Definitions of Health and Illness

Definitions of Health and Illness Victorine Diana Goin According to the definition offered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1948)[1] health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This paper seeks to offer critical analysis on the definitions of health and illness in respect of prominent academics in the field. Furthermore an in-depth discussion will be raised on the ways health can be perceived in a social context with regards to the relationship between negative social factors and health through the use of studies and surveys. To find the definition of health one can refer to Kenworthy (2002) who revealed the apparent links to theories that directly relate to health care. A noticeable theory consists of the biomedical concept. This concentrates on the belief that being healthy is to be without recognisable disease. One can see a direct contradiction of the biomedical concept of health in contrast to the definition offered by WHO (1948). On the other hand the WHO recognises that health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This undoubtedly questions the strength of the biomedical concept in its definition of health. The definition revealed by WHO (1948) has similarities with the holistic concept of health which makes reference to the various dimensions of health each relating to each other and the need for health care professionals to treat the individuals and not just one aspect of their health. Ewles and Simnett (1992) made reference to the individuals physical, mental, emotional spiritual, social, sexual, societal and the environmental aspect of their health. Equally important is the definition of illness. When the elements of the WHO definition are not fulfilled then the individual may be regarded as ill. This is reflected by the definition offered in Mosbys Medical Dictionary (2009)[2]. He defines illness as an abnormal process in which aspects of the social, physical, emotional, or intellectual condition and function of a person are diminished or impaired compared with that persons previous condition. McWhinney (1987)[3] described illness as the subjective perception by a patient of an objectively defined disease. This is an interesting argument as it tells us the extent to which a patient may perceive their own illness. Indeed acknowledging this may be helpful in understanding the definition of illness. However on the other hand it does not allow for a uniform concrete definition as we are made aware that social aspects come to play as well as the individuals own perception. Kenworthy makes an interesting argument when he outlines that health is seen in the context of the distribution of illness, epidemiological patterns and class structures of that society. Helman (1992) builds upon this when he states that the presentation of illness and the way in which an individual responds to it is largely determined by sociological factors. In addition to this he elaborates that these factors influence the perception of which symptoms and signs are abnormal in a given culture. He gives the example of how a child growing in a particular culture learns how to respond to, and express a range of physical or emotional symptoms or social stresses in a culturally patterned way. (Helman 1992) This respect that everyones perception of illness will vary. Abraham Shanley (1992)[4] have adopted a health belief model which raises four key components of a persons belief about their own health. This includes how susceptible we are to the illness in question, the seriousness of the illness, the potential costs and the effectiveness of this action in relation to possible alternatives. The reasons behind the recognition of the socially constructed concept is illustrated by Kenworthy (2002) who points out that nurses for example have become more person centred and individualised whereas prior to this there was a more medical -disease orientated approach. This is emphasised by Corbett (1995) who identifies the recognition of the patient in healthcare as an active participant rather than a passive recipient of care Thus it is arguable that with the changing emphasis of care the study of the sociological aspect of patients has become almost a central feature in the education of nurses and doctors. According to the Poverty Site[5] (2009) poverty and health site the relationship between poverty and health is complex. Various factors are considered such as poor environmental conditions, poor housing, pollution, low education levels and unawareness of needed medical care, financial barriers in accessing health services, and a lack of resources necessary to maintain good health status which may entail poor diets. The Hillingdon Crime Survey 2004[6] is a good representation of the direct effects of crime on health. Although it was carried out five years ago it does offer insights into figures as to the direct and indirect effects of crime on health. The survey was based on a random sample of over 2400 residents on the electoral register of whom 25% responded. Twelve point six percent encountered direct effects of crime including physical injury, disability and death resulting from violent assaults, abuse and accidents, including those caused by dangerous driving. It was discovered that when asked the impact of crime on their health almost seven per cent reported an injury; 6.1% onset or relapse of an eating disorder; 9.4% increased use of alcohol, drugs and/or smoking; nearly 60% increased stress or anxiety, 