Health and Illness

Health is a fundamental right of every human being. It is a state of integration of the body and mind. It is a much sought after state; a highly desirable state for most people and yet at times, it remains elusive for some people.

Across the lifespan, man moves from the health spectrum to the illness spectrum. Some people think of themselves as healthy and well if they are not ill and ill if they are not well. However, there is no exact point at which health ends and illness begins as both are relative in nature.

Health and illness are highly individualized perceptions. Meanings and descriptions of health and illness vary among people, in relation to geography and to culture. The block below will help you have a better notion and perspective of health and illness.

Concepts of Health and Illness

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. (WHO)
Health is the ability to maintain the internal milieu. Illness is the result of failure to maintain the internal environment. (Claude Bernard)
Health is the ability to maintain homeostasis or dynamic equilibrium. Homeostasis is regulated by the negative feedback mechanism. (Walter Cannon)
Health is being well and using one’s power to the fullest extent. Health is maintained through prevention of disease via environmental health factors. (Florence Nightingale)
Health is viewed in terms of the individual’s ability to perform 14 components of nursing care unaided. (Virginia Henderson)
Positive health symbolizes wellness. It is a value term defined by the culture or individual. (Martha Rogers)
Health is a state and a process of being and becoming an integrated and whole person (Roy)
Health is a state that is characterized by soundness or wholeness of developed human structures and of bodily and mental functioning (Orem)
Health is a dynamic state in the life cycle; illness is an interference in the life cycle. (Imogene King)
Wellness is the condition in which all parts and subparts of an individual are in harmony with the whole system. (Neuman)
Health is an elusive, dynamic state influenced by biologic, psychologic, and social factors. Health is reflected by the organization, interaction, interdependence and integration of the subsystems of the behavioral system. (Johnson)

Wellness and Well-Being

Wellness is well-being. It involves engaging in attitudes and behaviors that enhance quality of life and maximize personal potential. Well-being is also a subjective perception of balance, harmony and vitality. Wellness, on the other hand, is a choice; it is a way of life; it is the integration of the mind, body and spirit; and it is the loving acceptance of one’s self.

Models of Health and Illness: