Health, Wellness, and Health Disparities

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to health, wellness, illness, and disparities.

Health

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

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; an abnormal process involving changed level of functioning.

Health Equity

The attainment of the highest level of health for all people.

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 the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and risks.

Acute Illness

Generally has a rapid onset of symptoms and lasts for a relatively short time.

Chronic Illness

Lasts for greater than six months, slow onset, with periods of remission and exacerbation.

Primary Prevention

Activities directed toward preventing the onset of disease.

Secondary Prevention

Activities focused on early detection and treatment of illness.

Tertiary Prevention

Activities aimed at stopping disease progression and returning to a pre-illness state.