The 6 Dimensions of Health - SUMMARY OVERVIEW

in 1948 the world health organization

defined health

in its constitution as a state of

complete

physical mental and social well-being

and not merely the absence of disease or

infirmity

today the term health is used in a wide

variety of different contexts

and for different purposes and this may

create confusion

about the exact nature of health however

it is essential to remember that health

is concerned with the interconnected

relationship between body

mind and spirit to develop total

well-being for an individual

group or community

this holistic understanding of health as

a concept embraces a broad

range of factors that affect well-being

for each individual

these factors will be many and unique

and therefore all-round health can be

difficult to ascertain

and monitor but analyzing and

understanding these factors affecting

our health is essential to improving our

well-being

therefore the many factors that affect

health can be categorized into different

health dimensions

to help with our understanding

it is important to note that the health

dimensions may differ slightly depending

on your research

and where you are reading however in

health and physical education

we'll be investigating six dimensions of

health

these include physical emotional

intellectual social spiritual

and environmental health the physical

dimension

explores health factors that affect the

functioning of our body's systems

and the ability to undertake and

successfully complete

daily physical tasks

optimal health in the physical dimension

allows for a more active life with a

reduced chance of illness

it increases life expectancy and

decreases the risk

of developing lifestyle diseases and

chronic health conditions

that can diminish quality of life

the emotional health dimension

incorporates factors that affect a

person's mood

general emotional state and self-esteem

it is concerned with recognizing and

expressing feelings adequately

as well as the ability to control

emotions and read the emotion of others

it explores the capacity to offer

emotional support and empathy

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optimal levels of emotional health allow

for a more level-headed approach to life

with the ability to remain calm and be

less reactive

to situations it enables people to limit

stress

process complex and highly charged

emotional events

and combat anxiety and depression

optimal emotional health

results in a happier life which is more

fulfilling and optimistic

the intellectual dimension includes

health factors that affect the ability

to think

learn reason make decisions and display

logic

this dimension is about gaining the

necessary knowledge

and cognitive skills that are

appropriate for your situation

and stage of life and will allow for

purposeful

and informed decisions that enhance your

day-to-day existence

the social health dimension refers to

the ability to make and maintain

meaningful relationships with others

good social health includes not only

having relationships

but behaving appropriately within them

and maintaining socially acceptable

standards

it allows us to work with others in any

situation to benefit

all in the relationship optimal social

health develops a sense of belonging and

acceptance

it brings comfort and counteracts the

feelings of isolation and loneliness

social health allows us to feel part of

a broader group or community

and therefore helps to give life greater

meaning and purpose

the spiritual health dimension relates

to the values attitudes and beliefs of

an individual

and how these affect their health

typically these factors are shaped by

family

peers and the expectation of the local

community or culture

however they develop what is valued and

the belief held by the individual

will give their life purpose and govern

their behaviors

optimal spiritual health will allow for

sensible decision making

behaviors and interactions that are

based on a well-set

moral compass it will aid in giving life

a purpose

which in turn helps to achieve goals to

maintain proper perspective on life

and overcome adversity

the environmental dimension of health

explores the external situation

and circumstances in which the

individual finds themselves

and how these factors affect their

health this dimension

incorporates a range of external

elements including

the physical environment the home

environment

the financial situation the available

health resources

and the work or school environment for

the individual

each of these external elements will

influence the health situation and

well-being of the individual

some of these aspects can be difficult

to alter without major changes to life

circumstances

particularly for children who may have

little or no control over these factors

health is a broad concept with many

aspects influencing our well-being

but by analyzing each health dimension

we can work to limit

negative health elements and maximize

those behaviors

that affect health positively to develop

good all-round health

people who can gain and maintain a state

of total well-being

will experience a sense of wholeness and

fulfillment

and are much more likely to live long

happy and productive lives