What is Health?
The question "what is health" seems like a simple one. However, it has been debated in the literature for decades. There does not seem to be one concise definition that works for all parties. On this page, you'll find resources related to this question.
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Defining Health
It's Time to Change the Definition of Health ​
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A person can have a medical condition and also have a sense of being healthy.
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Newer definitions consider chronic disease management, functional outcomes, medication regimens, preparing for end-of-life, and adapting to evolving health needs.
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Types of health: Mental health, physical health, spiritual, emotional, and financial.
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Factors for health: genetic, environmental.
The Meanings of Health and Health Promotion
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Three types of definitions:
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Absence of disease.
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A state that allows an individual to cope with life demands.
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A state of equilibrium.
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Concepts of Health in the Digital Society​
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Health and illness are on a continuum.
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Essential elements in layperson concept of health: well-being, function, nature, humour, coping, and having energy.
Concepts of health in Different Contexts​
It is important to understand different stakeholder's perspectives on health, and recognize which concepts are foundational for health recommendations, policy, and research.
The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion​
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Consider health as a resource, rather than the purpose of life.
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Pre-requisites for health: peace, economic resources, food, shelter, education, social justice, stable ecosystem, sustainable resource use
Occupational Therapy Perspectives on Health
Occupational Therapy's Role in Health Promotion
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Health and well-being are connected to daily activities (occupations).
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OT services can promote participation in activities of daily living, chronic disease management, and improving quality of life.
Occupation and health: Are they
one and the same?​
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Occupation and health are intertwined.
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Everything people do relates to health or illness, whether physical, mental, spiritual, or social.
Long Term Care and Health
Older Albertans Living Well: A Call To Action ​
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Admission to LTC often accompanied by decrease in meaningful and purposeful activities.
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Recommendations: person-centered model of care, independence, quality of life, active living.
​Long-term Care Resident Profile.
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Top 5 chronic diseases in LTC: dementia, hypertension, depression, arthritis, gastrointestinal disease.​
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99.6% of LTC residents received one or more medications in the past 7 days. Average = 10 medications.
Legislation and Standards for Occupational Therapy Practice in Alberta, Canada
Governs protection and access to health information.
Alberta College of Occupational Therapists Code of Ethics
Identifies principles that must be withheld for ethical occupational therapy practice.
Legislation and Standards for Continuing Care in Alberta, Canada
This bill has not yet been passed, but would replace all existing continuing care legislation.
Facility Based Care Review​​
A recent comprehensive review that will impact future directions for continuing care in Alberta.
Current legislation for nursing homes. Expected to be replaced by Bill 11.