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Definitions of Health

From the Dictionary of Epidemiology:

In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as "A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Later, in 1984, the WHO health promotion group expanded the description to reflect a more dynamic formulation.  In abbreviated form it defines health as "The extent to which an individual or group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment.   Health is a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living; it is a positive concept, emphasizing social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities."

A more traditional, "medical model" definition would be: "A state characterized by anatomic, physiologic and psychologic integrity; ability to perform personally valued family, work and community roles; ability to deal with physical, biologic, psychologic and social stress; a feeling of well-being; and freedom from the risk of disease and untimely death."

Link to fuller discussion of Definitions of Health

 

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