Thinking About Health: Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition

Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition

Definition of Health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

• The World Health Organization, 1948

Healthy Community Characteristics

1. A common sense of community, including its history and values that are strengthened by a network of leaders.

2. People and community groups who feel empowered and have a sense of control.

3. An absence of divided turf, conflict and polarization.

4. Structures where people from diverse groups can come together to work out decisions about the community.

5. Leadership that functions both from the top down and the bottom up.

6. Effective channels for networking, communication and cooperation among those who live and lead there.

Definition of Health: “The extent to which an individual or group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs and to change or cope with the environment.”

• The World Health Organization, 1984

http://www.ohcc-ccso.ca/en/webfm_send/618 

Questions:

1. Why do you think that, in 1948, the WHO defined health as ‘not merely the absence of disease’?        /4

1. Think of the communities that you are involved in.  To what extent are these communities healthy?  Refer to the 6 characteristics of healthy communities in your response.        /8

1. To what extent do your communities contribute to your personal sense of well-being?  Explain, using examples.        /4

1. Why do you think that, in 1984, the WHO changed its definition of health?  How does the second definition build on or alter the first, 1948 definition?       /6

1. Select a work of art from the WAHC exhibit “Draw the Line!  Graphic Histories of Work, Struggle, and Activism.”  What connections can you make between this work of art, and the evolution of healthy communities?  Be specific and use examples.        /8

Total: /30