New Philosophy Of Health

Health Hygiene & Sanitation

Lesson 02 : Definition Of Health And Community Health

Definitions Of Health

Positive Health

The state of positive health implies the notion of perfect functioning of the body and mind. Biologically health is a state in which every cell and organ is functioning at optimum capacity and in perfect harmony with rest of the body. Psychologically health is a state in which individual feels a sense of perfect well being and of mastery over his environment. Socially it is a state in which an individual’s capacities for participation in the social system are optimal.

Dubos said “the concept of positive health cannot become a reality because man will never be perfectly adapted to his environment that his life will not involve struggle, failures and sufferings”.

Positive health will always remain a mirage, as everything in our life is subjected to change. Health in this context is defined as “a potentiality the ability of an individual or a social group to modify himself or itself continually, in the face of changing conditions of life. Like the gardener facing pests and diseases, the doctor or community health workers will face continuous problems.