28.2% depression and about 17% each reported isolation and insomnia. (Hillingdon Crime Survey 2004). On the other hand the indirect effects of crime on the victims health consisted of time off work, financial losses and changes in home circumstances. The findings also disclosed that for some victims, there were long term consequences of higher rates of mental health problems, smoking, alcohol and drug misuse, neglect of their health and risky sexual behaviour'[7]. The Acheson report ()[8] supports this finding as it revealed that fear of crime and violence can affect peoples quality of life and also be a cause of mental distress and social exclusion. The British Medical Association (2003)[9] identifies the important contribution made to health and illness by the standard of accommodation. Undoubtedly the quality of accommodation is strongly related to income, Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that those with a satisfactory or higher income can minimise the adverse effect of poor housing resulting in better health. The report also reveals that social and physical characteristics of the surrounding area are also vital in maintaining good health. Indeed the fact that poor quality accommodation is often situated in impoverished surroundings contributes further to making vulnerable individuals housebound.The report cited the elderly, the very young and those suffering from long-term ill health amongst the vulnerable individuals who are at particular risk. Thus these groups have the greatest exposure to many specific hazards. These studies and surveys highlight the importance of social and economic factors as an adverse effect of poor health. We can see that especially those in poor housing conditions and those habiting in deprived high crime areas are most likely to suffer ill health. However there are encouraging policy and legislation which exists to minimise these social factors on the health of individuals such as the Health and Social Care Act 2008, The Health Act 2006 prohibiting smoking in certain premises and provides a minimum age of persons to whom tobacco may be sold and the Health Bill 2009 that attempts to improve the quality of NHS care and public health[10]. It is apparent that the definition of health and illness endorses not only the individuals objective medical condition but also the impact of social factors. Whereas the biomedical model of health has a more individualistic approach the socio medial approach is more valuable in giving a considered perception of the definitions of health and illness. Indeed one agrees with Helmans analysis (1992) as he reveals that the presentation of illness and the way in which an individual responds to it is largely determined by sociological factors. It is also evident that whilst applying the social medical approaches that the relationship between poverty and health should also be acknowledged. If the individuals perception of health is to improve positively then negative social factors which contribute will need to be addressed further; such as low educational attainment levels, poor housing, and dangerous environments including crime levels. Bibliography Book Kenworthy N, Snowley G, Gilling C, (2002) Common Foundation Studies in Nursing third edition Churchill Livingstone: Philadelphia Mosbys Medical Dictionary (2009), eighth edition Helman 2002 Ewles and Simnett (1992) McWhinney (1987 Abraham Shanley (1992) Corbett (1995) Ebook Shakespeare T, (1998) The Disability Reader :Social Science Perspectives http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3Pnzk9WfiPkCdg=shakespeare+1998+disabilty+readersource=gbs_navlinks_s Denny E, Earle S, (2005) Sociology for Nurses Polity Press http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_MVl26vxeqwCpg=PA1lpg=PA1dg=sociology+for+nurses+denny+earlesource=blots=p59GMnjfw9sig=WYRQ6-mit1nli5-nk049BUZQwDUhl=enei=8Yr5SuPoOsTl4QaEtsytCwsa=Xoi=book_result ct=resultresnum=1ved=0CAgQ6AEwAA #v=onepageq=f=false Journals Lynch, J. W.; Smith, G. D.; Kaplan, G. A.; and House, J. S. (2000). Income Inequality and Mortality: Importance to Health of Individual Income, Psychosocial Environment, or Material Conditions.British Medical Journal320:1200-1204 Marmot, M. (1999). Acting on the Evidence to Reduce Inequalities in Health.Health Affairs18(3):42-44 McWhinney IR (April 1987). Health and disease: problems of definition.CMAJ136(8): 815 Websites An Introduction to Social Policy (2009) http://www2.rgu.ac.uk/publicpolicy/introduction/contentf.htm Accessed on 17/11/2009 Palmer G, The Poverty Site http://www.poverty.org.uk/. Accessed on 17/11/2009 World Health Organisation (WHO)(2003) http://www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html Accessed on 17/11/2009 NHS The Hillingdon Crime Survey 2004 Chapter 3 Health and Crime http://www.hillingdon.nhs.uk/uploads/aphr04/Annual%20Public%20Health%20Report%202004%20chapter%203.pdf accessed on 14/11/2009 Housing and health: building for the future (2003) http://www.bma.org.uk/health_promotion_ethics/environmental_health/housinghealth.jsp accessed on 14/11/2009 World Health Organisation (WHO)(2003) http://www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html Accessed on 17/11/2009 Mosbys Medical Dictionary (2009), eighth edition Palmer G, The Poverty Site http://www.poverty.org.uk/. Accessed on 17/11/2009 NHS The Hillingdon Crime Survey 2004 Chapter 3 Health and Crime http://www.hillingdon.nhs.uk/uploads/aphr04/Annual%20Public%20Health%20Report%202004%20chapter%203.pdf accessed on 14/11/2009

