Definition of Health

Many years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a definition of health – “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Charlier, et al., 2017). While 70 years ago this was cutting edge thought. Today though, it does not effectively describe the health focus the world currently encompasses.

Paciencia & Moreira (2017) suggest that there is a correlation between urban and rural settings, environment, and human health and well-being. There is also a correlation between urbanization, living standards, lifestyles, and dietary patterns. The authors stipulate that for those living in urban centers, they have greater access to exercise facilities walking destinations, therefore decrease obesity rates. However, with the many health benefits of living in urban centres, there are also a large selection of fast foods restaurants that are easily accessible. Obviously there are many factors to take into consideration when considering the health status of people (Vogt, Hofman, & Getz, 2016). Rating ones health can vary based not only on gene pool, but also on where and how a person lives (Paciencia & Moreira, 2017). The world has changed significantly since WHO developed their definition of health.

When considering a new definition of health, there are three distinct entities to consider: equilibrium within the environment, spirituality, and adaptation (Charlier, et al., 2017). For a person to measure their equilibrium within their environment, they need to understand and have balance within themselves and and connecting to the world around them. Therefore, individual health and environment health are closely linked (Charlier, et al., 2017). When medical practitioners are treating their patients, it is important they consider the core cause of the patients complaint and not just treat what is easy to see. In the second entity, a persons spiritual welfare is closely linked to personal happiness (Vogt, Hofman, & Getz, 2016). This becomes apparent in those who seem to have a strong spiritual connection and a flexibility to adapt to their surroundings (Charlier, et al., 2017). Both body and soul are in balance when the surrounding environment is safe. The final theory for reflection is when one is in balance within oneself, the environment and possessing the ability to adjust to their surroundings. The idea of health as a fixed entity originates from an old thought process. Instead, let us consider health as a non-fixed entity and the ability to adapt to one's environment. The patient is the only authority with the ability to define his or her condition of health and his or her eventual health needs (Charlier, et al., 2017).