Health Care Disparities
Health is a condition of emotional, mental and physical well being where infirmity and illness are absent. It is the sum total of all the conditions, both negative and positive, which foster the survival of the human race and help to ensure the continuity of life. According to the new international evaluation system, the key drivers of health are (a) genetics, (b) environment, and (c) the current state of health. The condition of health is a dynamic process in a constantly changing environment. The state of health has been described as a state of harmony within the body, achieved through the maintenance of an appropriate balance of physiological and psychological variables.
Health is considered to be a complete mental, physical and social well being. Health defines health as a state where people manage to live a long, healthy and productive life, free from the threat of sickness, infirmity and disability. A well balanced and healthy state of health promotes the accomplishment of individual goals and integrates the elements of personal and community well-being. The mental, physical and social aspects of health refer to the total of abilities, resources that are required for people to attain a complete physical and mental capacity and to survive in their communities.
Health defines life course as a sequence of events that unfold in time. It is an integrated set of experiences and events that are associated with development throughout life. It is an interrelated set of processes that impacts and changes the individual as they progress through their life course. Health defines health as a whole rather than a segment of life. Therefore, public health planning is involved in achieving the overall objectives of health.
Community health provides services to improving the physical well-being, reducing risks of common diseases, preventing communicable diseases, maintaining the quality and supply of nutrition, maintaining the standard of living, and preventing the spread of diseases. It aims at promoting good health and preventing the occurrence of critical health problems. Community health also includes prevention of environment contaminants such as air and water quality, occupational exposure to environmental toxins, and noise. In developed countries, an annual evaluation is done on the physical well-being, social well-being, and environmental quality of the residents of those communities.
Environmental factors affect health by modulating the risks of getting various kinds of diseases. Different environmental factors modify the risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. It is associated with pesticides, chemicals, and tobacco use. Disparities in health care persist because of the difference in access to quality health care, social services, and environmental resources such as air, water, and soil. The existence of uneven environmental conditions has major implications on the health of inhabitants.
Mental health services include family counseling, assistance to families experiencing drug and alcohol problems, adjustment services, therapy and psychotherapy, and support for young people and adults. Public programs can promote the physical and mental health of the community. Prevention and early detection of common diseases are the main goals of the health service. By offering educational programs and promoting awareness on health services, they can provide prevention and quality services on a wider scale. By providing equal access to quality, affordable, convenient, effective, and accessible health services, they contribute to improved health for all.
