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HEALTH
“State of complete physical, mental and social well-being not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity” WHO (World Health Organization)

Characteristics of being healthy:

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Presence or absence of disease
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Complete physical, mental, social well-being
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Ability to maintain normal roles
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Process of adaptation to physical and social environment
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Striving toward optimal wellness
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Individual definitions

ILLNESS

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A highly personal state
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Person’s physical, emotional, intellectual, social, developmental, or spiritual functioning
is diminished
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Not synonymous with disease
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May or may not be related to disease
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Only person can say he or she is ill (highly subjective)

Three distinct criteria to determine illness (according to Bauman)

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the presence of symptoms
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the perception of how they feel
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their ability to carry out daily activities

Classification of Illness
Acute Illness
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Characterized by severe symptoms of relatively short duration
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Symptoms often appear abruptly, subside quickly
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May or may not require intervention by health care professionals
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Most people return to normal level of wellness
Chronic Illness
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Lasts for an extended period (6 months or longer)
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Usually has a slow onset
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Often have periods of remissions (symptoms disappear) and
exacerbations (symptoms reappear)
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Care includes promoting independence, sense of control, and wellness
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Learn how to live with physical limitations and discomfort

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Parson’s Four Aspects of the Sick Role (Parsons, 1979)

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Clients are not held responsible for their condition
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Clients are not excused from certain social roles and tasks
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Clients are obligated to try to get well as quickly as possible