What does it mean to you to be healthy? How would you define health? Each person will have their own way to define what it means to be healty. Scientists and health educators have come up with three accepted ways define health:
1. The Medical Model: The main focus in this model is the “3 D’s” Death, Disease, Discomfort, Disability, and Dissatisfaction. Basically, with this model, if you’re not sick or dying, you are considered to be in good health. The medical model interprets disease and illness based on malfunction of individual organs, cells, and other systems (liver disease, heart disease etc). In this model, health is attained with the cure of a disease (think antibiotics or life-saving surgery). The medical model focuses exclusively on biological processes, and does not take into account other factors affecting our health.
2. The Environmental Model: This model deals with the environmental risks associated with people’s health. Health, in the environmental model, is defined more so on the ability to adapt to the environment as conditions change. This model focuses on outside the individual (whereas the medical model focuses on the inside like diseased organs) like air and water quality, exposure to harmful substances, and socioeconomic status. The environmental model is most similar to the Native American beliefs of harmonious interactions with the environment. Illness, in this model, occurs when there is a disharmony between human and environmental interactions.
3. The Holistic Model: This is the model I will spend the most time discussing. The holistic model deals with the person as a whole and not just the diseased parts of the body. Within this model, there are six dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, social and physical. In order to be healthy, all these dimensions need to be working together. The holistic model takes into account much more than just your physical health. In general, this is the sole aspect used to define and assess one’s health. Although your physical wellness is important, it is not the only aspect that contributes to optimum wellness. If one dimension is lacking, it has an affect on your health as a whole.
· Physical wellness encompasses your diet and exercise habits. Regular exercise and proper nutrition will increase physical wellness.
· Emotional wellness focuses on how you understand and handle your emotions. It deals with your ability to cope with problems and stresses of everyday life.
· Intellectual wellness is simply being open to new ideas and experiences. If you are intellectually well, you would be open to trying new things and new challenges.
· Spiritual wellness can mean a lot of things. To some, it can be your religion or your faith. To others, it is about your ability to balance your individual needs with the demands of the rest of the world. Think of this dimension as whatever it is you do for you; the time you take out of your day to unwind, destress, refocus, recharge etc.
· Occupational wellness focuses on what you do for a living and your level of satisfaction with it. If you’re not completely satisfied with your job, as most people are not, it’s your ability to find positive aspects within that job.
· Social wellness deals with your interaction with others and your ability to communicate effectively and comfortably.
Each model will have its' limitations and benefits. I feel a combination of each is essential to your overall health. When assessing your own health, make sure to take into account each of these models so you can achieve optimal health.
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