INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH PRINCIPLES

HEALTH:

A state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity” (WHO, Basch, 1999. p. 73).

GOOD HEALTH:

A state of health that enables a person to function adequately within a constantly changing
environment

WELLNESS:

A sense that one is functioning at her/his best level/ function at the best of their abilities

Components of Health

 Physical health

 Mental health

 Social health

 Intellectual health

 Spiritual health

 Environmental health

Introduction to Health Principles

HEALTH:

A state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity” (WHO, Basch, 1999. p. 73).

GOOD HEALTH:

A state of health that enables a person to function adequately within a constantly changing
environment

WELLNESS:

A sense that one is functioning at her/his best level/ function at the best of their abilities
1. Physical Health

This refers to the optimal functioning of all body systems including;

Cardiovascular system - heart & blood vessels

Respiratory system- nose, trachea, bronchi, lungs

Reproductive system – ovaries, testes

Nervous system – nerves, neurons, brain, spinal cord

Musculoskeletal system – muscles, bones, tendons, joints, ligaments

Digestive system – mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus

2. Mental Health

This refers to the ability to deal with the psychological challenges of life. It is controlled by two
body functions mainly physiology and psychology

a. Physiology

Refers to the way our body systems function. When we get sick our mental health is also affected

b. Psychology

Refers to the way the mental processes occur as controlled by the nervous system ie. CNS (brain
& spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (nerves all over the body)

Mentally health people have the following characteristics;

Accept responsibility for their own actions

Feel good about themselves and others

Are comfortable with their emotions (feelings) eg. Excitement, anger, fear, love etc. Emotions
influence and reflect one’s thoughts and actions

Have positive realistic outlooks of life

Able to handle crises and limit its extents and effects on their lives

3. Social Health

Refers to a sense of well-being that one achieves by forming emotionally supportive and
intellectually stimulating relationships with others like family members and friends. Or The bond
or connection you have with another person. Man is a social being and when her/his social
networks break down her/his health declines eg. Rejection, divorce, death .

4. Intellectual Health

This is the ability to use problem- solving skills and other higher order thinking skills to
effectively deal with life’s challenges. An intellectually healthy person has the following
characteristics;

Analyzes a situation

Determines alternative courses of action

Makes a good decision

Judges the effectiveness of choices/ decisions made

Learns from experience

Feels more in control of their lives i.e. is independent

5. Spiritual Health

This refers to the belief that one is part of a larger scheme of life and that one’s life has a purpose
and a future. Spiritual health is influenced by;

- Identifying with a religion

- Having religious beliefs e.g. Biblical beliefs

A break in spiritual life can have a –ve impact on one’s total well-being e.g. a Christian who
backslides may start drinking alcohol and get liver cirrhossis or become promiscuous and get STI
or HIV/AIDS

6. Environmental Health

The environment we live have a powerful influence to our health. This includes the conditions
we live at home, work, school, dorm etc. Environmental concerns include the following;

Whether water is clean and safe for drinking

Whether environmental sanitation is good i.e. no liter, no open sewage, no dust, clean toilets/
latrines, dry floors, a clean odourless air

Whether social problems are dealt with effectively or prevented e.g. domestic violence
Keeping dangerous things away from children e.g. medicines, fire, chemicals, sharp objects etc.

The Relationship Between the Six Components of Health.

GLOBAL AND LOCAL HEALTH ISSUES

There is a difference between the state of health of people from different (one country to another)
countries depending on the following factors;

1. Economy – rich or poor country

2. Lifestyle – diet, recreation and habits e.g. smoking
3. Nutrition – lack of adequate food is common in Africa

- high cholesterol diet in northern and western countries (Europe & USA)

4. Age – childhood diseases e.g. Measles, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, influenza and
pneumonia

These can be prevented thru vaccination (immunization)

STIs, HIV/AIDS and suicide are conditions commonly found in young adults

Hypertension and diabetes are diseases of the older people

5. Gender/ Sex- women are more prone to HIV/AIDS than men because of the nature of their
reproductive system

Men are more prone to accidents and injuries due to their occupations

6. Wars – they could be between countries or within the country

- wars lead to poverty (poor economy), poor mental health, malnutrition, diarrheal
diseases and TB for refugees due to crowding

7. Climatic Conditions

– Malaria is more common in warm, moist areas

Pneumonia is more common in cold areas

landscapes, tornados and tsunamis cause injuries and death

8. Literacy – educated people are more informed on health matters than illiterate people. Most
educated people prefer conventional (modern) medicine where they get more health education.
Literacy have been found to affect individuals on the following health issues;

Use of safe drinking water

Eating a balanced diet

Immunization / vaccination

Attending antenatal clinics

Delivery of babies in hospitals

Diseases of Western Countries (Developed Countries):

1. Heart diseases

2. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

3. Diabetes Mellitus

4. Lung diseases

5. Cancers

6. Injuries

7. Suicide

8. Homicide

1-3 & 5 are due to diet and life style.

4 is due to occupation and smoking

6 is due to occupation and automobile driving

7 & 8 are due to drugs and poor mental health e.g. depression

Diseases Common in Developing Countries (Third World/ Developing Countries):

 Malaria

 Diarrheal diseases

 HIV/AIDS and other STIs

 Tuberculosis

 Pneumonia- children & elderly people

 Malnutrition

 Measles
  Intestinal worms

Most of these diseases are mainly due to climatic conditions, poverty and poor sanitation
.Measles and pneumonia are caused by crowding and can be prevented in children thru
immunization (vaccination)