Health implies many aspects
Health is achieved through the interaction between people and their environment. Therefore, health promoting schools have a broad understanding of health and reflect how both individual and environmental factors are influencing health and well-being.
There is no single definition of health. However, health can be described as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO 1946)
Lifestyle and living conditions are two important factors in health as a broad concept.
Lifestyle includes health behaviors and habits such as diet, exercise, substance use and sexual behavior. Individuals often have an influence over their own lifestyle choices.
Living conditions refers to the settings where people live and work as well as how the surrounding environment and society impact an individual’s life. Living conditions can be difficult but not impossible to change, and this is important to try to improve.
Lifestyle and living conditions are interconnected. For example, living in a safe neighborhood, where there are places for children to play outside increases the likelihood that the children will get enough physical activity.