Well-Being: A Key Predictor Of Public Health

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:

The World Health Organization state the definition of health being: health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

There are differences in both, although they are closely related. E.g. someone may feel as though they are happy and comfortable, but in fact have one of the worst illnesses physically or mentally. Another example could be that when someone has good health, it enables their wellbeing to improve.

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)

I assume that in today’s world, there is a lot of information and scholarly research available that shows factors such as economic status, income, social situations, education, ethnicity, employment, availability of affordable housing and geographical (place where one was born and lives) conditions have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of individuals, countries and communities (Amaro, 2014). Inequalities in health and well-being are created by social determinants and economic conditions for many in our community (Brannigan &Boss). The people that are affected the most are people with low income and minority groups here in the United States. This creates health disparities and unequal care (Brannigan &Boss). In many developing and under-developed countries, the situation is dire: lack of modern health services, illiteracy, poor economic conditions has created a cultural situation of desperation and unhealthy behaviors. Corruption by African governments is rampant. To improve the health and wellbeing of communities, we need to start thinking of how we can create a culture of health.

If governments are charged with ensuring access to health care for all its citizens, then we would not have a class in addressing health disparities. There may be some improvements needed in order to fully hold governments accountable, but it is something that will not change in the near future (Hathaway 2002). Furthermore, Braverman continues to charge the governments responsible for providing a right to health, but in reality most governments are limited in resources to address these issues. Some governments may have very dysfunctional systems in place that are not capable to provide equal health to all its citizens.

Mental Health is the psychological well-being which incorporates our mental and social prosperity. It influences how we think, feel, and act. It additionally decides how we handle pressure, identify with others, and settle on decisions (Mentalhealth.gov). Psychological wellness is critical at each phase of life, from youth and pre-adulthood through adulthood. Through the span of your life, on the off chance that you encounter psychological wellness issues, your reasoning, disposition, and conduct could be influenced (Mentalhealth.gov). Numerous components add to emotional wellness issues, which includes; Family history of emotional wellness issues, Biological factors of qualities such as the mind, and Life encounters relating to injury or abuse. Help is available for people with Mental Health issues. People with mental health difficulties can become better and many recovers entirely (Mentalhealth.gov).

The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2003) defines health as a state of undamaged physical, mental and social well-being and not purely the absence of illness or disease. Nevertheless, the health of an individual, community or population at large is determined by various determinants of health, including education, income, employment and shelter.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) define health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”, and emphasis that “there is

In public health, as in many fields there are a set of conundrums that practitioners, leaders and law makers have to address in order to provide the most appropriate service to their populations. One of these conundrums is the battle between what is good for the community vs. what is good for the individual. This topic will be broken up to the community vs. the individual, and discussed based on research done by Kass et al, and Oriola, and will be concluded by presenting possible solutions.

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

According to Floyd, Mimms and Yelding (2008) Webster’s Dictionary defines health as “the condition of being sound in body, mind and spirit… freedom from physical disease or pain.” This definition has very much taken the holistic view. Wellbeing is a term in which reflects on the positive emphasis on health and can be broken down into six aspects know as environmental, physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual. To achieve a high balance of wellbeing it is vital that a person is able to balance and take care of each aspect effectively. Underdown (2007) implies that in 1948 the World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.’ This definition took a holistic view as it mentions mental and social wellbeing and it was supported as it focused on a person being healthy rather than not being ill. However, this definition has been widely criticized. Seedhouse (1986) believed that for someone to be in perfect state of health is unachievable and unrealistic.

They influence one's ability to take action for his own health. Positive attitude and beliefs could eventually lead to better perception towards one's health and would prompt an individual to participate and take an active role in his care.

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