Health and Wellbeing Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions and concepts from the Health and Wellbeing lecture notes.

Health and Wellbeing

The overall state of physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual existence, marked by equilibrium where a person feels happy, healthy, capable and engaged.

Equilibrium

A state of balance or calmness in life.

Disease

A physical or mental disturbance involving symptoms, dysfunction or tissue damage that can be diagnosed and treated.

Infirmity

A state of weakness or illness, often related to aging.

Traditional View of Health

Past notion that health means only the absence of physical disease or illness.

WHO Definition of Health (1946)

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Limitation of WHO 1946 Definition

The idea of “complete” wellbeing is unrealistic for most people to achieve.

WHO Clarification (1986)

Health is a resource for everyday life that enables people to realize aspirations, satisfy needs and adapt to their environment.

Dynamic Health and Wellbeing

The concept that health constantly changes over time due to gradual or rapid life events.

Subjective Health and Wellbeing

The idea that perceptions of health differ according to personal beliefs, feelings and experiences.

Illness

A subjective experience of disease or injury, shaped by individual feelings and perceptions.

Illness vs. Disease

Disease is the diagnosable condition; illness is the personal experience of that condition.

Dynamic Illness

Recognition that the level of illness changes over time with disease progression, treatment and mindset.

Subjective Illness

Acknowledgement that people experience the same disease in different ways.

Health and Wellbeing Continuum

A spectrum ranging from severe illness to optimal wellbeing along which people can move.

Physical Health and Wellbeing

The functioning of the body and its systems, including energy, fitness and freedom from illness.

Healthy Body Weight

A body mass that supports optimal bodily function and lowers disease risk.

Strong Immune System

The body’s ability to resist infection and disease effectively.

Social Health and Wellbeing

The quality of relationships and ability to interact and adapt socially.

Supportive Network of Friends

A group of peers who provide assistance, empathy and companionship.

Effective Communication Skills

The ability to send and receive messages clearly in social interactions.

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

The capacity to recognise, express and manage emotions and display resilience.

Emotional Resilience

The ability to cope with negative events and bounce back from challenges.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The current state of mind involving thinking, information processing and positive outlook.

Positive Self-Esteem

A strong belief in one’s own worth and abilities.

Low Stress and Anxiety

Reduced psychological tension that supports clear thinking and wellbeing.

Spiritual Health and Wellbeing

Ideas, beliefs and values that give meaning, purpose and connection to life.

Sense of Belonging

Feeling accepted and connected to others or the environment.

Spirituality

A personal search for meaning and connection that may exist without organized religion.

Religion

An organized system of beliefs and practices, often involving worship of a higher power.

Interrelated Dimensions of Health

The principle that changes in one health dimension can influence the others.

Pain Threshold

The level of tolerance an individual has to painful stimuli.

Coping Mechanisms

Strategies a person uses to manage stress and difficult situations.

Support Systems

Family, friends and services that provide practical or emotional help.

Optimal Wellbeing

The highest point on the health continuum where all dimensions are flourishing.

Severe Illness

The lowest point on the health continuum characterised by significant health impairment.

Age Influence on Health Perception

Older adults may define health as independence while younger people may focus on activity or appearance.

Culture Influence on Health Perception

Different cultures prioritise various health aspects, such as spiritual connection or mental wellbeing.

Medical History Influence

Past or chronic conditions shape how individuals define and judge their own health.

Dynamic Nature of the Five Dimensions

Physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions continually interact and change over time.