Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Better Health
for Individuals
Syllabus Content
Meanings of Health
Definitions of health
Dimensions of health
Meanings of Health
Health means different things to different people and
this meaning may change over time depending on
circumstances.
Health is dynamic, meaning it is always changing.
Activity
1. Complete the following sentences:
a. Good health to me means.
b. The signs of being healthy are..
c. To lead a healthy lifestyle you need to.
d. The thing I do that are good for my health..
e. When I am healthy I feel
f. The unhealthy things I do include.
2. After completing 1a-f, write your own definition of what
health means to you.
Definitions of Health
Definitions of Health
(cont.)
In 1948 the World
Health Organization (WHO) defined
Holistic:
taking a
broad
view that
considers
the
whole
range of
relevant
health
factors
Definitions of Health
(cont.)
Activity
Health is a state of physical, mental and social
wellbeing. It involves more than just the absence of
disease or infirmity. wHO, 1948.
1. Explain how this definition incorporates a holistic
approach to health. (8 lines)
2. Outline the limitations, plus propose some changes to
the WHO definition in order to improve it. (10 lines)
Dimensions of Health
Health is made up of a number of interacting
dimensions.
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Physical Health
Physical health is best described as the efficient
functioning of the body. Its the bodys capacity to
participate in everyday activities and the absence of
signs of disease, such as asthma, epilepsy or diabetes.
This dimension includes characteristics such as body size
and shape, level of fitness, energy level, weight and
ability to recover from illness.
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Social Health
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Emotional/Mental Health
Emotional/Mental health refers to the ability to adapt to
change and cope with adversity. It also includes a
knowledge and acceptance of ones feelings and
emotions, the ability to manage stress in an appropriate
manner, the ability to be resilient in tough times and
having a well-developed sense of self.
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Cognitive/Intellectual Health
Cognitive/intellectual health includes being able to
access, process and use knowledge to assist in decision
making, reasoning, weighing up the consequences of
actions, life planning and career development.
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Spiritual Health
Spiritual health involves finding a purpose and meaning
to life. While it can include a belief in a higher being, it
can simply mean having a sense of ones self as part of
a bigger picture and is closely related to ones personal
value system. It often involves finding a sense of inner
peace or strength, a connection with nature, or optimism
for the future.
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Dimensions of Health
(cont.)
Activity
Explain each of the dimensions of health and provide
examples of good health to illustrate each area. (5 lines for
each).
a) Physical health
b) Social health
c) Mental/emotional health
d) Cognitive/intellectual health
e) Spiritual health
Health Continuum
Activity
Referring to the dynamic nature
of health, and the dimensions of
health, explain why health may
be viewed as a continuum. (10
lines)
Syllabus Content
Perceptions of Health
Perceptions of their health
Perceptions of the health of others eg
parents, the elderly, the homeless
Implications of different perceptions of
health
Perceptions of health as social constructs
Impact of the media, peers and family
Perceptions of Health
How healthy am I?
How healthy do other people think I
am?
How healthy do I think other people
are?
Why would my perceptions of health
be similar or different to others?
How might an individuals perception
of health affect their behaviour and
wellbeing?
Activities
Activity 1
Working in pairs rate your own level of
health and then ask your partner to rate
what level of health they think you have,
stating why they have that perception.
Activity 2
In groups of 4 discuss where your group (will
be given to you) is placed on the health
continuum. Record your ideas on the paper
provided.
Activity 3
View the images on the next slide. Discuss
your perception of this persons health.
Click View
Implications of Different
Perceptions of Health
A number of
implications may
arise from different
perceptions of
health. Implications
refer to what might
happen as a result
of something else. A
persons belief about
health may
influence their
perceptions of the
cost and/or benefits
of engaging in
various health
compromising
behaviours.
Implications of Different
Perceptions of Health (cont.
We may treat people differently based on our perception of
health. For example, we may automatically assume that a
person in a wheelchair is unhealthy and can not involve them in
activities we are planning.
Other perceptions revolve around women in sport, often women
are considered weaker and less skilful then men.
At the societal level, different perceptions drive the agenda of
agencies responsible for developing health strategies and
interventions. They may lead to policies that affect the safety,
cost and even existence of many health products and
technologies.
Epidemiology is the study of patterns of diseases and ill health
within a population group. It is used to identify areas of health
that are emerging concerns, determine risk factors that
contribute to ill health and target prevention strategies towards
a particular population group or issue.
