health cannot be separated

from the health of society and that
individuals are interdependent with
the totality of the world meaning that
one cannot be healthy in an
unhealthy society or world.

WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF

HEALTH?

Overall goodhealth and wellnessare

inter-dependent on five( or six)
dimensions, namely physical,
intellectual, emotional, social and
spiritual( and sometimes mental).

The five dimensions of health, courtesy,

paandhealth.blogspot.com

The six dimensions of health, courtesy,

calchildconcierge.blogspot.com

A model of the three dimensions of

health.

Refers to the state of the body;

Its compositions,
Development,
Functions and
Maintenance.

The ability to maintain a healthy

quality of life that allows us to get
through our daily activities without
undue fatigue or physical stress.
The ability to recognize that our
behaviours have a significant impact
on our wellness and adopting
healthful habits (routine check ups, a
balanced diet, exercise, etc.).

While avoiding destructive habits

(tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc.) will
lead to optimal Physical Wellness.
Eatbalanced diet to keep body and
mind energized.
Never skip meals or overeat.
Drink enough water which is
essential for cleansing the body.

Exercise to keep the body fit and

increase immunity and endurance
levels of the body.
Undergo regular medical checkups to
detect illness in its early stages.
Sleep at least for 7 uninterrupted
hours daily.
Avoid addictive substances.

Cognitive ability to develop skills and

knowledge to enhance one's life.

Intellectual capacity helps to

stimulate creativity and insight in
decision making.

Setting realistic goals to help in life

planning.
Exploring every opportunity with an
open mind.
Being aware of the demands and
expectations from you.
Maintaining a positive outlook,
especially when dealing with
conflicts.

Ones ability to accept and cope with

one and others feelings is defined as
emotional well being.

Emotions contribute to almost all

aspects of our life, it even set the
course of actions.

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.

Awareness and acceptance of ones

strength and shortcoming essential
for emotional well-being.
Ability to handle stress and seek help
if needed.
Building strong communication
networks among family, friends and
peers.

Symptoms of emotional problems; are

Hopelessness,
Depression,
Anxietyand even
Suicidal tendencies are not always
easily detectable, but can lead to dire
consequence

Ability to build and maintain

satisfying relationships.

Being socially accepted is also

connected to our emotional well
being.

We should increase our ability to

interact with people and their ideas.
Accept and understand diverse
cultural norms.
Build networks among different kinds
of people.
Adapt a positive self image.
Enhance interpersonal
communication skills.

To seek meaning and purpose of life is

termed as being spiritual

Our good health is incomplete without

beingspirituallyhealthy.

Spiritual health dimension, refers to

personal belief and value and
acceptance or rejection of the creation.

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.

There are no prescribed ways, to

attain spiritual well-being.
It's more a matter of looking inwards,
at our own depth of understanding,
our existence and creation.
Life as we know is a puzzle; health
dimensions are like separate piece
that need to be fitted together to
make meaning.

Speaks to ability to earn a decent

living.
Meet financial demands and
responsibilities.
Ability to maintain adequate standard
of living.
Maintain a good savings/investments.