The World Health Organization defines health as the absence of disease or infirmity. Other definitions vary but are broadly agreed to be synonymous. In recent years, the United States has imposed the “whole person” definition of health for the general public. Here are some of the most common ones, including the WHO definition and the American Medical Association definition. All three are widely accepted. In addition, they are both applicable to all people, regardless of their age.
The World Health Organization defines health as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Public health focuses on the prevention of disease and reducing unhealthy practices. However, some factors are structural and can only be changed by a person’s choices. For instance, physical health refers to a person’s ability to manage stress and maintain a stable homeostasis. Emotional health is a person’s ability to relate with others.
The World Health Organisation’s definition of health includes a number of tests, some of which can indicate the presence of disease in an otherwise healthy individual. In addition to the biological measures, the WorldHealth Organisation also recognizes the social and psychological elements of disease. This is a more comprehensive and realistic definition of health than the ‘complete’ one. If you’re in the process of implementing the new WHO-recommended guidelines for public health, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about what to measure.