Measures of Epidemiology
1. Mortality is the number of deaths in a given population
from a particular cause and/or over a period of time per
100 000 people.
2. Morbidity is the incidence or level of illness or sickness
in a given population per 100 000 people.
3. Life Expectancy is the average number of years of life
remaining to a person at a particular age, based on current
death rates.
4. Infant Mortality is the number of deaths in infants
(under 1 year of age), based on 1000 live births.
The Media
Media includes TV, radio, magazines, movies,
newspapers and internet
The media plays a significant role in disseminating
health-related information.
For example, news stories on binge drinking,
television advertisements about skin cancer or
feature articles in magazines on obsessive
compulsive disorder all seek to raise awareness and
increase peoples understanding of these health
issues.
Families
Families have a significant influence in the lives of
most young people. Parents are our role models
from a very young age, so the ideas they
communicate about what health means and the
values they convey about the importance of good
health have a strong effect on the perceptions
that we develop.
Questions
Syllabus Content
Health Behaviours of Young People
The positive health status of young
people
Protective behaviours and risk
behaviours
the media.
Issues discussed are increasing rates of obesity, escalating
consumption of junk food, declining levels of physical activity in
favour of computer games and TV, regular episodes of binge
drinking, rise in illicit drugs such as ecstasy and ice, growing
incidence of mental health problems, motor vehicle accidents,
etc
There is growing concern regarding young people and their
health.
Binge Drinking
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is a major cause of ill
health and death.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol in short periods of time can
cause alcohol poisoning that can severely impair brain function,
resulting in a coma and even death.
Binge drinking causes increased confidence, a lowing of inhibitions
and the impairment of decision making as well as motor skills.
Questions
1.Over the past Over the last 20 years
rates of obesity in children have
risen greatly in many countries
around the world, leading some
researchers to speak of an
international epidemic of childhood
obesity. Outline some major social,
emotional and physical problems
that these children will experience
as they age. (15 lines)
2. 18 lines
Questions
(cont.)
Syllabus Content
The determinants of health
Individual factors eg. Knowledge and skills, attitudes,
genetics
Sociocultural factors eg. Family, peers, media, religion,
culture
Socioeconomic factors eg. Employment, education,
income
Environmental factors eg. Geographical location, access
to health services and technology
Individual Factors
Individual factors are those factors unique to
each person that can determine their level of
health. The include:
Knowledge we have about health and the
skills we possess that enable us to act in way
to promote better health.
Attitudes and values that we place on health
and the importance of leading a healthy
lifestyle
Genetic factors that increase the likelihood
we may experience particular health
problems.
Attitudes
Attitudes (cont.)
Genetics
Genetics (cont.)
Down syndrome, which can affect a
persons physical development as well as
intellectual functioning are the result of
chromosomal abnormalities that can occur
during pregnancy.
Genetics (cont.)
Our genetic make up can make us more
susceptible to developing particular diseases such
as breast cancer, asthma, heart disease and
diabetes which have been linked to genetics.
Genetic information that is passed on by our
parents can be a positive influence on our health.
These genes we inherit provide us with potential
in terms of intellectual capacity, physical abilities
and life expectancy. Example how fast we can
run, how coordinated we are and how well suited
we are to particular sports.
Sociocultural Factors
Sociocultural factors: Relate to the society in
which people live and the cultural practices and
expectations that exist within these communities.
Families, peers, media, religion and cultural group
are the biggest influences on our level of health.
Assumptions on how certain groups should look,
think and behave can create pressure to conform
that leads to risk taking.
Family
Family (cont.)
Children living in situations of violence, abuse or
neglect are at risk of immediate physical injury
or emotional distress and are likely to suffer
adverse consequences on their long term
physical, emotional and social well-being
Families who serve 3 meals a day which contain a
variety of nutritious foods instill in their children
the importance of healthy eating.
Research has shown that children living with
someone who smokes are more likely to take up
smoking themselves.
Family (cont.)
Families are also an important source of
information and support when people experience
health related problems. They provide someone
to talk to and gain advice off.
Peers
Peers (cont.)
Making healthy choices can be difficult when the
peer group is not supportive or when the values
are held by those in the group differ from those
held by the individual.
Example, it can be difficult to maintain a decision
not to drink alcohol if you attend a party where
everyone else is drinking and you are commonly
offered a drink or questioned about why you are
not drinking.
Media
Media (cont.)
Information that is given by the media needs to
ensure it is accurate, fair and balanced, as bias or
inaccuracies can lead to misconceptions and
confusion that can endanger someone's health.
Research has shown that media images
glamourising drug use can have a significant
influence on a persons attitude towards that drug
and the likelihood they will use the drug. Example
includes in the movies that associate smoking
with positive personal qualities such as popularity,
success and being cool.
Media (cont.)
Images conveyed through the media can also
have a significant impact on expectations that
society forms and the risk behaviours that result
from these expectations. Males driving fast cars
at high speeds, all night drinking sessions these
images can lead to immediate long term health
harms.
The constant portrayal of images of people who
are tanned, attractive and slim can contribute to
what society sees as being the ideal body shape.
Religion
Religious beliefs are another sociocultural factor that can influence
a persons health decisions and behaviours.
Beliefs relating to food, sexual activity and drug use are examples
where religious faith can affect a persons lifestyle choices.
Some religious beliefs do not believe in sexual activity before
marriage.
Culture
Culture can simply be described as patterns of human activity
including the values and knowledge shared by society
Australia is often described as a multicultural society, referring to
our diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
Different cultural groups practice different eating patterns, daily
rituals, religious patterns of physical activity, gender roles,
patterns of employment, ways of communicating, family
structures etc
Socioeconomic Factors
Socioeconomic factors relate to a persons level of income,
education and employment.
Low socioeconomic status (low SES) has a detrimental influence
on health in terms of poor health and disability, this affects
education and employment opportunities.
Education, income and employment are closely interrelated.
Higher education usually leads to a higher paying job. A higher
income also increases access to health services.
Employment
An individuals pattern of employment, including unemployment, is
a major component of lifestyle.
Reports have indicated that mortality rates are 50% higher for
unemployed Australians than for those who are employed.
Employment provides opportunities to be active, interactive with
others and feel a sense of control over our lives, as well as
ensuring financial security.
Education
Income
Environmental Factors
Geographic Location
Rural: defined by the Australian Bureau of Statics
as populations between 5000 and 99 000.
Remote: have populations of less than 5000
People living in rural and remote parts of
Australia have poorer health outcomes than
people living in major cities.
Access to Technology
Increasing use of technology, such as computers, mobile
phones and electronic games, has impacted significantly on
peoples health, particularly the health of young people.
Studies have found that young people spend significant
amounts of time involved in small screen recreation (watching
TV, playing computer games, using the internet, etc) often at
the expense of physical activity.
Excessive small screen recreations are associated with
increased risk of overweight and obesity.
Click View
Questions
1. Create a mind map to help remember the
Determinants of health.
2. Environmental factors can greatly
influence an individuals health.
Investigate why not all people have equal
opportunities to achieve and maintain
optimal levels of health and physical
activity.
3. Investigate how the determinants of
health explain why some individuals and
groups have better or worse health than
others.
Syllabus Content
The degree of control individuals can exert
over their health
Modifiable and non-modifiable health
determinants
The changing influence of determinants
through different stages of life
Socioeconomic Advantage
Being in a position of socioeconomic advantage
provides us access to physical and social resources
such as education, money and health services that
can make our life better.
For some people, modifying the socioeconomic
determinants that influence their health, such as
education, employment and income, can be
difficult.
Their overall outlook on life can help them to
overcome barriers created by their socioeconomic
conditions and change their health behaviours.
Self-Efficiency
Self-efficiency refers to our belief in our
ability to bring about change.
The stronger our self-efficiency, the
greater our levels of perseverance and
persistence and feelings of control.
If we have low self-efficiency we are more
likely to feel powerless and produce
negative self-evaluations that can lead to
lower self-esteem.
Interest or Desire
People need to possess an interest or
desire to improve their health knowledge
and skills. Health is not always the central
consideration when people make
decisions. Often the immediate demands
and pressures of daily life take
precedence.
Attitudes
Peoples attitudes to health are another
determinant that may be modified.
Different experiences in our life (eg. Developing
skin cancer or losing a friend in a road accident)
may lead to a change in our health attitudes.
Health promotion campaigns are a commonly used
strategy that seek to change peoples attitudes and
beliefs.
Factors that influence a persons attitude include
age, society attitudes, self-efficiency, individual
beliefs.
Non-Modifiable Health
Determinants
Genetics
Environmental Factors
Factors such as geographic location,
access to health care, availability of
technology and other environmental
factors are also largely non-modifiable.
People living in rural and remote areas
have little control over the limited health
services available, the sparse
infrastructure, the occupational hazards,
social isolation or natural disasters.