Are We Too Dependence on Computers

With the improvement of technology, mobile phones have become an inevitable part of our lives. Because of their convenience and improvements, we now can make a phone call from any spot on our planet Earth. In today’s society our technology is more advanced than ever before. So far advanced is our society, that we can easily use cell phones to speak to anyone, anywhere and at any time. That’s why I am in favor of them. To begin with, they are very useful and parents can always call their children whenever they want and make sure they are fine. For example, we can use cell phones while driving, or speak to someone in another country. We can use them in the business world to conduct meetings or to rely vital information to co-workers or to conduct trade with other businesses. Many scientists consider the mobile phone transmitters to be the greatest danger to public health. I personally use them to call my friends whenever I feel miserable, euphoric, you name it. Making appointments with them is so easy. And not to miss the texting, which I have been using quite a lot recently. I have come to the conclusion that a text can make you much happier than a phone call, when you least expect it. Some may say that requiring children to wear uniforms does not allow the child their individuality. I think pupils at middle schools should wear school uniforms because school uniforms are homogeneous and show no difference concerning the families economic. Another reason why I think middle schools should have school uniforms is that school uniforms help pupils to represent their school and also help to separate themselves from other schools and pupils. Finally I think the idea of wearing school uniforms at middle school is a good way to form a positive school spirit and let pupils feel united and not separated only because of a more or less affluent background. I think that personally, I have nothing against school uniforms. They can be handy – no need to dwell on what the kid would have to wear everyday in school. But to use the argument that it will make schools safer is, I think, not fair. There are other more effective things we can do to ensure school safety. Let us not use school safety as an excuse to do things that we want.

On literature review made by authors Essay

The authors asserted to have found a framework for the examination of customer-focused culture via the literature review made. It may be noted that the study included only a survey of 32 potential best organizations as identified by the reseachers and they may not necessarily represent the broader characteristics of other organizations in New Zealand and even in the world. They have indeed accepted a limitation of their study that benefits would have been gained if the study has extended to a larger international group. The limitation of the samples use is material into the validity of the survey on whether they represent the real value of customer focus culture to the organizations. In discussing the background of the study, Bartley, et al (2007) cited the the strong link between an organization’s culture and its performance which they claimed to have been widely recognised by practitioners where they cited the work of Basch (2002) and academics where they cited the work of Kotter and Heskett (1992). If organizations desire to have enduring relationship and loyal customers, they must be equipped with an effective customer-focused culture which will make it easier for these companies to have successful product and service delivery. To support their statements they cited the works of Macaukay Clark (1998) and Martin (1992). For the authors customer-focused culture was almost as good as survival in the long-term. These findings from literature review prompted the authors and the the 18 organization-members of the NZBC to asks for the componets and charateristics of a good customer-focused culture. For which reason, NZBC was formed by the Massey University’s Centre for Organizational Excellence Research (COER) in partnership witht the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation to achieve the ambitious vision of becoming world-class performers of its members and to adopt excellent business practices within New Zealand. To measure the improvements by club members, they have agreed on a criteria for excellent performance on annual basis. See Figure 1 of their report and is made part of Appendix 1 of this paper. It appears that their agreement on criteria of performance excellence was just not a result of a tests or even a previous study. By merely agreeing and not conducting any test which are the factors there is basis the criteria may be just based on opinions. The results of their literature review resulted to their having identified six characteristics of organizations having performance of good to best practices. Bartley, B. et al. (2007) made use of same six characteristics as an analytical framework. They found the importance of leadership and used the works of Brooks, 1997; Whitely, 1991, Galreath and Rogers, 1999 which found that customers drive organizational direction and actions, to support the characteristic. They also included listening as characteristic where the views of customers are actively sought to have ease of contact/conduct of business where they cited the works of Scheuing (1999) and Plymie (1991). Bartley, B. et al (2007) also included analysis and understanding using the works of Brooks (1997) and Wikstrom (1996) which found that need to understand customer expectations. Further included is integration and deployment where the authors cited the work of Martin (1992) which could the need to act upon customers’ expectations. Still include is is people after citing the work of Kennedy, et al, (2002) which determined that customer-focused culture is understood and integrated in the whole the organization. They also included the need to review and improve where they cite the work of Alam and Perry (2002). The fact their literature review is supported by published works of other researchers on the basis of being mainly taken from academic journals and other published works, will lends some degree of validity of the summary of characteristics made as part of their analytical framework.

