Can Health Be Defined?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO 2014). One limitation of this definition is the word "complete". Complete health is nearly an impossible goal for many of us to reach. As discussed by Huber (2011), the word "complete" suggests and certain absoluteness. In this article Huber (2011) goes on to describe various domains of health including physical, mental, and social health. The conclusion is drawn that health should be defined as a multidimensional system that is measured by one's "ability to adapt and to self manage."

Social determinants may play the largest role when it comes to health outcomes. Mikkonnen and Rafael (2010) review social determinants of health form a Canadian perspective. Although Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world we still have work to do when it comes to improving the health of the Canadian population. "Canadians are largely unaware that our health is shaped by how income and wealth is distributed, whether or not we are employed, and if so, the working conditions we experience. Furthermore, our wellbeing is also determined by the health and social services we receive, and our ability to obtain quality education, food and housing, among other factors." (Mikkonnen, Rafael 2010). This highlights many obstacles and opportunities for improvement within the Canadian health system.

The University of Ottawa (n.d.) discusses three models in which health can be defined: the medical model, the hollistic model, and the wellness model. Although there are advantages to defining health based on each of these models, none are ideal, and it is suggested that the definition of health is elusive.

I agree with Huber (2011) that health should be seen as a multidimensional and complex system as complete health may be an unattainable goal for many. There are multiple factors to take into consideration when determining the health of a person, the largest possibly being the social determinants outlined by Mikkonnen and Rafael (2010). There may never be agreement on a new definition of health, and this is largely due to the fact that health can be view through many different lenses as identified by the University or Ottawa (n.d). Health is a complex, dynamic and constantly changing state, and all people view it in a different way.

References

Huber, M. (2011). Health: How should we define it? British Medical Journal, Vol. 343, (7817), pp. 235-237. Retrieved May 31, 2018 from http://www.jstor.org/stable/23051314

Basic Documents: Forty-eighth edition (2014). World Health Organization

Mikkonen, J., & Raphael, D. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts Toronto: York University School of Health Policy and Management. Retrived June 1, 2018 form http://www.thecanadianfacts.org/

Ottawa University. (n.d.). Definitions of health. Retrieved May 29, 2018, from