Measuring Human Wellness Millar Gero 302 Jan 2012

Human Wellness Measuring human wellness is both inexact and a changing science. To do this we rely on health date-mortality and morbidity stats-vital stats and a variety of health data bases. To measure health we use the WHO definition-not just the absence of disease but complete physical, mental and social well-being. Population health however is influenced by many factors- living and working conditions, individual skills and choices, biology, genetic endowment, physical environment and the health care system.

Human Wellness Other key factors include: income, jobs and employment, working conditions, education, housing, social support networks, general economic conditions in society. Individual skills and choices-coping, self-esteem, lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, drug use, exercise, diet, use of preventive services, screening, blood pressure. Early education has life- long impact. Biology and genetic endowment-currently no significant interventions available in this area. Review stem-cell research. Physical environment-clean water, clean air, nutritious food, lack of exposure to toxic waste.

Human Wellness There is a need to monitor economic, environmental and human wellness (QOL) as a package. Health Care System-need care services that promote health, protect health, relieve pain and suffering, restore function, and care for the vulnerable. Inequities- groups with higher mortality rates (infant mortality in first Nation children), disease exposure (examples), lifestyle choices such as smoking. Stress experienced and coping skills. The more control you have over your life the better you are equipped to resist the development of disease and therefore remain healthy.

Human Indicators Traditional indicators-Life expectancy and rates of death and disease. Functional indicators-psychological well-being, self- esteem, sense of control, job satisfaction. Question-Is health status improving, remaining unchanged or worsening-See table 1 in article. See page 155 where regions with highest levels of income, employment and education have the lowest death rates. Another example-improvements to infant mortality will require: better maternal nutrition, reduction in maternal smoking and alcohol use, better income and social supports to families in poverty and more accessible pre-natal care.

Future Issues We now have moved from disease entities, to risk factors to policies and programs and now to risk conditions. These include poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, inadequate housing and social isolation as well as lifestyle choices, coping skills and environmental factors. Question-What are the key societal values which support population health?