Health Hygiene & Sanitation

Lesson 03 : Dimensions Of Health And Interrelationships

Physical Dimension

The state of physical health means perfect functioning of the body. It conceptualizes health biologically. The physical dimension refers to functioning of each and every cell or organ of the body to optimum capacity and in perfect harmony with rest of the body. Optimum capacity cannot be definite, it is a relative term.

Signs Of Physical health Include

Good complexion, Clear skin, Bright eyes, Lustrous hair, Well grown body with firm flesh, Sweet breath, Not too fat, Good appetite, Sound sleep, Regular bowel and bladder activities, Smooth, easy, coordinated body movements, Intact senses, Organs of the body are of normal size and function normally, Resting pulse rate and blood pressure are within normal range for particular age or gender.

Assessment physical health

Physical growth can be assessed using number of tools or techniques

1. Self assessment of overall health
2. Inquiry into symptoms of ill-health and risk factors
3. Inquiry into medications
4. Inquiry into levels of activity
5. Inquiry into use of medical services
6. Standardized questionnaire for
1. Cardiovascular diseases
2. Respiratory diseases etc,
7. Nutritional Assessment
1. Anthropometry
2. Dietary assessment
3. Clinical examination
4. Biochemical and laboratory investigations

At the community level, state of health may be assessed by

1. Death rate
2. Infant mortality rate
3. Life expectancy
4. Maternal mortality rate

Each of these can be used in combination to obtain a complete health profile of individuals or communities.