Chapter 1

"A" Team

Health – A dynamic state or condition of the human organism that is multidimensional in nature, a resource for living, and results from a persons interactions with and adaptations to his or her environment; therefore, it can exist in varying degrees and is specific to each individual and his or her situation.

Community – A group of people who have common characteristics; communities can be defined by location, race, ethnicity, age occupations, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds.

Public Health – Things that society does collectively to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy.

Public Health System – The organizations mechanism of those activities undertaken within the formal structure of government and the associated efforts of private and voluntary organizations and individuals

Community Health – The health status of a defined group of people and the actions and conditions to promote, protect and preserve there health

Population Health – The health status of people who are not organized and have no identity as a group or locality and the actions and conditions to promote, protect, and preserve there health

5 Major Determinants of Health:
1. Gestational endowments
2. Social circumstances
3. Environmental conditions where people live and work
4. Structural and behavioral choices
5. Availability of quality medical care

Personal Health V Community Health
- Personal Health – individual actions and decisions making that affect the health of an individual or his or her immediate family members (eating wisely, wearing a safety belt, visiting physician)
- Community Health – activities that are aimed at protecting or improving the health of a population or community (protection of food and water supply, participating in fund drives for voluntary health organizations)

Achievements in Technology and Medicine
- Vaccinations
- Safe work places
- Control of infectious diseases
- Safer, healthier foods
- Fluoridation in drinking water
- Family planning

Our Communities:
- small
- physical education everyday
- strong lunch programs
- High involvement in outside school activities (sports, clubs)
- Melting pot of the US – high amounts of air pollution
- Religious bans on medical care, practice, and treatment