Changing Influence of
Determinants through Different
Life Stages
Syllabus Content
Health as a social construct
Recognises the interrelationship
of determinants
Challenges the notion that
health is solely the individuals
responsibility
Questions
Syllabus Content
What is health promotion?
Syllabus Content
Responsibility for health promotion
Individuals
Community groups/schools
Non-government organisations
Government
International organisations eg. WHO,
United Nations
Individuals
Individuals play a key role in promoting
their own health, because personal
behaviour is the major determining factor
of health status.
For health promotion to be effective,
individuals need to be empowered.
Individual empowerment refers to an
individuals ability to make decisions about,
or have personal control over their life.
Government
All levels of government- local, state and federal- have to
play a key role in health promotion.
Local Government
Local government has significant responsibilities for health
promotion as its decisions and policies affect a number of
the determinants of health. It is responsible for many
aspects of community living, including environmental and
land use planning, recreational facilities, community
development, environmental and heritage conservation,
home care, child care and community transport. It is also
responsible for waste management and food safety. Each
of these areas of responsibility makes a substantial
contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community.
Government (cont.)
State Government
State governments are responsible for supervision of
health protection functions, such as food safety,
environmental health and use of drugs and poisons. It
is also responsible for disease prevention and control,
which involves health education, immunisation,
refugee screening and cancer screening. State
governments also have an important role in
determining the strategic direction of health
promotion, such as in the areas of nutrition, physical
activity, womens health, injury prevention, and
tobacco, alcohol and other drug use.
Government (cont.)
Commonwealth Government
At the federal level, the Commonwealth
Government is responsible for how well
the health system serves the needs of the
people, health financing, policies and
program implementation. Specialist
agencies have been set up at the federal
level to regulate and monitor health. They
include Food Standards Australia New
Zealand.
International Organisations
Activities/Questions
Syllabus Content
Health promotion approaches and
strategies
lifestyle/behavioural approaches eg. quit
smoking programs, health education
Preventative medical approaches eg.
childhood immunisation, cancer screening
Public health approaches eg. healthpromoting schools and workplaces
Lifestyle/Behavioural Approaches
A lifestyle approach to health promotion
aims to reduce or prevent the incidence of
risk behaviours that contribute to poor
health
It is based on the premise that the major
causes of morbidity and mortality within
Australia are diseases resulting in poor
lifestyle choices.
DISCUSSION
Harm Minimisation Approach vs
Zero Tolerance Approach. Both of
these are included in the
lifestyle/behavioural approaches to
health promotion approaches and
strategies.
Syllabus Content
The Ottawa Charter as an effective health
promotion framework
Developing personal skills
Creating supportive environments
Strengthening community action
Reorienting health services
Building healthy public policy
Creating Supportive
Environments
Activity/Questions
Activity/Questions
(cont.)
Syllabus Content
Principle of social justice
Equity
Diversity
Supportive environments
Equity
Equity involves making sure resources and
funding are distributed fairly and without
discrimination, and based on the needs of
the individuals or populations.
Health equity means that everyone has
access to the health services and support
they need, when they need it and in a
place that is easily accessible.
Diversity
Diversity is variety, or difference, between
individuals and groups of people.
The valuing of diversity helps to eliminate prejudice
and discrimination.
This principle of social justice is a commitment to
encouraging men and women of diverse racial,
social and economic groups to play major roles and,
in a spirit of mutual respect, come to understand
and appreciate what each brings to a whole.
It involves all groups of the community in planning
and making decisions about health issues.
Supportive Environments
As a principle of social justice,
establishment and maintenance of
supportive environments is aimed at
ensuring all community members have
equal opportunity to achieve good health.
People are encouraged to engage actively
in making environments more supportive
of health. These environments include
those where people live (including their
local community and their home) as well
as where they work and play.
Questions
1. A) Identify the social justice issue in the scenarios below:
A local high school does not have disabled access. Students
with disabilities are not encouraged to enrol at this school.
Local rural hospitals are having difficulty in employing doctors
and nurses who have knowledge and understanding about
the health issues of young people in the community. The
youth are worried about the impact of this on provision of
health services for young people.
A local high school is situated on a busy main road. The
school community has complained to the local council about
road safety issues concerning their school.
B) Propose examples of health actions that can be taken to
support the principles of social justice.
2. Discuss the aim of health equity for Australians. Is it to
provide them with the opportunity to achieve good health or
is it to ensure all have the same level of health?