The Social Determinants Of Good Health
Health, according to the World Health Organization, defines it as “a condition of the body that provides the necessary conditions for the accomplishment of its normal functions.” Various definitions have also been applied over the years for different purposes. In this definition, health has two basic parts. These are physical health and mental health.
The physical part of the definition concerns what the body needs for its healthy maintenance and functioning. The second part is mental health that involves the ability to cope with stress, to adapt to circumstances, and to learn from experience. All three components are interdependent and they are usually present in people at different stages in their lives. Mental health is also called the quality of life course of action.
The third aspect of this definition is to be understood and evaluated on the basis of the extent and frequency of occurrence. An annual review of the status of health policy is needed to evaluate the health condition and to monitor changes on the background trends. An absence of a single indicator for a specific disease does not necessarily mean that the disease has no characteristics to be considered. This also applies to an absence of a single indicator for a certain health status or disease.
One of the important social determinants of health is education. Most health problems tend to develop during childhood and adolescence, which are associated with inadequate socialization and education. It is also associated with the lack of access to health care services and other health promotion activities. Thus, efforts to promote healthy behaviors are aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of health conditions as well as promoting optimal access to health care services.
According to the World Health Organization and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, healthy behaviors are necessary to prevent health problems and shorten the time to recovery. These social determinants of health include the use of effective information systems and the promotion of healthy behaviors. These may include the use of alcohol and tobacco products, regular physical examination and screening for cancer and other diseases, and the consistent use of medication. In addition, a healthy diet, exercise and practices to manage stress can also contribute to good health and an improved quality of life.
Prevention is the best solution for many diseases and most chronic conditions. However, if you have already been diagnosed with a disease, it is always better to follow treatment than to conceal the disease and hope that it will go away on its own. Despite the increasing awareness and knowledge of public health and nutrition, many people still refuse to practice healthy lifestyle. Lack of information on the causes and prevention of most diseases, especially in relation to chronic and life-threatening diseases, leads to health disparities, which are the major causes of death and disability in the US.