Embracing health and wellness

What is health

• Being active

• Emotional (mental health)

• Quality of life (we feel satisfied)

  • Ability to do day-to-day activities

• Having a disease doesn't mean you are unhealthy

  • Asthma

  • Cancer

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

– (World Health Organization, 1948, 2021)

• Vague: what is complete, 100%, 95%?

• Health is how you experience life as a whole not what is said on paper

What factors affect health

• Diet

Social determinants of health

• Financial health

  • INCOME is a big factor because it pays for daily necessities 

  • Organic food is much more expensive than processed food

• Universal health care system

  • Dental care

  • Only good if you have access to the services

• Education

• Employment and working conditions

• Early childhood environment

  • Lack of opportunities

  • Abuse

• Food insecurity

  • “What will I have for dinner”

• Access to housing

  • Location

• Social exclusion; social safety network

  • Humans require social bonding

  • Have people to fall back on

• Health services

  • Online appointments (counselling, occupational therapy)

• Indigenous status

• Gender 

• Race

• disability

Genetics vs Environment

Genetic predisposition

• Examples: cancer, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes

Environment 

• Built environment around us (home)

• Contagious activities from our family and friends

• When you see people do an activity you are more inclined to participate in it

Wellness

“Health is being Wellness is doing”

• Quality of life has to do with our perception of whether we feel healthy

• Perceive themselves as satisfied (glass half full)

Dimensions of wellness

One area of wellness can affect another

• Physical health 

  • Moderate physical activity 

  • 150 minutes a week is recommended

  • More physical activity is important for youth for early development

• Emotional health

The ability to recognize and express these feelings in personally and socially appropriate ways.

• Refers to the “feelings” we experience

• Social health

  • Ability to adapt to a variety of social situations

• Occupational health 

Does it give you enjoyment “draggin to school or work ever single day could affect your mental health

• school/education

• Unemployment

• Financial stability

Your neighbour gets a new Tesla and now you feel like you should get it to keep up with them

• Recognizing our income and living within our financial reality

• Environmental Health

  • Green health (going for walks)

  • Access to physical and mental health services

  • The built environment

    • Having equipment, trails etc. implemented for people to utilize

    • Safety, run a bike on a designated bike trail instead on a busy highway

• Spiritual or philosophical health is the innermost part of us

  • Give us purpose 

• Intellectual health **

intellectual wellness can provide the tools and mindset needed to adapt to and overcome challenges, even when other areas of wellness are affected.

• Ability to think clearly 

  • This means having the ability to process information effectively and make sound decisions.

• Think critically

  • This involves analyzing and evaluating information and arguments in a logical and unbiased manner.

• Physical and emotional health issues can be affected by an injury

Health defined Part 2

Health as a Resource and Asset (Government of Canada, 2008)

• Health = valuable resource/asset

• Enables navigation and management of daily lives

• Not just the absence of illness

• Vital for performing everyday activities, pursuing goals, and enjoying life

The pandemic affects parts of our health

• Social, cant meet face-to-face

• Income jobs are moved online or canceled 

Summary 

Health is not merely the absence of disease

Health is a state of being