1. APA 3122 Physical Activity and Health Class 2: What is health?

2. Last Class Questions on: –Syllabus

3. Definitions of health Your definition: What is health according to you? –Groups 2-3, 10 minutes, identify key components of health

4. Definitions of health Oxford Dictionary: The state of being free from illness or injury Wikipedia General condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain Is something missing?

5. Factors influencing health Socioeconomic status Social support Education Working conditions Social environments Physical environments Personal health practices Healthy child development Genetics Access to health care Gender Which factor(s) play a big role Culture on health in our society?

6. Health Definition Model Evolution Greek goddess Hygeia Living rationally Health defined holistically Influenced by habits of living, exercise, environment, and food Early 1900s Freedom from disease became the typical definition Machine model: Divide problems into understandable components Medical specialties focused on particular body systems to treat diseases World Health Organization (WHO, 1948) A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity Criticism: Difficult to measure (What is well-being?)

7. Health Definition Model Evolution If health is to be defined as well-being, then Health Promotion Disease Prevention Asset-Building Paradigm Deficit-Reduction Paradigm Pender et al. (2002): –‘Increasing the level of well-being and self-actualization of individuals’ American Journal of Health Promotion: –‘Science and art of helping people change their lifestyle to move towards a state of optimal health’

8. Health Definition Model Saylor (2004) Multidimensional Health –Health cannot be separated into distinct components –Ex: Physical, Social, Emotional American Holistic Nurses’ Association –The individual as a unitary whole in mutual process with the environment

9. Health Definition Model Eastern Perspective: Traditional Chinese Medicine Energy Systems –Flow and balance of vital energy of life force –Energy must flow as stagnation creates disease Mind-Body Integration –Unbroken wholeness, dynamic system –Yoga, Tai Chi, Acupuncture improve mental and physical aspects Balance –Forces of yin and yang –Health depends on the balance/harmony between two dynamic forces

10. Thoughts on the model?

11. Health Definition Model Circle of Health Health is defined as: –Optimal function –Well-being What do these concepts mean to you? –Quality of life Model is culturally adapted –Performance = Western culture –Renewal = Eastern culture

12. Health Definition Model Circle of Health Activity and Performance a)Energy, strength, fitness, stamina Physical and mental Vitality and toughness, sense of purpose b)Happiness, enjoyment, satisfaction Predominantly mental, pleasures (bodily comfort, fulfillment, hopefulness) Activities that provide pleasure and satisfaction (hobbies, friends) c)Growth, development Actualization of potential, self-improvement Continued learning, new experiences (travelling) d)Occupational/Social role performance Accomplishments in socially valued tasks Forming friendships, attaining professional expectations, raising children

13. Health Definition Model Circle of Health Renewal and Recovery a)Rest, relaxation, peacefulness Sleep, tranquility Balancing productivity and peacefulness b)Nourishment Proper dietary nutrients, intellectual challenges, emotional fulfillment c)Social support Satisfactory relations, support systems, emotional approval d)Sense of purpose and meaning Spirituality, significance in life, contribution –Volunteering, raising children, helping those in need e)Balance, adaptation, resiliency Controlling stress, developing coping abilities, having adaptation strategies

14. Health Definition Model Circle of Health Aims and outcomes of health may vary based on life stage 5 year old Optimal growth, well nourished, safe environment Play and fun, learning social roles 80 year old Maintaining adequate physical functions Visiting family and friends Control health risks (osteoporosis)

15. Summary Key points Health is more than the absence of illness and must be defined holistically There are numerous factors influencing health Definitions of health must be culturally sensitive, flexible, and can vary based on the priorities of each individual

16. For next class What is Physical Activity? -Benefits of physical activity -Canadian physical activity guidelines (see PDF on Blackboard) WHO global recommendations

17. Thank you