QUIZ 1

In the context of the Week 1 Course Learning materials, the WHO:

stands for the World Health Organisation

Before the WHO was founded after World War II, health was defined simply as:

the absence of illness and disease

Relevant to the long title of this course, the definition of 'Wellness' by an Online Medical Dictionary includes:

the condition of good physical, mental and emotional health, especially when maintained by an appropriate diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. the full realization of one's physical and mental potential, as achieved through positive attitudes, fitness training, a diet low in fat and high in fiber a philosophy of life and personal hygiene that views health as not merely the absence of illness

The concept of 'Wellness' has been re-invigorated, work and school-based 'Wellness Programs' have been put in place and on the education side, courses such as this one and even whole University programs have been started because:

the current epidemic in obesity has led to the worry that obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and cancer will increase in the post baby boomer generations and cause life expectancy to go backwards.

The term 'Wellness' came into use from Dubos' definition of Health and incorporated the concepts which were derived from it and the definition of 'Wellness' evolved to include:

the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.

In 1968, the WHO definition was modified by Rene Dubos to:

Health is a quality of life, involving social, emotional, mental, spiritual and biological fitness on the part of the individual, which results from adaptations to the environment".

The term 'Wellness' differs from 'Health' in that:

Wellness' goes beyond 'Health' in that it is an active and deliberate process 'Wellness' implies a conscious effort on the part of the individual

Three important aspects of 'Wellness' which will be covered in this course are:

nutrition, physical activity and psychology

The University of California at Davis defines 'Wellness' as:

an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life

When officially founded in 1948, the WHO expanded the definition of 'Health' to a state of:

complete physical, mental and social well-being