What Is River Linking - 1880 Words

Introduction: What is river linking? It is a project connecting two or more rivers artificially in a network with help of canal technique and in turn creating a provision of water source for the areas which completely did not have in other terms had scarcity of water. This also reduces the flow of fresh river water into the sea which can be used effectively. What are the advantages and disadvantages of river linking? ADVANTAGES: †¢ Irrigation With success of river linking we can achieve irrigated lands in vast amount. This plays major role for the farmers who depend on rains for their living through farming. †¢ Flood prevention There is situation where there is floods in one area and draught like experience in the other, this can be tackled and resolved with the help of river linking projects. The excess water flowing in the flood experiencing zones can be completely channelled. This can also avoid excess water flowing into the sea as well. †¢ Electricity generation With lot of new canals built, the opportunity to build new dams becomes very easy in turn giving more feasibility in producing more hydro-electric power from the plants. †¢ Navigation Since new canals are built new ways and routes are automatically generated, which makes it very easy to transport water which otherwise is a very expensive issue. DISADVANTAGES: †¢ Environmental issues The ecological and environmental issues are the major concerns in the river linking projects, since the rivers due to force ofShow MoreRelatedWhat Is River Linking?1508 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is river linking? River linking is a project connecting two or more rivers using a network artificially with help of canal technique in turn creating a provision of water source for the areas which did not or had scarcity of water. This reduces the flow of fresh river water into the sea. According to (Patkar, 2004) he says, â€Å"It is regarded to be the mother of all projects, interlinking of waterways is estimated as the one and the only remedy to all standard water issues – droughts and floodingRead MoreThe Lewis And Clark Expedition1333 Words   |  6 Pagesand allowed the boundaries of the country to be extended. This acquisition of land became to be known as the Louisiana Purchase. However, the new and unknown territory had to be explored in order to obtain an accurate sense of the strange land and what resources it had to offer. Jefferson was in need of someone brave enough who would take on the challenge and achieve success. The role best fit the appointed soldier, politician, and public administrator Meriwether Lewis. Lewis turned for assistanceRead More The Hudson RIver School Of Artist Essay1534 Words   |  7 Pages The Hudson River School The Hudson River school represents the first native genre of distinctly American art. The school began to produce art works in the early 1820s; comprised of a group of loosely organized painters who took as their subject the unique naturalness of the undeveloped American continent, starting with the Hudson River region in New York, but eventually extending through space and time all the way to California and the 1870s. During the period, that the school’sRead MoreChallenges Faced On River Linking Projects3840 Words   |  16 Pagesfaced in River Linking Projects: The Indian case in contrast with China and Europe. Introduction: What is river linking? It is a project connecting two or more rivers artificially in a network with help of canal technique and in turn creating a provision of water source for the areas which completely did not have in other terms had scarcity of water. This also reduces the flow of fresh river water into the sea which can be used effectively. What are the advantages and disadvantages of river linkingRead MoreTracking Myth to Geological Reality800 Words   |  4 Pagesthe future. With all of these new discoveries it is important to remember that it is easy to go too far. Myth cannot account for all geological phenomenon and vice versa. It is crucial to make sure that scientific integrity remains the focus when linking myth and geology. It is important that people learn from history. Recently, it has become apparent that myths and folk lore may be an important part of history to consider. Convincing geological evidence has been discovered that link major geologicalRead MoreWhat ´s Webiography?946 Words   |  4 PagesI did not know what to expect as to the writing assignment. Ancient history is something I never taught I will be interested in until I started watching the history channel, although it is a prerequisite for a degree course I have always had interest in knowing more about this course and one thing I noticed from watching the history channel is, it has connection with the bible. For this assignment, am going to be writing about; the Egyptian pyramid, the Greece gods and the River Nile. I pickedRead MoreImpact of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition1198 Words   |  5 PagesThe year of 1803 significantly changed our nation eternally. It stunned many people. In no way, shape or form, did we ever believe that our nation would expand so rapidly. What started with the small purchase of New Orleans led into the substantial purchase of the Louisiana Territory. This was a purchase that will make Thomas Jefferson a man to be remembered. Although, he wasn’t the only man who impacted the United States during this time period. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are the two menRead MoreThe Death of Emmett Till 1128 Words   |  5 Pagesacts of racism, which greatly affected the conviction of Emmett Till’s murderers. Racism played a large role in the extreme lack of justice served to Emmett Till. Emmett Till was not served justice because there was a copious amount of evidence linking the two accused men to Emmett’s murder. Once J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant found out that Emmett Till had flirted with Carolyn Bryant, Bryant’s wife, they stormed off to the residence that Till was staying at. According to Allen G. Breed in â€Å"The murderRead MoreMy Project Topic Is Mountaintop Removal1335 Words   |  6 PagesCarrie Southern 11/21/15 Professor Rio Pathfinder Project My project topic is mountaintop removal. I hope to find the average amount of removal that has been done recently and to see if the people that are doing the work is concerned with what is happening. I hope to learn if many other people are realizing that this operation is occurring. I choose this topic because I thought it was interesting that the world is doing this to the earth and it is hurting it. I also choose this topic because I figuredRead MoreHow Does Conrad Link His Physical Exploration to a Psychological Journey of Discovery?1412 Words   |  6 Pagesdarkness inside each one of us. Through the impassable landscape, the language barrier between the colonists and the natives, and embodiment of Kurtz this idea is portrayed. We are given a glimpse of what mankind is capable of, how destructive and hostile we can be. But the question this novel probes at is to what length can we restrain ourselves from revealing our inner darkness? The significant background of this text is that eight years prior to writing this book, Joseph Conrad had served as the captain