HEA 201 Chapter 1, Fall 2007

Definition of Health (WHO)  Not only absence of disease/infirmity: state of complete well-being  Continuum (degrees of wellness/illness; early death  optimal wellness) (physical, psychological, social…) ©2003 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson Learning™ is a trademark used herein under license. Health Components 1. Physical Health  Positive steps towards optimal health - Adequate nutrition - Regular exercise -Avoiding harmful behaviors & substances - Monitoring of early signs of sickness - Protection from accidents (excess sun, unsufficient sleep) (drugs, alcohol, tobacco) 2. Psychological Health  Refers to both - Emotional state (feelings and moods) adaptability to circumstances development of sense of meaning of life compassion, unselfishness - Mental state (thoughts, perception of reality & response to it) ability to function and carry out responsibilities rational, logical thought processes  Is closely associated to physical health - Can enhance wellness or trigger/worsen/prolong illness - Can be disrupted by chronic illness and disability 3. Spiritual Health  Spirituality - Not only belonging to a formal religion - Believing in some meaning/order/higher power in the universe  Power of spirituality on physical and mental health - Less substance abuse - Lower rates of depression and anxiety - Quicker recovery from injury or illness - Longer life expectancy 4. Social Health  Ability to interact effectively with other people - Developing satisfying relationships - Participating in one’s community  Affects physical health - Social isolation  risk of sickness/mortality 5. Intellectual Health  Ability to think and learn from life experience - Openness to new ideas - Critical thinking skills  Ability to learn/evaluate health information is a safeguard to wellness 6. Environmental Health  Refers to the impact of the environment on one’s well-being  Includes - Protection from dangers in air, water, soil & products used - Preservation of the environment itself Health Problems/Risks of College Students  Overweight  Low daily fruit & vegetable / excessive high-fat food consumption  Smoking  Alcohol consumption  Use of drugs  Sexual intercourse without use of condoms  Dangerous driving (speed, after drinking, without safety belt) Health Promotion  Uncontrollable health risks - Genetic predisposition - Poverty - Accidents  Healthful behavior - Adequate nutrition - Regular exercise - Avoiding harmful behaviors and substances - Monitoring of early signs of sickness - Protection from accidents  Changing from bad health habits towards healthful behavior requires - Motivation - Accurate information - Workable strategies