The definition that we propose takes into account the differences between what health is for (its role) and what health is (its composition).
The Role of Health
The role of health in our lives is
very similar to the role of a car. Much
as a car (or other vehicle) takes us to places we need or want to be, health
enables us to accomplish the activities that collectively transition us into
and through developmental tasks associated with young adulthood. Recall that process of moving through each
stage of adulthood does not occur simply because of the passage of time, but
rather because we actively participate, on a day-to-day basis, in demands of
life appropriate to our life stage.
The Composition of Health
Now that you know the role of
health is, its composition can be seen as being more than simply having a body
free of illness and apparently destined for a long life. Rather, the composition of health is that of
a collection of resources, from each dimension of health, determine to be necessary
for the successful accomplishment of activities that you need or want to
do. Some of these needed resources will
already be within you (intrinsic), while others will need to come from outside
(extrinsic). However, regardless of
their origin, once they are accessed and applied to activities, small forward
growth steps will occur. Obviously, to
recognize what resources are needed, you must be a student of society’s
expectations for persons of your age, as well as your own highly personalized
developmental aspirations.
Our Definition of Health
By combining the role of health
with the composition of health, we offer a new definition of health that we
believe is unique.
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Health is reflection of your ability to use the
intrinsic and extrinsic resources related to each dimension of health to
participate fully in the activities that contribute to your growth and
development, with the goal of feeling a sense of well-being as you evaluate
your progress through life.
In light of this definition, do not be surprised
when your textbook asks whether you are resourceful (healthy) enough for the
goals you wish to reach, or whether you are healthy enough to sustain a
particular behavioral pattern that you have adopted, or whether you are
experiencing the sense of well-being to which you aspire.
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