1. Discuss the components involved in the Holistic approach to health. How does this approach differ from the Biomedical Model?
In 1948 the World Health Organization defined health as “a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. (Ragin, 2011, pg. 13) Although this isn’t a new concept, it is an affirmation that the mind, body and social environment have a relationship to the overall health of individuals. There are varying views of health that have been cited throughout history. This paper will focus on models of holistic health and how this relates and differs from the biomedical approach to health.
First, let’s start with the later, the Biomedical Model of health. This approach simply states that illness is caused by microorganisms that affect the body’s ability to function properly. (Ragin, 2011, pg. 13) The belief is that once the microorganisms are managed or eradicated, good physical well-being is restored. …show more content…
(Ragin, 2011, pg. 193) A person’s faith can help them manage stressful situations by giving them hope and a sense of purpose and, certain religious and spiritual practices support healthy eating and stress reducing coping skills such as prayer and meditation.
Finally, let’s review the Social Ecological Model of health which includes all of the factors in the three previous models, in addition to, the quality of the environment, health systems and health policies.
Environment involves the social environment, the physical space and the quality of that space. (Ragin, 2011, pg. 195) In essence, is the environment polluted, overcrowded, riddled with poverty or a cesspool of violence and substance use? What are the factors in the environment that can cause illness or inhibit a person’s emotional well-being and motivation to employ good healthcare
In 1948 the World Health Organization defined health as “a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. (Ragin, 2011, pg. 13) Although this isn’t a new concept, it is an affirmation that the mind, body and social environment have a relationship to the overall health of individuals. There are varying views of health that have been cited throughout history. This paper will focus on models of holistic health and how this relates and differs from the biomedical approach to health.
First, let’s start with the later, the Biomedical Model of health. This approach simply states that illness is caused by microorganisms that affect the body’s ability to function properly. (Ragin, 2011, pg. 13) The belief is that once the microorganisms are managed or eradicated, good physical well-being is restored. …show more content…
(Ragin, 2011, pg. 193) A person’s faith can help them manage stressful situations by giving them hope and a sense of purpose and, certain religious and spiritual practices support healthy eating and stress reducing coping skills such as prayer and meditation.
Finally, let’s review the Social Ecological Model of health which includes all of the factors in the three previous models, in addition to, the quality of the environment, health systems and health policies.
Environment involves the social environment, the physical space and the quality of that space. (Ragin, 2011, pg. 195) In essence, is the environment polluted, overcrowded, riddled with poverty or a cesspool of violence and substance use? What are the factors in the environment that can cause illness or inhibit a person’s emotional well-being and motivation to employ good healthcare