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Defining Health – It’s not easy…

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The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (1948). At the time the definition was revolutionary as it provided clarity for health as part of everyday and not just a comparator for having or not having illness. And, as time has passed the almost seventy-five year old definition has faced many critics and many who have argued against its relevance.

However, I believe the WHO definition still has significant relevance as there is the ability to draw from and develop the definition further to refine its current state meaning. In 2008 the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion affirms social, economic, and environmental aspects of ‘health’. This important Canadian document states that, in order to be healthy, an individual or group must be able to identify and to realize aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment. In this way, health is seen as a resource or an asset that helps us lead our everyday lives. Health is seen as a positive concept that emphasizes social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities (Government, 2008). Out of curiosity I searched the Merriam-Webster dictionary which defines health as the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; the general condition of the body; and a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well (2011). The WHO themselves, reframed their definition of health with a you tube video that asked the question, “What does your health mean to you?” (2018). I struggle with a finite definition of health, and yet, I accept conceptual elements of health as defined by the World Health Organization, the Government of Canada and even the simplistic dictionary version as showcased by Merriam Webster.

I consider the 1948 World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health to be the foundation for redefining health in 2021. I seek a definition that would incorporate the many broad factors in our lives that influence our health (Government, 2008). I search for a definition that is challenged to provide meaning and offers a baseline framework for individuals to understand health as it relates to them. I believe that within the existing definitions of health, we can each create an empowered personal focus that is individualistically evolving with mindful reflection, but free of regret or restraint.


Life Hunters (2016, December 3). Life Lessons From 100-Year-Olds. Retrieved from





Resources

Government of Canada. (2008). What is health. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from


Health (2011). In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from


Muayyad, A., Eman, A., Manar, A., & Huda, A. (2015). Health: A developing concept in nursing. International journal of nursing studies 28(2). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281120576_Health_A_Developing_Concept_in_Nursing


World Health Organization (WHO). (2018, April 3). What does your health mean to you?. Retrieved from


Life Hunters (2016, December 3). Life Lessons From 100-Year-Olds. Retrieved from




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