Health Philosophy

Cal State University, San Bernardino

Alejandra Orta

Professor Otiniano-Verissimo
HSCI 301
10 Dec 2015

Health is defined by the World Health Organization, as the state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Although the
definition of the World Health Organization highlights the important aspects that construct a
person's health, it leaves out an important aspect: how to rank which is more important to focus
on and which aspect should be emphasize more in communities.
Although Public Health seeks out to prevent disease in order to prolong life and promote
well-being either through organized efforts and educating populations, health should not be seen
as a target, that should be met within a specific time frame. But should be rather seen as an
ongoing effort, due to the fact that physical, mental, and social well-being are not aspects of a
person's life that can be met and change within a small time frame. Or expect individuals to be
concern for their health at a young age, or in communities where the socioeconomic level is low,
since individuals in that community will only be worry about survival with the few resource they
have . Public Health should also take into consideration when examining the risk factors of a
community for health problems is the aspect of socioeconomic status and how this single aspect
plays an important role in the lives of the community members since this factor attributes to their
well being by restricting resources that may be abundant in other communities. By better
assessing the community and their socioeconomic status, public health officials or educators will
have a better understanding to why some problems are more persistent in some communities. But
will also have better resources to provide the community, as well as having a better insight into
why individuals are more at risk in specific communities than in others. Since the education of
prevention of diseases and promotion of health are not sometimes stressed enough in low
socioeconomic communities.

The promotion and prevention of diseases as well as of health may sometimes not be
stressed in some communities due to the lack of interest from community members or the low
turnout of programs. However, the need for individuals in communities to be educated and
actually be able to comprehend is one of the reasons why public health is such a fascinating field
and what draws me to the field.The need for individuals to comprehend that prevention is the
only way for someone to be in control of their health and ensure that some diseases dont present
themselves in later years is critical. Due to the fact that the only tool we have as individuals to
prevent diseases from happening is educating ourselves, knowing the risks they may have and be
able to take action against it.
Another aspect that draws me to the Public Health field is the fact that as individuals
when working with communities, we are able to coordinate and implement programs which we
believe will make a difference in the community. By first assessing the communities needs and
then developing either a plan or program that will help better with the needs of the community as
well as making sure that it is implemented.
Lastly, Public Health as a field promotes the needs of the community to be addressed,
which is why I was drawn to this field , since assisting my community and being able to make a
difference specially when it comes to health is important to me.