Reasons for improvement in Australia's health status since 1900

Public health

The ways governments monitor, regulate and promote health status and prevent disease

‘old‘ public health

The government actions that focused on changing the physical environment to prevent the spread of disease.

3 ‘old’ public health policies and practices

Better quality housing and fewer slums, Better quality food and nutrition, Safer working conditions

Health promotion

Enabling people to have control to improve their health

The biomedical approach to health

Relates to physical or biological parts of illness, is used by doctors / health professionals about diagnosing, treating and curing disease.

Features of the biomedical approach

1. Focuses on individuals who are ill

2. concerned with disease, illness and disability

3. relies on services provided by doctors, specialists & hospitals

4. quick fix approach

5. relies on technology to Diagnose, Treat & Cure

Advances in Medical Technology

allow for a better diagnose, treat and cure for many diseases and contributes to increases in life expectancy over time.

Examples of Advances in Medical Technology

1. Discovery of vaccines, antibiotics, penicillin

2. X-rays, MRI scans, Ultrasounds

3. Transplants

2 strengths of the biomedical approach

1. It enables many illnesses and conditions to be effectively treated

2. It improves quality of life and health-adjusted life expectancy

2 limitations of the biomedical approach

1. Relies on professional health workers and technology and is therefore costly

2. Not every condition can be treated

Social model of health

Addressing the disease before it occurs by changing the things around people like their physical, social, cultural and political environments

Lifestyle diseases

Chronic health conditions primarily caused by daily tasks e.g poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol use.

The Ottawa Charter

An approach to health developed by the World Health Organisation. Aims to reduce inequalities in health. Reflects the social model of health and provides 5 action areas that can be used as a basis for improving health outcomes.

5 Action Areas

1. Build healthy public policies

2. Create supportive environments

3. Strengthen community action

4. Develop personal skills

5. Reorient health services

2 strengths of the social model of health

1. It focuses on vulnerable population groups

2. It takes a more holistic approach

2 limitations of the social model of health

1. health promotion may be ignored

2. Not every illness or condition can be prevented