Health, Wellness, and Health Disparities

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to health, wellness, and health disparities.

Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Morbidity

How frequently a disease occurs.

Mortality

The number of deaths resulting from a disease.

Wellness

An active state of being healthy by living a lifestyle promoting good physical, mental, and emotional health.

Disease

Refers to pathologic changes in the structure or function of the body or mind.

Illness

The unique response of a person to a disease; involves a changed level of functioning.

Acute Illness

Generally has a rapid onset of symptoms and lasts only a relatively short time (e.g., pneumonia, appendicitis).

Chronic Illness

Has a slow onset, sometimes with periods of remission and exacerbation; caused by permanent changes or irreversible alterations in normal state.

Health Disparity

A particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, affecting health outcomes.

Diversity

Welcoming individuals of different race, religion, nationality, culture, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

Inclusion

Giving everyone a sense of purpose and belonging.

Equity

Ensuring that everyone has access to the conditions they need to thrive.

Modifiable Risk Factors

Risk factors that a person can change.

Nonmodifiable Risk Factors

Risk factors that cannot be changed.

Primary Prevention

Directed toward promoting health and preventing disease processes or injury (e.g., immunization clinics).

Secondary Prevention

Focus on screening for early detection of disease with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Tertiary Prevention

Begins after an illness is diagnosed and treated, aiming to reduce disability and rehabilitate patients.

Health Belief Model

Concerned with individual perceptions of threat of a disease affecting their health behavior.

Health Promotion Model

Illustrates how people interact with their environment as they pursue health.

Agent–Host–Environment Model

Describes the interaction between an external agent, a susceptible host, and the environment in causing disease.

Stages of Change Model

Used to address behaviors including injury prevention and addiction, consisting of precontemplation, contemplation, determination, action.